//------------------------------// // Chapter 11: The Scratch Ends Here // Story: The Scratch Ends Here // by TigerSwirl448 //------------------------------// Chapter 11 The Scratch Ends Here "Wait, what do you mean Octavia’s in the hospital? What happened to her?" Vinyl cried out getting out of the bed only to trip over the blanket and fall face first to the floor in a large thud. "Listen Vinyl, we just got word from Brass. She said that Octavia didn't see her at the rendezvous and she called her. Brass heard what happened on the other line and went off to find her." Vinyl slowly pulled off her shirt that she left on as she slept. "Is she alright?" "I don’t know. The Docs won't talk to us." "Where are you?" Vinyl asked pulling her shirt off ready to run. "Canterlot General Hospital." "Are you there?" Vinyl asked running to the door but stopped to back track and grab her card key with her levitation magic. "Yes, we're all here." "Good, see you in a sec." Vinyl hung up before Lyra could protest as she took the closest cab to the hospital hoping her nightmares haven’t come true. When Vinyl reached the hospital in record time as she ran into the lobby surprising the secretary. "Listen, Octavia was reported here please I have to see her." The mare shook her head. "I'm sorry miss, I can't let you in." Vinyl snarled which she rarely does. "Look lady, my marefriend was sent here and she could be dying right now! I have to see her!" "I’m sorry-" "It's alright," The two mares turned to see Gregory walking over dressed in a regular sweater vest and jacket. Vinyl sighed with relief. "Gregory, bless Celestia and Luna you're here!" Gregory gave her a gentle smile nodding. "Come with me." Vinyl nodded following him through the halls of the hospital. "What happened to her? Lyra told me that she was here but not why." Gregory gave her a look as he turned away. "Well it looked like a robbery but it seems more serious than that." "Robbery?" Vinyl asked shaking. "Who would rob Tavi?" "I don’t think it was a robbery. The fiends that did this made sure she wouldn’t get up. Brass found her, thank the goddesses." Gregory opened a door leading to the waiting room and Vinyl gasped to see her friends sitting in chairs waiting anxiously. Lyra leapt out of her chair and trotted over to Vinyl. Gregory patted Vinyl on the shoulder. "This is a very serious turn of events. Me and several guard ponies are in the building in case something might happen to Octavia." Vinyl stiffened when a nightmare resurfaced in her brain. The image of Octavia bleeding to death in an alley caused her to glare coldly at the floor. "Was it-?" "We're not sure. But rest assured, we're taking extra precautions. Now if you all excuse me I have some work to be done." Gregory dipped his head and left the room. Vinyl felt Lyra's arms around her holding her tightly. "Are you okay?" Lyra asked. Vinyl sniffed feeling the anger and fear in her body. "I don’t know." She answered truthfully. Lyra led her to a chair with everypony else. Vinyl looked around and sure enough, with Lyra there was Bonbon. Beauty Brass was sitting near the radio listening in. Applejack and Apple Fritter were present as well though Applejack was snoozing in an uncomfortable position on two chairs. Even Twilight was there claiming that Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash went home before the storm hit. Vinyl was happy to have support from her dear friends. Brass walked over with sadness. Vinyl swallowed with worry. "Lyra said you found Octavia?" Brass sniffed wiping her nose, she looked like she was crying. "It was horrible. She called me from her phone and I heard her being attacked! I was so scared then somehow her cell phone was disconnected." Brass pulled out a sack from her purse to reveal Octavia’s cell phone which was destroyed by a hoof perhaps. “I found out why.” She whispered trying to keep from crying again. Vinyl squeezed her eyes shut, turning away and rubbing her face only to realized that she didn't have her glasses. She groaned covering both her eyes with her hooves. Lyra gulped patting Vinyl on her back. Brass gulped as well fiddling with her hooves. "I called the hospital the first moment I found her. The doctors said that she had to go into surgery immediately. She was in very bad shape." "Surgery?" Vinyl whispered in shock. "Yes," Twilight said softy sitting before her. "The doctors said that it was the only way to save her. She was..." Twilight shivered. "Who ever done this," Apple Fritter threatened with a look that could kill. "I swear that I will wring the neck of the bastards that hurt Octavia. She done nothing wrong!" Vinyl sighed rubbing her eyes again feeling burning tears. "No, I did it. If she didn't help me, none of this would have happened. She would be alive and happy and-" "And you would have been dead, Vinyl." Bonbon said sternly shaking her head. "Don’t ever blame yourself." "Bon's right, Vinyl." Lyra smiled patting her on the shoulder. "We would have lost you. You really think Octavia would be happy today if she learned that you were killed? No, she was there for you and now you must be there for her." "But it was Shark, I know it was! He threatened to hurt her many times! Those dreams … It's like Deja-vu! I had nightmares of Octavia being beaten and dying in alley somewhere in Equestria and I would be locked in my room screaming!" Twilight patted Vinyl on her shoulder. "Everything will be okay Vinyl. The best doctors are here in Canterlot and I assure you, Octavia will be alright." Vinyl looked into Twilight's eyes and saw the truth in them. Vinyl sniffed nodding. "You’re right. Thanks, Twilight." Twilight smiled back. "Well look who’s here." Apple Fritter said leaping of her chair waking her cousin. Everypony turned seeing a doctor dressed in scrubs walking in. "Well?" Twilight asked with concern. The doctor, a green unicorn grinned nodding. "She's going to be alright." There was a collected sigh of relief hearing the news. "Doctor, will she be alright?" Brass asked with concern. The doctor nodded. "Yes, we had to remove parts of her ribs