Friendship is Obsession.

Chapters

In The Prelude.
In The Beginning.
In The Basement
In The Darkness
In The Suspicion.

In The Prelude.

There Octavia Philharmonica sat. Alone. In a room filled with mountains of cardboard boxes, each of which held her personal belongings. Dust filmed the ground, as if no pony has set hoof in the room for months, only tiny paws of rodents were visible proof of existing life in that very room.

Octavia sat on the bed. It was covered with a white plastic sheet that crinkled with every breath she took, but as annoying as it was, she chose not to pay attention to it. She stared at the floor for what seemed like hours, her dry and aching eyes burned with every frequent blink. A mouse skidded across her vision just then, causing a wave of fright up her spine, but she refused to move nonetheless. The mouse just made a straight line across the giant room, leaving more paw prints on the wooden floor. Octavia didn't follow the mouse with her eyes, nor did she care where it came from and where it was going.

Octavia just didn't care anymore. Octavia wanted to die.

She looked up at her cello that lay beautifully in front of her. It was the only thing that used to make her fell alive, running the bow over the strings and playing a simple note, long and deep, felt just like breathing to her. Or at least, it used to feel that way.

The perfectly carved, beige cello with dark brown strings, one of her very own creations, couldn't even made her crack a smile, for it was that very instrument that caused all of these problems. It was certainly nothing to be smiling about. She saw the bow with brown hair lay cracked on the floor beside it, stained entirely with blood that had gushed out of her flank in attempts to cut out a large section of her flesh with it. It was the least she could do after what happened to...

She took in a deep, long breath, and then let it out slowly and silently. Over and over she took these breaths, contemplating, thinking about how cruel it was for Princess Celestia to let her live this long without proper punishment. She wanted to know why she wasn't being murdered or tortured already, why the Princess was this thoughtless. But then, Octavia closed her lids, the white hot burning sensation it gave while her dry and tired orbs moistened. This was the only movement she's been capable of doing all day after she got that phone call that changed her entire life...

As she thought about it, her body froze even more, if that was even possible at this rate. Her breathing stopped and her blood turned into icy rivers of red that pulsed through her body and tingled every nerve with fear. She couldn't stop the violent shiver that rippled up her back.

She couldn't move. She didn't want to move. She wanted to stay alone in her room forever, but she knew sooner or later she would have to meet her surprise fate. She wondered where they would take her... and when she though about it, her eyes widened.

“The white coat” She thought, her head spinning with the images and possibilities that all ended up with Octavia strapped tightly in a nut house, “I don't want to be in a white coat...”

Octavia couldn't stop yet another vehement shiver.

“I don't want to be in a white coat...” She wanted to cry, but her eyes didn't let a single tear drop. They were wide open in fear, drying up quickly again. She tried to get up, but she couldn't move.

“Vinyl....” The grey mare thought about the beautiful, pure white mare with the electric blue mane. “How could I have let this happen to you?” The double eighth note cutie mark danced around in the pony's mind and then vanished. Octavia looked back down at the ground.

Octavia heard muffled banging downstairs and she knew it was the guards, breaking down her locked door to see what was inside. She already knew what was lying beneath the floorboard of this house and quite frankly she didn't want to think about it. She wished at this very moment she could just forget everything about her past and restart new... she's been wishing that ever since she was a little filly. She hoped and prayed that everything would change around for her, but nothing ever did, and through years and years of torture and despair, loneliness and those... those thoughts, she finally found somepony who was willing to help take that all away...

Before she could finish her thoughts, they were interrupted by banging on her bedroom door. Octavia quickly jumped off the bed, all her joints and muscles stung from the sudden movement. The doors to her grand bedroom swung open without warning and Celestia's guards were pooling in one after another, quickly surrounding the grey mare.

“Kill me, please!” She wanted to yell, “Leave me here and let me die!”. She tried to make her voice be heard, but her throat ached with dryness and was unable to mutter a single word.

She thought they could hear her by the way they stared at her. She screamed it over and over again in her mind but stopped when one guard grabbed her from behind and used his magic to strap a muzzle around her mouth, almost suffocating her. Another guard took her hooves and pulled them behind her back, shoving her to the ground. Octavia didn't struggle, but they still needed to take precautions with her.

Octavia closed her eyes tightly as the flesh around her hooves were pinched and strewn together with magic, making it impossible to break free.

“That's some strong magic” She frowned.

The men pulled her up on her hind hooves and used their magic to lead her out the door and out of the house. When Octavia saw the big white carriage with steel bars on the windows and door, she started to panic. She thrashed about, trying to break free finally, but the magic bound her limbs together, causing her to twist and jerk her body in a failed attempt to break the spell. But even if she could break the spell, the guards would just find her again. They would find her, but not kill her. Octavia whimpered when a guard swiped her across the head with his heavy hoof. It felt good to feel something other than utter loneliness, but she forgot how badly a hoof to the head stung.

“How did I let this happen?” She thought again as the barred doors opened for her entrance.

And finally, a single tear rolled down her cheek.

..........................................................................................................................................................................................

Author's Note

Thank you for everyone who read this! I'm proud of myself for actually composing something I can add to this wonderful site of fantastic stories! It would be awesome to rate and review on how you truly feel about this story so far! Hope you ponies enjoyed the prelude.

In The Beginning.

Octavia Philharmonica happily trotted down the side-walk, her light grey tail bouncing back and forth, her newly manicured hooves clopped against the stone path. She was very happy because today was the first day at The Venue. She was hired to perform a cello piece there after all the time and effort of making a good first appearance to the fellow ponies who owned it. They almost hired her on the spot, but wanted to seem somewhat professional and let Octavia wait a whole mind-racing week.

