On stage, ponies see a mare playing her cello with elegance and grace. However, when the curtains fall, the life of the sophisticated mare is tested by her family and their influence.
Octavia had everything that she could ask for; a steadily rising career, the support and love of her friends and family, and even a stallion to court. However, when her father and her family get wrapped up in a less than honorable business affair, the weight falls upon Octavia to restore the respect and reputation of her family's name.
Inspired by the artwork of Mafia Octavia, and based off the 1972 film "The Godfather"; follow Octavia and her family, as they fight against crime and betrayal, all in the name of The Don Pony.
*Story contains: death, violence, cigarette/alcohol references, and sexual scenes.* **While no Italian is used; Italian traditions and mannerisms will be represented.** ***Background ponies referenced from show: see author's notes.***
It was dark inside the office. The four ponies in the room all sat and remained quiet. The Pegasus mare sitting along the wall swirled the cider around in her glass, before taking a sip. Eventually, the sun came back out from the clouds outside, illuminating the room. The pony sitting behind the desk in the middle of the room leaned forward, welcoming the mare across from him to finally speak.
“Don Colteone, thank you for inviting me to such a special occasion for you. I don’t want to waste your time sir, so I’ll get right to the point. My daughter, she is currently in the hospital, I love her ever so much. She was put there recently by a couple of stallions, whom she had turned down, and had proceeded to beat her senseless for it. My daughter’s beautiful face will no longer be the same again. I went to the police, and was able to bring the two stallions to court, even managing to have them sent to jail. However, the very same day, the court released them. They released them! The stallions whom nearly killed my daughter, allowed to walk the streets again! They laughed at me as they passed by, even attempting to size me up as well. Don Colteone, I ask that you please bring justice to them. I ask that you…”
The mare tried to gather the words, but instead got up, went around to the pony behind the desk, and whispered them into his ear, before returning to her seat. The pony sat there for a minute, before shaking his head.
“I’m afraid, that I cannot do.” He replied to the mare.
“But my Don!” The mare spoke aloud.
Don Colteone raised his hoof, silencing her.
“You come to me asking for justice for your daughter, but yet you’ve already gotten your justice against the stallions.”
The mare regained her composure, before speaking.
“That was not justice my Don, they were released. Justice still needs to be served.”
Don Colteone stood up from his desk, and walked over to the window. He took a second to look through the blinds, at the party going on outside, of which he wanted to be a part of.
“Red Gala. Red Gala. You come to me, on this, the day of my daughter’s wedding, and ask me to kill a couple of stallions for you, and call it justice. If you truly wanted such a fate to befall them, why did you not come to me first, instead of the police?”
Red Gala tried to answer, but turned her gaze to the desk.
“Had you come to me first, then your enemies, would have become my enemies, and the entire matter would have been settled. Instead, you ask me after the fact, to kill them. I remind you, that your daughter is still alive, yes? I cannot kill them.”
Red Gala turned her gaze back to the Don.
“Make them suffer then. Just as they did my daughter.”
Don Colteone walked over to Red Gala, placing a hoof on her shoulder.
“What have I done to deserve such disrespect from you Red Gala? You’ve never wanted my friendship. I can’t even remember the last time you invited me over to your house for a muffin. You even refuse to call me Pony Father. Yet, on the day of my daughter’s wedding, you want me to kill for you, and call it justice.”
Red Gala stuttered out a response, both fearful and sorrowful.
“Be…be my friend? Pony Father.” She then proceeded to take his hoof on her shoulder, and kiss it.
Don Colteone took his hoof back.
“Very well.” He then began to escort her out of the room, talking to her along the way. “Now, there will come a time, and it may very well never happen, that I will call upon you for a service. I trust that when that time comes, that you will answer.”
The mare thanked him again, as she closed the door behind herself.
Don Colteone called the Pegasus on the side of the room over to him.
“Prim. Send a couple of the boys to find these stallions, and let them know that the family knows about them. Also, bring Looka in.”
The mare nodded her head, before walking out the door.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Outside, the party was going on, full swing. The musicians were on stage, playing light classical music, while ponies all around the yard were dancing. A few ponies sitting along the tables surrounding the yard, were hitting the cider a little hard, but made sure not to disrupt the event going on around them. A photographer wandered around, taking pictures, until one of her cameras was broken by a guest’s guard, for taking a picture of him. Outside the gate, a pink pony with a canon was stopped by the guards, whom immediately told her to leave.
The musicians finished their current piece, to the applause of the crowd. The pony on the cello asked the pianist to play a light ensemble for a little while, so that she could mingle with the crowd for a bit. She walked off the stage, and over to a red stallions sitting at one of the tables nearby.
“You were amazing up there Octavia.” The stallion responded to her, as she approached.
Octavia let out a slight blush, as she walked over and gave a little peck on the stallion’s cheek, before sitting down with him.
“Thank you Cinnamon. You’re always ever so sweet.”
“I still can’t believe that you invited me to your sister’s wedding. I’m really honored.” Apple Cinnamon replied.
Octavia let out a happy sigh, as she looked out into the crowd, and spied her sister, Bonnie, dancing with her husband, Lucko.
“She sure has grown up fast. I still remember when we were little fillies, running around the park. Now she’s here today, getting married.”
Cinnamon nodded in agreement, but his attention quickly shifted to a large, and slightly intoxicated stallion sitting behind them. He was talking to himself, and his words sounded very unpleasant. Cinnamon tapped Octavia on the shoulder, asking who the drunk was behind them.
“Oh, his name is Looka. He’s worked for my father for years. Usually handling some of his dirty work.” Octavia told Cinnamon.
“D…dirty work?” Cinnamon responded.
Octavia placed a hoof on Cinnamon’s shoulder, and looked into his eyes.
“Believe me, I take no part in my families affairs. The two of us will never have to worry about any of it. Trust me.”
Cinnamon nodded in relief. A grey Pegasus mare then approached the couple, seeming happy to see Octavia.
“Octavia, it’s so good to see you again.” The mare spoke, before giving Octavia a hug. “From the looks of it, it appears your career as a famous cellist is going well.”
Octavia had returned the hug with glee, and was delighted at the compliment.
“Thank you Prim. It’s so good to see you too.”
Cinnamon gave a little “ahem” cough.
“Introductions Octavia?”
“Oh, my apologies Cinnamon. This is my sister, Prim Raining. She’s the advisor for my father.”
Cinnamon shook Prim’s hoof.
“A pleasure to meet you Prim.”
“Likewise.” Prim replied. “It was good to see you again Octavia, but I need to get back to father.” With that, Prim left the couple at the table, and proceeded to grab Looka, bringing him inside with her.
Cinnamon turned to Octavia, a confused look on his face.
“She is your sister? But she’s a Pegasus, and doesn’t sound anywhere related to you?”
Octavia gave a little chuckle, before answering Cinnamon.
“My father found her in the street, when she was very young, and took her in. He’s raised her like family ever since, and has even become an honorary member of the family. She’s being groomed to be the family consigliore, and my father always takes her advice before making any big decisions. ”
“Oh, I see.” Cinnamon replied.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Back inside,
Prim ushered Looka towards the Don’s office, before heading upstairs.
“Sunny! Sunny, where are you?” Prim could hear some banging on a door at the top of the stairs. “Hey Sunny, are you in there?”
On the other side of the door, Sunny was pinned between the door, and her sister’s best stallion on top of her.
“Uhh, yeah. I’ll be out there in a minute Prim.”
Prim remained quiet on the other side of the door, until she heard the banging continue, and Sunny start to moan. Prim let out a chuckle and a grin, as she headed back downstairs.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Outside in the yard, a big commotion had begun to rise, as a pony made their way through the crowd.
“What’s going on? Who’s that pony over there Octavia?” Cinnamon asked.
Octavia looked into the crowd, to see whom Cinnamon was talking about, until she found the pony in question.
“Oh, it’s Vinyl! I’m so glad she could make it.”
“Vinyl? As in, Vinyl Scratch!? The famous DJ pony in Equestria? You know her!?” Cinnamon replied.
“Why yes, of course. Vinyl and I were roommates when I was first starting out my career. I would practice my violin and cello, while she would blast her wubs almost all day. I was able to catch my big break, when the Fillyharmonic Orchestra offered to let me join them, and Vinyl was able to get her start, thanks to my family actually.”
Cinnamon seemed taken aback.
“Wow. How did that work out?”
Octavia seemed a little reluctant to respond at first, but she turned to Cinnamon and told him the story.
“Vinyl had been trying to join a DJ club in Filly Delphia, but the producer at the club just wouldn’t have her. She told my father about the situation, so he told her that he would make the producer an “offer he couldn’t refuse.”
“What was the offer?” Cinnamon asked.
“One of my father’s men held a gun to the producer’s head, and my father told him that either Vinyl’s hooves would spin on the records, or his head would. Needless to say, Vinyl started working there the same day.”
Cinnamon looked afraid.
“Whoa. Your father really does that kind of thing to ponies?”
Octavia put a hoof on Cinnamon to reassure him.
“Yes, but I told you, that’s not me, and it won’t be us. I promise.”
Just then, Vinyl made her way over to Octavia and Cinnamon.
“Hey Octi! How’s it going!? Ah, so this must be that stallion you told me about. He seems cool.” She leaned in to Cinnamon, grinning, and whispered in his ear. “I know things about Octi you’ll never find out big boy.”
Cinnamon gave a nervous gulp.
“That so huh?”
Vinyl let out a laugh.
“Ha ha! I’m just kidding ya stud. So Octi, is your father in? I need to talk to him.”
“Yes, he’s in his office Vinyl. I’m sure you still know your way around?” Octavia replied to her friend.
“Yeah, yeah. I got it.” Vinyl responded, before walking away.
Cinnamon turned to watch her walk away.
“Wow, she really is something. Uh, say, what does she mean about knowing things about you?”
Octavia blushed, and let out a little squee.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
An older pony walked out of the Don’s office, as Vinyl walked in.
“Hey, Donnie! How’s it hanging?” Vinyl spoke to Don Cotleone.
One of the Don’s guards started to get up from the side of the wall, but Don Colteone raised a hoof, stopping him.
“It is quite alright. Ms. Scratch is a longtime friend of my little Octavia, and as such, is my Pony daughter. She may address me how ever she wishes.”
“Cool, cool.” Vinyl replied. “So uh, listen Donnie, I need a little favor from ya.”
Don Colteone folded his hooves on his desk.
“I’m listening.”
“Well, ya see. There’s this big DJ slot in Las Pegasus, and I’d really like to have it, but then there’s this stuck up producer that refuses to give me a chance. I mean, what’s up with that? If you can, I’d really like your help in getting the slot Donnie.”
Don Colteone nodded before responding.
“Consider it done Vinyl. I’ll have Prim here personally see to it, that this producer changes his mind. What’s his name?”
“The name’s Sound Byte, and thanks Donnie, I owe ya one.” Vinyl replied.
“No trouble at all Vinyl, we’re family after all.” Don Colteone responded.
“Cool.” Vinyl spoke, before turning, and leaving the room.
Don Colteone motioned Prim over.
“Fly out in the morning and have a chat with this, Sound Byte. If he doesn’t listen to reason, persuade him.”
“Understood father.” Prim replied.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
The celebration was now near its peak, with an opera singer joining the musicians, and the guests dancing once again. Octavia and Cinnamon danced together, as well as Sunny and her husband. Even the Don had finally managed to join the event, as he danced with his wife, and then with his daughter Bonnie. Finally, the cake was brought out, and everyone joined together for a photo.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
The next day,
Prim arrived in Las Pegasus, and took a cab to the DJ club that Vinyl had talked about. Prim walked around, until she finally found Sound Byte. He was talking with some of the DJ’s, as Prim approached him.
“Mr. Sound Byte?”
“Zat depends on who asking zweet cheeks.” The pony replied.
“I’m here on behalf of Vinyl Scratch, whom has enlisted the help of my family, the Colteone’s.” Prim responded.
The pony finally turned to address the Pegasus.
“Zen I am Sound Byte. Who are you, and vat do you vant?”
“My name is not important. I’m just here to ask you to reconsider hiring Vinyl Scratch as part of your club.” Prim replied.
“And I zay, NO! Zat pony will never be allowed to DJ here! She’s already tried to run off with some of zee stallion DJs here, and I vill not hire a pony who vill cause unnecessary distractions for my club.
Prim flicked the hair from out of her face, before responding.
“Perhaps there's somewhere more private, where we can discuss a negotiation then?”
Sound Byte looked Prim up and down, from behind his glasses.
“I zink I may know a place where ve could.”
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Prim got out of the taxi, and followed Sound Byte up the walkway to his mansion. The two walked down the halls, until they arrived at Sound Byte’s office.
“Ocean front property. A rare commodity to have in Equestria.” Sound Byte spoke to Prim, before walking over to some records cased on the wall. He stopped in front of one in particular, as he told Prim about it. “Zis, chrome record, is my most prized possession. It is zee highest award I’ve ever received for my skills as a DJ, and a producer. But enough about my success, let us grab zomething to eat downstairs.”
The two walked out of the room, and downstairs to the dining hall. Food had already been prepared, and they began to eat.
“The Colteone family would be very grateful, if you would be as kind as to allow Ms. Scratch to perform at you club, despite her troubling’s with you in the past.” Prim spoke up.
“Vell, like I already told you, I won’t allow zat mare to work at my club.” Sound Byte replied. He then took off his glasses, eyeing Prim. “However, if you would be zo kind as to persuade me, zen maybe I could reconsider changing my mind?”
Prim took her napkin from her lap, and set it on the table, before pushing her chair away, and standing up. She then began to walk away from the table, but not before turning and speaking to Sound Byte one late time.
“We’ll be in touch.”
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
The next morning,
Sound Byte tossed and turned in his bed, until a sharp pain in his hoof jolted him awake. He pulled his hoof out from under the sheets, and saw that it was starting to bleed. He then began to rapidly pull his sheets off his bed, until he found the smashed and jagged pieces of his chrome record sprawled across his bed. He let out a blood curtailing scream, which managed to wake the neighbors, two houses down.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Don Colteone, Prim, and Sunny sat around the coffee table in the Don’s Office. The blinds were closed, and only a lone lamp above them lit the room.
“So who is this pony that wants to do business?” Don Colteone asked aloud.
“His name is Caballeron. Ponies call him ‘Doctor.’ He says that he has an apple trading proposition that we would be very interested in dad. I think we should go for it.” Sunny told her father.
Don Colteone scratched at his chin, thinking.
“What do you think Prim?”
“I don’t know anything about the source. All I know about him, is that the Tarttaglia family is backing him up 100%. We should be very cautious, but it wouldn’t hurt to at least hear him out. Who knows, maybe this will be the next big thing for the family?” Prim replied.
Don Colteone scratched at his chin some more, sitting back in his chair.
“It’s decided. We’ll hold a meeting with him at our office in Manehattan this week. I don’t want to disturb our operations here in Ponyville.”
Caballeron sat in his chair in Don Colteone’s office, surrounded by the Don’s men. He sipped at his cider, as he awaited Don Colteone to enter the room. The room itself was actually nicely decorated, even though it was situated inside a larger warehouse, near the heart of Manehattan. Finally, Don Colteone entered the room, and sat in the chair across from Caballeron. Caballeron wasted no time on subtleties, and began speaking, as soon as the Don was settled.
“Don Colteone. I need one million bits from you sir. The future and capabilities of artificial apple production and sales, is a very huge, and ever growing endeavor. Ever since the notorious Flim Flam Brothers first conceived of the idea, it’s been a very beneficial business route. I guarantee you Don Colteone that both you, and your family, stand to gain from this business.”
Don Colteone adjusted himself in his chair, before speaking.
“What exactly would be the take away for my family?”
Caballeron leaned forward, raising an eyebrow to the Don.
“For the Colteone family, 30%, with three to four million bits expected in the first year alone. And it will only grow from there.”
Don Colteone took a sip of his cider.