that were sticking into her lungs. She had a broken leg and a concussion. Minor injuries compared to other ponies in her state. She was very lucky to be alive." Vinyl stood up walking to him. "Can we see her?" The doctor thought for a moment. "Well she's asleep right now-" "Doctor, she's a very close loved one to Octavia. Perhaps you'll let Vinyl see her." Twilight interjected smiling warmly at the white unicorn. "We will all head back to our hotel rooms and be ready for tomorrow." The ponies in the room nodded their heads. "Good idea." Applejack slurred yawning. Lyra nodded. "Yeah, let Vinyl stay the night. We'll see you tomorrow before court starts." "Yes," Bonbon agreed smiling. "I'm sure Octavia will be happy to see her favorite mare in her room." Vinyl blushed. "Thanks guys. Really." Everypony gave her hugs and words of encouragement as they left the room. Vinyl turned to the doctor to see him smile. "Alright then, follow me." Vinyl gulped and followed the unicorn through the halls until they reached a room with a closed door. He opened the door. Vinyl stepped into the dark room to see the heart monitor glow faintly by the bed showing Octavia in a light green light. She was covered in bandages and gauze, sleeping. The doctor winked at her. "Be gentle. When she wakes let me know." Vinyl nodded. "Thanks doc." she whispered back as the doctor closed the door softly. Vinyl let out a sigh as she carefully walked over to Octavia’s bed. She found a comfy chair and used her magic to lift it up and carefully set it next to the bed. She had to watch the IV drip as she sat down. She gulped, from the glow from the monitor measuring Octavia's heart rate, her face looked like she was pummeled by hail. There was a bandage around her head. Vinyl paled seeing drying blood on the left side of her head. She sniffed feeling tears as she stroked Octavia’s face. "This was my fault." She whispered to herself feeling tears. She leaned forward with her face pressed against her crossed arms as she cried silently. It was her fault! If she never gotten into this court business, Octavia would never have gotten hurt! But Shark would have walked and killed another helpless star that just wanted more stardom, her smarter side called out in her mind. True... He would have and gotten more money. Then you will be regretting how cowardly you were if he kills another victim like he tried to do to you. Vinyl shook her head from the voice in her head. "Tavi... I'm so sorry." She whispered. "I should have made you stay... I should have kept you in the hotel." Suddenly Vinyl felt something pet her on her head. "You were right about the storm." Vinyl gasped sitting up with tears seeing Octavia grinning at her sleepily. "Tavi?" Octavia smiled. "Hello Vinyl." "Bless Celestia!" Vinyl cried taking her hoof into hers crying. "You’re alright!" Octavia made a discomfort face. "Well alright is an understatement at what I feel right now." She grumbled. Vinyl chuckled lightly sniffing. "Wow, you sure know a way in making a situation like this..." Octavia smiled. "I know, I say the same thing to you." She let out a sigh rubbing her face. "How long was I out?" Vinyl gulped. "You just got out of surgery a while ago." Vinyl sniffed wiping her eyes. "Tavi, I'm so, so sorry! If-" Octavia pressed her hoof over Vinyl's lips and shushed her. "Vinyl, sweetie. What happened, happened. Nothing can change what occurred. But, right now, you have to be brave." Vinyl blinked then turned away. "You have to go to Court tomorrow on your own. Understand." "This isn’t about some dumb ass court!" Vinyl snapped glaring at her with tears flowing again. "You were almost killed tonight!" Octavia closed her eyes turning away. "I should have made you stay but... I was too tired and stupid." Octavia patting her on the arm. Vinyl looked up with a sniff seeing Octavia patting the bed beside her. Vinyl sniffed and nodded as she leapt up on the bed to lay beside the mare she loved nuzzling her neck. Octavia smiled stroking her mane, feeling tears as well. The two laid together in that small bed for an hour. The doctor came in and smiled seeing the two mares sleeping on the bed. He smiled as he backed away carefully and closed the door. A peal of thunder woke the two mares. The unexpected sound caused Vinyl to jump, making Octavia open her eyes. "Vinyl?" Vinyl sighed sitting up and breathing hard from the scare. "I'm alright, it was the thunder." She chuckled sheepishly smiling. Octavia grinned back stroking her face. "Are you okay?" She asked. Vinyl shrugged. "I don’t know. I just don’t know anymore." She laid back down next to Octavia on her back holding Octavia’s hoof in hers. "When this shit is over... I just want to be back in the basement and be in that bed with you again." Octavia nodded closing eh eyes. "I know. I do too." Vinyl kissed her lightly on her bruised cheek. "I love you." Octavia opened one eye to stare at her. "I love you too." She pat her on her shoulder. "When this is over Vinyl, I'll see if Pinkie Pie can make you something special." Vinyl looked at her in shock. "You know Pinkie?" Octavia chuckled at Vinyl's shocked face. "Vinyl dear, please, you don’t know where I've been while you snooze the day away in that bed. I met many ponies in Ponyville. They consider me a new member of the town." “Did she-?" "Throw a party? Well yes she did. It only lasted for an hour because I had somepony special to take care of." Vinyl blushed then an idea struck her. "Oh, I was supposed to tell the doctor to see you. Uh," Vinyl leaped off the bed dashing for the door. She stopped turning to Octavia. "Do you want anything? Something to drink?" Octavia thought for a moment then nodded. "Yes, water sounds nice." Vinyl nodded back. "Sure, be back later, babe." Vinyl opened the door and turn to collide with a food cart pushed by a nurse. "Oops, my bad, ‘scues me!" Vinyl ran past the stallion without a second glance. The nurse grinned turning to the room. He opened the door. Octavia opened her eyes. "Oh Vinyl, that was-" She paused when the light turned on. She opened her eyes from the glare