//------------------------------// // Vinyl, my Marefriend // Story: Melody of a Changeling // by DJ_Scr4tch //------------------------------// I awoke the next morning to the sound of running water and weird pounding noises. Vinyl wasn’t in bed. She must be taking a shower. I climbed out of bed. But as I put my hoof down on the mattress to push off I felt something hard. That must’ve been what was pushing into my back last night. I reached under it and pulled out a book. There was a small bronze plate on the opening with a hoop. Inside the hoop was a lock holding it shut. This must be Octavia’s diary… Where was that key… I got up and walked to the cello case. Opening it up I reached for the secret compartment and pulled out a small key. I put it in the lock and gave it a small turn. It opened and I removed it. I opened the leather bound book to a lot of entries. Dating from about a year ago to today. I began to read. It said how she and Vinyl meet in school and how their relationship had begun last year when they meet up after college. Vinyl came to a concert for Tavi and they became closer than ever. They moved in with each other after a few months and here they are. Tavi called her many nicknames but none never stuck. She talked about many things. How they would go to the park, watch movies curled up on the couch. A few personal things… The water turned off. After skimming the last few pages I put the lock in the hoop and closed it. Tossed the key in its hiding place and quickly returned the book to it’s. From the side of the bedroom came vinyl. Her mane and tail staightened and wet from the water. She was still making beat box noise as though she was singing some song. It was terrible to Tavi. But I enjyoed it. “Morning Tavi.” She walked to the bed toweling off and she gave me a quick kiss. “The waters warm. I’d take your shower before the rest of the building wakes.” I nodded and stood up. “Not necessary. I desire breakfast. How’s… Waffles with butter and maple syrup sound with a nice glass of milk?” Her jaw dropped. The diary said how Octavia would get Vinyl to do jobs by bribery with her favorite meals and treats. “I’ll take that as a yes.” I walked by her and walked to the kitchen.I dug through the fridge and pulled out some frozen waffles. Tossed a stack in the microwave and grabbed the milk carten. Pouring a glass of milk as she walked out. She was dry. “Did you hang up the towel?” “No…” Her ears flopped down. “No waffles then.” “But Octaviaaaaa.” Her voice was a whine. It was kinda nice to hear. Mademe giggle. She certainly did act like a filly sometimes. “You heard me. You know how I hate when you toss the towel on the floor. Getting that mildew in our carpet. It’s terrible.” She let out a frustrated groan and walked back in the bedroom. Her meal was finished and out when she returned. The plate of waffles stacked high had a bottle of maple syrup and milk next to it. Each layer had a dab of butter in between them. “Looks amazing Tavi!” The unicorn said with glee as her magic wrapped around the first one. The bottle of syrup floated over it and gave a healthy squirt of the thick liquid. She took a bite and her eyes woke up with glee. “Mmmmm! incredible!: “Vinyl. Not with food in your mouth.” I did my best to impersonate Octavia. Though I have to admit. Being proper is so boring. I grabbed my small cup from the cupboard. The one that is used every morning to make me a nice cup of tea. It’s the only way Octavia survives with a sane mind around this mare. She finished her meal. She stood up and put on her glasses. “Well enjoy your day off dear. I have to go to work now. Mandatory staff meeting and improvements before tonight.” She gave me a kiss on the lips and she walked out of the apartment shutting the door. So it’s just me. What could I do? Hmmm…. I got it. I can Read more of the diary. I grabbed the book and unlocked it again. Sitting on the couch with another warm cup of tea next to me I began to read. Every word was writen in amazing penmenship for being an earth pony. Cursive was amazing. I should begin to practice that. Grabbing another sheet of paper and a pencil in my muzzle I began copying every word. The letters had to flow exactly like hers if I had to sign anything. I sat there for hours reading and practicing. There was a knock at the door. “Mail’s here!” Just a friendly neighbor that annoyed Octavia. I choose to wait until I was the the stallion was gone. Grabbing the key for our box I walked down the few flights of stairs. I found the box labeled 3-H and opened it up. Inside was a few magazines. One was for “Lettuce of the Month” another was “Fancy Talks” and the last was for Vinyl. Her copy of “Celestia’s Secret”. In the far back was an envelope. Pulling it out I looked at the front. It was from the royal castle. Turning it over I saw the big red blob of wax pressed into it with Celestia’s cutie mark. I quickly rushed to the apartment and opened it up. Inside was the check for the performance. 