> Elemental Duet
>  by Limescale
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	A fine strong wind and a following sea, Celestia’s sun a ball of fire in an otherwise spotless sky and only the gentlest rock of the boat to indicate it was still in motion.

To Octavia, this was definitely a B-Minor type of day, perfect for some low notes to be carried away from her cello and onto the gusty breeze around her. Nimbly she tuned each string on her prized instrument to just the perfect pitch, picked up her bow and began playing a bit of Manezart, her coal black mane flowing around her head almost in tune with the stream of her notes, and the waves that carried the boat. Today marked the tenth day of a badly needed vacation, a break from her normal fare at the grand theatres of Canterlot and an escape from less than pleasant drama that surrounded her last performance at the Grand Galloping Gala. A time for her to step out of the stress and strain that being a performer for high society entailed and actually enjoy a few of the rewards earned from her efforts. Her boat, The Sonnet of Harmony was proving every bit the modest but durable craft it had been advertised as, the weather around the Bali Isles could not have been better and for once she played her cello for no one’s satisfaction but her own.

Well, her own and perhaps the other traveler joining her on this little trip, on the days he wasn’t preoccupied with the upkeep of the boat…or trying to shove aside any reminders of the life the two of them had just left.

“Still fiddling away with the dusty old classics, Octy? I thought the whole reason we were out here was for you to get some new ideas, some new compositions that you could claim as your own rather than keep playing the work of others.”

A slight bob caused Octavia to maul one of the notes. She took it as a sign to stop as Harpo, her colleague and friend, climbed out of a hatch in the deck. He was dressed in a simple loud tropical themed shirt and shorts, about as far a cry as could be from his usual ensemble of crisp, pressed shirts, immaculate dress suits and polished cufflinks. Course then again, who was Octavia to judge as one currently draped in a black bikini and a flowing sarong, when normally her choice of attire was a bow tie, a stiff, starched collar and silk evening gowns. 

“I am…but…like yesterday, and the day before, it doesn’t seem like anything wants to come to me.” She sighed while putting her bow down. “The day couldn’t be more perfect, there’s plenty to inspire me…yet my mind remains uninspired. It’s just…like there’s something missing…and without it all I can do is play other ponies’ works.”

Harpo stared off the bow of the boat. A small marina leading into a small and typically tropical island was coming into view in the distance, but that was about the only feature on an otherwise spotless ocean vista.

“Maybe a change from what we’ve been seeing for the last few days would help? We could dock at that island up ahead and see about resupplying?”

Octavia raised an eyebrow. “You said yesterday that we’d be good for another two weeks with what we have.”

“Yeah but I forgot to check how we’re doing on things like laundry and cleaning. Some of the towels could do with a wash.”

Octavia looked to the horizon. It beckoned with the promise of possible ideas, if only she stayed where she was and let it guide her mind along with her bow.

“It can’t be that bad…” She said, to Harpo’s annoyance.

“Do your towels normally bend?” He asked, supressing a snicker as the charcoal grey mare glared at him then sighed.

“Fine! Fine! Steer us over and get us docked. Might as well see what the locals have on offer.” She sighed shaking her head as Harpo happily ran back to man the wheel and turn them towards the island as it drew closer. Setting her cello down, Octavia rose and walked over to the railing. A strip of gleaming white beach stretched out from either side of the marina, with the expected collection of umbrellas and ponies going about either their daily lives or their holidays camped out on it. Indeed there seemed to be quite a few ponies milling about the part that bordered on what looked to be a small resort, a resort that certainly seemed hopping with all the activity and the…very odd sounds coming from it.

“What in Equestria is that racket?” Octavia asked as her ears twisted and strained to try and pick up on it.

“Dunno, but so long as it’s not your typical symphony fare I welcome it!” Harpo called from behind as he guided the boat into the marina. Up close, Octavia saw pretty much everywhere was bustling and vibrant. The marina and the marketplace beyond it seemed packed equally with locals and those decked out in the standard attire of tourists. 

“Certainly seems to be drawing in the crowds.” Octavia commented upon seeing several ponies idly jigging to what they could pick up of the very odd tunes. Harpo hopped off and began to tie the boat up while Octavia stepped onto the dock and stared with a curious air at the resort. “What is this place?”

“Moku Mau Loa, apparently.”

Octavia turned around. “Sorry?”

Harpo gestured to a sign posted over the marina. 

“Moku Mau Loa, Island of Eternity.” The stallion read. “Hmm, sounds delightfully mystical.”

Octavia’s ears twitched as another deep thudding reverberation vibrated her hooves. Were the day not graced by a spotless sky it could possibly have passed as thunder. As such could not be the case the grey mare instead checked the island scenery, making sure there wasn’t a volcano around that was about to erupt.

“Sounds like something at least…hmmm…I’ve really got to find out what that is I keep hearing on the air. Care to go exploring with me?” She asked. Checking the ship was tied up, Harpo shrugged and smiled.

“By all means, lead the way Octy.”

The two followed a throng of ponies to the resort, the deep beats and thuds growing to fill the world, making every being feel its rhythm as they drew closer. Octavia idly twisted her head this way and that as she slowly began to make out definite notes and chords, though nothing akin to what she knew of music. Still, if she couldn’t recognize it then that was more cause for her to investigate and thus she strode to the edge of what appeared to be a brightly illuminated arena. Hundreds of ponies seemed to be gathered and dancing about to the strange music, which Octavia could now see was coming from a stage set up manned by a most unusual sort. A unicorn mare of pure alabaster white with a spiky dual-toned electric blue mane was standing at a machine of some manner, spinning what appeared to be records on turntables while flipping switches and turning dials to mix the sounds produced. A pair of huge sunglasses with opaque purple lenses hid her eyes from view, and on her ears (well one of them at least) she had a pair of headphones. A t-shirt emblazoned with a picture of a lightning bolt striking a pair of speakers and stylish tattered jeans completed the ensemble. Every time she pressed a hand to a record to make it spin slower, or adjusted one of the many controls on the machine the music changed as a result, yet despite the constant alterations being made it never seemed to lose the harmony of its tune.

“What is…going on here?” Octavia asked breathlessly, the constant hammering beats making it feel like the air was being forced from her lungs.

“A kanikapila, apparently. The 25th one to be hosted here.” 

Again she turned to Harpo in confusion. “What?”

Again the stallion sighed and pointed to another sign hanging in plain view over the dancing ponies. 

“Moku Mau Loa, 25th Annual Kanikapila. I’m guessing it’s a musical jam event of some kind.” He said. Octavia shook her head and resumed listening to the beat.

“If this is music it’s nothing that Canterlot has ever been witness to, least not that I know of.” She commented while feeling her body rock slightly with the tunes, bobbing upon the streaming rhythm like her boat had been doing in the waves not too long ago. “I’ve certainly never heard anything like this!”

Harpo raised a curious eyebrow as the mare closed her eyes. “You sound rather fascinated by that.”

The music slowly built to a crescendo, like a wave racing towards a union with the shore. It crested, tilted into a descent, then crashed into a frenzy of earth shattering deep bass. 

“It’s…loud that’s for sure!” She yelled while covering her ears. “Kind of enthralling in how raw and untamed it is though.” 

Harpo tapped his hooves as he too was brought under its spell.

“Kinda suits the environment no?” He said while swaying his hips. Octavia broke from her focus to see her companion apparently intending to get down with the crowd.

“Are you dancing?” She asked, getting a sheepish smile.

“I suppose you could call it that. Not quite the same as any ballroom, but it doesn’t seem like anyone here really has any care for grace or poise. They just let the music tell them how to move.” He said while sauntering into the crowd. Octavia looked around and saw a bar that looked far more suitable for her needs.

“Well as I said, hypnotic.” She walked over and ordered a scotch before turning to watch Harpo meld with the crowd. Indeed every pony was putting on a most comical performance with their unrefined moves, sloppy effort to stay with the music and drunken expressions, yet only she seemed to find the scene funny. The rest of the gathered souls, they just seemed to be glad to be there, glad to be swayed by the power of the all-consuming beat. 

“Most fascinating.” The grey mare murmured as her drink arrived and she drank of the intoxicating nectar. Even if the music hadn’t quite overridden the somewhat snobbish part of her that adamantly refused to make an exhibit of herself on the dance floor that didn’t mean it couldn’t enthrall her in other ways. The aid of the booze certainly helped to loosen her restraint against the heavy hitting charm of the tune. 

Octavia looked to the mare on the stage, how she so effortlessly spun, flipped, and changed the music to suit her purpose. It was almost like watching her weave a spell (not an unlikely possibility considering what type of pony she was) but the horn on her head remained interestingly static, showing there was no magic involved in this. The apparent mistress of this event was making everypony dance to her tune using her whims alone, though whether that was a good thing or not remained to be seen. 

“Still, how different is our own intent when we take our seat in the orchestra?” Octavia mused as she sipped and contemplated. Indeed when she played for the crowds her desire was to have a similar effect upon the ears and the hearts of all around her. She wanted her cello to be a communicator of her own soul, a means of expressing the music that fuelled the fire within her. 

It was yet another reason why she so desired to compose something of her own doing now, and was so aggravated that all she could come up with was the work of her peers. Not that she bore them any ill-will but just mimicking the sounds and the feelings of others could only satisfy one for so long. 

Octavia brought the glass to her lips again, only to feel the liquid in it splash against her lips. The unicorn had brought her music to a very thunderous end, announcing her work was done and now was the time for her audience to show their appreciation. 

Judging by the deafening cheers that erupted, they appreciated it very much.

“Thank you! Thank you all! Been saving that one up just for this occasion! Something to get this island rocking and some hooves a knocking!” The unicorn shouted into a mike. Many ponies stamped their hooves on the dance floor to compliment her while there came a cry of what sounded like a local phrase: Hana hou! Hana Hou!


“Oh worry not my friends, DJ-P0N3 shall return in due course after she refuels on some of your lovely local vintages. For now, however, I bid you all to welcome my totally rad colleague: Neon ‘DJ TRON’ Lights! Let’s give it up again!” 

A stallion wearing a colorful assortment of glowing neon bands around his neck and legs, as well as a t-shirt and shorts patterned with a glowing circuit style design, stepped up to take over at the machine, while the mare hopped off the stage and made a bee-line for the bar. 

“I trust there’s a nice refreshing glass of coconut rum with my name on it somewhere, Sea Breeze?” The unicorn asked as she spun herself onto the stool beside Octavia. 

“But of course, Miss Scratch. Right here!” A glass of a pale white liquid garnished with a few palm leaves on top was slid in front of the unicorn. “Fraid we don’t have a glass with your name on it, but if you’d care to leave an autograph…”

The unicorn lowered her glasses, revealing a pair of eyes as red as rubies and which sparkled with the same manner of mystical desire. She shot the grinning mare behind the bar a look then took a long drink of the rum.

“Unless you want me to try etching something on the glass, which I would not recommend, I’m not sure how I’m supposed to do that in a way that won’t wash off.”

“Oh we don’t wash the glasses that get autographed. We keep them on our little shelf of fame, right here.”

Sea Breeze pointed above her head, where several bar glasses sat, each baring a signature of some well-known pony. The unicorn smirked.

“Well, how can I refuse an invitation to leave my mark upon this place? Not that I haven’t already but if you’re going to twist my arm about it…”

Sea Breeze slid a marker across the bar as the unicorn DJ downed her drink in one go. She slammed the glass back down and coughed with a wild smile.

“Oh yeah! They just do not make rum like out here!”

The marker was snapped up and the unicorn swept it across the glass. Breeze smiled softly.

“Next one’s on the house for that, Miss Scratch.”

“Tsh, please, formalities do not become an easy going community like this. Just Vinyl will do.”

Octavia arched an eyebrow as she read the other mare’s signature, stating she was as she addressed herself on stage, not as she’d been by the barmare.

“Just how many names do you have?” She asked without thinking. The unicorn turned and smirked in bemusement.

“Only two. It’s DJ-P0N3 when I’m on the wheels, and Vinyl Scratch everywhere else.” Vinyl (as she properly was) replied, trying not to snicker as Octavia looked more lost.

“The…wheels?” She asked.

“Wheels of Steel, decks, turntables….record player things?” Vinyl nodded to the machine that was blaring a whole new kind of raw yet subtly compelling rhythm under the hands of her colleague. “Not a longtime fan of the dubstep scene are you?”  

Octavia blushed and licked the splattered whiskey off her lips. “No…not yet. Give me time though.”

Vinyl accepted her second drink and sipped it slowly, watching as the mare next to her returned to studying the thrall of dancing ponies with her ears cocked forward. Though she seemed resolute about remaining where she was, the mare was still listening closely to the bass and drops of the music. Vinyl’s curiosity grew.

“Well you certainly seem into the wubs, if not into their instruction.” The unicorn commented while slowly scanning down Octavia’s body, noting the slight tensing and flexing of her muscles as she let the beat infuse into her.  “A mare of similarly musical skill I take it?”

Octavia closed her eyes and bowed her head in meditation upon what her ears were listening to. 

“Is it that obvious?” She asked. Vinyl nodded though she knew Octavia wouldn’t see it. 

“Your body language makes it pretty plain. You give off the signs of one who understands the rhythm of what they’re hearing but not the genre.” She explained with a snicker. “Also your cutie mark is kind of a dead giveaway.”

The mare’s eyes snapped open, her cheeks tinting as she saw Vinyl pointing at the treble clef upon her thigh. 

“Yet, you don’t seem put off by what must be a very stark contrast to the classics….hmmm….” The unicorn commented.

Octavia shrugged and drained her own glass, signaling for a refill. 

“Just because it’s different doesn’t mean it’s bad. Certainly seems to be sitting well with my friend there…the one in the eye sore of a shirt….stumbling about like he has two left hooves…” She opened her eyes to see Vinyl pointing questioningly to Harpo, who was very much prancing about with no care to how foolish he looked. “Yes that guy.” 

Vinyl laughed uproariously. “And what brings two classically trained types out among the islands where the raw beat of nature is more preferred?”

Octavia snorted in frustration. 

“Would you believe we both just wanted a change of pace? Something different from the usual fare of Canterlot and all the traditional demands of sophisticated society?” She asked, narrowing her eyes as Vinyl laughed again.

“Yes, though with that background that’s the last thing I’d ever expect a pony like you to say.” She replied, then upon sensing Octavia’s growing irritation quickly added. “Not that that’s bad, just a new one on me.”  

Octavia rolled her eyes but still found herself smiling. 

“It’s a new one on both of us.” The grey mare replied and resumed her meditative listening of the music. As much as she seemed fine with what she was hearing, Vinyl felt a little put off that Octavia was the only pony not currently letting herself go wild on the dance floor. A mare as fine as she would definitely turn heads if she just let the music show her how to move…course then again, maybe it was better that she wasn’t. That meant Vinyl didn’t have to peer over a throng of other bodies to study how the earth pony cast at least one stereotype to the wind by not turning up her nose at a different genre. 

The unicorn in fact remained staring in quiet fascination till her ears picked up the closing notes of her colleague’s set and she realized she needed to get back on stage.

“Well if I can persuade you to stay for a bit longer, I’ve got another new piece to let loose upon the crowd. Might suit your fancy.” Vinyl winked as she finished her drink, adjusted her glasses and headed to resume her masterful control over the enthralled masses. Octavia nodded and leaned back against the bar as a brief silence heralded the changing of one musician to another.

“Alright party ponies! As promised the almighty DJ-P0N3 has returned! Who’s ready to rock this island paradise?” 

Cheers erupted, though Vinyl still frowned and cupped a hand around her ear.

“Mmm, didn’t quite hear ya. I said who’s ready to rock this island paradise?”

The cheers erupted again at double the volume, motivated as much by the crowd’s demand for more as their seeming fear that if the unicorn wished it, she could deprive them all of that which had whipped them up into such a joyous frenzy. Octavia found this reaction oddly exciting. 

“Well have a listen of this then!” Vinyl called into the microphone as two new records were slapped onto the turntables (wheels, decks, whatever) and a vibrant hum of fierce notes began to play over the sounds of seagulls and crashing waves. It was clearly meant to be a somewhat slower piece to offset the fast thrill of what had come before, yet expertly tailored to suit the scenery of a tropical island vista. 

Octacia steepled her fingers and delved deep into her thoughts, no longer just listening to the music but now assimilating it into her own memory of chords and themes. A part of her mind that had remained frustratingly obstinate in helping her creativity was suddenly creaking open, as if summoned from slumber like a snake might do upon detecting the tune of a charmer’s flute.

“Don’t suppose I could interest you in another refill ma’am?” Breeze queried from behind. Octavia felt a smile creep across her face.

“That and a notepad and pen if you have them. I believe my fancy is indeed being suited here.” 

The drink and require writing materials were placed on the bar, and Octavia spun around to begin jotting at speed, her hand sweeping ink across the paper as the music swept many a soul across the dance floor.

“Keep talking to me, Vinyl Scratch. You may be just what I’ve needed to fuel my own work!” The grey mare grinned as she began to outline a possible composition.   


> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Well, that was certainly different.” Harpo panted as he and Octavia headed back to their boat. 

“Yes but in a way that seemed to suit you just fine.” The grey mare replied, surreptitiously eyeing how her companion’s legs trembled with each step from the vigorous dancing. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you looking so carefree and happy before.” 

Harpo stumbled as his weary muscles faltered in keeping his body supported. The passing locals did him the service of not laughing at his plight, not that the stallion would’ve cared.

