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1“Octavia! Are you okay?”
2She stood there, her hollow gaze not of death but emptiness.
3“Say something!” Vinyl yelled with a screech that threatened her own voice
4“Something.”
5 
6 
7Neon lights flash through the club amidst the sea of bodies. From hips, limbs and horns the neon bounces wildly while the spotlights shining onto the dance floor flicker in rhythm with the rapid beat. The heat from the many sweating bodies lost in the moment combats the conditioned atmosphere making the air thin and intoxicating. Dozens dance together, others freely, and more exchanging partners left and right.
8From atop the DJ’s booth a vanilla unicorn masters the track and bobs her head. Her gradient purple glasses seemingly immune to the flashing colors hide whatever mischievous eyes play along with her smile that carries the glint of a puppet master. A sharp electric blue aura as bright as her mane radiates from her horn and manages her station.
9The crowd is completely at her mercy, but she is a benevolent ruler. The music flows in tune with the mood giving the ponies all the reason to stay close in the pit. They have come to her domain to have a good time and she will play the part of matchmaker; slowing the intensity when they needed a rest or when enough single lovers found someone to share the night. Back and forth the music sways, each cycle rewarding a new set of couples until it was time to shut the party down.
10Some would still go home alone tonight, but that is unavoidable. Those ponies will just have to come and try again tomorrow.
11 
12DJ-Pon3, as she was called on stage, steps away from the booth sweating from the warmth throughout her entire body. Even as the maestro she is not immune to the hypnotic effects. No, in fact her position perhaps makes her the most vulnerable. It was a rush, a thrill, a love. She gets to do what she loved, and so she goes to her employer with a smile.
13“Great job, Vinyl; another amazing night. Go have a drink on me. Shoot, have ten.”
14Rocket Snail was by most accounts a normal, if eccentric, earth pony; his beige coat with brown mane and tail both tipped with blonde highlights. Being an old friend she knew those highlights were an attempt at holding onto his youth. She also knew how much he loved his conflicted name, and those who did business with him quickly learned how aptly it fit. When he saw an opportunity he jumped at it, and when a deal had to be weighed he analyzed absolutely everything.
15“What, are you going to pay and bounce?” Vinyl teased.
16“Sorry, I have a few contracts I need to go over.”
17“Pfft, you’ll be on those all night.”
18“Exactly. I’d like to get some sleep before Saturday’s show, and it would be rude to keep a lady waiting.”
19“When did you become such a grandpa?”
20“I am not a grandpa.”
21“And I’m not a lady. Come on, I’m pent up and ready to cut loose.”
22 
23Rocket looks to the bar in question, his eyes lingering on the penguin graphic denoting the name of his club. Cost and profit juggle in his mind, and with the temptation of sleep against the curse of tiredness the cons tip the imaginary scales, but in spite of his certainty there was a factor logic could never beat.
24“For old times’ sake.” He sighs.
25Having won the day Vinyl silently cheers, her perfect record remaining spotless, and they take a seat at the bar. In accordance with their own tradition they both pound a set of drinks back to back then hold off on their third. Vinyl takes the drinks like a champ then turns her attention to Rocket who holds a hoof over his mouth before recovering.
26“So,” Vinyl starts, “no after party tonight, huh?”
27“Like I said, working on some new talent.”
28“You got all the talent you need right here, baby.”
29Rocket taps twice on the table bringing another set of drinks. He immediately takes one, which Vinyl follows, then after recovering stares into her glasses with the eyes of a dreamer right at the cusp of their defining moment.
30“I always told you I was going to make it big,” Rocket begins with a fire akin to the one growing in their stomachs, “Bringing this club to the top was a great start and we had a lot of fun, but it’s not where I’m going to stop. I want to become a publisher. I’ll have my own company. I’ll bring today’s upstarts to nationwide fame.”
31Vinyl was thankful to have her glasses to cover the wince. It was true, he did tell her all these things and the passion in his voice made her happy for him allowing her to keep the smile, but for all his business savvy he has just blurted out the want for more than her.
32“And,” he continues without noticing his audience’s uneasiness, “I want you to join me as a partner. 50/50. Even Steven.”
33She nearly spits her drink.
34“Me?”
35“I may run this joint, but you are the one bringing the crowd every weekend. My other  DJ’s can hold their own on the weekday and a few have real potential, but it was you who pushed Club Penguin to be the premier club in Canterlot.”
36 Rocket was being sincere and Vinyl’s cheeks flush ruby red matching her covered eyes. She was not a mare to be caught off guard or stumble with a witty remark, but these thoughts spin her head in circles.
37“W-when are you doing this?”
38“Are you really asking? I know you’re smarter than that.”
39 “…the contract. You…you’ve already started. How long?”
40Rocket claps his hooves together and gives a short whiney.
41“I knew you’d catch on. I’ve been talking with the DJ’s for about a month, and I am giving my most promising one a shot tomorrow.”
42“Tomorrow? So you don’t need me to come in then?”
43“Sorry, I meant to tell you sooner but I’ve been kept busy getting everything in order. I don’t need you to DJ, but I do want you to come in to see what she’s got. I was also planning to ask you about the offer then, but you coaxed me to drink; so here we are. What do you say?”
44 
45This was a big leap, an opportunity she never once considered herself. Her place is the DJ and the booth her throne. However, she could answer an even higher calling. She could become a kingmaker to those she found worthy of passing her scepter to. It is a truly illustrious dream.
46But not hers. At least not now. Vinyl was not done being DJ-Pon3.
47“Thanks, but no thanks. I still want to focus on my music. I always knew you’d go on to pull a stunt like this, and I think it is great. Keep following your dream and I’ll keep following mine. Maybe in the future I’ll take you up on the offer.”
48Rocket, smiling through disappointment, raises his last glass to Vinyl.
49“Completely understandable. The best of luck to both of us.”
50“Cheers.”
51 
52 
53 
54Late into the early morning the drunken DJ stumbles her way home keeping herself as quiet as she can manage in her state. Sneaking through the pitch black she relies solely on the light of her horn to navigate the minimalist living room with its long grey couch where she used to crash on nights like these before being banished from the room entirely by her roommate for forgetting to clean. Onwards she struggles through the tiled kitchen ignoring the stack of dirty dishes in the sink; a problem for a more sober mind. Finally she makes it to the door marking her room, and swings it open.
55Albums, music sheets, notes and invitations litter the floor in whatever order they were received. Only the commonly used paths from the door to her bed to her desk show any of the original surface like a forest trail worn into the time capsule of junk. Her desk is equally cluttered with the tools of her trade and the experiments of a passionate mind. Her turntable dominates the center with a stack of vinyl records readily available to switch out at a moment’s notice. A keyboard with hundreds of buttons alongside the standard keys sits off to the left and angled towards the chair making the second part of her three piece station. On the right of the turntable is a large blocky mixer with just as many switches as the keyboard that links the entire set together with several winding cords coming to an end at the set of headphones capable of drowning out the world. More music sheets and notepads claim the admittedly little free space in various stages of completion.
56Although her pride and joy; there shall be no music tonight. Her target the bed, the last defining feature of the room complete with a neighboring nightstand holding her alarm clock and a small metronome. Despite its size the metronome is the most luxurious thing in her room. A small wooden triangle stained pure black, the needle made of solid gold perfectly crafted to stand straight. No lettering or numbers are wasted, only discrete ticks marking the ranges a master of its use would already be familiar with. The one imperfection is the short message squiggled in a penmanship just as elegant.
57‘Follow your own beat. We may not always see eye to eye, but you will always be my friend.’
58Plopping herself onto the mattress she gives herself over to its soft embrace. Using her magic to remove her glasses she sets them on the nightstand and her saggy eyes fall on her favorite gift. A gentle smile worms its way onto her lips, and with a tap of her hoof the golden rod sings its rhythm serving as her lullaby.
59 
60 
61The afternoon sun fights against the curtains to gain entry, but the heavy set cloth keeps the room drenched in darkness. In the darkness a constant ticking can be heard, the metronome continuing its duty throughout the night. With every fourth tick Vinyl’s ear flicks perhaps holding the tempo created in her dream world. However, the noise also plays on her slowly waking mind helping to end the dream just as much as creating it. Grudgingly she stretches her hooves into her pillow and examines her nappy mane in the reflection of her glasses until the invisible song fades to a memory.
62 
63With no reason to stay in bed she uses her magic to pull the curtains open and get ready for a new day, forgoing the shades for now. Despite her weary red eyes she maneuvers the trails of her messy room made all the more clear in the daylight without hassle. As she makes her way to the kitchen the sound of porcelain gently clashing amidst running water brings a sudden guilt.
64“Shoot.” She curses in her mind.
