Come and Get Your Love
The ruby unicorn let out a sigh as she looked towards the staircase before her. Harmony knew she wasn’t winning the mother of the year award any time soon, but she couldn’t let her daughter go through with this. She walked up the stairs and stopped in front of the door that Octavia was staying in. “...Well, it’s not like she doesn’t already hate me. I just can’t stand by and let Octavia make the biggest mistake of her life... not after everything she and her friends did to avoid it.” Harmony took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
“Go away, I don’t *hic* want visitors.” Octavia called out from the other side.
“Octavia, I’m coming in.” Harmony said reaching for the doorknob.
“Nice try mother. I locked the door...*hic*” Responded the cellist.
“Nice try daughter, the door is broken.” Replied the ruby mare pulling off the already broken handle and pushed the door open.
“Go away, I don’t want to talk to you.” The gray pony said burring herself in the bed pulling the covers over herself so see wouldn’t be able to see her mother.
Harmony walked in and sat at the end of the bed “Octavia, I really think we should talk about this.”
“What's there to talk about? You were right, I was... less right. Love is silly and I should just focus on my career.” Pouted Octavia curling up into a ball.
“Well, judging from your lack of hick-ups, I can only hope that you're coming out of your drunken haze. You might actually be able to listen to reason.” The older mare said looking over to her daughter. “It hurts right? Losing Miss Scratch.” She asked carefully wondering how to make Octavia feel better.
Octavia popped out of the covers. “Hurt? Who does she think she is? That mare has tangled with the wrong cellist. Nopony says no to Octavia. In fact, I'm glad she is gone, who needs somepony that runs out on you when things get serious anyways?” The cellist responded trying to hold back her tears.
“Normally I’d offer you a drink to calm down but I think you had enough. Can I get you some orange juice instead?” Replied Octavia’s mother.
“What for? Nothing helps.” Answered the gray mare.
Harmony sighed before putting a hoof on her daughter’s shoulder “I don’t think you mean whacha say Octavia. When the roof caved in and the truth came out you just didn’t know what to do.” Harmony removed her hoof from the cellist and looked at the floor. “You loved Miss Scratch, and you still do.”
“And what would you know about love mother? You didn’t seem to care until I was leaving.” Octavia commented harshly.
The older mare sighed knowing how hypocritical this conversation must sound like coming from her of all ponies, but that wasn’t going to stop her. “Yes Octavia, I was blind and foolish. After losing Mum and almost losing you right after, I-I lost it. Your father stayed by my side and did his best to support the lie that was keeping me going. If it wasn’t for you and Miss Scratch, I would still be living that excuse. You two made me realize just how important my family is and how much I love you two. Now I’m trying to do the same thing for you Octavia.”
“Well much good that did me now mother. If there was a prize for rotten judgment, I guess I’ve already won that. No mare is worth the aggravation. Which is why I'm marrying Monotone. It will boost my career and I won’t have to see him that much.” Octavia said sadly and sighed. “Besides, Vinyl means nothing to me anymore.”
“Now stop right there Octavia, we both know that’s a lie. You’re just trying to bury your feelings but I can see right through it. Don’t put your career before love, it only brings greater pain in the future... Promise me that you’ll at least think about it.” The ruby mare said waiting for her daughter's response.
“Fine, I’ll think about it. Can you please go now?” The cellist whined as retreated back into bed pulling the covers over her head to sulk.
“Okay, I’ll leave you alone.” Harmony replied standing up and walking towards the door. Before closing the door, the ruby unicorn looked back “Goodnight Octavia...I love you...” And with that, she shut the door.
Octavia sighed as she spent the rest of the night thinking about her decision; marry monotone, or listen to her mother...
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The rain was pouring down hard as Sir Trotterlot ran around the streets of Canterlot looking for the missing DJ. From what his sister had told him, Octavia was on the verge of making one of the biggest mistakes in her life and Vinyl was the only pony who could stop her. Though every location that the explorer searched came up empty.
“Think old boy, where would a heartbroken mare go? ...The bar?...” The brown stallion asked himself immediately shaking his head. “No, Miss Scratch would want to go to someplace quiet to think...and someplace to get out of this storm...” A new thought came to the explorer. “I wonder.” He ran into the Canterlot park and there, sitting on a bench underneath a big tree, was his target. Her horn was glowing in a grayish-blue aura as she made a magic bubble around herself to act as an umbrella. As Sir Trotterlot approached, he overheard the white unicorn talking to herself.
“Why Octy?... Why couldn’t we just go back to Ponyville and take things slow?... Why do I have to be such a coward?” Vinyl asked herself.
“Mind if I sit with you Miss Scratch?” Asked the brown stallion snapping the DJ out of her thoughts.
“Huh? Ahhh, sure...” Answered the white unicorn without thinking.
“Thanks.” Replied Sir Trotterlot taking a seat on the far side of the bench.
As the explorer took his hat off to shake the water droplets off Vinyl was having an internal argument in her head. 'Buck! Why’d I say that? I wanted to sort things out by myself not talk with Octy’s Uncle... Why is he out here anyway?’ That last thought raised a good point though. Why was Sir Trotterlot here in the storm?
The DJ looked back at Sir Trotterlot and asked “Um, don’t take this the wrong way but what are you doing here Uncle Trotty?... Did Octy send you to find me?”
“No, this request came from Harmony of all ponies.” Answered the brown stallion pulling out a hooferchief from his vest and held it out to Vinyl.
“No thanks, it’s probably soaking wet anyway.” Responded the DJ.
The explorer looked at the piece of fabric in his hoof and smiled sheepishly realizing just how soaked it was. “My apologies Miss Scratch, force of habit when I see a mare crying.” He put the hooferchief back in his breast pocket and looked back at the white unicorn. “So, what seems to be troubling you?”