of the white light and gasped. "You?!" * * * * * * Vinyl magically floated two cheap plastic cups filled with water with a happy grin on her face. She found the doctor and told him about Octavia but he told her that he had already seen the two of them. Vinyl blushed at that and told him her thanks for helping Octavia. After that chat Vinyl found the water dispenser and filled two cups of water. She took a sip of her cup floating Octavia's next to her. She let out a sigh thinking about tomorrow. It'll be her turn to take the stand and tell the jury about her side of the story. Then Bing, bang, boom, Shark will be thrown in jail. That is if the jury wasn't paid to follow Shark through the whole thing. She gulped imagining what would happen to her. She’ll probably be taken to a drug rehabilitation place probably paid by Shark. But then Octavia and her friends will be in trouble. She shook her head nearing Octavia's room. She let out a sigh. Worrying about the future won't solve anything in this world. She just has to go on as she practiced the last few days. Tell them the whole truth. She reached the door to find it opened slightly. "Oh, I didn’t shut it? I thought I did." She used her hoof to push open the door with a cheerful smile on her face. She opened her eyes and gasped to discover the room light was on. But what made her gasp was seeing Octavia's strapped to her bed with a rag tied over her muzzle. Holding a scalpel against her neck was the red unicorn stallion dressed in scrubs of a nurse. Vinyl dropped the cups causing them to ding on the floor. "Ah, Vinyl. Nice to see you again." Shark said smiling. Vinyl just stood there frozen in place shocked and horrified. She took in a breath to scream for help but Octavia's yelp caused her to stop. Shark grinned at her as his horn glowed softly. The door shuts calmly behind Vinyl. Vinyl turned hearing the door lock. She turned back shaking badly but tried to show herself as tough and angry. "What are you doing here?" She asked in a shaky voice. Shark shrugged. "Oh, I only came to say hello to uh... What's you name dear?" He asked stroking Octavia's cheek causing her to flinch and try to move away from his hoof and the scalpel nearing her neck. "Don’t you dare touch-" Vinyl yelled out but stops seeing the scalpel pressing again her marefriend’s neck. "I wouldn't walk any closer, Scratch." Vinyl's eyes swiveled between Octavia and Shark and the scalpel. "You don’t want little Treble Clef here bleeding would you." Octavia let out a series of muffled curses as she glared coldly at him. Shark chuckled at her. "Oh please lady, you know they sharpen these every day before a surgery right? This one is exceptionally sharp. If you're not staying still, I might accidentally cut an artery." To emphasize he pressed the sharp point into her neck causing her to make a muffled yell. Vinyl turned even paler seeing a small drop of blood slowly roll down the Octavia's neck. "Please," Vinyl begged with tears. "Don’t hurt her. She has nothing to do with this." Shark looked up raising a brow. "Really?" He asked as he stroked Octavia's mane causing her to flinch trying to fight out of her bonds. "She’s way too smart for me to let her get away with knowing my schemes. I knew I should have taken that blasted phone when I had the chance." He grumbled. Vinyl gulped watching him turning to the IV drip rack beside him and the bed. "You knew?" "Well, I could guess. I knew that there was no way you could have escaped that apartment on your own." He reached behind him to the IV bag staring at it. Half empty/half full, he didn't care. He unhooked the bag off the rack staring at it as he continues to talk. "So there had to be a pony you truly trusted to come to your rescue." He smirked. "I should have given you a heavier dose that way... You would have died faster." Vinyl gulped turning to Octavia as Shark was busying himself with the clear liquid bag. She inched her way toward the bed, sweat beading down her face. She just had to get close enough... "But there is a problem, I made sure your so called friends don't call you. Except for one." Vinyl looked up seeing his glare. She stopped inches from the bed. Shark chuckled shaking his head. "I have heard many stories about you and Miss Octavia. I read all the reports kid and like I said you should have dated a stallion." "Like you?" Vinyl spat. Shark started chuckling then started laughing hard pointing at her. "Oh you idiot!" He let out another laugh until finally he let in a breath and sighed. "Oh that was good. Real good." He frowned. "No, not like me." He flipped the bag upside down and opened the pouch from the feed tube and blew into the bag inflating it like a balloon. Vinyl stared at him curious. Shark sighed clicking the feed tube back to the back using another stream of magic he held the bag and slip it back on the rack but kept his levitation hold on it so it wouldn’t' fall. Octavia was stiff as a board staring at the IV bag with dread as she struggled in her bonds again. She let out a muffled cry feeling the scalpel pushing deeper into her neck. "Now, now, now, Octy," Shark said sweetly as she started to cry. "This will be over soon enough." Vinyl snarled. "Leave her-" "Don’t move Scratch." Shark threatened in a commanding voice causing Vinyl to stop. "Do you know what this here does?" He asked indicating the bag. Vinyl stared at him curious. He chuckled. "Of course you don't. You don’t watch crime dramas." "Well I don’t have time." Shark started laughing pulling the scalpel out of Octavia's neck, blood slowly seep out of the small wound as she struggled in her bonds with tears from her eyes she stared at the floating IV bag. Shark walked around the bed leaving Octavia struggling as he approached Vinyl with the scalpel glowing in his magic. Vinyl backed away staring at him then turning to Octavia as she struggled and cries out for help. Vinyl felt the wall behind her as she looked back up at Shark. "You can end this you know." Shark whispered pointing at Octavia. "You can save her." Vinyl's eyes started to water again from fear. Fear