But... The Venue. Thee Venue. The most popular hall in all of Canterlot. And she was playing there!

Octavia jumped in glee as she thought about how many ponies would show up. It was smack-centre in the middle of Canterlot, just a little ways near where the royal palace was. She knew the hall would be booming with new, excited faces, horny and pleading Octavia to encore once the show was done. That large population in Canterlot of all the posh ponies were about three times population of all of Ponyville. Just the thought of it made the grey mare break into a galloping sprint.

Her blood bumped quickly through her veins, as adrenaline took over her legs, pushing them faster and faster. A couple unfamiliar ponies passed her by, gawking at her insolence. Octavia just waved happily and informed them about the show happening shortly at The Venue. Neither pony looked thrilled to be shouted at, but Octavia couldn't care less. She just happily sprinted on.

Octavia was so excited that she didn't see the purple mare lurking out of the shadows and onto the side-walk. When Octavia saw the pony, she quickly side-stepped out of her path before bumping into her. “Sorry miss!” She exclaimed, continuing on her way.

When Octavia finally got to The Venue, she made a beeline to the back entrance. Her manager, Mr. Fine Letters, used his magic to fix a strand of stray hair that strung carelessly over Octavia's face. Octavia paused and shot him a cautious look.

“Sorry, Miss Philharmonica, but I would recommend you make a good first impression.” Fine shot her an apologetic smile.

“Don't worry about it,” She nudged his dark brown mane with a hoof.

Fine cleared his throat and fixed his own hair with his magic, “Well, you're certainly happy about this. You seem different than the little Philharmonica filly I first met,” He smiled sweetly.

Fine Letters lead Octavia to a sketchy room in the back, it wasn't the cleanest, and usually she would be complaining about it, but Octavia didn't care tonight. She made a warning tone when she noticed Fine trying to clear some things out of the way.

“Here you are, Miss Philharmonica, your room.” Fine presented it to her by flicking on the lights with his magic.

“Please, for the last time Fine just call me Tavi,” She rolled her eyes and smiled at the sight of the room, “It's perfect.”

Fine snorted and then quickly silenced himself when the cellist shot him another look with those piercing pale purple eyes.

“Well, just tidy up yourself. Your equipment was already set up, so don't worry about that, alright? Just drink some water and fix your... whatever you need fixing up.” He nodded once and backed out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Once she was alone, she took advantage of the giant mirror that lay rested against a dresser. Octavia steadied herself on her hind hooves and checked herself out every which way she could, admiring how she looked. She patted her belly which was full from a big meal that was treated by Venue Banks, the owner of the hall. She smiled to herself and used her hooves to tousle her mane a bit, adding a little more volume to the matted down hair. And finally she tightened up her signature pink bow tie onto her neck until it was just the way she liked it.

She looked great, after all, and she knew that nopony could ever make her change her mind about that. She was exactly that type of pony, nothing could phase her.

Octavia fell back on all fours and started her before-show workout which consisted of a few tens of push-ups and leg stretches. She glanced once more in the mirror and flashed herself a smile. As confidence almost engulfed her and turned her into an ego freak, she opened the door with her hooves and made her way out.

She was more than ready for this night.

She wasted no time and galloped up the stairs to reach her stage. It was a wide stage with dark red curtain that hid it from the hall. The floor was made entirely out of wood except for the carpeted area that lay under the cello and stool, probably to make sure the instrument stand didn't scratch their hardwood floors.

Octavia walked up to her instrument and stroked the wine wooden neck, feeling the grooves and lightly polished surface of her beloved companion. She moved the stool away, certain she wouldn't need it, and then waited patiently and tuned her already perfectly tuned cello. She looked over at Fine and noticed he was staring at her... it was a little concerning, but once he nodded she knew he was only waiting for a sign to ask the stage manager to open the curtains.

Suddenly a large pony walked up to Octavi and leaned in.

“The hall is almost full. Once it's completely filled we'll give you the signal and then we'll open the curtains.” He whispered.

“Thank you,” Octavia smiled and watched the pony trot away with silent hooves to the edge of the stage.

Octavia closed her eyes, listening to the sound of hooves clopping lightly on the carpeted floors she imagined were on the other side of the thick curtain. It felt like only minutes have passed, but when she glanced up at the large digital clock on the far left of the stage, a half hour had gone by. Octavia looked over at the right stage as she heard the stallion from before clear his throat. He nodded and she nodded back, watching as he pressed a button with his hoof which activated the pulley. The curtains split down the centre and parted, relieving a light purple light that shone onto the stage as a spot. Octavia almost gasped when she saw just how many ponies have come by.

Hundreds of ponies were there, some standing up at the back seeing as every seat in the hall was taken. Octavia felt overwhelming joy as she heard hooves clopping together, obviously also excited to be there. Octavia closed her eyes once the noise settled down, which was her queue to start playing.

Octavia lifted the bow with her hoof, placing is slowly on the single string that started the piece, and then adjusted her hoof to the right pitch. She took a calming breath and let it out, pulling the bow slowly across the string and creating a low pitch. She played the J.S. Bach piece in G major, which was one of her favourites.

As Octavia played, she swayed with the pace of the song, her legs pushed against the instrument to steady it. The notes she played were all rippling through her body. Although her mind was in outer space, she could hear every pony breathing, every pony enjoying what she can play. She felt as though she could take on the world.

Though nopony in the audience heard it, Octavia even let out a low moan, feeling the vibrations run up her legs and enter her body at every angle possible.

