Music We Cherishby xXSheltieXxChapters1: Octavia3: Shopping4: First Day; Vinyl Scratch5: First Day; Octavia6: Presents and Lies8: Octavia is the New Vinyl2: Vinyl Scratch7: Vinyl is Now Octavia1: OctaviaOctavia awoke to her classy alarm clock that played her first cello composition. She smiled as she heard a few mistakes, but loved how cute she had been with them. Over time she had gotten better, as well as stronger. In order to pick up her large cello, she had to be strong, and stronger to carry the case. Octavia got up and made her bed, then turned her alarm off. The gray mare walked over to her bathroom and took a short shower, afterwards she brushed her hair and teeth. She then mane sprayed her mane so it would stay still. She put her collar on, then chose her favorite bow, which was a pink violet one. She trotted down the staircase and into the dining room. "Good morning mother, father." Octavia smiled at her adoptive parents. "Nice to see you so happy, Octavia," Her father commented. "I'm just excited about getting the letter," Octavia shrugged it off. "Nonsense! You have to admit you are happy! Remember when we first adopted you, and your father held you and you smiled so pleasantly?" "Yes, mother, I was just happy to see that I was going to an actual home, but I suppose I am happy today." Octavia said between bites of her omelette. She sipped her tea, then got up as she heard the mail mare knock. Octavia cantered to the door and opened it slowly. "Hello Octavia! Here's the mail!" The unicorn levitated the letter to her hoof. "Thank you," Octavia shut the door and ran as elegantly as she could back to the table. She sorted through the mail and found the letter. She opened it and smiled wide, then calmed down and just smiled a half smile. "I was accepted." The other ponies in the room cheered for her, including servants and adoptive family. "Sister, that is just grand! When you come back to visit, you simply must tell me all about it, please!" Regal Rose asked respectively. "Oh, Rose, of course. I will be sure to take pictures for you and mother, and father, I will send you my grades every time I get an update." "Dame, could you please pack a bag for Octavia? Or, would you like to pack it yourself?" Sunny Swirls asked politely, staring at her 20 year old daughter. "Mother, I believe I would like to pack it," she looked to Rose. "alone." Rose's smile died down, and soon she trotted off into the living room to practice her violin. Sunny smiled to her daughter and levitated a handkerchief to her eye, dabbing away a few tears that threatened to ruin her perfect makeup. Sunny then exited the room and went along with her other daughter to watch her play. Brief Case looked at his adopted daughter and restrained the need to ruffle her hair. "Octavia, I want you to know we will all miss you so much, and try to call you every week, okay? I love you. Go pack your stuff, hon." Case smiled and hugged her, then trotted over to the living room to watch his little filly play. He turned and looked at Octavia and winked. Octavia headed up the stairs and into her room. She packed a couple collars and bows, along with some formal attire in case of any unexpected events. She packed her brush and tooth brush and her special necklace. She shed a tear and quickly wiped it away. Octavia was not going to let that ruin her big day. She locked the case and picked it up, along with her cello case. Octavia looked in her bathroom mirror. She locked the door quietly and looked deep into the mirror, as if it was going to tell her the secret to life and happiness. "Who are you? Where are you? How can I find you?" Octavia asked herself these questions everyday, brooding over it. She wanted to- no, she needed to know. All she had was a necklace. That's all. Octavia banished the thoughts and tears. "No! This is my big day! I cannot- no! Will not let that get me down!" Octavia stamped her hoof down on the linoleum in triumph. The earth mare picked up her cases and walked down the stairs. She trotted into the living room and piped up. "Mother, father, sister, I am ready to leave. I love you all. I will be sure to call when I get the chances." After hugs, kisses, and a few shed tears, Octavia sat in a long black limo-carriage on her way to Baltimare. She was going all the way from Canterlot to Baltimare. A bit of brooding and looking out at the scenery flashing past her, leaving memories that were forgotten in seconds whirred past her as she thought about college. Soon, they went by a bad part of Hoofington, and saw a pony with saddle bags that seemed like they had an entire collection of disks inside. The pony seemed like she should be white, but was coated with mud and dust. Octavia wanted to pick her up, but she remembered what her mother warned her about. "Never talk to strangers or beggars, you never know if they are lying or not, okay?" "Yes, mama." Octavia had said. She put her hoof down on the soft carpet and laid down. Just a few miles and I'll be there. Just... a few... miles. Octavia dozed off, but what seemed like a second to her, she awoke from a large lurching made by the carriage. She sat up and brushed her mane instinctively. The butler opened the door and got her things out. As he was about to carry it in, she waved him off. "I will take it from here, Monsieur." Octavia paid him. The mare trotted in through the gates, a cello strapped to her back, and a suitcase in her mouth. She usually carried just her cello case on her back, so she was not used to carrying two cases that weighed together about 78 pounds. "Hey, you need some help? You seem like you're struggling a bit," a sweet, sugar coated voice asked. Octavia turned to see the same unicorn mare offering her magic. She was filthy and stunk very badly. Octavia could see she had good intentions, though she was not going to let a sweet face get to her. "Oh, thank you, but I am fine. If I am to carry my cello all day, I must learn to carry more than just a cello case," Octavia assured the mare she would be fine and they waved goodbye, but awkwardly walked the same way. "You don't happen to be going to Muse University... do you?" The blue maned beauty asked politely for some pony so filthy. "Oh, yes, don't tell you are too? Music, if you are heading this way, correct? My name is Octavia. Nice to meet you," Octavia offered a hoof to the mare, even though she was unkempt; Octavia felt strange, like she'd known this pony from before. "Vinyl. Vinyl Scratch. Nice to make the acquaintance. Yes, you are in classic, since you use the cello, I'm sure. I'm going into dubstep and electronica. I am a pretty okay DJ, and my stage name is DJ-P0N3, not to brag or anything," Vinyl stated as they shook hooves. "Oh, really? I would never have guessed. I went with my father sometimes to see you though you-" Octavia stopped before she said something regrettably rude. "Weren't that dirty? Yah I get that a lot. I just... didn't have a great life, okay?" Vinyl said a bit colder than intended. "Sorry, I-I didn't mean to snap. I just don't feel comfortable talking about it to some pony so new to me. Yet it feels like- never mind." Vinyl stopped herself before she said anything weird. "Like we've met before? I-I felt the same thing. Well, maybe I'll see you sometime switching classes or something," Octavia smiled as they clip-clopped into the main doors. "My name is Octavia," "Hello, Ms. Octavia. Dorm 120," the pony at the desk smiled sweetly. "Hey, I'm Vinyl Scratch." "Oh, Octavia! Wait! You two are roommates, why not walk together? I-I mean if you'd like to, to get to know each other." The rather shy mare retracted in shyness. Vinyl cantered up to Octavia and the pair trotted down the halls. After a bit of traveling throughout the maze of dorms, they found Dorm 120 and entered. It was on the top floor, the 5th, and it was rather large. There were two beds, one blue, one violet, with windows and curtains, along with a large bathroom and kitchen. The had a suitable living room as the entrance, which felt very inviting. "Oh, cool. I guess I'll take the blue, or do you want blue?" "No, that's quite alright, I'll take violet." The two ponies started unpacking in the baby blue room. Octavia and Vinyl agreed to each have half of the rooms, only in the bathroom and bedroom. Vinyl charged a spell and suddenly, a large turntable came to the correct size. Vinyl made sure everything worked and shrunk it back down. She put it in a small bag and then the bag on a shelf above her bed. She had tons of vinyls in her saddlebag, a toothbrush and toothpaste, one blue formal dress that was a little tattered and ripped, and her signature glasses. "I-I think I understand. It's okay. If you want, we can be friends. And friends help each other. So, would you want to be friends?" "Y-You don't care that I'm poor? But, you're