//------------------------------// // Chapter 10: Order In The Court // Story: The Scratch Ends Here // by TigerSwirl448 //------------------------------// Chapter 10 Order In The Court "Do I really have to wear this thing?" Vinyl asked with a whine. "Yes Vinyl, we must make a good appearance at court." "But this suit and tie make me all itchy!" "Stop scratching." "Grrr....." * * * * * * One Month Earlier When Octavia woke up a few hours later, Vinyl was laying on top of her snoring lightly. Octavia smiled stroking Vinyl's mane. She reached over to her phone and looked at the time. Ten in the morning. She chuckled, gently nudging Vinyl. "Vinyl dear." "Hmmph? Just five more minutes." She groaned out rolling off of Octavia snoring again. Octavia chuckled thinking of an old wake up trick she used back in the day. She looked at Vinyl's ear and grinned at the old humor as she leaned over and licked the inside of Vinyl's ear causing the unicorn to jolt awake. "OOHH BOY! What in Tartarus!" She turned and saw Octavia giggling. "Hey!" "I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist." Vinyl grinned. "Oh yeah? Two can play at that game." She let out a roar and tackled Octavia on the bed. The movement caused the two to fall out of the bed to the floor. Vinyl's tongue trying to reach Octavia's ear as Octavia laughed trying to get Vinyl off of her. She felt Vinyl's hooves tickling her sides causing her to laugh even harder begging for help from the goddesses. The door opens shining a light towards them. Like two fillies caught with paint and makeup all over them. Octavia and Vinyl stopped in mid-struggle to see Bonbon staring at them with an amused look. Octavia and Vinyl stared at one another then started giggling at each other. "Well I can tell you two had a good night last night." Bonbon said chuckling. Octavia and Vinyl blushed at one another then they both sat up chuckling like school fillies. "Octavia, we got the newest edition of Equestria Daily." Bonbon said turning away. "And?" Octavia called as she trotted up the stairs with Vinyl right behind her. When they reached the top Lyra was reading the magazine and looked at the two mares. "Vinyl's on the front page!" * * * * * * "Vinyl, there is no need to be nervous." "I am nervous!" "I'll be sitting next to you the whole time." "But what about if I had to-" "Then you will tell everypony what took place." "But-Mmph!" "No buts. Did that help?" "Yeah it did." "Good, I'll give you another kiss later. Just remember what Gregory and I told you. Tell them the truth. Every bit." "Okay." * * * * * * One Month Earlier "Wow," Vinyl said after reading the magazine with the article about her. "I guess they weren't a bunch of crazies after all." Octavia grinned patting Vinyl on the back. "See, now everypony will be knowing about you and soon the press will be giving Shark a bad time with this. See, look at that picture." Octavia pointing at a picture of the red unicorn stallion trying to hide from the camera. The words at the bottom in italics read, 'No comment from Mr. Flank Shark' Lyra chuckled. "Yeah and look at the next page it reveals what everypony is now learning about." True enough Octavia and Vinyl are reading the past cold cases of the dead stars. There was even a report about the famous signer Diamond Essence and the secret note that Brass told Octavia about. Octavia gasped reading the report. "What?" The three mares exclaimed looking at her. "The note!" "What note?" Vinyl asked. Octavia pointed at the story. "Brass told me that the police found a written note from the crime scene of Diamond Essence’s death. But there was no mention of what was written in the letter." "Okay but what?" Vinyl asked confused. Octavia gulped. "This was an old clipping from the case." She turned to Vinyl dreading what it might bring. "The letter that was written was a note to Diamond Essence’s coltfriend who was a suspect in the case. The message was blotted in blood but there were words that were made out from the note. 