Octavia’s POV
I watched Vinyl sleep like a baby… Who am I kidding? She sleeps like a train wreck covered with Discord’s secret ingredient. She sleeps like an enemy army coming to take your land. Simply put, she sleeps rough. Sometimes the only way to get her calm down is to climb on top of her and use my weight to keep her from moving. Which…now that I think about it, could be a way for her to draw me closer. If that were the case, I had been underestimating Vinyl’s cleverness for a while.
I looked towards the clock and noted the time; it was 5:30. Vinyl had thirty minutes to somehow make it across town and get ready for her competition. Usually, one would be worried in this case. I wasn’t. Vinyl somehow had the ability to make it to places on time. Whether it be clubs, competitions, our dates, et cetera, Vinyl always managed to make it and sometimes arrive early. After a while, you stop worrying and let her do her thing.
So, I sat there, reading a human novel about a teenage male being lost in the woods after a plane crash. I had to say it was pretty good how he learned to survive outside of his element. Anyway, I heard Vinyl stir once; I knew she was about to awake. I stood from my position on the bed ,so Vinyl had room to explode. Funny thing was, I knew Vinyl’s routine for when she woke before an event. First, she’d slowly rise. Then she’d look at the time, freak out, fall out of bed, and put on the clothes she wore the day before.
“Ugh…what time is it?” Vinyl asked as she slowly rose from her nap, “5:33…BUCK!”
Vinyl rolled onto the floor in shock, and I snickered. Once she recovered from the shock on hitting the floor, she sprung back to sky ready for action.
“Are you ready, Vinyl?” I asked as she walked towards the bedroom door.
“I’m always ready to defeat some chumps,” She replied with her usual confidence.
“Well, let’s hurry up and go.”
“You’re coming with me?”
“Of course. Someone has to keep you in check. We don’t need any more fights with competition.”
“Hey, I hardly ever get into fights.”
"Well, in this new place, any fight could mean jail time and jail here sounds worse than back home."
We left the room together and walked towards the living room. There we saw Mason and Anastasia in formal dress. I remembered something about them having a date. It was nice that they were spending some time together. Though, I couldn’t help but feel two separate emotions. One was for Vinyl to take me ,and the second was to spend time with Ana. It was weird that I felt the latter.
“Wassup, my furry friends?” Mason greeted. He looked decent in his outfit, but he could have done better. His blue dress shirt and black dressed pants were both wrinkled, yet seemed to give out some boyish charm. The only problem- the biggest problem- was his unkempt hair. “I see you guys are finally up for the competition.”
Vinyl lit her horn to straighten Mason’s tie, and then spoke “Of course. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. The only problem is how am I going to get there. You guys are leaving ,and neither Octy or I can use those carriages.”
“Stop worrying, Vinyl. You can say it’s from personal experience, but I had a feeling you’d oversleep. Percy is waiting outside by his car, and yelling at his phone. Just hurry outside and you’ll make it to the competition...probably.”
We gave each other farewells before we each split our separate ways, yet before we left Ana, in a blue dress that matched Mason’s shirt, cleared her throat. When we looked back, She pointed towards Mason’s hair. With an understanding nod, Vinyl’s horn lit again, casting an aura around his hair. Then a comb, clippers, moisturizer, and other hair items floated from various rooms in the house until they hovered near Mason’s head. In a flash and a swirl of magic(chaos) his hair was cut and tidy.
Mason tapped the top of his head and felt the softness that was now present. I noticed a smile smirk appear on his face before he thanked Vinyl.
“You know, I like having a huge ‘fro, but this will work just fine.”
“He loves it,” Ana spoke before hugging both Vinyl and I. We gave each other a warm squeeze before we were ushered us out the door.