The mare looked back at the park that was still getting pelted with rain and sighed “Honestly, I’m still trying to figure that one out myself. Have you ever felt so sure of something only to have it blow up in your face? I kind of felt that way today.” Vinyl paused for a moment to see if Sir Trotterlot had anything to add but the explorer seemed content with just listening for now, so the DJ continued. “Before coming here, I wanted nothing more but to spend every moment with Octavia in hopes that we could take our relationship to the next level. But with all the chaos that’s happened over this week, things progressed faster than I could have ever imagined. We only just became marefriends and not even a few days later she’s talking about marriage. I-I panicked...I’ve been down this road before but everything seems different now...I don’t want to buck things up... does any of this make the scene to you Uncle Trotty?”
The brown stallion took a brief moment to think about what he was going to say before answering. “Do you remember around the time that we first met Miss Scratch? I made a comment to you about never letting your target out of sight. I know this may sound like exposition but please hear me out, after all, this was a lesson I learned the hard way.” Said the stallion rubbing his metal leg. “Back when Octy was still young, and we all had recently lost Grandmare Amelia, my sister had some business to attend to which required me to watch over her. At the time, I heard rumors of a manticore being sighted outside of its natural habitat, which scarcely happens. The researcher in me just had to know if it was true, so I grabbed my effects and took young Octavia with me on my adventure. During that trip, I became so distracted with my own things that I didn’t even realize I had lost Octy along the way. It wasn’t until I heard a scream coming from somewhere inside the woods that I realized the dreadful mistake I made. I managed to reach her in the nick of time and fended off the beast. Fortunately, I only lost my leg... Don’t let your lost be greater...”
Vinyl looked at the brown stallion confused “What do you mean greater? What’s going on with Octy?” She asked, become more worried by the second.
“Fret not Miss Scratch, Octy’s life is not in jeopardy, just her future. She is currently at the manor, with my sister trying to talk her out of marrying that small conductor tomorrow.” Responded Sir Trotterlot.
“...Wait, don’t you have that backwards?” Questioned the DJ not knowing what was going on with her marefriend.
“I’m afraid not, poor girl must have taken your retreat as a sign of separation. Add alcohol to the mix and I can’t imagine what's going on in that head of hers, which is why Harmony asked me to find you.” Answered the brown stallion.
Hearing the explorer say it again made Vinyl curious. “Wait, I thought Octy’s mom hated me?”
“You’ll have to forgive her previous behavior; extravagances can often lead to narrow mindedness. But my sister was certain that if anypony could talk my niece out of this marriage, it was you Miss Scratch.” Sir Trotterlot said, hoping he got through to the DJ.
The white unicorn looked back at the park again trying to process everything that was going on with Octavia, and what was going on with herself. After a moment of silence, The DJ had a clear picture of what to do “I understand Uncle Trotty, and I know what I need to do.” Vinyl said determined now more than ever to save Octavia from that marriage, and herself from her fears. Her horn glowed in the gray aura again as she pulled out her saddlebag looking for a particular object.
“And what is it that you plan on doing?” The explorer asked curiously.
“A plan that requires a bass drop, C4 and him.” The DJ replied pulling Sir Reginald out of her saddlebag before her. She pushed a hoof into the rubber chicken.
“I say.” The rubber chicken squeaked as she moved her hoof away.
“Oh my, and what kind of plan is that? If you don’t mind me asking.” Asked Sir Trotterlot, amused by the items involved.
“Plan G... Only problem is, I don’t know where to get my hooves on some C4.” The DJ said, disappointed that the plan wouldn’t be at full strength.
“You’re in luck, I believe I know just the mare that can help, free of charge no less.” The explorer said with a smile.
“Awesome-Sauce! Who is she?” Vinyl asked getting off the bench and expanding her magic umbrella over the brown stallion.
“A fellow adventurer, and a personal fan of yours Miss Scratch.” Sir Trotterlot answered as the two made their way through the storm to a yellow, two-story house, with black shudders.
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Lyra sat across from Sunflower as they waited for Bon Bon to return. Both looked uncomfortable sitting together in a room without the cream earth pony. “Soooo... you like music?” Lyra asked, trying not to argue with Sunflower Shine for once as she lightly tapped her hooves.
“Yeah, I listen to some while I work on my gadgets.” S responded.
“Nice, nice...” Commented the mint mare as an awkward silence filled the room again.
“So, what do you think was in that letter Bon Bon got?” S asked looking to the door.
“Not sure, though it had to be important for her to rush to the phone like that... Who would drop off a letter in weather like this anyway?” The lyrist inquired as S was the one that brought the letter to Bon Bon.
“A carrier pigeon; the letter was just addressed to Octavia’s friends.” The yellow pegasus shrugged.
The door opened and Bon Bon walked in looking a bit distressed. “Okay we have no time to waste. The letter was from somepony that works at Octavia’s parent’s manor. It said she came back to the manor and decided to marry Midgetone. Apparently, the wedding is tomorrow afternoon in the Canterlot Castle.
“WHAT?!” Both Lyra and Sunflower questioned in shock at the same time.
“I know this is bad but I already came up with a plan that can’t backfire on us. I put in a call to an old friend and she’s sending something to us right away.” The cotton candy maned mare informed them.
“Once again, I don’t know of anypony that would come out in weather like this to deliver a package.” The mint green mare said pointing a hoof at the window to remind everypony of the storm. Almost if on cue, a gray pegasus with a blond mane crashed through the window and landed on her head, soaked from the rain.
As Derpy was regaining her senses from her landing, she noticed something off. “...Hey, why is everypony on the ceiling?” Asked the mailmare causing Lyra to shake her head and used her magic to flip her right side up. “Oh, that’s better, thanks Lyra. I got your package from Berry, Bon Bon.” The mailmare said digging into her pouch and pulling out a twelve-ounce, purple bottle labeled ‘Berry’s Punch’.