for her life and for Octavia’s life. "You just have to do one thing." Vinyl turned to Octavia to see her staring at her shaking her head. Shark slapped Vinyl in the face causing her to trip over her hoof and fall near the corner. She looked up, her ears flatten on her head. "Tell the judge and jury about your drug addiction tomorrow. Lie, and I swear by the goddesses, nothing will happen to your dear friends." Vinyl's pupils shrank seeing images of all her friends from Ponyville flash through her eyes. Lyra, Bonbon, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, many of their faces flashed past her eyes, even the three foals Racer, Rain, and Star. Vinyl turned away clenching her eyes shut breathing heavily. "Please... I'll do anything. Just leave them alone." She whispered. Shark grinned turning to Octavia. Octavia stared at him with a glare. His grin turned nasty looking down at Vinyl as she cried on the floor. "Change of plans." He said turning to Octavia. He canceled his levitation spell on the IV bag and let it fall with gravity swinging against the rack. Octavia noticed the giant air bubble in the tube and started to let out muffled screams fighting in her bonds. Vinyl looked up hearing Octavia's screaming and seeing pulling against the leather straps on her bed. Vinyl saw the panic and fear in her eyes and quickly ran to action. "No!" She screamed out making the sprint to the bed. Shark was quicker though. When Vinyl stood up to run to Octavia Shark grabbed her around her neck pulling her back again him squeezing lightly against her throat. "TAVI!" She screeched fighting back. Shark lifted her up in the air as he stood on his back hooves holding her tightly in his arms. "Watch and suffer Scratch, perhaps you might like to die with her?" Vinyl started to choke feeling his strong bicep press her windpipe. She reached for Octavia as she continued to struggle watching the air bubble getting closer and closer to her arm. Octavia turned to Vinyl crying. Vinyl started to see darkness at the corners of her vision. "Octavia," She wheezed hearing Shark chuckle near her ear. "Don't worry, everypony will believe that you, the poor drug addict who just lost the love of her life." Vinyl struggled to stay awake puling against his arm swinging her legs trying to get out, trying to breathe. "You couldn’t take it anymore so you sliced your throat and join her in the dead. Then I win." Vinyl opened her mouth trying to speak but nothing came out as she hung limp in his embrace. Vinyl opened her eyes one last time seeing Octavia doing the same. They stared into each other's eyes telling each other that they love the other. Vinyl smiled then closed her eyes. "What the-?" Shark gasped. Octavia opened her eyes hearing a rather large sound and the sound of glass falling on the floor. She watched as a gray blur zoomed over her bed. Shark screamed out dropping Vinyl on the floor as the gray blur collided into him. Shark hit the wall and yelled out seeing the gray pony attack him. Vinyl slowly sat up coughing hard getting air into her lungs. She turned and stared in awe. "Derpy?" Ditzy Doo turned to her with a glare and blood flowing from cuts on her face and forehead. "Save Her!" Ditzy screamed out stomping hard on Shark's chest causing him to scream. Vinyl gasped standing up. "Tavi!" She got up running to unhook the leather straps with her magic and teeth. Once the first strap over Octavia's chest was loosened. Octavia pulled out her hooves from under the second strap then pulled off her gag and used her teeth to pull out the IV drip from her arm and with an exhausted shout she threw the tube away seeing the air bubble gone and the rest of the IV fluids flows out of the tube to the floor thanks to gravity. Vinyl pulled off the last leather strap panting staring at Octavia. Octavia stared back. Ignoring the pains in her chest and body Octavia let out a sob as she flung her arms around Vinyl hugging her tightly, crying into her chest. Vinyl hugged her back just as tight kissing her on the neck and face. "You're okay, you're okay." Vinyl cooed holding her and rocking with her. "You're okay, Octy. You’re okay." Shark let out a wet gasp after Ditzy kicked him again. Suddenly the door was kicked down and five guard ponies dressed in black protective armor ran into the rom. The lead pony points his horn at Shark and Ditzy. Gregory ran in, glaring coldly at Shark. He pointed at the unicorn. "Seize him!" The gauds nodded walking over. Ditzy leapt off of the unicorn to stand by the two mares as the guards quickly slap hoof cuffs over his hooves. "Gregory?" Octavia called surprised. Gregory sighed with relief trotting over to them. "Are you two alright?" He asked with clear worry. Vinyl nodded holding Octavia tighter. "Shaken but fine." She answered. Gregory pulled out a rag and wipe his forehead. "Bless the goddesses." He turned seeing Ditzy covered in nicks and bruises from her rescue. "Are you alright …. Miss?" "Doo, Ditzy Doo." Gregory nodded holding out his hoof. "I say, if it weren't for your heroics Miss Doo, I would have lost these two." Ditzy took his hoof and shook it. Just then Gregory noticed her wayward eyes and stiffened. Vinyl giggled a bit. Ditzy noticed his look and blushed. "Oh uh, sorry, an eye condition." Ditzy said scratched the back of her head sheepishly. Gregory only grinned nodding as he turned away as Shark yelled out insults. "You are under arrest." Gregory stated glaring at him. Shark spat at him. "On what charges?" "Two counts of attempted murder!" Shark let out a laugh. "Oh yeah, and what proof you got Gavel?" He nodded to Vinyl and Octavia holding each other on the bed. Vinyl was glaring while Octavia hid her face into Vinyl's mane. "They’re nothing but suicide cases the both of them." Gregory grinned at him. "Oh really? That’s the story you will hang on to?" "Of course, Vinyl always had a drug problem!" Vinyl opened her mouth to yell back but Ditzy beat her by plugging up her mouth shaking her head. Vinyl pushed her hoof away glaring at her ready to yell out again but Octavia grabbed her face and