200,000 bits. I was astounded. 3 days as a pony and Celestia was paying me huge bits. I grabbed my saddlebags full of bits and picking up the check with my mouth I quickly left the building and ran down the street. The bank was a few turns away from the apartment. I remembered it from my escape paths. There was one just behind it in the alley. I walked inside the large boring building. But inside was a different story. A high ceiling with a stone floor and large columns made of limestone ran up the walls holding the roof. I made my way to the line for a teller and waited. Guards were at every door, window, exit and corner. This place was as safe as the castle. I made my way to the front and the teller greeted me. “Hello.” The young mare sounded excited to work. “Hello, I would like to deposit this check.” I sat the small piece of paper in the tray and she pulled it in. “Okay. 200,000 bits to your savings account?” “Yes ma’am,” “Just give me your account number and we can get started.” “Zero five. Two eight. Nineteen. Ninety six.” “Thank you. And enter your pin.” She directed me to the small pad of numbers and buttons. Octavia made it easy. She used her birth date and Vinyl’s stage name. I pressed the numbers in 7-6-6-3 Pon3. The mare nodded and did some clicks on her computer. “Thank you very much. Your balance is now 374,050 bits. Have a nice day ms. Melody.” “Thanks. You too.” I walked out of the bank. Whoa… I’m rich! I had to do something. But it was getting late. Vinyl wouldn’t be home until late. I’ll wait with her. I walked home and walked inside. My nose picked up a familiar smell. Meat. Then in no time my eyes became their natural slits and focused on a rat running across the living room floor. My instincts took over. I’ve gone days without meat. I instantly pounced trapping the meal. My fangs revealed themselves and I took a chomp into the rodent. Tearing out it’s side I devoured the vermin. Skin and bones. A bit of blood got on the carpet. But she wouldn’t notice. I finally settled down. My craving quenched for now. I’ll have to hunt small meals if I want to stay sane. I return to the couch and picked up reading. My eyes felt heavy as I finished the diary. Adding my own section about the attacks. Making it seem like I was abducted and walked my way back from the everfree forest, I shut the book and locked it. Laying my chin on it I drifted into sleep. It didn’t last long until Vinyl woke me up. It was 1 am. She just got off and with a scream she pointed out the half eaten rat. “Octavia!!! Rat!” I quickly shot up and began to panic. I used my tail and flicked it into the corner and eventually into the hall. Vinyl was panting heavily like she saw a ghost. In my bloodlust I didn’t realize I only ate half of it. My mouth still had some blood dried up on my upper lip. “Octavia! We have something in here that ate that rat and left it here!” “No no no. Don’t worry honey.” I walked over and hugged her close. Licking my lip clean. “There’s nothing here that will harm a living animal. Relax. It was probably a cruel prank from those brats downstairs.” “Yeah… Yeah you’re right.” She came to her senses and relaxed. “Thanks Tavi. You always know what to say.” She nuzzled me a bit and walked to the bedroom. “That was too close…” I said under my breathe as I joined her for another night. Kissing her on the cheek she took her position from last night and quickly fell asleep. I drifted off again and went into a dreamland. It was black but all I could see was multiple scenarios. Me continuing to fight. Octavia without the spear in her chest. Shining catching me. Vinyl catching me… I was more worried about Vinyl than Shining now. I can’t hurt Vinyl. I love her too much. I’ll have to stop all craving for meat. Before she begins to ask what’s wrong.