65Vinyl’s long time friend and current roommate Octavia stands at the sink where the mountain of dishes has all but disappeared. Her light grey coat is impeccable as always, not a hair out of place, and her flowing dark grey mane that sweeps diligently down her body to be both clean and distinct gives her appearance an enviable freshness. Her neck is bare, lacking the pink bow with white collar she wears on nearly every occasion. If it was anyone else who caught her in such an informal state it would almost be scandalous.
66Some say she is Vinyl’s exact opposite, but the bobbing of her head to an unheard beat and vacant stare that fails to notice her company is one Vinyl is intimately familiar with, and one she takes advantage of by getting as close as possible.
67“Morning.” Vinyl blurts out.
68Octavia shakes her head with gritting teeth and flat ears. Her wide eyes hunt for the interloper. Finding the culprit Octavia settles with a pert smile.
69“Afternoon Vinyl. Get in late again?”
70“You know me. The party don’t stop until the DJ drops.”
71“And you egged Rocket to drink didn’t you?”
72“Of course.” Vinyl responds purely on instinct which thankfully covers her mental pause as last night’s conversation comes flooding back.
73“It’s the same every week.  I wonder if that poor stallion ever gets any sleep. How is he by the way?”
74This time Octavia is left with her question hanging in the air. Having slept off the hype of the club her thoughts return to the offer with a calmer perspective.
75“Equestria to Vinyl.”
76Hype or not, music is her life.
77“Sorry, spaced out there for a second. You know Rocket, constantly busying himself with new projects.”
78“You know what they say about burning the candle at both ends. Speaking of, I suppose you have another show tonight.”
79And there’s the sting, but she plays it off with a silly smile.
80“Nope. Got the night off.”
81Octavia’s eyes widen at the news and she drops the plate right back into the water. Turning to give her undivided attention she even places her soap-soaked hooves onto the tile floor before drying them, forming puddles to be cleaned up later.
82“Really?”
83“Yeah. Figure it’s been a while since I’ve been the club crawler myself so I might as well switch it up for a change. Remind me what they see.”
84“Guess I could have actually left the dishes for you to do instead of assuming you’d forget before work again.”
85“I have the best intentions. Tell you what, I’ll get back before your concert is over and cook us a nice dinner to make up for it.”
86“Something edible and not microwave ready?”
87“How does Vinyl’s famous wuboroni and cheese sound?”
88“Although I still disapprove of your name I cannot fault your methods.” Octavia hums in approval.
89“Awesome, it’s a date. Make sure you wear that bow I like.”
90“And you try to show up not smelling like a pig.”
91They trade mocking smiles and Vinyl returns to her room while Octavia finally notices the puddle at her hooves.
92 
93Having reached the same conclusion to Rocket’s offer twice and with a dinner to look forward to, Vinyl jumps into her improvised studio and happily begins work on a brand new track.
94“So I miss a paycheck this week. Just more time to work on my album.”
95Various lights turn on, the records on the turntable spin and headphones slip over her ears sending the DJ-that-could into another world. Lost to everything including the sensation of hunger she fails to notice the passing hours until the sun completes its journey and the starry sky signals her break.
96In the city the night clubs prepare for their busy Saturday. Ponies wanting to celebrate the weekend with loud music, excitement, and hopefully strangers who become something a bit more line up at the various clubs. The honor of having the longest line falls on Club Penguin where DJ-Pon3, with her signature glasses, gets instant access. A waitress leads her to a booth where Rocket Snail sits in anticipation.
97“Ah, Vinyl, so good to see you. I wasn’t sure if you would come.” He cheers while asking the waitress to bring extra drinks.
98Vinyl slides into the seat across from him.
99“Came to check out my competition.”
100“Heh. I have a feeling you’ll like her.”
101“Don’t feel bad if I step out early. I promised Octavia I’d treat her to dinner.”
102“What’s the occasion?”
103“I forgot to do the dishes.”
104Rocket is riddled with a bubbling laugh.
105“If that was the case you’d be treating her to dinner every night.”
106The poor waitress returns with the drinks to see her boss having a giggle fit and waivers on whether to interrupt. Vinyl helps herself to the shots, instantly pounding both then placing the empties on the tray sending the waitress away for a refill.
107“If I made dinner every night there’d just be more dishes. I’m thinking economically. For her sake.”
108Rocket props a hoof on the table and leans his head against it regaining his composure.
109“Yes, yes, her sake. How is she by the way? I haven’t seen her since our opening night.”
110“She’s still Octavia; a fussy pain in the butt when something isn’t how she likes it, but otherwise pretty chill. And you know as well as I do that this ain’t her type of scene.”
111“So true, so very true. I should go to one of her concerts. Ah, but enough talk. High Drop is about to do her thing.”
112 
113Vinyl turns to the pony in her booth. The green unicorn with orange mane and tail wears a dark visor over her eyes with a bright green trim matching her coat. Giant headphones rock with her bouncing head, one side on her ear the other off, and a gold star adorns her cheek.
114The mare kicks a record sending it flipping high into the air which she catches with her mouth and her horn glows orange creating a misty haze refracted by the strobe lights. A soft synthesized piano solely builds the underlining tempo, quiet yet energetic. As the volume increases a brass quarter beat joins in running faster and faster each cycle until it is a repeating 1/8th beat along with the rhythm.  A single distorted snare flies through and the song takes off with the crowd cheering wildly. The dance floor comes alive in an instant.
115Vinyl remains in her seat steadily watching while her mind measures the notes, however, her body cannot help but bounce along. The song is catchy, the hook sling-shotting from tension to energetic release perfectly giving a strong rush. It keeps the tempo going letting the sensation ride, but as the loop carries on it becomes repetitive.
116Still the crowd loves it. SHE loves it. Despite all the theories about transitions smoothly connecting segments to keep the music active and engaging, this single rhythm barely changes. The song is practically begging her to dance and she has no idea why.
117Vinyl looks to Rocket who also moves with the groove. Catching Vinyl’s stare his grin widens. As a long time friend the unspoken question is as obvious as if the glasses didn’t exist at all.
118”You feel it? That tickle in the back of your head? It’s a new style combining magic with melody.”
119Vinyl turns to the DJ whose horn has never stopped shining. The cloud charged with her hue hovers above ponies heads throughout the entire building, including Vinyl’s booth.
120“It’s asking for more, isn’t it?” Rocket slithers, “Go ahead. Let it in.”
121 
122Vinyl surrenders. Her mental barriers drop and welcome the onslaught. Sweet euphoria jolts her body as tentacles of pleasure dig deep into her brain. The beat, the lights, the crowd, the very air! They are a part of her now covering every inch of skin. She can literally taste the colors; the sweet, sweet cherry colors.
123Vinyl rises from her seat to join the dance floor without giving a single thought about Rocket or the cocky grin he has when she leaves. There is only one thing on her mind and no argument exists powerful enough to coax away her need to dance.
124Random stallions and mares join as her partner before switching with another and she is acutely aware of the sensual brushes of her flank, though sees no reason to stop it. In fact, she replies in kind. She is a party mare entangled in a group of party ponies, and she follows their example to please the puppet master.
125After the final song the spell breaks of its own accord, freeing the crowd. Once more at the helm of her own body, Vinyl’s thoughts of maybe taking one of the ponies home are replaced with an equally powerful need to speak with Rocket who remains right where he was since the beginning.
126“Was really something, huh?” Rocket beams with her approach.
127“What was that?”
128“The next big thing. Music and magic married at last.”
129“How? What did she do?”
130“You noticed the cloud, yes? That, my dear friend, was a room wide suggestion spell.”
131“Suggestion spell? You’ll have to remind me, I didn’t pay much attention in psycho-magics class. Isn’t that what therapists use, and don’t you have to agree to it for it to work?”
132“Precisely, but you don’t have to physically tell the pony that you agree to the spell. When cast, it asks for itself and you can then say yes or no. If someone is, say, too busy analyzing the music to respond to the spell then it won’t really do anything. Once you say yes, however, everything changes.”
133“Sounds kinda like cheating.”
134“The music is a big part of the whole thing. The magic just takes it to the next level. Anyone who says no won’t be affected at all so it still has to be catchy.”
135“How’s that work?”
136“Perhaps that is something better answered herself.”
137Rocket raises his hoof and waves to one of the waitresses who goes off to find tonight’s big star. Shortly thereafter, said pony emerges from backstage.
138Her visor hangs in her mane revealing her amber eyes that are held open desperate to drink the atmosphere of the club; her handiwork. Her body huffs and puffs with shaking energy, and the smile plastered on her face is so absolute that the combined might of the princesses’ themselves would be unable to remove it.
139Vinyl looks fondly over the mare recalling the uncontainable high of her own first official show.
140“Hey Boss. The show went great, didn’t it? Everypony loved it! I still can’t believe it. I keep pinching myself thinking it’s a dream. If every show makes me feel like this I don’t think I’ll ever be able to sleep again!”