“And what about you and the Tarttaglia’s?”
Caballeron settled himself back in his chair.
“You would receive my compliments.”
Don Colteone gave a nod to the answer, as if he was considering it.
“However.” Caballeron continued. “We would also need access to the legal connections, and law enforcement ties, that you and your family keep so nicely tucked away in your pockets. To ensure that the business will have a guaranteed smooth operation.”
The Don stood up from his chair, and made his way to the bottle of cider on the side of the room. He popped the cork from the bottle, and brought it over to refill Caballeron’s glass.
“I agreed to come here today, to hear your offer, and because I was told that you would treat me with respect.”
The Don then sat down in the empty chair next to Caballeron, wiping off some dust from Caballeron’s shirt.
“But why me? Why do I deserve such an offer?”
Caballeron gave a slight chuckle to the Don’s statement.
“Well, if you consider a few million bits to just be part of the business, then you are quite the stallion Don Colteone.” He finished by taking a swig of his Cider.
Don Colteone looked away in thought, before turning back to Caballeron.
“I’m afraid that I must decline your offer.”
Caballeron looked at the Don for a minute, before setting his glass down on the small table in front of him.
“If you’re worried about security Don Colteone, then you need not fear. The Tarttaglia family will be more than capable to handle any troubles.”
Don Colteone started to speak, but was interrupted by his daughter Sunny, sitting behind him.
“How can we be sure that the Tarttaglia’s will actually…”
Don Colteone quickly raised a hoof to silence his daughter, turning to her to emphasize that he wanted her to remain quiet. He then turned back to Caballeron.
“You must forgive my children. They have a habit of talking when they should be listening. That aside, my answer is still no, and I’ll explain why. The business that you are getting yourself into, is a dangerous one. Now, I’m not against anypony doing whatever they must to make a living, but it is a venture that I want no part of. It’s true though, I do have many connections in the law and legal sections. However, they may be quick to abandon me, if they knew that my business was supporting artificial apples, rather than just bribes and other happenings with the Apple Family, and their apples. As long as the business offer revolves around artificial, rather than real, my response will always be no.”
Caballeron seemed disappointed in the Don’s statement, but maintained his composure, as if he wasn’t feeling anything else.
“I’m sorry to hear that Don Colteone. I could have handled the Tarttaglia for you, if they were your only concern, but if your disagreement is more on the business itself, then I guess this concludes my business with you today.”
All the ponies in the room stood up, as Caballeron and Don Colteone shook hooves. Caballeron was then escorted out of the building by Don Colteone’s men. Sunny was about to leave the office as well, but the Don called her back to him.
“Sunny. Never voice your opinions outside the family ever again.”
Sunny grudgingly nodded in agreement to her father, before turning and walking out of the office.
Don Colteone started to loosen his tie, as he breathed a sigh of relief that the meeting was over. However, his attention was quickly alerted, as Prim walked back into the office, carrying a large bouquet of flowers.
“What’s all this then, Prim?”
“They’re flowers from Vinyl father. She got the DJ slot in Las Pegasus.” Prim told the Don.
Don Colteone gestured to have them put in the corner of his office, before motioning Prim over.
“Find Looka, and bring him in here, I need him to do something.”
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Snow had begun to fall in Ponyville, as Octavia and Apple Cinnamon walked out of one of the stores, their saddle bags starting to get full.
“Aren’t you glad I gave you those earmuffs early now?” Cinnamon told Octavia. “They do complement your coat perfectly don’t they?”
Octavia reached up to feel them on the sides of her ears, keeping them quite warm.
“Yes, I suppose. This just means you’ll have to get me something special to take their place on Hearth’s Warming Eve.”
Cinnamon gave a little chuckle.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. Although, you could just give me one of my presents early to make up for it.”
Octavia gave Cinnamon a sweet smile and kissed him on the cheek.
“Don’t waste it now dear.”
Cinnamon blushed, as he touched his cheek.
“Oh, I won’t. So what did you decide to get your family?”
“I still need to find the right gifts for my parents, but so far I’ve found a nice new bowtie for Affero, and I think Prim will like this new pen.” Octavia responded.
Cinnamon let out a little laugh.
“What?” Octavia asked.
“Oh, it’s nothing Octavia. I just think it’s kind of cute how you always seem to know exactly what to get any pony. What about your friend Vinyl?”
Octavia gave a giggle at Cinnamon.
“Ah, I think Vinyl is the only exception to that. It’s not easy to get something for a pony who receives everything most of the time, but I think a copy of Neightoven will be nice for her.”
Cinnamon raised an eyebrow.
“Beethooven huh? I would’ve thought you’d get her a pair of headphones or something.”
Octavia gave another giggle.
“Oh, you’d be surprised at what Vinyl will listen to.”
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Back at Don Colteone’s office in Manehattan,
Looka walked into the Don’s office, as the Don took another sip of his cider.
“Looka. I want you to follow Caballeron, and see what you can figure out about this artificial apple business of his. Get them to trust you, and get rid of them if things get to hot.” Don Colteone told Looka.
Looka nodded, and walked out of the office.
Don Colteone walked back over to the flowers that Vinyl had sent him, smelling one of them. He found it a little strange that Vinyl would send him flowers of all things, but then he noticed a card amongst the flowers. He opened it up and read it.
“Hey thanks Donnie!
That producer changed his mind real quick about me, and now I’m spinning that club around like a boss! I was gonna send you a copy of my latest track, but Octi convinced me that you’d like flowers better. You’ll have to come by so I can play it for you live sometime!
Equestria’s best DJ Pon-3,
Vinyl Scratch”
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
A short time later, in a hotel room somewhere in Manehattan,
Looka zipped up the bulletproof vest on his chest, before pulling his coat over himself, so that he could see that the vest would be completely concealed. He picked up his revolver off the table, and made sure that it was fully loaded, before sticking it in one of his coat’s pockets. Looka then walked out of the room, and headed for the elevator. He road it all the way down to the ground floor, exiting when the doors opened. He walked past all of the ponies in the lobby, and headed down a dark corridor.
The corridor eventually came across a dimly lit bar. The bartender inside was starting to close up for the night, but Looka walked in before he could close the door. Looka walked up to the bar, and asked for a hard glass of cider, to which the bartender began to make. As Looka sat and waited for his drink, he didn’t notice Caballeron walk in, but saw him step behind the bar with the bartender.
“Looka. You’ve worked for Don Colteone for a long time, yes?”
Looka just eyed the stallion.
“Why not ditch that old horse and come work for me? I can guarantee you 50,000 bits to start, and I’ll even ensure that you have a permanent spot alongside the Tarttaglia family to boot. What do you say?”
Looka continued to eye Caballeron, until the bartender returned with his drink. Looka picked up the drink, and gestured to Caballeron in an agreeing manner, before downing the drink in one go. He then placed the drink back on the table, and asked the bartender for another. The bartender reached to take the glass from Looka, but instead grabbed his hoof and the rest of his limb. Looka tried to pull his hoof away, but was immediately stabbed in his other hoof by Caballeron. Looka started to scream, but his voice was quickly silenced by a pony who had snuck up behind him, and wrapped a rope around his neck, choking him. Looka struggled as much as he could, but soon found himself blacking out. He then let out his last breath, and died.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
A little later on in the evening,
Prim made her way out of a shop in Manehattan, a new sled in her hooves. She began to make her way down the street, looking for the closest cab, when she quickly finds herself surrounded by three menacing looking stallions. She starts to open her wings, ready to fly away, when she’s stopped short by a voice behind her.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Prim Raining.”
Prim turned to the pony who had spoken to her, now approaching from her side, only to find that it was Caballeron.
“My men and I would not want to hurt you out here in public, so why don’t you take a ride with us?” Caballeron told Prim.
Prim began to look for another way out, tucking her wings back as she thought, until a large cab pulled up alongside her and the ponies with her. The door opened, and Caballeron directed her to it.
“Just get in the cab, and I promise no harm will come to you.”
Prim angrily eyed Caballeron, but made her way into the cab, followed by Caballeron’s men, and finally, Caballeron himself.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
The next day,
Don Colteone walked out of his office, closing the door behind him. One of the workers in the warehouse told the Don to enjoy his day, and the Don nodded back. He walked out of the building, and was greeted by Affero, one of his bodyguards, outside by his personal carriage. Affero stood and waited patiently for the Don to get into the carriage, but instead, the Don decided to stop by one of the small food stands on the other side of the street. Don Colteone walked up to the vendor, looking over the different produce he had for sale, and decided to buy a few oranges. As he paid the pony, and the pony began to put the oranges in a bag, Don Colteone noticed a couple of stallions walking up the street. He couldn’t put his hoof on it, but he knew something wasn’t right about them.
The Don took the bag of oranges from the vendor, and started to make his way back across the street, to his carriage. He looked over at the two stallions still walking up the street, watching them. Suddenly, he saw them reach behind their scarfs, and each pull out a small revolver. Don Colteone started to run back to his carriage, when the two stallions began opening fire on him.
Seeing and hearing the shots, Affero quickly reached into the carriage, pulling out his own gun, but fumbled trying to point and fire, dropping it in the process. Meanwhile, the Don continued to get shot by the stallions, until the last shot was fired, and he collapsed on the side of his carriage. The two stallions ran off, and scared pedestrians started to make their way closer to the scene. Affero could only look on in horror, as he watched the Don slide off from the side of the carriage, and appear to drop dead on the street. A few ponies in the crowd screamed, but all Affero could do was sit on the sidewalk and cry. The crowd drew closer and closer, as the sound of sirens could be heard in the distance.
All of Canterlot is covered in a blanket of snow, as flurries continue to fall. The front doors to the main auditorium hall open, as ponies begin to exit. Amongst the exiting ponies are Octavia and Apple Cinnamon, talking to each other as they walk.
“Oh, I do believe that this was the best that the play as ever been performed!” Octavia told Cinnamon.
“I agree. I’ve always enjoyed the Hearth’s Warming Eve play, and it just seems to get better every year.” Cinnamon responded.
Octavia began to shiver, as they had started to separate from the crowd, and the warmth of the auditorium was beginning to fade. Cinnamon took his scarf from around his neck, and wrapped it around Octavia’s.
“Thank you Cinnamon. I guess I should have brought more layers.” Octavia spoke to Cinnamon.
Cinnamon ruffled the feeling a being a little colder off, as he responded to Octavia.
“It’s no problem at all Octavia, it did seem to get cold pretty quick.”
As the two continued to walk, and make their way back to the train station, Cinnamon couldn’t help but think about the play again, and the different types of ponies in it. Tough ponies like Commander Hurricane, noble ponies like Clover the Clever, and just plain silly ponies like Chancellor Puddinghead. He couldn’t really place himself as any of those ponies, and he wondered how Octavia viewed those kinds of traits in ponies.
“Hey…Octavia. Can I ask you something?”
Octavia turned to Cinnamon, detecting the changed tone in his voice.
“What is it Cinnamon? Is something wrong?”
“N…No, nothing’s wrong. I was just…” Cinnamon took a deep breath, before he answered Octavia again. “Do you ever wish that I was more assertive? Or noble or funny?”
Octavia was a little confused at the question at first, but quickly realized what had brought it on. She let out a little giggle, before she responded to him.
“Oh don’t be silly dear.” She leaned over and gave Cinnamon a peck on the cheek. “I think you’re perfect just the way you are.”
Cinnamon blushed at Octavia’s response, and continued to walk with her, until a newspaper headline in a stand they had just passed, caught his attention. He stopped to take a closer look.
Octavia continued to walk and talk, not realizing that Cinnamon had stopped a short ways behind her. “You shouldn’t worry about how other ponies carry themselves, as long as you focus on what makes you spec…” Octavia finally realized that Cinnamon was no longer walking with her, and she turned around to see where he was. “Cinnamon, why did you stop?” She could see that he had a shocked look on his face, and she quickly trotted over to see what was wrong.
“Oct…Octavia. This…it’s about your father…” Cinnamon responded nervously.
Octavia moved up next to Cinnamon, to get a better look at the newspaper. She skimmed a couple of the less important headlines, such as; “Rain, light turnout forecast expected” and “New De Lux Price on Frosted Doughnuts.” She then noticed the headline that Cinnamon was talking about, and it made her gasp in fear. Alongside a picture of her father, was the headline; “Assassins Gun Down Underworld Chief.” Octavia took a couple steps back from the newspaper stand, trying to tell herself it wasn’t real, before she decided that she had to make sure. She ran across the street to a telephone booth, and quickly dialed for her family’s home in Ponyville. The phone rang a couple times, until Sunny picked up on the other end.
“Hello?” Sunny asked.
“Sunny, it’s Octavia! Where’s father!?” Octavia spoke into the phone.
“Whoa Octavia, calm down! How did you hear?” Sunny replied.
“I just read about it in the damn paper Sunny, now where’s father!?” Octavia responded angrily.
“Look, over the phone isn’t the best place to talk about this Octavia. Just try to get back home as soon as you can.” Sunny replied back.
Octavia slammed the phone back on the receiver, as Cinnamon watched from outside, afraid. Tears began to form in Octavia’s eyes, but she tried to force them back in. She ran out of the booth, and into Cinnamon’s hooves.
“What do we need to do Octavia?” Cinnamon asked, while stroking Octavia’s mane, trying to calm her.
Octavia sniffled up the tears that were still coming out, before she responded.
“I need to get back to Ponyville…now.”
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Meanwhile,
Sunny hung up the phone on her end. She knew how hard Octavia must be taking this, but she didn’t want to discuss anything about their father over the phone, since she knew that the authorities had been tapping the phones lately. Bonnie then walked into the kitchen, holding one of the family’s foals in her hooves. After she had heard about what happened to her father, she came back to the family home to be with her family, leaving Lucko in Filly Delphia.
Suddenly, a loud banging came from the back door. The little foal began to cry, and Sunny told Bonnie to take herself and the foal into the other room. Sunny then grabbed a small pistol from off the counter, and slowly approached the back door.
“Who is it!?”
“It’s Jubileena!” A voice responded.
Sunny let out a sigh of relief, as she opened the back door for one of her family’s associates.
“You could’ve given me a little heads up that you were coming!” Sunny told Jubileena.
“Sorry, but I had to come over as soon as I heard what happened.” Jubileena responded.
“So what is it? What do you know? How did this happen? Where was his bodyguard?” Sunny asked.
“Well, you know about as much as I do I’m sure, from the papers and hearsay. As far as his bodyguard goes, Affero was there with him, but he fumbled trying to get his gun.” Jubileena responded.
“What? Affero? Where was Ivory!?” Why wasn’t Ivory there!?” Sunny told Jubileena.
“Ivory’s been sick the past couple days, so Affero was filling in for him.” Jubileena replied.
“Celestia dammit! This is all just messed up!” Sunny spoke aloud, angrily. She was about to swear again, when the phone started ringing again. Sunny picked up the phone, still annoyed. “Hello? Who is it!?”
“It’s Caballeron.” The voice on the other end responded.
Sunny quickly snapped back to reality, as she told Jubileena to go keep the foal crying in the other room quiet. She then answered Caballeron.
“What can I do ya for Caballeron?”
“I have Prim in my custody, but no harm will come to her, as long as you do exactly as I say.” Caballeron responded.
“What do you want me to do?” Sunny asked.
“Nothing, don’t do anything. Prim will be released in exactly three hours, and at that time, you WILL be at the statue in Town Square to pick her up. You’re going to listen to everything she has to tell you, and you WILL NOT call the police at any time, or else I guarantee you that there will be consequences.” Caballeron told Sunny.
“You know me, I LOVE to listen.” Sunny replied.
“Good. You have 2 hours and 58 minutes.” Caballeron responded one last time, before hanging up on his end.
Jubileena walked back into the kitchen.
“So what did he want Sunny?”
“Don’t worry about it Jubileena. He’s got Prim, but he’s going to release her in a few hours. In the meantime, go find Ivory, and bring him here.”
