//------------------------------//
// The Past Bites Epilogue 
// Story: Tales from the Cosmos Eccentric 
// by RB_ 
//------------------------------//

Vinyl bit her lip, hesitated for a moment, sighed, and finally turned the doorknob.

“Welcome back,” Octavia said, standing at the end of the hall. “And just where have you been?”

Vinyl winced.

Oh, you know, she said, shutting the door to their home behind her. Around. On business.

“On business,” Octavia repeated.

Secret Vinyl business, Vinyl said. She slipped past Octavia and into the kitchen. Did you get my present?

“I did,” Octavia said. “I appreciate your efforts to bribe me with candy, but I’m afraid it’s not going to work. Even if they are my favourites.”

It was worth a shot, Vinyl said. How have things been around here?

“Oh, you know,” Octavia said. “Typical for Ponyville.”

So not typical at all?

“Why would you expect anything different?”

Vinyl grinned. Pulling open the fridge, she opened the hidden compartment in the base and pulled out one of her bags. The vibrant red liquid sloshed around inside as she tore it open with her teeth and began to drink down its contents.

A light warmth seeped into her veins. Not an unpleasant sensation, but it was nothing compared to the real thing.

And that suited her just fine.