141Rocket smiles and directs a hoof to you.
142“You did great, kid, and I’m not the only one that thinks so.”
143 
144The wound up pony who thought her night could in no way get any better turns to Vinyl. Despite the sharp breath of surprise the air in her lungs all but disappears. Two hooves make a feeble attempt to cover her gaping mouth caught as wide as a fisher’s net, and every fiber of her being tingles with paralysis.
145“Y-you’re DJ-Pon3.”
146“And you must be High Drop.”
147The following squee is as loud as it is obnoxious.
148“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! DJ-Pon3 is talking to ME!”
149 “She’s a huge fan.” Rocket mumbles to Vinyl.
150“I gathered.” She replies before returning to High Drop, “Those were some sick beats you put on. Can’t say I’ve heard anything like it.”
151“Thanks. You’re a HUGE inspiration. Your music always takes me to a magically place when I hear it, and I’ve been studying your style for years hoping to at least capture the tiniest fragment of that energy and control you put in your mixes. I know I’ll never be quite as good as you, but wow, just hearing your praise makes it all worthwhile.” High Drop says while bouncing in place.
152“Don’t sell yourself short. I’m a regular pony just like everypony else, and you definitely show real potential.”
153“Everypony else? Everypony else?! You’re DJ-Pon3! You reinvented magically tuned music!”
154“And from what I’ve seen you’ve taken it a step farther. Until now, the only magic I’ve seen paired with music was for sound modulation and light shows. What you did was pretty creative. Did you come up with it yourself?”
155“Yup. I had some help with the spell elements from a friend studying Advanced Mental Magics, but I spent my entire thesis modifying the spell and getting the two to work together. After that I started working here waiting for my big chance.”
156“Impressive. With tonight’s show I’d say you’ll be a known DJ in no time.”
157“Oooh that’d be a dream come true. If you want I can tell you how I got the magic to finally work.”
158“Sure. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious myself.”
159“Cool, but first I’d like your opinion on something. I’ve been thinking about my DJ name and I wanted something with more attitude. What do you think of Da Rude?”
160‘Heh. Kids.’
161“I think you have a winner there.”
162 
163Late into the night the white unicorn slinks her way into her home still weary from the onslaught of information. The exercise reminds her why magic would never be her talent, but the possibilities, oh the possibilities.
164High Drop, or Da Rude, was a clever pony. Once she improves her ear for mixing and rhythm she will likely take the industry by storm. No wonder Rocket was rushing to get her on stage, which means another weekend of her taking Vinyl’s place. One week as a feeler is a great way to prep a DJ for the next level. Two weeks in a row is but the start of a trend.
165Vinyl pulls her latest bank statement from somewhere amongst the top layer of her carpet of junk and scrutinizes the dates and numbers as much as her weary eyes will allow. Having a party of their own, the characters dance between their lines mingling the text into a jumbled wordplay. She hunts for the most important and reins them in enough to find the total, then attacks with the gauntlet of future expense.
166Each bit of spending that has taken her very rewarding paycheck and knocked it down from modest to meager savings lands like blow upon blow on her own body. Did she really need a new set of neon lights every week? Did her show use too many unicorn lasers? Was a subwoofer the size of a shed necessary?
167‘Octavia would have a field day.’
168Regardless, neither the mind nor body was willing to toil any longer. She gives a huff as she throws the paper aside.
169“It’ll last me.”
170At that she finally puts herself to sleep, once more pushing the little golden needle to sing as her lullaby.
171 
172The next morning another sunrise arrives with clacking porcelain. Magenta eyes shoot open and four hooves scamper across the floor.
173“Ocatavia! I’m so sorry! I completely forgot about dinner!”
174There is neither a jump nor splash at the intrusion. Instead, the dressed up pony continues with her task while acknowledging her roommate with a simple hum.
175“It’s okay, I’m not mad at you. I should have known better.”
176“This isn’t like the other times,” Vinyl screams, “I was caught by the music. Honest.”
177“Oh?” she feigns, “Hypnotized by the siren song of the club and before you knew it you were stumbling home in the late hours of the evening? That sounds EXACTLY like the other times.”
178“But this time was different. She used music AND magic.”
179“You’ve been pairing music and magic for years, and Equine Lumination Orchestra mastered the art before that.”
180“It’s not light shows and synthesizers making a unique performance. This is an actual spell that hits the audience along with the beat.”
181Octavia ceases with her chores and gives her full attention to Vinyl.
182“Explain.” She demands.
183A smile works its way onto Vinyl’s face.
184 “You know how a catchy song will make your body move all on its own? Imagine that amped up to 11. The feeling becomes so strong even a stick in the mud pony like yourself would be out on the dance floor despite how much you hate it.”
185“I don’t hate dancing. I hate the aimless, unrestrained waving and bouncing you ’club goers’ try to pass off as dancing.”
186“And you’d be shaking that hot stuff of yours just as bad if you were there.”
187“I highly doubt that.”
188“You may be right; you are a master level scrooge. It is still rather ingenious though. Who would have thought to pair musical hypnosis with magical hypnosis?”
189“So she used magic to make you feel captivated? Sounds like cheating.”
190“I SAID THE SAME THING! But there is more to it than that. If the music isn’t catchy the spell won’t work, and her songs are packed with energy so that you can’t help but shake your butt.”
191Octavia scoffs and returns to her dishes.
192“Subtle.”
193“Rocket’s pushing it as a whole new genre. He calls it Trance.”
194“That does sound like an apt description. Still, making ponies dance against their will sounds rather unethical.”
195Vinyl takes the silent cue and grabs a pear from the fridge for breakfast.
196“You still can’t force a pony to do something she doesn’t want to. If there is something else on their mind they’ll break the spell no problem.”
197“Like dinner with a friend?”
198She also took the bait.
199“Ouch. Low blow.”
200Octavia gives a curt bow of the head.
201“You left yourself wide open.”
202Taking one last bite of her pear, Vinyl sets it on the counter and crouches low.
203“Oh yeah?”
204Like a mouse trap, Vinyl springs forward tackling Octavia to the ground. Soft playful hooves blitz the well groomed grey body throwing her victim into a giggle fit. The defender flails wildly to no avail, her dainty blows a feeble attempt against a friend.
205“Stop, stop, Vinyl stop. You know I—” a strong laugh interrupt then passes, “I hate being tickled.”
206“I know it is your greatest weakness alright.”
207The mock fight continues with one set of hooves constantly seeking for openings against the sheltered crab while the other set struggles to deflect the stream of itsy blows. A push here makes an opening for a quick tickle, a blow there seals the vulnerability.
208“Unlce! Uncle!”
209The triumphant Vinyl graciously accepts her opponents surrender, ceasing her attacks and letting her catch her breath. Octavia’s well kept mane now tasseled on the floor, fiery purple eyes watch the unicorn waiting for the next move while a playful nook of a smile whispers to the victor that this is no true defeat.
210Vinyl offers her own cocksure smile; her tongue creeping pass her teeth before hiding back in its hole. She then holds out a hoof to help her friend off the ground.
211“I’ll make it up to you.”
212“I’ve heard that one before.” Octavia quips
213Vinyl cannot help but smile wider as Octavia takes the hoof.
214“Promise.”
215Once back in her room Vinyl jumps into her desk chair with a splash. Her horn glows bright, firing up the mixer and bringing the keyboard to life. The day her album comes alive is today.
216 
217“Alright, where to start first? Do things in order or get right to the fun?”
218Years of inspiration and planning flood in. Where she would not only create a set of songs but have them blend together so essentially that to listen to it out of order would be heresy. This was to tell a story. Her story.
219Vinyl’s childhood was like most others; happy, playful, no real worries other than school. The world seemed huge and the possibilities endless. The introductory song would need to be calm yet upbeat like an afterschool special.
2201-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4
221She adds two rows of strings with separate high note chords. One set falls on the 1 and 3 mark, the other on the 2 and 4. The beat stays simple.
222The large headphones on Vinyl’s ears bob with her head as she listens to the loop. Though mundane, it is fitting for the vibe and as a good starter. With maybe another tone on top to spice up the track the first song could be a short minute plus of just this to sort of welcome the listener. Octavia would probably like that.
223Vinyl’s tongue sticks out.
224“Nah.”
225The strings cut off and the bass line takes a dive and then blasts in three rows of drums; one high-hat, one snare, and one bass.
226Vinyl was a rambunctious child. No playing with dolls or house for her. Instead she spent as much time as she could at the playground or in the yard playing tag with the other foals. When the weather forced her to stay inside she would run around the house until both of her parents chased her into her room. A few minutes later she would check to see if the coast is clear and do it all over again; that is when her Dad wasn’t playing guard troll.
227It was her favorite game.
228The high-hat and snare alternate rapid taps in two sets like the running of four tiny legs, and the bass a booming four close behind.