'Make it Stop! Make Him Stop!' Was written in bold letters. It's still mystery to this day who this Him is." Octavia turned to see Vinyl shaking again. She gulps heavily getting out of her chair. "Vinyl?" Lyra called out concerned as Vinyl runs down the stairs to the basement. Octavia dropped the magazine and went after her leaving Lyra and Bonbon looking at one another with fear. Octavia could hear Vinyl vomiting in the bathroom. She ran in seeing Vinyl with her head in the toilet shaking hard. Octavia went over to hold up her mane with a feeling of rage again. Once she was done Vinyl let out a sob as she covered her eyes with her hooves. Octavia didn't need words to know what she's thinking. "Diamond must have suffered a lot." Vinyl nodded with a sniff. Octavia reached for a washrag from the bathtub, still damp and cold. She used the rag to wipe off Vinyl's face. "But you are alive, Vinyl. Shark must have known about the note and decided to end her there. But with you Vinyl, those five souls will finally be avenged. With your help the media now sees the connections. And it's up to you and I to finally strike the nail into his coffin. You understand this?" Vinyl nodded. She looked up at Octavia with a hard glare in her rosy eyes. "Now I know I'm not the only one that suffered. When can I go outside again?" Octavia grinned. "I thought you would never ask." * * * * * * "What are you thinking about?" "Hmm?" "I said, what are you thinking about Vinyl?" "It's nothing." "Are you sure?" "No... What if he wins?" "He won’t win Vinyl. We have way too much evidence for him to fight back with." ". . ." "Are you okay?" "Yeah never better... How long will this take? This court case?" "Well... depending on the size, it'll take a long while. Possibly a couple of weeks to a month." "A month?! Geez," "Don’t you ever pay attention to court cases on the news?" "No, they bore me. And really if it isn't going to do me any harm why listen?" "Vinyl... Oh look at the time, Gregory will be waiting for us in the lobby. Are you ready?" "Yeah... Let's just get this over with." * * * * * * Day of Court Vinyl sat restlessly in the cab as Octavia and Gregory whisper about the case. Vinyl was dressed in a pressed black suit with a blue tie around her neck. She used her hoof to pull the tie away from her neck to keep it from itching. Octavia lightly slapped her hoof away and shook her head, she was dressed in a nice lavender dress. Vinyl sighed looking out the window to see them close to the Canterlot Courthouse. Vinyl closed her eyes with a sigh remembering what took place a month prior to this day. After Vinyl got sick, Octavia started taking her out into Ponyville to regain her confidence in front of the public. Everypony that knew Vinyl the best came out to greet Vinyl and give her luck. It made her feel better knowing she has friends in Ponyville. It was even better knowing that nopony begged for details, except for Twilight Sparkle who declared that she would be at the courthouse to give support and possibly let the Princesses know of this case. Vinyl was scared at that but Octavia did say that even the royal sisters will give the opposite side a run for their money to those that were against them. Then they went to Carousel Boutique to get attire for the court case. Rarity was a joy to be with and Vinyl was very comfortable to talk to the pony that started her career. Rarity gave her a suit and a blue tie to match her mane. It was uncomfortable. Vinyl wanted to roll up the sleeves but Octavia and Rarity both said no. She couldn’t afford to dress like a DJ in a time like this. But Vinyl was given a comfortable, soft button up shirt so that she'll be at least sort of comfortable in her suit and tie. On the day they were leaving for Canterlot Vinyl was wanting to wear her sunglasses. Octavia said she can wear them but they have to come off in the Courthouse. "But why?" Vinyl asked. "They’re my symbol!" "Symbols don’t work in court. Besides they look tacky with your suit. Look you may wear them outside but inside take them off." Vinyl sighed and nodded. "Alright." Vinyl opened her eyes feeling Octavia patting her on the shoulder. She turned and grinned seeing her grin. Suddenly there were flashes of light from out the window as they neared the courthouse. The paparazzi was here waiting for them. Vinyl gulped ready to put on a show for the cameras. "Remember," Gregory said out loud to them. "Don’t answer any questions. As your lawyer, I'll take care of the questions. Just keep silent. Your words will be used against you if you're not careful. The press that are backing up with Shark will try to reword your words to make him look good. Are we clear?" Octavia and Vinyl nodded. "Good," He said with a kind smile as he fixed his mane then his tie. "Let’s go get this over with." Gregory stepped out first being flashed and pelted with questions. Two officers came out to guard the three ponies