This story is a sequel to A Hidden Secret
When a thief steals something, Vinyl is blamed for it and it drives a wedge between her and Octavia. However, the wedge isn't caused by the theft. Octavia's family has been hiding a dark secret for generations, and with the theft, the cellist is terrified that Vinyl will find out the truth.
But Octavia's secret, and her refusal to share it, may end up costing her and Vinyl everything, even each other. Thinking that everything is her fault, Vinyl sets off to reclaim the stolen goods, not knowing the danger she is walking into.
Some things are meant to stay so secret, so buried in shadows, that they can never see the light of day again...
Sequel story to Shopping Trip and A Hidden Secret
Chapters (15)
With a short story description of
You missed a golden opportunity to work the word "Defenestration" into the description or the title somewhere.
i see he didn't call Octavia an Outsider, i take it that's the hidden secret
I'm a little confused why Potions was angry about Vinyl having assumptions about the town before talking to anyone, considering she'd never been there, the bat ponies want people to think those things, and she was almost murdered like five minutes ago. Maybe I missed something while reading, but Vinyl's assumptions of that town seemed pretty reasonable at the time. That did not take away from my enjoyment of the chapter however, I am very curious what will happen next and look forward to the next chapter.
4665927
She disagrees with the LRG's policy of selling Hollow Shades as a hive of evil, and when ponies come along who bought that story she gets angry. Or something.
4663879
It is not, but it does relate to the secret. Or rather, the secret that Octavia and her family have been hiding is the reason why she doesn't seem as lost in Hollow Shades as a normal visitor does.
4665927
Potions is upset because she doesn't like new comers thinking everypony in Hollow Shades will 'stab you in the back' without a second thought. Obviously, she is a pony in Hollow Shades and she's busy healing Vinyl, not hurting her. She's not so much mad at Vinyl as she's just taking her frustration out on her.
It's like going to Japan and assuming that everypony there is into manga, anime, martial arts, or some other vast stereotype. Ponies get annoyed with that.
But you're right. Luna's Royal Guard is trying to make the town sound that way, so you can't really blame Vinyl for her views.
4675187 that's what i meant X3
Here we go, get ready for a ride.
4677574
Woot-woot! All aboard the hype train!
Oh boy, those guys don't know what they have coming.
i'm sorry, but did you really just leave us for i don't know how long with a fucking cliff hanger like that? you evil bastard!
4718297
I think a safe guess would involve 'pain'...
4718382
Why yes. Yes I did. I trust your suffering was enjoyable?
But I'm back now, so the next chapter should be out sometime in the middle of August.
4777765
4777761 Right. I also think I have an idea what Octavia's family secret is. Also, I'm starting to write a OctaviaxVinyl fanfiction.
Silly Vinyl, taking that drink, that scene made me really worried, really glad Octavia showed up when she did, maybe now we can learn the whole story, great story so far.
P.S. really get why there's a dark tag on this story now, also we're leaving this town soon right? It kinda makes me uncomfortable.
4786475
Never take strange drinks from strangers in the middle of a seedy part of town, kids.
Honestly, glad you're feeling a bit uncomfortable, both in the city and regarding that final scene. It means that I wrote it correctly. And I can tell you the whole story now if you want, but I think that would spoil the fun. You are about to get a bit more information in the next chapter, so there's that to look forward to.
And we shall be leaving Hollow Shades shortly.
I'm pretty sure I know what the secret is. That Octavia is a descendant of a certain MLP villain.
4876877
You must know that I can neither confirm nor deny your statement, because it would ruin the fun.
Thanks for reading and leaving a comment though!
4878241 I know. You're welcome!
Yes, chapter! Thank the moon goddess I found some time to read this and I must say, it was more than worth it. Thanks for the awesome story! Until next time,
-Sphinx
4882390
Glad you enjoyed it. I figured a few ponies would like this one.
OK, gotta get a couple comments out there right away
Tavi is badass.
1. Holy crap
2. the emotions in this story are amazing, when I read this I feel sad or afraid when the characters are, I don't know how you did that, but it happened (does that make sense? I can probably explain it better if it doesn't)
3. my questions about the past, mainly what happened to start this quest I believe has been answered , but is now replaced by what Octavia and her mother talked about to metaphorically kill Vinyl. perhaps they'll talk about it or we'll get a flashback.
and 4. What is Octavia's secret? Does it have something to do with the bow? How bad could it be? This story is amazing so far, I can't find a problem with it.
I can't wait till the next chapter.
p.s. things seem a little awkward between Vinyl and Octy right now, but their both clearly in love with each other, they just don't know how to act towards each other right now, Vinyl thinks Octavia hates her and Octavia, well she's actually a little hard for me to read, but I can tell she's afraid of losing Vinyl, she must have been really relieved when Vinyl got into bed. (P.S. Octy, Vinyl's probably gonna find out your secret, otherwise would this story even be happening?) Sorry if I got a little long winded there but This chapter gave me a lot I wanted to say, keep up the good work and hopefully I won't talk(type) so much next chapter.
4893515
Ze comment to end all ze commentz!! Actually, I like these types of comments. I enjoy reading the ones are longer than, "Great work, can't wait for the next chapter" because it means ponies really enjoyed the chapter. On to responses!