Octavia. Rich! How could you just do that with a stranger?!" "Well, I feel a connection. And I want to help, because its not fair that I live in luxury while you get... how should I put it..." The mare trailed off. "It's okay, I know. While I get crap, it's okay to say it. So, you'd actually help me?" "How about after you take a bath, we go shopping for a new dress. If you're good, I'll buy you some antique vinyls! I promise!" "I don't usually take help from new ponies, but it's weird... I feel like I've known you forever. C-Can I hug you... after a shower?" Taken by surprise, Octavia wavered a bit, then smiled. "Sure, and here, use my shampoo and soap. These are really good for your mane and coat. You'll feel so nice and clean! I promise!" "Octavia..." Vinyl wiped a few tears away from her muddy coat. "No, Vinyl don't cry!" Octavia rushed to her new friend's side and sat by her and held her hoof. "It's just... no pony has ever been as nice to me as you are... and I've only known you for an hour and a half." "How about you take a bath, and we go shopping? Dresses and vinyls?" Vinyl smiled a sweet, and unusually clean smile. "Thanks, Tavi." "Tavi? Don't call me that!" Octavia blushed furiously. "But you're so cute when you're angry! I love it, Tavi! I'll call ya Tavi from now on!" Before Octavia could protest the use of the newfound nick name, Vinyl skipped into the bathroom and turned the water on. Tavi sighed and decided to let it go; after all, there was no sense in arguing with the only true friend you've ever made... right? 3: ShoppingVinyl trotted out of the shower and smiled at Octavia. She put her saddlebags on and Octavia did the same. "Ready to go, Tavi?" "Stop calling me- Fine, let's go." Octavia waved the stupid nickname off and walked to the door. Vinyl followed and opened the door for Octavia. It took Octavia by surprise, since she yelped a little bit. Vinyl giggled a bit, then put on a straight face when looked at with bold eyes. "Uh, sorry, just trying to be, heh, nice." "Please tell no pony of my yelp. Please." Octavia glared. "Hmm," Vinyl Scratch pretended to think it over, stroking her chin. "Not funny." "Okay, okay. I won't tell a soul!" Vinyl giggled a last time. The two ponies trotted out and down the halls, getting lost for the second time that day. They found a map and finally made it out. Vinyl had copied the map with magic and used it to navigate. They stood in the elevator by themselves, and went down to the first floor. The metal doors clanked and clacked as they opened, and the two ponies cantered out or the titanium box. "Bye girls!" The mare at the desk waved kindly. "Bye!" The two mares said in unison, then giggled at the same time. "In... sync!" They said in perfect sync. They started laughing uncontrollably. After a minute of calming down and rubbing aching tummies, they galloped out and down to the street. Vinyl looked both ways and they trotted across the street quickly. The pair eventually came to a clothing shoppe called the Saddler's Store. They walked in and went to the dress area immediately. "Listen, Octavia, I know you're being super helpful and stuff, but I prefer this dress. Could we just... get it fixed up a bit?" Octavia stared blankly at her for a moment, then smiled sweetly. "Sure, we'll get it hemmed and fixed up, don't worry!" Octavia pulled Vinyl along as they went to the help desk. Octavia trotted up bravely, while Vinyl hung behind her and held her forehoof with her other hoof. "Hello, welcome to Saddler's Store, how may I help you?" The stallion smiled and greeted the two mares sweetly. "Good afternoon sir, I would like to get a dress repaired, and please, make the condition better, but do not completely tear it up, please." Octavia asked so politely and smiled sweetly. "Of course, madam. Hoof me the dress and I'll repair it right now!" The deep blue stallion smiled sweetly. Vinyl used her magic to levitate the dirty, tattered, and torn dress out of her bag, a bit embarrassed. "Oh, I've seen this dress before! It was bought by a client from a while ago! I'm quite amazed that it lasted this long!" "You know my grandmother?" Vinyl asked in confusion. "Why yes, when I was just a tiny colt! She came in and bought the custom dress herself! That was over 50 years ago! She told me she gave it to her daughter who in turn gave it to her daughter! I'm glad you're keeping the family tradition alive!" "Y-Yeah, my mom died a while ago so..." "Oh, I'm sorry I brought it up, I'll fix it up." The stallion lost his smile. While the stallion sewed and cut and cleaned the dress, Octavia talked to Vinyl. "I'm sorry your mother died. It must've been really hard. How old were you, if you don't mind me asking," "I was about 5 or 6. Yeah, pretty rough from then on. We had a good life, but once her check stopped coming, it got hard. I miss her, so I use her dress all the time." "Misses? I finished." "Wow, that was quick!" Vinyl commented. "Well, they don't call me Needle Speed for nothin'!" He levitated the dress back to its owner, who looked at the dress. It was clean. It wasn't torn. It was in the perfect condition. Vinyl opened her bag and pulled out 19 bits, and tried to pay. Octavia stopped her and put her money back in her bag. "Ah ah ah! I said I would take you shopping, so, I'm paying." Octavia got her bit bag out and paid 19 bits, plus 5 for a tip. "Thanks, Tavi." "Thank you for your business! Come back soon!" The stallion waved as they exited the store. The two ponies walked back out into the summer heat. They eventually galloped to the vinyl store and felt relieved when the AC blasted. They giggled and cooled off by the AC, until Vinyl went to the new sells. "Ah, the famous DJ-P0N3! How's it going? We got your new mix out!" The store owner, Slam Jam, smiled proudly as he pointed to the new vinyls. The two DJ's hoof-fived and smiled, then went about their business. Octavia found a vinyl about a classic dubstep remix, and asked,: "Do you have a record player I could listen to this with?" "Sure do, it's over there." Octavia walked over to the station and put the record on the track. She put the lid down and it started to play. She listened to it and loved it. "This is pretty good, how much?" "Hmm, that one is 30 bits. But I can give the DJ here a 50% discount," The clerk winked. "15 bits." Vinyl and Tavi smiled at each other while the grey mare paid. Vinyl looked at a record by her mother. Her mother's stage name was DJ-UN1C0RN. Vinyl brought it to the register and Octavia insisted on paying and did. Afterwards, the pair walked outside and hailed a cab, which they took to their dorm. They used their map and got to the room with less than 5 mix ups. 4: First Day; Vinyl ScratchVinyl stretched and looked at her clock. She sighed. This was the first day for her. *Octavia didn't start until a couple hours after her. Vinyl decided to use a spell to make her movements have no sound to them. She got up and made her bed, then walked into the kitchen. She made a hay sandwich and ate it quickly, then packed a peanut butter sandwich for lunch later on. Vinyl opened and shut the door, as well as forgetting to undo the spell. She trotted out, and found her hooves made no sound. She quickly undid the spell and smiled, glad she remembered. She trotted down the hall and into a music room. She entered and sat in the first available chair. She was the first one in, not counting the teacher. "Why hello, my little pony. Why are you so early?" The mare asked. "I just couldn't get back to sleep, so I came in. Nice to meet you, I'm Vinyl Scratch." "Lovely to see you here, Vinyl. My name is Rainbow Track, very nice to see you here!" "Wait, you are THE Rainbow Track, as in: Princess Rainbow Track of Rain-Acrtica?" "Well, yes, but please, just call me Miss Track." The Alicorn of Music asked politely. "Oh, sure! Very awesome to meet you! I didn't think you'd be here of all places. If I may ask, why are you not in Rain-Arctica ruling there?" "It's okay to ask, and I'm here because the previous teacher... well, he died. It was of natural cause... or my cousin Grim Reaper... any who, my little brother is running things there until the school finds a permanent replacement." "What's his name?" "His name is Rainy Record. He's a bit stubborn, but he warms up to every pony eventually." As the pair waited and talked for about a half an hour, the rest of the class finally came. There were only 8* students, including Vinyl. And after a long talk about why Miss Track was there and learning about her, she said- "For this first class, I would like you all to say some things about you; where you are from, your name, and what you are getting your degree in. Okay, we'll start to the right of me and go to the left." "Hello, my name is Rapid Spin, I am from Las Pegasus, and I'm getting my degree in editing sounds and making