//------------------------------//
// Prologue (start of book 4) 
// Story: The Chef's cafe 
// by vincent789 
//------------------------------//

It was a dark evening in Ponyville. Twilight and Spike were busy working away getting everything ready. But somewhere further away on a small hill somewhere at the edge of town sat a building, a building with two colors inside of. This is home of Vinyl Scratch and her partner Octavia. And while Octavia was busy tuning her cello, Vinyl came back after her gig.

"I am home." Vinyl shouted despite the fact that the front door and the living room were one room. Regardless she did it with a mischievous smile on her face, making it known that she knew where Octavia was sitting.

"Welcome back, Vinyl." Octavia simply said as she shrugged it off. This was a common occurrence inside of their home.

"Ho boy. That was something. Though it took a while to get away from those camera holding basterds." Vinyl said swearing.

"Vinyl language!" Octavia said somewhat annoyed. Though she couldn't stay annoyed very long since she knows the pain.

"Ah. I should go to bed, but... I have something to discuss with you." Vinyl said as she removed her pink glasses and put it onto her DJ set. Her tone went from friendly to serious in mere moments.

"Is it about that gig in Ponyville?" Octavia asked, her attention now entirely on Vinyl. As she slowly placed her cello on the ground.

Vinyl looks at Octavia with a very serious face, which is unlike her. This is why Octavia realized that this wasn't a joke gig like she previously thought.

"Twilight Sparkle has moved into Ponyville alongside her Cafe Omurice. Which is the location of the gig site. It is only at the evening. So if you have other gigs later in the night it is still possible. She will go to you for the details, tomorrow." Vinyl explained. She said this while looking out the window.

"I told you. I am not interested." Octavia said.

"She even went ahead and contacted two other classical musical players. To assist you, if you were to play at this smaller venue." Vinyl stated, "Which are both very famous in Canterlot as she has powerful connections there." she added.

"I... I... but... why? Why does she want me so badly?" Octavia asked, as she had trouble forming words. She was impressed, but also confused.

"I told her. Since I trust her with my career. I told her about you and your... issues in Ponyville." Vinyl said as her tone shifted into one rather saddened tone.

"I have no such issues!" Octavia shouted, almost as if she was denying herself and Vinyl at the same time.

It was then that Vinyl turned around. And showed a face filled with sadness and worry. This caused Octavia to flinch as she can't stop looking at Vinyl's face. Vinyl was very serious but also very sad. As if she understood where Octavia was coming from. In fact she did. As Vinyl has never shown her more classical side of her life. She can play the piano nearly perfectly. Which was something she never showed to anyone. Not even to Octavia. Since that side of life hurts... It hurts a lot. Enough for her to seal that side of herself away for good.

"Twilight is the kindest pony I know. She once helped me get famous and when I told her about my friend that got her cello broken due to bullying. Replaced it entirely for her. And all she told me, is to do as if I gave it to her. She never asks for a reward and is always someone to give. And almost never to gain a reward for herself." Vinyl said as she turned to face the window. Tears were forming on her face as she remembered that day. She was so happy that Twilight was willing to help, that she told Twilight the truth about her past. By accident. And all that Twilight did was hugging her, and comforting her.

'Flashback

It was a rainy day in Canterlot. Vinyl was late for his gig in Canterlot as Twilight has been waiting several hours now. She was standing in her DJ Sparkling Gem outfit. And was using some magic to stop the rain from reaching her. She finally heard some galloping as she look on and saw Vinyl holding something in her magic.

As she got closer Twilight saw that it was a cello. It got broken in two at the top and the entire bass of the cello had been shattered. Whatever happened to it, it was bad. Usually a cello is very strong, for something this big to have been shattered suggested that whatever happened to it was done with intention to destroy. Or as Twilight though, as sign of someone that hated the cello or the cello player.

It did help that she saw that Vinyl had a black eye and marks that suggested that she had been fighting. The black eye was still fresh and quite swollen. With marks of burned skin suggesting that a unicorn attacked Vinyl. And scratches all over her body suggesting that whatever happened, it was violent.

"Vinyl what happened?" Twilight asked shocked, her desire to lecture her on being late, all but forgotten.

