//------------------------------// // Chapter 8 // Story: Scootaloo's Dilemma // by PonyvilleDJ //------------------------------// The next morning, Scootaloo pulled the covers off and looked around. It was fairly early as the sun was only just starting to peak over the horizon. It was getting late in the year though, so she couldn’t afford to stay too much longer. As she pushed her bedding under the floor, she let out a tired sigh. It was then that she really noticed it; she could see her breath in the morning air. She quickly ran to a window and looked outside. There wasn’t any snow, obviously as it was only mid-autumn, but that didn’t change the fact that it was indeed getting closer to winter. In a couple more weeks, the rolling fields of fading green would slide to brown and copper-red before being blanketed in pearly white. Frowning at the thought of snow, she remembered what happened last time it fell. It was freezing in Ponyville as the snow fell. Behind Sugarcube Corner, Scootaloo sought warmth in the dumpster. In her travels since Mama-Lucile left her to fend for herself, she had learned that bio-degradable trash generated heat. Armed with that knowledge, she had searched for a place with a high turn-over of food. She was originally going to use the dumpster behind The Clover, but being such a fancy restaurant, the portions were small and often finished with nothing left over to throw away. So instead, she settled on the bakery. Anything that was left out for more than a couple hours had to be tossed out. This ensured that she could get some food when she was hungry and that there would be plenty of heat as the rest broke down around her. The only thing she had to worry about was digging herself out every morning to avoid the garbage cart. It was an okay life, and a lot of the lesions Mama-Lucile taught her were invaluable, but she wanted something more. Occasionally, she would climb out and roll around in the snow to clean the gunk off of her body. When she did venture out, she would wander the streets and look at all the houses and wonder if she would ever get to live in one herself. This night in particular was something special; it was the night Hearth’s Warming Eve. Tomorrow, when everypony would wake up, they would find their friends and exchange gifts as a sign of friendship. Little trinkets and tokens would change hooves and everypony would be happy. And many more would have feasts with all their friends and family members to add to the holiday cheer. Cakes, pies, sandwiches, and so many delectable desserts as far as the eye could see, and not one would be for her. Coming out of her memory, she looked around. At least this year would be better. She and her friends were going to exchange gifts and she would finally get to be a part of a holiday feast. But that was still a ways away. For now, she had to focus. Today was the day that the Cutie Mark Crusaders were going to Vinyl Scratch’s house to learn about music. Of course, they weren’t going to mention finding the computer manual. Instead, she leaned her head out the window, plugged one of her nostrils, and cleared her head for the day. Getting to Carousel Boutique, Scootaloo noticed Sweetie Belle's parents heading out to lunch. Sweetie Belle loved hanging out at Rarity's store and jumped at every chance to be there. Going inside, they waited for Apple Bloom to show up so they could go. When the last Crusader finally came through the door, Rarity rounded them up, having agreed to take them to their music lesson. As they left the boutique, they could barely contain their excitement about learning to play music from the legend herself. Having risen from a broken home, the incredible DJ P0n-3 was Ponyville’s claim to fame, right alongside Sweet Apple Acres. “This is going to be so FUN!” Sweetie Belle yelled, her voice cracking a bit. “I know right,” Scootaloo replied. “I wonder if we’ll get to make our own song for the next DJ P0n-3 album.” “That’d be amazin’!” Apple Bloom added. “An’ then we could travel with her and become famous musicians!” “Now girls,” Rarity interrupted. “The only reason I’m bringing you here is because you want to learn. And you can’t create a masterpiece until you master all of your tools. Why take me for example. I remember when I was a filly myself. I made the costumes for my school play, but all I did to make them great was stick gems on them. At the time, it seemed like a great idea, but now I see how foalish it was. Were I to do it again with what I’ve learned over the years, I imagine the costumes would be MUCH different. In fact, I think I might…” The Crusaders eventually began tuning Rarity out, especially now that she had gone off on her own little fashion world. As they came up to the house they were looking for, Rarity paused in her plans for the next school play to knock on the door. “Okay girls,” she said. “You be on your best