from the paparazzi as they started screaming Vinyl's name and screaming out questions. Vinyl was amazed by the attention she received. Sure she's used to this but after four months in a stuffy basement getting well this was a cultural shock. She was happy to have her shades with her to block most of the flashes. She felt Octavia's hoof on her back. Vinyl smirked turning to her to see her with her eyes squeezed shut. She must have been blinded already. Poor Tavi. They reached the door and the cameras seized and the lights went to normal. Octavia let out a sigh as she sat down to rub her watering eyes. "I never expected this." Gregory chuckled. "Well you are around stardom Octavia, dear. Prepare for this later at recess. "Oh goody." Vinyl snickered at Octavia's expense. "Well, well, well," Vinyl stiffened and turned seeing her old agent walking over with an earth pony dressed smartly in a suit and tie. Octavia noticed Vinyl's mood and stood next to her. "Vinyl, I'm glad to see you well and... with company I see." Shark said with a smirk. Octavia smiled sweetly at the unicorn. "Ah you must be Mr. Flank Shark. A pleasure." She stated politely, holding out her hoof. Vinyl rolled her eyes behind her glasses, same old Octy to actually be civil. Shark and Octavia shook hooves politely, Octavia continued to smile as Shark kept up his smirk, looking her up and down. "Ah yes and you are my dear? I'm sure I have seen you somewhere before." Vinyl glared coldly at him. Of course you've seen her before you bastard! "Oh? Well my name is Octavia Melody. I have known Vinyl for many years and a close friend of hers." Shark quirked his brow turning to Vinyl to see her turn away. "Ah yes, I have heard of you. Vinyl has told me so much about you." Vinyl bared her teeth growling. Octavia turned to her then turned back to the stallion. "Well Vinyl has told me way too much about you. And most of it was not pleasant." Octavia said coldly, frowning now. "Ladies, and gents please." Gregory said quickly intervening. "Save it for the court room Octavia." Shark chuckled at that. "And may I introduce my dear friend and our lawyer, Mr. Gregory Gavel." Octavia said as Gregory nodded his head to the two ponies. Shark glared at the lawyer. "Yes we have met before. Then you might be happy to know I have my ace lawyer with me as well. Mr. Ace Defense." The sneering stallion shook hooves with Gregory then bowed to the mares. "Yes, I have heard of Mr. Defense before." Gregory said with a forced smile that looked like a grimace. "I have heard of your cases too, Mr. Gavel. I wish you luck." "So do I." A guard walked up to tell them that they must be taken to the Court Room A for the proceedings. Everypony nodded and went their separate ways. Gavel stood by the mares telling them what to do. "Alright, remember this is a case between Vinyl and Shark. The judge allows you to sit with Vinyl but you cannot speak, understand. Never speak out of turn unless I call you to the stand. You'll be answering questions about Vinyl's rehabilitation. Doctor Hoofstein will be here later with Vinyl's medical records and sample results." Octavia nodded smiling at Vinyl. "And Vinyl," Gregory said turning to her. "This will be your show. You'll have to tell your whole story. Not everything but enough to prove your point. You’ll have to answer my questions we've practiced and the question that Defense has for you. Now if it does get too much you'll tell the judge you don’t want to go that far. He understands the seriousness of the case but I advise you to only say this once, not twice or thrice, just once." Vinyl nodded with a deep sigh taking off her shades handing them to Octavia. Octavia smiled and placed them in her purse. "Anything else?" Vinyl asked shakily, she was terrified. Gregory nodded. "Knowing Shark, he'll use threating glances or glares, don’t pay attention to him. He'll try to break you. Don’t let that happen. And one last thing." "Yeah?" "Answer right." Vinyl blinked turning to Octavia to get a look from her. "Oh, um, okay I'll answer right." "Good, now let’s get going before the press flogs us again." He was right, as soon as they reached the assigned room there were several paparazzi ponies there trying to get answers. They were from news stations across Equestria. Gregory went through first, Vinyl second, then Octavia at the end. The doors were shut and the noise level completely depleted. The room was filled with ponies. Many were friends of