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Meanwhile, in the back room of an abandoned dental clinic, in Manehattan,
Caballeron hung up the phone on his end, before her turned back to Prim Raining, still strapped to her chair.
“Whatever you’re up to, you’re not going to get away with it Caballeron.” Prim told the stallion.
“That’s ‘Doctor’ Caballeron to you.” Caballeron responded. “But you should stop living in the past. Don Colteone is dead. It was an unfortunate fate that had to befall him, but I couldn’t very well let him walk away after disrespecting myself, and the Tarttaglia family like that. However, I’d like things between myself, and the Colteone family to be different. I want you to help me Prim, to make peace between Sunny and myself. And of course those other regimes within your family.”
“Do you really think that Sunny will cooperate with you?” Sunny told Caballeron.
“Your friend Looka did, so I’m hoping that Sunny will be just as reasonable.” Caballeron responded.
“Tch, that Looka.” Prim muttered under her breath.
“Look, I’d very much like to avoid a war with the other families, as I’m sure both yourself and the rest of the Colteone family would agree. Just talk to them, get them to reconsider my offer, and everything will work out.” Caballeron told Prim, before looking at the clock on the wall. He then turned and spoke to each of his men, and finally to Prim. “Time to go Ms. Raining. You’ve got a long train ride ahead of you.”
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Prim, Caballeron, and Caballeron’s men all exited the abandoned clinic. The carriage to take Prim to the train station arrived, and a pony got out from inside. He walked up to Caballeron, and whispered something in his ear. Caballeron froze in place, before turning around to his men and Prim, anger in his eyes and voice.
“The Don’s alive! Six shots apiece and you couldn’t kill him!? What the Tartarus am I paying you ponies for!? Get her out of here!”
Caballeron then stormed off, as Prim and Caballeron’s men got into the carriage.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Very late into the night, a carriage pulled up to the front gate of the Colteone family home. The guards at the gate let down a chain, allowing the carriage to come through, before replacing the chain, once the carriage has passed. The carriage pulled up alongside the entrance to the home, and a pony exited the carriage, before walking inside.
Octavia closed the door behind her, before noticing several different members, and associates, of her family scattered about. She headed into the living room, where she was greeted by Jubileena, a smile on her face.
“You’re mother is with your father right now in the hospital, he’s going to pull through!” She told Octavia, holding her hoof in hers.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Octavia, Sunny, Prim, Jubileena, and Keyzzio, another associate of the family, all sat around Don Colteone’s office. All the ponies argued about what they should do now, while Octavia sat quietly on her father’s desk.
“There’s no way I’m going to help that bastard! Not after what he did to dad!” Sunny said aloud.
“Be that as it may, we need to think things through. If Don Colteone dies, then all of the political contacts that the family has will be gone. We’re at half strength as it is right now, and the Manehattan families might support Caballeron to avoid war. We can’t be hasty.” Prim tried to reason with Sunny, and everypony else.
“We should just kill them all.” Octavia finally spoke up, an emotionless look on her face.
“Quiet Octavia, don’t be saying things like that.” Sunny told her sister. “How about you try giving Looka another call?”
Octavia reached for her father’s phone, and began to dial Looka’s number, as Ivory walked in.
“There’s a package that’s just arrived Sunny.” Ivory told the mare.
“Keyzzio, go with Ivory and get it would you?”
Keyzzio got up from his chair, and followed Ivory out of the room. Sunny then turned to Jubileena to speak with her.
“I want you to take Ivory out somewhere and kill him. He sold out dad, and I never want to see his face again. Do you understand?”
Jubileena nodded in agreement. Sunny then spoke aloud to the group.
“In the meantime, I want Octavia, and a couple of our men to head to Looka’s apartment, and wait for him to show up. I wanna know what’s been taking him so long to get back with us.”
“I think it would be best if Octavia avoids any direct work with the family. She’s just a civilian in all this, and we don’t want her to get involved too far.” Prim reasoned.
Sunny took a second to think it over, before she agreed.
“Fine. Hey Octavia, would you try calling Looka again? Where the Tartarus is this pony?”
Octavia reached back for the phone again, as Keyzzio walked in, a brown package in hooves. He dropped the package on Sunny’s lap, whom proceeded to open it. Inside, she found Looka’s bulletproof vest, with two fish wrapped inside it.
“What in Celestia’s name is this?” Sunny asked aloud.
“It’s an old Equestrian saying. It means that Looka is sleeping with the fishes.” Keyzzio responded.
The ponies in the room all looked around at each other, before looking back at the fish. Their dead, lifeless eyes, looking up at them all. The same way Looka’s probably were, at the bottom of a river somewhere.
Jubileena walked out of the front door to her home in Ponyville, before turning back to her husband still inside. She told him to have a nice day, and that she would be home late. She then shut the door behind her, and walked over to the carriage that was parked by her house. Ivory and the driver, Blues, were both waiting for Jubileena inside the carriage.
“So what did Sunny need us to do again today?” Ivory asked Jubileena, as she got inside the carriage.
“She wants us to head up to Manehattan, to place a large order of sofas. In the event that a crime war breaks out with the families, she wants to make sure that we’ll have plenty of sitting or sleeping space to go around.” Jubileena responded.
Blues started to take off with the carriage, while Ivory thought to himself about the order location.
“Why would Sunny order a shipment of sofas from Manehattan? What about the Quill and Sofa store here in Ponyville?” Ivory asked.
Jubileena shrugged her shoulders, before answering the stallion.
“Beats me. Sunny probably wanted us to place the shipment from someplace other than Ponyville, since it would give us a chance to keep an eye out for, and of, the other families’ actions. Also, and more likely, it’s because the Quill and Sofa store here wouldn’t have enough sofas in stock for an order this size.”
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
The trio spent half the day, making their way up to Manehattan, to place the shipment order. When they finally arrived outside the warehouse in Manehattan, Jubileena turned to Ivory inside the carriage, and gave him a saddle bag full of bits.
“Be sure to get the receipt after you’re done placing the order. Sunny wants to keep track of the family’s money as best she can, since the Don is still in the hospital.”
Ivory then proceeded to enter the warehouse, and head to the main office to place the order. After he returned with the receipt, the three ponies then left the warehouse in the carriage. They began to make their way back to Ponyville, but not before stopping by a local deli, where Jubileena ordered a couple of Grilled Pesto Ponini sandwiches.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
About halfway through their trip back home, Jubileena told Blues to pull the carriage off to the side of the road, near Hollow Shades. She told the two stallions that she needed to get out to go to the bathroom, and that she’d kill them both, if either of them followed her. Jubileena then got out of the carriage, and made her way behind a couple sets of trees, making sure she was out of site from the carriage.
Whilst Jubileena was out doing her business, Ivory opened up the bag to his sandwich, and began to eat it. He was able to take a couple of bites, before he closed his eyes long enough, for Blues to pull out a gun from under the carriage, and shoot Ivory in the head. Jubileena returned from behind the trees, as Blues began to unhook himself from the carriage harness. She reached into the carriage, next to Ivory’s dead body, and pulled out her own sandwich bag.
“Go ahead and leave the gun in the carriage.” Jubileena told Blues, before the two of them walked away from the carriage, and towards another approaching one.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Later on in the day,
Clouds began to take up most of the sky, leaving a dull, grey look about Ponyville. Octavia sat by herself, on a bench outside her family’s home. She still wasn’t quite sure what to do with herself. The events of her father, and the other happenings that had transpired with the family, had put Octavia in a constant down. Even trying to practice her music didn’t seem to cheer her up. She sat on the bench for a while longer, until Jubileena came out of the house, calling for Octavia, telling her that she had a phone call from Apple Cinnamon.
Octavia walked inside the house, and picked up the phone in the kitchen.
“Hey Octavia, how are you feeling?” Cinnamon asked from the other end of the phone.
“A little better thanks, now that I can hear your voice.” Octavia responded.
“I know you’re still grieving about your father, but he’s going to be alright, right? Why don’t you come by my hotel tonight for dinner? I’d really like us to talk together.” Cinnamon replied.
“I suppose you’re right, and it does sound splendid. I’ll do my best to get there before it gets too late.” Octavia responded.
“Great! I’ll see you then. I love you Octavia.” Cinnamon told Octavia.
Octavia blushed a little, but felt nervous responding the same way, since she was mere hooves away from some of her family members behind her.
“I love you too.” Octavia quietly spoke.
“What did you say? I couldn’t hear you?” Cinnamon asked from the other end.
“I…I’ll see you soon.” Octavia told Cinnamon, before hanging up the phone.
Jubileena walked into the kitchen, chuckling.
“Aww, you won’t even say ‘I love you’ back huh? You’re so adorable Octavia.”
Octavia’s face formed a pout, eyeing Jubileena at the same time.
“Alright, I was just teasing Octavia. Now, how about you help me make some spaghetti for the family tonight?” Jubileena responded.
“I’m afraid I don’t know how.” Octavia told Jubileena.
Jubileena seemed surprised that Octavia didn’t know how to make spaghetti, since it was one of her family’s favorite dishes.
“Well that’s no good! Here, let me show you then.” Jubileena then pulled out a couple of pots, and set them on top of the stove, before turning on the flames beneath each of them. “First, you’ve got to add some water to both your pots, and get the water for the noodles to boil. Once the noodle water is boiling, you toss in the noodle straws, and let them start to cook. In the meantime, you warm up the water for the sauce pot, before adding in the ingredients. You toss in some garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, all of your hay, and finish with a little bit of wine. Then, you just stir them all up, until both pots are done.”
Octavia listened with vague interest, until she walked over to the sink to get a glass of water for herself. Sunny then walked into the kitchen, having heard Jubileena try to teach Octavia how to make spaghetti.
“You’re wasting your time trying to teach her that Jubileena. She way to high class for that.” Sunny told Jubileena. She then glanced around the room, before asking Jubileena something. “Say, where’s Ivory?”
“Oh, won’t be seeing him again.” Jubileena replied, while tending to the heated pots.
Sunny stared at Jubileena, before giving an approving nod, and acting like nothing happened.
“Well, I should be getting off to Apple Cinnamon.” Octavia spoke aloud, while making her way towards the door.
“Whoa, hold up a second Octavia. Let a couple of the guys here escort you over there.” Sunny told her sister.
Octavia rolled her eyes at her sister.
“I’ll be fine Sunny. I’m going to take a cab anyways.”
“She’s right Sunny.” Jubileena replied to Sunny as well, while still watching the pots. “Besides, Caballeron knows that she’s just a civilian in all of this, so he wouldn’t try anything.”
Sunny eyed Jubileena, before watching Octavia walk out the door.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Night had finally begun to fall in Equestria, as Octavia sat in the carriage, one of her family’s men on either side of her. She remained quiet the entire ride, but wore an angry face the whole time.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
In a hotel room somewhere in Filly Delphia,
Octavia and Apple Cinnamon sat across from one another at a small table in the hotel room, eating in silence. Cinnamon was about halfway done with his meal, but Octavia had barely even touched her salad. Concerned about Octavia, and how quiet she had been the whole time there, Cinnamon finally broke the silence.
“What’s wrong Octavia? You’ve barely even eaten anything.”
Octavia just stared at her plate on the table, before starting to get out of her chair.
“I’m sorry Cinnamon, but I have to go. I…I just need to go see my father.”
“Let me come with you then. Please.” Cinnamon responded.
“You can’t Cinnamon. This is my, and my family’s business. I want to keep you uninvolved from all matters. I wouldn’t want to see you get hurt too.” Octavia replied. She couldn’t look at Cinnamon while she spoke, not while her face looked so sad.
Cinnamon looked away himself, but then turned back to Octavia.
“When can I see you again then?”
Octavia finally looked Cinnamon in the eyes, before she spoke.
“I don’t know, but it would probably be best if you went and stayed with your parents in Baltimare for a while. I’ll call you when I’m sure it’s safe.”
Apple Cinnamon didn’t really like the answer that Octavia had given him, but he accepted her decision anyway.
“Alright then. Just…just be careful Octavia. I love you.”
Octavia walked over to Cinnamon and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“I know.” Octavia told Cinnamon, a sweet, but sad smile on her face. She then walked out of the hotel room, closing the door behind her.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Octavia walked out of the hotel lobby, and hailed a cab. She rode in the cab for a short time, until she finally arrived at a small hospital in the heart of Filly Delphia. Octavia paid the driver, got out, and made her way inside the hospital. She walked past the front desk, but found no pony attending it. She checked the log of where each of the patients were, and found her father’s room. Octavia then made her way down the halls in its direction.
After walking down the halls for a short time, Octavia soon realized that the hospital seemed emptier than it should be. She eventually came upon a couple of empty chairs in a hallway, where she knew her father’s guards were supposed to be. Feeling a slight panic, Octavia quickly made her way down the halls, until she finally arrived at her father’s room. She opened up the door, and a wave of relief swept over her, as she found her father asleep in his bed.
Octavia walked up alongside her father in his bed. Watching his chest rise and fall with his breathing. She placed a hoof on the side of his bed, letting out a sigh, until she was startled by a nurse walking into the room.
“Who are you? What are you doing here?” The nurse asked Octavia.
“It’s alright, I’m his daughter. My name is Octavia Melody.” Octavia assured the nurse. She then took another look around the room, before speaking to the nurse again. “Where are my father’s guards? They’re supposed to be here.”
The nurse gave Octavia a skeptical look, but answered her anyway.
“They were asked to leave. They had begun to get in the way of the medical staff, and were escorted out of the building.”
“How long ago?” Octavia asked.
“Oh, about a couple of hours ago I suppose.” The nurse replied.
A chill ran up Octavia’s spine, before she quickly picked up the phone next to her father’s bed, and called Sunny at her family’s home.
“Hello?” Sunny answered the phone.
“Sunny, it’s Octavia. You need to send some ponies down to my father’s hospital right away!” Octavia told her sister.
“What? Why? What about the ponies already there?” Sunny asked.
“There’s no pony here Sunny. None of Keyzzio’s men, no one!” Octavia replied.
“What in Celestia’s name? Just stay put Octavia, I’ll send some ponies over there right away!” Sunny responded.
Octavia hung up the phone, before turning back to the nurse.
“We need to move my father to another room. There are ponies on their way to kill him.”
The nurse seemed reluctantly confused, but agreed to help Octavia. The two of them began to move Don Colteone out of his room, and down the halls to another open one. About halfway through the moving process, Octavia heard a door open downstairs, and quickly hurried the nurse to help her get her father into the other room. Octavia quietly closed the door behind her, as she heard the pony begin to make their way up the stairs.
Octavia peeked out the small window in the door, and soon saw the pony reach the top of the stairs. It appeared to be a grey mare in a pink coat, holding a bouquet of flowers. Half convinced that the mare might not be a threat, Octavia opened the door, and walked over to speak to the mare.
“Who are you?”
“Oh Ms. Melody, it’s good to see you again! It’s me, Charcoal Bakes. I was the one who made the cake for your family’s wedding.” The mare replied, seemingly happy to see Octavia.
Octavia was surprised to see the mare, of all ponies, show up here.
“What are you doing here?”
“I’m here to bring flowers to your father, Don Colteone. I wish for him to get better soon.” Charcoal told Octavia.
Octavia looked back towards her father’s room, before an idea popped into her head. She turned back to Charcoal, speaking to her.
“Listen Charcoal, bad ponies are on their way to kill my father. I need your help to scare them off.”
“Whatever will help keep the Don safe, I will gladly do.” Charcoal replied.
“Good. Please meet me down outside the entrance.” Octavia told Charcoal.
“Okay.” Charcoal replied, before turning and walking off.
Octavia returned to her father’s room, and walked up alongside him.
“Don’t worry father, I’ll take care of you.”
A small tear leaked from his eye, as Don Colteone weakly smiled at his daughter.
“Please keep an eye on my father, his men are on their way.” Octavia told the nurse, before leaving the room and heading downstairs.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Outside the hospital,
Charcoal stood at the top of the steps, outside the entrance to the hospital. Octavia soon joined her, but told her to ditch her flowers, and pretend to have a gun in her coat. The two stood there for a few minutes, until a carriage began to pull up.