"My best friend was attacked in school. The teachers did nothing to stop them. She has been bullied for several years now. But today they wanted to permanently scar her. I could stop them from destroying her cello. But I was able to protect her from the attack." Vinyl said panting. She appeared to have been running this whole time.

"My god. Why did they do this?" Twilight asked concerned as Twilight waved at her mother to get First aid kit out.

"They were jealous. She is an amazing player. I don't want her to meet my fate." Vinyl said suddenly. Her eyes red from the crying.

"What do you mean?" Twilight asked shocked.

"They... I have also been bullied. But I couldn't take it anymore so I ran, I ran away. From my life. From home. To find solace elsewhere. I was a piano player. They also destroyed my only piano and my career in the process. I don't want my best friend Octavia to meet the same fate." Vinyl accidentally revealed.

Twilight then hugged Vinyl. "It's alright. I will do everything in my power to help another. But you can cry it's alright." she said.

"No! Without her cello. She has nothing!" Vinyl shouted stubbornly.

"Very well. I cannot repair it. But I can give you a new one." Twilight said as she opens a hidden door, with a brand new children cello behind it.

"Wait what?!" Vinyl said stunned at the sight.

"It doesn't matter. This cello has an enchantment on it. It is indestructible thanks to it. Quickly give her this one. You can tell her that you got her this one." Twilight said serious.

"B.. But... what about..." Vinyl asked shocked.

"You said she is alone right? Quickly go back. Don't worry. I will one day meet her. Today isn't that day. I don't need a reward. Your powerful friendship with Octavia is enough for me." Twilight said knowingly.

"Okay!" Vinyl said as she grabs the new cello in her magic and runs back.

Meanwhile Twilight proceeds to place the old cello behind her hidden door. Before closing it, she takes one last look at it, before making her way back inside.

"Good luck. Rival!" Twilight said as she enters the DJ Booth once more and played one of her now legendary music on the best DJ in Equestria.'

"Wait. You mean...?" Octavia said surprised. But Vinyl no longer answered her.

Octavia stood up and walked over to the hall of fame. Her child Cello she received from Vinyl got turned into one for the hall of fame. Which was actually given by Twilight unbeknownst to her at the time. She smiled pleased at the fact. But then looked back at Vinyl causing her gasp lightly.

Vinyl was crying. She could sense it. In fact the carpet below her was receiving small drips of water from Vinyl. However Vinyl merely stared out of the window. Making no more than the occasional hiccup sound. Something caused even Vinyl to start crying. Octavia could tell what, but whatever it was. It was making Vinyl downright depressed.

Unsure, Octavia simply hugged her roommate. Vinyl slowly collapsed into her hoofs until the crying stopped.

"I am sorry about that. To tell you the truth. I know full well about your pain. However instead of fighting the pain. I ran away from it. The fact that you continued regardless of your... problems. Is speaking massively about your will to fight back. While I did not." Vinyl admitted.

"What?!" Octavia said surprised and confused.

Vinyl simply smiled, "I also was a classical musician at one point in my past. But I couldn't take the... the..." she tried but no matter what she did. She simply could say what happened. Instead she looked at Octavia with knowing eyes. Telling her all she needs to know.

"Which instrument?" Octavia asked.

"I will reveal in due time. But now I am extra tired. I will go to bed. Just know this. Twilight knows my past. And understands your troubles. The only reason she is trying so hard. Is because she too, understands your pain. More than anyone else." Vinyl said vaguely as she stood up and walked up the stairs to her bedroom. Only to instantly fall asleep the moment she hits the bed.

This caused Octavia to smile sadly. And walk over to cover her in her blanket. Then she walked back down to attempt to further tune her instrument. Only for her to make no progress as her mind was filled with questions. About Vinyl's past. 

Sighing she too goes to bed. But instead of her usual bedroom. She went to bed on the top bed of the bunk bed that Vinyl made. Vinyl was sleeping at the bottom while she took the top. She hasn't done this since her childhood. But for some reason she wanted to sleep next to Vinyl this one time.