turned her towards her shaking her head. Vinyl stared at her with confused but turned back as Gregory takes a toppled chair and pushed it to the vent on the wall where Shark and Ditzy had their fight. Gregory climbed up the chair and reached at the vent and pulled it out of the wall. The three mares gasped in shock Shark just stared with a shocked expression. "What is that?" Ditzy asked. Gregory smiled. "Evidence." He said letting one of the unicorn guards levitate the camera to his hooves. Gregory climbed off the chair walking to the unicorn to take the camera. He pressed a button at the top. In the silence they can hear the muffled cries of Octavia; everything was replayed, making Vinyl shiver hearing her own voice. “No! TAVI!” “Watch and suffer Scratch, perhaps you might like to die with her.” “Octavia,” “Don't worry, everypony will believe you, the poor drug addict who just lost the love of her life. You couldn't take it anymore so you sliced your throat and join her in the dead. Then I win.” The recording was silenced as Vinyl held Octavia tighter closing her eyes feeling tears. Shark snarled. Gregory smiled walking over to a potted plant at the corner pulling out another small camera with a microphone. Then he pointed under the bed and there was a miniature camera. Shark groaned out. Gregory made another smile. "Oh yes, we have the evidence. Guards take him away." The lead guard nodded. "Let's go," Shark struggled glaring at the mares. The door shuts behind them leaving the three mares alone with Gregory. Vinyl let out a sigh kissing Octavia' on the face. Octavia kissed her back turning to Gregory. Gregory sat down on the floor grinning. "You knew," Vinyl whispered turning to him. "Hm?" "You knew this would happen." Gregory shrugged. "It was a possibility." Vinyl nodded pointing at the plant then at the vent. "But you kept cameras in this room to watch everything. And... But?" Octavia shushed her wiping her eyes with her hospital gown. "Just listen." Octavia whispered, she looked miffed by learning that her best friend had set her room as a camera trap. Gregory cleared his throat seeing Octavia's glare. "I knew that the stallions that attacked Octavia were possibly from Shark. So yes, I knew you would get the message, and Shark’s kills are well known. He would want to finish his kill, even if it meant killing a witness. A very smart witness." Gregory said, nodding to Octavia. "You know I won't forgive you for this." Octavia said primly turning away. Gregory shrugged. "I know. And I'm sorry about that. I couldn't tell you or you would point out that there were cameras in the room and Shark would probably do something differently. But I felt bashful for letting him go so far. Geez, the sixth floor was crowded with children." He said with a blush. "We couldn't bulldoze them over. But you ma'am," He said turning to Ditzy as she used some rags a guard gave her to pat her wounds. She turned to him with a tilt of her head. "How did you get here?" "Yeah Derpy?" Vinyl asked. "How did you know Octavia and I were in trouble?" "Pinkie Sense!" Derpy said proudly. "Pardon me?" Octavia and Gregory both asked in confused. Vinyl gasped. "But how did she get back to Ponyville so quickly? She, Dash and Fluttershy should still be on the night train back right?" Ditzy smiled placing a Band-Aid on her cheek wincing from the sharp feeling. "Well a couple of hours ago, I was taking my daughters to Sugarcube Corner; it's Dinky's birthday. So I was waiting for our cupcakes and muffins when Pinkie Pie suddenly popped out of nowhere and you know Pinkie," Vinyl nodded blushing. "So she grabbed me and told me that her Pinkie Sense was telling her that something would happen to you two. Pinkie already clued me in on what happened to Octavia so I told the girls to go home. Then I zoomed out there faster than Rainbow Dash to a Wonderbolt competition. So after flying for an hour or two in the storm I found the hospital and tried to get in. But the darn receptionist wouldn't let me. That was then I saw the guard ponies running saying something like somepony in the room. "Something told me that that somepony was the doozy Pinkie talked about. So I flew out knowing the receptionist wouldn’t help me. I checked every room window until I saw you guys. I smashed through the window and then the rest is history." Gregory blinked. "Incredible." Ditzy blushed. "It was nothing." She smiled up at her friend. "When Pinkie's twitchin'-" "You better listen." Vinyl finished grinning. "I have to thank her." "What is Pinkie Sense?" Octavia asked bewildered. Vinyl chuckled kissing her on the cheek. "I'll tell you later babe." Octavia glared at her then sighed and nodded. Vinyl used her magic to levitate one of the folded rags from Ditzy and pressed it on Octavia's neck wiping off the dried blood off her neck. "I'm so happy you're alright." She whispered. Octavia smiled back holding her hoof. Gregory cleared his throat. "Well, if you'll excuse us. Miss Ditzy, how about I check your wounds and get you to my office. I need you as a witness in this case." Ditzy nodded turning to see the two mares sitting so close to each other. "I'll see you two tomorrow?" The two mares were silent as they each held each other with their eyes closed. Ditzy smiled and walked after the lawyer closing the door behind her leaving the two mares alone. Vinyl opened her eyes to stare into Octavia’s purple eyes and smiled. "Are you alright?" Octavia grinned stroking Vinyl's bruised neck gently. "I'm more worried about you." Vinyl snorted shaking her head. "Being choked to death is different than what... What was going on really? Did he put something in that IV bag?" Octavia blinked staring at her. "You really never watched crime dramas. Do you?" "No, why?" Octavia sighed. "Vinyl, what he did... he would have killed me." "Yeah I noticed how you were acting so I knew it was bad." Octavia sighed. "I need to show you when things are back to normal." "What was it?" Vinyl asked. Octavia pressed her mouth against her kissing her. They parted as Octavia grinned at her. "Later, sweetie. After