The crowd was swaying mindlessly to the music. Octavia wasn't paying attention to them though, she just closed her eyes and panted slightly, feeling a heat rise up between her thighs. She tried to cross her back legs to relieve herself of the painfully pleasant sensation, but she just couldn't. She wanted to touch herself so badly, but realized that wasn't the best option. She forced her focus back on her music and continued with the show, constantly rubbing her legs together.

When a good hour or two passed, Octavia quickly rushed into her dressing room after receiving a warming and hyperactive applause from the crowd. Octavia could still hear their cheering as she locked the door with her teeth and got up on her back hooves, slamming her back against the dresser. Her bow tie fell off in the process but she could care less. She had to deal with this unbearable and harsh reality.

She ran a hoof down her stomach and reach the top of her sex. She paused and bit her lip, lowering her hoof ever so slightly. The cold of her hoof shot lightning up her body from her sensitive area and her breathing hitched. She stroked her clit with her hoof and hummed loudly, the feeling of her own hoof against her flesh made her whole body shiver in delight. She did it again... and then again. Then she took a deep breath and pushed the tip of her hoof into her wet and slick slit, gasping and letting out a low moan. She pushed it farther in until her entire left hoof was engulfed in warm and tight walls. Octavia swore under her breath and tumbled over, landing on the posh couch behind her.

She wished someone were at the door, she would've immediately let them in to help her out. She didn't own any toys but she found it was incredibly hard pleasing herself with her own hooves.

A knock on the door caused her to freeze entirely, taking back everything she was thinking. She peered over at the door as another knock was heard. Octavia quickly tried to settle down, wiping the sweat off her face and closing her legs, laying promptly on the couch now.

“Yes... come in,” She said, trying to catch her breath.

Magic made the door unlock and fly open subtly. Fine stood at the entrance and smiled cheekily down at the grey mare, “The show was excellent! You seemed eager to get to your dressing room though.” He chuckled, watching her breath heavily.

“Oh, well, yes,” She cleared her throat, “I had to, uhm... use the bathroom. Yeah.” She nodded quickly, shuffling in her spot as her lower area continued to throb in excitement. She didn't even get to finish.

Fine entered the room and closed the door behind him slowly. He looked back at Octavia and slowly walked toward her, hoof after hoof, until he reached the couch. He raised one eyebrow, and without saying a single word, Octavia politely shifted over, creating space for the stallion to sit. He sat on his haunches and continued to look at her, almost in an observing way, and then placed a hoof on her leg. Octavia's stomach twisted as the touch felt much more satisfying to her.

“Tavi,” Fine Letters spoke softly, looking down at her cutie mark and then back to her eyes, “What were you doing before I got here?”

Octavia looked away from Fine and pressed her lips together, “I was just... sitting here.”

“But you're all warm and you're breathing heavily, there must have been something else you were doing,” He circled his hoof slowly across Octavia's flank, “You can tell me, I promise I won't judge you. I'm your manager.” He reminded her friendlily, lowering his head and looking at her through thick eyelashes.

Octavia felt extremely uncomfortable and slid her body off the couch, away from Fine's touch. Octavia was still young, and although she was a prim and proper and polite pony, she was also extremely quiet and uncertain. It was times like these she wished she could speak up, but her inner weakness leaked out uncontrollably. She looked at Fine again and saw he was peering at her still, his head slowly turning to face her.

“We never talked heart-to-heart before and I'm kind of curious about who I'm working with, to be honest,” He laughed. “You look good, Tavi,” He said, getting off the couch too, “how do you like it here? It's nice, right?”

Octavia wondered why Fine was acting so weird, but she just went along with it.
“It is very nice here.” She said quietly.

“I never noticed how incredibly talented you are... I mean, I always knew you were a top notch cellist, but something was different tonight, about the way you played that piece.” Octavia wasn't sure what to say, but was saved by Fine continuing his thoughts, “I was wondering, do you ever right music for other ponies? I would love a composition about myself one day. There's just something so... serene and romantic about partners writing music for one another, don't you think?”

Octavia balanced her weight into her left legs, and then her right, trying hard not to be rude by making little to no eye contact with the stallion in front of her.

“I guess so. Yes.” She nodded slowly.

“You know, I took art once, a long time ago when I was your age. Although I wanted to be a musician, I was often called an impeccable artist. Obviously I only drew faces, until the strangest thing happened... I requested to draw a beautiful mare's nether region. Have you ever seen a mare's nethers before? Besides your own?” He asked. Octavia opened and closed her mouth several times, trying to comment, but she couldn't think of one damn thing. How could anypony reply to such stories?

“I've never seen another mare's nethers before, no.” She shook her head slowly, “Not to be a prude, Fine, but where is this story leading?”

Fine chuckled a bit and smiled, “I just believe you're being too hard on yourself sometimes, Tavi. You're always stressed out with family, you never go out and have fun anymore. You just always look so tense and troublesome until you hold your cello and play that beautiful music.” Fine walked closer to Octavia and then circled her, reaching a hoof up and placing it on the back of her shoulders, “You are very tense.”

“T-thank you for the offer, Fine, but I'm alright,” Octavia told him, stepping away suddenly and giving him an apologetic smile, “I don't like massages anyway.”

“Alright then, how about a hug?” He asked with a friendly smile. Octavia smiled back, at least his smile was still sincere and not as discomforting as the rest of the conversation had been going. But while they hugged, Octavia felt a strange feeling fall in the pit of her stomach when he said: “You don't seem like you get enough affection from your parents, isn't that right?”