229A single clap kills the sound and fades into silence. Track One done.
230 
231For her blend into Track Two the clap repeats. 1-2, 1-2, 1-2. Then the high-hat and snare reappears in a quicker six step of the many kids rampaging around the schoolyard all while in tune with the clap. 3-3-3-3-4-4, 3-3-3-3-4-4, 3-3-3-3-4-4. Amidst the chaos Vinyl stood out as the filly with unlimited energy always willing to rough house along with the colts. Every recess she was the last to come inside, still raring to go. Her Dad’s bass from the previous track becomes her own. It takes the role of marching drum as Vinyl would tempt other children to keep playing despite the end of recess. This of course came with upsetting many teachers whose high pitched nagging played as sickly strings. Vinyl earned quite the reputation to say the least.
232 
233A reputation that followed her as she grew just as the claps followed Track Two into Track Three. A softer snare and bass drum form a new traditional beat. This repeats twice where on the third clap the snare disappears to be taken over by electric piano dancing to two separate rhythms with the intensity of adolescence.
234School, the wrong crowd, hormones, discovery; these were the hallmarks of youth which her music adopts. The percussion as daunting as her homework, brass as noisy as her friends, the keyboard as free as her dreams, and then there were the strings. The out of place strings.
235Percussion, brass and keyboard fade to give center stage to the oncoming cello slowing the piece with a thoughtful melody. Reflection, wonder, hope; the essence of a young adult. Where Octavia—
236The faintest ringing of a classical sonnet played by an actual cello cuts through the gaps of Vinyl’s current track. Turning to the clock she sees that it is already evening and Octavia has begun her nightly practice session. Vinyl stops her work, looking outside to see the hours that must have passed in her creative daze. The mental exhaustion once held at bay instantly leaps at the chance to force itself on the DJ. With a yawn, she removes her headphones and leans back in her chair intent on merely resting her eyes while taking in the lone performance, but falling asleep.
237 
238Awaking in her chair to the rays of a new day Vinyl stretches the kinks out of her back with a series of loud pops. The sound of dirty dishes being cleaned is absent today, Octavia having already left for her rehearsal leaving Vinyl home alone. With a giddy jitter Vinyl jumps from her impromptu bed and takes her purse into the streets.
239‘A DJ never goes back on her word.’ Vinyl thought as she browses the local shops.
240She was going to make good on her promise. Surprise Octavia by attending tonight’s concert, treat the girl to a fancy dinner, and spend the night reminiscing about the good times. Vinyl also had an ulterior motive, chomping at the bit to let Octavia in on her latest project. However, given that she was about to attend one of Octavia’s concert she would have to dress formally which meant spending more of her currently limited funds.
241‘So it’s not the smartest financial move, but I can splurge a little. Besides, how much could a tie cost?’
242Entering Suits and Silk Vinyl takes one look at the bowties and immediately backpedals out of the store. Turns out even a simple bowtie can be pretty costly in the fancy stores.
243‘Let’s try something more modest.’
244Going to the general market Vinyl picks up the standard black tie every budding business pony wears. The price was well within budget, but this was the cheapest item on the list. In order to surprise Octavia her attendance needs to be a secret meaning no name dropping for a free ticket, not to mention everything is even more expensive when it is last minute. And then there is dinner…
245‘Let’s see if I can find a deal at any of these restaurants.’
246Continuing on her adventure Vinyl walks along the market checking sign after sign of menus left just close enough to the door to allow the fragrant smells of freshly cooked food to entice a step inside. Many of the restaurants had patio areas where ponies sat gossiping while their faces beamed in delight at their meals. It was enough to make Vinyl’s stomach grumble, but the prices were enough to make her wallet cry.
247‘Soup of the day, dinner of the week and tea of the month but not so much as a buy one get one half off. Why couldn’t Octavia be a salad bar kind of girl?’
248She sighs and looks to the marble pillars flanking an ornate ruby door guarded by a pristine white pegasus dressed in a black tuxedo. Equinimity. Octavia’s favorite spot.
249‘She’s worth it.’
250The DJ walks up to the concierge smiling as if putting on any other show.
251 “Reservations for two.”
252 
253Evening spreads across the land bringing a vibrant purple where the stars and Moon make their canvas. Ponies without plans wander through the streets which flicker to life ready to attract a different crowd. Far away from the town center, where the neon lights fail to enter, a half domed structure naturally painted bone white by the stone illuminates the nearby area in a mimicry of the rising Sun. The open stage surrounded by rows upon rows of slab bench seats aid in painting a stark contrast separating the natural night with artificial day. On the back of each bench is the mark of the Sun and Moon in the style of the Equestrian flag and paying respect to the sisters who originally patroned the great venue of Beethooven Amphitheatre.
254Among the suits in the crowd waiting for the start of the show hides a white unicorn whose fur works as a sort of camouflage with the matching seats, but she is easily given away by her electric blue mane and tail as well as her unprotected magenta eyes. As fashionable as the glasses are it would be poor taste to wear them here. A shame too; they went with the tie so well.
255On either side were groups of sharply dressed ponies mingling over topics such as rising business ventures, the last Gala, and who should host the next lawn party. None of them knew the fame of the pony sitting right by them anxiously watching the stage.
256“Excuse me, miss.”
257A blue stallion with a fading yellow mane sporting its fair share of grey approaches Vinyl, his suit tail as stiff as his natural one.
258‘Oh great.’ Vinyl thought while putting on her socializing face.
259“Yes?”
260“Are you by chance a regular here? I swear I recognize you, and Ignatius Eggnatius never forgets a face.”
261“I guess you could say that. I try to make it at least once every few months. Name’s Vinyl.”
262She extends her hoof for a shake which he takes from the underside and pulls her in to kiss the top.
263“A pleasure. I’m Ignatius Eggnatius, but you can call me Iggy for short. My parents had a rather peculiar sense of humor.”
264Vinyl casually retracts her hoof.
265“It sounds like it.”
266“If I may be so bold as to ask, how come you are sitting alone?”
267“Last minute. Didn’t have anyone on hoof to bring.”
268‘Or the funds to buy a second ticket.’
269“Ah, but I don’t mean why you did not bring friends. Socializing here is part of the fun. You can easily make many friends in a place like this.”
270“I came for the music.”
271“Don’t we all? I myself have been coming here for decades, not to age an old horse. It is always interesting to see how different each orchestra portrays the same music. My favorite is the flutes.”
272 “I’m more of a bass girl myself.”
273Even Vinyl cannot hide her cheeky grin, the sight of which fuels Iggy further.
274“A fellow aficionado. Splendid. The string section does have a wide range to it. Very passionate. Much too gloomy for my taste though. The flutes on the other hoof are so playful. They never fail to remind me of blind youth.”
275Vinyl was ready with another quip about hanging with the wrong crowd, but Iggy’s knowledge paired with his genuine response has her holding her tongue. Instead she changes gears to find one giving the due respect.
276“I totally get that vibe too. It’s kind of flirty and innocent at the same time whereas the bass is raw and thoughtful; depending on the tempo of course.”
277“Of course, of course. Are you a fan of this particular orchestra?”
278“Yeah, I’m kind of attached to it, but for other reasons.”
279Iggy’s ears swivel forward.
280“You don’t say? And who might that be?”
281Vinyl gives an honest grin.
282“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
283Before he can press for more the thick velvet curtain on stage rises to reveal the hundred pony strong orchestra.
284 
285Hushed whispers drift to silence as the violins ease a smooth lullaby with long drifts of their bow. To hear their song was to be floating down a lazy river like the bulb of a stray flower. Piano keys of ivory interject their own tempo adding swimming ducks passing by with the glee of spring while the cellos bring the fresh green grass along the river’s edge led by none other than Octavia herself. Flowers of all kinds bloom in the imagery as more and more of the orchestra joins this Ode to Life.
286Vinyl’s eyes stay solely on Octavia, watching her measured strokes while imagining her own hoof playing the act of conductor. To have such patience and skill; oh if only she could match that steady hoof. Iggy does not miss the desire in his new acquaintances eyes and he too takes a minute to admire the grey earth pony cellist in a pink bowtie plying her swings from the position of honor until the fluttering flutes mimicking the songbirds draw his attention.
287Eventually the instruments retract, save for the original violins, and then shortly begin again repeating the multitude of steps many times welcoming the onlookers to this special night. When the first symphony finally does come to an end the audience instantly rises with applause, stomping and clapping their hooves with both dignity and volume. The musicians ready themselves for the next course lacking the luxury of acknowledging their fame.
288Amidst the break Iggy takes the opportunity to lean over to Vinyl.
289“A friend of the principal cellist, eh?”
290Vinyl shakes her gaze free realizing where she is.
291“You guessed it, huh?”
292“It was either that or you weren’t quite the fan of the bass you proclaimed to be.”