Outside, we saw Percy leaning against a pearl white carriage. Well, car. It was much more luxurious than the one Mason or Anastasia operated ,and it probably a lot more expensive as well. I supposed when you have the money, you have the urge to spend and flaunt it. Even the nobles back home did that. To think, I was on my way to start, but I met Vinyl and she humbled me. Or shall I say, she used her money for other uses that did not involve flaunting, but elevating her craft.
“I don’t give a rat’s ass if the performance was too loud, if he was too drunk to perform, or the property damage from the fans! You signed a contract for a three-day concert, and we will get a three-day concert! Or maybe another hotel would love to host the hottest male pop singer of this year?" screamed Percy into his device
We thought he was angry, but the way he kept his cool said otherwise. It seemed it was an act. After he yelled he waited, closely listening to the phone before smiling deeply. He listened to the phone as muffled words came from the other end.
“Good. Good. I knew you’d come to your senses. I’ll talk to him and tell him to slow down on the drinks. You can take the half the cost of the damage from out profits… only half…” Percy said, and then he noticed us, “Okay, if that’s it then I have to go. Call me later if you have any other questions. Bye.”
He pressed the screen of his phone and turned his attention to us. With a literal press of a button, the doors of his car opened wide. He quickly ushered us into the seats and then pressed the button again to close the doors. Vinyl took the front and I took the back. All I can say was that the inside was magnificent. The front was made of polished wood. The seats were so smooth that I felt I might slide off but didn’t, for they sucked me in deep. It felt like I was royalty, so I closed my eyes to enjoy the feeling.
“Yeah, this car has that effect on people. You get used to it though,” Percy spoke, “Anyway, you two just relax while I drive. Also, Vinyl, there’s not much I can tell you since you don’t know these people like Mason does.”
“Tell me anyway,” Vinyl demanded, sitting up from the comfort, “I gotta know my competition.”
“Okay…uhh...well, there’s only one guy you should worry about. He calls himself ‘Curb Stomp’. That’s because he claims his drops are dirty, raw, and painful. He used to be Mason’s old rival and won the competition I happened to be at. I chose Mason because the other guy is a huge dick. Also, because he's pretentious, cocky, he infringes a lot of music, and he has ghost writers.”
“So…kick his flank is what you’re telling me…” Vinyl whispered. She took off her glasses and wiped them with her shirt; her scarlet eyes shined brighter than usual. I knew what this meant; she was filled with determination and wanted to win.
“You got it, kid. Do that and you’ll start making a name for yourself…well, you’ll resurface in L.A.”
Anastasia’s POV
Mason and I sat down to our date which was nice and romantic. Well, as romantic as Mason could be. We needed this to truly connect to one another on a level that wasn’t friendship. Though, that wasn’t the reason we were out. I just needed some elaborate situation to get us away from Vinyl and Octavia. They didn’t need to know what I was telling Mason.
“Then once the police raided the place, they immediately dropped me to the ground. I managed to get free and run out the joint. If it wasn’t for a convenient tree house, I would have been caught.” Mason spoke, reliving his story.
“I bet you probably ate the snacks in the house too,” I said. I already knew he did because he told me this story while he was drunk months back. I knew he wouldn’t remember telling me so finishing it for him would bring a good laugh. I basked in his confusion for a moment before starting a new topic, “Mason, can I say something serious for a moment.”
“Yeah, sure.”
“The competition tomorrow…I bet you think you’re ready.”
“Of course I’m ready. I’m ready to win!”
“That’s good, but why are you going easy on Vinyl?” Before Mason could interrupt, I continued, “I’ve heard what you’re going to play and it is nowhere near your best.”
Mason’s lips spread ,so he could defend himself, yet only air escaped. They closed back before he broke eye contact. I knew he was struggling for the words to say, so I was not going to rush him. Because of this, silence filled the area around us. It wasn’t heavy or awkward; it was filled with thought. I didn’t know what he was going to say... I could only wait until he was ready to say it.
It wasn’t until our food arrived and the waiter had left did Mason look me in the eyes and spoke.