tracks." A friendly mare spoke quietly. "Hey, I'm Vinyl Scratch, aka DJ-P0N3, I'm originally from Hoofington, I'm gettin' my degree in turn table use." "Yo! I am Wretched Record and I am from the Wastelands! I'm getting my degree in fine arts! I am a Changeling, but ever since the Treaty of Change we were allowed back into Equestria! I'm ready to be friendly!" "Hey! I'm-" the Pegasus was cut off by the fire alarm going off. The ponies walked in a calm, single file line out of the building. After a bit of standing and waiting, the class re-entered their class room and sat back down. After about another hour playing games to get the students to get to know each other, they were released from class. "That was just one day of many, my students. I promise the rest of the days will be harder. See you!" Rainbow Track called from the door. After more classes with most of the same ponies, Vinyl sat outside in the heat and ate her lunch quietly and alone. She ate it quickly, knowing she could go home and practice NOT dropping the bass when she really wanted to. Rainbow Track said you have to let it tell you to drop the bass, not do it whenever. Her four classes were all in a row, lucky for her. She trotted home and found her dorm with slight difficulty. "Tavi! I'm home!" Vinyl called. She walked over to the fridge and found that there was a note on the door handle. She picked it up and read it aloud. "Dearest Vinyl, I have gone to my classes, and it is about 9 in the morning right now. I have three classes today and I will be home at around 3. Have a great day! Sincerely, Octavia. Aww, how sweet of her to leave me a note!" Vinyl giggled then went into their bedroom. She picked up her turntable and brought it into the living room. She started playing it and cast a spell to keep it inside a force field. 5: First Day; OctaviaOctavia awoke from her sleep and looked at her clock. She stretched her legs and got up off her bed. She walked into the kitchen and opened the door. Tavi shuffled through the various food and decided on cereal. She poured her milk out and ate it quietly, then went into the bathroom. She brushed her hair and but n her collar and bow. She picked up her cello case and walked out of the dorm. She went back in and wrote a note to Vinyl, then nodded and was off. She trotted to the elevator after locking the door and walked out. "Morning!" Octavia said to the desk mare. "Good morning!" The sweet mare replied with glee. Octavia walked to her class room and was the second in, not counting the teacher. The teacher was named Vivid Violin, and was a soft brown color. Her mane was a grey color and her cutie mark was a white violin. Octavia took a seat next to the other pony in the room. "Hello, I'm Octavia. What's your name?" Octavia asked. "I am Sax. I play the saxophone. And you play the viola? No, cello." The Pegasus stated. "Yeah, I play the cello." Octavia smiled. The mare was a golden color with a white mane. Her cutie mark was a blue half note and she was very sweet. Two more pony like characters came in, and they sat down next to the other mares. One, a griffon named Leo smiled kindly to the other two, and introduced himself. "Hi, I'm Leo. I'm from Griffonia. What are your names?" The other, a Timber Wolf like character stated her name as well. "Hi, I'm Willow. I look like a Timber Wolf, but I'm really the offspring of a Timber Wolf and a Unicorn. It's nice to meet you." After the introductions of the various characters, they started playing games to get to know each other better. After a while of playing games, they started to play a little bit of music. Octavia and Sax played their instruments in perfect pitch, and Leo played his trumpet quite well. Willow played her flute and mesmerized the class, catching their attention with her random changes that made the tune just a little bit better. "Why are there only four ponies- I mean, pony like in this class?" Sax asked. "Well, this school requires a lot of money to pay for tuition, and many pony like folk can't always afford it, so we only have so many folks that can come here." The unicorn mare stated sweetly. After a couple more classes of essentially the same activities, Octavia walked home. She forgot to pack her lunch and was starving, but found herself relieved to find Vinyl eating dinner. Vinyl ate some assorted fruits and vegetables, and had a big bowl out for the two if them. Tavi sat on the chair across from Vinyl and ate some food as well. "Thank you, Vinyl." "I was hungry and I figured you might be too, so I made a bowl of fruit. It's really good. How was your first day?" "It was pretty nice. I Met a griffon, timber wolf, and two other mares in my first class. They're really the only ones in the Classical Department. There's only six ponies in the whole Department! I wonder why they have such tall dorms if only so few can be here." "Yeah, I wonder too. I met a changeling in my first class. He was pretty awesome." "There are so many species that go here. I wonder who else is here." "I wonder if Lyra was right about something. She told me there are humans here, but I don't really know. I wanna see one though." "I don't know if humans are even real. The one writing this story is really weird too. Hey look! I just broke the fifth wall! That was pretty fun." "Yeah, the reader is probably going to think the writer is just being stupid, which she is. Fifth wall broken twice in one chapter!" Vinyl chuckled as she thought of the idea. The two ate the rest of the bowl and practiced their music and compositions. After a long while of practicing, Vinyl called taking a shower first. She ran in the shower and slipped, making a loud crashing sound. She called to Tavi and said she was okay, then took a shower and dove onto her bed. She rubbed her back and fell asleep gently, tuckered out from such a long day. Octavia shook her head and walked slowly into the bathroom. She tried keeping her hooves stable, but, the writer being stupid decided to make her slip and fall. She cursed under her breath, something about yelling at a certain someone later. She took her shower and placed a mat on the slick spot, and eventually went to bed. 6: Presents and LiesOctavia walked inside the dorm room and found her roommate sitting on their sofa, drinking soda and watching television. Tavi sighed as she watched her laziness become more of an atmosphere rather than a habit. She walked over to the table and picked up an apple. "Welcome home, Tavi! So, I did some researching and it seems like some pony has a birthday coming up!" Vinyl said in a sing song voice. "Yeah, but, don't worry about getting me anything. I don't need anything, okay?" Octavia tried to convince her to not do what she was thinking. "Who said I was getting you something? Anyways, I just finished planning the best party ever for the night of your life!" Vinyl shouted. "Eh, what night is it, exactly?" "It's this Friday night!" "I kinda have things to do Friday..." "I can move it to Saturday, no biggie." "About that... I also kinda have to do... something on Saturday, and Sunday will be the end of the weekend. Sorry, Vinyl. You understand, right?" Octavia asked nicely. "But, then it won't be on your birthday... Never mind... It's fine I guess." Vinyl shook it off and plastered a smile on her face. Octavia sighed in relief. "Thanks for understanding." "Yeah, no prob." Vinyl sighed as she trotted out the room with her head down. Vinyl sat in the record shop and looked at her plan sheet. She planned on having a reception at one of the most classy bars where the two of them would play their music on stage. Then, they'd be off to another nightclub, more Vinyl's style. Some smooth jazz and a few perfect beats to go along. After that, they'd head to the school's drama and theater district held their plays for a giant party where every pony on campus would attend. And lastly, they'd head to Octavia's new regular hangout: The Classic Composition where she was going to have all of the best cellists play Octavia's first written symphony for her. Then they'd go home and go to bed. All that, down the drain. "Yo, Vines. What's up? You look way down in the dumps." A familiar voice rang out. "Yo, Rapid! Aw, yeah... I planned a party for Tavi, but she's busy so all this is trash now." Vinyl hoofed the plans to her friend. "This weekend?" "Yeah... Why?" "Cuz my sister Sax told me that they were planning on havin a huge party at her parents house or some shit like that." "We'll, it's okay. She's busy all weekend though." "No, she's not. She's just going with some friends, then chilling at home." "That lying bitch!" Vinyl yelled in anger. "Dude, it's okay. C'mon, let's just hit the streets and stuff... Kay?" "I'm not talking to her anymore. She lied to my face without breaking a sweat! And I already bought her a gift. Not that she deserves