Vinyl’s Introduction to Melody Chapter 1: First Encounter By Loga1005
It was either very late or very early and the concert hall was completely packed, and just starting to clear out. Vinyl Scratch a white mare with light and dark blue hair was the DJ for the night had just finished her last set, and was preparing her system for tear down. As she slipped her signature shads on it finally sank in that it was the last night of her tour and she was ready to get back to her relaxed, care-free life. She searched around the crowded concert hall trying to find the head of the stage hands. She looked around for a while until she found him.
“Hey, I was wondering if, once I get my stuff packed up, I could just leave it here until tomorrow?” asked Vinyl. He turned, looked at her for a second, and then spoke.
“Sure, but better make sure you lock it up. We got another event to set up for so it will have to go in the back room.” She let out a sigh of relief, thanked him, then went back to finish the tearing down of her system. After half an hour of work she was finished and ready to head home - one of the benefits of ending a tour in your home city.
She awoke late the next morning. Crawling out of bed, she reluctantly went to pick up her stuff from the concert hall. By the time she arrived they had already finished the setup of the next event. She marveled at how different the main hall had been changed in less than a full day. Looking around she thought that maybe she had walked into the wrong building, but then she saw the head stage hand and proceeded to get his attention. Walking over to her, the stage hand could see the mystified look on Vinyl’s face.
“Looks real nice when it’s lit up ‘doesn't it?” he asked. Vinyl simply responded with a nod.
“Believe it or not, this is actually all for some charity event set up by that Fancy Pants fellow.”
“Have any idea what the event is actually for?” asked Vinyl.
“No idea, but it must be something important because he hired the same musical group that Princess Celestia uses for the Grand Galloping Gala,” he shrugged. They started walking back toward the back rooms and the stage hand went to get a dolly for Vinyl’s gear.
As she was pulling her containers out of the room, she heard someone talking just around the corner and decided to see who it was. Upon rounding the corner, she saw a gray mare that was just as tall as Vinyl, if not slightly taller. Her mane and tail were long beautiful dark gray streams with a lighter tint and her cutie mark was a light purple treble clef. As she turned around, the first thing Vinyl noticed was the pink bow tie that she wore, then her gaze traveled up and was met by a pair of bright violet pools. Vinyl was lost in her eyes until she realized that the pony was talking to her. She snapped out of her trance and was met by the angry tone of the mare standing before her.
“Sorry I was pulled into a maze and just got out,” Vinyl exclaimed in a flattering tone. The gray mare calmed down and asked, “What maze might that be?”
Vinyl had a grin from ear to ear as she answered “Just those violet eyes of yours.” Her answer caused the gray mare to blush vivaciously. Vinyl went on to introduce herself.
“Vinyl Scratch, DJ pony, at your service.” The Gray mare acknowledged the introduction and nodded as she spoke, “It’s a pleasure. Octavia Melody, Cellist.” Upon her response, the head stagehand came around the corner with the dolly in tow for Vinyl to use.
“Sorry to meet and run, but I have to get my stuff out of here, or I’ll be pushing it home in the dark,” Vinyl laughed.
“I've already prepared my gear, if you want some help, I'm free” replied Octavia.
“That would be awesome, thanks a lot,” Vinyl smiled as she took the dolly from the stage hand. They both went around the corner where Vinyl had already started pulling her stuff into the hallway. As they were stacking up the crates, one fell over and Vinyl screamed and ran over to make sure the fall had not broken any of the stuff inside. Upon opening the case, she was relieved to see that everything inside was in one piece. Octavia was standing behind her and saw what was in the case.
“So I’m guessing that you’re the DJ that was here last night?” speculated Octavia. Vinyl just nodded while she kept loading her stuff.
“I was here last night and caught your last show it was nice but all the flashing light gave me a headache so I sat in back and just listened to it,” Octavia continued.
“Well,” loading the last crate Vinyl said, “this has been really nice talking and I’d love to talk more, but I have to get this stuff back to my place, so I guess this is goodbye.” Octavia had a saddened look on her face which suddenly flipped as she remembered something.
“If you really want to keep talking we could meet up some time or you could accept a backstage pass to my concert in a few hours.” Vinyl smiled and accepted.
When she had gotten home she stored her DJ equipment away and went straight to her bathroom where she showered before getting ready for the concert. Vinyl had spent most of the time thinking about what she was going to talk about with Octavia. She looked at the clock and realized that if she didn't get on her way she might miss Octavia playing. Vinyl got to the edge of the block right before the concert hall, when she saw that the flower shop on the corner was still open. She walked in and saw a large bouquet of gorgeous violet roses on the end of the counter.