“Just stay calm, everything’s going to be alright.” Octavia told Charcoal.
The carriage stopped outside the gates to the hospital, and Octavia could see Caballeron, and a couple of his men inside. Caballeron looked as if he was about to get out of the carriage, until Charcoal slowly reached inside her coat. At the sight of this, Caballeron told his driver to take off, and the carriage quickly pulled away.
Octavia let out a sigh of relief, as she turned to see what Charcoal had reached for. Charcoal slowly pulled out a cupcake, still wrapped in foil on the bottom. She tried to unwrap the foil, but her hooves were shaking too much. Octavia took the cupcake, and unwrapped it for her, before giving it back.
“Th…thank you.” Charcoal replied.
“It’s alright, and thank you.” Octavia responded. “You should probably get going now. I don’t think they’ll be coming back.”
Charcoal nodded, before walking off.
“May Celestia watch over you, and your father.” She said, as she walked past the gates.
Octavia began to make her way back inside, until she heard the sounds of police sirens approaching. She walked over to see what they wanted, before a couple of cops got out, and began to restrain her.
“Hey! What are you doing!? Get your hooves off of me!” Octavia yelled at the ponies. “I’m Octavia Melody, daughter to Don Colteone!”
The ponies began to loosen their grips a bit, looking at each other, until they let Octavia go completely. It was then, that another pony got out of the police cab. This one was older than the rest of the police ponies, and his Mohawk and narrowed eyes showed he meant business. Octavia quickly recognized him as the Police Captain, Night Watch.
“I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave Ms. Melody.” Night Watch told Octavia.
“I’m not going anywhere! Not until guards are posted with my father again.” Octavia replied.
“And I’m here to say that you have to leave.” Night Watch responded.
Octavia let out a defying “Humph!” before replying.
“So, is this what it’s come to Captain? You being bribed by the Dr.? I must say, I’m not surprised.”
Night Watch let out a chuckle, before turning to his men.
“Men, restrain her.”
One of the ponies looked at the others, before turning back to the Captain.
“But sir, she’s done nothing…” He began to reply.
“I said restrain her!” Night Watch told the pony.
The two that had grabbed Octavia before, grabbed her again. Octavia struggled to get free, before she glared at Night Watch angrily. Night Watch then walked up to Octavia, and punched her in the side of the face. Octavia lifted her head up in defiance, only to receive another, harder punch, to the same spot. She fell a little limp in the hooves of the ponies holding her, and Night Watch cocked back for another swing, until carriages pulled up to the hospital.
“That’ll be enough of that Captain.” Prim Raining told Night Watch, as she got out of the carriage. “Myself and these ‘private investigators’ are here to oversee the Don for the rest of the night. One action against them, or Ms. Melody here, will result in a full court hearing.”
Night Watch reluctantly told his men to release Octavia, before getting back in his cab and driving away. Prim then picked up Octavia, and helped her into the carriage.
“Don’t worry Octavia, we’re here now.” Prim told Octavia.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
The next morning,
A carriage pulled up to the gate of the Colteone family’s home. The guards at the gate lowered the chain for the carriage to come in, before putting it back up, after the carriage had passed. Armed ponies could be seen all over the property, as the ponies inside the carriage got out.
Octavia, Jubileena, and Prim, walked away from the carriage, and were greeted by Keyzzio.
“Sunny’s real mad.” Keyzzio told the ponies. “One of the Tarttaglia’s was killed this morning at 4 a.m.”
“Sweet Celestia.” Jubileena said aloud. Jubileena also commented on all the armed ponies around the property, as herself, and the three other ponies with her, began making their way inside the home. “It’s like the Princesses’ castle around here.”
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Inside Don Colteone’s office,
Sunny took a sip of her cider, before speaking aloud.
“We’ve got guards posted everywhere around the property, 24/7! I’d like to see any of those filthy Tarttaglias try anything now!” She spoke, a cocky air about her. She then let out a little chuckle, as she saw Octavia’s bruised cheek. “Looks good on you Octavia. Makes you look tough for once.” Sunny then put her drink down, and took a seat in her father’s chair behind his desk. “But now we come back to business. We received word that Caballeron and that cruddy police Captain want a meeting. “She then pointed a hoof at Octavia. “With Octavia.”
Prim spoke up next.
“We should probably meet with them, to hear what they want to say.”
“Not a chance in Tartarus! There’s no way I’m gonna send Octavia to meet with those ponies!” Sunny replied back.
“Think about this Sunny.” Prim tried to reason with Sunny. “If we don’t meet with them, we won’t be able to settle any of this, and the other families might start to move against us if father’s out for too long.”
Sunny then started to argue back, causing Prim to argue as well. The two went back and forth, until Octavia finally spoke up.
“I’ll go.”
“No, you will not.” Sunny told her sister.”
Octavia looked up at Sunny, looking her square in the eyes.
“They want to have a meeting with me, right? I say we should do it. It will just be myself, Caballeron, and Night Watch. We should get our informants to figure out where the meeting will be held, and insist that it be someplace public. A café or something. Someplace with ponies, so that I’ll feel safe. Now, I assume that they’ll have to search me, correct? So I cannot very well have a gun on myself then. However, if Jubileena can figure out a way to have a gun planted at the location, then I’ll go…and I’ll kill them.”
A silence filled the room, until Jubileena started to laugh on the side of the room, which caused Sunny and Keyzzio to join in with her, while Prim just shook her head.
“Ah, listen to you. Big fancy orchestra girl wants to go shoot a cop, just because he slapped you in the face a bit. This isn’t some performance, where you’re on stage, and they’re in the audience. They’ll be right there next to you.” Sunny replied to her sister, with a chuckle. She then wrapped her in a hug, before letting her go. “I love you, but no, you can’t make this personal. Prim, this pony is trying to make a business matter personal, talk her out of it would ya?”
“No, listen.” Octavia replied. “This isn’t just some regular police pony, he’s evil!”
“Please Octavia.” Prim tried to reason.
“This is a pony who’s gotten himself wrapped up in artificial apple production and bribery. I’d be doing Ponyville a favor by killing him!” Octavia replied. She then looked around the room, before turning back to Prim. “If nothing else, it would make a good story, right Prim? We do have connections in the papers don’t we? They would love a story like that.”
Prim looked away, scratching her chin.
“We do…and they…might.”
Octavia then looked at Sunny, a determined look in her eyes.
“It’s not personal Sunny. It’s strictly business.”
Octavia held the small revolver in her hoof. Its wooden handle felt similar to that of her cello, but the shape and weight of it were completely foreign to her. Surely, it was not her first time seeing a gun, given that members of her family wore them openly around the house at times, but it was definitely her first time ever holding one.
“Okay, so are you ready to try firing a couple shots?” Jubileena asked Octavia.
Jubileena had set up a couple of practice “targets” inside the shed of the Colteone’s family home. They were empty cider jars to be exact, but the overall size and shape were close enough to that of a stallion’s head.
“I…I suppose so.” Octavia replied. “Although you must remember that I’ve never fired one of these things before Jubileena. How does it work again?”
Jubileena let out a sigh, before taking the gun from Octavia, to show her how it worked.
“Well first off, this isn’t the same as an ordinary gun. Your typical revolver has a lot more pieces to it, and in our case, they would be pieces that would make the gun easier to trace. This one however, I’ve made sure is completely untraceable, and it still fires like a regular revolver. Also, it’s smaller, so you can easily conceal it.”
Octavia nodded in agreement, although it still didn’t answer her question.
“Now how to fire this bad boy.” Jubileena continued. “All you have to do; is hold it like so, and squeeze the trigger.” Jubileena held the revolver and pointed it at one of the jars of cider, but she didn’t pull the trigger. She then gave the gun back to Octavia, and told her to try shooting one of the “targets.”
“So…like this?” Octavia spoke.
Octavia held the gun like Jubileena had showed her, and slowly began to put pressure on the trigger. In no time at all, the revolver fired, and Octavia dropped it after it went off.
“Whoa whoa! Easy there Octavia.” Jubileena spoke aloud, while catching the gun before it hit the ground.
Octavia had missed the “target” completely, but she was more surprised at how easy it had been to fire the gun. She had always been told that it took a good amount of pressure to fire a gun, but firing this one almost felt like second nature to her.
“Heh, I guess working with all those instruments has given you quite the grip there Octavia.” Jubileena told her.
Octavia looked at her hoof. She guessed she must have been right. From practicing, and playing all of her string instruments, she had developed a strong grip for holding them in place, as well as for applying the necessary pressure on the strings for different notes.
“So, ready to try giving it another ‘shot’?” Jubileena asked, giving a little chuckle at her pun.
“Um, sure, I suppose.” Octavia replied.
Octavia took another shot at the “targets,” this time grazing one.
Jubileena nodded her head in approval.
“Not bad Octavia. You’re getting closer.”
“Thanks.” Octavia responded.
Octavia lined up the sights of the gun for another shot, and this time she hit the “target” dead center, sending shards of glass flying.
Jubileena raised a hoof, to keep any shards from hitting her in the face.
“Well, if I hadn’t seen it, I wouldn’t have believed it.”
“What do you mean?” Octavia asked.
“Well, it’s just…. To see a pony like you Octavia, firing a gun like that, it’s really unbelievable. Even though you’re daughter to Don Colteone, and a flesh and blood member of the family, none of us ever expected you to be doing something like this.”
Octavia turned her gaze down, looking at the revolver in her hoof.
“I suppose you’re right, but I can’t back down now.”
“You know, we’re all real proud of you Octavia.” Jubileena spoke. “Even for ponies like us, it still takes real guts to make a commitment like what you’re doing, and even more so, to actually go through with it, and kill another pony. While I know it might not be the noblest thing, especially for a pony like you, it’s still amazing to see a pony whose played music her entire life, go and do something like this.”
“Thank you Jubileena. I’ll be sure not to let the family down.” Octavia replied. She then lined up the sights of the gun once more, and took another shot.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
As nighttime began to fall in Ponyville,
Sunny, Jubileena, Keyzzio, Vinyl, and Octavia, all sat around a table in the living room, eating take out. Normally, Octavia wouldn’t have invited Vinyl over to eat like this, especially given the situation, but her family thought it would be a good idea for her to invite a close friend like Vinyl over, for support. And also, if the events of the meeting went like they were supposed to, it may be the last time in a long while, that Octavia would get to see her friend again.
Octavia regretted that she couldn’t see Apple Cinnamon one last time as well, but she knew it was best to keep him out of her family’s affairs as much as possible, for his own safety. Prim then walked into the room, an annoyed look on her face.
“We still don’t know where the meeting place is going to be. Not even any of Caballeron’s men know either.” Prim then sat down, and grabbed a box of take out for herself. “You know, I’m still not too sure about this whole thing Sunny. What if Caballeron decides to do a drive by, while Octavia’s standing outside the meeting point, or even when she gets to wherever the meeting’s going to be?”
“Listen Prim, we just need to…” Sunny began to speak, before the ringing of the phone cut her off. “Sigh…I’ll get it.” Sunny then got up, and went to answer the phone. She shortly came back, and announced what she had been told to everypony. “Lou’s restaurant, in the Broncos of Manehattan.”
“It’s an old fashioned place. Good food too.” Keyzzio spoke aloud. “They’ve even got old toilets in the bathroom, where the box sits above you, rather than connected to the seat. There’s probably enough space behind the box, where you could fit a gun too.”
“Then it’s settled.” Sunny told everypony. “Jubileena will go and place the gun behind the toilet tomorrow, and the following night, Keyzzio will drive Octavia to the meeting place, where she’ll be picked up by Caballeron and Night Watch, and taken to the restaurant. There, she’ll find an opportunity to go retrieve the gun, and kill them during the meeting. Keyzzio will then pick her up after she’s done, and drive Octavia to the airport.”
All the ponies then stood up from the table, as they began to go their separate ways for the preparations for the meeting. Sunny grabbed Octavia by the shoulder, wanting to make sure Octavia knew all the details of what she needed to do at the meeting.
“Remember Octavia, after you get the gun, put two shots apiece in their heads. Start to make your way out, making normal eye contact with anypony on your way out, and just casually drop the gun before you leave completely.”
Octavia nodded, but turned her head away, thinking to herself. She then turned her gaze back to her sister.
“When will I be able to come back?”
“At least one year Octavia.” Sunny replied. “I know it’s going to be tough, but we’ll need to wait at least that long, to make sure everything smooth’s over enough for you to come home. Mom and dad will miss you, and we’ll bring a message to Cinnamon when the time is right.”
“Okay.” Octavia responded. Second thoughts started to fill her head, but she quickly dismissed them, when she remembered what she was doing all this for.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
The night of the meeting,
Octavia waited outside of the shop that she was going to be picked up from. A light rain had begun to fall, as she tightened her grip on her coat to stay dry. Eventually, a carriage pulled up in front of her, and Octavia got in. As she entered, she sat next to Caballeron, and noticed that Night Watch was sitting behind them.
“Things really shouldn’t have happened like this.” Caballeron spoke. “But they will be straightened out tonight.”
“I apologize, but I’m going to have to search you now Octavia. Please turn around and spread your hooves out.” Night Watch told Octavia.
Octavia turned around to face Night Watch in the back seat, and did as she was told. Night Watch began to pat down Octavia, trying to see if she was carrying a gun or not. He even took the chance to cop a feel on Octavia’s flank when he got the chance.
“She’s clean.” Night Watch spoke.
Octavia then sat back down in her seat, as the three of them rode in the carriage for a while.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Finally, the carriage arrived at Lou’s restaurant and the three ponies got out, before entering the building. Despite the name, the restaurant had a fairly regal setting, as there were nice decorations everywhere, and all the waiters were dressed nicely. There were actually not that many other ponies there beside themselves. Perhaps maybe eight or nine other ponies were sitting at tables already.
The three of them sat down at a table, before a waiter came by to take their orders.
“Is the food any good here?” Night Watch asked Caballeron.
“The hay brisket is the best in the city. It’s cut from the finest hay stacks from the hills outside the city.” Caballeron responded.
The ponies gave their orders, before the waiter walked off, and Caballeron began to speak with Octavia.
“Now listen Octavia, I’ll be straight with you. Your father was a fool to turn down an offer such as this. True, artificially grown apples may not be the most moral decision on the market right now, but they’re yielding the most profit, and in the shortest amount of time. A couple of the other families have already jumped on the opportunity, especially the Tarttaglia’s, of whom I associate with. Now, even though your father is still alive, and recovering, you wouldn’t want to jeopardize his health any further by turning down this deal, would you?”
Octavia thought to herself, before responding.
“I want a guarantee that no more attempts will be made on my father, if I agree.”
Caballeron eyed Octavia, before glancing over at Night Watch, whom gave him an agreeable shrug.
“I suppose we can work things out that way.” Caballeron told Octavia.
The waiter then brought the food to the table, and Night Watch immediately began to dig in. Feeling the tension begin to rise between herself and Caballeron, Octavia decided to take the opportunity, to go retrieve the gun.
“If you don’t mind, I need to go to the little filly’s room.” After getting an approving nod by both Caballeron and Night Watch, Octavia stood up from the table, to go to the bathroom. She had barely even taken a step away from the table, when Caballeron reached and grabbed her by her upper-thigh. The two exchanged glares at each other, before Caballeron let go, and Octavia continued on her way.
Once inside the bathroom, Octavia made her way to the stall where she had been told the gun had been placed. She began to search for it, but quickly found that she couldn’t find it. A wave a fear began to sweep over her, as she desperately kept feeling around for it. Eventually, Octavia was finally able to find it, and proceeded to tuck it under her collar behind her neck, covering it with her long hair.