you tell me about this Pinkie Sense." "Deal," Vinyl whispered kissing her and the two held each other kissing. * * * * * * The court room sat in shock watching the newest bit of evidence being shown on the projector screen. Vinyl sat alone at the table as she watched the video with a chilled expression. The screen shown four different screens showing different angles of the fight and near death. She gulped seeing how hopeless she looked reaching for Octavia in the bed. Then there was the glass breaking and Ditzy tackling Shark into the wall. Vinyl watched herself slowly standing up then leapt on the bed pulling off the leather straps. Gregory paused the video turning to the jury. "Fillies and gentlecolts, please think about what you have seen today. This was recent evidence from last night. At this moment, Octavia is still in Canterlot General Hospital rehabilitating after her accident and her recent attack." Vinyl turned seeing Shark wearing hoof cuff and dressed in an orange jumpsuit glaring at her. Vinyl turned away her face reaming expressionless. The talking seem to drone on. Vinyl had already taken the stand and told everything in detail. It was hard retelling everything. But though Shark's lawyer still held to the drug story Vinyl told it clear and true that yes she did take drugs for a few months but that was it. Defense seemed pleased but she remained true. The judge’s gavel slammed his desk waking Vinyl from her thoughts. Gregory smiled at her motioned her to follow him outside. It was recess for lunch. Vinyl sat down on a bench outside waiting for Gregory to get their lunch. He returned giving her a burger and hay-fries. Vinyl stared at the meal feeling tears. Gregory sat down next to her, wrapping his arm around her letting her cry. "I know it was hard." He whispered. "You were brave telling everything. I didn't expect that much detail." Vinyl sniffed staring at the ground. "They had to know. Or he would try to walk." Gregory patted her on the back. "Well not after last night's evidence. I’m sure that their choice will go for our favor. Go ahead and eat something Vinyl. You haven't eaten breakfast this morning, I'm sure you're hungry." Vinyl's stomach growled causing her to smile. "Yeah," She sniffed using a napkin to wipe her eyes. "You're right." She went ahead and ate her meal then had a talk with Lyra and Bonbon getting hugs from them. The night still haunted Vinyl. Every time she closed her eyes she saw Octavia bond to the bed screaming and trying to get out with Shark next to her and the bloody scalpel. When court returned to session, everypony rose as the judge sat on his podium turning to the jury and ordering everypony to sit. Vinyl wrung her hooves together sweating. Shark sat there with a small smirk. "Has the jury reached the verdict?" The judge asked. One pony, a stallion stood up nodding. "We have your honor." The room went dead silent. Gregory patted her on the leg to hide his nervousness. Vinyl patted his hoof in return as she gulped. "We find Mr. Shark guilty." Vinyl let out a sigh of relief as she heard her friends behind her cheer. The judge slammed his gavel causing the court to come to order. He clears his throat pointing at Shark. "Mr. Shark. You are found guilty by your peers of attempted murder against Miss. Vinyl Scratch and the attempted murder of Miss. Octavia Melody. By the blessing by the goddesses Celestia and Luna, I sentence you to life in prison. You will serve your sentence in the crystal mines in the Crystal Empire. Court dismissed." Vinyl smiled covering her eyes with her hooves as her friends cheered behind her. Vinyl looked up at the judge to see him wink. She smiled back. "We won..." She whispered. "Shark lost." Vinyl was led out of the court room to the main lobby as photographers started taking pictures and calling out questions. Suddenly the crowd parted and Vinyl gasped seeing Octavia sitting nearby with Lyra and Bonbon, dressed only in her bandages. Vinyl turned to Gregory to see him nod. Vinyl bolted over to her marefriend and slid on the wax floor towards her bumping to her. Octavia stared at her with shock as Vinyl smiled. She kissed her on the lips. Octavia closed her eyes wrapping her arms around her neck kissing her back. Lyra and Bonbon both grinned at each other. Suddenly the paparazzi started taking pictures of the kissing couple. But the mares could care less who saw them. They won and that's all that mattered. The pair parted smiling at each other. "I knew you would win." Octavia said loud enough for Vinyl to hear over the screaming crowd. "I know." Vinyl whispered back hugging her tightly. "This isn't over!" Everypony turned seeing Shark being restrained by four guards. "When I get out of this suit I'll kill you both! Then I'll win! I will win!" Shark looked mad! Vinyl held Octavia to her to protect her as the guards drag Shark past them. "I will get my revenge! No pony lives! No pony!" Vinyl snorted. "Oh yeah Shark, next time I see you... Oh that's right, I won't be seeing you. Go to Tartarus!" Octavia looked at Vinyl with shock. Shark snarled back giving her a rude gesture as he was dragged away. Vinyl looked down at Octavia and blushed. "What?" Vinyl asked. Octavia grinned chuckling. "You sound like you're old self." Vinyl smiled with a shrug. "Well, what happened last night... I guess it woke me up some." Octavia smiled and nuzzled her cheek ignoring the wooing crowd begging for another kiss. Octavia cleared her throat. Vinyl looked at her then watched as she reached into her purse and pulled out her shades. Vinyl winked at her and floated the glasses over her eyes and smiled. "Thanks." Octavia nodded. Vinyl turned to the crowd and raised her hooves in the air. "We won!" She yelled out getting more applauds and snapshots. Vinyl took in a breath turning to the exit to see more cameras and microphones from new stations and radio shows. Vinyl walks to the podium after Gregory was finished with it. He motioned for her to take the podium. She stood up tall in front of the crowd grateful for Octavia again giving her the glasses. The crowd went