Octavia didn't say anything and tried to pull away, but he held her closer, stroking her hair lightly, sending tiny ripples of shivers down her spine. He pulled away and chuckled, looking into Octavia's pale purple eyes, his own dark blue ones twinkling. His breath smelled like alcohol.

“Have you ever had a coltfriend?” He asked suddenly.

“N-no,” Octavia admitted quietly, looking down at her hooves.

“A fillyfriend?” Octavia looked up at Fine in alarm. Fine raised an eyebrow and chuckled, “How many times have you had sex before, Tavi?”

Octavia's body felt like it was fully submerged into a pool of ice. She shivered as she felt the hot breath of the much older stallion who was now close enough to press his muzzle to hers. He just rustled her ear and hummed soft words into it.

“I'm very experienced, you know. I can show you a good time. I can get you famous anywhere in Equestria if you do this one little favour for me.” He whispered in her ear.

Octavia closed her eyes and drew in a shaky breath, feeling the heat rise between her legs, a tingling feeling rose up in her belly. She wanted to do it, but she's never had sex before. Would Fine make her famous anywhere in Equestria? Would he really be able to do that? She ground her teeth together and sighed.

“What do you want me to d-do?” Octavia stuttered in a low voice.

Fine just chuckled and bumped his body into hers. A wet tongue flicked the fur around Octavia's ear. Octavia just pressed her lips together, clenching her legs and trying hard not to cum at this new sensation. She just hummed softly and gnawed recklessly on her lip, tasting the iron of her own blood.

Fine Letters bit softly at the flesh around Octavia's jaw, leading her closer to the couch.

“I want you to lay down here,” He whispered, pushing her slowly onto the couch. Octavia obeyed and laid on her back, looking up at the ceiling as it became blurry. Was she doing the right thing? “Let me see you... all of you.” He ran a hoof down her midsection as she spread her back legs, her front were still crossed over her chest, “Fuck, you're so Celestiadamn beautiful.” He moaned, kissing her belly.

Octavia squeaked a little and then covered her mouth. Fine looked up at her face and smiled.
“Still a virgin, I see?” He grinned wider when she didn't say anything, “Not for long, little filly. I'm gonna rock your world.” Suddenly a strong, wet object stroked Octavia's pulsing clit, causing her to jump and scream, “Yeah, you like that?” He growled, licking it again and again, each time receiving a quivering yelp from the pony under him.

Octavia's head spun with possibilities. Maybe he was going to hurt her... maybe she was doing the wrong thing. This was the wrong thing. This was definitely the wrong thing... but did she have the willpower to stop him? It felt too good...

“Spread wider,” He demanded. Octavia tried to, but without warning, Fine pushed her legs forcefully apart, causing her to whimper in pain. He stared at her, making her blush brightly. He moaned, going right back to licking.

Octavia couldn't hold it in anymore and she tried to close her legs, but Fine's strong grip disabled her from doing so. Her front hooves tried to grab onto something as she tightly closed her eyes and hummed loudly.

“Ah-ah-ah-AH,” She screamed, releasing her orgasm onto Fine's tongue. She felt his lips wrap around her dripping cunt and it made her squirm uncomfortably as another orgasm built up quickly, releasing into his mouth this time. He pulled back and licked his lips, moaning in ecstasy. Vinyl closed her eyes tightly, trying to disappear into the shadows, “C-c-can you let m-m-me go now?” She whispered, “Please?”

Octavia grew scared when she heard a low chuckle come from the stallion in front of her. “No.” He growled. Octavia looked at him in shock, his lips curled up into a tight smile, “You see, Miss Philharmonica, I'm not here to be your lover or your pleaser. You're here to be mine. I'm going to fuck you until you can barely stand. I might even have you kept as my pet. If you go now, you'll be fired. You'll never have another job again. You'll be homeless, broke, and have nowhere to turn. You might even be dead by the time they find you.” Octavia just kept staring at the man who was once thought to be supremely kind and posh, and now she was finally seeing the monster within him, “You're only 16... it would be a shame if someone found out your secret, Tavi. A real fucking shame.”

Octavia began to cry, but tears froze in her eyes and blood trickled down her face as her head snapped violently to the side. It took a while before she realized she had been slapped by the stallion's hoof. She looked back at him, scared now. He smiled sweetly at her and leaned in to lick the blood off her face. She just laid there, unmoving. She wanted to run, but her body wouldn't let her.

She screamed loudly as a large object stretched her cunt, forcing itself into her. Octavia could feel something tear and an overwhelming waft of nausea overcame her. Her body bobbed up and down as the stallion's thick member burrowed its way through her. She thought she was going to split into two the farther it travelled, and she thought somepony would hear her horrific screams for help, but she noticed then that her throat wouldn't open. She had lost her voice from screaming so much, it was the loudest she had ever screamed and it put such a strain on her usually minuscule tone.

Suddenly everything was a blur. She couldn't see Fine anymore, but she could hear more than one voice screaming at her. He could hear things tumbling over and object crashing to the floor. She felt liquid trickle down her thighs as somepony helped her stand, but everything was incredibly numb and the last thing she could remember about that day was throwing up and passing out in somepony's arms.

In The Basement

Vinyl Scratch couldn't help but laugh at her own thoughts. It was her second month at the club, preforming for a small group of ponies that were either high out of their mind, or drunk. Vinyl just kept thinking all these ponies were multiplied, she imagined there to be over hundreds and hundreds of ponies doing this, dancing to her music and enjoying the deep bass and fast rhythm of her songs, but the reality of that really happening made the white unicorn falter and burst into fits of giggles.