it anymore." "Just take it back or something." "I can't. I got her her real family's address and stuff." "Dude, you have to tell her. Wouldn't your mom want you to? I mean, seriously. What if you switched places?" "Fine, whatever. I'll go give it to the lying bitch now." The pair walked back to the campus and into their dorm. Vinyl threw the door open and stomped in. She pulled a file from under her bed and walked over to Octavia. "Why're you so angry?" "Because a little birdie told me you don't have plans this weekend. You lied to me. And I took five weeks to plan all this out for you." "It's not what you think, Vinyl, it's-" "It's not what I think? It isn't? Then what do I think? Huh? Right now I'm thinking that you're tired of me. That you don't like me anymore. We've been roommates for three months and you hate me, right?" "No, it's not that, I-" "Here's your present. Happy fuckin' birthday to you." Vinyl growled and trotted out of the dorm, Rapid Spin close behind. Octavia sighed and ran after the two, leaving the papers behind. "Vinyl, at least let me explain!" "Okay, explain." Octavia hadn't expected her to comply, and tried to think of what to say. "I uh, I-" "I don't have all day, Octavia." "I just. I mean I. Listen, I'm going through some hard stuff and I wanted to be alone for my birthday." "Heh, you know. I would've believed you. I would've, unless I knew you were spending your birthday with your family, and then friends, then chilling at home. All without your own roommates, whose had your flank about every single piece of shit you got yourself into. How does such a classy girl even get into so much trouble is beyond me. And you have the guts to lie to my face twice. I've taken thousands of dives for you. And you haven't repaid me once yet. Have fun at your birthday party." "I always have a party with my adopters, and then I'm with my closest friends, then-" "Closest friends, huh? Then who am I?" "Let me finish! Stop being such a difficult, selfish, bitchy, brat!" Octavia cursed loudly. Vinyl kept her ground and looked at her square in the eye. "I spend it with my adopters, then with my closest new friends. Then I want to go home and be alone because... Because I just want to spend the rest of the week alone. It reminds me of my family and how they abandoned me, and gets me down in the dumps." Octavia said and walked back into their dorm room. Vinyl said goodbye to Rapid and went inside. "I'm still pretty pissed that you couldn't just tell me the truth." "Deal with it." "I'm trying to say sorry and you're being a bitch!" "Hey, just try walking a mile in my horseshoes!" "Care to make a wager?" "What?" "Let's switch places for a day. See if we can handle each others lives. Loser says sorry and takes the winner out for dinner. Deal?" Octavia wavered for a bit. "Deal." A bright blue light engulfed the two and quickly disappeared. 8: Octavia is the New VinylOctavia picked her head off of the plush pillow. She normally would lie face down in her pillow, but the new horn was denying her that right. She got off the bed, tired of the day already. She saw Vinyl creeping out of the room and smirked. "Care to make your bed, Octavia? Without magic?" Octavia smirked. "You'd just love to see that, huh?" Vinyl retorted, then made the bed with little effort. Octavia watched Vinyl leave the house after gathering her things, and sighed. Tavi herself then arose from her bed, trying to use the magic she now had. On the sheet, blue magic suddenly surrounded it, and soon enough the bed was made; poorly, but made. Octavia walked out of the room and to her- Vinyl's, classroom. She opened the door to booming music and dubstep, burning her eardrums as the sound reverberated off the walls. The day dragged along slowly, Tavi being blasted with music and forced to plaster a smile on her face. She plopped on the sofa, rubbing her head. She levitated an ice pack out of the freezer, Octavia being now slightly good at magic. She put it on her head and the door burst open with Vinyl standing in the frame. "What's wrong with you?" Vinyl asked "So... much... dubstep." Tavi rubbed her head "Heh, noob." "That's it. You were right I'm done being you." Octavia focused her new found magic on the bottom of her hoof, the small spell reversing its affects. "Woo! I win, I win!" Vinyl waved her hooves about. "Please don't rub it in. Sometimes I hate you, Vinyl." "Aw, shut it, you love me. Well Octy, anything I can do to make it better?" Vinyl asked. "Be quiet?" In response, Vinyl motioned with her hooves, zipping her mouth shut and throwing away the key. Octavia was touched that she actually listened, feeling the heat raise in her cheeks; Octavia despised the fact that she was taking a liking to the crazy dubstep maker. But the question remained: did she feel more than liking Vinyl? 2: Vinyl ScratchVinyl awoke to her father gently shaking her. She rubbed her magenta-red eyes and wiped the sleep out of the corners. She smiled at her dad, and smiled at the picture of her mom. After looking, Vinyl shed a tear, even though she knew her father would disapprove. Thinking he would softly scold her, she felt a reassuring wing wrap her in warmth. Vinyl looked up to her father, Brass Beats, who shed a few tears himself. "She would be so proud of you, my sweet Vinyl." "Proud of me for what? Just making it to college?" "No, going to college." Brass pulled out a note and smiled. "Augh, you opened it without me?!" Vinyl feigned anger and resentment. "You were sleeping so nicely and I couldn't wait, Sugar Plum," Vinyl shed more tears as she heard her mother's pet name for her. "Don't worry sweetie, she told me to call you that anyway. She wants you to know she lives on," he placed a hoof on his heart. "In here." "I know dad, I know," Vinyl looked up at her father who used a wing to wipe a stray tear. Vinyl tried her best to get the dirt and mud off from weeks of no showers, but using dirty water only made muddy crusts on her once shiny white coat. She remembered how her mother had such a clean and shiny coat just like hers used to be. Once she died, Vinyl didn't want to see the shine. She never wanted it again. But, going to a good college required hygiene, and it had been 14 years since her death. "Why won't mommy open her eyes, daddy?" "She's gone, Sugar Plum. She's dead." Her dad whispered coldly and walked out of the hospital room. Vinyl took hold of her mothers hoof and climbed into the bed. She knew her mother wasn't dead yet. The monitor beep beeped as she breathed. Vinyl put her mothers hoof around her, and felt her mother pull her tighter. "Mommy," she breathed heavily. " loves you," another heavy breath."my Sugar Plum." Vinyl cried out as she heard the monitor beep for what seemed like forever. Doctors came in and pushed her to the ground. "Time of death, 1:59 PM. Patient: Savory Sounds." Vinyl shook her head to dispel the thoughts. She stamped her hoof on the dirt and growled. "That will not ruin my day!" After packing pictures and vinyls, as well as her mother's legendary turntable, she set out to walk to the college. She saw a limo on her way and sighed. "How nice it'd be to have one a those." 7: Vinyl is Now Octavia"Man, it's really weird without a horn." Vinyl said as she rubbed her forehead. "How do you even use magic?!" Octavia tried to use magic, a few blue spurts popping loudly. "Heh, you admitting it's hard? There is such a thing as a limit, you know. And that spell is quite draining on me. But now, I'm you." "No, I'm just fine! Wait- What about when we have to change back?! Who will change us, what if we're like this forever, what if-" Vinyl put her hoof in Octavia's mouth. "Calm down, there's a counterspell on my- your hoof. Focus magic on it, and it'll change us back. Now, it's getting late, I'm going to bed." Vinyl smirked and walked back into the bedroom, and plopped down on Octavia's- her bed. Tavi growled and sighed, then laid her head down on Vinyl's messy bed, hoping that her friend would just call it off before something embarrassing happened. Early in the morning Vinyl arose from her bed, leaving it a mess like she always did. She crept out of the room, before realizing Octavia was watching her. "Care to make your bed, Octavia? Without magic?" Octavia smirked. "You'd just love to see that, huh?" Vinyl growled back, but eventually made the bed with little effort. Vinyl picked up the cello case with ease, and ran down the halls to her first class. She played the given works and worked on her own symphony for Tavi. She played the cello remarkably well, considering she had only ever played the violin and viola. Later, Vinyl pranced home, happy with herself, ready to rub it in Octavia's face. She opened the door to Octavia laying on the sofa with an ice pack on her head. "What's wrong with you?" "So... much... dubstep." "Heh, noob."