“Thanks Derpy, would you like to say a bit and warm up?” Bon Bon asked.
The mailmare shook her head. “I need to get home. Things to do you know.” She smiled and took off as fast as she could crashing through another window.
“I don’t know if she does that on purpose or not.” Lyra commented watching her fly off. “And what the buck is Berry’s Punch?”
“Better yet, who’s Berry and how come you never told me you were seeing somepony else?” S interjected getting weird looks from both Lyra and Bon Bon.
“Berry is a friend of ours who bartends back in Ponyville. She’s almost always drinking and built up such a high tolerance that she was having difficulty getting drunk. That was until she made this.” Bon Bon said holding up the bottle in her hoof.
“So, let me get this straight, Berry’s Punch is a drink meant to get a drunk, drunk?” S questioned.
“Basically, or so she told me on the phone. Berry also warned me that it was best not to let anypony drink the whole bottle, it could have dangerous results.” Replied the candy maker setting the punch on the table.
“So, what are we going to do with that stuff?” Sunflower asked as she and Lyra looked at the purple bottle.
“We are going to get Monotone to drink this before the wedding. He will pass out and Octavia will be free, end of story. So S, think you can get us into the Castle?” Bon Bon asked causing Sunflower to smile.
“Like you had to ask, I was waiting to test this gadget out myself. I was originally planning on using it on you two but Vinyl blew up the first one. Luckily for me, I still had the working prototype in my lab.” The yellow pegasus said as she played around with her watch. She hit a button and turned into Princess Celestia. “So? How do I look?” She asked smiling at the girls.
“Wow, you look and sound just like Princess Celestia?... Wait... Just what were you planning on doing to us with that gadget?” Asked Lyra getting annoyed by Sunflower’s antics.
“Just a little harmless fun, which reminds me, I have another gadget for you Lyra.” Started the yellow pegasus only to be quickly interrupted.
“Oh no, I’m not falling for that again.” Replied the mint green unicorn.
“From now on, you include all of us in your future plans okay S? I am not leaving my wife behind like last time.” Bon Bon said sternly as to make sure Sunflower Shine didn’t interpret her wrong.
“Fine, from now on, I’ll include both of you in all my plans.” Responded S transforming back to her original appearance.
“Perfect. Now, let’s run through the plan.” The cream earth pony said as they started to work out the best way to get to and take care of Monotone to miss the wedding.
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Harmony paced around the kitchen the following morning. There was still no sign that Octavia was up except for a maid making runs to her daughter’s room every so often. She hadn’t heard back from her brother so she assumed that Sir Trotterlot had yet to find Vinyl. “Where are they?” She asked herself before walking to Octavia’s room and knocked at the door slightly harder than she should have. “Octavia are you feeling better?”
“Yes mother, I’m fine... *hic*… you can go back downstairs.” The cellist replied.
“She can’t be...” Thought the ruby mare as she looked over and saw the maid carrying a bottle of ale up to Octavia’s room. The service pony bowed to Harmony and knocked on the door.
“Excuse me Miss Melody, I have another bottle as you requested. Would you like for me to bring it in?” Asked the maid.
“Yes please.” Answered the Cellist.
The maid nodded and opened the door to Octavia’s room. Harmony looked inside and gasped at all the empty bottles that lined the dressers and end tables. The ruby singer walked into the room “Have you been drinking all morning?”
“And night... *hic*… can’t be sober when you plan on marrying that stallion.” Answered the gray mare grabbing the bottle from the maid. The service pony bowed and made her leave.
“Octavia, this is madness. You can’t put yourself through this.” Responded Harmony, worried at her daughters' current condition.
“Madness? No mum, this is Canterlot.” Octavia said before downing her drink and kicking the end table. The cellist fell backwards onto the bed and dropped the bottle. “Now if you don’t mind mother, I have a wedding to attend... *hic*”
“Octavia? Octavia if you would just listen to me. Octavia?” The ruby singer asked but was meet with the cellist shewing her mother away with a hoof as she attempted to get off the bed. Harmony sighed and walked back downstairs, pissed that her daughter was acting as stubborn as she had been.
Harmony let out a large groan of frustration as her horn glowed in a silver aura and an explosive pop could be heard from the other side of the room. She blinked and turned her head to see Alto covered in tiny pieces of his newspaper that he just unfolded to read. He still had his front legs outstretched holding a paper that was no longer there. “Why Harmony? Just why?” Alto asked slowly putting his forelegs down.
“Oh, sorry honey, it’s just that Octavia is still drunk and intends to marry Monotone. I’m trying to reason with her but she’s being so, so, Stubborn!” Harmony replied in aggravation.
“Like mother, like daughter.” Replied the Silver stallion causing the Ruby mare to shoot him a nasty glare. Alto quickly back-traced “W-well if that is indeed the case, why not stop the wedding yourself. It is in Octavia’s best interest after all plus Monotone’s family is paying for everything so it won’t affect us at all.” The silver stallion stated and smiled at her.
“That might work dear, sometimes I forget how smart you are.” Harmony said softly smiling back.
“Well, if you would let me ta-” The conductor started to say before being pushed along by his wife.
“Come on Alto, there’s so much time and so little to do... Scratch that. Reverse it. Point is we need to get ready.” The ruby mare said pushing him with new found determination to stop the wedding she once wanted.
“What’s this ‘We’ stuff? This was all your fau...” Alto started again and was met with a swift hit of a hoof on the back of his head.
“No backtalk, WE have a wedding to ruin. This time, it will go according to plan.” Harmony commented as they both got dressed for the ceremony. The ruby singer still had hopes that she could talk her daughter out of this on the way there.
Octavia and her parents entered a carriage and began to travel to the castle. Octavia sat in front of her parents trying to get another drop of Alicorn Ale to come out of an empty bottle. Her mane was a mess and her dress was not fastened correctly.