She took her cup of beer off the sign hanging from the right side of the scratching board, reading “No Drinks”, and took a swig, nodding her head hard and fast to the beat. She was 18 years old, but drinking at this club didn't really fall under any laws. The drinks were passed around as fluently and easily as joints, which meant even as young as 15 year old ponies were getting this frisky in that very club. Vinyl would've said something against that, but at this point she didn't care, as long as she knew she was getting a paycheck at the end of the night, she was content.

Vinyl closed her eyes, imagining once again how it would feel to have such a large crowd indulge in her tunes. Vinyl's heart raced when she heard the loud rowdy ponies, their hooves clopping carelessly on linoleum flooring, all yelling and screaming while greeting each other and dancing. Vinyl knew she would want to be there some day.

Vinyl switched disks quickly while the song transitioned into the next, spinning it experimentally. She used her magic and thrusted her head forward, turning all the nobs up until she saw the board light up with more power. She smiled when she saw a little reaction come out of a few sober ponies and then held out a signature hoof to her audience. She pushed up onto her hind hooves and dragged the microphone that hung above her head down to her lips.

“Alright everypony, are you ready to get fucking crazy tonight!?” She yelled into the mic, receiving a couple yells back. She knew just by the warning looks from the staff members that she shouldn't be so profound, but she didn't really care.

After all this time in Canterlot studying night school music theory, the quietness of the town just numbed her very soul. The only other pony that liked being as loud as herself was a mare named Pinkie Pie, but the hyperactive pink earth pony was usually too much to handle after the first couple of minutes. Her parties were a riot though, and Vinyl often enjoyed being invited to them, but she felt so... disconnected to Ponyville. She didn't know why though.

“Maybe it's because I know I don't belong here.” Vinyl thought, looking out into the crowd once more and breathing in the thick air through her nostrils. “I know I should be somewhere else... I just know it...”

Finally the air broke into a subtle hum as Vinyl pushed up a few sliders gradually, increasing the intensity of the bass, a long low hum that rippled waves into the atmosphere, making Vinyl's body tingle. She closed her eyes and grinned, building up the suspense slowly, making sure everypony had their heart set right into the music before adding a soothing melody as the bass faded out.

Vinyl spun the disk on her left and let the tension of a harmonic but low-based instrument tune out all thoughts, all of her troubles vanished when she heard her favourite song, it was one she had picked up a long time ago in the record store by an artist named Filly Gaga.

The bass started to rhythmically pulse through the air as the white unicorn slowly cranked up a dial on her board. The low frequencies ran through the floor; one-two, one-two, over and over again. A white noise built up and then finally, when Vinyl thought she teased the crowd enough, she dropped it low, bringing forth a dangerously low rhythmic bass and throwing her head back in ecstasy.

It was like having an orgasm to her. Better than sex. Her music was her life, her passion, her joy. She never looked for a coltfriend because she never needed one. She had a million and one friends that were colts, but no lover. She was still a virgin too. Something about sex just put Vinyl off. She would rather be playing music than do the deed to be completely honest, but that was just an unpopular opinion she liked to keep on the down-low.

After the show, Vinyl got her paycheck of 20 bits, and went home after grabbing a spicy seasoned dandelion and tomato sandwich on a toasted tortilla, something she had almost every night. She went back to her apartment, a fairly well built tower that hung close by the main plaza. She walked up the two flights of stairs and then used her magic to crack the combination on her door.

“Hey, Neon, you home?” Vinyl called, not really looking around as she trotted over to the fridge to gather herself a second dinner, “I'm making apple and grain salad if you want any, I dunno.”

Vinyl stopped when she closed the fridge and saw a note float to the floor.

'Parents in town. Be back in a week. Be a good filly, alright? And also.... take out the fucking garbage!

Love,

Neon.

Vinyl rolled her eyes and stuck the note back on the fridge as a reminder. She went over to go stand in front of her turntables and put on a disk, playing it loudly as she expertly moved her flank to the beat. Vinyl wasn't one to dance, but she sure loved bringing out the moves in the comfort of her home flat, as long as Neon wasn't there, of course. She would never dance in front of someone if her life depended on it. It was just her special secret thing.

Everypony had a special secret thing, even Neon, but Vinyl knew very well what his was and she had to find it out the hard way... which she could vaguely remember but was almost certain it had something to do with Rainbow Dash's PonyHoof page online.

Vinyl dug into her salad and then took a short shower. She turned off her music and finally went to bed. After a long day of grocery shopping and DJing she sure was beat -no pun intended-, which was very unlike her. It seemed the older she got the more tired and less energetic she felt, which scared the young mare greatly. She just had her 18th birthday and was already feeling like Granny Smith, but she knew after a good long rest she'd be back to her old self again by the morning.

~-*-*-*-~

Octavia sat up in bed, breathing heavily and sweating, touching her face with her hooves and frantically looking around. She hated these nightmares. She hated having to keep reliving her fears all the time. No matter where she went, the shadows of her past followed her and she reluctantly was being sucked in further and further into her insanity.

She knew she had a problem, ever since the day of that treacherous event she's had a problem. She hasn't touched her cello in weeks and she thought that maybe that could have been linked to her extreme feeling on longing.

She took a quick shower and dried off, cleaning the tub as she did every time she used it. She slowly walked into her bedroom and grabbed her brush, combing her mane thoroughly. She didn't bother putting on her pink bow tie or looking in the mirror. She didn't care how she looked today because she wasn't going anywhere anyway. She hated her reflection.

Octavia walked down the stairs of her mansion, her movements similar to that of a snail; extremely slow and observant, as if she had to analyse every step before she put her hoof down. She did that every time she walked down stairs, down narrow paths, or even around clubs and venues. She had to know exactly where she was going at all times.