1: OctaviaOctavia awoke to her classy alarm clock that played her first cello composition. She smiled as she heard a few mistakes, but loved how cute she had been with them. Over time she had gotten better, as well as stronger. In order to pick up her large cello, she had to be strong, and stronger to carry the case. Octavia got up and made her bed, then turned her alarm off. The gray mare walked over to her bathroom and took a short shower, afterwards she brushed her hair and teeth. She then mane sprayed her mane so it would stay still. She put her collar on, then chose her favorite bow, which was a pink violet one. She trotted down the staircase and into the dining room. "Good morning mother, father." Octavia smiled at her adoptive parents. "Nice to see you so happy, Octavia," Her father commented. "I'm just excited about getting the letter," Octavia shrugged it off. "Nonsense! You have to admit you are happy! Remember when we first adopted you, and your father held you and you smiled so pleasantly?" "Yes, mother, I was just happy to see that I was going to an actual home, but I suppose I am happy today." Octavia said between bites of her omelette. She sipped her tea, then got up as she heard the mail mare knock. Octavia cantered to the door and opened it slowly. "Hello Octavia! Here's the mail!" The unicorn levitated the letter to her hoof. "Thank you," Octavia shut the door and ran as elegantly as she could back to the table. She sorted through the mail and found the letter. She opened it and smiled wide, then calmed down and just smiled a half smile. "I was accepted." The other ponies in the room cheered for her, including servants and adoptive family. "Sister, that is just grand! When you come back to visit, you simply must tell me all about it, please!" Regal Rose asked respectively. "Oh, Rose, of course. I will be sure to take pictures for you and mother, and father, I will send you my grades every time I get an update." "Dame, could you please pack a bag for Octavia? Or, would you like to pack it yourself?" Sunny Swirls asked politely, staring at her 20 year old daughter. "Mother, I believe I would like to pack it," she looked to Rose. "alone." Rose's smile died down, and soon she trotted off into the living room to practice her violin. Sunny smiled to her daughter and levitated a handkerchief to her eye, dabbing away a few tears that threatened to ruin her perfect makeup. Sunny then exited the room and went along with her other daughter to watch her play. Brief Case looked at his adopted daughter and restrained the need to ruffle her hair. "Octavia, I want you to know we will all miss you so much, and try to call you every week, okay? I love you. Go pack your stuff, hon." Case smiled and hugged her, then trotted over to the living room to watch his little filly play. He turned and looked at Octavia and winked. Octavia headed up the stairs and into her room. She packed a couple collars and bows, along with some formal attire in case of any unexpected events. She packed her brush and tooth brush and her special necklace. She shed a tear and quickly wiped it away. Octavia was not going to let that ruin her big day. She locked the case and picked it up, along with her cello case. Octavia looked in her bathroom mirror. She locked the door quietly and looked deep into the mirror, as if it was going to tell her the secret to life and happiness. "Who are you? Where are you? How can I find you?" Octavia asked herself these questions everyday, brooding over it. She wanted to- no, she needed to know. All she had was a necklace. That's all. Octavia banished the thoughts and tears. "No! This is my big day! I cannot- no! Will not let that get me down!" Octavia stamped her hoof down on the linoleum in triumph. The earth mare picked up her cases and walked down the stairs. She trotted into the living room and piped up. "Mother, father, sister, I am ready to leave. I love you all. I will be sure to call when I get the chances." After hugs, kisses, and a few shed tears, Octavia sat in a long black limo-carriage on her way to Baltimare. She was going all the way from Canterlot to Baltimare. A bit of brooding and looking out at the scenery flashing past her, leaving memories that were forgotten in seconds whirred past her as she thought about college. Soon, they went by a bad part of Hoofington, and saw a pony with saddle bags that seemed like they had an entire collection of disks inside. The pony seemed like she should be white, but was coated with mud and dust. Octavia wanted to pick her up, but she remembered what her mother warned her about. "Never talk to strangers or beggars, you never know if they are lying or not, okay?" "Yes, mama." Octavia had said. She put her hoof down on the soft carpet and laid down. Just a few miles and I'll be there. Just... a few... miles. Octavia dozed off, but what seemed like a second to her, she awoke from a large lurching made by the carriage. She sat up and brushed her mane instinctively. The butler opened the door and got her things out. As he was about to carry it in, she waved him off. "I will take it from here, Monsieur." Octavia paid him. The mare trotted in through the gates, a cello strapped to her back, and a suitcase in her mouth. She usually carried just her cello case on her back, so she was not used to carrying two cases that weighed together about 78 pounds. "Hey, you need some help? You seem like you're struggling a bit," a sweet, sugar coated voice asked. Octavia turned to see the same unicorn mare offering her magic. She was filthy and stunk very badly. Octavia could see she had good intentions, though she was not going to let a sweet face get to her. "Oh, thank you, but I am fine. If I am to carry my cello all day, I must learn to carry more than just a cello case," Octavia assured the mare she would be fine and they waved goodbye, but awkwardly walked the same way. "You don't happen to be going to Muse University... do you?" The blue maned beauty asked politely for some pony so filthy. "Oh, yes, don't tell you are too? Music, if you are heading this way, correct? My name is Octavia. Nice to meet you," Octavia offered a hoof to the mare, even though she was unkempt; Octavia felt strange, like she'd known this pony from before. "Vinyl. Vinyl Scratch. Nice to make the acquaintance. Yes, you are in classic, since you use the cello, I'm sure. I'm going into dubstep and electronica. I am a pretty okay DJ, and my stage name is DJ-P0N3, not to brag or anything," Vinyl stated as they shook hooves. "Oh, really? I would never have guessed. I went with my father sometimes to see you though you-" Octavia stopped before she said something regrettably rude. "Weren't that dirty? Yah I get that a lot. I just... didn't have a great life, okay?" Vinyl said a bit colder than intended. "Sorry, I-I didn't mean to snap. I just don't feel comfortable talking about it to some pony so new to me. Yet it feels like- never mind." Vinyl stopped herself before she said anything weird. "Like we've met before? I-I felt the same thing. Well, maybe I'll see you sometime switching classes or something," Octavia smiled as they clip-clopped into the main doors. "My name is Octavia," "Hello, Ms. Octavia. Dorm 120," the pony at the desk smiled sweetly. "Hey, I'm Vinyl Scratch." "Oh, Octavia! Wait! You two are roommates, why not walk together? I-I mean if you'd like to, to get to know each other." The rather shy mare retracted in shyness. Vinyl cantered up to Octavia and the pair trotted down the halls. After a bit of traveling throughout the maze of dorms, they found Dorm 120 and entered. It was on the top floor, the 5th, and it was rather large. There were two beds, one blue, one violet, with windows and curtains, along with a large bathroom and kitchen. The had a suitable living room as the entrance, which felt very inviting. "Oh, cool. I guess I'll take the blue, or do you want blue?" "No, that's quite alright, I'll take violet." The two ponies started unpacking in the baby blue room. Octavia and Vinyl agreed to each have half of the rooms, only in the bathroom and bedroom. Vinyl charged a spell and suddenly, a large turntable came to the correct size. Vinyl made sure everything worked and shrunk it back down. She put it in a small bag and then the bag on a shelf above her bed. She had tons of vinyls in her saddlebag, a toothbrush and toothpaste, one blue formal dress that was a little tattered and ripped, and her signature glasses. "I-I think I understand. It's okay. If you want, we can be friends. And friends help each other. So, would you want to be friends?" "Y-You don't care that I'm poor? But, you're Octavia. Rich! How could you just do that with a stranger?!" "Well, I feel a connection. And I want to help, because its not fair that I live in luxury while you get... how should I put it..." The mare trailed off. "It's okay, I know. While I get crap, it's okay to say it. So, you'd actually help me?" "How about after you take a bath, we go shopping for a new dress. If you're good, I'll buy you some antique vinyls! I promise!" "I don't usually take help from new ponies, but it's weird... I feel like I've known you forever. C-Can I hug you... after a shower?" Taken by surprise, Octavia wavered a bit, then smiled. "Sure, and here, use my shampoo and soap. These are really good for your mane and coat. You'll feel so nice and clean! I promise!" "Octavia..." Vinyl wiped a few tears away from her muddy coat. "No, Vinyl don't cry!" Octavia rushed to her new friend's side and sat by her and held her hoof. "It's just... no pony has ever been as nice to me as you are... and I've only known you for an hour and a half." "How about you take a bath, and we go shopping? Dresses and vinyls?" Vinyl smiled a sweet, and unusually clean smile. "Thanks, Tavi." "Tavi? Don't call me that!" Octavia blushed furiously. "But you're so cute when you're angry! I love it, Tavi! I'll call ya Tavi from now on!" Before Octavia could protest the use of the newfound nick name, Vinyl skipped into the bathroom and turned the water on. Tavi sighed and decided to let it go; after all, there was no sense in arguing with the only true friend you've ever made... right?