293Vinyl ‘s grin shoots back in full force.
294“Yeah, that’s my girl.”
295“Are you perhaps her agent?”
296“Nah. Just friends for a long, long time.”
297 
298The music reawakens in flames and fury, the violins shooting rapid fire notes climbing the meter ladder. Flutes flutter their own rising staircases, looping alongside the violins. A few audible ‘wows’ seep from the crowd in awe of Classical’s often overlooked action scene. Suddenly three sharp raps from the cello group cut the sound to nothing.
299Quiet again. The stage idle. Musicians at rest.
300A piercing twinkle of ivory steals the upbeat tempo, mimicking the higher pitches slowly. Up, and down; up, and down. Each rotation builds steam gaining more and more speed like the wheels of a freight train. Then, the pony pianist kicks it to max.
301New notes mingle with the old transforming into a fully fledged solo; the dressed up pegasus of yellow flinging his hooves across the keyboard like a wild manticore caught in the fight of its life against the demanding sheet music. Somehow melody survives the arranged chaos bringing power and intensity to the jolly tone. Gasps of admiration sweep throughout the crowd echoing even further than those given to the violinists.
302Fire, rage, care. A motherly fervor of infinite forgiveness yet holding an ungodly power. The base chord stays deep and reliable, a safe haven amidst the tempest, while each shift brought something visceral. An essence of pride.
303A pause comes as well as roaring applause. The orchestra waits, the pianist catches his breath.
304Wood strikes wood.
305Bow hits the cello frame drawing the attention of the crowd to the principal cellist.
306Like a pillar of neutrality Octavia stands tall, her brow straight and lips a thin line. Not a single slight shows anything but trained professionalism. Placing bow to string, she pulls back. Then pushes. Then pulls. Then pushes.
307Each of the four notes receive their self contained pass embedding themselves into the audience’s mind. Vinyl need not the lesson; her focus remaining on the pony whose tail gives the faintest twitch.
308Four become one chaining their attacks into multi-hit combos pointed by an air juggle then dropping back into the stun lock. The unrelenting jabs of joy, homely, polite, and sweet test the speed of the pianist’s piece daring to exceed the limits. Yet, physical limitations put the constant strumming at a clear disadvantage and draw much from the musician. A discernible slowness even amongst novice ears puts the performance a note or two behind the piano.
309A violin jumps to join coming from the concertmaster of the first violin section. Principal second violin shortly follows. Not one to be outdone, the pianist resumes his playing. The solo turned battle becomes a quartet playing one of the most iconic songs in all of Equestrian history.
310From sheer will alone Vinyl refrains from slapping herself in the face for missing the coming transition. Beside her Iggy lets out a laugh straight from the soul. The final note hits and the entire theatre is on its hooves.
311“Bravo! Bravo!” Iggy shouts.
312Vinyl whistles as loud as she can.
313“You killed it girl!”
314 
315Iggy turns to Vinyl.
316“Impressive! Exquisite! A piano-cello lead in to Gustav Coltst’s ‘Sun: Bringer of Life!’”
317“I’ve never heard her play like that! She’s been holding out on me!” Vinyl shouts back.
318“Its surprises like these that keep me coming back.”
319 
320Eventually the cheers fade and the concert continues on with the more somber music taking center stage. Slow build ups with the occasional burst of energy fill the rest of the night covering at least one of every style. The works are called Classical for a reason; the structure absolutely superb, refined by the original composers for years, even decades. However, for all of their technical prowess Vinyl repeatedly catches herself yawning despite her enthusiastic neighbor.
321Iggy mumbles as he identifies each piece by name, and more peculiar a date. Even stranger, the dates are far more recent than the work’s ancient origins. Vinyl does not bring it up in their few exchanges during the break, and as her disinterest in the orchestra becomes more and more clear he starts talking with the other ponies instead.
322The stars become more prominent, the moon hanging high over the seats that have gone from firm to stiff these past hours. Vinyl stretches a hoof into the air with a moan as the conductor tells the audience that the orchestra wishes to end tonight with a very special song. Returning to face the orchestra, he raises his wand.
323 
324Flutes claim the airspace with a gentle scale that slowly pitter patters across the mind’s eye. A brass horn throws a soft bass into the waltz for a few passes, and then both retreat to the cello’s humble bass line.
325 “Whinny Kimuda ‘Moon’s Solace.’ Last fall.”
326Violins take over repeating the same melody with wishes and dreams yet an adults understanding. Calm, collected, and futile. If the notes had a physical form it would be the reflective face of a pool. They sing their fleeting life away until the brass horns steal the song again growing the pool into a pond. Iggy rubs the water from his eyes.
327Flutes share another turn with the harp plucking high pitched strings into a downward spiral of a soft pain. A pain that cannot be weakened, but must be beared. Duty and love ending with a drawn out strum. Suddenly the various sections join as one in a festivity of hope. It was as if the instruments themselves, not the musicians, were the one’s having fun all the way up until the flutes close out with one last serenade of life beginning anew.
328The band goes silent, their arms resting from their heavy use. Applause does not wait to take over and everyone stands up to cheer. The professionals on stage finally get to take that bow.
329 
330As the noise dies down and everyone readies themselves to go home Iggy turns to Vinyl.
331“I suppose you will be waiting for your friend.”
332Vinyl’s hoof is already stuck inside her tie trying to yank it off. She gives a smile deciding to leave it on for now.
333“Yeah. Got some plans. Gotta reward her after a show like that.”
334Iggy smile’s back as if he saw nothing.
335“Quite. They put on a fabulous show. Be sure to congratulate her for me.”
336“Sure thing, Pops.”
337“No, no, no. Iggy will do. I may be old enough to be your grandfather, but don’t age me anymore than time already has.”
338“Sorry ‘bout that. You heading out?”
339“Yes, I’m afraid I am. As much as I would like to talk with your friend, I also have someone waiting for me.”
340Iggy extends his hoof which Vinyl gives a firm shake.
341“I hope to see you at the next one.”
342“You never know.”
343“Oh, and I suggest you bring a friend if you are not going to mingle. It’s always more enjoyable when you have someone to share it with.”
344And with that Ignatius Eggnatius takes his leave alone.
345 
346Octavia comes out the back door carrying her cello case on her back and finds a familiar white face staring at her. Her brow quirks in surprise.
347“Vinyl?”
348“There’s my rock star.”
349Octavia grits her teeth.
350“I told you not to call me that.”
351“But it fits so perfectly, especially after tonight.”
352“Shouldn’t you be home forgetting something?”
353“Only my glasses.”
354Octavia huffs then smiles.
355“It’s nice to see you here. You should have said something; I could have gotten you a ticket.”
356“I wanted it to be a surprise, to make up for yesterday. Wait until you see what I got planned for dinner.”
357“Dinner?”
358 
359Crisp cool air sails through the nostrils of the duo coming from the rather large fountain centerpiece sputtering a constant stream that trickles noisily into the bed. Thick circular wooden tables outlined with velvet couches dot the area atop a fine polished floor, both occupied with ponies dressed to the nines. Stools neatly surround the granite bar and in the corner a mini orchestra plays a relaxing melody. The waiter leads the girls to their seats.
360“Equinimity? Vinyl, you shouldn’t.”
361“Ah, ah. My treat.”
362“Are you sure? This month’s rent is due, and you have never been great with budgeting.”
363“It’s fine. I have my half of the rent covered 100%. Enjoy your time with a friend.”
364Her balance is going to be close to zero, but she is telling the truth. For Vinyl, being near broke is a constant state of being and the impact does nothing to her demeanor. A fact Octavia has long since picked up on, but Vinyl has always proved herself in the end.
365“I-I don’t know what to say.”
366“Say that I’m awesome and that you’re lucky to have me.”
367“Oh stop it.”
368Both place their order, Vinyl’s far more moderately priced. Octavia’s tail flicks under the table while she does her best to avoid eye contact but still check for Vinyl’s reaction.
369“So…what did you think?”
370Despite shoveling bread into her gullet Vinyl gives a toothy grin.
371“It wus gweat!”
372Octavia’s innocence quickly disappears for a mother’s scolding.
373“We’re not at home. Swallow your food first.”
374A big gulp dislodges the food.
375“Ponies loved it. I was sitting next to this old guy named Iggy, and he basically said it was the best he’s seen in his whole life. Dude is crazy into orchestra too, not just some putz who thinks classic means class.”
376Octavia eases in her chair and picks at her piece of bread.
377“You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear that. A few critics have already complained it was not a strictly traditional performance. After so many years of doing Solar Chamber the conductor wanted to try something new to represent the change from Luna’s return. A lot of big name composers have come to our shows lately including Poochibel. I really think we are on the verge of a new era.”
378“Woah. You’ve been keeping quiet about a lot. This is big. Why haven’t you said anything?”