After living in Canterlot for so long, the young cellist decided to move to the quiet of Ponyville. Well, it wasn't much quieter, but Octavia had managed to find a quaint and silent mansion near the Everfree Forest, where she was almost certain she wouldn't be getting many interruptions in. It took harsh encouragement to allow her to live there, seeing as there were already an elder couple occupying the home, but after long hours of convincing, she claimed the mansion as her very own. It was the largest home in Ponyville, but it was nothing compared to what beast of a home young Octavia grew up in way back then. And even though Octavia was lonely most of the time, the echoes of her hooves clacking the wooden floors made her feel less depressed and somewhat happy, a difference from her usual solemn self.

The grey mare trotted into the kitchen and made herself a small breakfast with whatever leftovers she's had kept since the last time she went out. After cleaning up, she turned to look at the door that hid just shy of her view. Octavia walked over, her shoulders slightly hung as she approached the giant wooden frame. She took a deep breath and grinned to herself, placing a hoof on the three locks she had set up a while back. She finally got to the doorknob and faltered.

She could feel someone watching her. A shiver danced along her spine and she quickly turned around and jumped... but nothing was there. Feeling foolish, she quickly hid her face behind her hair, turning back to the doorknob obstacle. She twisted it until the door popped open and a cool waft of air pushed her bangs out of her eyes.

The basement had a foul smell on some days, but today it seemed as fresh as flowers. Surely enough, she made her way down the dark and creeky steps of her underground chamber, keeping her eyes forward as she locked the door behind her. She felt around for the light string and, when she found it, bit down and pulled. The light switch flickered on and allowed Octavia to see her messy quarters. She bit down on her lip and smiled widely when she observed the area. Just as she left it.

“Shit.” She whispered under her breath when she saw a big rat gnawing down on one of her oddity collection pieces, “Get away from that, you disgusting fucker!” She ran over and tried to stomp down on the rat. The rat just hissed and attempted to bite Octavia, but finally Octavia gave it a good stomp to the head and picked the rodent up with her teeth to fling it across the room.

With two subtle thuds the rat hit the wall, and then the floor. Octavia stared at it unmoving, watching it bleed out and join the other rusted colours that streamed down the floor and into the drain that lay right in front of her hooves. Octavia closed her eyes, turned around and sat down on the floor, looking at the collection piece that now lay mangled out in front of her.

“It would be a shame if someone found out your secret, Tavi.” She whispered to herself, handling the piece with greatest care and hugging it close to her chest, smelling the decay that seeped from the fleshy object. She shuddered in ecstasy and sighed, “A real fucking shame...”

Octavia left her home and walked the dead path along the Everfree forest, glancing all around her as she dragged a heavy knit sack behind her. She called it her “hotspot” for hunting for more equipment. She usually never hunted around the Everfree forest, but today she was feeling slightly more rebellious, especially knowing the fact that the sun had only set a few hours ago and that there would most definitely be ponies wandering about.

The cellist sniffed around trees and moved leaves with her hooves, looking around for any signs of life (or previous life, she hoped). She finally found a few bones from an anonymous animal and shuffled with pieces into her satchel before digging around for more.

“Hi, uhm, Octavia. I-is that you?” A small voice called out.
The grey mare froze in her tracks, trying to make out the voice.

“W-who's there?” Octavia called back, double-checking to make sure her satchel was closed before stepping around the tree to see a yellow Pegasus waddle slowly into view, “Oh, hi...”

“Hi.”
The two ponies looked at each other for a while. Octavia observed the mare in front of her and slowly broke into a smile. The Pegasus saw the action and blushed deeply, hiding slightly behind her pink mane. It got the grey mare slightly excited.

“I-I'm not sure you know who I am... b-but I just wanted to say that I love your music...” She gave a small smile back and Octavia raised an eyebrow.

“Do you now?” She asked, still smiling at the timidness of the mare.
“Oh yes, very much so.” The yellow pony nodded, “I'm Fluttershy, if you were wondering, but it's okay if you weren't.”
“Nice to meet you, Fluttershy.” The two mares nodded to each other in greet.
“What are you doing out here all alone?” Fluttershy asked, kicking a leaf or two at the ground nervously.

Octavia examined the stance and body language of the Pegasus and bulked out her chest boldly, taking a few steps toward the mare and cocking her head to the side, giving Fluttershy a wide smile.

“I could be asking you the same thing, Flutters. You don't mind if I call you that, do you?”
“N-not at all.” She smiled, her cheeks turning crimson, “Only one of my friends ever calls me that.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yes. Her name's Rainbow Dash. She likes your music too, but she would never admit it,” Fluttershy giggled, “So what are you doing out so late near the Everfree forest? You know there are m-monsters living in there, right?” The yellow mare shivered as she peered into the darkness.

Octavia made a noticeable glance toward the pitch black forest. She blinked hard a couple times when she was sure that something was moving around in there, but she blamed her over active imagination and instead let out a strained giggle as she turned back to look into the blue eyes of her new friend.

“Why don't you come over for a bit? You look cold.” Octavia suggested. “I can make us some camomile tea with honey. I also happen to have a very comfortable living area with a fire place if that sounds nice to you.”

“O-oh, well, I couldn't possibly...” Fluttershy went back to hiding behind her mane, she stared at Octavia with wide eyes, “I wouldn't want to intrude or anything... plus Angel Bunny would get upset if I don't return home soon and tend to my animal friends...”