3: ShoppingVinyl trotted out of the shower and smiled at Octavia. She put her saddlebags on and Octavia did the same. "Ready to go, Tavi?" "Stop calling me- Fine, let's go." Octavia waved the stupid nickname off and walked to the door. Vinyl followed and opened the door for Octavia. It took Octavia by surprise, since she yelped a little bit. Vinyl giggled a bit, then put on a straight face when looked at with bold eyes. "Uh, sorry, just trying to be, heh, nice." "Please tell no pony of my yelp. Please." Octavia glared. "Hmm," Vinyl Scratch pretended to think it over, stroking her chin. "Not funny." "Okay, okay. I won't tell a soul!" Vinyl giggled a last time. The two ponies trotted out and down the halls, getting lost for the second time that day. They found a map and finally made it out. Vinyl had copied the map with magic and used it to navigate. They stood in the elevator by themselves, and went down to the first floor. The metal doors clanked and clacked as they opened, and the two ponies cantered out or the titanium box. "Bye girls!" The mare at the desk waved kindly. "Bye!" The two mares said in unison, then giggled at the same time. "In... sync!" They said in perfect sync. They started laughing uncontrollably. After a minute of calming down and rubbing aching tummies, they galloped out and down to the street. Vinyl looked both ways and they trotted across the street quickly. The pair eventually came to a clothing shoppe called the Saddler's Store. They walked in and went to the dress area immediately. "Listen, Octavia, I know you're being super helpful and stuff, but I prefer this dress. Could we just... get it fixed up a bit?" Octavia stared blankly at her for a moment, then smiled sweetly. "Sure, we'll get it hemmed and fixed up, don't worry!" Octavia pulled Vinyl along as they went to the help desk. Octavia trotted up bravely, while Vinyl hung behind her and held her forehoof with her other hoof. "Hello, welcome to Saddler's Store, how may I help you?" The stallion smiled and greeted the two mares sweetly. "Good afternoon sir, I would like to get a dress repaired, and please, make the condition better, but do not completely tear it up, please." Octavia asked so politely and smiled sweetly. "Of course, madam. Hoof me the dress and I'll repair it right now!" The deep blue stallion smiled sweetly. Vinyl used her magic to levitate the dirty, tattered, and torn dress out of her bag, a bit embarrassed. "Oh, I've seen this dress before! It was bought by a client from a while ago! I'm quite amazed that it lasted this long!" "You know my grandmother?" Vinyl asked in confusion. "Why yes, when I was just a tiny colt! She came in and bought the custom dress herself! That was over 50 years ago! She told me she gave it to her daughter who in turn gave it to her daughter! I'm glad you're keeping the family tradition alive!" "Y-Yeah, my mom died a while ago so..." "Oh, I'm sorry I brought it up, I'll fix it up." The stallion lost his smile. While the stallion sewed and cut and cleaned the dress, Octavia talked to Vinyl. "I'm sorry your mother died. It must've been really hard. How old were you, if you don't mind me asking," "I was about 5 or 6. Yeah, pretty rough from then on. We had a good life, but once her check stopped coming, it got hard. I miss her, so I use her dress all the time." "Misses? I finished." "Wow, that was quick!" Vinyl commented. "Well, they don't call me Needle Speed for nothin'!" He levitated the dress back to its owner, who looked at the dress. It was clean. It wasn't torn. It was in the perfect condition. Vinyl opened her bag and pulled out 19 bits, and tried to pay. Octavia stopped her and put her money back in her bag. "Ah ah ah! I said I would take you shopping, so, I'm paying." Octavia got her bit bag out and paid 19 bits, plus 5 for a tip. "Thanks, Tavi." "Thank you for your business! Come back soon!" The stallion waved as they exited the store. The two ponies walked back out into the summer heat. They eventually galloped to the vinyl store and felt relieved when the AC blasted. They giggled and cooled off by the AC, until Vinyl went to the new sells. "Ah, the famous DJ-P0N3! How's it going? We got your new mix out!" The store owner, Slam Jam, smiled proudly as he pointed to the new vinyls. The two DJ's hoof-fived and smiled, then went about their business. Octavia found a vinyl about a classic dubstep remix, and asked,: "Do you have a record player I could listen to this with?" "Sure do, it's over there." Octavia walked over to the station and put the record on the track. She put the lid down and it started to play. She listened to it and loved it. "This is pretty good, how much?" "Hmm, that one is 30 bits. But I can give the DJ here a 50% discount," The clerk winked. "15 bits." Vinyl and Tavi smiled at each other while the grey mare paid. Vinyl looked at a record by her mother. Her mother's stage name was DJ-UN1C0RN. Vinyl brought it to the register and Octavia insisted on paying and did. Afterwards, the pair walked outside and hailed a cab, which they took to their dorm. They used their map and got to the room with less than 5 mix ups.
4: First Day; Vinyl ScratchVinyl stretched and looked at her clock. She sighed. This was the first day for her. *Octavia didn't start until a couple hours after her. Vinyl decided to use a spell to make her movements have no sound to them. She got up and made her bed, then walked into the kitchen. She made a hay sandwich and ate it quickly, then packed a peanut butter sandwich for lunch later on. Vinyl opened and shut the door, as well as forgetting to undo the spell. She trotted out, and found her hooves made no sound. She quickly undid the spell and smiled, glad she remembered. She trotted down the hall and into a music room. She entered and sat in the first available chair. She was the first one in, not counting the teacher. "Why hello, my little pony. Why are you so early?" The mare asked. "I just couldn't get back to sleep, so I came in. Nice to meet you, I'm Vinyl Scratch." "Lovely to see you here, Vinyl. My name is Rainbow Track, very nice to see you here!" "Wait, you are THE Rainbow Track, as in: Princess Rainbow Track of Rain-Acrtica?" "Well, yes, but please, just call me Miss Track." The Alicorn of Music asked politely. "Oh, sure! Very awesome to meet you! I didn't think you'd be here of all places. If I may ask, why are you not in Rain-Arctica ruling there?" "It's okay to ask, and I'm here because the previous teacher... well, he died. It was of natural cause... or my cousin Grim Reaper... any who, my little brother is running things there until the school finds a permanent replacement." "What's his name?" "His name is Rainy Record. He's a bit stubborn, but he warms up to every pony eventually." As the pair waited and talked for about a half an hour, the rest of the class finally came. There were only 8* students, including Vinyl. And after a long talk about why Miss Track was there and learning about her, she said- "For this first class, I would like you all to say some things about you; where you are from, your name, and what you are getting your degree in. Okay, we'll start to the right of me and go to the left." "Hello, my name is Rapid Spin, I am from Las Pegasus, and I'm getting my degree in editing sounds and making tracks." A friendly mare spoke quietly. "Hey, I'm Vinyl Scratch, aka DJ-P0N3, I'm originally from Hoofington, I'm gettin' my degree in turn table use." "Yo! I am Wretched Record and I am from the Wastelands! I'm getting my degree in fine arts! I am a Changeling, but ever since the Treaty of Change we were allowed back into Equestria! I'm ready to be friendly!" "Hey! I'm-" the Pegasus was cut off by the fire alarm going off. The ponies walked in a calm, single file line out of the building. After a bit of standing and waiting, the class re-entered their class room and sat back down. After about another hour playing games to get the students to get to know each other, they were released from class. "That was just one day of many, my students. I promise the rest of the days will be harder. See you!" Rainbow Track called from the door. After more classes with most of the same ponies, Vinyl sat outside in the heat and ate her lunch quietly and alone. She ate it quickly, knowing she could go home and practice NOT dropping the bass when she really wanted to. Rainbow Track said you have to let it tell you to drop the bass, not do it whenever. Her four classes were all in a row, lucky for her. She trotted home and found her dorm with slight difficulty. "Tavi! I'm home!" Vinyl called. She walked over to the fridge and found that there was a note on the door handle. She picked it up and read it aloud. "Dearest Vinyl, I have gone to my classes, and it is about 9 in the morning right now. I have three classes today and I will be home at around 3. Have a great day! Sincerely, Octavia. Aww, how sweet of her to leave me a note!" Vinyl giggled then went into their bedroom. She picked up her turntable and brought it into the living room. She started playing it and cast a spell to keep it inside a force field.