379“It’s all conjecture at this point. It may or may not happen, and I still need a lot of practice.”
380“Where have you even been practicing? I haven’t heard you play like that at home.”
381“Because I’d rather not encourage you.”
382“Encourage me to what?”
383“You know what.”
384“How our music would sound awesome together?”
385“Yes. Precisely that.”
386“Aw come on. The crowd loved it.”
387“They did, but I don’t think they are ready for your…extremes.”
388The waiter swaps the empty bread basket for another and gives Vinyl another napkin even though she has not used hers.
389“Odd,” Octavia goes on, “You don’t usually talk to ponies at the theatre.”
390 Another two slices go down.
391“He talked to me. Helped he didn’t know who I was.”
392Octavia nabs another slice before they are all gone.
393“A rare occurrence for you I’m sure.”
394“Actually pretty common with your crowd. Think it’s the glasses or are they just as joyless as you?”
395“I think the shock of seeing you in a tie would get to anypony.”
396“He actually seemed to be interested in you.”
397“W-what? Me?”
398“Yeah. No foolin. Asked me to pass on his congratulations.”
399“That hardly counts as—“
400“Is that why you play grandpa music? Have a thing for older stallions?”
401Octavia freezes on the spot trying to hide her blush behind the bread.
402“V-Vinyl.” She manages to squeak out.
403Vinyl cannot help but laugh.
404“I’m kidding, I’m kidding.”
405Having won the war Vinyl goes for a victory slice, but Octavia swipes the last one with a vengeful gaze. Vinyl merely shrugs, happily watching her friend nibble away. Luckily the main course soon arrives resetting the mood to which Vinyl eagerly takes a bite in stark contrast to her more graceful dinner date.
406“You know, you should wear a tie more often.” Octavia says.
407“Hmm?”
408“It brings out the color of your coat. A lot of ponies miss that about you.”
409This time it is Vinyl’s turn to blush and fail the rebuttal though Octavia’s genuine tone gives no reason for one.
410 
411“Speaking of keeping things quiet,” Vinyl says, “I’ve started work on my album.”
412Octavia’s eyes shine with glee.
413“You have? That’s wonderful. What made you finally get off your flank?”
414“I’ll have you know that Rocket made me quite the offer to join him at his new record label.”
415“Well, you are his star performer. That’s not surprising.”
416‘WAS.’ Vinyl thought before continuing
417“He didn’t want me as a musician, Octavia. He wanted me as VP.”
418Octavia nearly chokes.
419“You? Vice President?”
420“Yup.”
421“No offense, but organization is not what I would expect to find on your resume.”
422“But I do know how to cultivate talent, Miss Octavia Melody.”
423“Okay that I understand. That’s great to hear. Sorry if I sounded rude.”
424“Meh. I’m used to being under appreciated.”
425Vinyl flips her mane like a diva, but Octavia knows better than to take the bait.
426“I take it you turned down the offer.”
427“For now. I’m not ready to give up the stage. After I finish my album though I may take him up on it.”
428“Please, ask me if you ever need anything. I would be honored to help my best friend.”
429“Some home cooked dinner would be nice.”
430“Vinyl.”
431With a sigh and a titter the girl talk goes on until the pair is too tired to say anymore.
432 
433 
434Octavia awakes the next morning the same as any other despite the late night. Sleep did whisper sweet nothings into her ear taunting her with a few more minutes, but her daily routine snuffed the thought. Octavia sleeping in was as strange a thought as—
435“Vinyl?”
436There in the kitchen stands Vinyl, bright eyed and bushy tailed, making toast.
437“Morning. Got work to do. Catch ya when you get home.”
438And with that Vinyl leaves a stunned Octavia on the kitchen floor.
439Last night Vinyl’s subconscious mind replayed Octavia’s part in the orchestra over and over fueling a torrent of ideas. Sleep became little more than a nap, and this early bird was ready to sing.
440“Alright, Track Three. Strings.”
441With electric magic her workstation hums to life, her papers organize themselves, and Track Three begins to play barely waiting for the headphones to cup her ears. The clap that ended the flight from the cave troll in Track One follows into Track Two and then Three where a snare and bass drum mix their own beat. Electric piano soon takes over for the clapping while also adding another beat for the spirit of youth when playgrounds became classrooms.
442Trouble meets treble, for young Vinyl did not have the time for study. She had wanted to live life not learn about it which brought struggles with her teachers. Her feistiness and reputation earned her a place within the ne’er-do-wells, and a misguided rebellion. If this track had anything it was bounce.
443Young Vinyl never thought of herself as a bully. Her jokes were meant to make others laugh although they were aimed at someone else’s expense. Octavia made an easy target being the vocal goody four hooves that answered all of the questions right and always did her homework. She also had a sense of entitlement that made her never back down meaning Vinyl’s jokes became meaner and meaner pushing Octavia near tears.
444No matter what the teachers or parents would do the two always found each other as if destined to fight.  When Octavia ate lunch in the library to study Vinyl would be there to make sure the opposite got done. When Vinyl was locked up in detention where it was impossible for her to leave, Octavia would sneak to the window to taunt Vinyl which then got her in trouble. Neither could simply turn the other cheek.
445Things finally came to a head at the school talent show. Both entered and both did their style of music. Young Vinyl was sure her cutie mark meant that when it came to music she was the best. Octavia had the grades, but there was no way she could beat Vinyl here. Vinyl’s music was fresh, it was a mix of old and new, it was revolutionary and not just some rehashed oldie ponies heard a thousand times before.
446In the end neither won, beaten by a pair of colts who told a story using everyday items to create impossible shadow puppets as the actors. However, Octavia placed second. This time it was Vinyl who cried.
447 
448The instruments of Track Three fade to barely noticeable like a subtle guidance.
449Young Vinyl escaped to a far away room and tucked into the smallest corner to hide her shame. She wanted to neither see nor be seen. The only thing she wanted to do was cry.
450Yet somehow Octavia still managed to find her in this sorry state.
451“You would cry.”
452Octavia’s voice was dismissive and cruel. Vinyl shot back with venom.
453“What do you want? Come to mock me? Well congratulations. You won.”
454“Please, I have more important things worry about than petty spite. And I came in second.”
455“Second still beats honorable mention.”
456Octavia’s eyes flare at the statement.
457“Only you could be so shallow to make something so beautiful and end up crying like a filly because she lost.”
458The tears momentarily pause from surprise. Rubbing a hoof against her soaked cheeks Vinyl can only ask “What?”
459Octavia instantly fires back.
460“You heard me. What you played out there was amazing. It was unlike anything I have ever heard before. Your meter was all over the place, and I do not know how but you still gave it a rhythm. THAT was music.”
461“That’s not what everyone else thought.”
462“Forget those ponies!”
463The strings begin to play slowly twisting Track Three’s melody. The balance, the stabilizer, the focus of the arrow. The Octave.
464Vinyl unwraps herself from the corner, drying her tears and looking to Octavia like a child to a parent. Octavia smiles.
465“My music is learned and measured; it follows strict rules and guidelines. Yours was solely based on passion. You were lashing out at the world in what seemed like the release of frustration. It was your song.”
466Where most ponies saw a filly banging on the drums randomly with the goofiest grin on her face her bitter rival found the subconscious soul.
467“Yes, some ponies thought it was weird, but not everypony hears music like you and I. They have certain expectations. If you would like, I can teach you.”
468To the Young Vinyl a few moments ago such an offer would sound condescending, however Octavia had shared an understanding even she was not aware of.
469“After everything we’ve been through you’d do that for me?”
470“Yes, but it will require a lot of work. You will have to shape up if you want to learn. You also…have to teach me.”
471“Me teach you?”
472“I want to be able to play like you. I want to let my emotions free without having it sound like nonsense. I want to share my song too, but my one avenue is dominated by sheet music.”
473Vinyl’s eyes drift to the floor carefully examining the wood as if the grains themselves were the machinations of a lullaby affording only silence to the waiting Octavia. Finding a rare opportunity, Octavia studies her lifelong opponent while her guard is down.
474“I never really noticed the color of your coat before. It’s pretty.”
475“Don’t be weird.”
476“Sorry.”
477Octavia stumbles with her words keeping her mouth shut, but she should know better than anyone that it is not that easy to lose Vinyl’s attention. She raises herself up off the floor with a glimmer in her eye and that trademark smirk that Octavia had grown to fear for impending trouble.
478“Alright, you got yourself a deal. You teach me, I’ll teach you, and we’ll both make our own songs that everypony will love. We’ll be rock stars.”
479“Ugh. I don’t like rock.”
480“Tough break. I met this grey earth pony on vacation and she got me hooked on the stuff.”
481 
482 
483The percussion and keyboard beats have their wilder notes on the pitch scale swapped for sister notes that match the bass. In turn the base loses the extremes on both the high and the low finding a comfortable middle. From chaos Track Three gathers form; comfortable yet energetic.