Octavia walked out of the stall, and looked at herself in the mirror. It was time. All she had to do, was go sit back down, and then shoot the two of them dead as soon as she could. She gathered herself, and wiped the sweat from her brow, before walking out of the bathroom, and back over to the table. As she sat back down, Caballeron began to speak to her again, but his words fell on deaf ears as loud noise began to fill Octavia’s head once again.
It was like the crescendo of a symphony, building up and up inside her head. When it had just reached its peak, Octavia heard a loud train go by outside the restaurant. Octavia reached behind her head, making it look like she was about to flick away her hair, and pulled out the revolver in the process. She shot Caballeron square in the head, killing him instantly. Night Watch quickly began to reach down for his own gun, when Octavia turned and shot him in the throat. Night Watch grabbed at his throat, giving an angry glare at the mare, before Octavia shot him again, this time in the head.
Both of the stallions collapsed dead on the table, as the other ponies in the restaurant began to scream and flee. Octavia then stood up, grabbed her coat, and began to make her way out. She tossed the gun off to her side, before exiting the building. Once outside, Keyzzio arrived in a carriage, and Octavia entered, before the carriage pulled away.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
As time began to pass since the shooting, a montage of: newspaper headlines, members of the Colteone family, and orchestra music could be seen and heard.
*POLICE HUNT COP KILLER*
*CITY CRACKS DOWN PRESSURE ON ORGANIZED CRIME*
Keyzzio could be seen, swirling a glass of cider in Don Colteone’s office.
*POLICE CAPTAIN LINKED WITH DRUG RACKETS*
Jubileena was sprawled out on her bed, seeming hung-over. Vinyl Scratch was DJ’ing at her club, a frown on her face.
*MOBSTER SILVINZI QUESTIONED IN UNDERWORLD FEUD*
Sunny and the Colteone family all sit around the dining room table.
*MOB KILLING*
*THIRD MONTH OF GANG VIOLENCE*
*SYDICATE BIG SHOT VITO COLTEONE RETURNS HOME*
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
A line of carriages were positioned outside a hospital in Baltimare. A large group of different ponies exited the hospital, and entered separate carriages. The carriages then all left the hospital and drove away.
The carriages eventually arrived at the Colteone’s family home, where Momma Colteone and Bonnie welcomed the ponies that exited the carriages. A couple of male nurse ponies brought Don Colteone inside on a stretcher. They took him up the stairs of the home, and placed him in a room on the second floor.
Eventually, several of the family’s fillies all came up to the Don’s room, and brought him “get well soon” cards, as well as giving him hugs. A young foal could be heard crying downstairs, as all but Sunny and a few other of the family’s ponies, left to go downstairs. Affero closed the door behind the last one to leave.
Prim was the first one to break the silence in the room, as she spoke to the Don.
“Ever since the police Captain’s death, police have been cracking down on all of our operations. There’s also been some bad blood with the other families as well during these times. However, thanks to the papers, Captain Night Watch was linked with Caballeron, and the police force in Ponyville has been preoccupied with that most of the time, allowing our business to still run somewhat smoothly.”
The Don nodded his head as best as he could, although not saying anything.
Sunny then grabbed Affero, and pulled him over to speak with her.
“Affero, for the time being, we’re going to be sending you over to Las Pegasus. We want you to take some time to learn the casino business, in case we need a fallback for everything here.”
Affero reluctantly nodded his head.
“Where…where’s Octavia?” The Don asked, weakly.
“Octavia…killed Caballeron.” Prim replied.
Don Colteone remained quiet for a minute, before gesturing everypony out of the room.
Once outside the room, Sunny began to speak with Prim.
“I want one of the rival family members brought to me. Now that we have dad back, we need to re-instill our dominance over the other families.” Sunny spoke.
“Think this through Sunny. We just got dad back, do you really think killing off a random rival family member is going to help our relations with the other families?” Prim reasoned.
The two started to argue back and forth with each other, until Sunny eventually reconsidered, and apologized. The two of them then headed downstairs, to join the rest of the family for food.
Downstairs in the dining room, the remainder of the family all sat around the table and began to eat. Bonnie started to say something aloud, but was quickly told by her husband Lucko to shut up. Sunny began to say something in retaliation, but was stopped short by her mother, telling her not to interfere with her sister’s new life. Meanwhile, Affero returned upstairs to the Don’s room, and sat by his bed. The Don’s heavy breathing could be heard, as he tried to sleep.
Octavia walked along the countryside, her two guards following right behind her. They had rifles strapped to their backs, but she knew that they could ready them in a second with their magic. It was a relatively nice day. The sun was out, the birds were chirping, and the Filcian landscape was a simply wonderful sight to behold. Despite the fact that she missed being home in Ponyville, Octavia didn’t find exile here that bad here.
The three ponies walked a little bit further down the road, until a carriage approached them from behind. Once the carriage came to a stop, Octavia went to go greet the Pegasus that was getting out of the carriage.
“Greetings Don Cappuccino. What brings you out here?”
The Pegasus Don finally managed to get out of the cramped carriage, before addressing Octavia.
“I should be asking you the same thing. Why are you so far from the house? You know that I am responsible to your father for your life.”
“Everything’s fine Don Cappuccino. I do have my guards with me after all. They’ll keep me safe.” Octavia replied.
“Well it’s still dangerous here as well. I’ve received reports from Sunny back in Manehattan that your enemies know where you are. You should really be more careful, instead of wandering around the countryside.” The Don retorted back.
“Well then, why don’t you let me go back home?” Octavia asked.
“No, out of the question! It’s still not safe for you to return home yet either.” The Don replied.
Feeling that her conversation with the Filcian Don wasn’t going to go any further, Octavia instead began to walk away from the carriage.
“Where are you going now?” Don Cappuccino asked.
Octavia stopped, and turned to face the Don.
“Colteone.”
“Would you like me to take you there in the carriage then?” Don Cappuccino asked.
“No, I’d like to walk.” Octavia replied, before turning around to start walking again.
“Be careful then!” The Don called out to Octavia.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Octavia and her guards continued to walk the countryside. She had decided that she wanted to visit the village that her family’s name had come from, since she was in the original homeland of her family. They made their way up and down trails on the hills, even crossing over small peaks, allowing them to see small villages in the distance. Eventually, along their travels, Octavia could hear a church bell ringing from a town on top of a mountain nearby.
“That’s Colteone.” Choco, one of Octavia’s guards told her.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
The trio made their way up, and into the town. As they passed under one of the archways at the beginning of the town, Octavia couldn’t help but notice something that troubled her.
“Where are all the stallions?”
“Dead, because of the vendettas.” Choco told her. “Look, here is a list of all the names of the dead here.” Choco pointed to a sign on the wall as they walked.
Octavia could see that the list of names was quite long, indicating that a lot of ponies had died in this town. A little further down from the sign, Octavia saw a strange flag bearing symbols that were quite foreign to her. Granted being in Filcily was foreign enough already, but she could tell that they represented a place even further away from here.
The three ponies continued to make their way through the town towards the exit at the other side, passing by an old stallion painting a wall.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Back on the road beyond the exit of the town, the trio made their way across a bridge. Not too far down the way, a small convoy of Equestrian guards began to pass by them in chariots. Octavia didn’t know what they were doing here, but she paid them no mind, trying to blend in with her guards as best she could. Arpeggio, Octavia’s other guard on the other hoof, tried waving the guards down. He acted like he was cheering for them as they passed, but Octavia could tell that it was just a ruse to make themselves seem friendly.
Some ways passed the bridge, the three of them made their way over a small stone wall on the side of the road. After passing over it, they were met by the sight of a bunch of mares and fillies walking along a path.
“Such beauty!” Arpeggio said aloud.
Hearing the sound of Arpeggio’s voice, one of the mares began to venture closer to them, until she met eyes with Octavia. The two stared at each other for a minute, but Octavia couldn’t put her hoof on what attracted her gaze.
“Looks like someone’s been struck by a thunderbolt!” Arpeggio teased Octavia.
Octavia tried to take a step towards the mare, but instead, the mare turned and trotted off back towards the group. Choco tapped on Octavia’s shoulder, trying to get her attention.
“The mares here are more dangerous than spears.” He told her.
Octavia turned back to the mare in the group, their eyes meeting one last time, before she and the group walked off. Something about the mare made Octavia feel funny inside. It was a feeling that she hadn’t felt since her time with Vinyl as a roommate. A strange, yet warm feeling.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
The trio continued their walking, until they eventually came across a small café at the edge of a village. They walked over to one of the tables outside, taking a seat, as the owner of the café came out to greet them.
“Greetings.” He began, until he noticed the guns that Choco and Arpeggio were carrying. “You shouldn’t bring guns into my café. Have you three been hunting?”
“No sir we haven’t.” Arpeggio answered the owner. “But we did meet a beautiful mare on our way here. She struck our friend here with a thunderbolt.” He continued, motioning to Octavia. “I believe that she could even tempt Discord himself.”
The owner then sat down with them, intrigued at the thought of the beautiful mare in question.
“The mares here are indeed beautiful, but they are very virtuous, so you best be careful.” He ended with a chuckle. He then proceeded to pass the three of them small glasses of cider, as the same stallion spoke to him again.
“She was quite the looker indeed. Slim figure, flowing hair, a real pretty.”
“Oh ho, you must have found a true beauty huh?” The owner replied, beginning to shape an hourglass figure with his hooves in the air. “All the mares are the same way here.”
“Well this mare though; she was green, with a cotton candy colored mane, and an apple and cherry blossom cutie mark. Do you know of any mare like that?” Arpeggio spoke to the owner.
The owner’s face suddenly began grimace, as he quickly stood up from the table, slapping a hoof on the counter.
“There is no such mare that exists in this town!” He exclaimed, before storming back inside his café.
“What’s going on? Why did he get upset?” Octavia asked her guards.
Arpeggio took a quick swig of his cider, emptying the glass, before answering Octavia.
“I think that was the owner’s daughter we met.” He then began to grab his things from the table, but Octavia stopped him short.
“Would you please bring the owner back to me?” She asked.
Arpeggio tried to argue back, but Octavia insisted that the owner be brought back out to her. Feeling left without a choice, Arpeggio retreated into the café and returned with the owner. When the owner emerged, he still had a glare on his face, as he looked at Octavia.
“I apologize if I offended you.” Octavia started with. “I am a stranger to this country, and I meant no disrespect to you, or your daughter.”
A curious look came over the owner’s face, as he wondered why the mare was speaking to him in such a manner.
“Who are you miss?” He asked Octavia.
“I’m an Equestrian hiding in Filcilly. My name is Octavia Melody of the Colteone family. There are plenty of ponies who would pay a lot of bits for that information, and your daughter would end up losing a father in the process. Instead of gaining a friend.” Octavia told the owner.
The owner was a little taken aback by what Octavia had just told him, and began to stutter out something, before Octavia cut him off.
“I would very much like to meet your daughter. With your permission, and under the supervision of your family. With all due respect.”
The owner straightened his collar, before responding to Octavia.
“Please, come to my home this Sunday morning then. My name is Pristine.”
“And what is the name of your daughter?” Octavia asked Pristine.
“Florina.” Pristine replied.
“Thank you.” Octavia told Pristine.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Sunday morning,
Outside Don Cappuccino’s home, Choco and Arpeggio began to load small boxes of food into the carriage parked outside. After finishing loading the carriage, the two of them joined Octavia inside the carriage, and the three of them began to drive away in the carriage. Don Cappuccino waved from his home behind them, as they passed through the gates. Their journey took a much shorter time than before, and they soon arrived at the home of Pristine.
After Octavia had arrived, she spent the beginning of her time there, being introduced to Pristine’s family by him. She shook the hoof of everypony she was introduced to, smiling at each one of them. Eventually, Florina emerged from her room on a balcony above the gathering beneath her. Octavia looked up at her, and their eyes met once again, before Florina began to make her way downstairs to join them.
Florina took a seat next to her mother, and was then introduced to Octavia as well. Octavia shook her hoof, and presented her with a gift. Florina looked to her mother, who motioned that is was alright to open it. Inside, she found a pretty red bow.
“Thank you.” She said to Octavia, looking up at her from her seat.
Octavia arrived with her guards at the same café, where she had met Pristine the first time. Pristine had set up a small row of picnic tables outside the café, and other members of his family were already seated, Florina included.
Octavia sat across from Pristine at one end of the table, listening to him talk. She eventually caught a glance from Florina at the opposite end of the table, and noticed that she was wearing the red bow in her hair, seeing her motion up to it. Octavia gave her a sincere smile, and was met with one of her own by Florina.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Later that day,
Octavia walked with Florina along the road of the countryside. They shared pleasant conversation with each other, and seemed to enjoy each other’s company. It was strange how the feeling of being with Florina seemed to feel so right to Octavia. It felt like more than just friendship, and Octavia was starting realize that perhaps two mares could feel this way about one-another. A little ways behind them, members of Florina’s family followed, and behind them, Octavia’s guards.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Meanwhile,
Lucko emerged from a hotel room in Manehattan, turning around to kiss the lips of the mistress that he was seeing. She was wearing nothing but a see-through nightgown, and Lucko took his time enjoying seeing it again, before he closed the door behind himself. He then put his hat back on his head, straightened his tie, and began to make his way downstairs towards the entrance.
Outside, he was met by members of the Colteone family, whom escorted him away in a carriage.
“Sigh, time to go see Bonnie.” He spoke aloud, as the carriage began to pull away from the hotel.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
At the same time,
Bonnie went to go answer the knocking that was at her door. When she opened it, she was greeted by her sister Sunny.
“Hey there sis, how have you…” Sunny started to say, until she noticed that Bonnie’s face appeared to have taken quite a beating. “Oh my Celestia Bonnie, what happened!?”
Bonnie started stuttering her words, before finally speaking clearly.
“It’s my fault Sunny, honest! Please don’t get mad!”
“Who…who did this Bonnie!? It was Lucko wasn’t it!? Why that no good piece of!” Sunny exclaimed.
“No Sunny please!” Bonnie tried to reason with her sister.
“When I get my hooves on him I’ll kill that little!” Sunny spoke again.
“I didn’t listen, that’s all! Please it’s my fault! Just stop! Please!” Bonnie pleaded with her sister.
“Grr! Fine! We should take you to a doctor then.” Sunny finally gave in.
“No, I can’t go to a doctor Sunny.” Bonnie replied.
“What!? Why not!? You’re pregnant Bonnie. What about the baby? This isn’t good for its health.” Sunny responded.
“I know, but I just can’t go Sunny. Please.” Bonnie told her sister.
Sunny paced back and forth in the doorway, angrily biting her lip, until she finally decided what she was going to do. She turned and stormed out the doorway, leaving Bonnie alone in the room once more. Bonnie placed a hoof on her stomach, feeling her baby foal’s gentle movement inside her.
Lucko stood outside one of the shops in Ponyville, chewing on a piece of hay. Nearby, little colts and fillies were playing under a lone rain cloud that had been put there due to the hot day. He wiped the sweat from his brow, before speaking with two of his friends outside the shop with him.
“Next time, place out bits on Rainbow Dash. I don’t know whose dumb idea it was to bet on Thunderlane, but I’m not losing money again.”
A carriage then pulled up on the opposite side of the street, and Lucko could see that Sunny was inside. He decided to see what his now sister-in-law was up to, so he left the stoop of the store. As Sunny got out of the carriage, Lucko could tell that she didn’t look to happy with him, and the brick she held in her hoof didn’t make her look any friendlier.
Sunny chucked the brick at Lucko, barely missing him, before running after him, and tackling him to the ground. She then began to punch and kick Lucko repeatedly, all while he tried to crawl away. Sunny left bruise, after black eye, after mark on Lucko, even going as far as to take a nearby garage can, and slam it down on top of him. Lucko at one point tried to pull himself up on a fence, but Sunny just latched her jaw onto his hoof, biting down hard.
Lucko toppled back onto the ground, now covered in bruises and his own blood, before Sunny finally spoke to him.