“Is there anything that I can help you with,” Rose calls out from back room.
“Hey there Rose how have you been,” asked Vinyl.
“Good, the store is thriving and all the family is healthy,” said Rose “What brings you by here Vinyl, the last time I saw you was after your grandmother’s surgery,”
“Well I was hoping that I could get that bouquet of violet roses,” Vinyl said gesturing to the flowers.
“Well those are actually for a costumer to pick up tomorrow, but if you tell me what they would go to I just might let you have them,” Rose stated with a grin.
Vinyl thoughts for a second and decided it couldn't hurt to tell Rose what they would be for. “Well I thought I would get them for giving to the cellist at the concert hall.”
Rose’s grin grew even bigger as she looked at Vinyl “I didn't know you were into classical music.”
“I've never really given it a shot and I thought since she gave me a back stage pass it’s the least I can do,” Vinyl said looking away trying not to blush. Even with Vinyl trying her hardest, Rose could see that she was blushing and decided to give her the bouquet.
Vinyl paid Rose for the bouquet and went straight for the concert hall. She got there and was relieved to see that the Octavia’s performance had not started. She walked to the back stage entrance and showed the bouncer her pass. After about ten minutes of wandering the back stage hallways she found a door that had Octavia’s name on it.
Vinyl went to knock on the door but before she could Beauty Brass opened it to leave. As the door was opened Vinyl hide the flowers behind her back. Beauty Brass looked up at Vinyl and just walked away. Octavia looked into the hallway and saw Vinyl standing there with a weird look on her face.
“Everything OK Vinyl,” Octavia asked slightly concerned about Vinyl.
Vinyl snapped out if her confusion and looked at Octavia and replied “Ya I was just caught off guard.”Octavia just chuckled to herself and gestured for Vinyl to come in.
“So what are you hiding behind your back,” Octavia asked well getting her cello out if its case. Vinyl had forgotten that she hide the roses behind her back completely. She held them out as Octavia turned in her direction.
Octavia gasped then started to talk “Oh my they are lovely Vinyl but you really didn't have to.”
“Well I saw them in the flower shop and they reminded me of your eyes and I had to get them,” Vinyl explained well blushing vicariously.
Octavia put the flowers down on the table in the room and ran over to give Vinyl an unexpected hug. This just caused Vinyl to blush even harder and brighter. After releasing Vinyl Octavia looked at Vinyl and told her that she might want to get to her seat.
“I’ll see you after the show right,” Vinyl asked as she was heading for the door.
“As long as you get here before I get packed up you will,” Octavia responded Vinyl closed the door behind her and went to find her seat.
Vinyl’s Introduction to Melody Chapter: 2 Concert Night By Loga1005
Exiting the back hall and arriving at the side of the stage, Vinyl saw that the entire main floor of the room was now filled with rows of chairs. She made her way to the center of the first row and found the seat assigned by her ticket. A smile dawned her face when she saw the "Reserved for Vinyl Scratch" sign in her chair with a program listing what would be played tonight.
“Wow front row, this is a first,” Vinyl said as she picked up the sign to take her seat. Just as she took her seat, a voice came over the intercom asking the audience to be seated. After the announcement the doors at the back of the room opened and the room flooded with ponies. Once everyone was seated, trumpets sounded and all four of the princesses walked out onto the royal balcony to take their seats. The lights dimmed and Fancy Pants walked out onto the stage.
“Good evening ladies and gentlecolts. I am honored to welcome the princesses to this charity event and I would like to thank you for to all of you for donations," Fancy Pants bowed and started to walk off the stage.
As he walked off the stage, the lights dimmed and spot lights lit up in four spots. One light was on a piano, two were on stools, and the last one was on an open spot on the stage. One by one the four spots were filled. The first onstage was a brown stallion with a bright white mane and tail. He was introduced as Frederic Horseshoepin as he took his seat at the piano. A purple stallion with a blue mane and tail followed. He walked over to the stool off to the side as he was announced to be Parish Nandermane. After he sat down, a sky blue mare that had a brown mane and tail made an entrance. Vinyl knew her to be Beauty Brass, a mare that lived down the road from her. Suddenly, the final spot light when off and Vinyl could see a figure walk out to the last open stool.
“Now, ladies and gentlecolts, here is the lead and head performer of tonight’s show, Octavia Melody,” the announcer introduced.