As the night goes back to morning. Twilight was quick out and about. She actually had reasons to go to Applejack now, since Spike made a mess and accidentally used up all the apples. Which is why she out to go and get more. However while she walked there, she sees Octavia playing some Beethoven in the park. Realizing she has yet to make contact with Octavia, she instead walked into the park.

As she listened in on her playing. Twilight could tell something is wrong. She was not playing the correct tunes and she seemed rather distracted. Realizing something serious was going on, Twilight approached Octavia.

Octavia saw her come closer and smiled, "So you are Twilight Sparkle? The one that gave me a cello indirectly through Vinyl?" she asked.

"So she revealed it huh. That means you are Octavia. Nice to finally meet you." Twilight said with a smile.

"Likewise. So, you are here for that gig huh?" Octavia asked.

"Also. But first. Is something the matter? You seem distracted and... confused." Twilight asked.

Octavia's smile turns sour, "Yeah. Vinyl showed a little of her past until she passed out on her exhaustion. It left me with a ton of questions." she admitted.

"I see. All I can tell you is that peer pressure and bullying was involved. More than that she will have to reveal herself." Twilight said slightly hesitant.

"So basically my past, right?" Octavia asked.

"Worse. But sure." Twilight admitted.

Octavia's turns serious. "I see. Now about that gig." she said.

"Yes?" Twilight asked.

"I accept your offer. When and where is it?" Octavia asked.

"At my cafe. Cafe Omurice. Between Five in the evening and eleven in the evening. When playing solo your pay an hour is roughly 50 bits.  When playing with the two others of the group it shrinks to only 15 bits an hour." Twilight explained.

"Very well. What is the drinks going to be like that is going to served along side it?" Octavia asked.

"Cocktails. And special wine and special beers." Twilight stated.

"Good. When should I play?" Octavia asked.

"I will tell your roommate that later. Since I am still very busy making a schedule for the podium. I have EDM from Vinyl, Classical music from you and two other musicians and Pinkie with comedy. And perhaps some Nightcore from yours truly." Twilight explained.

"Nightcore?" Octavia asked surprised.

Twilight smiled, "Have you heard of the album Night Lights?" she asked.

"Of course! That is almost the meta for Nightcore." Octavia said. She then saw Twilight point at herself.

"You are DJ Sparkling Gem?!" Octavia practically shouted in surprise.

Twilight simply nodded. "Though I have mostly gone and retired. Since I merely did it to create a rival for Vinyl." she explained.

"Wait, but who published it?" Octavia asked confused.

"Ah. About that. I never published it. I merely played my album at venues. It is one of the few songs that your either heard at a party or someone recorded it at said party. I purposely didn't publish it to give ponies the reason to go to my club in Canterlot." Twilight explained.

"That is smart! But what about your income?" Octavia asked.

"I didn't need it. I came from a higher noble family. I merely did it as a hobby." Twilight added.

"But?" Octavia asked as she realized there was a but to the story.

"But I did give one album away. As a present to Vinyl. She then published it under my DJ name. And the rest is history." Twilight admitted.

"Making her earn all the money instead. Right?" Octavia asked.

"I gave her permission since, well who doesn't like a rivalry inside of the music industry. The news thinks I have been working on a massive album since then. Which is an excuse for disappearing off the music industry. Giving myself an edge and pushing other Nightcore creators to work harder." Twilight explained.

"Wow. And then some. You became a legend. Only a hoofful of ponies saw your mask and only then, it was considered that you never showed your true self." Octavia said in awe. Causing Twilight to temporarily look bashfully away. Only to put up a serious mask over it.

"Anyways. Those are the rates. Tell me which days you are available and I will plan you into the schedule. Before I go though. Is classical the only music you wish to play at my venue?" Twilight asked curious.

"No. I suppose I could play some Pop music as well. But I will tell you when I want to play different music as well." Octavia said as she regained her more professional tone once more.

"Understood. Perhaps I could get Vinyl to play... her other musical instrument also for a change... If she ever wants to get over the fear that is." Twilight said mysteriously.

"What other instrument?" Octavia asked only to receive a shaking head.

"Vinyl will have to reveal that herself." Twilight said disapprovingly.

"I am sorry. I haven't been able to focus all day thanks to the questions." Octavia admitted.