“I honestly didn’t even know I had it in me. It was like the music just demanded I follow what it told me…” He said with a dreamy look on his face. “Almost a shame I didn’t see you doing likewise.”

Octavia looked down at the notes she’d been scribbling all throughout the kanikapila, her interpretation of what the strange unicorn known as Vinyl Scratch had communicated to the masses with her music. 

“I was instructed in my own way.” Octavia said distantly. “Honestly, I’ve got some thinking to do after witnessing that. I trust the laundry can wait a few more hours?” 

Harpo noted they were passing a laundromat and chuckled.

“I think I may need to find a spot to stretch out in the sun. It’s been too long since these bones were put through such strenuous activity.” He grunted, much to Octavia’s mirth. While age had done very little to tarnish the stallion’s features, the years spent doing little besides playing his harp and enjoying the high life were starting to show. Granted he was hardly an old fogey, but he still had at least an extra decade on her.

“Better pace yourself then, they did mention this little event of theirs lasts the entire week.” She smiled, and then politely stifled a giggle as Harpo took offense.

“Hey now! Least I was out there rather than sitting on the side lines! Just you watch! I’ll be doing the same thing tomorrow!” He declared before deliberately walking off to find somewhere to rest.

“I look forward to seeing that.” Octavia replied snidely before spotting a small café by the marina. Grabbing a table she looked over her notes again, glad to be afforded some privacy so she could analyze what Vinyl’s music had said to her. As out of both her comfort zone and realm of knowledge as it may have been, the power it demonstrated over all who’d listened could not be ignored. That was what Octavia yearned to reproduce with her own work, a composition that would have the entire audience at the Canterlot Symphony Hall enraptured by each note.

The only problem was, of course, how did one translate music produced via electronic machinery to that which could be done with traditional instruments?

Signaling a member of staff, Octavia ordered a glass of water and sat back, staring blankly at the sheets of paper on the table. She could of course just try playing what she’d heard on her cello, but that’d defeat the purpose of trying to come up with something of her own making, not to mention there was no guarantee she could replicate the same effect. Using the same manner of mechanical aid to alter the sound (she’d had the forethought to pack a tape recorder for her trip) was also out since that wasn’t her style. She needed something pure, untainted and with the same raw passion as what she’d heard at the resort. If only she could work out how….

“You know, not that I wish to nay say another pony’s preferences, but there’s water back at the resort too. You don’t need to come all the way out here to hydrate yourself.” 

Octavia looked up from her musings to see the unexpected figure of none other than the DJ who was now responsible for her mental turmoil. 

“Well the marina and my boat are out here so I have cause to want to linger in this direction.” The grey mare replied while adopting a perfectly composed and pretty position in her seat. It was mostly done to egg on the white unicorn but Octavia did love showing off her breeding as a Canterlot resident from time to time. “By the same bit, what are you doing out here as the one who’s meant to be wowing the crowds back at said resort?” 

Vinyl lifted her shades and gave Octavia a weird look before smirking.

“Staff takes too long to restock the snack bar in my room so I decided to hit the marketplace for some munchies.” She held up a shopping bag filled with various tropical fruits, nuts and fresh veggies. “The natives here have quite the knack for rearing all manner of tasty treats from their farms. Care to try some with me?”

Octavia arched a curious eyebrow, and then gestured to an empty seat by her table. “By all means.”

Vinyl sat down and set the bag on the table, sorting through her purchases for what looked the most appetizing. 

“I never did catch your name back there at the resort by the way.”

“It’s Octavia. Octavia Melody Philharmonica.” The grey mare replied, to a very bemused grin.

“Well, obviously I was right about you being a fellow musician with that handle, but at the same time…really? Doesn’t that get to be a bit of a mouthful to say at times?” Vinyl inquired. Octavia now looked confused.

“Well some do prefer to shorten it.” She replied cautiously as Vinyl picked up a knife and sliced through some manner of red fruit decorated with green leafy fringes. 

“Alright then, Tavi, here you go!” Vinyl levitated half of the fruit over to the now very bewildered looking earth pony. “Know what this is?”

Octavia plucked the offering out of the unicorn’s magic. She noticed that it looked even stranger on the inside, its pulp a pristine white filled with dozens of tiny black seeds. For a moment Octavia found herself pondering if she was in fact supposed to eat the bizarre assortment of colors or just admire the artistry that nature had put into its formation.

“I haven’t the foggiest idea.” She admitted, to another laugh.

“It’s known as a pitaya, or more commonly a ‘dragon fruit’. Originally it’s from the Far East, around the border between Neighpon and the dragon lands there. Over the years though it’s found its way across the tropical regions and is now grown pretty much anywhere where there’s tons of heat and humidity.” Vinyl messily bit into her half, smearing juice and seeds all over her mouth. “It’s known for having a very creamy sweet flavor, perfect thing to refresh yourself on a hot day!”

With her curiosity now rising again, Octavia daintily nibbled upon the fruit. Her eyes went wide as the flesh yielded a sensation that could almost be described as liquid ice cream, indeed rich and yet quenching.

“That is…huh.” Octavia took a larger bite and savored how the fruit seemed to melt in her mouth. “It’s a nice change from apples, that’s for certain.”

Vinyl smiled. “I generally try to grab them whenever I visit this region.”

Octavia’s ears perked. “You travel much?”

“Wherever my job or my music takes me. Yeah the crowds and the publicity may be in Canterlot and Manehattan and the other big cities, but out here….” The unicorn sighed happily. “Here is where the elements are!”

The grey mare’s ears rose every higher. “The elements?”

“Yeah, earth, water, fire, wind, rain, thunder, the natural aspects that go into making the music of life possible.”  Vinyl replied. Noting that she had completely lost the one listening, the unicorn pushed her shades onto her forehead and leaned forward. “Tell me, when you were listening to my beats, what words would you say best described what you heard?”

Octavia looked down at her notes, picking out a tactfully apt selection from what she’d written on the unicorn’s unusual music.

“Well, ‘loud’ definitely….‘chaotic’ would fit too…but I’d also describe it as ‘primordial’, ‘raw’, ‘wild’….” The mare broke off as her instinctive aversion to anything different was derailed by her recalling what had pulled her towards the DJ’s work. “It was also full of passion, a love for creating something out of little more than basic notes. A masterpiece formed from simple, unrefined foundations…no finesse, no gentrification, just unbridled, beautiful rhythm….” 

Silence held as Octavia searched her notes for some other words to describe her opinion. When no more could be found she looked up to see Vinyl was biting her lip while a strange sparkle of enthrall danced in her ruby eyes.

“Wow that started off typical, then got downright sappy!” The unicorn chortled. “I expected to hear the first few words you used but the rest….well, you hit upon what I strive for, even if you weren’t aware of it. My beats are meant to evoke that raw energy that’s infused into the elements of life.  Just like Celestia used six of said elements to create harmony in the old myths, dubtrot works on bringing music out of the basic essence that’s all around us. It’s also why I treasure getting to work gigs in places like this because out here there’s no urbanization or mass of ponies getting in the way. Out here, you can really find true inspiration!”

Vinyl’s chatter grew more animated as she delved into the core of both her passion and her profession, and Octavia was now hanging eagerly on every word. 

“Such was my own reason for venturing beyond the mainland…hmmm…” Octavia pondered. "So your secret is basically that you listen to what the world around you has to say, then translate that into your music? That's how it's able to grip the listener and speak to them so...clearly?"  

Vinyl turned her gaze away, chewing over Octavia's improvised dissection of her methods. Finally she just smiled and shrugged.

"I suppose you could call it that."

Octavia reached for the dragon fruit and took another bite. She now studied the flavor not as simply something to delight her taste buds but as Vinyl had described: a creation made possible from little more than the elements that had gone into helping it grow and ripen. 

“If you’ll excuse me, Miss Scratch, I need to get back to my boat. You’ve given me much to think about.” 

Vinyl watched as the grey mare stood and retied her sarong, pulling it tightly around her svelte figure. Her eyes slowly tracked Octavia’s passage as she grabbed her notes and walked away from the café, the breeze giving her coal black mane just the right amount of flow as she headed down towards the marina.

“You and me both, Tavi. You and me both.” The unicorn smiled while pulling her shades back down over her eyes. 



> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Cracking an eye open, Harpo looked at the position of Celestia’s sun. It was getting close to the horizon, the day was coming to an end, and yet Octavia still had yet to come looking for him. Fair enough, he wasn’t that eager to be found just yet. The waves crashing in his ears and the slow sway of the palm trees around him was proving too nice a contrast to his usual environment of crowded city streets, congested air and block after block of concrete eyesores. 

That was the problem with Harpo. Despite having made it big in the city, he’d never really grown to see it as his ideal place to be. He’d been born in one of the more rural areas outside of Canterlot and had thus always equated space and nature with home. Sadly such was not where one stood to make any money as a musician and so the stallion had sacrificed his own personal comfort for success with the big name orchestras, and had done so for going on almost forty years now. 

Harpo sighed as he sat up and felt his body still aching from the dancing. He’d done alright for himself, no doubt about that, but it was getting to the point where he was honestly starting to wonder how much longer he’d have to keep doing it. Age was sneaking up on him fast if he couldn’t even handle himself manning a boat and getting funky every now and then, and he didn’t want to keep wasting it somewhere where he wouldn’t be happy.

Rubbing his sore legs, Harpo made to stand. A walk would do him well, especially if he was going to act on his desire to return to the resort tomorrow for more of their music. He just needed to knock some of the rust off his joints and…

Harpo grimaced as his shoulders screamed from moving. He sat back down and rubbed them too. Dammit, out of all his body parts those should’ve at least been able to endure a little frantic jigging about! They’d been able to handle having his heavy harp resting on them for endless recitals, there was no excuse!

“Pardon me, are you okay there?”

Harpo turned to see a cute mare with bronzed fur and a flowing golden mane approaching him. She struck him with an air of faint familiarity, as if he’d seen her before but not in a long time.

“I’m sorry but I saw you on the dance floor during the kanikapila, really putting yourself through the moves. I noticed you on my way back to the parlor and thought you might be feeling the after effects of such rigorous activity.”

Harpo blinked and then blushed as he felt his body confirm the mare’s suspicions with more pangs and aches.

“You could say that…ooooh…it’s been a while since I danced like that.” He mumbled. The mare smiled and walked over to sit down next to him on the lawn chair.

“I thought so. Don’t worry, you’re hardly the first. I get plenty of tourists who wear their bodies out trying to live it up during the festive season and need to have someone work out the kinks.” She pressed her fingers into the stallion’s traps and began applying pressure to the sore spots. “Here, let me see if I can at least get you back on your hooves.” 

Harpo groaned as he felt the soreness in him increase momentarily; only to then ebb away as the mare seemed to press it out of his muscles with her fingers. 

“Thanks I…I didn’t think I was this out of shape. Certainly didn’t feel like it when I was following the flow of the tunes.” He said meekly. The mare giggled and shook her head.

“Oh you look quite fine and I’m sure you’re in perfectly good health. DJ P0N-3’s music just has a habit of making folk want to ignore their physical limitations in order to give themselves over to its influence. Not that I’m complaining mind you, that drums up plenty more business for me.” She replied. Harpo looked at her with a smirk. 

“And you are?”

One hand came away from his shoulders to shake his offered hand in greeting.

“Beauty Brass, owner of the resort’s massage parlor, Blissful Eternity.” She replied. The smirk vanished as Harpo suddenly placed why the mare seemed familiar.

“Beauty Brass? As in the one who played fourth chair trombone for the Canterlot Symphony Orchestra years ago?” He asked. The newly minted mare blushed.

“So I’m still remembered amidst the musicians even after vanishing from Canterlot? That’s nice.”

Harpo narrowed his eyes. “Well the annual group photos with you still hang back stage. I can’t say you’re talked about much but we still know who you are…erm…were…erm…” He cocked his head. “What the heck are you doing out here of all places?”

Beauty Brass looked down over the stallion and her smile grew smug.

“I could ask the same of you and Miss Octavia. Even out here I still get the yearly publication detailing what’s happening in the orchestra. You both have cropped up amidst the articles and publicity photos enough times for me to recognize you on sight.” 

Rolling his eyes, Harpo turned and let Beauty continue tending to his tired muscles.

“Octavia wanted to get away from the scene for a while, find somewhere to make good on her dream of penning new compositions to make her name with. I followed because I’ve got prior experience handling boats…and also because I wanted out just as much. Canterlot starts to wear on you after a while with how it never slows down.”

Feeling how tight the stallion was in his back area, Beauty balled up a fist and began to gently pummel him.

“I’m guessing life in the orchestra is no less stressful than when I was part of it too huh? That’s why I got out. As for why have I set up shop here amidst the islands? Well as you can see there’s still something for those of us that are passionate about music going on out here, yet the pace of life is mercifully less intense and…if I may say so, more fulfilling.” She reached back a bit further and punched Harpo in a particularly stubborn pressure point. “Not to mention, as I’ve said, I make pretty good bits out here with my expertise as a masseuse.” 

Harpo felt himself be pushed forward somewhat as the mare punched him again in the back. He winced as fresh pain exploded across his muscles, then sighed as Beauty pressed her fingers to the tenderized spot and finally got the knots under his skin to loosen up. 

"So I see.” He bleated wearily. “So is this a free sample or am I going to have to pay you afterwards for this abuse?”

Beauty Brass rolled her eyes and ground her fingers into another spot of deep tension. 

“Depends on how long you intend to hang around here. Think you could do with a longer session to get all these kinks I’m feeling out.” The mare sighed as she felt more tightness further down towards his core. “How long have you been carting around all this stress?”

Harpo groaned and brushed back his mane.

“Too long, though there have been some valid reasons for doing so. The symphony backers and good ole Frederick Horseshoepin, the Slave Driver, demand we repeatedly give our best for every recital, party and gathering we play for. But the flipside is when we do we cannot fail as far as Canterlot is concerned. Not a lot of other positions where you can have something as embarrassing as what happened at the Grand Galloping Gala  ”

Beauty choked back a snicker. “Yes, I actually pondered if the papers were having a laugh when they reported that. I mean ‘The Pony Pokey’, you really agreed to play that?”

Harpo groaned. “Well I personally didn't, Octavia did. And yes it was as mortifying as it sounds. Only saving grace was she got mentioned more in the aftermath than I did so…well…actually no, that doesn’t make it better now that I think about it.” 

Beauty bit her tongue hard as more vicious giggles bubbled up inside her.

“Still, we managed to bounce back. Had to lay low for a while till the furor died down but that’s why we’re here.” Harpo sighed as he rolled his shoulders and felt how they'd mercifully loosened up.

Finally deeming she could control her laughter, Beauty let go of her tongue. 

“Well if nothing else, you’ll find this place a most welcome retreat from all that, more so if you still want to indulge in your passion for music from time to time.”

Harpo snickered. “Well as good as that sounds, I’d best get back to Octavia. Feel free to drop by the marina if you have time. She’ll be tickled pink to know more of our former numbers are out here.” 

Beauty Brass smirked as the stallion rose and cracked his back. 

“I’ll see if I can do that, once I finish up with my clients. Probably should get back to the resort and see if they’ve turned up for their evening sessions actually.” She checked her watch and rose as well. “You feeling a bit more like your old self again at least?”

Harpo rolled his shoulders back and smiled. “Amazingly yes. Figures one musician would know how to play a fellow one.” He grinned. Beauty now had to giggle as well as blush.

“Good, then I can trust I’ll see you tonight for the next session of the kanikapila?” She asked.

“Wouldn’t miss it!” Harpo replied as he headed for the marina, adding as an afterthought. “There’s a lot here I’d hate to miss really.”


***



Octavia stood on the deck of her ship, leaning heavily on the railing as she stared in deep contemplation at the water gently lapping at the hull. 

“Elements…Elements….Water…Wind…Air…Heat…” 

The grey mare’s charcoal black mane billowed around her face as she rubbed her temples. 

“What about the sun…what about the waves…what about the smells of the world around us…”

Snippets of music played through the mare’s mind as she thought about what she’d heard from Vinyl Scratch’s set, what the DJ has said to her, and what potential her words struck upon when she tried to incorporate them into her own grasp of music. 

“Plenty of ponies have already composed hundreds of pieces about the elements. Handel did an entire suite dedicated to them! Batak used them ad nauseam for the transitional parts of his ballets! Vyatka wrote a four symphony work focusing entirely on them and their relationship to the seasons! How can a pony still do something that hasn’t already been done in regards to the elements?”

Octavia ground her fist into her forehead, stealing a glance at where her cello sat in its stand by the enclosed sitting area of the deck. She knew she should be practicing, but her enthusiasm was diminished by the idea that she’d again lapse into playing other composers’ pieces. 

She wanted something of her own, yet still nothing solid came to mind. 

“Come on, if Vinyl can sound original with nothing more than loud noise why can’t you?” She muttered.

“Talking to ourselves already, Octavia? I haven’t been gone that long have I?”

The mare turned to see Harpo climbing up the side of the boat. 

“Well I doubt anypony else here would understand nor appreciate me going on at length about my own problems.” The mare grumbled as she turned and let the railing take her weight. “Have a nice rest wherever you ended up?”

The stallion folded his arms back and whinnied in relief.

“Indeed, darndest thing too, I ran into one of the trombonists that departed the symphony before we became mainstays of it. Remember Beauty Brass?”

Octavia thought over the name. 

