> A Life's Stanza > by Treblemaker > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Decay > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Present day There was junk everywhere. Old food cartons and wrappers strewn haphazardly, a few books, and even some old dresses littered the floor. This was all perfectly normal to the inhabitant of the apartment, but the mangled and broken speakers and turntables that joined the debris on the floor defied everything the mare stood for. The pony in question was laying in the only available corner of a mattress that was composed of more dust than bedding. Her alabaster coat appeared gray from malpractice of hygiene, and what was once an electric blue mane had undergone the same treatment as her fur. The artist formerly known as DJ-Pon3, Vinyl Scratch, was forced awake with a groan. Traversing the small room, she retrieved a bottle of what she suspected was alcohol. With drink in hoof, Vinyl was halfway across the space when she stepped on something. Buried among the frayed wires, rested a record in perfect condition, which appeared to have dodged most of the abuse that the unicorn dealt out at random, but after a flick of her horn, the record lay smashed against the wall. Vinyl took another drink, as she limped back to the corner. Lying back down on her bed, she downed the drink, and prompt broke the bottle against the same spot in the wall that the record previously acquainted itself with. A pale blue aura filled the room as she pulled on the curtains to block out Celestia’s sun, dousing the room in a shade which contrasted the brighter colors of the morning, which had been seeping through the now shut window. Rolling over, the DJ made quick work of falling asleep again, and she left the room to it’s own devices. Not that it had much to do, most of the furnishings were destroyed and piled in the middle of the room. This eccentric collection wasn’t much to look at, from bottom to top of the pile it consisted of a splintered couch, at one point it may have been a loveseat, a very expensive looking set of speakers, followed by an even more expensive looking turntable and computer. Amplifiers, keyboards, and various other instruments played a part in this spectacle. Records and smaller devices were thrown on at random, with more than one object being an empty bottle. Adorning the top of the pile, strangely enough, was a faded pink bow tie. The apartment remained dormant for a few hours, until the owner rose from exhaustion. Iridescent violet shades were levitated onto the bridge of her muzzle, and she slunk off into the city. A few moments later came a knock. “Vinyl? Vinyl, please, would you listen to me?” Came a pleading voice from the hallway. Minutes passed in silence until the voice turned away. “I guess I’ll talk to you again tomorrow. Goodbye Vinyl.” The last words were said in barely a whisper, then the voice turned a corner and was no more. As if on cue, Vinyl shuffled back through the hallway and into her abode. Almost as if she knew that voice would come. Much like it did everyday, for the past three months, and always at the same time. With the same response every time; silence. Having procured more bottles during her escape from reality, the DJ drank once more. Luna appeared to be hesitant to raise the moon this night, for evening came and went slowly, until the world was bathed in a much softer glow. The mare noticed none of it, for she was dropped into a stupor. Her night consisted of forgotten memories and hopeless dreams as she continued to dismember the pieces of equipment, in between her bouts with alcohol of course. Weariness finally took hold of her body, and she pulled herself under the sheets. Before Vinyl fell asleep, she grasped a piece of chalk, and carved a tally mark into the wall beside her. The mare fell asleep next to the haphazardly drawn tally marks, which totalled 6 months and 3 days. > Overture > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- One year ago A light rain pattered the windows. Normally, this being Canterlot, the rain would have been held off to save everypony the trouble. With not an earth pony farm in sight, and the unicorns rather particular about their well being, they would prefer the rain to dissipate all together. For pegasi, weather is more of an art, having the potential to change your entire surroundings does tend to show a certain beauty to them. Even though it was rain, it was a calming rain, a serene sense to lull even the hardest pony to sleep. At least that is what the gray mare was thinking. Cocooned in the couch, Octavia Philharmonica was nodding off to sleep, only to be awoken by her mail slot opening and shutting with a clink. Still in the half