484Rules exist for a reason. They are not placed there to ruin fun or trap creativity. They seek to find common ground where all can benefit. Not perfect, but better than anarchy. Octavia showed her that, and somehow found the willingness to be her friend.
485Adult Vinyl leans back in her chair removing her headphones and closing her eyes.
486“That’s a whole mess. I’m going to have to seriously edit that. Maybe split it down the middle.”
487A long breath escapes to help calm her mind.
488“I was a brat. Can’t believe she cared.”
489Her horn illuminates with her signature light blue and reaches for the mixer turning it and the keyboard off. The songs of her history have brought with them uninvited guests that now claw at her mind as she sits there in isolation. Visions of yesteryear toy with the growing pains that will have to be tackled.
490For now she can be consoled, three or four tracks done in just as many days. Track Five and maybe even Six will be fun to do. At this pace her album will be complete within a few weeks. However, the middle fills her with dread. Their childhood was not the only time she and Octavia fought, and when compared to the fears of an adult you end up wishing things were as simple as a monster in the closet.
491“Doubt I’m getting anything else done today.”
492She leaps from her chair donning her glasses and heading for the door.
493“Maybe I’ll get check out the clubs for inspiration. And a drink. Or five.”
494 
495 
496Another day another music track. At least that is the hope of the frazzled mare cursing the afternoon Sun from her bed. Emitting a groan Vinyl tries to cover her eyes to catch a few more winks figuring that without a job she can sleep in as much as she wants. Another part of her brain reminds her of the contrary, and yesterday’s frivolous spending. With a reluctant turn under the sheets she gives another groan.
497“Breakfast first.”
498Returning with a bowl of cereal she takes her position at the desk. Her sandbagged eyes leer at the music sheets for her tracks so far while her jaw chomps at the speed of molasses. Horn awakens the mixer and holds the headphones to one ear ready for analysis.
499Track One: Standard; playful; too structured; good ending.
500“Hmmm.”
501Track Two: Okay lead in; energetic; structure similar to One.
502Track Three: Claps could get repetitive; poppy; way different from One and Two.
503“Let’s say we split it before the strings.”
504Track Four: Good lead in even if solo; very similar to Three; changes enough later to be its own song.
505“Maybe even become a hit single. Would be a shame to lose the way it plays off Track Three, but don’t want the song to be too long. Track One needs an overhaul. That’ll be fun. Tracks Two and Three still have a ways to go especially considering Track Four is another party track.”
506She sets the bowl aside and rummages through the floor for a certain piece of paper with her magic; a very worn yet intact list.
5071: A New Record – Groove
5082: Playground – Bounce
5093: Schoolyard Bully – Party
5104: Revelations – Move & Groove
5115: Studying Begins – Pop
5126: Future’s Promise – Bounce
5137: Backs Turned – Rave
5148: Abandoned –  Downtempo
5159: Clubroom Blitz – Bounce
51610: A New Tomorrow – Party
51711: An Old Friend – Move & Groove
51812: A Promise Fulfilled – Pop
519Bonus Track Love
520 
521In front of her is a list of the intended songs with each a stage of her life paired with a genre. Somewhere on the floor is another such list breaking the songs into genres, but she has since decided to stick with an organic process. So far it has paid off, and the cheerful theme of her album was set to continue.
522The laser lights of the dance floor last night soon fill her imagination bringing a building of her own design. There at the head of Club Vinyl was Da Rude playing the newest album with unconditional glee in being chosen by her hero who was ten times better than she could ever be. Every pony was likewise enthralled, not needing a magic spell to get them dancing.
523The album would be a hit at parties. Then her eyes fall on the middle of the song list dispelling the daydream. In art there must be pain to experience joy as in life.
524 
525 
526 
527===========================
528 
529 
530Later that day Vinyl sits at her desk starring intently at her music sheet, head in hooves and mane in tatters. Three notes are all that adorn the page, mocking her with their lonely existence, as they have for the better part of an hour.
531“Why is this so hard?!” She shouts.
532The paper does not respond. A grave mistake for she quickly snatches it and crumbles it between her hooves before throwing it to the floor, joining a few other papers to suffer the same fate including her bank statement.
533 
534 
535“I need a beat, so let’s start with the bass line.”
536A single click pulses at a quarter beat on repeat. She then adds another quarter beat in the string. Her head bobs to the growing tune. Another pair of quarter beats gives the burgeoning tempo a fast speed.
537The night at the club watching Da Rude plays back in her head, her breathing in sync with the budding song. The air caught by her quick breaths becomes heavy and tastes of sweat as her imagination becomes alive. Crowds of faceless ponies dance to what is now a single track. Vinyl adjusts a knob speeding up the beat and the imaginary ponies move faster.
538“Moving up to the rising action.”
539Another set of quarter notes to the tune of a keyboard join in.
540“Building up to the hook.”
541The music fades into little more than background noise.
542“Aaaaand…”
543The snare snaps releasing an entire orchestra of sound at a blinding pace. With head held high Vinyl opens her eyes to peer back at the newest music sheet, dispelling her mental dance floor and the made up party goers in attendance.
544“Right. Now just to write it.”
545Levitating her pen to the paper she draws one note, two, three, four...one, two, three, four….repeat. Once the bass line is in she brings her pen back to the top, and…nothing.
546“Arg!”
547Another short lived paper.
548 
549 
550 
551 
552 
553 
554===========================
555 
556 
557 
558 
559Any smidgen of resistance fades to oblivion and all sense of control leaves in favor of strings pulling her however the puppet master may please. Her body rises from her seat and joins the dance floor as if by a will of its own. She is acutely aware of the random mares and stallions she dances with, of the sensual brushes of her flank, and of the AWESOME music.
560 
561>Octavia is in her room working on some new trance tracks and spell
562>Octavia comes in bitching
563>Vinyl is startled and the spell hits Octavia
564 
565“Octavia! Are you okay?”
566She stood there, her hollow gaze not of death but emptiness.
567“Say something!” Vinyl yelled with a screech that threatened her own voice
568“Something.”
569“Now’s not the time to be funny. Come on, tell me you’re okay.”
570Octavia turns neither hide nor hair, a living statue in Vinyl’s room.
571“I am okay.” She answers, but her stony voice paired with her blank stare only heightens Vinyl’s dread.
572“You’re not okay. You’re under the spell aren’t you?”
573“…”
574“Answer me.”
575“Yes.”
576Vinyl instantly casts a dispel, but her subpar knowledge and finesse yields zero result.
577Her heart races as fast as her thoughts, and her body becomes void of every sensation. She takes quick shallow breathes desperate for a solution, but no matter how many she takes her lungs feel as if nothing was there. Her stomach becomes a bottomless pit craving anything to fill the hole, but a dense well of guilt occupies the entire organ. Round and round her mind spins as her friend, her BEST friend, stands idle from a stupid mistake.
578‘Only a filly would let a spell loose like that.’ She thought.
579Although she may never hold a candle to Starswirl or Twilight, those paragons of magic, she has at least one advantage over the scholars.
580“Octavia, act like Octavia!”
581Those faded purple eyes light with the fire of life.
582“V-Vinyl? What happened?”
583Vinyl rushes to hug her friend with the speed of a laserdisc.
584“Oh Octavia, I’m so sorry! I’d never cast a spell like that on you on purpose!”
585“W-what was it? I was aware of everything, but I couldn’t move or talk.”
586“It’s a minor persuasion spell to make ponies feel the music.”
587“H-how long will it last?”
588“I guess a month; maybe more. It is supposed to be for a large group and you took the entire thing.”
589She fiercely grabs Octavia’s shoulders, the unusually strong force startling the girl.
590“But the spell doesn’t work if the pony doesn’t want it to. Why? Why did you let it in?”
591Octavia looks into those angry yet pleading eyes that beg for either a mystical power to make everything right or the ability to fade away to nothing. Unable to offer either, Octavia can only whimper the truth.
592“I wanted to help.”
593 
594Vinyl’s face, still locked onto Octavia, droops to surrender.
595“…you idiot.”
596“I was worried!” Octavia screams, “You’ve been locked in your room for weeks now without saying a word. You always come out to say good morning. Something’s bothering you and it hurts that you will not tell me.”
597“How can I tell you,” Vinyl asks with tears growing in her eyes, “Do you wanna hear how I’m being pushed out of clubs? How I went from being on the top to being replaced by this…this flavor of the month?! Cause I don’t wanna say it. I worked too hard to have everything change overnight.”
598“Replaced? Vinyl, no one could replace you.”
599“Yeah, well none of the clubs want to hire me, and the record sales are dropping to this new Trance music. I can’t compete with Rocket’s PR and his DJ’s cheap price. At this rate the only place that will book me will be Ponyville.”