“Vaguely? She’s used to play High Wind’s seat didn’t she?”

Harpo nodded. 

“And now she’s out here?” Octavia queried with raised ears. 

“Yep, works as the resort’s masseuse. Seems she’s found life among the Bali islands far more preferable to Canterlot.” Harpo continued. “Honestly I can’t say I blame her.” 

Octavia chuckled. “You have seemed rather smitten with this place, course you’ve been that way about this whole trip.” 

Harpo awkwardly reached behind his head as if to scratch an itch. 

“I don’t suppose that means we could possibly stick around a bit longer?” He asked, sounding like a foal asking for a toy. Octavia kept her expression neutral as she turned to study a few seagulls flying around the marina.

“Well, I have my own interests to pursue. Certainly could do with some more research on the musical tastes of the community here.” 

Harpo grinned with glee. 

“Also our wardrobes still need to be put through the wash.” The grey mare replied, grinning with plenty of mischief as Harpo blushed.

“I’ll…uh…get right on that then. My treat!” He ran through the hatch leading below deck, leaving Octavia to resume pondering music, and the inspiration that lead to it.

“Good, I intend to revisit the resort and see if Miss Scratch is performing again.”



***



Knocking back a third glass of scotch, Octavia leaned on the back of her chair, again watching the throngs of ponies dancing under the spell of the almost mystical white unicorn on stage. She’d gotten her wish in hoping Vinyl would reappear at the resort, and even if she was again keeping to the sidelines, the earth mare was still enjoying the scene in her own way. Thinking back on their conversation the previous day, the DJ’s beats took on a whole new level of interpretation. Sure they were still painfully loud, and jumbled, and grating thanks to all the tacked on effects of the mixing equipment, but still, there was poetry to the chaos. Octavia could now discern what aspects of her surroundings Vinyl had used as a basis to create her music, understand how the DJ had listened to what the natural world around her wished to say then translated that into notes and chords. Even if the genre wasn’t quite to Octavia’s liking, that didn’t mean it wasn’t appealing in other ways.

“There you are!”

Octavia turned and raised a curious eyebrow as a bronzed mare approached her, the brisk breeze brushing the cocktail dress away from her thighs to reveal a cutie mark of a trombone.

“Miss Beauty Brass, I presume?” The mare replied, yelling over the music as she rose from her seat. 

“Saw your friend back on the dance floor, figured you might be close by.” The mare shook her hand and smiled. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance Miss Philharmonic, though I admit I was expecting you to be out there with him though….”

Octavia’s cheeks reddened as she averted her gaze.

“Dancing is not quite my thing….I’m just here for the music.” She said, fixing her gaze back on Vinyl as she worked her magic across the turntables. “Hoping to get some ideas for my own work.” 

Beauty looked quasi-disappointed. Octavia could hazard a guess why when she saw her look at Harpo as if checking he wasn’t about to hurt himself with any crazy moves.

“Trust me, I’m still having fun in my own way.” She yelled. Beauty Brass smiled.

“Yes you do look quite content to just be here.” The mare said as she sat down next to Octavia. “Though, I’m curious, what about this do you think could benefit your work? It’s not what I’d have picked as being of interest to a classical cellist.”

Octavia bopped her head in tune with a very deep and rumbling section of the music. 

“Nor I…thus I seek an answer to the same question you just asked.” Octavia giggled before an idea struck her. “Harpo said you work here at the resort?”

Beauty Brass nodded.

“What exactly can you tell me about her?” Octavia jabbed a hoof at the DJ.

“DJ-P0N3? She’s a semi-regular performer here. Shows up pretty much every year for the annual kanikapila then heads along to other gigs across Equestria.” Beauty Brass smiled. “Always happy to have her here for obvious reasons. Her talents do wonders for the tourist market.”

Octavia nodded as she folded her arms and propped her muzzle atop them. “Indeed, and what about her music? This…dubtrot as it’s called?”

Beauty Brass’ face went taut, either due to not knowing how to answer or because the beats hit a particular powerful note, accompanied by a gust of wind from the fans on either side of the stage. 

“It’s….well….um…it’s….this.” The mare said, gesturing to the crowd. “Nothing fancy, nothing really explainable, it’s…like a force of nature. Something you just can’t resist…maybe because you don’t want to.” 

Octavia ran a finger around the rim of her glass, again studying how none of those moving to the rhythm seemed to care how silly they looked flinging their arms around and shaking like they were having a seizure. Any worry about maintaining dignity was cast aside as the music catered to some deeper, more primal desire in all those present. They danced not because it was the expected thing to do (as was the attitude for most ballroom gatherings Octavia had attended) but because it allowed the music to infuse into them, to instill a sense of pure euphoria so long as they kept moving according to its instruction. 

“Indeed, it is powerful stuff, and according to Vinyl, its rough simplicity is what makes it so effective.” Octavia turned to see Beauty Brass tapping her hooves and shaking her shoulders as the music entered into a systematic thudding of drums and electronic thunder sounds.  “Not even we of the more refined tastes can seem to resist it.”

Beauty immediately stopped with her jigging and gave an embarrassed smile. “It does grow on you if you keep listening to it.” 

A smile of enticingly questionable intent crossed Octavia’s muzzle.

“How insidious…and yet….hmmm…..” The grey mare bobbed her head like a metronome, syncing it with the time between each beat as she analyzed them. “I ponder, is this the only medium that can work such a hypnotic effect? Could one do the same with a different genre?”

Beauty Brass furrowed her brow. 

“Is that what you’re hoping to accomplish here? Surely you can’t be thinking of trying to copy this sort of style with classical instruments…” The mare said only to immediately regret her words as Octavia bowed her head in thought.

“Not copy per se, just tap into the energy of it….bring a new sound to a rather stagnant brand of music…” She replied. Much as she hated it, Beauty Brass found her doubt increasing. 

“You honestly think that’s possible?”

Octavia drained her glass and gripped her seat as Vinyl finished her track with a small earthquake of deep reverberating bass. 

“Not exactly...but I won’t know for certain till I try. Based on how it’s completely enthralled Harpo and seems to be having the same effect on you, there’s gotta be something I can work with!”

Beauty Brass looked back at the heavily panting stallion. His body was shaking as if exhausted from the dancing yet his expression told that the aches and pains of exertion were suffered with no regret. 

“On that actually, I think our mutual friend could do with a helping hoof. If you’ll please excuse me for just a second…” The bronze mare got up and walked with hurried steps to catch Harpo as he finally gave in to the alluring pull of gravity. Giggling, Octavia signaled the bartender.

“Miss Sea Breeze, we’re going to need some water and three more whiskeys over here if you please.” 

The mare behind the bar duly whipped a tray of glasses and filled them evenly with the requested drinks.

“May I presume Miss Scratch can add three more names to the list of ponies she’s won over with her music then?” She teased while sliding the tray over to Octavia, who duly scanned the audience and saw the aforementioned unicorn stepping down from the turntables and making her way through the crowd for her own refreshment.

“That and perhaps more.” The grey mare replied as her eyes met with the shades of the DJ. “Much more…”



> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Celestia’s sun rose over the horizon, bringing with it promises of fresh cheer, a new day, and plenty of regret for how one spent the night before. 

Rolling out of his bed, Harpo groaned as he felt his body seize up with soreness, coupled with the bleary eyes and muddy thoughts of having stayed up past his usual bed time. For a second the stallion chided himself for such scornful musings, reminding himself he wasn’t that old yet….not in spirit at least….

Grappling blindly, he located the ladder leading up to the main deck and painfully pulled himself up to the hatch. Swinging it open, his ears were assaulted with the sounds of music, notes flowing as smoothly as the morning waves from Octavia’s cello as she played to welcome the sun. Through the haze of his still half slumbering mind, Harpo still managed to pick up on something: the music his friend played was not one of her usual practice pieces, indeed it didn’t sound like anything he could remember from any composer. 

Dragging himself onto the deck, Harpo shielded his eyes against the sun and squinted as the silhouette of the grey mare stilled her bow and turned to face him.

“Well…you look like hell.” Octavia replied with a small giggle. “Was wondering how long you could keep up the energetic façade of last night.” 

Harpo groaned and turned away from the sun. In the safety of the boat’s covered sitting area his eyes fell upon a cold pitcher of OJ with a glass sitting by it for him. Thanking the mare for being a considerate early riser, he poured himself a glass and sat down in the shade afforded by the floor of the steering section overhead.

“Long enough to come to a decision about something. Ooogh, feel like I just put myself through the Equestrian Games decathalon…yet…still I could see myself doing it again….”

Octavia’s expression turned to concern. “Well try to pace yourself there. I need my helms-stallion to still be in a quasi-functional state.” 

Drinking deep of the fruit juice, Harpo massaged his brow and sighed as he felt a bit of energy seep back into his muscles. 

“Do you? Seems like the longer we stay here, the more it benefits us both. I’ve been having the time of my life, and it sounds like you’ve finally found some inspiration for your music.” He replied. Octavia looked at her cello, then to the sheet music she’d been writing on. Her face fell in dismay. 

“Some being the operative word. I do admit it’s a good start, but after I get past the 20th bar it just….it still feels like it’s missing something. Something I can’t figure out.” She sighed. “Been trying variations ever since the sun started to rise and nothing fits!” 

Downing the rest of his glass, Harpo stood and felt well enough to climb down to the galley section for some breakfast.

“Well then, the ideal course of action would be stay here for a bit longer, would it not? See if it helps you get over the rest of your creative block?” 

Octavia put her cello aside and rose to lean on the railing. 

“But how much longer? We’ve still got the rest of the islands to visit before heading back to Canterlot. Can’t delay for too long.” She said. Silence held for a minute as Harpo hesitantly poked his head back up from the hatch.

“Well…ummm…given how idyllic this place is…and that we’re not the first of our number to congregate here…maybe we might want to look into shopping for property?”

Octavia’s tail ceased to idly flick from side to side. Her ears lowered as she turned and stared at her fellow musician with a bewildered expression.

“I mean…this isn’t exactly prime place real estate. We could probably negotiate a fair price on a holiday home if we plan to buy now and…”

“*I* could…You mean *I* could negotiate for a fair price, Harpo.” Octavia said with subtle disdain. Harpo tried to look offended. The grey mare shot him down with a narrowed gaze. “Don’t try to fool me here. Yes playing in the orchestra may put a fair amount of bits in your bank account, but with your lifestyle it’s not enough to be able to afford a second residence. Heck the only reason you’re out here in the first place is because I have the family resources to buy this boat…” Octavia’s irritation faded. “Although on the subject of that, if you’re feeling a bit cramped I would be open to upgrading to something bigger once we get back to Canterlot…”

Harpo’s features fell in disappointment.

“I….was actually pondering not going back. It just seems so much nicer out here…less judgmental…” He said. Octavia sighed and held her face in her hands.

“Harpo…think for a moment. What would you do out here? How would you earn a living? What would about your apartment back home? What about our friends and your family? You can’t possibly hope to hide out here just to avoid the public embarrassment back in Canterlot.” She said, trying to keep her voice calm and reasonable. Her own features wilted in aggravation as Harpo looked like a sad puppy dog and sank back below deck.

“Beauty Brass seems to be doing fine. It was just an idea….” He muttered. Rolling her eyes, Octavia turned to look out over the marina again. A few other boats were bobbing gently in the waves kicked up by the tropical breeze. Ponies milled about along the shops and businesses, just living lives that most likely were simple and pleasantly free of strife. The grey mare’s brow furrowed as she contemplated her friend’s argument. Sure, the islands promised a safe retreat from a tarnished reputation, but running from one’s problems was never the answer. Octavia’s parents had raised her to face the difficulties in life head on, not try to pretend they didn’t exist. Her goal out here was to find a solution to her professional issues, not a means of evading them.

If only she could figure out what that solution might be….

“Look, I’m just asking you to think about it. Even if you’re still planning to return home, you can’t deny this place has given you new insight, alongside a potential new friend…” Harpo said as he climbed back onto the deck, a fruit filled oat cake in his mouth with another in his hand. Octavia briefly shot him a glare before lapsing back into contemplation.

“I’ll think about it for as long as it takes me to come up with something solid for my composition. That’ll give you at least another few days to play about in your little paradise here if that’s what you’re after.” She said. Harpo smiled, letting a flurry of crumbs tumble from his mouth as he chewed and swallowed. Octavia politely hid her shame behind a hand. 

“I think I shall take advantage of your gracious generosity by going to see Beauty Brass again. Thinking a deeper and harder pummeling is in order to prep me for tonight!” He said, stretching and grimacing at the aches and pains before descending the ladder down onto the walkway leading to shore. 

“Good, saves me the trouble of beating you for your freeloading ways myself…though honestly it’s worth it just to see you looking so upbeat.”  She replied, snickering as Harpo quickened his pace lest he incur more of his friend’s wrath. 

Stepping back from the railing, Octavia resumed contemplating the scenic vista before her, taking note of just how the slower pace of things and lack of congestion indeed made for a much more agreeable surrounding. She thought back over the past few days, remembering how overjoyed Harpo looked cutting loose, how Beauty Brass had seemed so content to be here, away from the main flow of life….

…and how a certain unicorn DJ had gone on at length of how much creative input she garnered while working on the islands. 

“The elements…hmmm….true, you aren’t likely to be able to find those as easily in Canterlot…still though….” The grey mare walked over and picked her cello up again. “Stay out here and who knows what else you might find for your music…but there’s so few out here who’d be around to hear it….”

Octavia tuned and positioned her instrument, then retrieved her bow. She began playing again, staring out at the ocean as she closed her eyes and tried to listen to what the world around her had to say. 

Several hours later she was making progress…sort of. Well, she’d managed to get from the 20th bar to the 21st at least…that was something right?

Groaning, Octavia put down her bow and looked up at the sun. It was past noon…past lunch even….a small break couldn’t hurt.

“Alright, St. Galloway, think it’s time for a little liquid encouragement.” She said while walking over to the bar in the enclosed sitting area and drawing out a bottle of finely aged scotch. Ice was dropped into a glass and soon the grey mare was enjoying a nice bit of amber refreshment. A rather contemporary drink for the tropics, but that just further confirmed for Octavia that she was right about wanting to return to Canterlot. Even if troubled times awaited her there, she was a city mare, born and bred. The Bali islands made for a nice change of pace but she couldn’t really see this place as ‘home’. It wasn’t where she belonged.

Right?

Octavia returned to the railing, letting the minor buzz of the scotch meld with the gentle bob of the boat beneath her hooves. Was she wrong to be so dead set on wanting to return and redeem herself in the eyes of the elite?

“Hey, Tavi!”

Octavia’s ears perked at the familiar voice.

“Yoohoo! Down here!”

The mare looked over the side of the boat to see Vinyl waving up at her. 

“Thought I heard some rather beautiful but out of place classical tunes during my jog. Figured it had to be you.” The DJ smirked. “Also sounded like you were having some difficulty getting it to sound right.” 

Octavia narrowed her eyes and sighed. “You might say that. I’m trying to follow your example and see if this place stirs my own creativity. It doesn’t seem to be working as easily for me.”

Vinyl hmmmed and looked to the ladder resting on the side of the boat. “Permission to come aboard and see if I can help then?”

Octavia nodded and stepped away from the railing. “Feel free. I could do with some company.”  

Vinyl made short work of climbing up onto the boat, whistling as she took in the scope of its accommodations.

“Nice digs you got here. Like a one pony cruise liner.” She smirked as Octavia shrugged.

“Hardly any point of being born into wealth if you don’t occasionally enjoy it, no? After all I’ve done for the orchestra and my family, one could say I was owed this much.” Octavia replied hiding her smirk behind her glass. Vinyl gave her a weird look. 

“I suppose, though again that’s not what I’d expect to hear from a pony of the upper crust.” The DJ replied to a shrug.

“Well, much as many of the previous generation wish to deny it, Canterlot is changing. The youth of today wishes to move forward rather than remain stuck in the past, clinging to outdated views and traditions. And Princess Celestia has made it publicly known that she approves of this shift in attitude. I suppose you could say I’m one such example, being a successful earth pony in a society where unicorns tend to comprise the elite.” Octavia followed, getting an even more weirded out reaction.

“Meaning I’m another example as I’m a unicorn who prefers the lifestyle and company of the common ponies?” She asked. Octavia glared at her softly.

“That’s not what I was getting at.” She scolded, much to Vinyl’s amusement.

“No but it was worth it for your reaction.” She chortled. Octavia rolled her eyes and went to refill her scotch.

“Anyway, as one who’s been influenced rather heavily by this new mindset I can’t help but be drawn to innovation and see where it’s most needed. Despite its namesake, the classical music scene is stagnating terribly from being so deeply rooted in old works and cliché expectations. If it still wants to be taken seriously by newcomers it needs something fresh to spice it up, make it relevant again.”

Vinyl lowered her shades, letting the sun dance across her ruby red eyes. 

“And you think my type of music is what’s needed for such an undertaking?” She asked. Her eyes seemed to sparkle brighter as Octavia nodded and crossed to lean next to her on the railing.

“Well it certainly seems to be well received by the ponies of today. Much as he’d hate me to reveal this, I believe Harpo was possibly the only pony at your two previous performances beyond the age of 30.” The grey mare said, not bothering to hide her smirk. Vinyl laughed out loud again.