“Jeez, do you ever shut the fuck up, filly?” Octavia wanted to so desperately ask, but held her tongue. “Oh well, that's too bad...” She gave a little shrug and then turned her flank to Fluttershy, about to walk away until she looked back at the mare and sighed, “I guess it's about time I tend to my kitten anyway.”

“Y-you have a kitten?” Fluttershy perked up.
Octavia smiled to herself and turned around, immediately turning the smile upside down to match her façade and nodded slowly, “Yes. She was just born about a week ago, such a cute little pet. She loves cream cheese, too. I usually put a dab on my hoof and watch her cute little self waddle over and fall down before she even gets to the treat,” Octavia giggled, as if reminiscing on the past.

Fluttershy looked highly amused, seeing as her eyes grew wider and her bottom lip puckered out.
“She sounds like such a little angel!” Fluttershy squealed, “Maybe I can see her some time?”

“Well, she wouldn't be going to sleep anytime soon. The little fur-ball is so full of energy! I would enjoy your company as well, so why not now? You don't have to stay long if you don't want to.” Octavia offered with a kind smile.

“W-well... if you insist I guess I could pop in for a few minutes... hopefully Angel won't be too mad...” Fluttershy drifted off and followed Octavia, eight pony hooves crunching through the leaves as they walked along the Everfree Forest border.

Octavia pried the giant door open with her hooves and tilted her head, letting her yellow Pegasus friend access to the lobby.

“Your place is so nice, Octavia! Oh wow, am I jealous! You know how many animals I would keep in here if I had a place like this? The chickens and bears could even sleep inside!” Fluttershy rambled as Octavia closed the door behind them and made her way into the kitchen. Fluttershy followed carelessly, still keeping her eyes fixated on the grand home, admiring the stain glass windows and painted murals that covered the ceilings.

“Here we are, some tea for you,” Octavia pushed a tall mug toward her friend and sipped her own, “I picked these leaves my self. I find it to taste better when they're closer to the water's edge, but that's only a personal opinion.”

“Why, thank you Miss Octavia.” Fluttershy smiled and sipped her tea, “Mmmm, this taste very good! Better than the stuff at the market!”

“Here, would you like some honey?” Octavia asked, spooning a gob into her own drink before passing it to Fluttershy. The yellow mare smiled widely and spooned a slightly smaller bit into her drink, twirling the spoon around to get all the flavour.

She took a sip and giggled, “Wow, I've never tasted anything like it! What kind of honey is this?”

“It's a secret,” Octavia whispered and winked, Fluttershy giggled again, “Once your done your drink I can introduce you to the kitten! I was trying to think of a name for a while but it still hasn't come to me... would you suggest anything?”

“I would have to see her before I make one up.” She smiled, sipping her tea again and again.

“Understood. It seems like you've opened up to me quite a bit, are you finding my presence comforting?” Octavia raised an eyebrow, staring down at her own drink and watching closely as the frothy top slowly vanished away.

“For some strange reason, yes! I usually only act this way around my friends, but I never thought I would be this talky with somepony I just met, let alone a pony as famous as you!”

“Well I don't think there's anything you should be afraid of. Quite frankly I find your presence comforting as well, Fluttershy. There's something about you that makes me feel... kinder. Maybe calmer? Or that could just be my silly imagination again.” The grey pony watched intently as Fluttershy rapidly licked the bottom of her empty mug. “I see you enjoyed the drink. I can send you some honey one day if you would like.”

“Oh yes, that would be lovely. Thank you!” Fluttershy nodded and picked the mug up with her teeth as she walked toward the sink.

“Sweety, it's okay, I can clean it later. Let's go see that kitten!” Octavia laughed and led Fluttershy out of the room slowly.

As the ponies walked, Octavia could almost smell the nervous tension in the air radiating off the yellow mare that walked ever so slowly in front of her. Octavia was never the best at making others smile, unless it was through flirting, but she knew now wasn't the right time to pull any of her old tricks, knowing that the lobby was only metres away from their hooves.

The two ponies stopped in front of an old, heavy-looking and familiar door. Fluttershy remained quiet as ever and only waited patiently for the cellist to let her in. As Octavia unfastened the locks on the door and pushed the door open, she heard a little cry come from the smaller mare's throat.

Octavia quickly looked at the Pegasus and saw that she seemed a little upset.

“What's wrong, Flutters?” She asked, watching the pony wipe tears from her eyes quickly.
“I-I'm sorry, I just don't really l-like the dark that much... are you sure your kitten's down there?” Fluttershy asked, peering down the stairs briefly before looking back at Octavia, “Sure looks steep and unsafe... maybe I should come back another time...” She suggested quickly and spun around to run toward the lobby.

Octavia put out a sudden hoof and blocked Fluttershy's escape. Fluttershy looked at Octavia with wide, moist blue eyes and the grey mare found herself being subtly hypnotized by the beauty, but quickly shook it away as she stroked Fluttersy's coat.

“Don't worry, the dark never hurt any pony before, so why should it now?” Octavia gave a genuine smile, “I think you should face your fears, what do you have to lose? I'll be right here with you. Do you trust me?” She asked, holding her hoof out for Fluttershy to grab onto.

Fluttershy glanced at the locks with concern, but quickly forgot about them as soon as she saw Octavia's hoof patiently waiting for her in front of her muzzle. Fluttershy looked into Octavia's violet eyes and bit her lip. She took the hoof and gave a small smile as Octavia giggled.

“I do trust you...” Fluttershy nodded.
“Well then, come on! My kitten is down there. I was thinking of maybe calling her 'Moonstruck'.” Octavia pulled Fluttershy down the stairs, her voice seeming to fade out the farther they went down, making Fluttershy extremely nervous.