Vinyl as they grinned seeing her. Vinyl winked back with a small smile. Not to mention friends from Ponyville were there too. Lyra and Bonbon sat nearby giving her smiles of encouragement. Vinyl was even surprised to see Twilight waving, Rainbow Dash dressed in uncomfortable attire giving Vinyl a forced smile as she fixed her tie. I can relate, Vinyl thought to herself. There was Applejack, Pinkie Pie who was sitting still and grinning from ear to ear. Fluttershy, Heck even Apple Fritter was there giving them a wave. Octavia walked over to her. "What are you doing here?" She whispered smiling. Apple Fritter grinned. "Well I heard from Applejack about this so I figured I give ya'll some support. You can't have too much of it here now can ya?" Octavia grinned hugging her. "Vinyl needs it more than I. I thank you and everypony else here." She turned to see Rarity grinning towards her. "Well of course darling, many of us couldn’t come, but I assure you they are listening on the radio." "Radio?" Octavia asked shocked. "Mmm-hmm," Pinkie Pie said in a loud whisper. "We got permission from the judge to have a microphone set up around the area so Ponyville can hear. Well, all of Equestria can hear." Vinyl gasped at that. Al of Equestria will hear this court case, her story, and the verdict of Shark’s actions? She gulped loudly pulling her tie out getting warm and sweaty with fear. Everypony turned hearing a door open as a judge walks into the room. "Good luck." Applejack whispered with a wink. Octavia winked back and trotted to her seat next to Vinyl holding her hoof under the table. "All rise!" The guard mare called out. Everypony stood up. "Judge Smithy presiding." The judge was an elderly pegasus stallion. He sat down and waved his hoof for everypony to take their seats. "What’s the case?" The pegasus called out as procedure, since he knew what was going on by the media attention at the back of the room where reporters were writing on their large notepads. A typewriter could be heard at the side of the room as a mare was typing every word that was being said. Octavia gulped, hoping she wouldn't slip up. The mare cleared her throat reading the paper in her hoof. "The case Scratch against Shark. A possible attempted murder case, your Honor." The mare handed the paper to the judge as he looked through it. He nodded and held up his gavel. "The court is now open for business. Now, Mr. Defense you may start." The three ponies watched as Mr. Defense stood up walking to the jury at the side of the court room and stared talking. Vinyl ignored most of it with nerves. She turned seeing Shark glance at her with a smirk. Vinyl gulped turning away. What if he wins? He always wins! She felt Octavia’s hoof wrap tightly around hers making her open her eyes. She turned to see Octavia with a smile on her face. Vinyl sighed and smiled back. No, I have friends here. They’re here for me not for that bastard. Even if we did lose, he will have this case as a shadow for the rest of his life. After his opening speech, Gregory came up to introduce their case to the jury. Octavia sat there beaming with pride seeing her dear friend captivating the jury in their story and their case pointing to Vinyl many times. Once his turn was over the judge nodded then looked up. Everypony looked up to see a small box at the second floor. Octavia and Vinyl were surprised to see more pony reporters at the second floor writing and recording this case. But what really surprised them was both Princesses are watching the case. Vinyl gulped back bile of nervousness seeing them. Octavia patted her on the back letting her know that everything was alright. "We call Miss Octavia to the stand!" Octavia jumped at the mention of her name. She turned to Gregory to see him nodding for her to go and sit at the stand. Octavia gulped and nodded leaving her seat and walked to the chair next to the judge’s podium. Mr. Defense stood up but waited as the security pony made her say the oath to tell the whole truth. Once that was finished Octavia sat comfortably in her chair ready for the questions. Mr. Defense walked up with small smile. "Miss Octavia, please tell the court what your occupation is?" Octavia took in a breath. "I used to play the cello in my ensemble group. Four months ago I retired." "Alright, what was the reason for your retirement, surly you were in your game, so to speak?" "Well actually no. I was happy with my work and career, but sadly I was getting