“Well that’s just a facet of this time of year. The islands tend to draw more young colts and fillies who’ve just graduated from school and want somewhere exotic to enjoy their newfound freedom. Doesn’t mean older ponies don’t enjoy dub trot too.” 

Octavia’s ears rose. “Is that so?”

“Yep, they just tend to listen to it rather than dance to it, much like I noticed you do.” Vinyl snorted. “Still can’t figure out what draws you to it, if you don’t mind my asking.”

Octavia shrugged again. “I may not understand why it had to be played at such deafeningly loud volumes or why you have to keep changing the pitch every three seconds, but as I stated yesterday, I can still comprehend the beauty of what it’s conveying….I only ponder if I’m wrong to imagine I can do the same with a more refined style.”

Vinyl looked to the cello propped against the side of the sitting area.

“Well, no offense, but not on that thing you won’t. It’s too big and heavy, doesn’t let the notes flow as freely as needed.” She said, to a raised eyebrow. 

“And just what makes you an expert on classical instruments?” Octavia asked, slightly annoyed but curious as Vinyl pushed her glasses back up and assumed a smug expression. 

“I may not favor it as my genre of choice but I do know how to play them. They come in handy for creating a foundation of notes I can build upon for certain beats.” The unicorn explained. Octavia tactfully perked her ears.

“And thus what would you recommend instead if my cello is not suitable, oh miss jack-of-all-trades?”

Somehow, Vinyl managed to look even smugger. 

“Something lighter, less cumbersome. Like a violin.” She said, studying how Octavia took a long drink and rose from the railing. 

“Alright then, excuse me for one minute.” She set down her glass and climbed down below deck. Minutes later she emerged with a small carrying case.

“I don’t usually break this out for my formal performances but it’s a nice alternative when I just want to play something quick and easy.” The grey mare explained as she snapped the case open and drew out an elegantly polished violin and a bow. She held them out for Vinyl as if issuing a challenge. “If you’d care to demonstrate just how it’s better for replicating your music?”

With a confident snort, Vinyl took the instrument and balanced it gently on her shoulder.

“Just sit back and listen carefully, Tavi.”

Octavia retrieved her scotch and prepared herself for some horrible mangling of the strings, accompanied by a painful slew of massacred notes frantically trying to escape from their torture.

Instead, quite to her amazement, Vinyl began playing a gentle, rhythmic piece that came off like the babble of a river, splashing and bubbling through a lush countryside on a warm spring day. With her bow, the unicorn wove notes like a seamstress would create a tapestry with her needle and thread. She lifted the chords as the water rose over a stone on the bed, she made it shimmy as sunlight sparkled across the smoothly moving current. With her body she danced with the same flow as the water she paid tribute to. All in all it was an unexpected show of beautiful and perhaps somewhat sultry nature, not helped by the fact that Vinyl was only wearing a tank top and jogging shorts. By the time the music began to break, heralding the river’s end at the mouth of the ocean, Octavia was just letting it pass her ears, instead keeping her attention focused on the sway of the unicorn’s hips, the jiggle of her breasts, the way her mane flew wildly about with each passionate movement. It was several more minutes before Vinyl cleared her throat, and then broke down in laughter as Octavia finally realized she’d stopped playing.

“Oh Celestia…I gotta do this more often if that’s the reaction I’m going to get. That’s both adorable AND priceless!” Vinyl chortled as the earth mare shook her head and smacked herself back to her senses.

“Well forgive me for not expecting…that!” She said, before adding. “You really do know how to play classical!”

Vinyl stifled her laughter and bowed. “Can’t create new music without knowing how the old stuff works. Part of being a DJ is being versatile as heck in what you can play.” She said while setting the violin down. “Now try playing what you just heard on your cello. Pay attention to how different it sounds.”

Octavia looked to her instrument and duly retrieved it from its resting place. Sitting herself down, she began to play a perfect repeat of the piece, yet as each note rose from the strings she could definitely sense something was off. The music didn’t flow as freely or easily as when Vinyl had played it, rather it dragged like a river weighed down by sediment and natural barricades. She tried playing faster but that upset the rhythm, and changing the key just made it sound like she was forcing the tune to go as before, rather than let it flow naturally. Finally she lowered her bow and looked at her cello like it had betrayed her trust.

“Right….okay, so you have a fair point. I just….this is the first time I’ve been shown the shortcomings of my own trade.” She said. Vinyl tsked and patted Octavia’s shoulder. 

“Hey, it’s not what the cello was intended for. Don’t be too hard on it! Just try to adapt if you’re serious about wanting to try to emulate what I do.” 

Octavia still set her instrument aside and looked to her sheet music. Her ears lowered as she contemplated how this latest revelation was going to potentially entail tossing all of the day’s work aside and starting over from scratch. 

From Scratch?  The grey mare made a face at her unintended pun. 

“Well yet again you give me much to think about that could possibly help me hit upon the original piece I’m trying to whip up…if only I could figure out how to utilize them.” She picked up her glass and sighed upon seeing it was empty again. “This is going to require more scotch.” 

Vinyl’s ears rose at the mention of booze being on offer.

“Might I ask if you’re willing to share some of that? I could do with a little creative juice myself!” 

Octavia nodded and filled a second glass with the amber nectar.

“If it’ll keep you here so I can keep picking your brains then sure. Not enough ponies appreciate a properly aged scotch.”

She handed the second glass to Vinyl and watched her take a sip.

“You have to really savor its finer edge.” She said, feeling a grin spread across her muzzle as the unicorn shivered then made an amusingly contorted face at the potency.

“I’ll…eeep…I’ll do that soon as I can feel my tongue again. Damn, this really has a kick to it!” She gasped while shaking her head. Octavia grinned in victory.

“Far too many bars and restaurants opt for the milder brands, trying to make sure they don’t upset anypony’s fragile palate. Granted there’s also a cost aspect as the good stuff is way more expensive, but still, for this level of quality I see it as a fair trade.” Octavia replied as she sat down and sipped her own drink. Bracing herself, Vinyl did the same. Her second taste of the powerful blend brought a bit more flavor, but she was still bowled over by its strength.

“Yeeeeowwww!  Okay so you freely trash talk your fellow elites, and favor rocket fuel over the more typical classy cocktails and wines.” Vinyl coughed and wiped the tears from her eyes. “You are quite a special case, Tavi.” 

Octavia snorted and shrugged. “Like I said, I like to step outside the comfort bubble most nobles inhabit. See what else is out there in this world of ours.”

Taking a third sip, a bigger one, Vinly felt the alcohol shoot to her head and imbue her with the typical strength of intoxication. “Mind if I ask you a rather embarrassing question, Tavi?”

The grey mare arched an eyebrow. “So long as you’ll accept a cold, silent glare of contempt if I deem that you’re intruding on anything too personal.” 

Vinyl giggled and felt her face blush. The fire in Octavia’s spirit was really growing on her.

“Is this rebellious curiosity of yours why you agreed to play ‘The Pony Pokey’ at the Grand Galloping Gala?” 

Instead of a cold glare, Octavia instead reacted with bewildered surprise.

“I was in Fillydelphia at the time. Read all about that fiasco from the gossip rags lying around the café I went to for breakfast.” Vinly explained, taking another drink as Octavia returned to her normal expression.

“In short, yes. Even if I could’ve done without the public embarrassment that resulted, that was the first request we’d gotten for something other than another tired and dusty composition from days of yore. Considering how dull the atmosphere was and knowing that Celestia does enjoy shaking things up a bit from time to time, I couldn’t see any harm in changing our arrangement.” Octavia drained her glass and flopped back against her seat. “Well, back then it seemed like a good idea at least.”

“Hey, everyone has their old shames.” Vinyl replied. Her ears promptly wilted as she felt the heat of an increasingly curious smile being aimed at her.

“Oh really? Does that mean you have one to confess too?” Octavia challenged. The unicorn looked at what remained in her glass and promptly downed it, gritting her teeth as another bolt of fine, oak aged bliss lanced itself through her brain.

“May-Maybe. Set me up with another of these and I may feel inclined to tell you.” 


***


A while later the mares were still nattering away, with the setting sun providing a nice backdrop for their chatter. One bottle sat empty on top of the bar, and another sat with about a quarter of its contents remaining between their glasses. 

“And so, taking my less than pleasant dream as inspiration, I contacted a unicorn designer in Ponyville to make me a Nightmare Night costume that combined Frederick’s usual recital dress with the iconic outfit of Freddy Kreuger.” Octavia narrated, getting a drunken giggle from Vinyl. “Sent her a few conductor batons to make the glove with, then bought one of the top hats  and suits old Horseshoepin is so fond of being photographed in and told her to cut them up to resemble something a nightmarish serial killer would wear.”

Feeling like she was having difficulty keeping her head up, Vinyl let it flop onto Octavia’s shoulder. 

“Honestly it was a waste. Not in terms of the finished product, no, she did a fine job and I actually still have the costume, however, when I turned up at our holiday party in it, Frederick took one look and asked me what I was supposed to be. Seriously, I made it as plain as day of how he’s terrorizing us all with his slave driver work ethic and he was apparently too dim or too serious to get the joke. Ugh!” Octavia sighed and poured herself another measure of scotch.

“Maybe you should’ve tried using the baton it sounds like he’s got shoved up his flank?” Vinyl slurred, snickering again as Octavia bit her tongue and tried to stop the smile racing to her face.

“If I did I’d be too tempted to beat him over the head with it first. I mean, I know why he’s so hard on us. Demand is great for the Royal Canterlot Orchestra, but that doesn’t mean he can’t occasionally lighten up once every few centuries.” The grey mare sighed. “You know the more I vent the more I start to see why Harpo wants to stay here. It’s nice not having so much stress and expectation heaped on you from every direction.”

“Hmph. I dunno about that. Everyone expectsh me to make each night bigger, louder and better than the one before, and with these week long events that ain’t sho easy to do.” Vinyl slurred while running her hands through Octavia’s mane.  

“Still, at least you’re allowed to do what you want, not restricted to the same works and symphonies month after month, save for the rare occasion when a new composer manages to break into the scene.” Octavia lamented. “And you don’t have to then waste your evenings shaking hands, smiling and waving at the post recital gatherings, trying to play up how prim and proper you are just to please the older generation, doing nothing to try and breathe new life into your favored genre…make it seem less like a joke and….erghhh…do you want me to keep talking, or would you rather just play with my mane?”

Vinyl squeaked in protest as Octavia turned to look at her, dragging her silky locks out of reach in the process.

“S-Sorry…it’s just, it’s so thick and vol-volumin-voluminious…you have a lot of hair.” She snerked while leaning to smell it. “And you keep it so perfectly groomed, and it smells like lavender….mmmmmm….”

Octavia’s ear twitched as Vinyl kept sniffing her mane. Strangely she didn’t find it intrusive, it just tickled…though not in a way that made her want to push the unicorn off her. Instead she reached up and tousled Vinyl’s mane, watching how it just sprung back into it usual spiky formation no matter how much she tried to mess with it. 

“Well like I said…image and adhering to the expected standards of the elite….and maybe to get compliments too…” Octavia murmured as Vinyl moved to sniff her neck. “You really like my scent that much?”

“Mmmm….it’s classy, fine….nice and soft….” Vinyl replied as she nuzzled the other mare. Again Octavia pondered the growing intimacy and again decided she had no reason to interrupt it. Truth be told it was kind of cute how Vinyl seemed so adamant about praising her features, not to mention the nuzzling against her neck felt rather nice the more Vinyl did it. 

“If you’ll forgive me just one question though, Vinyl,….this is YOU talking right …not the considerable amount of drink you’ve consumed?” She asked while counting up how much scotch Vinyl had made disappear over the course of their chat.

“Nah, this is me. Booze just makes me more likely to speak my mind and….flirt and….oooogh…” 

Vinyl’s head slid off Octavia’s shoulder and plopped into her lap, then the unicorn herself rolled off her seat and collapsed on the floor.

“Whoo…is it me or is this boat suddenly rocking a lot more than I remember…..” She said, looking a little green. Octavia checked over the side but the tides looked no worse than before.

“I think maybe we’ve had enough for now.” She said, right before Vinyl’s mouth went taught and she slapped both hands over it. With a sudden strength, she pulled herself over and onto the rails, unleashing a flood of vomit into the sea. 

“Yeah….urgh….enough….ugh….okay THAT wash definitely the drink talking….ergh…and to think I can usually pace myshelf….ooogh…”

Now concerned for what she’d potentially done, Octavia rose and grabbed Vinyl by the shoulders.

“Well from your reaction I gather you don’t usually partake of the stronger stuff. Let’s get you onto some more solid ground again. Come on, onto my back.”

Vinyl stared at her in intoxicated puzzlement, then bit her tongue as Octavia wrapped her arms around her neck and loaded the unicorn onto her back.

“Whaaaa…sheesh….you’re stronger than you look.” She muttered.

“I’m an earth pony, who regularly hauls a very heavy cello to and from rehearsals. I’m used to this.” Octavia said as she carefully descended the ladder with her cargo. “Not to mention you’re mercifully lighter than you look so it’s not so bad.”

“Whaaa? You callin’ me fat? Er…no wait…you’re…you’re not….ooogh…” Vinyl groaned as the bounce of Octavia alighting upon the dock sent the world spinning around her. “I am officially out of it. Hee hee.”

Octavia rolled her eyes and unloaded the unicorn from her, just in time for Vinyl to nearly fall over into the water before the grey mare could catch her.

“Indeed you are. Shall I take you back to the resort?” She asked, scrunching her nose up as Vinyl let a few more streams of puke drip from her mouth down to the fishes.

“Yeah….good idea….nice comfy bed and….ngh…mouthwash….” 

Pulling one of Vinyl’s arms across her shoulders, Octavia hauled her back to her hooves and guided her back through the marketplace to a more stable and hopefully private setting. Despite the unicorn feeling like a hundred or so pounds of floppy, lead lined rubber the going proved relatively painless. Save for the odd look from passing ponies, the two made it back to the resort with little hassle.

“Which floor are you on, Vinyl?” Octavia said as she carried the unicorn into the lobby.

“Fuh-Fifth….room…uhhh…hold on. Key ish in my pocket…”

The unicorn fumbled in her running shorts, making several amusingly frustrated faces as she fished for the object that seemed to be deliberately mocking her drunken state by hiding in the folds of cloth. Finally she grabbed it and pulled it triumphantly into view, only for it to then immediately slip from her fingers and clatter on the floor.

“Oopsh…ohh..horsheappleshhh. Hee hee, that sounds even funnier when you shlur it.” She giggled. Rolling her eyes, Octavia leaned down to grab the room key. Unfortunately the movement caused Vinyl to then lose her grip on the earth mare’s shoulder, sending her into a free fall that Octavia was only barely able to halt.

“Dear me, I really should’ve watched you more closely with the scotch.” Octavia lamented, feeling increasingly guilty for her role in the situation.

“Hee hee….Tavi, pleashe….t’ain’t the first time I’ve drunk myself stupid like this….” She smiled as Octavia hauled her back up, wrapping her arms around Vinyl’s waist to keep her steady. “Ish the first time I’ve been held so romantically so….hee hee…this ish kind of sweet….”

Octavia furrowed her brow as she noted the position they were in. Indeed to the casual onlooker it might appear Vinyl was swooning in the grey mare’s arms, which gave Octavia all the more reason to get them out of view so she didn’t have to deal with causing yet another scene.

“Well you can fantasize about that while we ride the elevator, just try to hold onto me and not fall over please.” The grey mare sighed as she hauled her load over to the elevator and pressed a button.

“Heh heh…oh I’m fantasizing alright…” Vinyl decreed with a bleary eyed smirk. “Looksh like I’m not the only one either…”

Octavia followed her gaze, and felt her body simultaneously run hot and cold upon seeing Harpo and Beauty Brass were staring at them from the entrance of the Blissful Eternity parlor. 

“Uh….Octavia…do I want to know what the heck you’re doing here?” Harpo asked. The mare looked down at Vinyl as she gradually started to slide towards the ground again. Her features fell under the weight of shame.

“She stopped by the boat after you left. We spent a while talking over drinks…apparently a few too many drinks for her tolerance.” She said with increasingly glum tones. “Speaking of which, we’re pretty much depleted on the St. Galloway. Sorry.”

Harpo’s jaw promptly hit the floor.

“You let her into your private stock?  Didn’t you warn her how strong that stuff is?” He asked while running over.

“Yes…but I thought a party mare would be able to handle herself better than most ponies…” Octavia said while blushing hard. “Also truth be told, I was enjoying her company till she...ahem...demonstrated how she’d had too much.”

Sighing, Harpo grabbed Vinyl and helped hold her on her hooves as the elevator dinged open. Beauty Brass held the rear as the four stepped in and rode it to the fifth floor. 

“Which room is hers?” Harpo asked. 

“501 it looks like…this one here at the end of the hall…” Octavia checked the number etched on the key, then the double doors as they drew closer. “Uhh…least I think this is the right one…”

She tossed it to Harpo who unlocked the doors, then stepped back as a very spacious suite was revealed beyond.

“Uhhh…you’re sure this is your room Vinyl?” The stallion asked as he stepped into the deluxe accommodations. A contemporary living area with full bar greeted them, with a fully stocked kitchenette to one side and a nice huge master bedroom through the door on the other. A grand balcony complete with deck chairs overlooking the ocean completed the elegant scene.

“Shure….what? A workin’ gal can’t see that she’s rewarded for her effortsh?” Vinyl giggled. 