dazed stupor, the earth pony pulled herself onto her hooves, and stumbled to the door. Rooting through the usual junk mail, she set aside a few bills until she came upon a curious looking letter. A tan envelope containing a maroon waxed seal was placed beside her, and was opened after she finished rooting through the rest of the mail’s contents. Dear Octavia Philharmonica, We are pleased to inform you of your new position in the Royal Canterlot Orchestra. You shall be playing Principle Player for the Violoncellos due to the expertise shown in your interview. If you have any inquiries you may contact the Concert Hall directly. Misuer Maestro, Chief Concertmaster Conductor for the Royal Canterlot Orchestra Pupils dilated with every word. The mare stared dumbfounded at the parchment for quite some time. In a small voice she said “I made it. First chair, I made it.” Looking around the room, and then back to the parchment she exclaimed in a louder tone, “I made it!” Collecting her wits, Octavia strapped on her saddlebags, to which she threw in some bits and the letter. Shortly after, a gray earth mare could be seen running through the rainy streets in search of her friend. Octavia Philharmonica, while rather successful in the music industry, did not have a what ponies may call a large social circle. In fact, Octavia had hardly any acquaintances. The only pony she could really call a friend was an earth mare by the name of Bon-Bon. Octavia quickly made her way towards Bon-Bon's home, like the other times she needed somepony to talk to. It was not because Octavia was shy, but rather she was an introvert, more willing to socialize with instruments and her music rather than pony folk. Mane a sopping mess, the cellist reached the home of her friend. Knocking on the door, she attempted to fix her hair before any pony saw. The door was enveloped in an unfamiliar mint aura. As the portal opened, a unicorn revealed herself “Hello, I’m Lyra, how can I help you?” “Um, is Bon-Bon home?” Octavia asked, a bit inquisitive to why Bon-Bon didn’t open her own door. “She’s gone at the moment, but she’s due back in about twenty minutes or so. You’re welcome to stay Miss.” “Octavia” “Ah, Octavia, please do come in,” Lyra said, holding the door open. Being a candy maker, Bon-Bon’s home retained the calming scent of her latest creations. Perking spirits, the scent guided the conversation into pleasantries about passing events. “So how do you know Bon-Bon?” The unicorn asked. “I’m an old friend, we grew up next to each other. We’ve never really strayed that far from each other, even moving to Canterlot at the same time. If you don’t mind me asking, I’d like to repeat the question to you?” Lyra gave a small chuckle, “I’m her marefriend.” Octavia reached into her mental bag of responses to such a statement, and kept drawing a blank. Bon-Bon had a marefriend? Unable to formulate a reply, Octavia said “I always thought she was into stallions.” Invoking a laugh from the unicorn, Lyra replied “Yes, well, she was. That’s actually how we met.” Interrupted as the door opened. “Octavia! It’s so good to see you!” Exclaimed the cream colored earth pony. Setting her saddlebags off to the side, which smelled suspiciously like chocolate, she gave Octavia a quick hug. Turning to Lyra, “Is there a kettle on by any chance?” Her question was answered by a sharp whistle from the kitchen. “I’ll get it,” Lyra said, turning to take her repose in the other room. As she walked out, Octavia motioned in Lyra’s direction. “So, congrats.” “Thank you,” Bon-Bon said with a smile, “I was going to tell you, but I wanted to make sure things worked out first.” “and by worked out you mean moved in with?” Octavia grinned. “Well, yeah, she’s been really helpful around the house while I’m out.” “That’s not the only reason she let me move in!” Lyra laughed as she walked in with a tray of three steaming teacups. “Lyra! That’s highly inappropriate.” Bon-Bon gasped, but the cellist joined in the laugh. “It seems I let you in to try and curb your manners.” The confectionist smirked. “Hey I have great manners.” the unicorn said as she took a cup in one hoof. Muzzle turned up in a haughty expression, which made the process even more difficult, Lyra took a dainty sip of the jasmine. Letting the smooth taste flow across her tongue, she slowly lowered the cup. Setting it on the tray gently, she burped. “See?” Bon-Bon could only press a hoof against her forehead, not even attempting to reign the mare in. Octavia giggled at the displays of chemistry between the two, and slightly blushed as it turned into physical chemistry. “You lo-ove me.” Lyra chirped, trotting out of the room before Bon-Bon could retaliate. However retaliation