600“But this is just another fad. You’ve been on both sides of a growing versus established scene before and came out stronger. Give it time and the clubs will be willing to pay extra for DJ Pon3.”
601“Then how about when Countess Coloratura took the Number 1 spot nationwide? Each month I have to worry who is it going to be this time? First Countess Coloratura, then Fillinilla Nice, Ponyay Zest, and now these kids/Da Rude.”
602“Your music has its own voice that connects with ponies, and no one can take that away from you.”
603A scowl crawls across Vinyl’s lips.
604“Coloratura found her ‘own voice’ after Ponyville and since her rebranding she hasn’t been in the Top 10. She barely even made the Top 20.”
605“That just proves my point. She is going through a drastic change, but you learned early and ponies know when they go to see Vinyl Scratch they get Vinyl Scratch. Why are you worried about ratings so much?”
606“Because! Doesn’t it burn you how quickly ponies move from one song to the next? Your treasured Beet-hoove-n is only recognized from history class. Despite Equine Lumination Orchestra’s amazing Thyme album colts and fillies are only familiar with their Princess song.”
607“Although that is true there are plenty of ponies who cherish those songs as much as we do, just like there are ponies who appreciate our songs even if we are not at the top of the charts. Why is that no longer enough for you?”
608A frosty glare tinted through sharp glasses stabs directly at Octavia.
609“I’m the type of pony every pony, every pony should know.”
610 
611Octavia’s recoils from the phrase her pupils turning to pinpricks. If not for her self-respect and elegance she would throw herself to Vinyl’s hoofs.
612“Don’t think that way! You know where that path leads!”
613“It’s my turn to forgo everything and devote myself solely to my craft, and the way I see it you owe me.”
614“It won’t make you happy! Trust me!”
615“I’m tired of this argument. You can’t change my mind. Now get out of my room.”
616“But Vinyl—“
617“But I can change yours. Octavia, I command you to get out of my room!”
618To Octavia’s immediate surprise and further horror her body moves as if by its own will. Too caught in fear to argue, her hooves clop their way out the door which Vinyl promptly slams shut. Once outside Octavia can only stand frozen in the hallway. Although Vinyl’s orders have ended leaving Octavia in full control once more the loss of herself and her friend is too much. A few minutes later she tears cannot help but to flow down her face, however her sobs are blurred out by the pony who has gone back to her music.
619 
620Vinyl returns to her work in a rage, throwing on an angry beat of rapidly firing electro riffs. She respected Octavia’s wishes to be alone. She held her tongue when Octavia called her a distraction. She accepted Octavia when she came back crying apologies. Why should it be any different for her? Besides the accidental spell she was being far nicer about it than Octavia was. So she’s been kind of a shut in lately; that’s way better than telling your friend to leave you alone.
621The music hits a sudden drop laden with heavy snare, bass, and reverb. Vinyl bobs her head along with the rhythm flinging the memories from her mind. For the entire day she keeps herself locked away in her room, ignoring her baser needs until Octavia has left for work.
622 
623 
624===========================
625 
626 
627 
628 
629 
630Tell that to Coloratura. Ever since her rebranding she hasn’t been in the Top 10. She barely even made the Top 20.
631 
632 
633 
634Octavia plays Pallido when Vinyl goes to the concert
635ELO – Equestrian Lumination Orchestra
636Beethooven
637Countess Coloratura
638I’m the type of pony everypony, everypony should know
639Hypnotic deal/ extortion scandal from DJs using hypnotism illegally and claims of Rocket using the demo music in deals
640 
641“That’s easy for you to say. Your style is classical music. Classical music isn’t going anywhere; it’s based in history. I’m trying to make history.”
642 
643///
644Vinyl talks about the month almost being up and bitterly says that Octavia is going to pay the bills since she gets to work all the time
645Vinyl says “Octavia.”
646“No. Vinyl don’t.”
647“I command you to open your mind and say ‘Ah’”.
648“Ahhhhh.”
649Vinyl casts her spell
650///
651 
652Invites Pinkie and her ‘friend that’s good with make up’ to come party with her which she uses to go to Club Penguin in disguise (blows money)
653Octavia jokingly asks if Vinyl is taking Pinkie to sell her to Rocket Snail, Vinyl says she’d never do that to a friend (and thinks ‘sod Rocket’)
654 
655Vinyl plays an angry string section when remembering when Octavia left her
656She willingly goes mute
657Rent goes up
658Vinyl’s sensibility goes down
659 
660Center stage
661Her morning weariness from the late night shoots a sharp pain. It also flashes scenes of her dancing at the club.
662“I could try this new Trance stuff. That’ll be way different than the others, and if trance takes off then BAM, I’m in.”
663 
664 
665 
666 
6671: A New Record – Happy/ Groove
6682: Playground – Crazy/ Bounce
6693: Schoolyard Bully – Wild/ Party
6704: Revelations – Bittersweet/ Move & Groove
6715: Studying Begins – Happy/ Pop
6726: Future’s Promise – Excited/ Bounce
6737: Backs Turned – Angry/ Rave
6748: Abandoned – Depressive/ Downtempo
6759: Clubroom Blitz – Crazy/ Bounce
67610: A New Tomorrow – Wild/ Party
67711: An Old Friend – Bittersweet/ Move & Groove
67812: A Promise Fulfilled – Happy/ Pop
679Bonus Track: Love
680 
681In front of her is a list of the intended songs with each a stage of her life boiled to the basest emotion. Somewhere on the floor is another such list breaking the songs into genres, but she has since decided to stick with an organic process. So far it has paid off, and the cheerful theme of her album was set to continue.
682 
683===========================
684 
685 
686"Imagine if you will Octavia and Vinyl Scratch living together. Octavia gets on Vinyl's nerves sometimes, always bugging her about cleaning up or to turn her music down while she was working or something like that, but she still likes her enough to want to live with her. One night Vinyl's messing around with random spells while trying to remember one to help her with her music when Octavia busts in to yell at her about something. Vinyl fires a random spell from surprise only to hit Octavia in the face."
687 
688"This leads to an Octavia that's completely obedient to Vinyl. Vinyl tries to be good and have Octavia act normally at first, but after Octavia nags her enough she makes small changes to her, less nagging and such. This slowly leads to Vinyl down a road of lazing around and gaining weight as she turns Octavia into her personal slave, forcing her to work harder to pay for more food, having her feed and please her as she grows more lazy and slobby."
689 
690As for an outline of what I want to happen, story would start as the post said, and progress with Vinyl becoming more introverted and a slob while also seeing Octavia less as a friend and fellow pony and more as a living tool to be used for her own personal gain. Vinyl would become fatter and fatter as she makes Octavia work harder and harder to provide food and pleasure. I have no particular ideas for what I'd want them to be, but I would like to see Vinyl use Octavia for sexual reasons. I would prefer it if little outside interference while this was happening. Of course explain how Vinyl and Octavia get away with the sudden changes, but I'd rather keep the focus on the twos decent. As for the ending, I'd like it if it concluded with Vinyl becoming completely shut in and immobile, not to a silly extream but just enough to be immobile, and having come to see Octavia as just a tool for her to use with all sense of remorse gone from the beginning of the story gone. How you write any of this I'll likely be happy with, rather it be darker in tone or just straight fetish fuel. Of course the slower decent is probably the most important part of the story.
691 
692Write in prose
693Vinyl is getting pushed out of clubs (not being booked as often because expanding artists)
694Has to haggle for decent prices, has to find lower quality clubs to work
695Starts getting frustrated and worried she’s losing her big name status
696Decides she needs to reinvent/spice up her music
697Researches trance theory/music
698Trance requires the ‘victims’ to be willing participants and spells are short lived
699The spell does not blanket have a flat mana cost. It has to be cast at the price of every pony
700Octavia nags the grumpy Vinyl
701She wears on Vinyl’s nerves though they are good friends
702She interrupts Vinyl, stepping into her room while she is experimenting with the trance spell
703Accidentally hits Octavia with the spell meant for a room of ponies (30~)
704Octavia wanted to help Vinyl and that allows the spell to take effect
705Octavia becomes mind controlled
706Vinyl freaks out but has to deal with it
707Spell should wear off in about a month
708Life keeps working against Vinyl and she slowly descends into using Octavia to keep herself sane
709It comes to a head when she demands Octavia to service her when she feels the need of a stallion
710Vinyl then begins seeing Octavia as a tool and uses her without regard
711Feels great not having to worry about anything and becomes a recluse relying solely on her servant
712In the end she questions whether anyone cares for her or not and looks to Octavia, her best friend
713She wants Octavia to say she still loves her and she wont be mad but Octavia is still under the spell and cannot argue her case no matter how Vinyl words it unless it is an order
714Due to her uncertainty and fear Vinyl orders Octavia to accept the trance spell and Vinyl casts it again dooming Octavia to the life of a servant
715The end