“Well….erm…I guess I didn’t think it’d be to this extent….DJ-ing really pulls in this sort of bits? Damn I'm in the wrong musical genre!” Harpo commented, not noticing the glare from Octavia telling him to stop pressing the issue.

“When you’re the main attraction for a major event it does. I’m sure the other big gigs she does across Equestria earn her some pretty numbers too.” Beauty replied with a smile. “When you’re good at what you do demand is very high after all.”

Octavia caught the implication and her ears twitched as she helped Vinyl to the bedroom. Her mind thought back to how many times the unicorn had given her new insight or proven she was more than just a reckless soul who knew how to make noise.

“True…she is good…that much is certain…” Octavia said more to herself as Vinyl spied the bed and put a hand out to stop herself.

“No…no…bathroom first. Need to…ergh…clean my mouth.” 

Nodding this would be a good idea…if for no reason other than to remedy the unicorn’s horrid smelling breath, Octavia helped her into the en-suite bathroom. As expected it was also a very luxurious affair, done up in tan colored tile with a huge shower stall and a sink stacked high with all manner of accoutrements. 

Spying the mouthwash, Vinyl pushed herself off Octavia and threw herself against the sink, turning the water on and splashing her face as she clumsily unscrewed the bottle of minty fresh liquid. It was downed as quickly as the scotch that had preceded it, though thankfully Vinyl had the foresight not to swallow it. She just made a complete mess gargling and spitting before washing her mouth out again.

“Better?” Octavia asked as the unicorn fumbled for a glass and began to chug water in an effort to sober up.

“Yeah…much….” Vinyl’s hand reached for Octavia’s shoulder. “Now I can properly…expressh my thanksh….”

Minty breath promptly flooded the earth mare’s maw, followed by an eager tongue to spread it over her gums and teeth. Octavia’s tail flailed wildly for a moment, before slowing as her body unwound itself from the sudden shock. Ivory arms wrapped around the grey mare’s neck, ensuring her assailant couldn’t ruin the moment by flopping comically to the floor again. Octavia stood firm, finding herself strangely unmotivated to move or break from the contact. The suddenness of Vinyl’s actions was gradually being outweighed by the novelty, till finally the unicorn broke and smiled at her victim’s expression.

“Did….did you just kiss me?” Octavia said to a giggle.

“Only on the lipsh…oh and the cheek…” Vinyl pressed her lips to Octavia’s cheek. “And maybe there on your forehead…and your nose…”

Kisses were planted on each of the aforementioned parts of Octavia’s face, giving her a new reason to shiver as the air lightly teased the heat from her flesh. 

“And if you want to hang around…I might be inclined to keep going.” Vinyl smirked.

“I…I think you need to lie down now.” Octavia said as the unicorn poured herself several more drinks of water.

“Yeah…good idea….shleep sounds good…mmm….jusht gotta find my moushie first…” 

Vinyl stumbled into the bedroom and collapsed onto the bed. Blindly she felt around the covers and pillows till she encountered something amid their soft, comforting folds.

“There you are, lil’ Dedmau5….” Vinyl giggled as she pulled out a stuffed white mouse plushie, custom decorated with a Mohawk patterned in the same shade of electric blue as her mane. She hugged it in a crushingly tight grip while curling up on the bed. “Mmm, never any bad dreamsh when I’ve got my mousie. Night Tavi.” 

Octavia watched from the bathroom as Vinyl promptly slipped into slumber in record time. She wrung her hands idly as she stepped around the snoring mare, plucking the shades from her face then pulling the curtains closed. She immediately regretted doing so as the darkness robbed the room of its warm glow from the setting sun, and its sleeping occupant didn’t look quite as adorable when obscured by the shadows. Octavia touched her lips and felt herself shiver again as she reviewed how many emotions had just finished stampeding through her. 

“So…should we take our leave now? Or maybe capture a photograph for the album?” Harpo asked from the doorway. “I don’t think I’m ever to get another chance to see you staring so longingly at another pony.”

Even in the shadows, the ire of Octavia’s expression shot out like a fiery arrow. 

“Well you’ll have to just draw your own misguided conclusions. I’m staying here to look after her and make sure she’s okay.” Octavia declared as she stepped out of the bedroom and closed the door. “It’s my fault she’s out of her head right now anyway.” 

Harpo smiled in satisfaction. “You’re absolutely sure you still want to head back to Canterlot eventually? Haven’t found something worth staying here for?” 

The prompt shoving towards the hallway told the stallion all he needed to know.

“Discuss it while you talk about your own budding relationship. I’ll send word if I need help.” Octavia muttered.

Beauty Brass duly stepped into the hallway as well as the door was firmly slammed shut. Harpo waited till the sound of hoofsteps on the other side had faded away before letting loose with a huge laugh.

“Well, this just got a whole lot more interesting.” He said. 

“Indeed…though, seriously? She thinks we’re…like that too?” She asked. Harpo looked to her, then idly scratched at his mane.

“Well I may have given that impression by running to you when she wouldn’t listen to reason.” He smiled with less confidence. “Maybe we should discuss that? Say over dinner?”

Beauty Brass blinked, then blushed as she checked the time. 

“Uhhh…okay. Restaurant should have just opened for the evening.” She smiled as the stallion gently took her hand and lead her back to the elevators. 
	
	
	  
	 
	 
	
	


> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Waking up in odd places after a night of heavy drinking didn’t concern Vinyl too much. She was a hardcore party mare who loved the nightlife as much as she loved her job contributing to it. If one of the side aspects was occasionally going too far and coming to in a strange environment then so be it. She was a seasoned soul and she knew what to do in strange circumstances.

It was when she woke up in her own bed while still feeling the effects of intoxication that the DJ began to get worried. While she was fairly apt at using her magic, she knew there was no spell or process available to the average unicorn that would allow them to find their own way home while drunk out of their minds, and that meant another pony had to be involved. 

Shooting up from the covers, Vinyl quickly checked herself over. She was still in her jogging clothes, her shades sat where they were meant to be on the dresser, her wallet was still in her pocket and she didn’t have any bruises or signs of injury on her. Okay so whomever had brought her home had not taken advantage of her intoxicated state….though that didn’t entail she hadn’t been made a fool of in other ways.

Bracing herself against the throbbing ache in her head, Vinyl got to her hooves and stepped into the bathroom. A fresh blade of pain stabbed itself through her skull as she snapped the light on. Cursing, Vinyl summoned her shades with her magic and slipped them on over her eyes. Being an albino might have benefited her iconic look when she was performing, but it sure as hell didn’t help when she needed to quickly adjust from darkness to bright light.

Feeling the pain subside as her shades cut down on the glare from above, Vinyl checked herself in the mirror. There was no smudged makeup or humiliating words stamped on her face, her horn hadn’t been painted to look like a candy cane again, and her mane hadn’t been dyed in clown colors. That was three potential embarrassments crossed off the list.

Vinyl started to relax, relieved that apparently her good Samaritan had had no other cause than to see she wasn’t left sleeping somewhere in the street…until she heard the soft humming from the living room and slowly thought back over what she could remember of the previous few hours.

“Tavi…oh horseapples…please don’t tell me I did anything embarrassing in front of her…” She looked back to the bed and blushed upon seeing her stuffed mouse. “Yeah, like I’ve ever been that lucky before.” 

Picking the plush toy up and hugging it for confidence, Vinyl crossed to the bedroom door and gently pushed it open. Octavia was sitting in one of the overstuffed armchairs staring at a notepad and humming mindlessly. Every so often she’d pause and write something on the pad, then make a face as she hummed a few more bars. Whatever was written got immediately covered in angry ink crosses.

“Uh…Tavi?” 

The angry mare promptly froze, then looked sheepishly up at the unicorn.

“Oh, uh, good morning Vinyl…I think…” Octavia looked to the clock on the wall. “Well, it’s 2 AM so technically that qualifies.”

Vinyl promptly dropped her mouse in horror.

“2 AM? I slept through my shift at the kanikapila!?”

Octavia rose and grabbed the unicorn by her shoulders.

“Don’t worry, your friend, that Neon Lights gentlecolt, stopped by earlier. He said he’d cover for you.” Octavia’s face fell. “I promise if you’re worried about missing out on pay I can compensate you for that. It’s my fault for letting you have free access to my drink reserves.” 

Vinyl’s fear slowly ebbed away, yet her heart kept beating like a jackhammer. Slowly memories of the afternoon emerged from the blur of her mind, of the rather lewd but very fun chat she’d had with Octavia, her wowing the cellist with her own classical skills, the laughs they’d shared along with the drinks…

….and the kiss…

Vinyl pursed her lips as they felt suddenly hot. Even at the height of her drunken stupor she could recall how it felt throwing caution to the wind and letting Octavia know how much she appreciated her company….and amazingly the mare had apparently not fled in disgust but had stuck around and was standing right here in front of her. For what? Why had Octavia chosen to stay?

Vinyl’s thoughts were interrupted by a familiar smell in the air.

“Did you make some coffee, Tavi?”

The earth mare smiled and nodded.

“Thought it might help you when you finally came to, at least if you feel the same way as I do after too much St. Galloway.”

Noticing the steaming pot sitting in the small machine atop the mini-fridge, Vinyl sighed and picked her mouse up from the floor. 

“Nah, I’ve learned how to handle my hangovers, but coffee does sound nice.” The unicorn replied as she slumped into one of the other armchairs. “Seriously though, that is some lethal slosh you favor. What kind of a cast iron stomach do you have to be able to drink that all day and still remain conscious?”

Octavia blushed and poured another cup of coffee.

“The kind culled from endless dinner parties where the booze is the only thing that helps me get through the due process. Admittedly some of the Canterlot elite are nice and interesting folks but after a while having to keep a smile painted on your face and act like you’re not bored out of your mind gets tiresome.” She said while adding sugar packets and cream to the side of the cup then bringing it over to the snickering Vinyl. “I think a more pressing question is why don’t you have the same tolerance? I’d have thought being in the heat of the moment, night after night would require you to be able to endure quite a bit.”

“Yeah but I don’t push my limits. I’ll have a rum or two to help get me in the right frame of mind but after that I stick to water, keep myself hydrated.” The unicorn replied. “It gets pretty hot manning the decks under all those lights and the usual tropical weather.”

Octavia looked down at the mouse clutched in Vinyl’s arms, feeling her body tremble with giggles.

“So you hold back on the partying, despite being required to help set the scene for others, and still sleep with a plush toy? It would seem I’m not the only one who’s defying stereotypes here.” The grey mare replied. Vinyl’s mirth abated as she glanced to her stuffed animal and flinched.

“Yeah…uh…just to get it out of the way…how much did I coo or make foal talk to Dedmau5 here before I fell asleep?” She asked reluctantly. Octavia smiled reassuringly.

“Oh only a bit. Just enough to make me ponder why you’d give such a beloved personal possession such a morbid sounding name.” The mare asked, Vinyl rolled her eyes and flopped back into her chair.

“He’s named after the DJ I apprenticed under. Had a gimmick where he’d man the decks in a helmet that resembled a cartoon mouse’s head, only it looked so fake and lifeless everyone started calling him ‘DJ Dead Mouse’. He shortened it to the leet speak version so it’d fit on a standard sized business card. Well that and…”

Octavia sighed and held up a hand. “Let me guess, ‘bee-cowse pour litter-a-see is KEWL?”

Vinyl snerked and covered her mouth with her plush toy’s head. “You know that meme?”

“I’ve seen ponies wearing the t-shirts. Had to look it up just to see what in Equestria the schools are teaching foals these days.” Octavia groaned. “Still, from what I’ve seen of your work, he clearly taught you well.” 

Vinyl nodded. “Also inspired my own stage name, as you can probably guessed.”

Octavia rolled her eyes. “Indeed, explains a lot.” 

More giggling ensued from Vinyl as she reached for her coffee, dumping the contents of the sugar packet in then getting up to grab several more. 

“Well, that name now has to make up for missing a performance. Yeah granted we’ve still got tomorrow, but I have fans out there that I don’t wish to disappoint!” She said while stirring her sickeningly sweet coffee. Octavia took a sip from her own mug as she picked up her notes. 

“I’ve…been pondering a few ideas on that actually, based on what you told me and that piece you played on my violin.” The grey mare hmmed thoughtfully. “You speak at length about how your work pays tribute to the elements, and then when I challenged you to do something classical you chose a melody that clearly is meant to evoke thoughts of water, and purity.”

Vinyl nodded as she slurped her caffeinated syrup. “It’s actually from a narrative about time and the morality of manipulating it in order to correct the mistakes you made in life. Each piece is specially composed so that it sounds appealing whether you play it backwards or forwards.”  The unicorn grinned. “Though props to you for picking up on what inspired its flow.”

Octavia nodded. “I just wonder…if you can channel the same talent and the same dedication through both electronic machinery and classical instruments, why don’t you try mixing the two together?” 

Vinyl lowered her cup and thought it over.

“Well…how do you mean? I did say that I’ve used classical pieces as a basis for my beats before.”

Octavia shook her head. “I meant have a mixture of classical music and electronic music together, a duet, if you will, between the two genres.”

Vinyl cocked an eyebrow, not sure whether to take this as a joke or not.

“You mean as in literally marry them together? Don’t use one as a foundation but as a counterpart to the other?”

Octavia nodded gently, causing Vinyl to now have to cock her whole head.

“You really think that’d work? I mean, the two aren’t really known for going together like that.”

The grey mare settled back into the sofa, fixing Vinyl with a querying smile.

“Do you know that for a fact? Or are you just basing your statement on social assumption?” She asked, slowly drinking her coffee while maintaining eye contact. Vinyl felt her body tingle, the possibility of a new kind of sound stoking the flames of her creativity. 

“Well…I’ve certainly never tried it….but by that logic I have no grounds for deeming it to be impossible…” A funny smile worked its way onto the unicorns face as Octavia lowered her cup and continued to stare ponderously at her. “You’re really serious about this?”

“The elements, that which you describe as being the foundation for your music, were designed to compliment each other. Air helps make Fire possible, Water nurtures Earth. If we were to take that up a level and apply it to the mythical Elements of Harmony it remains true. Kindness is core to Generosity, Honesty begets Loyalty and Magic is often used to induce Laughter. Why can the same not be applied to two musical genres?” Octavia asked, grinning as Vinyl leaned forward.

“Keep talking, Tavi. You now have both my curiosity and my attention.” The unicorn replied.  Octavia handed over her notepad.

“I’ve been thinking about a possible composition that we could do together. Admittedly I ran into a lot of false starts along the way, but if you ignore all my angry crosses and scrawling, the rest of it might intrigue you.” She said. Vinly flipped through the notepad, lifting her glasses to eyeball any spots that weren't covered in rabid lines of ink. Several pages down she came across a brief summary of what Octavia had been contemplating, listing the instruments, rhythm and timing that would suit such an unusual duet. 

“You’re okay with switching to a violin for this?” She asked. Octavia nodded.

“If it’ll suit your beats better than my cello I am. I feel I have some ground to reclaim after watching you wow me with your own playing skills.” She said with a light snark. Vinyl giggled and kept reading. 

“Well…huh…you weren’t kidding when you said you saw the poetry of dubtrot. There’s quite a bit of thought put into this!” The unicorn replied as she handed the notepad back.

“As you said, you have to make up for missing tonight. As the one who caused that to happen, I am bound to answer for my mistakes.” Octavia replied. Vinyl looked down at her stuffed animal and rolled her eyes.

“I’d say no you don’t, but I can see you won’t accept that as an answer.” She grinned. “Besides I’m enjoying this gung ho attitude of yours towards us working together.”

Octavia now was the one to feel a tingling in her body. It was surprisingly scintillating, the thought that Vinyl not only wasn’t mad at her for making her miss a gig but also approved of her rather unorthodox idea towards pooling their talents. She looked over and felt her chest grow hot at how cute Vinyl looked still snuggling with her mouse. 

“I came out here with a goal in mind, and I will not turn down any avenue that will let me attain it. I just may need to accept that outside help may be required.” She said with a blush. Vinyl promptly fell over from laughter.

“Sheeesh, come on, Tavi, you’re sorely tempting me to make you beg.” The unicorn gasped. “Mainly because I’m sure you’d look adorable down on your knees.” 

Octavia raised an eyebrow, pondering if this meant Vinyl was trying to raise her hackles, or was genuinely flirting with her.

“Would you honestly want to see that?” She asked, measuring her voice to make it apparent that she wasn’t averse to the idea. Vinyl’s laughter promptly stopped and she got a shocked expression on her face.

“Well…I….I mean…it’d probably be funny…but I wouldn’t want to sound like I’m pressuring you to…you know…ummm…” Red slowly bled through Vinyl’s white fur, her head wilting as her blush overtook her. Octavia snickered in quiet triumph.

“Yet you had no problem kissing me everywhere your lips could reach.” She said, delivering the second part of her one-two punch. Vinyl’s blush grew red enough that Octavia momentarily feared she would hemorrhage from how much blood was flowing to her face.

“I did…didn’t I….” The unicorn meeped. “Uhhh…would it be worth pointing out that, in fairness, I WAS completely wasted?” 

Octavia scooted herself a little closer to the unicorn, leaning on the sofa’s armrest. 

“It would, if indeed that’s all it was.” The grey mare replied. “I’m not judging you either way.”