never came, she could only shrug helplessly to Octavia. “What did I do to deserve this?” “Don’t look at me, you two are perfect together.” the cellist beamed, turning her head as Lyra walked back in. This time with a tray of delicious looking chocolates, her muzzle barely containing incriminating evidence of the sweets. Popping another one into her mouth via magic, she angled the platter to Octavia. “Want one? Bon-Bon only makes the best.” Lyra said, and with a loud whisper declared, “That’s half the reason I’m here.” “Well, I’m glad it’s because of my charming personality and alluring graces.” Bon-Bon willed the sarcasm to flow, much like the tendril of magic already wrapping itself around another chocolate. “I’m going to pretend to understand what you said, and the other half is definitely because of you, namely because of that flank.” “LYRA!” Bon-Bon nearly shrieked, “We have a guest!” “Yeah, but she’s like your oldest friend, she doesn’t care, right?” The lyrist directed the last half of the statement to Octavia, but received no answer, for Octavia was overcome with a fit of the giggles. The room quieted for a moment, only to have Bon-Bon break the silence. “So, what brings you over here Octavia? Surely it isn’t to make merriment of me with my marefriend.” To which Lyra could be heard saying under her breath, "So that’s what they call it these days." “Actually, it’s because I was offered a new job. I received Principle Player for the Royal Canterlot Orchestra.” Octavia grinned. A small gasp was heard, and Lyra’s magical hold dropped the chocolate in mid air. > Attack > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 　　Present day A sharp buzz entered her ear, forcing Vinyl awake. Groaning, she searched for the source of the sound, only to find it emitting from the base of her horn. Mumbling something about hangovers, she pulled herself from the bed, and unceremoniously fell onto the floor a moment later. Her headache was splitting. Pulling herself to the scarce kitchenette cabinets, she pulled a hoof full of maroon dust out of the more recently stocked one. Lighting her horn, which brought on further grunts from the mare, she charged the powder. Dissolving it in a glass of water, she made quick work of the magical medicine, coughing and spluttering after she did so. She started her mental checklist for the day, but the checklist stopped after three items. Sleep, leave house by 2:20, buy drink. Her list hadn’t changed for quite some time, too long in her opinion, but she hasn’t come up with a better option. 　 Maybe back in her prime she would know what to do. Maybe she still does, but she just doesn’t want to face it. Either way, it doesn’t matter, for Vinyl doesn’t listen to her brain that much nowadays. Shutting it down is only possible with alcohol, so that is what she does. Every day. 　　 Making a better choice than consume more drink for breakfast, she decided on an apple, and attempted to wait out the nausea. Five grueling minutes passed before the medicine took hold, relieving her of the pain. It also unfortunately relived the pain, as memories came flooding back, the unfortunate side effect of a clear mind. Having the sudden urge to levitate a bottle over due to the new type of pain, her magic started to float across the room. Stopping it before it reached its destination, she redirected the tendrils to come crashing down onto the rubble pile. With an expression of exasperation she leaned her head on the wall, feeling too tired to perform any other actions. 　　 The room was quiet save the slight breathing of the occupant. Hours drew full length, until the clock measured itself at 2:00 PM. Vinyl clambered out from her position on the floor, levitated her glasses onto the bridge of her muzzle, and headed for the door. Having only taken two steps, a sharp knock was heard. Three knocks. Eyes frantically searching for an escape, a voice rang out. 　　 “Vinyl, Vinyl will you please listen to me?” 　　 Hooves clasped over her ears, attempting to block out that voice. Sliding onto the floor with an audible thunk, Vinyl started to hyperventilate. The sound of hooves scraped the carpet outside the apartment. 　　 “Vinyl, I could hear you, please, just please listen to me!” Came the voice again, breathing heavily. Heart beating faster, the DJ shriveled under the barrage of words. Staggering to get to an upright position, she headed the last few feet to the door. Hesitating, she turned the knob. 　　 A slight gasp escaped from the pony outside, after hearing the door handle turn. The unicorn pulled her hoof from the door as if it were burning. Mind racing from the risk she taken, Vinyl swallowed empty air, trying to collect herself. 　　 “No.” Came the voice which had gone for so long without use. 　　 A whimper was heard from the other side. “Vinyl!” nearly cried the voice. 　　 “No. I can’t... I can’t and I won’t. I won’t hurt them, I won’t hurt you. Please, just go.” Vinyl almost whispered, but the door soaked up her words without ever reaching the pony on the other side. Her name was called a few more times, but without reply, for the unicorn had once more shut herself off from the world in the beginnings of a drunken haze. 　　 Vinyl kept drinking, and never stopped until the hooffalls were heard retreating back to whence they came. 　　 The night continued very much the same for the dejected mare, all memories lost to her by next morning, except that voice. That horridly beautiful voice. > Timbre > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- One year ago “That’s the twenty second one I’ve received,” said Lyra quietly, motioning to a letter written by Misuer Maestro. 　　 “I’m sorry, I was unaware of that.” Started Octavia a little hesitantly. 　　 “Nah, it’s fine, congratulations though.” The unicorn replied. 　　 “I think it’s splendidly wonderful, you should celebrate!” Bon-Bon’s voice floated out of the kitchen, from her journey to restore the tea cups to their usual repose. “In fact, me and Ly were going to dinner tonight, you should come.” The baker trotted back into the room with a wandering expression. Her eyes lit up, and a slightly devious smile crossed her lips, “You know, Octavia, I know a stallion, we could make it a double date!” 　　 Octavia placed a hoof to her head, causing laughter to erupt from Lyra. “I’m going to assume that she does this to you a lot.” The mint pony grinned. 　　 “Let’s just say I told her I had no interest in the stallions she was bringing me, so the next week she brought a mare.” Octavia’s deadpan expression turned into a smile when she got Bon-Bon to laugh too. 　　 Dinner plans were made, without a Bon-Bon influenced stallion, and Octavia left to prepare. Lyra and Bon-Bon did likewise, leaving the unicorn’s denial of entry letter forgotten on the end table. 　　 ------------------- 　　 　　 At five o’clock sharp, Octavia stepped up to the restaurant, glancing through the large plate glass windows for the duo. The restaurant itself was built on the side of an intersection, allowing for two walls to have views to the outside. Not that it would do much good, for the restaurant was themed like a locomotive. Emulating the feel of a train car, the booths were shut, sealing off the patrons. 　　 Turning to her right, she trotted through the doors. The waiter, having been sitting in the same spot for quite some time, greeted her cordially, but with a bored atmosphere. Octavia began to walk across the restaurant after retrieving the directions to her table, to be stopped by the assortment of DJ equipment in the middle of the bar area. Being musically inclined, she counted and named the pieces, deducing that whoever owned the equipment was still setting up. Leaving the bar to it’s own devices, she found her booth. However, she didn’t enter. The wax paper window was shining a silhouette on its surface. Of Lyra and Bon-Bon, kissing? Tentatively raising a hoof, she knocked on the door. 　　 “Come in!” Rang a voice. 　　 Pushing the door open, she was met with the sight of Lyra on one end of the table, and Bon-Bon across from her. Confused, Octavia took a seat, to which Lyra ripped something off the wall. 　　 “A sheet of paper?” 　　 “Yup” 　　 “That casts a shadow of you two kissing?” 　　 “Yup” 　　 Having no reply to this, Octavia closed her mouth, and Lyra replied with a laugh. 　　 “She’ll do anything for a few giggles.” Bon-Bon piped up, “Even though it might get her into trouble.” The cream coated mare turned her head to Lyra. 　　 “What? The bathroom thing was hilarious!” She defended. 　　 The waiter coughed. “May I take your orders?” 　　 “Oh, we’re not ready to order yet.” Bon-Bon explained 　　 “How about something to drink.” Came the monotone and well practiced reply. 　　 “Just a water for me.” Octavia asked 　　 “We’ll take a Chardonneigh.” Lyra popped, before her companion could raise a hoof. Bon-Bon’s only response was a raised eyebrow. 　　 “Oh, come on, I know you like it, and you can’t go wrong with a little liquid courage, plus, you’ll need it.” the unicorn exclaimed. 　　 “Why would I...” 　　 “It’s karaoke night!” Proclaimed the eager pony again. At least Octavia knew what the equipment was used for now. “And don’t you think you’re going to walk out of here without getting on that stage.” 　　 “You know I’m not going to.” Bon-Bon crossed her hooves adamantly. 　　 “But I know the Chardonneigh will.” Lyra shot back with a smile. 　　 “Hey” A strange voice floated over to their table, for Lyra had forgotten to shut the sliding door after the waiter. A snowy white unicorn with a brash set of sunglasses walked up. “The name’s Vinyl, I’m the DJ, and treble clef,” she said, pointing to Octavia’s cutie mark, “you know how to hook up a [insert smart sounding technical term for something to do with audio here] to a [again with the complicated wording and technology]?” 　　 “Uh, yes, I do in fact.” Octavia prided herself in her expansive knowledge on music, which included the realm of the DJ’s equipment. 　　 “Great, I could use your help, my partner bailed last minute.” The unicorn trotted off to the stage area, with Octavia in tow. 　　 “Maybe I know how to hook up a thingy.” Lyra muttered to herself, eyeing her cutie mark. After not receiving a reply from Bon-Bon, Lyra looked up. The baker was watching the two musicians with curiosity. “Oh no.” 　　 “Yes,” Bon-Bon declared, “and you’re going to help me do it.” 　　 “Hey, don’t drag me into this,” Lyra started. 　　 “Just look at them, even their coat colors compliment each other.” 　　 “In this light, anything compliments each other, even our coats.” Lyra shot back 　　 “That’s cause our coats always compliment, if they didn’t you wouldn’t be my marefriend.” 　　 “That’s kinda insensitive...” 　　 “Don’t care, you’re helping me.” 　　 “What if I say no?” 　　 “Then you don’t get anymore of my candy.” 　　 “That’s fine, I need to trim down on sweets.” 　　 “Both of them” 　　 At this point a blush crept across Lyra’s face, and she reluctantly agreed. After formulating a plan, despite Lyra’s suggestion to lock them in a broom closet, the confectionist was ready. 　　 Octavia grunted. It could barely be heard due to the fact she had dug herself underneath a couple boxes and wires. Connecting the last few ones, she dragged herself out. 　　 “Thanks sweet flank, it would have taken me forever, should probably lay off the carbs...” The mare called Vinyl mused, beginning to stare off in the distance. Octavia raised her eyebrows at the name, to which Vinyl chucked. 　　 “It’s a compliment, you’ll get them from time to time.” 　　 “Um, thank you?” Octavia had an unsure edge to her voice as she walked back to her table, nearly crashing into her waiter. Saying a polite excuse me, she shuffled back into her seat. A mischievous look happened to pass by the faces of Lyra and Bon-Bon, but left completely unnoticed to the gray mare. 　　 Stepping up to the table, drinks were poured from the tray the waiter had balanced on his back. Leaving the bottle on the table, he sauntered off to his other patrons, leaving the three ponies alone. Levitating her cup, Lyra took a sip of the wine, setting it back down after a few seconds. Small talk accompanied the table as they waited for their orders to be taken, but was quickly replaced as a spark jumped out of the DJ’s equipment followed by the sound of an electrical shock and a startled yelp. The restaurant grew quiet at the spectacle, and a voice piped up from behind the stage, “Treble Clef?” 　　 Octavia sighed, “I’ll be right back, they ought to hire more qualified entertainment.” The only response was Bon-Bon’s snickering. Lyra smiled as she picked up her glass once more, a simple levitation spell disguised her magic working through the wires. 　　 Another spark introduced itself to Vinyl, causing her to topple over on top of Octavia, who had been checking the connections. A very unceremonious “oof” escaped their mouths as they collapsed to the floor. Smiling sheepishly, the unicorn picked herself up, and offered a hoof to the cellist, who gratefully accepted. Before she was able to pull Octavia up, a wire slithered itself upwards, shocking Vinyl on the flank. Already sore from the previous times, and being in a bad position for balance, the DJ fell face-first into Octavia’s very surprised lips. After barely catching an “eep” that would make Fluttershy proud, the two remaining at the table hoof bumped, and eagerly awaited the rest of the night. Bon-Bon’s plan came into blossom as the hours passed, including a few more bottles, a karaoke duet, and a flying turtle that Lyra had found wandering the place. > Amplify > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Three years ago 　 　The nightclub was rather busy this night, probably due to the copious amounts of advertising Management had pushed out to spotlight their new DJ. The club scene was just picking up speed in Canterlot, and the introduction of a new disk jockey had peaked the interest of many a party pony. However, due to the city being full of stuck up snobs, each nightclub had to be soundproofed to the outside world, leaving those wandering the streets at this late hour unaware of the events within. 　　 