“I know how it feels to be on top and then suddenly be nothing. Imagine being pushed out a plane with no parachute. The fall is quick yet takes forever. There is nothing you do can to stop it, yet you flap your arms hopping something will happen. Call it intuition, but I know Vinyl is going through that now. She'e been here a while and the only show she has played was that weird birthday party. That’s why I gave her my spot at the competition…and so I could spend the night with you. So, If I let Vinyl win tomorrow…she’ll have a chance to get back on top.”
“That’s a nice way to think,” I said to Mason, lovingly touching his hand, “But that’s fucking stupid. It’s disrespectful to her; it’s disingenuous of you. Any artist, when you don’t bring their A-Game, is going to call you out on it. She is coming with her all; she expects you to do the same. Don’t cheap out on her because you feel bad, or want to help. If you really want to help her out, be your best ,and she’ll try to beat you. That energy produced will shine bright and power her ride back to her throne.”
Mason, once again speechless, looked towards his plate and sighed. He knew I was right. I think he always knew this was the right path, but he was thinking with his emotions and not with his head. But I must say, thinking with both is a good idea.
“You’re right….”
Vinyl’s POV
We drove for a while. Passing through the skyscrapers, suburban houses, and even the slums until we reached a series of abandoned industrial buildings. Any regular person might have been frightened, but to a veteran, like me, I knew what was going on. Places like these were free from disturbances, and far away from people that loud music wouldn’t be a bother. Typically, the owners don’t mind…not that they’re ever around to say much.
As we pulled into the parking lot, I could feel the music vibrating the area. It sounded okay, but in my experience, an okay song with a great crowd equals an amazing night. I knew this was going to be an amazing night because I could hear crowd cheering and roaring. The energy filled me and expanded my mind. I knew this was my night and no one was going to hold me back; I would win this competition and take home the money.
“Alright, Vinyl, are you ready for this?” Percy asked. He got out his car, walked to my side, and opened the door.
“Not at all,” I replied, putting my glasses on, “I don’t know what I’m playing or how I’m doing this… But as Celestia is my witness, I’m gonna kill the noise!”
“That’s what I like to hear! Look, I’m going to go sign you in; do what you want until they call you.”
Percy rushed towards the entrance with haste I didn’t think a man in a suit could obtain. I’m guessing because we were already late because I slept to long, but with him dealing with Mason, I doubted if he held any negative feelings against it. If he did…he’d probably just have to get used to it.
With a shrug, I began to walk to the warehouse until I heard a knock from behind. I let out a small chuckle as I saw Octy still in the backseat. I rushed back and opened the door like a gentlemare.
“The nerve of that man. Not opening the door for all mares…” Octy said. The scowl of her face seemed to be etched in.
“He’s just busy. Give him a break,” I replied.
I grabbed the earth pony and rushed inside the building. Almost immediately we were bombarded by sweet, sweet music. Our sight was met with pitch black darkness only being illuminated by flashing lights or the neon worn by the ravers. I felt at home. I closed my eyes and drifted into the crowd; I think I left Octavia alone at the edge of the dancers, but she could understand why.
My body drifted into the center of the party, barely touching anypony else. Raves are fluid and flow like the ocean. Once you submit yourself, you become part of it. That’s what I and everyone else did. Soon, I flowed straight into the middle and let loose. I don’t know how exactly I danced that day; I just remember that being the first moment I felt at home in this new place. I felt truly happy as the music poured into me and flowed out as dancing. I felt that I could live here and be included in everything. None of the ravers judged me. None of them questioned what or who I was. We just danced together. The PLUR lifestyle was alive, and I felt it.
Though, in Mason’s world, it feels like someone always must mess with you.
“Vinyl Scratch?” I heard someone ask, “Is this for real? No no…you must be one of those -bio-robot things. I can’t believe someone would think it’s cool to bring that here…”
I turned to look at whoever said that. To my surprise-not so much- I was greeted by a leather jacket wearing, aviator sporting, gelled haired, pants too tight young man. This type of person wasn’t rare, but they were never seen unless you were happy and the universe didn’t want you to be.