“If you ever touch my sister again, I’ll kill you.” Sunny told Lucko, before giving him one last buck kick to the chest, sending him rolling end over end, until he came to rest under the raining cloud. Sunny then picked up Lucko’s hat from off the ground, and tossed it at him, landing it right on his face.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
A few days later in Filcily,
Octavia and Florina knelt down in front of the steps of the Colteone chapel, as the local priest spoke aloud.
“We are gathered here today, to bond these two mares, under the everlasting love and admiration, of Celestia’s sun.” The priest spoke.
It was truly an amazing and perplexing day for Octavia. Although she had been in Filcily for not even a year, she had somehow fallen in love with another mare of all ponies. Granted, she always had a bit of a school filly crush on Vinyl when they were roommates, but it never went as far as what she was doing today. Something about Florina had just caught her eye when she first saw her, and over the months that the two had gotten to know one another, something more had seemed to spark. Now, here they both were, getting married in the town of her family’s name.
“If there is anypony who believes that these two should not be wed, please speak now, or forever hold your peace.” The priest spoke again.
Octavia and Florina then turned to look at each other, preparing for what was to come next.
“The ponies shall now repeat their vows.” The priest spoke.
“I, Octavia Melody, take you, Florina, to be my partner in life, my best friend in life and my one true love. I will cherish our marriage and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you, respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hoof, my heart and my love, from this day forward, as long as we both shall live.” Octavia spoke to Florina.
Florina then spoke the same, before the priest spoke once more.
“Then by the power invested in me, and with Celestia’s sun as my witness, I now pronounce you two partners in life, for life.” The priest spoke. “You may now kiss your significant other.”
Octavia and Florina joined lips in a kiss, as; Don Cappuccino, Octavia’s guards, Pristine, and his family all stomped their hooves in cheer. Octavia, Florina, and the rest of the ponies, then began to make their way down the streets of Colteone, as a band played behind them, and little fillies tossed rice around.
Upon arriving in the town square, all the guests of the wedding sat in chairs, encircling Octavia and Florina. The two mares then proceeded to pass out pastries that they carried in saddle bags on their backs to everypony. Once all the pastries had been passed out, the music started up again, and Octavia and Florina danced in the circle.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Later that night inside Octavia’s room at Don Cappuccino’s home,
Octavia closed the door behind her, as she gazed upon Florina, sitting on her bed. Florina was wearing a white nightgown, and still had her red bow in her hair. Octavia walked over to Florina, giving her a kiss, before starting to help her out of the nightgown that she wore. The two then stared deeply into each other’s eyes, before slowly falling onto the bed, locking into another kiss.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
The next day,
A carriage pulled up to the gates of the Colteone family home in Ponyville. However, instead of the guards letting the carriage inside, a pony exited from the carriage, and walked through the gates. Prim Raining walked out of the Colteone house and began to greet the visitor, as the carriage pulled away outside the gates.
“Well Apple Cinnamon, this is an unexpected surprise. How are you today?”
“I’m doing fine, thank you Prim, but I don’t want to get distracted from why I’m here. I’ve been trying to send letters and calls, but I haven’t been able to get in touch with Octavia yet.” Cinnamon responded.
“I’m sorry to tell you Cinnamon, but from what I’ve heard, nopony knows where Octavia is, not even us.” Prim replied.
Cinnamon became distraught, but then turned his gaze from Prim to a nearby carriage, which looked like it had just gone through a horrific fire.
“What happened to that carriage?” Cinnamon asked.
Prim turned to take a quick look at the carriage Cinnamon was talking about, before turning to answer him again.
“It was just in an accident, nopony was hurt though.” Prim told Cinnamon.
Cinnamon knew that Prim was lying to him, but decided not to push the issue any further. Instead, he reached into his saddle bag and pulled out a letter.
“Could you just please try to get this letter to Octavia? I just want to know that she’s alright.” Cinnamon told Prim, passing the letter to her.
“You do realize that if I accept this, then the court could claim that I know where Octavia is right?” Prim told Cinnamon, as she took the letter from his hoof.
“Please Prim.” Cinnamon asked.
“Alright.” Prim replied, before tucking the letter under her wing. “I’ll do my best to try to get it to her if I can.”
“Would you mind if I come in and call for another taxi Prim? It would be a very long walk for me back home otherwise.” Cinnamon asked.
“Sure, come on in Cinnamon.” Prim responded.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Meanwhile,
The phone began to ring in Bonnie’s home, and she quickly went to answer it.
“Hello?” Bonnie asked the pony she was speaking to.
“Is Lucko there?” A mare asked from the other end of the line.
“Who is this?” Bonnie asked.
“Lucko knows. Could you tell him that I can’t make it tonight?” The mare told Bonnie.
Without saying another word, Bonnie hung up the phone, before walking into her and Lucko’s room.
“Dinner’s on the table.” She told Lucko.
“I’m not hungry.” Lucko replied, as he started adjusting his tie in the mirror.
“But it’s on the table already. It’ll get cold.” Bonnie told him.
“I’ll eat out later.” Lucko responded.
“You just told me to make you dinner.” Bonnie replied.
“Hey piss off huh?” Lucko told Bonnie, getting annoyed.
“Oh piss off you!” Bonnie yelled at Lucko, before turning and storming out of the room crying. She then made her way into the kitchen, where she proceeded to start breaking several of the dishes in the cupboard.
Annoyed even further, Lucko made his way to the kitchen, and began to antagonize Bonnie.
“Yeah go ahead, break it all you spoiled pig. Break it all.” He told her.
Bonnie then made her way to the dining room table, speaking incoherently while crying.
“Why…why don’t you go feed your whore her own dinner!?” She exclaimed as best she could.
“Maybe I would.” Lucko tried to say, but was drowned out by Bonnie’s crying.
Bonnie then started breaking more things around the room, until she finally started to quiet her crying.
“Now clean it up!” Lucko yelled at Bonnie.
Bonnie started to pick up her crying again in protest, but Lucko just took off his tie and started to swing it at her as hard as he could.
“Clean it up! Clean it up!” He yelled at her, as he continued to swing and hit her with his tie.
Bonnie ran out of the dining room into another part of the house, still crying, but Lucko kept following her, swing his tie and yelling at her. Bonnie eventually made her way back to the kitchen, and pulled out a knife. Seeing this, but not deterred, Lucko kept antagonizing Bonnie.
“Yeah, go ahead! Do it! Do it!” He yelled at her, keeping his distance from her and the knife.
“I hate you!” Bonnie called out between her crying. She then tried to take a lunging stab at Lucko, but missed, falling on the floor instead.
“There, now get outta here!” Lucko yelled at her, as she started to pick herself up.
Bonnie then retreated to her bedroom, Lucko right behind her.
“Yeah, now I’ll kill you.” Lucko spoke, as Bonnie tried to hide herself in the bathroom. “Get out here!” He yelled, as he kicked in the bathroom door. He then continued to hit her with his tie, as Bonnie’s crying got worse.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
The phone began to ring at the Colteone family home, as Momma Colteone went to answer it.
“Hello?” She asked the pony on the other end of the line. She could tell that it was Bonnie who was trying to talk to her, but she couldn’t understand a word she was saying over her crying.
Sunny then walked into the room, and asked her mother who she was talking to. Her mother told her it was Bonnie, and Sunny immediately took the phone.
“Hello Bonnie!?” Sunny asked her sister on the phone. Sunny had a difficult time trying to understand her crying sister, but she was able to make out that Lucko had beaten her again. “Don’t go anywhere, I’ll be right there!” She told her sister, enraged. She then stormed out of the house, and into one of the carriages in the driveway. The guards outside asked Sunny if she wanted any of them to come with her, but Sunny told them all no, before taking off in the carriage.
Prim ran outside, trying to stop Sunny, but failed. She then told the guards to follow her, hoping they could catch up to her.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Sunny made her way down the road to Bonnie’s place, but got stopped at a toll road along the way. She honked the carriage’s horn at the carriage in front of her, trying to get it to move faster. Sunny finally made it to her turn in line, and quickly handed the toll guard the fare. The guard appeared to drop the money in his hooves, and bent down to retrieve it. At the same time, the doors and windows to the toll booths closed, as Sunny looked around, wondering what was going on.
Mobsters suddenly appeared and took the place of all the toll guards, as they each began to unload their machine guns on Sunny in her carriage. Sunny violently jerked around inside the carriage, getting shot at from all sides. She managed to get outside the carriage door, before getting shot at again. She collapsed dead on the road, and received one last kick from a mobster, before they all ran away.
A couple minutes later, the Colteone family guards finally arrived at the toll road, only to find Sunny dead on the ground, riddled with bullet holes.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Later that day,
Prim sat alone in the Don’s office, swirling a glass of cider in her hooves. Don Colteone then entered the room, still dressed in a pair of pajamas. He sat down across from Prim, and poured himself a glass of cider, before speaking.
“My wife is crying upstairs, but I don’t know why? I’ve been hearing carriages come to the house all day, but I don’t know the reason. What happened Prim?” He asked.
“I was about to wake you and tell you, but…” Prim told the Don.
“But you needed a drink first.” The Don spoke before Prim could finish.
“Yeah.” Prim replied. She then took a deep breath, before telling the Don the news. “Sunny was shot dead today dad.”
Don Colteone sat there for a minute, silent. He wasn’t sure how to handle what Prim had just told him, but he did his best to keep himself from crying. He took a couple of deep breaths, before coming to the realization of what happened, and what he needed to do.
“I don’t want any vengeance to come from this. Instead, I want you to arrange a meeting with the heads of the five families. This war stops now.” He told Prim. “Also, call Red Gala, we need to meet now.” He then slowly made his way out of the room, and headed upstairs to his wife.
Prim got on the phone, and called Red Gala. She soon picked up, and Prim relayed the Don’s message.
“Red Gala. The Don is calling on you to come perform your service. He will meet you in one hour.” Prim told her over the phone.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
One hour later at Red Gala’s obituary,
Members of the Colteone family wheeled in Sunny’s body on a table. She was covered with a bed sheet, but it was still stained with some of her blood. Don Colteone entered behind them, and spoke with Red Gala as she approached him.
“I want you to use all of your powers and skills for this. I don’t want her mother to see her like this.” The Don told Red Gala.
Red Gala then lifted up the sheet covering Sunny’s body, a grim and frightened look on her face.
Florina pulled the bow across the strings of the violin as gently as she could, but only ended up producing a screeching sound from it once more. She had always enjoyed listening to Octavia play her instruments, and she wanted to try to learn how to play one herself. However, unlike her partner Octavia, she didn’t possess any natural musical talent.
A cringe came over Octavia’s face, as Florina once more made a screeching sound from the violin.
“Perhaps it would be easier if we tried a less delicate instrument.” Octavia told Florina, giving her a sympathetic look.
Florina gave her partner a pouting face.
“But I want to play the same things as you Octavia. I already know the scales, so it should be easy. C. D. E. G. A. B. See?” Florina told Octavia, sounding proud of herself at the end.
“You forgot F dear.” Octavia corrected Florina.
“I suppose that would be my grade then huh?” Florina responded, sounding distraught.
“No, of course not.” Octavia replied. “In fact, F is the most important note, because it stands for you, Florina.” Octavia continued, nuzzling Florina’s nose to make her feel better.
A carriage then entered the front gates of Don Cappuccino’s homestead, and pulled up alongside Octavia and Florina in the garden. Once it came to a halt, Don Cappuccino himself exited the carriage, stretching his wings after the long ride.
“Welcome back Don Cappuccino.” Octavia greeted the Don. “How are things in Saltermo?”
“Greetings Mr. Cappuccino!” Florina greeted the Don as well. “Octavia is teaching me to play the violin. Would you like to hear my progress?” She asked.
Don Cappuccino waved to Florina, giving her a nod and a false smile, which encouraged her to try playing again. He then turned to Octavia to answer her, doing his best to ignore the playing in the background.
“It seems the young ponies these days don’t respect anything anymore Octavia. Times appear to be changing for the worse I’m afraid. I fear that this place has become too dangerous for you, and I want to move you to a villa in Syrupcusa right now.”
“Why? What’s wrong?” Octavia asked.
“We’ve received some troubling news from our ponies in Equestria.” Don Cappuccino told Octavia. He looked away for a moment, contemplating how best to tell Octavia what he knew she’d be devastated to hear. He then turned his gaze back to her, and decided to just tell her bluntly.
“Your sister Sunny was killed.”
A shock came over Octavia, but she could neither move, nor say anything. She stared at Don Cappuccino blankly, unsure of whether to believe him or not. Behind her, Florina tried playing the violin again, making a better attempt, but still failing at it.
“Come on Octavia, you said you’d help me practice.” Florina called to Octavia.
Octavia turned her gaze back towards Florina, which caused Florina to see that there was something wrong in her partner’s eyes. Octavia then turned to Don Cappuccino again, still unsure of what to believe.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Later that day,
Octavia found Arpeggio sitting in the courtyard, eating an apple. As she approached him, Arpeggio quickly noticed her presence, and stood up to see what she wanted.
“Arpeggio, I’d like for you to go get the carriage ready.” Octavia told her guard.
“Are you planning on going yourself, or do you need a driver?” Arpeggio asked.
“I’ll be going myself.” Octavia responded.
“What about your wife? Will she be joining you as well?” Arpeggio asked.
“No. I want you to take her to her father’s instead, until I know that it’s safe.” Octavia told Arpeggio.
Arpeggio gave Octavia a nod, letting her know that he understood what she wanted him to do. He then levitated his apple with his magic, and made his way off to get the carriage ready.
Octavia proceeded to walk the grounds of the homestead a little more, looking for her other guard Choco, until she found him working on something in the yard shed. She couldn’t see what he was working on, but she noticed a large brown saddle bag next to him. She dismissed asking him what he was doing, and instead asked him what she had originally came for.
“Choco, have you seen Florina around?” Octavia asked her guard.
Choco stopped working on what he was doing, and turned around to answer Octavia.
“She’s planning a surprise for you. She wants to be the one to drive the carriage to where you’re going.” He told Octavia. “She’ll make a fine Equestrian wife.” He continued, giving a smirk at the end.
“Oh honestly.” Octavia spoke. “Would you mind going to get the bags into the carriage Choco?” She asked him.
“Sure.” Choco replied, before getting up from his bench and going to retrieve the luggage.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Florina sat in the carriage, as Choco loaded the bags into the back. She tapped on the door out of boredom, waiting for Octavia to leave the house.
Octavia soon exited from the building, and began to make her way down the stairs towards the path to the carriage, until she noticed Arpeggio walking away with a saddle bag on his back.
“Arpeggio, where are you going?” She called to Arpeggio.
Arpeggio turned to look at Octavia, but didn’t say anything. Upon closer inspection, Octavia noticed that the saddle bag he had was the same one that Choco had earlier. She was about to question him about it, before she heard Florina call to her from the carriage.
“Octavia! Wait there, I’ll come to you!”
Octavia then turned her attention back to Arpeggio, and caught his eyes shift from Florina over in the carriage back to her, before he turned and took off running. Realizing that something was wrong, Octavia quickly turned back to Florina.
“Florina stop!” Octavia tried to yell to Florina in the carriage.
However, at the same time Octavia tried yelling, Florina had already kicked away the brake that kept the carriage from moving. Octavia could only stand and watch, as a chain result of the brake being kicked away, caused the carriage to erupt in a giant explosion. She watched the fireball engulf both Florina and the carriage, as the two were quickly reduced do burning heaps. Octavia stood there, dumbstruck, before slumping to the ground. Tears began to fall from her eyes, as reality began set in once more.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
The next day in an office in Manehattan,
Don Colteone stood up from his seat, clearing his throat before addressing the other ponies in the room. Prim Raining stood against the wall behind him, waiting to hear what her father had to say as well.
“I would like to thank Don Silvinzi for helping to organize this meeting of the five families today. I would also like to thank the heads of the five families from Manehattan and Filly Delphia personally. Sir Pony Moore ‘Don Poneno’ from the Broncos. Wensley ‘Don Tarttaglia’ from Hooflyn. Steel Wright ‘Don Strawcci’ from Stallion Island. And all other associates from as far as Las Pegasus and San Palomino, to all the other territories in Equestria.”