tired of travel. So I wanted a chance to retire. Then Vinyl Scratch needed my help and I couldn’t refuse to help her." Mr. Defense nodded. "Alright then since you know Miss Scratch well, can you by any chance tell us about her habits that required your assistance with?" Octavia glared at him. But she did say an oath. "Well... She was a drinker. Many times I had to... help her home and-" "Were those times of assistance happen to be drugs? Have you helped Miss Scratch to take drugs?" Octavia bristled at that accusation. "Absolutely not! As long I knew Vinyl, she never been in that junk!" "Oh? As long as you knew her? But was it in her records that she was taken to a juvenile prison for several cases of her being caught with illegal drugs?" Octavia gulped turning to Vinyl to see her pale. "Well... there were times when I did catch her with them but... that's beyond the point. She stopped taking drugs when I was with her. I never knew of her past since she kept it to herself." "What about the recent discovery of her going back to drugs in the last uh... eight years?" Octavia turned to Vinyl again to see her head bowed low. "She... I... She did mention about it but that was one time and she quit-" "Nothing further, your Honor." Mr. Defense gave a smirk at Gregory as he passed him to his table. Gregory cleared his throat walking up to Octavia. "Miss Octavia, will you answer some questions that pertain to the case?” Octavia nodded then remembered the type writer. "Yes," "Alright, my friends, Jury. We aren't here to discuss Scratch’s drug habits. We are here to talk about a supposed attempted murder case. And Miss. Octavia is the prime witness to the crime." He paused as he turned to Octavia with a serious scowl. "Now please describe to the court what happened the first time you've seen Miss. Scratch in... what?” "Ten years." "Ten years. So please explain to us what happened when you first saw her." Octavia quickly described how Vinyl acted and how she reacted to the drink at the bar. "Alright and then you said that you got a phone call from Miss. Scratch. And it just so happens your honor that we have a recording of that call. The phone company does take recordings of a call." The judge nodded. "Play it." He ordered. A radio was set at the front of the room as a tape was put inside and the radio played the exact call that Octavia had. She felt guilty of yelling at the phone. Vinyl went very pale as she sunk into her seat hearing her own sick words. Gregory walked over and pressed the stop button. "Please Miss Octavia, tell me, what did you find in room twelve?" Octavia sighed she can still remember that room clearly. "After opening the door, I found Vinyl on the floor covered in the foulest of vomit I have ever seen. It was a grayish black color with blood. She was vomiting blood and hardly responsive." "Anything else? Anything in the room?" "Well I was in a rush to get Vinyl out of the room. But as I left I discovered her favorite Whiskey beverage on the counter. There was a shot glass on the floor shattered from being dropped to the floor." "Hmm and this was where you got the idea of her being poisoned?" "It's the only explanation I can think of." "Nothing further, your Honor." Gregory said walking back to his seat as Defense came up with a smirk. "Miss. Octavia, you say that when you walked into the room you didn't really notice anything except for the whiskey on the counter is that true?" "Well, yes." "Then perhaps you didn't think of looking around for possibly a needle for injected drugs? Or a pill bottle? Not to mention a pipe to smoke?" Octavia glared at him. "No, I never seen any of those things." She blushed remembering the look of the room was a pigsty and it was dark. "Well... Knowing Vinyl she doesn't keep a clean house and uh it was dark so-" "So you will admit that possibly she injected herself and suffered from a mixture of drugs and alcohol correct?" "It's... possible-" "Nothing further." Defense sneered at Gregory and Vinyl. Vinyl rubbed her forehead trying to remember anything about that night. Octavia was now started to get nervous. She watched as Shark whispered in his lawyer's ear smirking at Octavia. Octavia turned away fearing for slipping up. Finally after another hour of questioning, the judge ordered a thirty minute recess. Octavia let out a sigh of relief, she was finished. She trotted to Vinyl and gave her a sad smile. "I'm so sorry-" "No, you were right... I could have taken drugs