“Number one: I am not a machine. I am the living breathing Vinyl Scratch. Secondly, I came here on my own willpower.”
“Wow…you must be an expensive model. I actually felt genuine emotion from that. Let me guess: You’re here to perform, right?”
“Yes, I am. DJ PON3 is here to win the prize money.” I cooed.
“I doubt that. My set I played earlier was epic. It’s gonna take a miracle to beat it.”
If there was one thing good about this guy, it was his confidence. That was something ever dj needed.
“Too bad I missed it,” I said,” By the way, are you Curb Stomp?”
“What?! No! That guy left earlier. Something about he knew he won so he didn’t need to stay and see the results. Anyway, I’m Recharge. Perhaps you heard of me?”
“Nope.”
The man looked visibly hurt before he gained he composure and spoke, “Yeah… like somepony like you would even know. Look, I’ll see you around, unicorn.”
“Buck yeah, you will,” I crowed back, “and you’ll be looking up at me from second place on the podium!”
This earned me a glare from Recharge, but he shrugged his shoulders and sauntered out of the dancing throng. I fell back into the groove of the dance floor, barely paying attention to my fellow revelers. This competition was about putting others on notice: DJ Pon3 was back and ready to rumble! I didn’t have time for negativity and neither Curb Stomp or Recharge could dissuade me from dropping the sickest of bass.
Roughly forty-five minutes after I arrived, Percy came back and ushered me through the ravers to the stage. The previous DJ was spinning the last of his playlist. When he saw me, he did a double take and nearly let his records skip. It was kinda funny, which was exactly what I needed. Whatever anxiety I was feeling from before was gone an instant. I was now ready to bring down the roof of this place!
“Are we five-by?” Percy asked.
“Oh yeah,” I replied, “gimme a beat and I would rock entire worlds!”
“Good,” Percy said, “then got out there and own ‘em.”
I looked at the stage, the turntables, the speakers, the crowd; I was home here. Now I needed to make everybody, and everypony, know that.
Curb Stomp's POV
I don’t know what possessed me to return to the club after I wowed the audience. Maybe I needed to bask in the glory of adoring audience. That recharge kid had some chops to him but he was nowhere in my league. I had this competition sorted. I had every right to felt confident about it; so far, I hadn’t seen a single MC that could do a tenth of what I had already mastered. I know you should't count your chickens before they hatch, but I had skillz that killz; what did I need to worry about?
I should have known better… I saw that android piece of shit turn on the stage ,and I just about lost it. I heard about those play-mate things or whatever and I didn’t like them much. The fact that this was one was snow white with neon blue hair and a set of goggles like an anime character didn’t make it any less endearing to me. That horn it had was some kind of transceiver or something, although I wasn’t so sure of that when the horn glowed and stacks of discs floated towards it.
I played the best set of my life, really turned the crowd on it's head; the follow up acts couldn’t compare to the masterful show I put on! The crown, the credits, and the crown was mine, all mine. Then this- thing, turns up and starts to play. I was mad as fuck.
Then I really tuned into to what it was doing. Fuck me, it was good. No, it was better than good, it was exceptional. I would even go so far as to say it was outstanding. It had the entire floor eating out of it’s hands. I was impressed. It wasn’t just its technical skill, but its raw talent. I didn’t those android things had that kind of ability but I swear, my blood was pumping just as much as the crowd’s was! Anyway you put, this thing was giving me some concern. I shouldn’t have felt that way, but I did.
Once the android was done with it’s set, which was twice as long as mine and hit bass so low you could feel it in your teeth, I set out to find the thing. I wanted to know how it was programmed or whatever to drop such sick beats. I caught it roaming the crowd, which was still entranced by it's performance. It had wound its way another android, this one a gray one lacking a horn a bearing a treble clef on it’s thigh. I couldn’t believe I saw one of these fuck toys and now there were two here. I had to know where their owner/programmer was.