"Then go home and ask. If she refuses to answer then be there for her when she is ready. Okay?" Twilight asked.

"Fine. I will wait then." Octavia said in understanding.

"Good. Then if you excuse me. I have to go to Applejack to get some apples." Twilight said her goodbye to Octavia before moving on.

As Twilight walked off, Octavia packed her cello up and walked home to some good needed chatting with Vinyl. Twilight merely smiled at this before moving on.

As Twilight entered the Apple family's farm she sees Applejack standing in front of her younger sister. Spike explained that there was three cutie mark crusaders. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. 

'Seeing as it is a younger version of Applejack this must be Apple Bloom.' Twilight thought as she got closer.

"But sis! I also want to help buck some apples!" Apple Bloom whined at Applejack. Clearly in an accent as well.

"Now listen here. I know you want to help. But you cutie mark crusaders somehow cut down one of mah trees yesterday. And I don't like ya should get another chance at this for atleast a week." Applejack said annoyed.

"Aw." Apple Bloom said disappointed.

Applejack then noticed Twilight approaching and gave her a slightly disappointed smile. "Besides I though that you three were going to go and try to get another cutie mark. What's the hold up?" Applejack asked confused.

"Scootaloo got sick again. She is currently receiving treatment in the hospital for food poisoning." Apple Bloom said annoyed.

"Sweetie Belle again?" Applejack asked with deadpanned eyes.

"Yes, she wants to learn how to cook really bad. But she keeps messing it up. And Scootaloo wasn't paying attention what she put in her mouth. I am sorry." Apple Bloom admitted.

Applejack sighed, "Fine go see Big Mac. Mah brother might be able to entertain you. I just need to see Twilight here for a moment." she said.

"Twilight?" Apple Bloom said as she turned to see Twilight waiting for them to finish their conversation.

"Oh! Ah am sorry. I will go see him then. It was nice seeing you Twilight!" Apple Bloom said in an accent before dashing off.

"Sorry about that. As you can tell Sweetie Belle tries her best but keeps on failing to cook even a simple egg. Anyways, how am ah able to help you?" Applejack asked.

"I wished to order some apples and if possible delivered to my cafe." Twilight asked.

"Of course! However if it needs to delivered it has to be more than 10 kilos of apples." Applejack stated.

"I see. I just need one ton of apples." Twilight asked.

"One thousand kilos? Are you sure? That is a lot of apples." Applejack asked stunned by the number. Twilight saw Apple Bloom also stunned in the background.

"Yup. I brought about five tons of apples from another location. And I am already out of the materials. Luckily most of it is ready. I just need one extra ton to finish some things. Including some usage for the cocktail side of things. Which means either one ton is enough or still too little. I hope its enough. Or I will have to give you my number for a communication orb since I don't want to keep on walking back and forth." Twilight explained.

"Before I even allow to sell you that much I need to ask. Where is it going? All those apples?" Applejack asked serious.

"Apple sauce, syrups, as marinade for some meats. Between sandwiches. Or as decoration at a cocktail. With most of the apples going to the syrups and apple sauce." Twilight explained knowingly.

Applejack sighed, "Ah see. Yes. We make our own apple sauce sometimes and it does indeed use up a lot of apples. What is the syrup for?" she asked.

"Either to use a lemonade or as spice or foods." Twilight stated.

"Understood. One thousand apples will be delivered by Big Mac. That will be 750 bits. Seeing as it is a bulk order you get 25% off." Applejack said with a smile.

"Here you go." Twilight said as she gave Applejack 750 bits.

"Thank ya very much for business. You weren't kidding when you said about being our best customer. You already bought more apples than the entire town in a month." Applejack said impressed but her tone also showed a bit of shock at the sudden huge order.

Twilight merely smiled in return, "Yeah. Pleasure doing business. By the way if anyone asked. No, I am not interested in zap apples. As much as they can be used in a lot of stuff. I personally am not a fan of them." she added.

"Dully noted." Applejack before going back to work in order to solve the order.

Twilight looked at the sun and smiled, "Can you complete the order today? We have today and tomorrow to finish up for the openings day." she requested.