Harmony sighed and sat next to her daughter “Here, let me help you.” The ruby unicorn straightened out her daughters' gown and began brushing her mane. “Octavia, you know you don’t have to do this. I was wrong for trying to marrying you off to better your career. What good is a future if you have nopony to share it with?”
“But isn’t that what you and father did?” Octavia asked finally giving up on her empty drink.
“Well, yes, but that was not the same. For starters, I grew to love Alto before I married him, and second, I wasn’t planning on going far with my career. I was perfectly content with singing in a little lounge bar in Canterlot. After marrying your father, he pushed me to go further and express my talents to all of Equestria. Octavia, I want you to answer me honestly, you’re still in love with Vinyl Scratch, right?” Harmony asked hopeful that saying the name would snap her out of it.
“I do love her but she ran out on me like everypony I date. It’s all because of me and how crazy this family is. Regardless of if I like Monotone, he has been the only pony to put up with this family. Plus, his family’s record business will ensure my music’s success...Can’t you just pretend that this will make me happy? Like I am?” Octavia said putting on a fake smile as they pulled up to the castle. The gray mare left the carriage and started to walk to an area she was directed to.
Harmony looked to Alto and knew what she had to do. “I guess there is no choice but to take matters into our own hooves.” The ruby mare said stepping out of the carriage and pulled her husband along to go find somewhere to sit to wait for the right moment.
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Lyra and Bon Bon walked through the castle halls with Sunflower who was disguised as Princess Celestia. “I still can’t believe this is working.” Lyra said softly to Bon Bon as they walked past another bowing guard.
“I can’t believe you won’t stop saying that.” Bon Bon replied in a harsh whisper.
“I can’t believe that I saw Vinyl messing with a speaker on the second floor above the alter.” Sunflower said softly.
“What?” The lyrist asked. “We have to go talk with her.”
“No time Hun, we need to get Monotone to drink this.” The cotton candy maned mare whispered pointing a hoof at the bottle of Berry’s Punch in her saddlebag. The three mares continued to look around until Bon Bon finally spotted the tiny conductor entering a room. “S stand guard here, Lyra and I will give him the drink.” Sunflower nodded as the couple slipped into the room.
Even though S was supposed to keep watch, she couldn’t help but wonder what Vinyl was up to. The pegasus looked around and saw nopony in sight. “I’m sure they’ll be fine” S told herself and flew to the second floor where Vinyl was doing something. “What are you doing Vinyl?”
Vinyl turned around and had a look of dread on her face. “P-Princess Celestia! It’s not what it looks like I swear.”
“What are you talking about?” S started but realized that she still had her disguise on. “Oh, hold on.” The mare hit a button on her watch and turned back into her yellow pegasus self, causing Vinyl to let out a huge sigh of relief.
“Don’t do that to me S, you almost gave me a heart attack.” The DJ said putting a hoof on her chest.
“Sorry about that. Sooo, what are you doing anyway? Don’t you know that Octavia is getting married to the wrong pony soon?” Sunflower inquired looking at all the gizmos that Vinyl was installing into the speaker.
“Don’t worry S, I’m going to put an end to this wedding once and for all. It’s time for Plan G... I just wish I had my shades; it’s just not gonna look as cool without them.” The DJ said a bit disappointed.
“You mean this pair that you called dibs on?” The yellow pegasus asked pulling out a pair shades and tossed them over to the white unicorn who caught them in a gray aura.
“Sweet, thanks S.” Vinyl said putting her purple sunglasses on. “So, what are you doing here, and disguised as Princess Celestia no less?”
“Oh that? Me and the girls are on a mission to get Monotone drunk. Some pony named Berry gave us a drink called Berry’s Punch and-” Sunflower started to explain.
“Wait, that stuff actually exists?” Vinyl interrupted.
“You know of it?” S asked intrigued.
“I always thought it was a myth, a drink that can actually get Berry drunk. I don’t even know if it’s on the proof scale.” The DJ replied in awe.
“Wow, that stuff is that strong?” The yellow pegasus inquired.
“You have no idea.” The white unicorn responded with a knowing smirk.
“Sounds like it’s going to work out perfect then. Well, I should really get back to Lyra and Bon Bon, I just wanted to see what you were up too. Give us a good show.” S said smiling back to the DJ.
“Ah, Yeah! That little pony will rue the very day he stole my Octy from me.” Vinyl replied, getting back to work on Plan G.
Sunflower Shine looked out the window to the door that she was supposed to be guarding but still saw no pony in sight. "I’m sure they’ll be fine.” S thought as she dawned her disguise and made her way through the castle. It wasn’t every day that she had an opportunity to tour the grounds with no restrictions. As S went on her tour, a few more guards bowed to fake Celestia. "It’s good to be the Princess.” Sunflower thought as she walked up to a Fountain of the two sisters.
“Sunflower Shine, is that you?” Asked an angelic voice as hoof steps could be heard getting closer.
“No, I’m Princess Celestiaaaaaaaaaaa.” Sunflower said looked over to see Princess Celestia walking towards her. She fiddled with the watch again and changed into the Princess of the night. “Luna! Ha za!” She said smiling awkwardly getting a raised eyebrow from the Princess.
“Sunflower, these kinds of antics are the reason why I banished you from the castle.” The Princess said shaking her head.
“Oh that? I quit that when I found out I needed to help a friend. Besides, I never look back Princess, it distracts from the now.” S said as turning off the hologram turning her back to her true form.
“You quit being banished?” Celestia asked confused as a door opened from one of the chambers behind Sunflower, Lyra and Bon Bon stepped out looking for Sunflower Shine and spotted her by the fountain.
“There you are.” Bon Bon said quickly running up to the yellow pegasus. The cream mare bowed to the Princess and grabbed Sunflower Shine “We have to go now.”