Vinyl looked up, slowly raising her shades to look Octavia in the eye. Octavia felt herself again be entranced by how Vinyl’s red eyes shimmered exactly like jewels; life, wild energy, and raw passion dancing away within their depths. She wondered what Vinyl saw in turn within her own teal orbs. Perhaps the flawless poise and grace cultivated from her noble upbringing? Maybe her own passion and care for her art? Or was it possibly Vinyl saw something else in her? Something even she wasn’t aware of due to knowing herself too well to notice?

Octavia took a step back from her mental pondering as Vinyl leaned forward a bit more, realizing there hadn’t been many ponies that would set her off on such deep introspection. This DJ really was something else…something she wouldn’t mind exploring more, assuming she was reading the signals correctly.

Octavia leaned towards Vinyl, closing the gap between their muzzles by that much more. If the unicorn was being genuine with her affection then who was Octavia to complain?

Sadly it seemed Vinyl wasn’t sure herself as she withdrew and sat back down in her armchair again. 

“Well…uhhh…give me a little more time to think on that, Tavi. I’m…erm…well, this is all very new for me.” She said. Octavia nodded softly.

“Me too, but it feels…like a right kind of new.” The grey mare mused. “In return though, I likewise don’t wish to come off as too strong.”

Vinyl’s ears lowered themselves, as if she now regretted giving Octavia the wrong idea. 

“Yeah well…let’s work on your duet a bit more.”

Time drifted by unnoticed as the two mares tossed ideas back and forth. Some of them, Octavia wrote down for future reference. Others she simply gave Vinyl a reproachful look and shook her head as the unicorn pouted at such blatant close-mindedness.

Eventually one of them looked over at the clock again and snorted upon seeing it was drawing ever closer to dawn.

“I think we should try getting a few more hours of sleep. Given what tomorrow promises, we’re going to need it.” Octavia said as she put down her pad and yawned. Vinyl nodded as she rose and stretched. 

“Sounds like an idea. Coffee can only keep me going for so long.” 

Octavia looked into the bedroom. “Are you okay for me to take my leave now, Vinyl?”

The unicorn followed her friend’s gaze and thought it over.

“Considering the time you’re welcome to stay and grab a few winks with me. Probably be better than going all the way back to your boat.” The unicorn walked into the bedroom. “I even have a shirt you can wear.” 

Octavia raised her eyebrow again, dreading whatever Vinyl would deem suitable attire for a houseguest. 

Her apprehension turned out to only be partially misguided when the unicorn returned holding up a white shirt with a picture of a lightning bolt striking a set of turntables, with numerous pony skeletons bursting out of the ground around it. ‘DIG UP THE OLD AND GIVE IT NEW LIFE’ was emblazoned in jagged letters underneath.

“What do you think? Harkens back to what you said during our conversation on your boat in a way. Right?”

Octavia rolled her eyes and took the shirt. “I guess. Enough that I can’t argue with you about it.”

She walked into the bathroom and changed into the shirt, folding up her other clothes and placing them on top of the hamper. Stepping back out, she braced herself for the inevitable snicker. 

“Awww, see I knew it’d suit you, Tavi! Plays to your refreshingly forward mindset!” Vinyl exclaimed as she pulled on another t-shirt with the cartoon head of her DJ mentor splashed across it. Octavia had to agree, Dedmau5 did cut a very still and disturbingly empty visage, though the way his face folded so lewdly over Vinyl's ample bust did make up for it a bit.

“Least it’s comfortable to sleep in.” She muttered while climbing into the bed. “Night for now, Vinyl.” 

Vinyl turned off the lights and slid under the covers, though she was considerate enough to keep herself situated on the other side, allowing Octavia enough room to adjust her position if she desired. Octavia wasn’t sure whether she appreciated that, or regretted not being made to step a little further out of her comfort zone. After all if she was willing to go this far what reason did she have to not keep at it? The turnout had been surprisingly pleasant thus far...

Another yawn told her now was not the time to be over thinking such things as her eyes slipped closed.


***


“So, I’ve been thinking, for while you’re here, Harpo.” 

“Hmm?” The stallion replied, looking up from his quite delicious salad of lettuce and blended tropical fruits and vegetables.

“One major aspect of instilling a peaceful, relaxing mood during a massage is music. As you heard, I’ve got plenty of albums to pipe through the parlor’s sound system, but I’d love to see what having a live musician on the premises would be like.” Beauty Brass smiled. “Since playing a trombone while trying to pummel stress out of a pony isn’t really practical, what do you think of showing me what you can do with a harp tomorrow?”

Harpo pondered, taking a moment to swallow what was in his mouth before grinning back at the mare.

“I’d be happy to give it a try. My harp isn’t doing much except collecting dust in the hold of Octavia’s boat.” The stallion snickered. “Not really sure why I brought it, save for I feel naked without it…and that boat has so much storage space I didn’t see why not…”

Beauty Brass giggled. “Well, we’ll have to make it a date then. Maybe something more if my customers find your talents suit the mood, as I’m sure they will.”

Harpo cocked his head. “You sound so confident about that, without having heard me play yet…”

Beauty Brass rolled her eyes, though her smile did not falter. 

“Yes I have. Your recitals are part of my collection, as are Octavia’s and many more of your colleagues.” She replied. “Just because I no longer play full time in the symphony doesn’t mean I still don’t enjoy listening what other talent has come after me.”

Harpo was stunned into silence for a moment, which then slowly stretched into two as he began to consider the mare’s offer in this new light.

“You think I’m decent material to play for your business?” He asked. 

Beauty Brass shrugged. “Why not? The harp can be very soothing to listen to with the right tune, and besides you said you want to stay out here if you could.”

Harpo nodded and licked his lips as new oppourtunity softly knocked.

“I did…but after talking to Octavia, I guess I kind of accepted it wasn’t practical…nor possible…yet now you’re offering me the means…just, wow, I did not expect this…” He smiled. “Though I am immensely grateful for the offer!”

Beauty Brass giggled again, an act Harpo noted made her look exceptionally cute.

“Then let’s see how you’re received tomorrow and from there you’ll have a better idea if it’ll work or not. I know it’s a huge step, but you seem as drawn to the island life as I have.” 

Subconsciously Harpo reached over and gripped Beauty’s hand. “This place does have a charm, in many ways. I mean, the prospect of leaving Canterlot behind is daunting…yet still I feel like I’d find life out here more preferable, along with the company.”

Beauty Brass raised a flirty eyebrow. “Think I’m starting to see where Octavia was getting the idea about us being something together…” 

Harpo blinked. “Well…I uh…umm…” Red slowly began to seep onto his face. “You think so?”

The mare looked down at the table. “You’re holding my hand.”

Harpo followed her gaze, then felt a spark of excitement shoot through his soul. “Well…You’re not doing anything to let go.” 

Beauty Brass snickered as a blush overcame her face. “More evidence that we need to try another date tomorrow.”


***


Sunlight filtered in through a crack in the curtains, slowly beckoning Octavia from a light but uninterrupted sleep. Slowly opening her eyes the mare looked over at the curtains, judging it had to be fairly late in the morning. She made to get up, intending to grab a shower before heading back to her boat, but found herself now held down by a strange weight. Looking down, Octavia’s eyes went wide upon seeing Vinyl was snuggled up to her, her arm draped across the grey mare’s chest to gently hold her close. 

Instantly the same whirlwind of emotions that had risen from Vinyl’s kiss shot through Octavia again. Several times she contemplated pushing the unicorn off her, waking her up and telling her to move, or trying to slide out from her grasp as best she could. 

Interestingly, however, she ended up doing none of the above. Vinyl looked so at peace, nuzzled up against her chest, and it wasn’t like having a soft, warm body against her was at all unpleasant. Though her heart continued to pound, Octavia’s breathing slowed as she lay her head back down, staring at the unicorn’s serene expression and finding it too endearing to disturb. 

“Mmmm…well let’s be honest, this does feel good.” The grey mare said to herself as she stroked through Vinyl’s spikey mane. “Yeah, I could get used to this.” 



> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	With a spring in his step yet a somewhat concerned expression on his face, Harpo exited the elevator on the resort’s 5th floor, turning to again approach the double doors of room 501. The previous night had been nothing short of heavenly to him, but returning to Octavia’s boat in the morning to find it unmanned had quickly put a dampener on things. Even if Octavia had stayed behind to look after Vinyl, he knew she’d never leave her prized boat (and their primary means of transportation) unsupervised all night, thus that meant something was up. He only hoped he could get some lead on where the grey mare had gotten too by asking her charge.

As he quickly found upon knocking several times on the door, he wouldn’t need to look far. Octavia opened the door wearing a white cotton robe on her body, and a look of quiet contentment on her face.

“Oh, morning Harpo. How’d it go with Beauty Brass?” She said, giving the bewildered stallion a wink as she walked over and flopped into an armchair.

“Erm…uh…quite fine…actually that’s what I was hoping to talk to you about…erm…though I was expecting to do it on the boat.” The stallion stepped into Vinyl’s suite still scratching his head in confusion. “Did you really stay here the entire night?”

Octavia looked down over her friend, letting a smirk cross her face.

“I did as you did apparently…considering you’re still wearing the same clothes from yesterday….” The smirk faded as realization struck and Octavia looked horrified. “Which means neither of us returned to the boat and…”

Harpo sighed and shook his head. “I checked on it before I came back. No one’s touched any thing, but I made sure to lock it up.” He said while leaning on the back of the couch. “I’m just curious how things went here if you weren’t able to make it back yourself…”

Octavia looked to the bedroom door as it slowly swung open. Vinyl appeared, dressed in another robe, wobbling about like she was still drunk.

“Hey Tavi…oh and uh…Harpo….uh, just wanted to ask, if you’re going down to the restaurant could you grab me something from the buffet? I’d go myself but…oooh, my legs still feel weak after that last….umm…well you know what. Not sure I can trust them to carry me to the elevator just yet.” 

Octavia winced as a deep blush came to her cheeks…along with a very jovial smile.

“Sure, I’ll get you some eggs and haybacon…along with more coffee if you want it.” She said. Vinyl stumbled forward, throwing her arms around Octavia and kissing her on the cheek.

“You are such a peach, Tavi. I think I better lie down till my legs recover.” The unicorn giggled as she clumsily walked back to the bedroom. “Don’t worry though, Harpo, I’ll make sure we’re ready for my set today if you feel like taking Beauty Brass out on the dance floor with ya! Tavi will be joining me so that’s double the incentive!”

More giggles ensued as the unicorn disappeared into the bedroom again, leaving a still blushing Octavia and an utterly shocked Harpo in her wake.

“Wuh….uh…okay…first off…do I even want to know? And second off…are you going to fill me in?” He asked, feeling the corners of his mouth turn up as Octavia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. 

“We fell into talking once she woke up.  Worked out a special surprise for tonight….the planning got…um…intimate…” She said, biting her tongue as Harpo nodded dumbly.

“And then….?” He hesitantly asked, getting another deep breath.

“Then…well….” Octavia paused, letting the silence slowly drag as she wondered how exactly to word her response. “I believe the most polite way of putting it would be….I bucked her shit up.” 

The mare slapped a hand to her mouth, her body shaking horribly with giggles. 

“It was….so very…..VERY memorable.” Octavia concluded, trying not to stare at Harpo as he frantically tried to pull his jaw from the floor.

“You…she…but….oh sweet Celestia….and to think I could’ve bet money on that!” He groaned, finally making it impossible for Octavia to hold in her laughter.

“Oh like you’re one to talk! I’m sure you and Beauty just had dinner, a nice chat and you just happened to hang around here all night and never went back to change.” The mare shot back, giving herself a mental applause as Harpo glared at her in disdain.

“Touche Octavia…touché.” He said. “So are you going to spill or just leave me to fantasize about what could have happened?”

Octavia brushed her mane back and stared at her friend in cheerful mirth. “Didn’t you come in saying you had something to discuss with me?”

Harpo whinnied at the denial of juicy gossip but nevertheless sat down on the couch. 

“Right…well…yes you’re correct my night with Beauty went down a similar route…and…assuming my audition for her goes well…I may not be going with you when the time comes for you to set off…”  He said. “I mean, I’ll still be booking passage back to Canterlot soon after, but she’s offered me a proper means of staying here if I so desire. We’ve agreed to give it a test run for a few weeks and see how it works out.”

He hesitantly looked at Octavia, fearing he’d see the same disappoint as she’d cast at him the previous time he’d bought this up. Instead the grey mare remained looking at ease, accepting what she was hearing for what it was.

“You really believe you’ll be happier out here than back in the big city?”

Harpo shrugged. “I’ll still get to do what I love, I just won’t have to be raked over the coals on a daily basis for it, not to mention I’ve given 20 years of my life to Canterlot and the elite. I think that’s enough sacrifice for me to be square with those who paid for the right to demand what they want to hear from us.” 

Octavia thought about this and heaved a sigh. 

“I suppose if you feel that strongly then I have no right to try and convince you otherwise. We gotta do what we believe will make us happy after all.” 

Harpo nodded with a resigned smile. “Which means you’re still going to be heading back, even after what you’ve found out here?” He nodded to the bedroom door, and the unicorn resting just beyond it. Octavia followed his gaze and rose out of the armchair. 

“I believe I have what I came to the islands for, Harpo. It’s time for me to put it to good use where it matters…well…after one more critical bit.” Octavia checked the time and shuddered. “Like Vinyl said, tonight will provide the test to see if what we’ve come up with is ready for the big scene.” 

Harpo looked at the multiple sheets of paper covering the coffee table, all of them riddled with lines of musical notes. He picked one up, played the tune in his head, and smiled as he got a sense of what mastery had been made possible by Octavia and Vinyl putting their heads together…as well as other parts of their bodies apparently…

“Well, if nothing else, I think this is going to definitely get some attention!” He lauded. 


***


Carefully tuning the strings of her violin, Octavia waited in tense silence backstage, her ears straining to catch what they could of Neon Lights’ set, hoping the loud, thumping cacophony might drown out her worries.  The stallion was definitely on fire tonight, as much with his brightly glowing suit as the intensity of his beats, but still he knew his part was merely an intro to the main event, that which had seen the resort’s dance floor packed to the gills with ponies for the last night of the kanikapila.

That which fell to her to either make the finale something to remember, or a sequel to the humiliation that had come at the Grand Galloping Gala. 

“Don’t suppose I could interest you in a coconut rum before we go out?” 

Octavia jumped and turned to see Vinyl holding two glasses of sparkling liquid.

“I know it’s not going to have the same punch as your St. Galloway, but you look like you need something to still those shivers.”

Octavia blushed as she gave her instrument another tuning, checking for the umpteenth time that every string was perfect. 

“It’s…well…an interesting contrast to my usual performances. Seems when I actually have something new and innovative to show off I no longer have the safety net of knowing at least some portion of the audience will love what they hear. When you’re playing the old classics you can rest assured it’s going to be fine, unless you deliberately put in the effort to screw it up. When you’re doing your own stuff…well…”

Octavia looked to the offered glass, snatched it out of Vinyl’s hands and proceeded to drain its contents in one go.

“Yes…oooh…yes I’d say a little liquid courage is definitely helpful!” She nervously grinned. Vinyl sighed and reached up to adjust her bow tie. 

“Just remember I’m here with you. Worst case scenario I’ll have to rescue you with my wubs and we’ll have a laugh over it later. Otherwise, we’re going to go out there, and we’re going to wow every pony within earshot like nothing they’ve ever heard before!” Vinly replied while kissing Octavia on the lips. “And you’re going to look fabulous! Specially in that get up!”

Octavia looked down over her modest but eye-catching ensemble of a brightly colored tropical dress paired with her trademark pink tie. 

“You really think this isn’t too much? I mean the tie is kind of my lucky charm but for this sort of environment…”

“It’s perfect, just like these babies are for me.” Vinyl snapped open her sunglasses and slipped them over her eyes. They provided an interesting compliment to her own ensemble of denim shorts, a loud colorful t-shirt and glowing wrist and ankle bands. “Come on Tavi, where’s the confident, sexy and lecherous mare that was sweet talking me all morning while she made me feel like heaven on Equestria?” 

Octavia looked down at her empty glass and blushed.

“A few more drinks and she’ll probably come back…” She said, getting an uproarious laugh. 

“Afterwards, you little minx. Take the stage with me, make it ours, and I promise I’ll buy the rounds all the rest of the night if you want.” Vinyl said as Neon Lights slowly brought his track to a smashing conclusion.

“Alright ponies how was that? Enough to get you all amped and ready for more?” The stallion said into his microphone. A great cheer rose up from the mass of equines…to his apparent disappointment.

“Was that a yes? I can’t hear you! I said are you all ready for more?” He yelled, smirking as the stage rumbled and the flashing lights rattled from the deafening cheering and frantic stomping of hooves.

“Alright then, that’s better! We want to make our star duo feel welcome, and yes, I say duo. Tonight, for their first ever performance together, I give you a truly special treat: our own DJ-PON3, together with the Canterlot beauty herself, Octavia Philharmonicaaaaaah!”

Neon dragged the grey mare’s name out like a boxing announcer. Octavia rolled her eyes and contemplated if she should get a shorter, punchier stage name herself. Maybe something like DJ-M3L0DY….erm…no, her respect for the English language was too great to debase herself down to that level!

Gripping the neck of her violin for confidence, she let Vinyl take the lead, prompting the crowd to again threaten to bring down the entire resort with their cheers and hooves. 