“How is it that things have gotten this far Don Colteone?” Sir Pony Moore asked the other Don. “This all seems just so unfortunate and unnecessary if you ask me. I mean, you’ve lost a daughter, just as I’ve lost a son. I think that if you are willing to call it quits, then I’ll be more than happy to go back to the way things used to be.”
“Now hold on Don Poneno. We’re all very thankful to Don Colteone for calling this meeting. We know him as a stallion of his word, and a modest pony who will listen to reason.” Don Silvinzi spoke aloud to Sir Pony Moore and the other ponies in the room.
“He’s too modest.” Sir Pony Moore responded. “He’s had all the judges and politicians in his tie pocket this whole time, and he’s refused to share them with any of us.”
“When did I ever refuse an accommodation?” Don Colteone responded to Sir Pony Moore. “I’ve only refused one time. And for what? Because I believe that the production of artificial apples will destroy us in years to come. It’s not like gambling, cider, or mares. It’s something that ponies want, but it’s forbidden to them. Even the police, whom have helped us in the past, would refuse to the production of artificial apples. I believed that then, and I still believe it now.”
“But times have changed Don Colteone.” Don Silvinzi spoke to the other Don. “It’s not like the old days when we could do whatever we wanted. A refusal is not the act of a friend nowadays. The judges and politicians in Manehattan, you must share them. We’re not communists Don Colteone.”
“I also don’t believe in the production of artificial apples.” Another pony from one of the other territories spoke up. “I try to persuade my ponies to stay away from them. I want to keep my business control respectable. I see and hear about young colts and fillies making and eating said apples, and it makes me sick. How can I raise young ponies in my district, if there exists such a thing as this for them to make and abuse?”
“I would very much like to reason with you all.” Don Colteone spoke again. “The making and distribution of artificial apples is a sin against our kind, and all the vengeance that’s become of this is just as bad. Now, I believe in the essence of souls and the superstitions that come with them. I know the soul of my deceased daughter won’t be able to rest, unless the bloodshed caused by all this has stopped. I also know that I have a daughter that is still trapped across the ocean, due to the nature of all these events. I would very much like for her to be able to come home, but I know it cannot be, unless we come to reason.”
“So what would you have us do Don Colteone?” Don Silvinzi asked.
Don Colteone thought for a minute, as he tried to find a way to appeal to the group, but still maintain his stand.
“If we can agree to stop all the vengeance and violence…then I will help oversee some of the artificial apple distribution here in the east. I still don’t believe in their production and use, but I will at least do my part to see them transported without any issue.”
Don Silvinzi looked around the room, a pleased smile on his face.
“Well, I think we all can agree that such actions and measures can be taken, for the good of us all. Don Poneno, do you believe that you and your family can wash away all the bad blood between yourselves and the Colteone’s?” Don Silvinzi asked Sir Pony Moore.
“…Yes.” Sir Pony Moore responded.
“And will you be able to do the same with your family Don Colteone?” Don Silvinzi asked Don Colteone.
“Yes.” Don Colteone replied.
“Then unless any other Don or pony thinks we should reconsider things further, I believe that this concludes this meeting of the families.” Don Silvinzi spoke aloud.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
During the carriage ride back to Ponyville that night,
“So when I meet the Filcians; I should make sure that all their records are clean, right?” Prim asked the Don.
“You can, but don’t insist on it if it seems to be causing trouble. I want to get Octavia back without any more violence.” The Don replied.
“You got it dad.” Prim responded.
The two then sat quietly in the carriage for a while, before the Don spoke again.
“There was no way that Poneno could have outsmarted Sunny. I can’t believe it took me until today, but I know now, that it was Silvinzi all along.”
Prim’s eyes grew wide as she listened to her father’s words, and she soon realized, after putting the pieces together herself, that he was right.
Apple Cinnamon stood outside the schoolhouse in Ponyville, as the little fillies and colts left school for the day. Over the past year, he had been volunteering at the school in order to help Miss Cheerilee with things like field trips, and other activities that she wasn’t able to handle herself. Today he had been a chaperone for a trip to the Crystal Empire, and was specifically in charge of keeping the CMC from pulling too many hijinks.
As the last filly left the schoolhouse, Apple Cinnamon started to make his way home. He managed to walk as far as the end of the fence line outside the school, when he saw somepony that made him think he’d seen a ghost. There, standing at the edge of the fence line, was Octavia.
“Oct…Octavia. Is it really you?” Cinnamon asked, as he approached her.
“Hello Cinnamon. It’s been a while.” Octavia replied.
“How…how long have you been back in Ponyville?” Cinnamon asked again.
“About a year, maybe longer. It’s good to see you again.” Octavia told Cinnamon.
Apple Cinnamon still had a hard time believing that Octavia was actually back, but here she was, right in front of him.
“Would you join me for a walk?” Octavia asked.
Apple Cinnamon nodded his head, and the two ponies started walking along the road. They walked in silence for a short while, until the sound of Scootaloo on her scooter came up from behind them.
“Hiya Mr. Cinnamon! Have a nice day!” Scootaloo called out as she rode past the two of them.
Apple Cinnamon waved at Scootaloo as she passed, but remained silent. The two continued walking, before it was Octavia that broke the silence once more.
“I’ve been working for my father for some time now. He’s been sick, and my family’s been needing all the help they can get.”
“But you’re not like him. You said that you would never work in your father’s business.” Cinnamon responded.
Octavia gave a little chuckle, before responding to Cinnamon.
“Please Cinnamon. My father is no different from any other powerful pony in Equestria.”
“You’re being naive. Other powerful ponies don’t have other ponies killed.” Cinnamon replied.
“Who’s being naive?” Octavia retorted back. “My father’s way of doing things is old and finished, and he knows it. Why, in five years, the Colteone family will be completely legitimate, just you watch. But I can’t say any more than that.”
Apple Cinnamon watched Octavia for a minute while they walked. She hadn’t made much eye contact with him since they started walking, and even when she did, he couldn’t see the same glimmer in her eyes like he used to. The sweet, proper mare that he had once known, seemed more distant and bitter. The long time they were separated had obviously changed her, but he wasn’t sure how much.
“Why did you come here Octavia?” Cinnamon asked.
Octavia stopped walking, causing Cinnamon to stop as well. Octavia looked away, gathering her thoughts, before she turned and answered Cinnamon.
“I need you Cinnamon. I do still care deeply for you.”
While they should’ve been words that would fill his heart with overwhelming joy, the time apart and new disposition of Octavia made them seem hollow. Apple Cinnamon did still have feelings for Octavia, but it had been so long since he had seen her, and he wasn’t sure if she was still the same mare he fell in love with. A single tear leaked from his eye, and he turned his head to try and hide it.
“Please stop.” He told her.
Octavia reached out and took Cinnamon’s hoof in hers, holding it tightly. Cinnamon turned his gaze to her, just as she began to speak.
“Cinnamon, would you marry me?” Octavia asked.
More tears started to form in Cinnamon’s eyes, as he tried to shake off his conflicting feelings.
“It’s too late Octavia.” Cinnamon replied.
Octavia brought her other hoof up, holding Cinnamon’s with both her hooves now.
“Please.” Octavia spoke. She then turned her head a bit, and spoke a little softer. “I’ll do anything to make up for it. We’re important together.”
Cinnamon couldn’t find any words to respond with. Instead, he just gripped Octavia’s hooves back with his own, and continued to fight the emotions going through him. Octavia then let go with one of her hooves, and waved down a carriage that had been nonchalantly following them. Once the carriage pulled up, Octavia opened the door and gestured for Cinnamon to get in. Cinnamon took a hesitant step toward it, but soon got all the way inside. Octavia followed behind him, shutting the door.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
A few days later in Don Colteone’s home office,
Don Colteone shook the little can of fish food that he had into the fish tank on the side of his office. In his growing age, he had decided to try to liven up his office a bit, by getting a fish tank, and filling it with different kinds of small fish. It was a tranquil peace that he tried to enjoy, while members and associates of his family argued behind him.
“Don Colteone, Keyzzio and I are asking if we may receive your blessing, to break off from the Colteone family, and form our own.” Jubileena asked the Don.
Don Colteone made his way away from the fish tank, and over to behind his desk, where Octavia was sitting in his chair.
“Octavia is now the head of the family, as you very well know Jubileena. And if she agrees to it, then you have my blessing as well.” The Don told Jubileena.
“After our move to Las Pegasus is complete, then you may break off from the family.” Octavia spoke.
“And how long will that take?” Jubileena asked.
“About six months.” Octavia responded.
“Well alright I guess. Although, after Don Colteone is gone, there’s a good chance that Keyzzio and I may fall under Silvinzi at some point.” Jubileena told Octavia.
“Well handle that when the time comes then. I can’t say much else about the move, but Lucko, you’ll be my right hoof in Las Pegasus.” Octavia spoke, addressing Lucko at the end. “Prim will also no longer be consigliore for the family, and will instead be our lawyer in Las Pegasus. It’s nothing against you Prim. Now, I believe that settles everything for this meeting.”
“Wait, why am I out Octavia?” Prim asked.
“You’re not a wartime consigliore Prim. Things may get rough over in Las Pegasus.” Octavia replied.
“I never thought that you were a bad consigliore Prim.” Don Colteone told Prim, placing a hoof on her shoulder. “Both Octavia and myself have complete confidence in you. Octavia must just have her reasons.”
“But I could still help! I could…” Prim spoke, but was cut short before she could finish.
“You’re out Prim.” Octavia told Prim.
Feeling betrayed and confused, Prim stood up from her seat, and made her way out of the office.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
A few months later,
After arriving in Las Pegasus; Octavia, Lucko, and Prim took a taxi from the train station, and rode to a casino on the strip. Once they arrived, they were greeted by Affero, who was waiting for them by the entrance.
“Octavia! It’s great to see you again!” Affero spoke to Octavia, as she exited the taxi.
The four of them entered the casino, and Affero continued to talk to Octavia as they walked down the halls to where they were going to have their meeting.
“It’s nice to see that your face is all fixed up Octavia. I would’ve liked to have seen Night Watch’s face when you got even with him.”
Affero then opened up the doors to the meeting room, and the four of them were blasted by the wubs of the DJ playing. Once they managed to make their way into the room, Octavia could see that Vinyl was the DJ, and that there were several “service” mares and stallions around the room.
“Get rid of the other ponies, and tell Vinyl to turn the music down.” Octavia told Affero.
Affero tried to persuade Octavia at first, but was quickly shot down by an angry glare, and proceeded to make her demands met. After all the other ponies were gone, and Vinyl reluctantly turned down her music, Octavia approached Affero to speak to him again.
“So what happened to Emerald Green?” She asked.
“When I got here, he already had a business going, and I managed to get on board so I could start working things out for the family.” Affero answered.
“Give him a call and get him in here.” Octavia told Affero.
While Affero went to go get Emerald Green, Octavia made her way over to speak with Vinyl.
“Hey Octi! Long time no see! How ya been!?” Vinyl greeted Octavia.
“Vinyl, it’s been too long. Oh, and congratulations on your big success here in Las Pegasus.” Octavia replied.
“Thanks! I couldn’t have done it without Donnie’s help.” Vinyl responded.
“I’m actually glad that you’re here Vinyl, because I have something that I wanted to talk to you about.” Octavia asked.
“Lay it on me!” Vinyl answered.
“The Don would like to ask you a favor Vinyl. The family business will be moving from apples to the casinos here soon, and we’d like your support in our endeavors while we’re here.” Octavia told Vinyl.
“Was that what Emerald wanted? I’m not sure if he’ll be too on board for that.” Affero asked.
“He’ll be given an offer he can’t refuse.” Octavia answered Affero. “Anyway Vinyl, I want you to perform five times a year for us here, and for all your other DJ friends to do the same.” Octavia told Vinyl.
“Ahh, geez Octavia. I don’t think I’ll be able to do that. My schedule’s pretty tight like always, and I’m sure so is everypony else’s.” Vinyl replied.
“You will play Vinyl.” Octavia told Vinyl, giving her a stern and intimidating look.
“Uh…yeah sure…no problem.” Vinyl replied, taken aback by her normally casual friend.
At that time, the doors burst open once more, and Emerald Green entered the room.
“Hey everypony, glad to see you all here! Prim, how ya doing? Affero, glad you’re here. Octavia, good to see you.” Emerald spoke, shaking Octavia’s hoof last.
“How are you Emerald?” Octavia asked.
“Good. Everything to your liking?” Emerald asked. “The food’s expertly cooked, the mares and stallions will leave your head spinning, and it’s great.”
Octavia and Emerald then took a seat across from one-another at the table in the room to start their meeting.
“So is our credit good enough to buy you out Emerald?” Octavia asked.
“Ha! Buy me out? Listen to this mare, I love it.” Emerald responded.
“I’m serious. This casino, and any others under your name. The Colteone family would like to buy you out.” Octavia told Emerald.
“The Colteone family wants to buy me out huh? I don’t think so. I buy YOU out, you don’t buy ME out.” Emerald responded, sounding quite annoyed at the end.
“I’ve heard that this casino has been losing money in the past months. Perhaps we can do better.” Octavia replied.
“You think I’m just getting by here?” Emerald asked.
“You’re unlucky.” Octavia responded.
Emerald’s eye began to twitch, before he stood up from his seat, bursting in laughter.
“Ha ha ha! You Celestia damned fillies make me laugh! I do you a favor by taking Affero in when you’re having a bad time, and then you try to kick me out?” Emerald retorted back.
“Now wait just a minute. You took Affero in because the Colteone family funded your casino, because your family could ensure his safety. Now we’re talking business here, so let’s talk business.” Octavia told Emerald.
Emerald took his seat once more, eyeing Octavia.
“Yeah, sure, let’s talk business. First of all; you’re done! The Colteone family doesn’t even have that kind of pull anymore. The Ponyfather is sick right? You’re being chased out of Manehattan by Silvinzi and the other families. What do you think is going on? You think you can come here to my casino and tell me to get lost!?” Emerald told Octavia. “I’ve talked to Silvinzi. I could make a deal with him and still keep my casino. Can you do that?”
Octavia took a sip of her drink from the table, before speaking.
“Is that why you slap my brother around in public?” She asked.
“Oh no, that wasn’t anything Octavia. Emerald didn’t mean anything by that. He just flies off the handle sometimes, but we’re good friends. Right Emerald?” Affero jumped in.
“I have a business to run. I need to kick some flanks around sometimes to make it run right. We had a little argument, so I had to straighten him out.” Emerald told Octavia.
Octavia put her glass on the table, tracing her hoof along the edges, causing it to make a sound.
“You straightened my brother out?” Octavia asked.
Emerald looked back and forth between Affero and Octavia, dumbstruck.
“He was banging the waitresses two at a time! The players couldn’t even get a drink at their tables. What’s wrong with you?!” Emerald told Octavia.
Octavia took another sip of her drink, before getting up from the table.
“I leave for Manehattan tomorrow. Think about a price.” She told Emerald.
Emerald tossed his drink on the floor, before getting up himself.
“You little bitch. Do you have any clue who I am!? I’m Emerald Green! I made my money while you were sleeping with colts in school!” Emerald told Octavia.
“Now hold on Emerald, I’ve got an idea.” Affero told Emerald, trying to calm him down. “Prim, you’re the consigliore, you can talk to the Don and explain…” He started to say to Prim, before she cut him short.
“Just a minute. The Don is semi-retired, and Octavia is in charge now. So anything you need to say, you can say to her.” Prim told Affero.
Affero turned back to Emerald, unsure of what to do next, but Emerald just stormed out of the room.
“Octavia, you do not come to Las Pegasus and talk to a pony like Emerald Green like that!” Affero yelled at Octavia.