Celestia stood there in awe as the three mares ran back into the castle. “What strange little ponies.” She said and smiled. “I get the feeling that this wedding will be more entertaining than I had thought.” She said to herself with a filly like joy.
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(Moments before)
Lyra and Bon Bon snuck into the room that Monotone was getting ready for the wedding. He already had his suit and top hat on and was currently in the slow process of attempting to tie his tie. Lyra couldn’t help but giggle at the fact that the conductor’s hat stood taller than him. “Cut it out Lyra, you're going to get us caught” Whispered the candy maker.
“I can’t help it, it's just too funny. The top of his hat is at eye level with us.” Commented the mint green unicorn pointing a hoof at the accessory.
The giggling caught the attention of the small gray stallion as he made his way over to investigate. Bon Bon saw Monotone making his way over so she put on her best smile and tried to pass herself off as a service pony that worked in the castle. “G-good afternoon Mister Symphony, can I offer you something to drink before the ceremony?”
The tiny conductor looked at the two for a bit. Something about them seemed familiar but he couldn’t put a hoof on where he seen them before. “You two look familiar, don’t I know you two from somewhere?”
“I don’t think so, we work here at the castle.” Bon Bon answered trying to cover up their identity. “So, what can we get you to drink?” She asked quickly trying to change the subject.
Monotone thought about it for a second before replying “Nothing, I’ll drink after I marry my prize.”
“Are you sure? A little liquid courage goes a long way.” The candy maker replied, trying desperately to convince the tiny stallion to have a drink of Berry’s Punch.
“No thank you, now if you don’t mind, I have to tie my tie.” Monotone said dismissing the two mares and trying once again to figure out how to do a Double Windsor knot.
The cream earth pony was about to try again but was stopped by Lyra who held up her hoof to stop her. The mint green unicorn gave Bon Bon a smile and a wink as she grabbed the purple bottle from her marefriend and made her way to the tiny conductor. Along the way, her horn lit up in a golden aura as she also grabbed a clip-on tie and two big googly eyes that just happened to be sitting nearby. She stood next to the gray stallion taking off his poorly tied tie and swiftly replacing it with the clip-on. The unicorn simultaneously adjusted the mirror so he could see the tie but not the top of his hat that now had a pair of eyes attached.
“Thank you, service pony. You can go now.” Said the conductor looking back into the mirror.
Lyra took a deep breath “Hey, do you wanna feel so Energetic? Try PowerThirst, the energy drink for ponies that need gratuitous amounts of energy. I’m sure you’ll need it to stay awake through the ceremony.”
He looked at the bottle hovering in front of his face and thought about it for a second. “You make a good point; these events are boring.” Replied Monotone talking the bottle from Lyra.
“Now you only need to drink a small amoun...” Started the mint green unicorn but the stallion downed the whole bottle and hoofed it back to her.
“Thank you, I feel much better. I need have to go now. Bye.” Said the tiny conductor taking his leave.
“H-he drank it all...” Lyra commented looking concerned.
“I don’t like the stallion as much as the next pony but that stuff seems dangerous...” Replied Bon Bon as the two stood there dumbfounded, wondering when the drink would take effect.
Suddenly a guard walked through the room and noticed the two mares standing there. “Hey, what are you two doing there?”
“Oh buck! S was supposed to warn us!” Lyra stated only to feel a hoof on her shoulder.
Bon Bon looked at her and said “Cheese It!” And the two started running from the guard.
“Wait you two!” Replied the guard who took off after them. The two mares ducked around a corner and waited silently as the stallion ran past them. Once the coast was clear, the two when through a door and saw S talking with Princess Celestia.
“What’s she doing there?” Lyra asked.
“I don’t know, but we got to blend into the crowd asap.” Bon Bon replied running over to retrieve the yellow Pegasus.
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The three mares snuck into the crowd of ponies that entered the main hall and took a seat not that far behind of Octavia’s parents. “Wait, so he drank the whole bottle?” S asked after Lyra filled her in on what she missed.
“Yeah, he just downed it.” Replied Lyra.
“Oh, that’s not good. Bon Bon, that’s not good right?” Sunflower asked.
“No, very bad.” Answered the candy maker.
“Thank you, Bon Bon.” Replied the yellow pegasus.
“Yeah but the weird thing is that after he drank it, it didn’t seem to have any effect on him. He just walked out like nothing happened.” Commented the mint green unicorn trying to figure out what was going on.
“...Maybe it’s a creeper. You know, one of those drinks that hits ya later.” Responded Bon Bon thinking about the situation.
“I hope so, otherwise, we’re gonna have to this the old fashion way.” Lyra said.
“What’s that?” asked S.
“Object to the marriage on the grounds that Monotone is a Buck Face Loser who doesn’t deserve Octavia.” Answered the mint green unicorn.
“I got ya.” Replied S as the three of them waited impatiently for the ceremony to begin.
Monotone stood at the altar waiting for his bride to be to walk down the aisle. He was receiving a lot of weird looks from ponies that noticed the googly eyes on his top hat but nopony bother to say anything. Finally, the wait was over as the disheartened Octavia walked towards the altar. She put on a fake smile as she slowly made her way down the aisle and stood next to Monotone. She turned to face him but was met with a pair of googly eyes glued on a top hat. A bit taken aback, she looked down at the tiny and realized that he didn’t seem to notice the new addition to his apparel. Getting her hopes up, Octavia looked out at the crowd searching for a white unicorn with an electric blue mane but was disappointed not to find her.
“Of course, she’s not here... You chased her away remember.” Thought the cellist turning her attention to the alter.
“Mares and Gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to support the union of Monotone Symphony and Octavia Melody.” Princess Celestia started.