silent as she motioned her hooves for everypony to be silent. "Wow, you know being in a basement throwing up for four months can really change a pony." She said chuckling. "But everything I said in that court room is true. I did take drugs for a time that I cannot deny. But things change, I changed for the worst under Shark's care. But... now that this is all over; during those four months in that basement where I was nursed back to health by great friends... my family." Vinyl turned seeing her friends standing to the side smiling at her, cheering her on. "As I laid in that bed with the mare I love," She pointed to Octavia. "We talked many times about our careers and our pasts until finally I made my choice." She sighed thinking of how to do this. She smiled seeing more flashes from cameras. "All of Equestria, hear my words. I have decided to retire from the DJing business." The crowd went silent, many gasped and screamed out protests. Vinyl shook her head grinning. "Listen to me, fans, friends, I have been through this living Tartarus for ten full years. Believing that I will never live a happy life with the one I love or with my friends. So when the time comes I will do it. I want to retire, live happily in a small town, or maybe open a music shop." She paused turning to Octavia with a sigh. She turned to Gregory and closed her eyes for a long moment. When she opened her eyes, she was pacing outside the office after another training day of questions. She already told Octavia that she would meet her at the hotel later for dinner. Gregory stepped out of his office and balked seeing Vinyl, nearly tripping over her. "Oh Vinyl! What are you doing here?" Vinyl gulped. "I need your help." "With what?" Vinyl opened her eyes again walking away from the podium motioning Octavia to come closer. Octavia, confused, walked over to her. Vinyl's heart was pounding up a storm seeing her coming closer to her. Another blink. "Gregory... before coming here, me and Octavia talked about retiring and living together." Gregory raised a brow. "And why you need my help?" Vinyl sighed scratching her head. Vinyl stopped, watching Octavia stand in front of her with a worried confused expression on her face. "Vinyl? Is something wrong?" Vinyl closed her eyes taking in a deep breath of air the let it out slowly. "Octavia," "I need your help in..." Vinyl paused shaking in her hooves. "In what?" Gregory asked noticing her shaking, getting worried. "I want to-" Vinyl began. Vinyl reached into her suit pocket to pull out a small box. Vinyl let out the air she held in her lungs, seeing Octavia's astonished face. Vinyl grinned hearing the excited shouts. "Octavia..." Vinyl began shaking hard. "I remember everything you told me. In the basement before coming here. Do you remember?" Octavia gulped and nodded, shocked. Vinyl grinned back with a sniff. "You said that after this whole mess, we would retire as queens." She chuckled trying hard not to cry. With her magic she opened the box to reveal a beautiful chain with a small ring. Octavia stared at the necklace then at Vinyl. Vinyl pulled off her shades and folded them to hang on the collar of her shirt. "Octavia, with this token... will you be there for me, live with me." Octavia stared at her with tears of her own. She was nodding. Vinyl grinned hearing the cameras snapping pictures and seeing the flashes. "Will you be my partner, my wife? Marry me?" Octavia nodded and whispered, "Yes." The two mares hugged each other by the cheering of the crowd. Vinyl used her magic to levitate the silver chain and clip it around Octavia’s neck. The golden ring hanging from the chain shone brightly in the sun. A small heart shaped diamond on the band. Octavia looked down at the ring and sighed. "Vinyl..." Vinyl didn't want her to continue, she pressed her lips against hers feeling her arms around her kissing back and everypony cheered for more as the cameras flashed at them. The two parted, Octavia was smiling at her. "Same old Vinyl." "What?" Vinyl asked with a grin. "You wanted this, put on a great show?" Vinyl frowned at her then smirked. "The proposal is real, Tavi. But leaving the stage with an awesome finale is what I have been planning for the last week." Octavia chuckled shaking her head. "Of course. I finally have my Vinyl back." Vinyl winked before she and Octavia hugged each other tight. Finally they have their happy ending. * * * * * * 10 Years Later The sun rises over the small town of Ponyville. A young mail mare, Scootaloo, was on her early morning rounds sticking mail in the mailboxes, placing packages on door steps, and newspapers at doorsteps next to boxes. She started walking over to the businesses/homes down Main Street. Doing her rounds she stuck the mail at the one way box against the wall of a music store in town. She slide the mail through the slot then placed the small box on the doorstep with a newspaper on top of the box. She trotted away to the next place whistling a happy go lucky tune. Inside the music store on the second floor is a small home. A small filly woke up and rushed to her brothers waking them up. The three siblings start giggling as they trotted out of their bedroom and trotted across the hall. They reached a closed door next to the large family room. Inside the room laid two mares, Vinyl and Octavia sleeping together. Vinyl was sleeping with her mouth opened snoring lightly with her arm over her eyes. Octavia was sleeping on her side with both hooves under her pillow smiling in her sleep. There was a click waking the retired cellist. She opened her eyes and smiled seeing Vinyl sleeping next to her. "You never change do you?" She whispered silently grinning and closing her eyes again. Octavia felt movement by her back legs causing her to reopen her eyes. She heard Vinyl let out a loud surprised snore as she mumbled, moving her arm groaning feeling no feeling in her sleeping limb. Vinyl turned to Octavia and grinned. "Morning babe." Octavia grinned back at her. "Good morning." She let out a yawn causing Vinyl to chuckle. "Sleep well?" "Yes, you?" Vinyl rolled to her