or something-" Vinyl was silenced with a kiss on the lips from Octavia as she stroked her mane away from her face. "Don’t second guess yourself, do you understand me? Just answer the questions like we practiced." "But what if he says something that-" Gregory shook his head. "That’s how it works. Defense is trying to make Shark sound good and make you look bad. But like Octavia said before, we have too much evidence for him back away from. We still have Doctor Hoofstien's samples and testimony to go through. Then we have Lyra and Bonbon as witnesses as well." "Really?" Vinyl asked in surprise, she didn't know this. Octavia nodded. "Yes they volunteered at the last minute. So no need to worry." After their recess Doctor Hoofstien came up to the stand to testify and to show the jury his findings and Vinyl’s blood samples from the poison which clearly proved she was poisoned, not taking drugs. Vinyl could only smirk at the blow Mr. Defense had from using the drug gig to get the jury thinking she's a drug addict. After the doctor was finished, the court was adjourned for the evening. Vinyl never felt so relieved to get out of her suit. Once they went to the hotel Vinyl crashed into her bed as Octavia turned on the radio to hear the news. When the news switched to Vinyl’s court case the two mares heard both sides. One side believes that Vinyl was a druggie and deserves to be put away but the other side actually used Doctor Hoofstien's test results to prove that Vinyl wasn't taking drugs, sure she drank alcohol but there was a poison in the drink. One side called it luck while the other called it a miracle. The mares knew which station was sided with Shark or Vinyl. The next morning and throughout the whole second day of court, Vinyl was having trouble staying awake. It was not that it was boring, this was serious! It was just that Vinyl couldn’t sleep the night before, she was up most of the night from nightmares. It didn't help that Vinyl turned on the TV to late night television. Vinyl blushed hearing Octavia yawn next to her. Keeping Octavia up last night didn't help her either. Vinyl covered her mouth yawning the fifteenth time that morning. Suddenly the words she dreaded, "Flank Shark to the stand." She coughed suddenly from her yawn to turn to see her former agent walk calmly to the stand took the oath and everything. She wished she had her sunglasses to hide away from his stern eyes. She felt Octavia's hoof on her leg patting her lightly. The questioning began. It seemed that Shark stuck to the drug addiction and wild child role, it was horribly embarrassing "But surly after hearing about the blood tests from Miss Scratch’s medical records say that she never had any chemicals from the drugs you have spoken of." Gregory said with a shake of his head. "I mean we understand you say she has a drug addiction but clearly the evidence was shown to you yesterday Mr. Shark. Why do you keep this story?" Shark shrugged with an easy going smile. "I know her better than anypony." Octavia bristled hearing this tightening her grip around Vinyl's hoof. Vinyl stiffened too hearing the threat in his voice as he turned to her. "If you lived with a child like her you would see my point." Gregory made a grimace and snorted. "No more questions your Honor." He turned away gritting his teeth sitting down. After another hour of hearing his lies court went into another recess for the rest of the day. Vinyl was groaning with a headache as she loosened her tie growling curses. Octavia patted her on the back as they walked past the paparazzi. Just like Gregory ordered, no talking to the press. Once they went into the cab waiting for the three of them, Vinyl finally let loose curses and slamming her hoof on her seat. "What the fuck! He's making me sound like an out of control addict!" Octavia took a hold of her to calm her down. "If you keep doing this then you make his accusations real Vinyl." Vinyl growled biting her lip then lets out a sigh. "I'm sorry. But the jury can't possibly-" "Lucky we were in here with you losing control." Gregory gave the two mares a look of disappointment. "Yeah, he's right." Vinyl whispered with a sigh. "I need to regain control of my life when this is over." Octavia looked up with a tilt of her head. "What are you talking about?" Vinyl blinked realizing her slip of the tongue. "Oh uh... it’s nothing." "Vinyl?" "We're here." Gregory interrupted when the cab stopped in front of their hotel. The press