As her speech continued, the cellist slowly toned out everything, the crowd, the tiny stallion who was starting to have difficulty standing up straight, and Princess Celestia. The gray earth pony could only think about Vinyl and how it should be her up here, not him. She imagined her marefriend standing in front of her wearing a white wedding dress and standing next to her would be her parents who supported her.
Octavia continued her fantasy until she heard Princess of the Sun say. “If for any reason these ponies should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace.” Celestia gave a moment for anypony to object.
Lyra, Bon Bon, and S looked at each other and nodded, but just as they were about to stand up, they heard somepony shout. “I object!” The three looked over and saw Harmony standing up and moving forward. The objection was loud enough to be heard from across the castle. Octavia looked at her mother as the main hall became filled with gasps and whispers.
“What are you doing Harmony? We had a deal remember? He was almost somepony else’s problem.” A slightly shorter cyan earth pony from the groom’s sidestepped forward. It was clear she was Monotone’s mother by the somewhat plain expression on her face.
“Well the deal is off. I can’t let you do this Octavia.” The ruby mare replied and hugged her daughter. “Hate me all you want but your career isn’t worth giving up on love.” The ruby singer let go of the embrace looked her daughter in the eyes. “Besides, you don’t even like stallions.” She said causing monotone’s side of the family to gasp.
“Mother I...” Octavia started before she was cut off by an explosion above them.
From the ceiling came Vinyl Scratch crashing down on top of a large speaker landing right behind everypony. As the dust began to clear, the DJ straightened her shades and swiftly pointed a hoof at Princess Celestia shouting “Objection!”
“V-vinyl? You came back for me?” Octavia asked as tears of joy starting to fill her eyes.
“Of course Octy, I’m not about to let you marry somepony who isn’t me.” Answered the white unicorn holding her hoof out to Octavia. The cellist grabbed it and was pulled on top of the speaker.
“Ummm, sorry to steal your thunder Vinyl but I already objected.” Harmony said, still surprised by her entrance.
“What?...Really?... Not Lyra, Bon Bon or S but you?” The DJ asked looking out at the crowd only to see her three friends waving back at her with a sheepish smile as Harmony nodded.
“H-hey you, t-that'ssss my w-wife.” said Monotone stumbling towards the speaker.
Harmony held out a hoof tripping the tiny conductor. “Now Miss Scratch, get my daughter away from here.”
“Will do ma.” Vinyl said giving her a quick salute. She held on to Octavia with one leg and pulled out Sir Reginald with her magic. “It’s time to blow this joint Octy.”
“Wait...is that?...” The cellist started to asked but was cut off by her marefriend.
“Oh yeah, Plan G Mother Bucker!” The DJ exclaimed flipping Sir Reginald’s top hat up and pushing the small red button on top of the chicken’s head. With an ‘I Say’ coming from the chicken, a large explosion and bass drop was triggered on the speaker causing them to go flying forward. Monotone was hit by the speaker as he tried to get up while Vinyl and Octavia went sailing towards the entrance. The force of the speaker that the two were now riding blew the doors off their hinges and broke a stain glass window depicting Twilight’s coronation.
Monotone got back up and threw his top hat on the ground in anger. “We could’ve had something special, but you’re one crazy-ass bitch!” He shouted, expressing emotion for the first time in his life. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long-lived as he shortly passed out in front of the alter. The tiny stallion landed on his face as Berry’s Punch began working its magic.
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Vinyl and Octavia held on for dear life as the speaker they were riding flew across the streets of Canterlot at an amazing speed. “Octy! Can we talk about why your backup plan for me leaving was to marry Minitone?!” Vinyl asked annoyed.
“I don’t think now is the best time for this argument Vinyl!” Octavia replied as she tried to lean the speaker to avoid hitting ponies in the way.
“Why not?!” Inquired the DJ as the speaker hit a sales cart completely destroying it.
“My Cabbages!” The owner cried out.
“Sorry!” Called back the white unicorn looking back at Octavia “So?!”
“Seriously Vinyl!? We are careening down the streets of Canterlot on a flying speaker with no way to steer! Ponies lives are in- Watch out random background pony!” Exclaimed the cellist waving her hoof.
“Oh, don’t mind me just crossin’ the street. Ahhhh!” The pony said jumping out of the way in the nick of time.
“I think you're just trying to avoid the subject Octy!” Retorted the DJ.
“The only subject I am concerned with right now is how to stop this thing! Didn’t you install brakes of some sort?!” Questioned the cellist.
“I didn’t think that far ahead! Like you marrying Minitone!” Vinyl answered ducking to avoid hitting a sign.
Octavia sighed in anger. “Fine! Seeing how you won’t drop this subject I didn’t know what to do after you left, so I started to drink Alicorn Ale!”
“Damn Octy! You really can’t handle your Ale can you!? Remind me to never let you drink that stuff again!” Vinyl said as the two of them leaned to the side to avoid another obstacle.
“Now your turn! Why’d you leave me without saying anything?!” Asked the gray mare.
“I got scared!” Replied the unicorn.
“You?! Scared?! You can’t be serious!” Octavia said jumping over a banner and landing back on the speaker.
“I am serious! I’m not as strong and carefree as you think! I was afraid that if we went through with it, it would end up in failure and we’d end up leaving each other!” Explained Vinyl.
“I thought you were leaving me when you ran away!” Stated the cellist.
“Well now I’m here to stay! For better or for worse!” Replied the DJ.
“D-Do you mean that?!” Asked the Octavia looking at her marefriend.
“Of course, I do! So long as you don’t leave me!” Vinyl answered locking eyes with the earth pony.
“Not in a million moons!” Commented the cellist moving in to kiss the DJ. The two stayed locked in their passionate embrace as they continued to fly down the streets of Canterlot. Soon the speaker started to slow down to a stop and the two mares broke their kiss to see where they ended up. Oddly enough, they stopped in front of a familiar-looking two-story yellow house with black shudders and torches along the walkway.