“HOOOOWWWWWZIT my island party ponies? Sorry to have missed you all last night, but, as you’ll see, it was for good reason. Found myself a new friend here as you can see…”

An arm was wrapped around Octavia to pull her close to Vinyl for a nuzzle and a kiss. Octavia frantically begged the microphone to not pick up how hard her heart was beating, or how much she was trembling. 

“We decided to shake things up a bit for this last night of the kanikapila.  Pay tribute to that which has made Moku Mau Loa the most desirable vacation spot out of all of the Bali islands!” Vinyl started up the turntables, mercifully releasing Octavia so she could bring her violin up as an improvised defensive barrier. “You all respect the harmony of the elements, the forces of nature that have given you this paradise. Well tonight, Tavi and I have a treat that we hope will do the same. Let’s see some bodies moving and some hooves clopping to this, our own Elemental Duet!”

As Vinyl started up the opening beats, Octavia took another deep breath. This was it, all or nothing!

She placed her bow across her violin strings, starting off the piece that weeks of repeat attempts and one night of torrid passion had made possible. 

To her horror, the crowds of ponies did not immediately start to move with the music as they had previously when Vinyl was playing by herself.  Quickly Octavia assured herself that this was just because the piece started out with a light tempo and a slow rhythm, a little ease in to the main part. 

Vinyl added more bass to the mix, prompting Octavia’s next part with increasingly deep thuds from the speakers around them. With her heart pounding just as hard, the grey mare drew her bow across the strings, raising the pitch and the fever of her music with that of the unicorns. Many ponies now began to move, to feel themselves again be commanded by the strange combination of dubtrot and classical. Octavia played with renewed energy, closing her eyes and letting her violin dictate which notes to bring forth. She may not have had much time to rehearse, but honestly she didn’t need it at this point. Vinyl’s part of the duet helped remind her what they had composed, and she knew her strings too well to need any instruction on understanding them. This was what she needed, natural, pure, untamed energy, perfectly translated into an all together new kind of symphony! Something never heard nor imagined in any part of Equestria, until now!

It wasn’t until she heard Vinyl start up the bass again that Octavia became aware she’d been largely carrying the duet on her own. That was meant to happen, a means of evoking the sense of air and the power of the wind, but still, it had been a shock. Vinyl had turned down the beat, letting her turntables provide only a background motif to the grey mare’s violin, and not one bit of impact had been lost. The crowd weren’t just moving but were now truly dancing to their combined tune, completely under the spell of the two musicians, and neither had actually gotten to their definitive part yet!

Now feeling adrenaline surging through every inch of her body, Octavia whipped her head back as Vinyl really cranked her wubs. Even if she was meant to be providing half of the music that didn’t mean she couldn’t let herself be guided by the other half, specially not when it had been tailored specifically to suit her. 

As hooves clopped down on the floor below, Octavia’s clopped along with them, her fingers and bow flying across her strings as the duet segued into the fire section. They were paying homage to the chaos and intensity of flames, coaxing the tiki torches lining the floor to dance with the throngs of ponies between them. Vinyl spun and whirled her beats with heat, and Octavia provided the airy franticness of light given physical form. The latter’s charcoal black mane flowed around her head with the grace of both smoke and water, signifying the passage from fire to its opposite element. The earth mare held her next note, giving Vinyl a chance to cool off her decks. This next part was meant to evoke the power and the soothing nature that water brought with it. While there were many aspects about it that could still prove dangerous, both ponies meant to bring out the inherent beauty that lay in all forms of the blue element. They took their duet from a simple stream to a rainstorm, playing it up into a warm, tropical downpour. 

As if taking this as their queue, several ponies held up open bottles of water and began spinning them around, letting their contents fly over the throngs of dancers to give them a physical sensation of the element as well as an emotional one. Octavia played like the raging skies themselves were letting loose with their tides, while Vinyl slapped the volume on her decks up to max, providing a backdrop of thunder to complete the scene. From where she was preparing drinks, Sea Breeze cautiously looked up at the sky, breathing a sigh of relief that the stars were out and there wasn’t a cloud to be seen. The music was lovely but she wasn’t so sure having the weather actually answer its siren call would be welcome. Fortunately Vinyl and Octavia soon ceased to tempt fate. The wubs were lowered and the violin quieted. The storm had passed, and where the fire had reduced all to ash, the water would now bring forth new life.

Earth was now evoked in the steady growing of both beats and strings. New life bursting forth from the soil, nurtured by the quickening pace of the two mares’ duet. Octavia slid her bow back and forth across her violin as her body swayed back and forth across the stage. Vinyl let a most intrigued grin spread across her face as she spun her records faster, adding more bass then going to just observe how freely Octavia moved with the pace of her music. It made for an interesting comparison to the ponies moving about across the floor. They danced because the music told them to, and they cared not for how they looked while doing it. Octavia by contrast, danced because she wanted to, because she not only had to play the music but also feel it through every fiber of her being, to become the elements that she worshiped with every note from her instrument. 

As the earth segment drew to an interlude, the grey mare slowly let her bow fall from the strings. She looked almost disappointed to have to do so, but the next bit required Vinyl to take the lead and build up the beat again. 

Octavia finally opened her eyes, finding herself gasping for breath. She felt…well…how could she describe this? It was something more thrilling than mere excitement, a greater high than the simple rush of adrenaline. This…this was what it was like being truly ALIVE! To live as the embodiment of her music as she offered it for the masses to share in. 

But all too quickly the moment passed. Vinyl was spinning up the beat again and that meant Octavia had to get back on cue. The freshly bloomed plants and flora would be nothing without the return of the wind to propagate their numbers. 

Octavia slid her bow across the strings with a light yet strong fever, a gust needed to carry the seeds of life across the land, bringing them to settle in new soil where they could birth another myriad of nature’s fruits and beauty. Vinyl dropped more wubs into the mix, bringing back the thunder and the rain. Octavia played them both up for all she was worth, spinning herself around on the stage with the music. With her eyes now closed again, and all sensory input focused on feeling every note, the grey mare failed to notice when the crowds slowly ceased their own dance. Not because they were getting bored with the music, far from it, but because they realized this was a phenomenon that they needed to witness, something they couldn’t do while getting their own moves on. 

Wind blew the pouring rain, lightning struck some trees and brought forth fire once again. All of the elements now swirled together in perfect harmony, embodied by the two mares playing their hearts out on their respective instruments. Dubtrot exploded form the speakers every other second, the violin carried it along in its tune as its owner pounded her hooves as if to try and prolong the repeated blasts of energy. 

When at last the duet came to its end, it was all Octavia could do to stop when she had to. Neither she nor Vinyl could think of a way to fade the music out properly so they settled for just ending it on a properly light note. It wasn’t like they could ramp things up anymore and, as the unicorn had said, it always paid to leave the audience wanting more. 

Vinyl hit the stop button on her turntables, Octavia slammed both hooves down and let her arms fall like two lengths of dead weight. Despite her ragged, hasty breaths she didn’t feel the least bit exhausted. No, truly she had never felt more pumped than in this moment! The grey mare looked out to the silent throngs of ponies, feeling her heart skip a beat as they stared blankly back at her. A tense moment passed as Vinyl checked her equipment then grabbed the mic.

“So…how was that huh?” She said, hearing a stunned murmur from the ponies. “Come on now, don’t be shy! We want to know what you thought.”

Another tense moment of silence passed, and then Octavia feared she was going to fall over, not from fainting but from the sudden ground cracking intensity of cheers and cries of “HANA HOU! HANA HOU!”


“Yeah, that’s what I thought.” Vinyl said in triumph. She turned to give Octavia the thumbs up, only to then find herself having to vault over the turn tables and catch the grey mare as she promptly gave herself over to gravity. “Whoa there, Tavi! I know praise can be overwhelming but let’s not try to injure ourselves in the process!”

Octavia grappled for purchase on the unicorn, letting out another strangled gasp as she felt a magical aura envelop her and slowly lift her back to her hooves.

“That…was….oh….my….” Octavia pressed a fist to her chest, finding her heart was still going a mile a minute. “Is…is this sort of rush normal?”

Vinyl giggled as she stepped back and confirmed the earth pony was capable of standing on her own again.

“Yes, but you get used to it after the first couple of times.” She smirked. “Seriously, wow! Just when I think I’ve seen every example of how a pony could move to the music you come round and show me something new. I’ve never seen anyone become one with the beats like that.” 

Still panting like mad, Octavia brushed her mane back and smiled as the crowd kept cheering. 

“Well, you and I wanted to embody the raw elemental energy….it looks like we succeeded.” She looked out to the crowd. “They….they love it!”

Vinly nodded. “Told you they would. Question is, do you feel up to giving them more? They are asking for it after all.”

Octavia looked confused, but then realization began to dawn.

“Is that what ‘hana hou’ means? A local variation on the cry of ‘encore’?” She asked, getting a smug nod.

“You hear that at a kanikapila and you know you’ve earned your place in the hearts of the locals.” Vinyl explained. “So you think you’ve got another in you? We did come up with a few follow ups to try out if our main collab didn’t knock ‘em all down.”

Octavia looked at her violin, tightening her grip around the neck with fresh determination. “Heck yes….let’s….let’s do the one about shadows!”

Grinning like a maniac, Vinyl walked back over to her turntables.

“So, you all want more huh? Not going to stop till we deliver?” She said into the mic. The cries of ‘Hana Hou’! just doubled in volume. “Well, if you’re going to be that kind to us then who are we to say no? Let’s get some lights up, cause for this one we need two of each of you, yourself, and your silhouette!”

The overhead lights were cranked and caught the entire dance floor in their maximum intensity shine. Long, writhing shadows stretched out all across the terrain as Vinyl started up her turntables and Octavia promptly began playing again, feeling like she was going to end up dancing on Princess Luna’s moon if her mood rose any higher.


***


“Well, clearly someponies really stand by the mantra of saving the best for last.” Sea Breeze commented as she slid another bottle of water over to Octavia. The grey mare duly drained its contents in one go and set the empty vessel down next to the three others she’d drank. “Feel about ready for something stronger? I think you’ve earned it.”

Octavia pushed the bottles away, folding her hands around her muzzle as she slowly got her breathing back under control.

“Well…your coconut rum is actually quite good, but just make it just one for now. I honestly don’t think I need anything to make me feel better than I currently am.”

Biting her tongue hard, Vinyl hid her tears of mirth in her own drink.

“That’s putting it lightly. Seriously is that the stage lights reflecting off your dress Tavi, or are you actually glowing?” The unicorn teased as Octavia snorted and took a deep breath.

“Maybe….maybe a bit of both? Seriously that….what we just did was….incredible.” A grin filled with the same excitement as a foal on Hearth’s Warming morning stretched across the grey mare’s face. “Just think what’ll happen when I debut our collab at Canterlot….Celestia I can barely wait!” 

Vinyl looked back at the throng of ponies still dancing away under the return of Neon Lights’ own brand of musical mastery. Draining the last of her rum, she looked to Harpo and Beauty Brass who were likewise taking a break, having worked up quite the sweat and the thirst dancing to her and Octavia’s smash new beat.

“I’m sure you can’t Tavi, buuuuut at the same time that’s then, this is still now, and now has revealed some other quite exciting prospects. Specifically, if you can carry yourself off so well in a solo dance…how are you with a partner?”

Harpo promptly snickered.

“That is the six million bit question. I’ve never gotten Octavia to dance, even at grand balls!” The stallion smirked as Octavia shot him a scornful glare. “Whatever you did to make what happened on the stage take place, that’s apparently more than any of her friends could manage.”

Vinyl ran her finger across the rim of her glass, her ruby eyes sparkling with delicious new ideas. 

“This true, Tavi?”

The grey mare averted her gaze, deliberately staring into her drink.

“I…just…before tonight it’s never really felt…right. I prefer listening and analyzing music. Moving to it just throws me off. I never get the sensation that I’m really feeling the music like I did tonight…more I’m just going through some pre-planned steps that have nothing to do with what’s being played….” She sipped her rum and winced. “Erm…if that doesn’t sound like a lame excuse.” 

Vinyl slid her shades back over her eyes, standing up and taking Octavia’s hand. 

“Sounds like you either didn’t have the right tune to guide you, or the right partner to be with. Fortunately we can put both to the test right now.”	

Octavia meeped as she was dragged to the dance floor, just as a very sensual, trance piece was spun up. 

“Come on, Tavi. If you can’t find it in you to move to this, while I’m here to get you in the mood, then I promise I won’t make you do this again.” The unicorn replied as she spun the mare around. “Just remember how you felt on the stage, let go of all the rigidity and fancy schmancy steps they teach you in Canterlot. Just do what the music tells you.”

Octavia swallowed as she was pulled to the unicorn, Vinyl deliberately pressing hard on her back so she had to let herself fall into the DJ’s hold.

“You…are so going to get it after this!” The earth mare hissed, getting a sultry smile.

“That had better be a promise too, Tavi. Cause I’m counting on it!”

Vinyl twirled the earth mare around, stepping with her in tune to the wubs and guitars. Neon Lights seemed to have read his fellow DJ’s mind on what would make the perfect dance tune for two ponies on the floor for the first time. The rhythm wasn’t anything too fast or too slow, just a perfect pitch to slowly work the same magic that had previously entranced Octavia. 

Slowly but surely the mare began to follow Vinyl’s lead, no longer resisting and actively pressing her body to the unicorn’s. Through the thin fabric of their clothes they could feel each other’s heat, the soft curves of their breasts, the frantic beating of their hearts. 

Octavia began breathing raggedly again, her moves no longer forced or restrained by fear. She was dancing as every pony danced now, totally under the spell of the beats. With her magic, Vinyl raised her shades, letting Octavia stare deeply into her eyes. A look of utter bliss again overcame the celloist’s face, her eyes half lidding as her hands gripped Vinyl’s tighter. 

The two moved as one as the song entered its main part. When the tune dramatically paused for a second, so did they. When it then crashed back with a flourish of strings and thudding beats, they were there sweeping their hooves across the floor as their bodies turned and bowed in unison. Around them the tiki torches flared and burned, weaving their light in with the flashing colors of the stage lights. A rainbow of hues decorated the two mares as they spun each other then pulled each into another embrace. All throughout it, Octavia’s gaze never left Vinyl’s, feeling as if she was no longer looking at just another musician with a passion. She thought back over what she’d said to the unicorn during their morning of intimate exploration, the talk about Vinyl being her key to unlocking new sounds, her element to act as the catalyst for who knew what manner of wonderful harmony. Were such words really uttered in the heat of the moment…or perhaps was Octavia speaking from a deeper feeling? Something that desired for a more permanent bond?

When at last the song did end, she decided to take a risk. She dropped Vinyl, catching her just as her body was parallel to the floor. With her hands clasped as tight as they were around the DJ’s waist and other hand she had no trouble supporting her weight, not even when Vinyl lifted a leg off the floor as if to make their pose complete. 

“Okay…I think that proves that yes, you can dance Octavia…which unfortunately means I’m going to have to insist we do it again. Neon’s got plenty more tracks like this that I’m sure will have the same affect.” Vinyl smiled as Octavia’s breathing grew lustful.

“Is it truly the music that’s affecting me? Or something else?” The grey mare asked. “I felt this way before, when there was no music, no throngs of others, no atmosphere of energy. Just you and you alone.”

Vinyl’s smile vanished, to be replaced by a look of shock, and cautious hope for Octavia to keep talking.

“Much of what I said this morning, yes it was done in the heat of the moment, but honestly I belief I may have voiced some other feelings at the same time. Feelings that persist even now.” Octavia’s voice wavered, gaining a note of pleading. “Is this something more that’s developing between us, Vinyl? Is this, love?”

Silence held despite the commotion of those around them. The two mares held each other in desperate want for the other to please answer, to give them some confirmation on what else was being revealed in this moment.

“Celestia Tavi, I sure hope so!” Vinyl finally replied before throwing her arms around the earth mare and kissing her with all the passion she could muster. Octavia’s eyes shut tight as she pulled Vinyl back to her hooves, possessively holding her as she put everything she had into the kiss. Now the two’s tongues danced as their bodies shuddered in pure joy. Though their minds might still have been conflicted on how deep did their feelings run, in this moment, this night, it didn’t matter. They had each other, and the fruits that had come from their combined labor. They had found what they needed on Moku Mau Loa. Nothing that came after could tarnish how things had at last come together. 

“I could get used to being in love with a sexy minx like you.” Vinyl snickered when at last the two had broken for air. “And you are Tavi!”

The grey mare thought to look offended, then decided a mischievous, sinful glare was better suited.

“I am, and damn proud of it!” She declared while kissing Vinyl again. 

	

	
	

> Chapter 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Is this everything, Mr. Harpo?” The pony carrier asked as he set down the last of the suitcases on the dock. Harpo quickly did took inventory of everything that had been pulled from the hold of Octavia’s boat and smiled that nothing was missing.

“That’s it. Grab what you can and I’ll handle the rest.” He said. The carrier duly stacked all the cases and bags that he could manage onto his shoulders, giving Harpo a surprise that the island native could handle pretty much all of his belongings, including his harp! The stallion bit back an urge to glower as his fellow equine trotted away from the marina, his pace not even slightly slowed despite all the weight he was carrying.

“I do hope he values being able to do that while he can. It’s only a few short years until you get to be like me, still strong in spirit but lacking in bodily durability.” He mumbled, prompting a laugh from Octavia.