The crowd cheered as the spot light slowly started to brighten, starting as a small beam of light and slowly growing to the full size of the other lights. As the spot light grew Vinyl’s heart started racing as she examined Octavia. She looked like an angel. Once the light reached Octavia’s full head; Vinyl saw that she had put some of the violet roses in her mane. The sight of her in the spotlight with the flowers in her hair caused Vinyl’s jaw to drop open; which she quickly shut with hopes that Octavia had not seen. Octavia picked up a microphone that was on a nearby stand and started to speak
“I’d once again like to thank everyone for coming out and say that I hope that everyone enjoys the show,” she spoke smiling.She then placed the microphone back on the stand where you could hear a click of it being turned off. Octavia then looked over both her shoulders to make sure that the other performers were ready. After a subtle nod from each of them she raised her bow and began to play. After she played for a few seconds she began to sing. Vinyl pulled out the song list and read the name.
“Lullaby for a Princess; a song wrote by the court musician for Princess Celestia when Princess Luna was banished to the moon,” Vinyl read to herself.
Fate has been cruel and order unkind - How can I have sent you away? The blame was my own; the punishment, yours The harmony’s silent today...
As she began to sing the song Vinyl leaned forward, now enchanted by both the song and Octavia’s beautiful voice. The entire time Octavia was singing Vinyl never took her eyes or ears off of her. After she had finished the first song, she sang several more that Vinyl liked, but they didn’t truly catch her attention like the first one had. Then something different happened. Octavia stood up, walked over to Frederic Horseshoepin, and sat on the edge of his stool. They nodded in unison then Frederic started playing. He started to sing and it was a song that Vinyl actually knew, and once again she was entrenched by the music.
It was a dark day when I lost my faith I wasn’t the pony I thought I’d be And it seemed that no one could relate There was nothing left to see So I took a walk to the edge of the town And thought of leaving it all behind When I saw a little letter fall right out of the sky As a gray mare hovered way up high I thought I was crazy when I saw her wave And then simply fly away So I opened the letter and looked inside And what was written made my day… It said- “Isn’t it great to be different? Isn’t it wonderful to be exactly who you are? When you learn to start accepting yourself You’ll become a shining star”
After a few more line Vinyl could see Octavia getting ready to sing.
I’ve heard you play and sing before And I heard a sadness I could not bear I just wanted to tell you that the hardest thing I’ve faced Wasn’t the teasing or the pain It was convincing myself I wasn’t stupid, strange, or lame And helping others do the same
After that, the rest of the song was a duet. When the song came to a close, Octavia returned to her original spot for the remainder of the show. Vinyl enjoyed the rest of the show as the night continued.
As the show concluded applause rang through the concert hall as people threw roses onto the stage.. The performers stood and bowed in unison. Stage managers entered the stage, picking up the roses but Octavia got a pile and handed them to Beauty Brass. She looked out at Vinyl, pulled out one of the violet roses in her hair, and inhaled its aroma as she walked off the stage. As soon as Octavia was off the stage, Vinyl started walking backstage when she heard her name being called from behind her.
“So that’s the mare that’s got your eye I’m guessing,” Rose said as she walked up to Vinyl’s side.
“Yeah, and I’d love to chat but if I don’t hurry she might leave before I get to talk to her and set up another time for us to hang out!” Vinyl exclaimed in a rushed tone.
“After that performance with the rose, I don’t think that she will leave without talking to you. But you have to promise to swing by and tell me how it goes,” Rose yelled as Vinyl started speed-walking to the backstage entrance.
“Will do,” Vinyl called back to her as she disappeared through the doorway. She was almost at a run down the halls until she got the corner right before the hall Octavia’s room was on. She slowed down, went to Octavia’s door, and opened it, not really thinking to knock. As the door opened, Vinyl quickly realized that she should have knocked. Standing in the room was all four of Equestria's Princesses, two mad royal guards, two mad lunar guards and one angry Shining Armor, the husband of Princess Cadence. Octavia’s attention snapped to the door just as each guard pinned a leg of Vinyl to the ground and the Shining Armor’s horn light readied to deliver the finishing blow if necessary.
“Dos thou know this ill mannered intruder?” Princess Luna asked Octavia.
“Yes. I’m sorry for her intrusion, I told her I would only wait for a little while after the show,” Octavia explained to Luna and the other princesses. “She was actually the one that got me these lovely roses you were asking about.”
“You may release her,” Luna said in a distrusting tone.
“That means stand down Shining,” both Princess Cadence and Princess Twilight said simultaneously.
“I’m sorry for intruding, I just really wanted to talk with Octavia and didn't think anyone else would be in here,” Vinyl said as she slowly picked herself up off the floor.