A tan mare walked out holding a champagne glass and smiled knowingly at the couple. “Soooo, how’d it go?” Lora Troft asked taking a sip.
“Save the cellist, save the world.” The DJ stated hopping off the speaker.
“I fail to see how saving me from myself constitutes saving the world Vinyl.” Octavia replied slowly getting off the speaker herself.
“Octy, you are my world.” Vinyl replied smiling sweetly at her sliding her shades down a little showing her sincere looking red eyes.
“Awww.” The gray mare replied putting a hoof over her heart. “Though I’m still mad at you for going through with Plan G.”
“Come on Octy, nothing bad happened...” The white unicorn said as about fifteen royal guards surrounded them.
“Hooves up where we can see them. You are under arrest for destroying parts of the Royal Castle.” One of the guards yelled out as the rest moved in holding spears at Octavia and Vinyl.
The two mares slowly raised their hooves up “You were saying Vinyl?” Octavia asked a bit annoyed.
“Don’t worry Octy, I got this. Come on guys, ponies do crazy things when they’re in love.” The DJ said causing all the guards to look at each other confused.
Octavia groaned and facehoofed “That’s not helping Vinyl.”
Just as the guards were going to apprehend the musicians, a joyful laugh could be heard slowly approaching. Everypony looked up only to see Princess Celestia flying towards them still laughing. Everypony bowed as she landed and wiped a tear from her eye “That was the best wedding I ever had the pleasure of conducting. Guards, leave these mares be. I haven’t had this much fun since I invited Discord to the Grand Galloping Gala.” After dismissing the guards, the Princess flew away, laughing once more.
As the guards put away their weapons and walked away, they started talking to each other. “I am starting to question Princess Celestia’s sanity.”
“You’re just now questioning it? I questioned her sanity when she said she wanted to reform Discord.” Said another guard pony. Soon, they disappeared into the crowd leaving the musicians alone.
“...Sooo...That was a thing.” Stated Vinyl surprised that they were off scotch free.
“Y-yeah...” Replied Octavia as a breeze blew past the dumbfounded mares.
“Looks like I missed the show.” Sir Trotterlot stated snapping the two mares back to reality. They turned around and saw the explorer walking towards them with their saddlebags. “I figured you two might want to head back to Ponyville and lie low a bit after this fiasco. So, I took the liberty of obtaining your belongings.”
Octavia smiled widely as she rushed over to the brown stallion and hugged him tightly. “Thank you Uncle Trotterlot!”
“I say. Is everything alright Octavia?” Asked the explorer.
“Everything is perfect.” Answered the gray mare letting go of her uncle.
“Ahem, well, as I was saying. I got you two tickets for the first train out of Canterlot, unfortunately that train departs tomorrow.” Said Sir Trotterlot.
“Tomorrow? But I already signed us out of the Hidden Gem.” Replied the cellist figuring out where they could sleep.
“No need to worry about that, fortunately I have a spare room that you two can crash. Trotty and I will clean up the mess you two left on the streets. Needless to say, I suggest staying in the house for the time being.” Lora said pointing a hoof down the street that was filled with angry shop owners.
“Good point.” Replied the DJ grabbing her saddlebag.
“How can we ever thank you Lora?” Asked Octavia.
“You already have.” Replied the adventurer leaning on Sir Trotterlot. The gray mare looked closer and saw that the two were wearing engagement bands on their left foreleg.
“I will inform my sister and brother-in-law about your departure time. I’m sure they would like to see you two off.” Added the explorer.
Octavia hugged the couple and joined Vinyl inside her future aunt’s house. The two found the spare bedroom upstairs and set their saddlebags down on the ground so they could jump in bed. After everything that happened, the two were so exhausted that they fell asleep in each other's embrace.
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It was early in the morning and the Friendship Express was finishing up its preparations to depart. The Canterlot Station was filled with ponies waiting to board the train. Near the rear of the loading platform, a small group of ponies were saying their goodbyes.
Octavia hugged her parents and then her Uncle and Lora. “I’ll miss you all, stay in touch.” She said as she looked to her mother. “I hope to see you and Father under better circumstances soon.”
“Agreed, though it might be a while Octavia.” Harmony replied.
“Perhaps not as long as you think dear sister, what with you accompanying me to Wubapollusa and all.” Sir Trotterlot said as if it was a known fact.
“WHAT?! Wubapollusa?!” The ruby mare yelled out getting the attention of everypony on the platform before they again went about their business.
“That’s right, it’s the favor I’m calling in for running out in that storm to find Miss Scratch. Surely you remember.” Replied the explorer.
“I remember giving you a favor, you mentioned nothing about going to a rave brother.” Commented Harmony.
“Huh, is that so?... Well, now you know.” Sir Trotterlot said with a laugh patting his sister on the back.
The ruby singer groaned and facehoofed while Vinyl was chuckling. “Don’t worry Harmony, I’m sure you’ll love it. You’ll get to see me and Octavia plus Princess Luna will be attending.” said the DJ.
“The Princess? Why would she be there?” Harmony asked, surprised to hear of royalty attending an event like this.
“Well it is a week-long, dusk till dawn event. I heard she was so ecstatic for another nighttime event that she sponsored the whole thing. Truly, a pony of the night.” Replied Vinyl with a newfound appreciation for Princess Luna.
Octavia tapped Harmony’s shoulder and whispered “You may want to invest in earbuds.”
“Will that help drown out the music?” Asked the ruby singer.
“Not at all, it will just ensure that your ears aren’t ringing the next day.” Answered the cellist.
“All aboard!” Called out the conductor of the Friendship Express.