5: First Day; OctaviaOctavia awoke from her sleep and looked at her clock. She stretched her legs and got up off her bed. She walked into the kitchen and opened the door. Tavi shuffled through the various food and decided on cereal. She poured her milk out and ate it quietly, then went into the bathroom. She brushed her hair and but n her collar and bow. She picked up her cello case and walked out of the dorm. She went back in and wrote a note to Vinyl, then nodded and was off. She trotted to the elevator after locking the door and walked out. "Morning!" Octavia said to the desk mare. "Good morning!" The sweet mare replied with glee. Octavia walked to her class room and was the second in, not counting the teacher. The teacher was named Vivid Violin, and was a soft brown color. Her mane was a grey color and her cutie mark was a white violin. Octavia took a seat next to the other pony in the room. "Hello, I'm Octavia. What's your name?" Octavia asked. "I am Sax. I play the saxophone. And you play the viola? No, cello." The Pegasus stated. "Yeah, I play the cello." Octavia smiled. The mare was a golden color with a white mane. Her cutie mark was a blue half note and she was very sweet. Two more pony like characters came in, and they sat down next to the other mares. One, a griffon named Leo smiled kindly to the other two, and introduced himself. "Hi, I'm Leo. I'm from Griffonia. What are your names?" The other, a Timber Wolf like character stated her name as well. "Hi, I'm Willow. I look like a Timber Wolf, but I'm really the offspring of a Timber Wolf and a Unicorn. It's nice to meet you." After the introductions of the various characters, they started playing games to get to know each other better. After a while of playing games, they started to play a little bit of music. Octavia and Sax played their instruments in perfect pitch, and Leo played his trumpet quite well. Willow played her flute and mesmerized the class, catching their attention with her random changes that made the tune just a little bit better. "Why are there only four ponies- I mean, pony like in this class?" Sax asked. "Well, this school requires a lot of money to pay for tuition, and many pony like folk can't always afford it, so we only have so many folks that can come here." The unicorn mare stated sweetly. After a couple more classes of essentially the same activities, Octavia walked home. She forgot to pack her lunch and was starving, but found herself relieved to find Vinyl eating dinner. Vinyl ate some assorted fruits and vegetables, and had a big bowl out for the two if them. Tavi sat on the chair across from Vinyl and ate some food as well. "Thank you, Vinyl." "I was hungry and I figured you might be too, so I made a bowl of fruit. It's really good. How was your first day?" "It was pretty nice. I Met a griffon, timber wolf, and two other mares in my first class. They're really the only ones in the Classical Department. There's only six ponies in the whole Department! I wonder why they have such tall dorms if only so few can be here." "Yeah, I wonder too. I met a changeling in my first class. He was pretty awesome." "There are so many species that go here. I wonder who else is here." "I wonder if Lyra was right about something. She told me there are humans here, but I don't really know. I wanna see one though." "I don't know if humans are even real. The one writing this story is really weird too. Hey look! I just broke the fifth wall! That was pretty fun." "Yeah, the reader is probably going to think the writer is just being stupid, which she is. Fifth wall broken twice in one chapter!" Vinyl chuckled as she thought of the idea. The two ate the rest of the bowl and practiced their music and compositions. After a long while of practicing, Vinyl called taking a shower first. She ran in the shower and slipped, making a loud crashing sound. She called to Tavi and said she was okay, then took a shower and dove onto her bed. She rubbed her back and fell asleep gently, tuckered out from such a long day. Octavia shook her head and walked slowly into the bathroom. She tried keeping her hooves stable, but, the writer being stupid decided to make her slip and fall. She cursed under her breath, something about yelling at a certain someone later. She took her shower and placed a mat on the slick spot, and eventually went to bed.
6: Presents and LiesOctavia walked inside the dorm room and found her roommate sitting on their sofa, drinking soda and watching television. Tavi sighed as she watched her laziness become more of an atmosphere rather than a habit. She walked over to the table and picked up an apple. "Welcome home, Tavi! So, I did some researching and it seems like some pony has a birthday coming up!" Vinyl said in a sing song voice. "Yeah, but, don't worry about getting me anything. I don't need anything, okay?" Octavia tried to convince her to not do what she was thinking. "Who said I was getting you something? Anyways, I just finished planning the best party ever for the night of your life!" Vinyl shouted. "Eh, what night is it, exactly?" "It's this Friday night!" "I kinda have things to do Friday..." "I can move it to Saturday, no biggie." "About that... I also kinda have to do... something on Saturday, and Sunday will be the end of the weekend. Sorry, Vinyl. You understand, right?" Octavia asked nicely. "But, then it won't be on your birthday... Never mind... It's fine I guess." Vinyl shook it off and plastered a smile on her face. Octavia sighed in relief. "Thanks for understanding." "Yeah, no prob." Vinyl sighed as she trotted out the room with her head down. Vinyl sat in the record shop and looked at her plan sheet. She planned on having a reception at one of the most classy bars where the two of them would play their music on stage. Then, they'd be off to another nightclub, more Vinyl's style. Some smooth jazz and a few perfect beats to go along. After that, they'd head to the school's drama and theater district held their plays for a giant party where every pony on campus would attend. And lastly, they'd head to Octavia's new regular hangout: The Classic Composition where she was going to have all of the best cellists play Octavia's first written symphony for her. Then they'd go home and go to bed. All that, down the drain. "Yo, Vines. What's up? You look way down in the dumps." A familiar voice rang out. "Yo, Rapid! Aw, yeah... I planned a party for Tavi, but she's busy so all this is trash now." Vinyl hoofed the plans to her friend. "This weekend?" "Yeah... Why?" "Cuz my sister Sax told me that they were planning on havin a huge party at her parents house or some shit like that." "We'll, it's okay. She's busy all weekend though." "No, she's not. She's just going with some friends, then chilling at home." "That lying bitch!" Vinyl yelled in anger. "Dude, it's okay. C'mon, let's just hit the streets and stuff... Kay?" "I'm not talking to her anymore. She lied to my face without breaking a sweat! And I already bought her a gift. Not that she deserves it anymore." "Just take it back or something." "I can't. I got her her real family's address and stuff." "Dude, you have to tell her. Wouldn't your mom want you to? I mean, seriously. What if you switched places?" "Fine, whatever. I'll go give it to the lying bitch now." The pair walked back to the campus and into their dorm. Vinyl threw the door open and stomped in. She pulled a file from under her bed and walked over to Octavia. "Why're you so angry?" "Because a little birdie told me you don't have plans this weekend. You lied to me. And I took five weeks to plan all this out for you." "It's not what you think, Vinyl, it's-" "It's not what I think? It isn't? Then what do I think? Huh? Right now I'm thinking that you're tired of me. That you don't like me anymore. We've been roommates for three months and you hate me, right?" "No, it's not that, I-" "Here's your present. Happy fuckin' birthday