side to stroke Octavia's cheek. "Better." They leaned in to kiss but they each felt movement by the foot of their bed causing them to stare at one another then turned seeing three lumps in their bed. Octavia reached for the blanket and pull the blanket away to see three young faces. Two were colts, and one was a filly. The colts were twin unicorns born with the aid of unicorn magic from Twilight. One was black with a white mane while the other was white with a black mane. The colts were named Treble Clef and Eighth Note. The filly was an adopted pegasus. She was the youngest, she's sky blue with a cream yellow mane, her name was Sunny Day. "HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!" The three foals cheered causing the older couple to flatten their ears on their heads by the shout. Vinyl and Octavia looked at one another then at the children. "Is it really?" Octavia asked reaching for her calendar as Vinyl reached for her glasses. She now has to wear a prescription lenses now from age and from the harsh lights when she was younger. "Yep!" Sunny chirped beaming a large smile. "Oh dear..." Vinyl turned seeing her distraught wife's face. "I totally forgot! So much work! I have to get ready!" Octavia leaped off the bed to get washed up in the bathroom. Vinyl shook her head. "Some things never change." She grumbled sitting up to stretch her sore back. She noticed their looks. "What?" She asked yawning. Sunny was beaming while hopping in place on the bed. The twins were smiling. "We have a surprise for you!" Sunny yelled out. Vinyl had to shush her. "Inside voices please. I just woke up." "Sorry," Sunny whispered. Vinyl chuckled looking at the three foals, smiling. "What's the surprise?" She asked. Treble Clef shook his head. "It's a surprise." His twin, Eighth Note nodded. "Yeah, we'll wait until Mother's ready." Vinyl sighed. "Oh alright, Tavi, hurry up! The kids have a surprise for us." "Be out in a minute, sweetie." Once Octavia was done getting cleaned up and dressed for the day she followed the rest of her family to the kitchen across the hall. The two mares stopped seeing a spotless kitchenette. "Wait, wasn't this place a disaster last night?" Vinyl asked in shock seeing that even the floors were mopped up. Octavia was speechless. "Clef, Note, Sunny?" She asked quirking her brow at her children. The three foals grinned from ear to ear. Treble Clef raised his chin in the air his ruby eyes beaming proudly, reminding Vinyl of Octavia. "After you tucked us into bed," Note winked at his parents his purple eyes sparkling with excitement, reminding Octavia of Vinyl. "After ten on the clock," The twins turned to their younger sister as she flapped her wings smiling. "We cleaned the kitchen. We even step... Swept the floors at the shop downstairs!" Vinyl and Octavia turned to one another with shock. "You mean, you cleaned the shop?" Vinyl asked surprised. "Mmm-hmm!" Clef hummed. "Yeah, we even cleaned Mother's cello!" Note nodded. "Yeah, oh and we have something else too! Sunny can you go see if Miss Scootaloo arrived with the mail?" Sunny nodded and ran out of the kitchenette to the sitting room, then through a door leading to a staircase. She trotted down the stairs to another door with the sign, “Employees Only” hanging off the door. She ran to past the instruments and boxes of records and CDs for sale to the front door and sure enough the mail arrived. She opened the door and squealed with excitement seeing that the box arrived as well. She returned back with the box on her back. The twins used their magic to levitate the box to the table. The three foals sat on the floor anxious for their parents to open the box. Vinyl shrugged and opened the box and gasped. So did Octavia. Vinyl levitated was look to be pictures with beautiful picture frames. Octavia took one smiling happily at the pictures. "What are these?" She asked smiling. Note walked forward. "We saw your old pictures in the storage room the other day." Clef nodded. "Yeah and I remember Mom talking about how she wished she could renew the pictures but you guys don't have enough time on your hooves." Sunny leaped on a chair grinning. "So we asked Miss Doo to help us." Vinyl quirked her brow at them. "Really?" "Yeah!" Sunny exclaimed beaming. "Do you like them?" Clef and Note both asked in unison smiling. Octavia felt tears in her eyes seeing the old photos of her wedding with Vinyl ten years ago. "They are beautifully done children, thank you." The three foals ran to Octavia first receiving hugs and kisses on their heads. Vinyl gave them love too by ruffling the manes on the colts and giving a hug to the filly. Vinyl looked up hearing the clock chiming the hour. "Look at that, you kids need to go to school." "Awwww!" The three exclaimed sadly. "Can't we stay toady?" Note asked. Octavia and Vinyl both shook their heads. "No!" "Okay," The twins said in defeat with Sunny trailing behind them. Octavia sighed wiping her eyes with her hoof. "I better get the tea and coffee to boil. Then, make breakfast for the children." Vinyl stared at the wedding picture of her and Octavia standing together smiling. Vinyl placed the frame back in the box and levitated the box to the counter for later. "Here," Vinyl said as Octavia sets the coffee. "Let me whip them up a quick breakfast," She said hugging Octavia from behind kissing her on the cheek. "Happy Anniversary." She whispered kissing her down her neck. Octavia closed her eyes enjoying the feeling. "Happy Anniversary, love." She whispered back. When the three foals returned to the kitchen seeing their mothers having a moment, Note quickly cover his sister's mouth to keep her from speaking. The twins looked at one another, winked. Note used his snout to push his sister towards the door with Clef checking behind them watching the two mares smiling and holding each other in an embrace. Clef turned behind him to see Note and Sunny already out the door. He stepped to the door then slipped out. For breakfast, they'll get muffins at Sugarcube Corner, leaving their mothers in peace. It’s their anniversary after all.