“It’s okay, I’m sure we can all understand. But you might want to think a little more before you act,” Princess Celestia said in her normal caring tone, “and thank you, Ms. Melody for that first song. I don’t know how you got it, but I really loved hearing it again.”
With that sentence all the Princesses turned and went to the door. Luna was almost out the door when Octavia called out to her.
“Princess Luna, Please accept this! I could tell you really like them.” She walked over to Princess Luna and stopped, looking at Vinyl, “Do you mind if I give Princess Luna one of the roses that you got for me?”
“Not at all, I’d be honored if she would accept it,” Vinyl said, smiling at Princess Luna. Octavia finished walking over to Princess Luna and put a violet rose in her eternal mane behind her ear.
“Just for future reference, you can leave off the Princess when you are addressing me; I never really liked the title of princess when outside the court,” Luna said as she closed the door behind her. When Vinyl heard the door latch click she released an audible sigh of relief. Octavia burst into laughter.
“It’s not funny! I could have been killed just now,” Vinyl shouted, still shaking. After Octavia stopped laughing she looked at Vinyl and started to speak, but was cut off by Beauty Brass opening the door to the room.
“So what did the Princesses what with you?” Beauty Brass asked.
“ Luna wanted to know where I got the roses I had in my hair and Princess Celestia wanted make sure that we could do the Grand Galloping Gala this year,” Octavia explained.
“What did you tell her?” Beauty Brass asked enthusiastically.
“I told her that I would see what you guys said and that I’d swing by tomorrow with the answer,” Octavia answered smiling. Beauty Brass hugged Octavia and said, “You know my answer,” then left the room, closing the door behind her.
“Sorry about all the interruptions, but the other guys already left home. And just so you know it was funny when they pinned you to the ground, it took everything I had not too lose it with the princesses here,” Octavia chuckled.
“It’s okay I understand being the lead of a group is a taxing job; not to mention just after getting off stage after a four hour show,” Vinyl dismissed.
“Yeah, I’m really worn out! But anyway, so how about we meet up tomorrow for lunch?” Octavia suggested.
“That’s fine by me but what about talking to the Princess?” Vinyl asked.
“I can talk to Frederic and Parish tomorrow before we meet for lunch. Then, if you want, you can come along,” Octavia smiled.
“Sounds good to me! Where should we meet up for lunch?”
“How about we go to The Hayloft on Hackamore road?”
“I’ve never been there, but I’ve been told it’s good,” Vinyl nodded, smiling.
Octavia walked over to Vinyl, gave her a hug, and thanked her for again for the flowers. Octavia walked to her cello case, slung it over her shoulder and onto her back, and then followed Vinyl out the door.
The next morning Vinyl woke up unusually early and spent her time getting ready for the day. She had a sunflower sandwich and left on her way to finish some stuff before meeting Octavia for lunch. As she walked the almost empty streets, she looked ahead of her and saw that Beauty Brass was leaving her house to go somewhere. Vinyl realized that she had not congratulated any of the other performers for a good show. So she thought that now was as good as ever.
“Hey there Beauty Brass I just wanted to say that I really liked the show last night,” Vinyl started. Just as Vinyl spoke Beauty Brass jumped and let out a soft scream of fright.
“Oh sorry,” she said turning around and seeing Vinyl, “you snuck up on me just now.”
“I’m sorry I should have just started with hello,” Vinyl apologized quickly.
“It’s ok and thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed the show,” Beauty Brass said.
“I’ll be on my way now so I’ll see you around,” Vinyl said as she started back on her way. She continued on her way down the street until she got to the flower shop. She saw that the store was not open yet so she walked around the back and knocked on the back door. A few seconds later Rose opened the door still half asleep.
“I was hoping to see you today, but why so early,” Rose said as she walked back in waving to Vinyl to follow.
“I figured if I came by early than you wouldn’t just pop up out of know where in the middle of the day,” Vinyl replied.
“What, however would I do that; I have to run the shop,” Rose said with a sly grin.
“We both know that both your sisters got back last night,” Vinyl said giving Rose a stern look.
“Fine I was going to try and follow the two of you around and see how it went,” Rose stated.
“Why, we are just friends having lunch,” Vinyl said in her most convincing voice.
“Ya that’s as believable as me saying that I’m a Princess,” Rose replied.
“OK yes I really like her but I just can’t figure out if she likes me, I’d ask her but we haven’t even been friends for a week and I’m afraid she would say no and never speak to me again,” Vinyl told Rose.
“I might not know what transpired back stage but with what she did on stage id say that you have a good chance,” Rose told her.
“If you say so and that’s why in here,” Vinyl told her. Rose had a confused look on her face so Vinyl continued. “When I was heading back stage you said I had to come by and tell you what happened”, Vinyl reminded Rose.