to you." Vinyl growled and trotted out of the dorm, Rapid Spin close behind. Octavia sighed and ran after the two, leaving the papers behind. "Vinyl, at least let me explain!" "Okay, explain." Octavia hadn't expected her to comply, and tried to think of what to say. "I uh, I-" "I don't have all day, Octavia." "I just. I mean I. Listen, I'm going through some hard stuff and I wanted to be alone for my birthday." "Heh, you know. I would've believed you. I would've, unless I knew you were spending your birthday with your family, and then friends, then chilling at home. All without your own roommates, whose had your flank about every single piece of shit you got yourself into. How does such a classy girl even get into so much trouble is beyond me. And you have the guts to lie to my face twice. I've taken thousands of dives for you. And you haven't repaid me once yet. Have fun at your birthday party." "I always have a party with my adopters, and then I'm with my closest friends, then-" "Closest friends, huh? Then who am I?" "Let me finish! Stop being such a difficult, selfish, bitchy, brat!" Octavia cursed loudly. Vinyl kept her ground and looked at her square in the eye. "I spend it with my adopters, then with my closest new friends. Then I want to go home and be alone because... Because I just want to spend the rest of the week alone. It reminds me of my family and how they abandoned me, and gets me down in the dumps." Octavia said and walked back into their dorm room. Vinyl said goodbye to Rapid and went inside. "I'm still pretty pissed that you couldn't just tell me the truth." "Deal with it." "I'm trying to say sorry and you're being a bitch!" "Hey, just try walking a mile in my horseshoes!" "Care to make a wager?" "What?" "Let's switch places for a day. See if we can handle each others lives. Loser says sorry and takes the winner out for dinner. Deal?" Octavia wavered for a bit. "Deal." A bright blue light engulfed the two and quickly disappeared.
8: Octavia is the New VinylOctavia picked her head off of the plush pillow. She normally would lie face down in her pillow, but the new horn was denying her that right. She got off the bed, tired of the day already. She saw Vinyl creeping out of the room and smirked. "Care to make your bed, Octavia? Without magic?" Octavia smirked. "You'd just love to see that, huh?" Vinyl retorted, then made the bed with little effort. Octavia watched Vinyl leave the house after gathering her things, and sighed. Tavi herself then arose from her bed, trying to use the magic she now had. On the sheet, blue magic suddenly surrounded it, and soon enough the bed was made; poorly, but made. Octavia walked out of the room and to her- Vinyl's, classroom. She opened the door to booming music and dubstep, burning her eardrums as the sound reverberated off the walls. The day dragged along slowly, Tavi being blasted with music and forced to plaster a smile on her face. She plopped on the sofa, rubbing her head. She levitated an ice pack out of the freezer, Octavia being now slightly good at magic. She put it on her head and the door burst open with Vinyl standing in the frame. "What's wrong with you?" Vinyl asked "So... much... dubstep." Tavi rubbed her head "Heh, noob." "That's it. You were right I'm done being you." Octavia focused her new found magic on the bottom of her hoof, the small spell reversing its affects. "Woo! I win, I win!" Vinyl waved her hooves about. "Please don't rub it in. Sometimes I hate you, Vinyl." "Aw, shut it, you love me. Well Octy, anything I can do to make it better?" Vinyl asked. "Be quiet?" In response, Vinyl motioned with her hooves, zipping her mouth shut and throwing away the key. Octavia was touched that she actually listened, feeling the heat raise in her cheeks; Octavia despised the fact that she was taking a liking to the crazy dubstep maker. But the question remained: did she feel more than liking Vinyl?
2: Vinyl ScratchVinyl awoke to her father gently shaking her. She rubbed her magenta-red eyes and wiped the sleep out of the corners. She smiled at her dad, and smiled at the picture of her mom. After looking, Vinyl shed a tear, even though she knew her father would disapprove. Thinking he would softly scold her, she felt a reassuring wing wrap her in warmth. Vinyl looked up to her father, Brass Beats, who shed a few tears himself. "She would be so proud of you, my sweet Vinyl." "Proud of me for what? Just making it to college?" "No, going to college." Brass pulled out a note and smiled. "Augh, you opened it without me?!" Vinyl feigned anger and resentment. "You were sleeping so nicely and I couldn't wait, Sugar Plum," Vinyl shed more tears as she heard her mother's pet name for her. "Don't worry sweetie, she told me to call you that anyway. She wants you to know she lives on," he placed a hoof on his heart. "In here." "I know dad, I know," Vinyl looked up at her father who used a wing to wipe a stray tear. Vinyl tried her best to get the dirt and mud off from weeks of no showers, but using dirty water only made muddy crusts on her once shiny white coat. She remembered how her mother had such a clean and shiny coat just like hers used to be. Once she died, Vinyl didn't want to see the shine. She never wanted it again. But, going to a good college required hygiene, and it had been 14 years since her death. "Why won't mommy open her eyes, daddy?" "She's gone, Sugar Plum. She's dead." Her dad whispered coldly and walked out of the hospital room. Vinyl took hold of her mothers hoof and climbed into the bed. She knew her mother wasn't dead yet. The monitor beep beeped as she breathed. Vinyl put her mothers hoof around her, and felt her mother pull her tighter. "Mommy," she breathed heavily. " loves you," another heavy breath."my Sugar Plum." Vinyl cried out as she heard the monitor beep for what seemed like forever. Doctors came in and pushed her to the ground. "Time of death, 1:59 PM. Patient: Savory Sounds." Vinyl shook her head to dispel the thoughts. She stamped her hoof on the dirt and growled. "That will not ruin my day!" After packing pictures and vinyls, as well as her mother's legendary turntable, she set out to walk to the college. She saw a limo on her way and sighed. "How nice it'd be to have one a those."
7: Vinyl is Now Octavia"Man, it's really weird without a horn." Vinyl said as she rubbed her forehead. "How do you even use magic?!" Octavia tried to use magic, a few blue spurts popping loudly. "Heh, you admitting it's hard? There is such a thing as a limit, you know. And that spell is quite draining on me. But now, I'm you." "No, I'm just fine! Wait- What about when we have to change back?! Who will change us, what if we're like this forever, what if-" Vinyl put her hoof in Octavia's mouth. "Calm down, there's a counterspell on my- your hoof. Focus magic on it, and it'll change us back. Now, it's getting late, I'm going to bed." Vinyl smirked and walked back into the bedroom, and plopped down on Octavia's- her bed. Tavi growled and sighed, then laid her head down on Vinyl's messy bed, hoping that her friend would just call it off before something embarrassing happened. Early in the morning Vinyl arose from her bed, leaving it a mess like she always did. She crept out of the room, before realizing Octavia was watching her. "Care to make your bed, Octavia? Without magic?" Octavia smirked. "You'd just love to see that, huh?" Vinyl growled back, but eventually made the bed with little effort. Vinyl picked up the cello case with ease, and ran down the halls to her first class. She played the given works and worked on her own symphony for Tavi. She played the cello remarkably well, considering she had only ever played the violin and viola. Later, Vinyl pranced home, happy with herself, ready to rub it in Octavia's face. She opened the door to Octavia laying on the sofa with an ice pack on her head. "What's wrong with you?" "So... much... dubstep." "Heh, noob."