1) Yes, yes she is. Bon Bon and Berry Punch already suspected that.
2) I think what you're saying is that the story conveys the emotions of the characters so well that you are able to feel them yourself. Which is high praise indeed. Thank you.
3) Yes, the quest was started when the thief stole the Melody Family's special heirloom bow. It happened during the party that is being planned in A Hidden Secret . There's a reason it's important to them, but we'll get to that. As for what Vinyl overheard, you will get your answer. Sadly, it will be one of the harshest things that Vinyl does in this story.
4) I can't comment on that one at all I'm afraid. It will ruin the fun. You are free to guess of course. Several ponies have already done so.
Octavia is suffering from guilt basically. It's eating at her keeping things from Vinyl, and she sees the way it's hurting Vinyl and that's tearing her up even more. But she's so afraid of what Vinyl will do if she finds out that she won't share her secret. It's a vicious cycle.
Long-winded comments are fun to read. As long as they're nice (or constructive).
It seems that my initial suspicions about Octavia's inheritge are being confirmed. Hope to see more soon.
5211924
When suddenly, it turns out that Octavia is related to...Shining Armor!!
More should be up next month sometime (November). And depending on how it works out, you may finally find out if you're right about whatever it is you're thinking.
Nice chapter, I've been looking forward to an update for some time now. Glad to see it has finally arrived. Can't wait to see what happens next. (Well, actually I can wait, but I'm really looking forward for the next one.
-Sphinx
5212214 I hope so, this is so interesting to read.
5213269
Hello there, Sphinx. Sorry it took longer than normal. I was feeling a bit down and was having trouble writing, but I fixed it. You will not have to wait a full two months for the next chapter. Mid November hopefully.
man, Vinyl's a lot more tolerant than me. if i'd had to deal with Ms Mysterious pulling all that crap on me, i'd have lost it way sooner.
5765433
Oh, it's coming. Vinyl's about two degrees away from boiling point. She just doesn't know it. She is going to tear into Octavia in the next chapter because she can't take it anymore. I hope that gives you something to look forward to.
5765514 yes, very much so.
Yay! A new chapter! Octy and Vinyl are gonna kick flank! Until next time,
-Sphinx
What type of magic could keep a storm like that going for so long?
I told him to stop, and he turned to look at me in the doorway.
Then she looked down and saw that Shining Armor had set the second set of winter gear on the floor near his hooves.
Welcome back Zeck.
5765603
Well, one of them is going to try, and the other one is going to try really really hard not to, but end up being forced to defend herself--or at least stop the situation from escalating. And you might just be surprised as to which flanks are going to be kicked...
5766386
Either way, glad to be back.
Why thank you! I, uh, didn't realize I had left. Or do you mean that in the way of, "It's about time you got back to Bloodlines!" type of way?
And thanks for all the work you just dumped on me. Meanie (totally kidding right there, don't take it seriously). Now I have to go fix all those typos.
(No, honestly, that is appreciated. My mind can only catch so many typos after reading things over five times)
5786790 You're welcome.
I knew it!
Wow! Missed that
...very well done. Now to rebuild shattered trusts, yay!!!
Or, ya know...not...
5949759
I don't know what you're talking about.
5952635
Hey, thanks. That really means a lot. I spent a lot of time thinking about this story, and I was really excited when I finally got to this part, and then...well, nothing. One comment and that was it. After spending two years planning this out and thinking about it, I was feeling really let down.
But then I came home from the movies and saw your comment, and that made me smile. I'm glad you enjoyed the reveal, and you're right. Vinyl didn't just cut the bridge here; she burned it and then scattered the ashes to the wind. The question now is whether they rebuild the bridge, making it even stronger, or if it's gone for good. Vinyl hit pretty hard.
What a cliffhanger. :o
It doesn't look good right now, but I'm still hoping these two can set their anger aside and mend their tattered relationship. :<
6036563
Thanks. Glad you're enjoying it. Things get even weirder in the next chapter, which should be out in early June.
Stories like this make me want to read a possible alternative regarding what might have happened if vinyl hadn't been saved.
6078144
May I assume you mean when she was in the gang hideout back in Hollow Shades? There are three possibilities:
1) Vinyl still would have been saved. As she said, Luna's Royal Guard agents were waiting just outside. They would have stormed the place if Octavia hadn't shown up.
2) Octavia and the Guard show up too late. Blood. Lots and lots of blood. Octavia made it a point not to actually kill any of the ponies (and griffon) she attacked. If Vinyl had been raped or killed, that would not have been the case. Corpses would have come out of that building.
3) Vinyl was captured and no pony knew. Not the Guard, not Octavia. Vinyl would have either been kept as a toy, or more likely killed. As for Octavia, I can't really spoil that just yet, but she would have found herself still on this adventure, just under different circumstances.
Vinyl was told that lefty was told to tell the person looking for the bow where it is and let her go to it. Vinyl wasn't the right person to tell. I'm sure she's on the right track... Just wondering why it was stolen....
6079543
Hm...caught that, did you? Very good. There's a reason for it.