“Oh ya, I remember now, so do tell,” Rose said enthusiastically.
Vinyl sighed and started telling her story of last night. Ok well when I got back there and I kind of just opened the door without knocking. Which resulted in getting myself pinned down to the ground by a group of guards, and having Cadence’ husband Shining Armor aiming his horn at my head. Then I got the third degree from Princess Luna about manners and Octavia had to explain the whole reason for my interruption. As they were leaving Octavia gave Princess Luna one of the roses that I got for her. We made plans to meet for lunch and that’s about all.
“She just gave away one of the special flowers you got for her,” Rose yelled in surprise.
“Yes but she asked if it was ok with me first,” Vinyl explained.
“Oh that ok,” Rose said as she looked up at the clock, “I guess since I’m already up I should open the store; you can stick around if you want to.”
“I’m good I have one more stop that I hope to do make before going to lunch,” Vinyl told Rose as she followed rose out into the front showroom.
“Will good luck today,” was all Rose said to Vinyl as she unlocked the front door and left.
Vinyl was making her way down Crescent Street she stopped in front of a small white building with a green roof and a sign posted in the window that read “Walter Becket, Musical Agent.” She walked up the steps and opened the door. Inside she was greeted by an overly happy assistant that had a very high voice.
“You can go right on if Miss Scratch he’s not busy at the moment,” was all she said as she pushed Vinyl though the open door way.
“I’ve told you to just call me by my first name,” Vinyl tried to tell her but was cut off by a closing door.
“Vinyl welcome this is an unexpected visit, not that I’m not glad to see you,” came a voice behind her that Vinyl know at Walter Becket.
“Ya I stopped by to remind you not to schedule me for any out of town shows for at least the next month,” Vinyl said in a serious manner.
“Why do you always feel the need to remind me that after every tour, I’ve learned my lesson after three years,” Walter told Vinyl.
“I because if I don’t you will send a letter to me telling me that I have to leave only a week after my tour ends, and you will suddenly be on the road when I come by to talk to you,” Vinyl reminded him.
“You don’t have to worry about that from here on out I have put it in my ledger to keep you here in Canterlot until next month,” Walter explained to Vinyl. He had seemed to convince her.
“Ok well since that’s all straightened out I can get back to my regular plans,” Vinyl said as she walked out of the office.
“Make sure that he keeps to his work, will ya,” Vinyl said to the assistant on her way to the front door.
“Sure thing Miss Scratch,” was all the assistant said to Vinyl as she closed the front door behind her.
After exiting the establishment Vinyl continued on her way and before she knew it she was at Hackamore Road. She walked along Hackamore Road until she saw the sign for The Hayloft. Vinyl looked around and realized that she had arrived before Octavia. She walked up to the man outside the restaurant.
“Excuse me sir are you a waiter at this restaurant,” Vinyl asked.
“I am the maître d' of this fine establishment,” he said.
“I’m sorry, may I please get a table for two,” Vinyl said to the maître d'.
“You do not just request a table her at The Hayloft, you must first make a reservation do you have one,” asked the maître d'.
“No I don’t but the person I’m having lunch with might have made one do you have an Octavia Melody on your list,” responded Vinyl.
He looked at the list and sighed “yes I do but until she gets here I cannot let you in.”
“That’s fine ill just wait,” Vinyl said in a irritated tone.
After about fifteen minutes Octavia arrived. Vinyl stood up and walked over to greet her.
“Hey I was starting to wonder if you had forgotten about meeting for lunch,” Vinyl said to Octavia as she got closer.
“Ya I’m sorry it took a little more convincing to get Parish to agree to play at the Gala this year. Octavia explained to Vinyl.
“It’s ok but how about you tell me about it over lunch my treat since you made the reservation,” Vinyl told her.
“OK let’s go in,” Octavia said.
“Good afternoon madam Melody, how are you this fine day,” the maître d' asked as he lead them inside. They followed him upstairs and outside to the balcony. “A table for three on the balcony just as you requested this morning,” he said before departing.
“A table for three, who else is coming to lunch with us,” Vinyl asked slightly disappointed that someone else was joining them.
“I’m sorry Vinyl but she I ran into her on my way to Parish’s house and I couldn’t tell her no,” Octavia said in a very apologetic tone. Just then they heard the maître d' talking to someone just below them on the street.
“Ah you must be madam Melody’s third guest, it is…” that was all they heard the maître d' say because they had obviously started on their way to the balcony. Just then Vinyl’s great day hit a sour note.