“That’s our cue.” Octavia said grabbing her saddlebag as she started to walk towards the train. Just as the cellist was going to board, she remembered something she wanted to ask the tan adventurer. “Go on Vinyl, I’ll be right there.” She said walking to her future aunt. “Hey Lora, would you mind watching out for Uncle Trotterlot? He has a natural attraction for trouble.” Whispered Octavia.
Lora Troft chuckled. “Of course, and don’t forget to write.” The adventurer gave the gray mare a hug.
Vinyl walked back out and started looking around. “What seems to be the problem Miss Scratch?” Asked Sir Trotterlot worried that the unicorn may have forgotten something.
“Um, where are Lyra and Bon Bon?” The DJ asked looking for the missing couple.
“Odd, they should have been here by now.” Replied the explorer looking around.
“There they are.” Lora said pointing a hoof at three ponies walking through the station.
“Huh, I wonder what was ke-” Alto started only to be cut off by his wife.
“Hush Alto, they made it that’s all that matters.” Harmony stated watching Octavia’s friends get closer.
The yellow pegasus stood happily in-between the couple with her wings over the two mare's shoulders. Both Lyra and Bon Bon appeared to have a mixture of regret and relief plastered on their face. “Thanks fillies, that was the best night I ever had.” Sunflower said joyfully.
“Don't mention it.” Bon Bon said looking away embarrassed.
“Ever.” Lyra added as she looked away.
Sunflower chuckled softly. “Okay, Okay, but let’s not wait for the next wedding to do this again.” She said softly kissing both Lyra and Bon Bon on their cheeks while slipping a piece of paper into Lyra’s saddlebag without her noticing. S flapped her wings and took off in the direction of the Hidden Gem.
The group watched as the two mares slowly walked past them avoiding eye contact with a blush on their face. “...What happened to you tw-” Octavia started to ask but was stopped by Lyra putting a hoof over her mouth.
“Don’t ask.” The mint green mare started taking her hoof off of the cellist’s mouth.
“Don’t tell.” Finished the cream earth pony said as the two took a seat next to each other.
Vinyl and Octavia looked at each other in confusion before shrugging it off. They waved goodbye to the family and rushed onto the train right before the doors shut. Just as the two took a seat across from their friends, the conductor walked by checking everypony’s tickets. His attention turned to the DJ and he sighed softly. “Sorry for being a dream wrecker. I was just doing my job. Please enjoy your trip.” He said punching their tickets and walking away.
“What was that about?” Octavia asked.
Vinyl blushed and rubbed the back of her neck. “I kind of sent a strongly worded letter to the owner of the Friendship Express the day we arrived. I guess he read it. Ha Ha...” The white unicorn said as she looked down in embarrassment. It was then that the DJ noticed something interesting laying on the floor next to Lyra’s bag. “What the?” Asked Vinyl picking up the small piece of paper. The DJ started chuckling before breaking out in all-out laughter.
“What is it Vinyl?” Questioned Octavia, curious as to what was on the piece of paper hovering in front of her marefriend. The DJ levitated the paper in front of Octavia who quickly after viewing its content, turned a deep shade of crimson. “Oh my...”
“What, can we see?” Asked Lyra wondering what the two were now laughing at.
“Sure thing.” Replied Vinyl turning the paper around causing Lyra and Bon Bon’s heart to drop. It was an intimate picture of the two in bed with S in the middle winking at the camera. In the lower right hoof corner, there was a heart drawn with a number and the words ‘Call Me’ written inside.
“When did she?” Started Bon Bon wondering if it was possible to die from embarrassment.
“How did she?” Continued Lyra, also turning a deep shade of red.
“Well that explains why you two were late this morning.” Teased Octavia putting a hoof over her mouth to cover her smirk.
“Yeah, you might say they had a rough night.” Added Vinyl only to get tackled by the mint green unicorn.
“Give that to me.” Lyra said, trying to get the picture away from the DJ.
“Why, can’t wait to call S-Ow! Why Octy?” The white unicorn asked rubbing the back of her head.
“That's enough Vinyl, give them back their photo.” Octavia answered. The gray mare knew that the couple had way more dirt on them and didn’t want to provoke it.
“Fine, spoilsport.” Mumbled Vinyl hoofing the picture back to Lyra who immediately hid it in her saddlebag.
“So, on another note, when is Wubapollusa starting?” The cellist asked.
“Today, we got to grab my equipment when we get back to our place and leave right away.” Answered the DJ.
“Today?! But I haven’t even gotten my Tickets yet.” Replied Octavia, worried that she might not be able to attend her marefriend’s show.
“Don’t worry Octy, I got you a backstage pass. I even got one for you two...” She started but stopped when she noticed that Lyra and Bon Bon were sleeping.
“I think S finally got what she wanted.” The gray mare chuckled softly.
“Yeah, and Lyra was along for the ride.” The DJ quietly added as to not disturb the couple.
“Oh, stop it Vinyl.” Giggled the cellist playfully shoving her marefriend.
“Not a chance” Replied the DJ leaning back on the gray mare. “I love ya Octy.”
“I love you too Vinyl.” Octavia replied kissing the DJ softly.
The rest of the train ride was quite as every pony fell asleep, getting ready for the dusk till dawn event. It was nice to be back in Ponyville, even if it was only for a little bit. Vinyl started to pack up her equipment and records while Octavia went to check the mail. There wasn’t anything out of the ordinary except for a small package with Octavia’s name on it. She took the small box to her room and opened it reading the note that was inside. The gray mare smiled and put the package in her saddlebag and went to help Vinyl repack hers. Octavia finished and was about to leave Vinyl’s room when she noticed Sir Reginald sitting on her marefriend’s bed. The cellist chuckled and grabbed the rubber chicken, placing it on a shelf above the fireplace for everypony to see.
“Ready Octy?” Asked the DJ standing in front of the door.
“I’m ready” Replied Octavia grabbing their saddlebags and heading out the door.