“Yo!” I called out, “You that robot that just threw down on my crowd?”
“I’m not a robot,” the white one retorted, “the name’s DJ Pon-3. And I did I just own your flank? Why yes, yes I did!”
That pissed me off even more.
“So, yeah, you got some skills,” I sneered, “but you’ll never be at my level. I’m a fucking pro, yo.”
“So you’re Curb Stomp?” The white one asked.
“The one and only,” I replied.
“Good,” the white said, “it’s good to know who third place is going to be.”
“Oh, yeah?” I asked, “What makes you think you can beat me?”
“Because I’m DJ Pon-3,” the white one answered, “and I drop bass for a living. You probably wouldn’t know a bass line if it kicked you in the stallionhood!”
“You would love that, wouldn’t you,” I said, “oh, wait, you can’t, because you’re a machine.”
“I’ll have you know, you cur,” growled the gray one, “that Vinyl is no less a sentient entity than you are. And she would surely be affable to seeing you getting your plot handed to you.”
“DAMN, Octi!” The white one commented, “I didn’t know you had that in you!”
“Something had to be said to this ruffian,” the gray one huffed, “come, we have spent enough time wallowing in this Philistine’s stench.”
The gray one grabbed the white one by the arm and they left. A mob formed around the pair as they exited. I had mobs like that form around me after I played but never to the degree the white one was getting now. I couldn’t wait until the next night to show this machine who’s boss. (Hint, that’s me, Curb Stomp.)
I tried to move through the crowd to get closer to those machines, but the crowd was too dense for me to through. I'll admit, I was getting a bit jealous. The cheers the crowd were making mixed with how big it was only added to my anger. Though, I stopped once the host came over the mic to announce winner. Look, I don't even want to remember the results because results don't show skills. And because fuck that pony and everything she stands for. But...It's a part of my life.
All I want to say is that, when I saw the crowd lift that pony into the sky, I became more angry than I have ever been. This..thing came into my city and stole my trophy...my money! I couldn't stand by and let it be. I tried to force my way through the crowd, but it was too thick to move through. My only option was to stand and watch that thing accept my rewards, but the worst part wasn't when she raised the trophy up high, but was when she spoke.
"A lot of talented people played tonight, and I just want to thank the crowd for choosing me as the winner. I played my heart out ,and you guys heard its every beat. And that's what music is about: Putting yourself into the song and letting everyone hear it. But enough of that poetry jazz! DJ PON3 is here to stay!" She proclaimed, as the crowd cheered loudly at her, "If ya want some more, I'll be having a battle tomorrow with local favorite DJ Helix! It's at Club Genesis and it's something you don't want to miss."
With that, she waved to the crowd and left the stage. I don't know where she went and I didn't care. All I knew was that DH Helix, or shall we call him Mason, had something to do with this pony, and I wouldn't sit back and take it. He already took my record deal, I won't let him take every competition too.
Mason’s POV
The night went well after the talk. Of course Ana is made me realize the errors of my ways, but that’s what she’s here for. Things could have gone very wrong if I had done what I planned. I would have lost a friend and the respect of many others. PLus the shot at any career would be gone. So, I appreciate what she has done. I mean, everything she has done since day one. Someday I’ll show her how much I appreciate her. One day.
Anyway, we pulled into my driveway after a delicious meal. The sun was long gone and the only lights were from our car, the streets light, and the light on my doorstep. But for some odd reason, my door was wide open. I started to worry that I was being robbed , but the sight of my father with two suitcases eased me. Though, I wondered why he had the suit cases.
When Ana parked her car, I hopped out and walked towards my old man. He looked at me with a small smile before handing both suitcases. After that, he went back into the house to retrieve some more. Immediately, I sat them down to chase after him only to be greeted by a living room filled with their belongings and my mom ending a call.