sat there waiting and started taking pictures when the door opened. The three ponies quickly ran into the hotel lobby and headed for the elevator quickly and started up to their floor. Vinyl let out a sigh of relief. "I need a bath and sleep!" Octavia chuckled. "You and me both." Gregory shook his head clearing his throat as he blushed. Octavia noticed and gave him a shove. "You pervert!" "What?" He asked smiling. Vinyl started laughing at what Gregory put into her mind. Gregory escorted the mares to their room and left them alone. "See you tomorrow." "See you." Vinyl called back as Octavia shut the door and locked it. Vinyl let out another sigh as she pulled off her tie and tossing it in her bed. She unbuttoned her suit and shirt then laid on her bed staring at the ceiling. "How much longer?" She asked covering her face with her hooves. "Well today Lyra and Bonbon were given testimony of your sickness, then Shark took the stand." Octavia sighed as she laid down next to Vinyl on her back. "Tomorrow, you will seal the deal. You just remember what we practiced and don't let Shark get in your head." Vinyl sighed. "I'll try." Octavia kissed her on the cheek stroking her mane. Vinyl closed her eyes enjoying the pet. "Tomorrow morning Vinyl, I think we will go see Blue Note and get a real will made and signed." "Really?" Vinyl asked in surprise. Octavia nodded. "Before court start tomorrow, we'll get this done and then if the possibility we did lose and, Celestia forbid something happens to you again, then it will keep him from winning again." Vinyl gulped then nodded at the wisdom of this. "Then, after this is all over, we'll go back to Ponyville, find a nice cottage and live peacefully." Octavia whispered. Vinyl smiled nodding. "That does sound nice." Octavia sighed sitting up. "If you'll excuse me, I need to wash up. Brass asked earlier if we would have a chat and shop a bit." Vinyl sat up smirking at her marefriend as she undresses out of her dress clothes. "You want to go shopping at a time like this? Not to mention there is a storm coming!" After Vinyl said that lightning struck outside. "The weather factory is still on the fritz." Vinyl gulped. "At least wait until later?" Octavia looked outside and snorted. "Please, we're just window shopping and I need to talk to her. We're probably going to have a quick lunch and will be indoors when the storm hits." Vinyl nodded still unsure. "Are you sure?" Octavia chuckled. "I'm sure Vinyl. And maybe I might get you something special. Not to mention have a little fun tonight?" Vinyl's ears perked up as she grinned at her nodding her head. "Aw yeah! Night with Tavi!" "Hush you." Octavia teased entering the bathroom to get cleaned up. Once she was finished Octavia entered the room to see Vinyl sleeping in the bed snoring lightly with her arm over her eyes. Octavia smiled reaching for a blanket at the end of the bed and placed it over Vinyl as she let out a snore then a moan of pleasure as she turned in her sleep cuddling in the blanket. Octavia sighed seeing Vinyl acting like her old self again. Octavia kissed her gently on her horn hearing a little moan from Vinyl, "Tavi…" Octavia smiled then carefully with her purse around her neck she tiptoed out the door and closing it silently behind her. Octavia checked the exit to see no pony there since the storm was blowing in. The clouds looked dark. "Hmm . . . maybe shopping might be a bad idea." She trotted out of the hotel to her rendezvous with Brass. A few minutes of walking later a stiff blast of wind blew into her face with leaves and trash flying toward her. She let out a squeak and jumped into an ally as the wind blew debris down the sidewalk. "Okay I guess shopping is a very bad idea." She yelled out to herself as the wind blew her mane crazy into her face. She reached for her phone and pressed a speed dial button for Brass. "Please tell me you have your phone." She suddenly stiffened feeling something was behind her. She turned just as she heard Brass's voice through her phone. "Octavia?" * * * * * * Vinyl let out a groan hearing her cell phone ringing she looked at the time on the clock to see that it was eight at night. Vinyl pushed off the blanket and yawned. She rubbed her eyes and grabbed the blue phone to see Lyra's ID on the screen. "Lyra? She hardly calls me." She flipped the phone open, yawning. "'Sup?" Vinyl answered rubbing her eye. She suddenly stiffened hearing Lyra's voice. "Octavia’s where?!"