behavior. Do everything you’re told, don’t touch anything without permission, don’t drink anything except water- goodness knows what a ‘disk jockey’ like HER might offer you- and above all else, stay here until I come pick you up.” They couldn't help but noticed the way she had emphasized saying ‘disk jockey’ and ‘her’. Still, that was Rarity; judging things she’s not familiar with. As she finished straightening Sweetie Belle’s mane, they all stiffened up as the door unlocked. When the door was pulled open, Rarity’s composed look quickly fell into one of shock and confusion. “Oh my goodness,” she stuttered. “I’m terribly sorry. I must have gotten the wrong address. Please forgive me for disturbing you.” She was about to walk away when a refined, sophisticated voice came from the grey mare in the doorway. “No, you have the right place. Vinyl-” she stopped herself, glaring at the stupidity of having to actually say it. “DJ P0n-3… is asleep right now, but feel free to come inside.” Stepping aside, she let them come in. Rarity tried desperately to compose herself while trying to understand what was going on. As they settled into the formal-looking, almost Canterlot-esque den, both Rarity and the Crusaders looked around in awe. Taking their seats, the mare introduced herself. “Welcome to our home,” she said. “As I said, the DJ is still asleep right now. She just came home a few hours ago, so she’s not in much of a right state to teach now. Anyway, my name is-” “You’re the legendary Octavia!” Rarity interrupted, gushing like a fangirl. “I’ve seen all of your local shows! I also saw you at the Grand Galloping Gala last year! You were absolutely magnificent, if I do say so myself!” Octavia seemed a bit taken back by the sudden outburst, but offered a smile none the less. “Well thank you,” she replied. “It’s always a pleasure to meet a fan.” “Oh believe me, I know all your pieces! Tell me, where do you get your inspiration? What was it that led you to create that amazing piece, ‘Fire Within’? It’s so moving and passionate.” Octavia blushed a little and looked away for a moment before opening her mouth to answer. However, she was quickly cut off by a loud ‘thump’ from the ceiling. Glad to see the distraction, she stood up to go take care of it. “I’m sorry, but I have to see to my… roommate. There’s tea and biscuits in the kitchen, so feel free to help yourself.” With that, she walks upstairs to check on the noise they had all heard. “She seems nice” Sweetie Belle said as they stood up to go to the kitchen. “Nice?” Rarity exclaimed. “She’s exemplary; a true pinnacle of sophistication!” Rolling their eyes, the Crusaders helped themselves to the biscuits. Sweetie Belle, Rarity and Apple loom drank tea, but Scootaloo wasn't a fan. Instead, she got some water from the tap and they all sat in the living room, waiting to see what would happen. However, they didn't have to wait long. Through the ceiling, they could hear just about everything that was going on upstairs. “Vinyl, are you okay?” they heard Octavia say. A small moan reverberated through the ceiling, implying Vinyl was waking up. “Vinyl, I told you that you had work to do today, why did you drink? You need to get up, it’s nearly eleven.” Another moan was heard, followed by a crass, hung-over voice. “Octavia?” they heard. “Oh Octavia, I had the weirdest dream. You were there, Mister Buzzington was there-” “Vinyl!” Octavia shouted. “Please, be decent! We have company!” “Goody. Now we can see the results when I make you feel beautiful.” Another thump echoed through the building, followed by the sound of something being dragged across the floor. After a few moments, the sound of running water rang out followed immediately by a startled yell. “Who- What?” Vinyl cried out. “Octavia! What is this?” “Oh, good morning sleepy-head,” she said sarcastically. “Have you forgotten about your appointment?” “No,” Vinyl replied. “I already told you that I’m clean.” Octavia let out an exasperated sigh. “No, Vinyl. I mean that you were SUPPOSED to come home early last night so you could be ready to teach some children about music.” There was a slight pause followed by the sounds of scrambling with some apologies thrown in for good measure. After a few more minutes, the two of them came down the stairs, Octavia looking like she wanted to break something and Vinyl looking like… well, like DJ P0n-3. Turning to the three fillies, she grinned and spoke up. “So, who’s ready to learn about music?” she asked in a loud voice The Crusaders all cried out in joy and flocked to the DJ. “Well, the first thing you gotta know is to never start your day on an empty stomach! Who’s up for some breakfast?” They all cheered some more before Octavia brought Vinyl up to speed. “Vinyl,” she said. “It’s nearly lunch time.” “Who’s up for some lunch?” the DJ revised. Again, the Crusaders all cheered and followed her to the kitchen.