Unfazed by what Affero just said to her, Octavia took a seat on one of the couches against the wall of the room. She then took a cigarette from Lucko next to her, lit it, and took a drag of what would be her first cigarette in her new business. After she blew out the smoke, she looked Affero square in the eyes, not showing any emotion.
“Affero. You’re my older brother, and I love you. But don’t ever take sides with anyone against the family again. Ever.”
A carriage arrived at the Colteone family home. The guards let the carriage through, and it quickly pulled up alongside the house. Once it came to a stop, Octavia, Apple Cinnamon, and a young colt exited the carriage. Apple Cinnamon patted the young colt on the head, giving his son a big smile.
“This is mommy’s family home.” Cinnamon told his son.
The young colt didn’t seem to pay much attention to his father, as he was too enveloped in looking around already.
Cinnamon then turned to Octavia, who was starting to walk away from the carriage.
“You know Octavia, perhaps we should all go to see a show sometime? I know we’re here so you can visit your family, but it’s been a while since ‘we’ve’ done anything as a family.”
“Hmm? Oh, yes. We should do something together sometime.” Octavia responded, seemingly lost in her own world.
“Bonnie also told me that she and Lucko want you to be Pony mother to their little foal.” Cinnamon added.
“I suppose I could.” Octavia replied. “After all, I would have an obligation to them as the new Don.”
The three of them then entered the house, as the carriage pulled away.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Octavia sat with her father on a bench outside the house. While she smoked a cigarette, her father took another sip of his cider. The two sat quietly for a minute, before Don Colteone started speaking to Octavia.
“Silvinzi is going to set you up with someone that you trust, and then you’ll be assassinated at the meeting.” He told her.
“I know.” Octavia replied, blowing out smoke at the same time.
Don Colteone took a large sip of his cider, nearly empting the glass.
“I seem to enjoy drinking cider more than I used to.” The Don spoke.
“And I seem to have grown accustomed to smoking as well.” Octavia replied, blowing a smoke ring.
The two sat quietly once more, before Don Colteone turned to Octavia, a somber look on his face.
“Are you happy with your husband and little colt?” He asked Octavia.
“Yes, I’m happy.” Octavia replied, knocking off the ashes on the end of her cigarette.
“Silvinzi is a tricky one, and I was careless to have let him get away with so much in my time.” The Don rambled at first. “How is your son doing?”
“He’s been good.” Octavia replied.
“You know, he looks more like you every day.” The Don spoke.
“He’s been learning to read faster that I did at his age, and he’s already gotten his cutie mark too.” Octavia told her father.
“Be sure to monitor all your calls for the meeting.” The Don said on another tangent.
“I already have.” Octavia replied.
“Oh, that’s right. I forgot that you already did.” The Don spoke.
Octavia put out her cigarette, before turning to her father.
“What’s wrong father? I already told you that I’ll handle everything.” She told her father.
Don Colteone let out a sigh, before finishing his cider.
“I never wanted any of this for you Octavia. I had always hoped that you would grow up to be the famous musician that you strived to be, and not get mixed up in the family business. There’s not even enough time for you to reach your goals either.” The Don told his daughter.
“We’ll get there father. We’ll get there.” Octavia replied, placing a hoof on her father’s shoulder.
The Don then stood up, letting Octavia’s hoof fall.
“Whoever comes to you at the meeting is the traitor.” He spoke, before walking away.
Octavia sat quietly, as her father walked back inside the house. She then lit another cigarette, taking a long drag on it, before letting out a large cloud of smoke with her sigh.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Several months later,
Don Colteone sat on a bench in the garden, while his grandson played in the small rows of wheat stalks before him. He took the knife he had with him, and cut another slice of one of the apples he had. When Octavia’s son got closer, the Don then called him over, before turning his back to him.
As the young colt got closer, the Don quickly spun back around on the bench, his hooves out wide. The apple slice he had just cut was in his mouth, and he seemed to have succeeded in scaring the colt. The young colt began to cry, and Don Colteone quickly apologized to him.
Now knowing that his grandfather just wanted to play, the young colt turned and ran back towards the wheat stalks. The Don got up from his seat, put the apple slice back in his mouth, and slowly trotted after his grandson, pretending to be a monster chasing him.
The two ran through the stalks for a few minutes, both enjoying themselves, until the Don began to cough, and the apple slice fell from his mouth. He stood there for a minute, his coughing and wheezing getting worse, until he finally collapsed to the ground. The young colt continued to run around, while the Don kept wheezing and twitching, before finally lying still on the ground, letting out one last breath.
The young colt then ran up to his grandfather, oblivious to what had just happened, and poked him in the stomach a couple times. Thinking that he was still playing with him, the colt turned and ran away, leaving his grandfather laying there on the ground.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
A week later,
Over 40 carriages traveled down the road, towards the Ponyville cemetery. As they each came to a stop outside the gates, several different ponies exited each one. Some of them held flowers, while others walked empty-hooved. Eventually, they all gathered around one casket on the hillside, where Octavia and her family were already sitting.
Octavia watched as one by one, ponies walked up to, and placed a rose on her father’s casket, saying a few words quietly to themselves each time. She even watched Silvinzi himself walk up, and place a rose on her father’s casket as well. She stared him down, but he just smiled at her, before walking away, and joining the other heads of the 5 families at the bottom of the hill. She watched as he shook the hooves of each of them, all with happy looks on their faces.
Keyzzio then approached Octavia, asking if he could speak with her.
“What is it Keyzzio?” Octavia asked.
“Silvinzi would like to have a meeting with you Octavia, to straighten things out.” Keyzzio told Octavia.
“Very well.” Octavia replied. “I’ll agree to the meeting, as long as we can hold it in your territory in Hooflyn.
Keyzzio nodded his head in agreement, before walking over to Silvinzi, to tell him of Octavia’s acceptance.
“Do you know how they’ll come at you?” Prim Raining asked, leaning her head in towards Octavia.
“Yes, I do.” Octavia replied.
“I always thought that it would be Jubileena that would turn on you.” Prim spoke.
“No, Keyzzio was always smarter.” Octavia spoke.
Prim sat there for a moment, thinking it over, before she realized that Octavia was probably right.
“I’m going to wait until after the baptism of Bonnie’s foal, before I become Pony Father.” Octavia told Prim. “Then I’ll meet with Don Silvinzi, Tarttaglia, and all the other heads of the 5 families.”
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
The day of the baptism,
Octavia and Apple Cinnamon walked up to the altar, with Bonnie’s foal in Cinnamon’s hooves. Octavia then helped Cinnamon take the cap off the foal’s head, before the Priest began to speak. As the priest spoke, and began to perform the baptism, Octavia stood quietly, seeming to stare off into space.
Meanwhile, on opposite sides of Equestria, members of Octavia’s family prepared themselves for the deeds they were about to commit.
As part of the baptism, the Priest then spoke to Octavia.
“Octavia Melody, do you believe in Princess Celestia’s rule, and her everlasting sun?” The Priest asked.
“I do.” Octavia answered.
“Do you believe in Princess Luna’s rule, and her everlasting night?” The Priest asked.
“I do.” Octavia answered.
“Do you believe in Princess Cadence's rule, and her everlasting love?” The Priest asked.
“I do.” Octavia answered.
The Priest then continued the baptism, while the members of Octavia’s family got into position for their deeds.
Cabbie, a new member to the family, waited by his taxi, while Don Silvinzi and his bodyguard exited his office building in Manehattan.
A random family henchman sat and waited in the lobby of a Manehattan hotel.
Jubileena waited outside an elevator in another Manehattan hotel.
Emerald Green laid down for a massage in one of his casinos, unaware of an unknown assassin waiting outside.
The Priest then spoke to Octavia again, as another part of the baptism.
“Octavia, do you renounce the monstrosities of Tartarus?” The Priest asked.
At the same time of the Priest asking Octavia her question, the family members of the Colteone family carried out their deeds.
As Don Strawcci and his bodyguard exited the elevator in the Manehattan hotel, Jubileena gunned them both down with a shotgun.
“I do renounce them.” Octavia answered.
Just as Emerald Green was about to begin his massage, the unknown assassin entered the room and shot Emerald in the face.
“Do you renounce all of their activities?” The Priest asked.
The random family henchman got up from his seat in the other Manehattan hotel, just as Don Poneno entered a revolving door. The henchman blocked the door from moving further, thus trapping Don Poneno inside. The henchman then pulled out a revolver, and shot Don Poneno through the glass door.
“I do renounce them.” Octavia answered.
Blues kicked in the door of a hotel room in Filly Delphia, where he found Don Tarttaglia and a pleasure mare in bed. He then unloaded his machine gun on them, killing them both.
“And do you renounce all of their lies?” The Priest asked.
“I do renounce them.” Octavia answered.
As Don Silvinzi’s bodyguard approached the taxi, Cabbie pulled out a revolver and shot the bodyguard dead. He then turned to Don Silvinzi, whom began to run away, and shot him dead as well. A carriage then pulled up alongside Cabbie, and he quickly got inside, before the carriage sped away.
“Octavia Melody, would you be baptized?” The Priest asked.
“I will.” Octavia answered.
The Priest then poured water on the foal, while the bodies of the other heads of the 5 families, and Emerald Green, bled where they lie.
“Octavia Melody, go in peace, and may the sunshine of Princess Celestia light your way. Amen” The Priest told Octavia.
As Octavia exited the church, Lucko approached her to give her a message.
“Everything’s been done Octavia.”
“Good.” Octavia replied. “However, there’s been a change of plans Lucko.”
“What do you mean?” He asked.
“You’ll no longer be going to Las Pegasus with the family.” Octavia responded.
Lucko was about to ask why, but Octavia cut him off.
“Instead, I want you to return to the Colteone family home, and wait for my call.” Octavia told Lucko.
Lucko thought about questioning Octavia’s decision, but instead decided to listen to her. He then got in a carriage and left for the home.
Octavia in the meantime, kissed Apple Cinnamon, and her mother goodbye, before leaving herself.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Back at the Colteone family home,
Keyzzio received a call from Octavia, informing him that the meeting with Octavia and Silvinzi was going to be taking place shortly, and that he needed to leave immediately. After hanging up the phone, Keyzzio spoke to Prim in the room with him, telling her about the results.
“I think Octavia’s going to get us a good deal Prim.” He told her.
“I would agree.” Prim answered Keyzzio.
The two of them then left the office and headed outside to the carriage waiting. Once outside, Keyzzio saw Lucko waiting with a few of the guards, before Lucko approached the two, and started talking to Prim.
“Octavia wants Keyzzio to travel ahead.” Lucko told Prim, looking at Keyzzio at the end.
Keyzzio took another look from Lucko to the waiting guards, and was quickly able to read the situation. He turned to Prim, to speak to her one last time.
“Tell Octavia that it was always business, and that I liked her.” Keyzzio told Prim. He then walked over to the guards, but turned to Prim again, giving a chuckle. “Don’t suppose you can get me off the hook for old time’s sake?” He asked.
“No.” Prim replied. She then walked back inside the house, and watched from the window, as Keyzzio got in the carriage and was taken away.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
Later that day,
Lucko started dialing a number from the kitchen phone in the Colteone family home. However, before he could even hear the sound of the phone calling, Octavia, Prim, and a guard walked into the room, and he quickly put the phone back on the receiver.
“You have to pay for Sunny, Lucko.” Octavia told him.
Lucko began to plead with Octavia, but she simply raised a hoof, silencing him.
“Take a seat.” Octavia told Lucko.
Lucko sat down in the nearest seat, and Octavia pulled up a chair next to him, before sitting down herself. Prim took a seat in a chair against the wall, as Octavia started speaking again.
“Silvinzi’s dead.” She told Lucko. “So is Wensley Tarttaglia, Emerald Green, Strawcci, and Poneno. Today I’m settling all family business, so don’t tell me that you’re innocent. Admit what you did.”
Lucko started began to cry, and Octavia told the guard to get Lucko a drink. Lucko continued to cry, as Octavia began to pat him on the back.
“Come on Lucko. Come on, do you think I would really make my sister a widow?” She told him. “I’m Pony mother to your foal Lucko.”
The guard then brought Lucko his drink, and Octavia told him to drink it. Lucko took a swig, and Octavia started talking again.
“You’re out of the family business Lucko, you’re finished. I’m putting you on a train to Las Pegasus.” Octavia told him. She then motioned towards Prim, and Prim gave her a train ticket, which she gave to Lucko. “I want you to stay there. Do you understand?”
Lucko nodded his head in acknowledgment, tears still in his eyes.
“Now don’t tell me that you’re innocent, because it only insults my intelligence, and it makes me very angry.” Octavia calmly told Lucko. “Now who approached you?” She asked him. “Tarttaglia or Silvinzi?”
Lucko looked around, before taking a deep breath, and answering Octavia.
“It was Silvinzi.” He told her.
Octavia and Lucko stared at each other in silence for a minute, before Octavia spoke.
“Good.” She said, before getting up from her seat. “There’s a carriage waiting outside to take you to the train station. I’ll call your wife, and tell her when the train leaves.”
Lucko stood up to try to plead with Octavia one last time, but just as he started speaking, Octavia cut him off.
“Now get out of my sight.” She told him.
Lucko then put on his hat and tie, and left the house. Outside, the guards were finishing putting the last of Lucko’s bags into the trunk of the carriage, and Lucko got inside as soon as they were done. Once he got himself seated, he looked behind him, and noticed Jubileena in the back seat.
“Hello Lucko.” She told him.
Lucko then turned back around, and was immediately strangled by Jubileena, as the carriage began to drive away.
Octavia, having just witnessed the entire scene, then got into her own carriage, and left the Colteone family home herself.
/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\
One month later,
Moving ponies went back and forth from the Colteone family home, as they moved every last piece of furniture from the house. A carriage soon arrived at the home, and a very disgruntled Bonnie exited from the carriage. She quickly made her way inside, past the moving ponies, and started yelling for Octavia.
“Octavia! Octavia where are you!?”
Octavia walked out of the family office, and confronted the angry Bonnie.
“How could you!? How could you murder Lucko!? Was it because of the way he treated me, or was it because you thought he had something to do with Sunny’s death!? Huh!?” Bonnie yelled at her sister.
“Bonnie, please calm down.” Octavia tried to tell her sister.
“No! I hate you! I’m ashamed at everything that you’ve done! I never want to see you again!” Bonnie yelled at her sister once more, before running out of the house, tears in her eyes.
Apple Cinnamon then walked into the room, having just walked past Bonnie as she ran out.
“What was all that about Octavia?” He asked.
“Bonnie’s just being hysterical Cinnamon. Don’t pay her any mind.” She told him.
“Well, was any of it true?” He asked.
“Don’t ask me about my business Cinnamon.” Octavia replied.
“Is any of it true?” Cinnamon asked, more demanding.
“I said, don’t ask me about my business.” Octavia responded, more stern.
Apple Cinnamon took a step back, a defeated and confused look on his face. He turned his head away, causing Octavia to see his concern. Octavia let out a sigh, before she spoke to Cinnamon.
“Fine. I’ll let you ask me about my affairs just this ‘one’ time.” She told him.
“Is it true?” Cinnamon asked, a desperate look on his face.
“No.” Octavia told him, with slight smile to make him believe her.
Cinnamon let out a sigh of relief, as he gave Octavia a hug.
“I’m so glad to hear that Octavia.” He told her. “I’ll go get us some drinks.”
Cinnamon then walked over to a table across from the office door, where there were a couple of glasses and bottles of cider that hadn’t been put into the moving van yet. As he opened one of the bottles, and began to pour the cider into a glass, he looked over towards the office. Inside, he could see and hear Jubileena greet Octavia as “Don Colteone”, before kissing Octavia’s hoof. He also saw Cabbie and Blues standing next to them, bowing their heads as Jubileena kissed Octavia’s hoof.
A frown appeared on Cinnamon’s face, as he then saw Octavia look at him from inside the room, emotionless, only to then have his view blocked by Prim, whom proceeded to shut the door.