“What’s going on?” I questioned.
“We are heading back to Georgia,” My father replied, getting two more suitcases, “Grab some of these. The taxi will be here soon.”
I did as I was told, but continued to ask questions.
“What do you mean? I thought this was a vacation? You’re retired! Why do you have to go back?”
My mother, her voice low and not as cheery chimed in, “Your father may be retired, but he still helps companies. They need him ASAP.”
“Well can ASAP be after tomorrow?My show is then, and it's been years since you’ve seen me live.”
“You know how these companies work, “My father spoke, “They won’t take no for an answer. Besides, the credits I earn help me take care of your mother for that much longer. Retirement isn’t what it’s used to be. Hell, you should be very worried.”
Confused, I looked at my father. He looked back at me with all the seriousness he had in his body. Whatever words were swimming in his mind, I knew I would have to catch them. So, I opened my ears, ready to listen.
“Look, times are only going to get worse. They may get better, but not yet. As a man, it’s up to you to make sure your castle doesn’t topple over when the wind starts picking up,” My father then paused. He wasn’t looking towards me anymore, but past me. It seemed the memories of his life were right behind me, “What I’m saying is, you now have a lot of luggage. With Ana, Vinyl, and Octavia, things are going to be tough.”
“Whoa, dad...the ponies are going to be on their place own soon enough. Octy said it ,and Vinyl is working on it. Maybe Ana, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
“Mason, if you let those ponies out into the world by themselves you are insane. The world is not ready yet. And let’s be real, Ana is your future wife. We saw that when she first pushed you to the ground.”
I wanted to respond. Perhaps, deny whatever he said, but from the experience with the the religious groups, or the awkward stairs whenever I was out with Vinyl. I knew he was right. This world wasn’t ready. The Ana situation...I wasn’t ready to talk about it.
“Okay, what do you think I should do then?” I asked.
“That’s for you to figure out, DJ,” He answered, “You’re a grown man, who has taken on grown man responsibilities. It’s up to you to find a way.”
A taxi then pulled in front of my house; I knew it was time for my parent’s to leave. With heavy hearts, the luggage was carried to the car and loaded into it. My mother held back tears as she gave me a hug and jumped into the taxi and slammed the door; I could hear the tears explode out. My father closed the trunk of the taxi before he held out his hand for a handshake, but quickly brought me in for a hug.
We held each other tightly before we let each other go.
“Look, Mason...A bad father would leave you out in the dark, so what I’m going to do is help. Right now, you need to create assets.”
“I don’t know anything about assets though…”
“Yes you do. The club and your music are nice starts. You may need a few more though...”
“That’s easier said than done, dad.”
“When there is a will there is a way, “ My father said as he got into the passenger side of the taxi, “Take care of those ponies and Ana. You have an opportunity to do something here. Don’t ruin it.”
He closed the door and seconds later, the taxi pulled off. I waved goodbye until the tail lights of the car were out of sight. Sighing, I turned back towards my house only to hear the flick of a lighter and see Ana inhaling her joint.
She smiled at me, offering me some, yet I denied. For once in my life, I believed I needed a clear head. No alcohol or weed could help me. I just needed to wipe the dust off the gears and turn the machine on.
“How much did you hear?” I asked, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
“Just enough to remember I kicked your ass when we were kids,” She replied, taking another deep inhale before blowing the smoke away from my direction, “So, what now ,castle man?”
“We figure out this asset thing. We got the club and music. Maybe we do rental property. If destiny is so determined for us to be soulmates, we could move in together and rent out the other house...”
“Oh...about that,” Ana spoke, pulling away from me and slowly making her way to the house, “I sort of...sold my house to fund the club, so I’m living here indefinitely. I meant to tell you earlier, but ,you know, things come up.”
“So, you were just gonna slowly move your stuff, hoping I wouldn’t notice?”
“First truck arrives Sunday.”