“Oh come now, Harpo! You’ve held your own on the dance floor a lot better than some of us these past few days. Having a few aches and pains afterwards just attests to how you won’t let your age get to you.” The grey mare soothed while sipping a glass of punch. “Besides, you’ve got Beauty Brass now to beat the old out of you so you should be set.” 

Harpo looked to his now former traveling companion and snorted in amusement. 

“Yet still you and Vinyl managed to show me up on the last night of the kanikapila. Seriously, Octy, in all the years we’ve known each I’ve never once, nor did I ever expect I’d see you move like that! With no care, no reservation, just a mare completely lost in the joy of life.” 

Octavia’s smile faded slightly as she tried to hide behind her glass. 

“Well you can add me finally admitting you were right to the things that can be ticked off your to do list. If I hadn’t listened to you and stopped off here I’d have missed out on one of the most wonderful discoveries ever…” Octavia paused as she heard the clop of approaching hooves. “Not to mention the chance to return to Canterlot with a sweet little souvenir.”

Harpo turned to see Vinyl bounding up with two packed suit cases. Behind her two more carrier ponies were bringing her turntables and sound equipment. 

“Alright Tavi, got the biggest and heaviest stuff packed up first. Still a few tidbits left to grab from my room at the resort before I check out but this is the bulk of what I need to take with me.” The white unicorn panted as she set down her cases. Octavia stepped away from the gangplank and pointed to the bow of her boat. 

“Harpo’s cleared out a space for you in the hold. If you need more though, feel free to stow your stuff in his cabin.” The grey mare sighed. “I’m presuming you won’t be needing your own bed to sleep in?” 

Vinyl lowered her sunglasses, letting Tavi behold again just how her red eyes sparkled with all the dancing embers of mischief. 

“Depends, are the beds on this cruise liner of yours big enough for two bodies? I mean, not that I’d complain about having to snuggle up real close to you…” She teased. Octavia’s eyes half-lidded, then she got a mischievous smirk of her own. 

“Is your mouse plush in one of those bags? Go put him on my bed and you’ll see it’s quite adequately sized for two beings.” Octavia kissed Vinyl on the nose. “Though that doesn’t mean you can’t still snuggle up real close to me regardless.” 

Now Vinyl had to blush, despite her best efforts to play it cool. 

“And to think I was worried about having to book passage on a passenger ship back to Canterlot and spend who knows how long with nothing to do.” She said while heaving her bags up and boarding Octavia’s boat. Harpo arched an eyebrow as he caught the excited swish of the unicorn’s electric blue tail. 

“No sooner do I resign as your traveling companion than you find another pony to take my place?” He said, mocking a tone of being hurt. 

“While I’ve no doubt I could handle my boat solo, the joy of sailing the seas comes largely from having somepony to share the experience with.” Octavia pointedly took another drink of her punch while eyeing up the stallion. “Besides, you’ve found yourself a kindred spirit to be with, why can I not do the same?”

Harpo looked questioningly at Vinyl as she descended back onto the dock again. 

“Do you even know how to handle a boat?” He asked. Vinyl paid him a smug smirk.

“Tavi’s going to teach me over the course of the trip. We’ll be like scurvy sea dogs living on our wits alone, braving the waves in search of booty to plunder! ARRRRR!” The unicorn growled in a very over the top pirate voice. Octavia rolled her eyes. 

“Hardly a need to search. I see booty worth plundering right here.” The earth mare smacked Vinyl’s sizeable rump. “Didn’t even have to leave the port for that!” 

Vinyl turned with a look of anger…playful anger albeit but anger nonetheless. Octavia remained smug as the unicorn stepped towards her, till their muzzles were touching.

“I’ll have to punish you for that!” She said. 

“Do you promise?” Octavia replied, then giggled as Vinyl took her in another kiss. How strange that the unicorn’s tongue seemed to match the motif of her hair; electric, wild, and just so utterly right!

“Promise…but later. After we’ve packed, set sail and the sting is gone.” Vinyl groaned as she rubbed her butt through her jeans. “You hit hard, you know that, Tavi?”

“Yet again, I’m an earth pony, and as evidenced, I know my own strength.” Octavia snorted as she hugged Vinyl. “If it hurts that much though, I can kiss it better.” 

“Could you do so even if it doesn’t?” Vinyl replied, before Harpo had to clear his throat.

“Um…should I go now? Not that this isn’t sinfully intriguing to eavesdrop on but it sounds like you’d prefer to be alone.” He said with a smirk. Vinyl and Octavia both looked at him, then at each other, seemingly sharing a silent but legitimate debate as to whether they really wanted to give exhibitionism a try. Given how many other boundaries they’d explored over the last few days, it didn’t seem that big of a step. 

Fortunately…or unfortunately…the arrival of Beauty Brass ensured they’d never get a chance to decide.

“Oh good! I was hoping to catch you all before you cast off.” The blonde mare smiled. “After the highly energetic display of the last night of the kanikapila I thought you all might be feeling a bit sore. Was wondering if I could tempt you with a little unwinding at my spa before you left.” 

Vinyl’s ears rose with intrigue. Octavia’s by contrast remained stationary.

“Oh that’s too kind of you, Beauty, but I assure you we’re feeling quite fine…” The grey mare began.

“Well I’m not! My rump is smarting like no tomorrow!” Vinyl lowered her sunglasses and winked. “Know any techniques that can disperse the agony from an abusive mare?” 

Octavia glowered at the unicorn in her arms. “Oh please! That was at the most a love tap, Vinyl!”

The unicorn looked back, her features flushing with red as she nodded in a strangely meek way.

“That’s true actually, it was. A strong, hard blow, delivered out of love, from a…mmm…nice and strong lass…” Vinyl murmured as she traced the contours of Octavia’s biceps. “You know the more I think about it, the more I find a mare with good muscle tone really turns me on.” 

Octavia rolled her eyes, then felt herself shiver as Vinyl nuzzled her neck. Why did it feel so electrifying to have a female shamelessly grope her like this? More to the point, why did it stir such filthy yet exciting ideas in her mind?

“So does that mean spanking is still an option? You do have the right sort of rump for it.” Octavia whispered, feeling her heart beat faster as Vinyl giggled. 

“Think we’ll take you up on that offer of some down time, Beauty. Make sure Tavi’s need to hit and smash things is sedated before I resign myself to several weeks alone on the sea with her.” The unicorn teased. She broke from the hug and pulled Octavia towards the shore. “Come on, we’ve both given Moku Mau Loa enough of our talents. It’s time we got something in return!”


***


Harpo gently strummed the strings of his harp as Octavia slowly wilted under Beauty Brass’ seasoned hands. It was actually rather shocking for the mare to find she still indeed seemed to be carrying a lot of tension and tightness…although Octavia had to ponder if that was due less to stress and more to just the exhilaration of how her life had changed over the past few days. The latter would at least explain why she felt so light on her hooves in spite of needing a good rub down. 

“Wow…Beauty, if you don’t mind my asking…how exactly does one go from playing the trombone to being a massage expert?” The grey mare cooed as her body was firmly yet soothingly loosened up. “I’m not complaining in the slightest about your technique, mind you, I just….I can’t see the connection.”

The blonde mare snickered as she curled her hands into fists and pressed the knuckles down into a particularly stubborn knot in Octavia’s back.

“Well I am a Ponyville resident, born and bred. The local spa there is run by a pair of sisters whose expertise is second to none. In my down time I often went there to try and unwind from the hassle of the orchestra, and then finally my curiosity persuaded me to ask if they’d be willing to teach me some of their secrets.” Beauty explained, snorting in satisfaction as Octavia’s muscles finally relented under her gentle pressure. “Honestly, I was amazed how well I took to learning the trade. Even if my cutie mark may have been earned in music, it seems a pony can still excel in other fields.”

From where she was lounging in a nearby chair, sipping a glass of sangria and staring serenely at the sundrenched vista outside, Vinyl nodded.

“Well considering how cryptic some of them are, I wonder if that’s part of their function: to not limit us to just one walk of life.” She pulled her robe aside to stare at the backwards double eighth on her flank. “Take mine for example. When I got it I was playing around with random instruments at my school’s recording studio. Much as it was a thrill to have hit that milestone, I quickly found myself in that typical teenage conundrum of what was it supposed to mean. My parents thought it meant I was a music prodigy so they enrolled me in the local academy. Did fine, learned all about different genres, got my degree….but honestly it didn’t feel as much like my true calling as it did just something I could do to earn a living.”

Octavia looked up as the unicorn continued.

“I mean classical, jazz, rap, that’s all well and good, but none of it feels like it’s me…well…not exactly. That’s when I began to ponder about the fact that my mark is technically facing the wrong direction…like it’s not evoking a talent at music but rather a talent at subverting the typical genres of music. That was when I recalled that one of the instruments I’d been futzing around with was a synthesizer, and what I loved about it was how it could mangle a tune…if that makes any sense.” 

Octavia looked unsure.

“What you do is hardly mangling, Vinyl. You’re just giving music your own signature touch.” She said as the unicorn nodded. 

“But just like Beauty Brass discovered a knack as a masseuse, I found my calling by thinking outside the box, contemplating that a cutie mark may not mean what most assume it to mean.” 

Octavia arched an eyebrow and reached to pull up the towel covering her to reveal the treble clef on her flank.

“So what other meanings could mine have then? So far as I know it indicates exactly what most would think it indicates. Not much room for other interpretations.”

Vinyl nodded and rose. “Well let’s think about it for a moment. On sheet music a clef’s significance can change considerably depending on which line and what stave it’s placed. The second line is used if you’re composing a piece meant for clarinets, saxophones, horns, trumpets and so on, but if you move it to the grand stave then it denotes the piece is meant to be played on a keyboard, or a harp.”

Vinyl nodded to Harpo as he prompted her with a pluck of his strings.

“Now if you move it lower, to the first line, that denotes it’s a violin piece, which would explain why you’re as much a natural with that as you are with your cello.” The unicorn continued, much to Octavia’s surprise. Even if she’d already seen Vinyl’s classical training in action, to hear the unicorn also had a very firm understanding of the mechanics that went into making music work still awed her. 

“Well, yes, that’s all correct…however, it doesn’t quite clarify what other talents I might have besides playing classical music…” Octavia challenged, wanting to see if Vinyl could do more than just recite academic teachings. To her credit, the unicorn nodded that she wasn’t finished yet.

“Well, the fact that a clef can adapt to any instrument just by moving slightly indicates a knack for being able to quickly pick up different types of rhythm. You proved as much when you managed to blend your violin with my wubs with only a few hours of brainstorming…” Vinyl got a very mischievous grin on her face. “And of course you weren’t too shabby on the dance floor once I got you on it…” 

Octavia squirmed slightly at the way the unicorn was grinning as she walked over to Harpo and whispered something in his ear. Quickly the grey mare got off the massage table and grabbed her robe as her fellow orchestra player nodded in bemusement and began to play a tune on his harp.

“Vinyl, what are you…” Octavia paused as she began to pick up the beat. She recognized it as an old pop song, one that distinctly had not been composed with the harp in mind…yet it didn’t sound that bad when played on one, thanks no doubt to Harpo’s experienced fingers. 

“Come here, Tavi.” Vinyl took the mare’s hand and pulled her into an embrace. “Let’s see if you can move to a tune at random, pick it up as easily as you picked up the flow of my wubs.”

Octavia got a weirded out look on her face as she was swung about, silently asking if this was actually happening.

“Vinyl, we’re wearing bathrobes!” She said. From behind the unicorn’s sunglasses she could almost make out that telltale sparkle in her eyes. 

“So? If you can’t dance while in a bathrobe then when can you dance?” Vinyl nudged Octavia’s hoof, coaxing it to follow her lead. Octavia looked to Beauty Brass.

“Are you actually going to let her do this? In your own spa?”

The blonde mare averted her gaze, but not the smile creeping across her muzzle.

“Well it is just us in here now…and I am kind of curious to see if you can pull this off.” She sat down on the massage table and watched as Vinyl twirled Octavia around and lead her across the length of the room. Seeing she wasn’t going to get any support from anypony, the grey mare snorted in defeat…then she gasped as she felt the unicorn dip her. The setting and unsuitable attire aside, the tune Harpo was playing wasn’t that hard to follow. Indeed it actually kind of made her feel sensual, romantic, reminding her of why being pressed up against Vinyl’s body was a good thing. 

The two mares stepped in time with the music, watching how their hooves seem to naturally synchronize in their rising from then planting down on the floor again. Octavia intertwined her fingers with Vinyl’s, her eyes locking with the unicorn’s as Vinyl lifted her shades with her magic and perched them on her horn. Harpo moved to the interlude of the piece, giving Vinyl the perfect cue to spin her mare around. Octavia wordlessly felt her body twirl like a pebble rolling with the current of a river. Vinyl pulled her in so her front was now against Octavia’s back, letting her guide the cellist into the second movement. Octavia brought their clasped hands to her chest, letting Vinyl feel how hard her heart was beating as she tried to keep their hooves in synch. Vinyl spun her around again and wrapped the mare up in her arms, pressing their chests together so Octavia could likewise feel the hammering going on beneath the unicorn’s ribs. This felt so awkward, so random…and that was why it struck the cellist as being exactly the right thing to do at this given moment in time…

Harpo slowed the plucking of his strings, smirking as Octavia slowly went limp without the music to guide her. Vinyl held her firmly, bending over to let the grey mare melt in her arms, proving that, when needed, she could be just as strong as her lover.

“I think that pretty much proves my point.” The unicorn grinned as Octavia breathed raggedly. 

“Y-Yeah…as does this…for mine.” The cellist whispered. Vinyl cocked a curious eyebrow, then felt herself melting as Octavia sprung up and kissed her with a fierce passion. A very welcome, and strangely beautiful silence held the room, with two hearts completely lost in their new found love for each other, and two others feeling the ambient affection between themselves. 

“It is so cute how in the moment of truth you always just throw caution to the wind, Tavi.” Vinyl cooed as she was kissed on her nose, her cheek, her horn, and everywhere else Octavia could reach. 

“This feels too proper to be getting cold hooves over. After what you’ve done for me, here, I need to know more, about these feelings you inspire in me, this need, this sense of completeness…” Octavia sighed as she was nuzzled again, Vinyl’s warm breath making her shudder in delight. 

“Hey, same here on all accounts, Tavi. That’s why I think a few days of just us together alone will confirm how serious we can be about this. That and I’m keen to see what other luxuries you’ve got on that boat!” Vinyl smirked, as did Octavia, with noticeably more mischief. 

“Well let’s finish up here and I’ll be happy to show you. We may have to anyway, looks like other guests are coming in for their appointments.” The mare nodded to the reception area, where two additional ponies were now seated and awaiting for some of Beauty Brass’ skilled handiwork. The blonde mare turned to the clock and looked almost disappointed at the time.

“A pity, this is almost like watching a cheesy romance novel play out in real time.” Beauty giggled. Now Vinyl was the one looking mischievously smug. 

“Well, we don’t have to leave just yet. Could stay here and show how we don’t care who’s watching us explore our new love for…” The unicorn broke off upon seeing Octavia was glaring at her disapprovingly. “Right, yeah it’s probably too soon for that. Probably best to save it till we’ve had a few dates.”


***


Octavia stared in expected regret at the island of Moku Mau Loa slowly drifted away towards the horizon. Around her boat the sea was fine and the winds could not be more favorable, yet even with Vinyl beside her, studying how to work the sails and get them secured, it felt like something was missing. 

“So…now that I’ve got enough knots to keep these babies in place, what’s the travel plan, Tavi?” The unicorn queried while giving the ropes holding the sails a good tug. Octavia walked to the enclosed sitting area and reached for her map. 

“Nothing too fancy. The currents should take us around to the Guizhou Peninsula, then through there to the coast of Skyros. After that it’s a day or so tops before we hit Canterlot.” The grey mare said as she traced the path back to civilization. “Biggest issue is what are we going to do for the two weeks between then and now?” 

Octavia sat back in thought, then sighed in resignation.

“Besides the obvious I mean.” She followed as Vinyl sat down beside her, looking most amorous. 

“Pffft, only known me for a few days and already she’s caught on. Oh I’m going to have to get downright devious with you I see.” The unicorn grinned in malevolence. Octavia gave her a non-plussed expression.

“You’d better. Even if he looked perfectly fine being left behind, it’s going to be weird not having Harpo around for a while. Going to need something to fill the void.” Octavia mused for a moment, then perked her ears. “Vinyl, how long would it take you to get your equipment set up here on the deck?” 

Vinyl checked the time and smirked. 

“Current record is ten minutes, both to get it ready and break it down afterward…hmmm, how quickly can you tune your cello, your violin, and whatever other instruments you got on board?” 

Octavia hmmed. “Probably the same amount of time. Feel up to a little jam session?”

Mere minutes later both mares were seated with their respective tools of trade. Vinyl was plugging her decks into an outlet and Octavia was giving her cello strings a final test. 

“So…what should we start off with? Something in the same vein as what we played at the kanikapila?” The grey mare queried. 

“Mmmm, actually with the bobbing of the boat I’m feeling under my hooves, I’m thinking a more purely aquatic theme. Here, see what you can do with this.”

The unicorn began mixing a riff of tides, currents, foam and waves, cresting over a base of strings and keyboards. Octavia nodded as her mind began to pick up the beat.

“What can I do? Just watch me.” She replied while placing her bow across the strings of her cello. 

Across the sea a boat bobbed and rocked with the music of two souls intertwined in the rhythm of their everlasting elemental duet.