Loud, pumping music and brilliantly flashing lights were side effects of the showmare’s work, the direct result was the simple fact that everypony was dancing. Many DJ’s could produce the two former, but it was trademark for Vinyl Scratch when latter came into existence. 　　 Management sat back and smiled as his profits steadily grew larger, due to a devious little game that just so happened to be Vinyl’s brainchild. As she stood at her equipment, doing whatever it is that DJs do (Management couldn't care less), she challenged anypony to mix a drink and she would drink it mid performance. One would win the game if their drink could manage to break Vinyl from the performance, no matter how small the interruption. To most it appeared easy, just mix the worst drink possible, one that could drop anypony, however they didn't count on Vinyl downing anything they threw at her. Probably due to the secondary nullification spell she cast when she picked up the glass with her magic, it removed all alcohol (well most of it, she enjoyed a drink as much as the next pony) and negative side effects from any drink, allowing her to down the contents without hassle. 　　 With the prize growing larger with each failed attempt, Management sought to break out more and more supply barrels from the storeroom. This mare is getting a bonus, he thought as he surveyed the scene. Despite being new, Vinyl had a way with crowds, the bouncers were hardly needed. She loved to mingle, and sought to do so after every manual set, going so far as to dance on the floor with others during her preset mixes. With the magical equivalent of a Rolodex, she never forgot a pony’s name either, leaving her to be the most memorable event the club would have for quite sometime. 　　 “Hey! Shade wasn't it? Deal Shady?” The charismatic voice floated over to a mostly unoccupied table. “I remember you from last week in Manehatten.” Vinyl continued as she sat down next to the stallion. 　　 The stallion laughed, “Yes it is, great show you've got here.” 　　 “Why thanks! It means a lot when ponies like my work. Say, how’s the casino going? Las Pegasus?” 　　 A smile flashed upon his previously stoic face, “Pretty good at the moment, however it doesn't draw the crowds like Canterlot will.” He took another sip of whatever devilish concoction he had mixed himself, being a renowned drink maker. 　　 Vinyl smiled behind her signature shades, “But they don’t party like they do in Las Pegasus, these ponies are more sticks in the mud.” 　　 “So I've noticed,” Deal paused, “did you know that your light shows tend to reflect what type of audience you have?” 　　 Amusement flashed across her face as she turned to observe the lights. Abrupt stops and sudden color changes did in fact appear to describe the high class crowd of Canterlot as abrasive and unwilling to change. “It’s happened at your other shows too,” continued Deal. 　　 “You've been to my other gigs?” Vinyl asked with a smirk. 　　 “Yes I have, you’re quite the showmare, it’s entertaining.” Deal said, taking a sip, “drink?” He offered her the glass. 　　 “Why not?” Vinyl replied, taking a draft of the concoction. Forgetting her nullification spell in the process. 　　 “Say, couldn't the lights do with a bit more pop though?” the stallion remarked, “You know, change it up, make it reflect you rather than the stuck ups?” 　　 Considering this to be a good idea, but noticing a few flaws, Vinyl pointed out, “I would, but I’m already using them to their extent, I’d need some more lights.” 　　 “Actually, I have a few spells that would fix that,” pressed Deal. “I could teach one to you.” 　　 “Sure! I could always use more help.” The white mare mused, her words slightly slurred. 　　 “Watch” he said as his magic flared up. A purple hue twisted around lights, and increased the overall power to them, but leaving the colors and patterns intact, “I’ll let you fill in the colors and rotations.” Deal touched the tip of his horn to hers, briefly igniting with his magic. 　　 “Alright, so like this?” Her horn shown as she directed her magic to the lights, embedding them with power, but to no avail. 　　 “Try this, think about yourself, what do you like the most about yourself.” the stallion coaxed. 　　 Her face twisted in concentration until the lights started to change. Taking a deep breath she surveyed as the lights switched shades to two different hues of blue. 　　 “Your mane,” He observed, “It’s very pretty.” One couldn't be sure if he was talking about the lights or the actual thing. This might cause apprehension to others, but Vinyl had completely forgotten about the stallion or even any negative consequences of his drink as she pondered the uses of her new light show, as the purple hue wrapped around the lights retracted itself and the green tint faded from her eyes. > Sonata > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- One Year Ago The smell of fresh coffee permeated the air, mixing with the cool air as the door to the cafe opened once more. The barista was accustomed to the sight of the grey mare who had entered; it was a common place to find Octavia relaxing before or after a performance. It struck him odd that this mare was Octavia, she always came alone, but this time with another mare. Cuppa Joe couldn’t quite place her however, a gaudy pair of sunglasses rested on the bridge of her muzzle; making it very difficult to discern who’s eyes rested behind them. The machines whirred to life as Joe started the process of making her usual order then turning around to take said order. Octavia wasted no time in ordering exactly what he was already making, but her friend took much longer, having gotten caught up in the pretty sight of the pastries in the display window. Taking a pair of tongs, Joe fished out the pastry the unicorn decided on and bagged it. Announcing its arrival with a ding, the coffee maker spat out the rest of Octavia’s coffee, to which he hoofed over to the mare. The distinct clink of bits hitting the counter was heard as the two mares ventured into the cafe to find seating. “So Miss Scratch, tell me about yourself.” Octavia took a sip of her drink. “I was unaware that this was an interview, what job am I applying for?” A smirk was barely visible on the other mare’s muzzle. Octavia’s eyes widened. “Oh no! Was this too formal? Oh dear, I’m not very good at this.” “Relax, I was joking, plus there’s not that much to tell. Middle class family, college degree in audio engineering, local DJ and artist.” Vinyl replied, taking a bite out of the doughnut. “However I’m a little more interested in your story.” “Well... I grew up in Trottingham, but now my parents live in Fillidelphia. My sister, Crescendo still lives in our old childhood home. My family have been in the classical scene for quite some time, my father Virtuoso Philharmonica is a violinist, as was his father before him... And you’re asleep aren’t you?” “Huh, wa? Uh, no, no I wasn’t, just listening so intently I had to shut down other senses.” Vinyl flushed with embarrassment. Noticing that her reply wasn’t going to satisfy, the unicorn shifted in her seat. “Late gig, sorry.” The steam continued to escape the mugs as the two ponies soaked in the atmosphere around them. A few minutes passed as the two studied every minute detail of the store, hardly glancing at each other, in the awkward sort of way first dates tended to be. “So, uh, when’s the gig?” Vinyl broke the silence. “Hm?” “You said you had a gig tonight, or something.” She clarified. “Oh yes, although it’s hardly a gig, I’m performing there.” Octavia pointed a hoof towards the window at the rather impressive concert hall down the block. Vinyl rubbed a hoof along the back of her neck. “Oh yeah, I knew that.” Silence was allowed to reign for a moment more. “Does this mean I need to dress fancy? ‘cause I don’t usually do that sort of thing.” “Yes, usually the audience would wear dresses or other formal attire.” Octavia smiled as she set down her cup. The smile turned into a laugh at the look of horror that became Vinyl. “However I’m sure you don’t have to... Just do something with that mane.” “Hey, my mane’s fine.” “If you were to stick glow sticks in it like a ponified Hearth’s Warming tree.” “Exactly!” The eyebrow was a reply enough for Vinyl. “Ok, I’ll do something with my mane, when exactly do you perform?” “In about an hour. I usually come here before concerts.” Octavia explained. “Leaving me with no time, I’llseeyouthereTrebleClef,bye!” Vinyl said as she exited the store at a rather high velocity. “Oh,” Vinyl reappeared at the door, “I had a fantastic time.” Helpless but to smile at the energy of the unicorn, Octavia sat for a while; peering out at the busy streets outside her little abode. Reluctantly pulling herself to her hooves, Octavia trotted out the door and in the direction of the Concert Hall. 　　　 ------------------- The Concert Hall was built around 500 AB* and remained one of Canterlot’s noted buildings since its founding. Sweeping arcs, delicately carved pillars, and woven tapestries all added to the feel of the place. The exact opposite feel that one Vinyl Scratch was used to. A type of quietness was associated with the place, despite the fact that there was a small din raised from the many voices of the aristocracy in conversation. To be precise Vinyl felt quite overwhelmed. Fancy ponies in fancy clothing, a thousand smug looks on a thousand smug faces, she didn’t know where to begin. All she had was a simple braid done up and her traditional glasses. However she started to feel that it would be best for her to take them off. “Vinyl!” A voice proclaimed behind her. “You look fantastic!” BonBon trotted up with Lyra on her tail. That was almost quite literal, Lyra was actually sitting on her back, however she didn’t take up much room. “She likes to try new spells,” BonBon explained, “Not all of them work.” Lyra crossed her tiny little hooves with a look of contempt. Vinyl laughed at the sight, “I know that feeling, sometimes backfires can be quite expensive, at least you got to look cute out of it.” “Hmph.” A tiny muzzle was pushed up in the air away from Vinyl. “So I’m guessing Octavia is backstage?” Vinyl inquired, “I’m not used to this whole “formality” thing.” “Yes, she is. we should probably go find some suitable seating.” BonBon confirmed. They made their way to the main doors, filing in behind the throng of ponies making their way inside. Curtains opened, the crowd waited as the orchestra readied their instruments. The conductor raised his baton. The music started. A few hours passed and Vinyl walked into the lobby in a half stupor. “That was amazing!” She exclaimed, only to be hushed by those around her. Lowering her voice, “I didn’t know she played like that.” Vinyl addressed the pair as they walked behind her. “Yes, she’s very good at what she does.” BonBon smiled. “In all honesty, she’s one of the best.” Piped up a small voice. “Speaking of which...” Vinyl trailed off as she trotted toward the archway Octavia had just appeared from. Before she could reach the cellist however, Octavia was more or less swarmed by ponies of all types. Getting a favor or pushing their products seemed to be the major trend, but sometimes it was just getting in her good wishes. The sight was almost sad to Vinyl. A long hard battle of politeness and courtesies ensued, with Octavia finally breaking out of being smothered by high class. “Treble Clef!" Only to be smothered again, however this one’s a little more bearable. Vinyl let go of the embrace, only to invade personal space once more. Eye to rather large eye, the unicorn exclaimed, “I didn’t know you could play like that!” Regaining her composure and straightening her bowtie, Octavia replied, “So I see you liked it?” 　　 “I loved it! Other than, you know, it being boring classical stuff.” The sudden change in demeanor brought a laugh from her friends. 　　 “I’m glad you could make it.” The cellist turned to BonBon, subsequently face-hoofing at Lyra. 　　 “We wouldn’t miss it.” BonBon smiled. “You always manage to bring out such emotion in your pieces, I do believe even Vinyl shed a little tear.” 　　 “Did not!” 　　 “Did too!” The little voice spoke up once again 　　 “Thank you girls, now I hate to seem like such a rush, but can we move on out of here? This place is always so tiring.” Octavia proved her point with a yawn. The ponies squeezed through the crowd leaving the building and found themselves in the fresh air on the sidewalks of the city. It was a calm night, slightly chilly however, and the light wind wasn’t helping heat up anyone. 　　 “So which bar do we go to first for the afterparty?” Vinyl inquired. 　　 “I don’t usually spend my nights after concerts getting hammered....” Octavia started. 　　 “Too bad, you are now.” The unicorn took the lead down the sidewalk, moving toward the entertainment side of town. 　　 The rest of that night passed with more or less of a blur. Three ponies downing mugs, the last downing a thimble, and they celebrated Vinyl’s way until early in the morning. 　　------------------- 　　 It was cold. At least there was a source of warmth, otherwise Octavia might have to actually get out of bed. She didn’t want that, being up way too late and with a little too much to drink has that effect on you. There was that blasted cold again. Octavia buried herself in the warmth next to her. Then the warmth did the same. Confused, Octavia’s eyelids fluttered open; greeted by a mop of electric blue hair. 　 “Good morning Treble Clef.” The electric blue hair remarked, then protested as Octavia tried to get to her hooves. Nothing says good morning like a splitting headache, Octavia winced. Wait, why is Vinyl in my bed? Octavia turned around. Vinyl was trying to go back to sleep, Lyra (back to good old full size again) and BonBon were passed out on the couch, and everything seemed peaceful. However that still didn't answer her question. I don’t have a couch in my bedroom. She stopped to gather her wits and ultimately her surroundings, and to her surprise, she stood in the middle of a messy hotel room. Bewildered, she opened the curtains, getting quite the protest from Vinyl. She didn’t seem to notice however, because the bright shining Ponyville morning was staring back at her. 　　 　　“Oh jeez.”