Prologue
Vinyl Scratch had never been successful. Her whole life she never accomplished anything. In fact, the most she had ever done was release an album that got beat up so badly by the critics that she had to go into hiding. She had an excellent voice, and could play over eight different instruments. It had never made any sense to her, somepony with as much talent as her should be able to make it somewhere in life. But no, she was subject to living on other pony's couches and taking "donations" as other ponies liked to call it. She knew it was pity money, and she hated it, but its hard to live when you can't afford to eat. She took money wherever it would come from: work, pity money, it really didn't matter to her.
Vinyl was all set to break down and move back in with her family, until she met Octavia. For years she considered that the single greatest day of her entire life. They met while Vinyl was trying to get a part time job with the Royal Canterlot Orchestra, and became friends instantly. Octavia learned of Vinyl's problems after weeks of friendship. Vinyl did her best to hide it, but her true side showed through. Octavia offered her home to Vinyl, as best friends always do. Vinyl refused, it would mean that she would sink to the lowest she had ever been to. It took days of convincing, but Vinyl gave in.
It took Vinyl less than a week to finally get her hooves on the ground. She landed a job at the nicest restaurant in all of Canterlot as the house vocalist. She made most of her money in tips, managing to finally pay a pony rent. She quickly became a favorite at the restaurant, drawing Canterlot's highest class citizens. She began to write her own music, inspired by her own life. She went on to work in the restaurant business for another year, providing her with a steady income. Vinyl could have left Octavia at any time, but she decided to stay. Not only did it make things easier financially for both ponies, but they enjoyed each other's company greatly. Over time Vinyl even grew to have a small crush on Octavia, but she eventually pushed the idea out of her head; it would only hurt their relationship.
After a year, Vinyl was approached by Trotting Records, who wanted her to make a two album deal with them. Vinyl quickly agreed to sign. Her first album, "Scratch", was released just a week after signing. It became so popular in such a short span of time that it set records for fast chart jumps. "Vinyl Scratch" was a household name within the month. Vinyl was invited to come on every talk show in Equestria, which she graciously accepted. She always remembered where she came from: the streets of Canterlot. But one pony in particular was left out of her picture, one pony she began to deeply miss.