"Of course. You should receive it this evening." Applejack stated before being entirely distracted by putting apples into a carriage.

Twilight simply walked off back towards the cafe only to stop for a moment when her own musical album is being played out of a house at the edge of town.

'I wonder...' Twilight thought as she walked towards the house.

As she got closer and closer. The Nightcore music was getting louder and louder. Until Twilight eventually reached the door, Twilight then knock on the door loudly so that it can be heard over the music. After some moment later, the music dims and door opens. Revealing Vinyl at the doorway.

"Twilight! Come on in. I was just showing Octavia some of the music I never published due to some... personal connections to it." Vinyl said beaming.

"Did you tell the truth?" Twilight asked.

"Most of it. I am not quite ready to reveal everything." Vinyl said happily.

"I see." Twilight said as she entered. She looks around and smirked at the interior.

"So. you must be on the left correct?" Twilight said smirking. She saw Vinyl getting blush on her ears.

"Of course not." Vinyl said as she points on the right side of the room. Twilight noticed that Octavia looked surprised at Vinyl's reaction.

"Believe it or not but-" Twilight tried to speak only for Vinyl to shut Twilight up with a hoof into the mouth.

"Nothing! Nothing!" Vinyl said embarrassed as if Twilight was about to reveal a side of Vinyl that Octavia wasn't allowed to know about.

"Come on Vinyl. Octavia has been your friend for a long time. What is the harm of it?" Twilight said while smirking a little at Vinyl's behavior.

"Right. Well. I don't know." Vinyl said somewhat defeated.

"Fine let me atleast hint at it. Alright?" Twilight offered as compromise.

"Fine." Vinyl said annoyed but more willingly.

Octavia looked confused at the duo.

"Let's just say. Your side of the room Octavia looks a lot like Vinyl's room back at his family home." Twilight hinted.

Octavia's eyes widen as large as dinner plates. As she looks at Vinyl for confirmation. Vinyl merely nodded in shame. Causing Octavia's mouth to hit the floor.

"Anyways enough joking around. Vinyl I have decided the rates of your gig. For every hour you play your EDM you get 25 bits. And for every hour you play you other musical genres 50 bits an hour. However all of them have to be original works. Including your EDM works. Meaning you cannot play your previous albums at my venue." Twilight explained.

"WHAT!" Vinyl shouted in shock.

"Oh. And if you think it's impossible. How about I throw in a challenge. If you can write an entirely new album for my venue then I won't show the world your first ever album." Twilight said with an evil smile.

"WHAT!!!" Vinyl shouted in anger.

"On the flip side. I will also be playing my music at the bar. And they are an entirely new album. Something I have been working on for last for years. Using illusion magic I can project my being behind the DJ set. While also serving cocktails at the same time." Twilight added. Causing both Vinyl and Octavia to look at Twilight in shock.

"I wonder who will win this time?" Twilight said with a creepy smile.

"I guess I will try to make an entirely new classical album as well then." Octavia stated, her voice filled with excitement.

"You don't have to." Twilight simply said.

"No. If Vinyl has to do it. Then so do I." Octavia said stubbornly.

"Ah. Now I see. Now I see why you wanted..." Twilight said in an teasing smile at Vinyl.

"Twilight Sparkle please shut up." Vinyl said as she used her old Canterlot accent to shut Twilight up. Which seemed to work.

Twilight simply blinked at the sudden tone shift.

Octavia also blinked in surprise.

"Well anyways. See you at the venue. I should have a schedule ready tomorrow." Twilight said as she just lost her train of thought.

"Good day to you too." Vinyl said as she literally shoves Twilight out of the door. And outside.

"It seems you will still go back to speaking Canterlot when my teasing gets enough. Just do me one favor. Please go on a date with your girlfriend at my cafe one day yes?" Twilight said smirking. Only for Vinyl to throw a cushion into her face.

Twilight used her magic to throw it back before finally leaving Vinyl alone with her girlfriend? or so Twilight thought they were.

"That was fun." Twilight said smiling until she saw the sun. It was going down.

"Oops better get back home. I hope Spike isn't too angry." Twilight said as she rushed back home.

And as soon as she returned home, Spike instantly started to lecture Twilight on being late.