“O-Octavia?” Fluttershy whispered. “Octavia, it looks really s-scary down here...” A loud creak from behind her made her squeak and bolt down the stairs, letting go of her friend. Her wings picking her up into the air as she covered her eyes and shook, floating swiftly down into the darkness, “Octavia?” She whispered again, feeling that her hooves were no longer grasping the soft coat of the cellist.

“Fluttershy.” Octavia said softly and a loud banging noise made the yellow mare jump.
Fluttershy couldn't see anything as she mindlessly landed on her hooves and fell over. She quickly lifted herself back up and tried to look around, but no light was to be seen anywhere. Suddenly the mare jump as she felt a hoof on her flank.

“Octavia?” She whispered again, “Please turn on the l-lights.”

“Shhh.” Octavia hushed as her hoof stroked up the yellow mares slender spine, “How do you like it here? It's nice, right?” She breathed into Fluttershy's fur, feeling the small mare tremble under her touch, “You can stay with me if you'd like, I'd really enjoy the company.”

“T-t-that's okay...” Fluttershy mumbled, “I-I don't like this g-game, Octavia... C-can I go h-home now...?”

“No.”
The word rang through the Pegasus's ears and she dropped to the ground, as if the words held some sort of gravity and forced themselves down on her.

“W-what? But I have t-t-to go tend to my p-p-pets.”
“I said no, Fluttershy. You're not going home.” Octavia said, a little more sternly than before, “I want to make you my pet.”

Fluttershy was silent, but her entire body was shaking violently, Octavia loved the feeling, crawling on top of the yellow mare and nestling her muzzle into the soft mane.

“You smell just like nature, so free, so... sexy.” The grey cellist traced a tongue around Fluttershy's ear, “You taste just like freshly cut grass too.”

“N-n-no...”
“I want to have a little fun with you before I kill you, so try not to struggle or you'll make your own death worse.” Octavia slid off of Fluttershy and pulled the light string, revealing a grungy-looking basement and, to Fluttershy's dismay, made her feel sick to her stomach.

Fluttershy watched as Octavia walked away, flank swinging from side to side in a hypnotizing and teasing matter, looking back and watching the worthless mare on the ground as she opened a drawer slowly with her teeth. Fluttershy screamed loudly as Octavia pulled out a long and thick glass object. Octavia started to laugh.

“No! No, no, no, no, NO! Let me go!” Fluttershy struggled to get up and then, when realizing she couldn't, completely stopped moving. She stopped breathing too and stared at the ground, “I-I-I-”

“Having a little trouble getting up? It's quite alright, I don't need you to move around much in order to play with you.” Octavia walked back over to the Pegasus, who was now crying and gasping for air, “That delicious honey you had with your tea consisted of three wonderful ingredients: cum, sugar, and tranquillizer. Luckily you used just enough to keep your muscles weak and your mind awake as I fuck you senseless.” Fluttershy whimpered and tried to cover her face with her mane. Octavia didn't like when her subjects refused to make eye contact.

The grey mare walked slowly up to Fluttershy and gathered some of the pony's soft hair into her mouth, than with a great shoulder-jerking tug, ripped a few hairs out of the pony's neck, beads of red gathering up on the broken skin. The yellow mare screamed and cried, still attempting to stand up, thinking she could run away.

“W-why are y-you doing th-this to m-m-me?” Fluttershy screamed, her voice louder than Octavia ever thought.

“You have such beautiful features, Fluttershy. I need you to keep still until I pluck every last hair from your mane so you don't stain it with whatever fluids manage to come out of you,” Octavia said calmly, placing the few hairs inside a nearby basket, “Do you understand what's going on here, Flutters? I need your hair and beautiful yellow coat so I can make money in order to live. You think this house is mine? It's not. Do you remember your neighbours, Flutters? That elderly couple that supposedly moved out?”

Fluttershy looked up at Octavia and watched her mouth spread into a psychotic smile.
“I killed them and made them into stable furs. I then brought them over to your friend Rarity and asked for her to make them into fabulous coats. She's a curious one, Rarity... sexy too," Octavia sighed and moved her hoof along Fluttershy's bleeding neck, moving the blood around mindlessly. "It took a little while, seeing as she's never worked with real fur before, and the fact that she wouldn't stop asking questions about the material, but she managed to create the coats and I sold each piece to some Manehatten folks for 1,000 bits each. Worth the trouble, I'd say.”

Octavia walked over to a large item that was hanging in the shadows. She dragged out her large, handmade cello and showed Fluttershy, who was still in shock from the story earlier. Octavia strummed the strings on her instrument and closed her eyes, listening to the deep bass tone it gave off. Octavia opened her eyes to look at Fluttershy and sighed.

“This is my prized possession, made from the pony who raped me when I was only 16 years old.” Octavia bit down on her lip, trying to force the memories of the stallion out of her mind before continuing. “You see these strings?” Octavia plucked one, “This was made out of his hair. And his coat is what the shell is made from. To keep it from caving in I had to use saw dust that I mixed with his blood. I never thought it would work, but here it is...” Octavia nestled against the instrument.

“P-p-please don't k-k-kill me. I promise I wont t-t-tell anypony about all this...” Fluttershy whispered, crying silently.
“It's too late now, you know too much already, Flutters.” The grey mare looked down at her prey and smiled sweetly, “But don't worry, I'll massacre that gracious pussy before you go. I'm sure your afterlife would appreciate it.”

Octavia trotted over and picked up the glass dildo. She moved it close to Fluttershy's lips and stared intently at her.
“Lick it.” She demanded.

Fluttershy looked at the item, cocking her head back away from it only slightly before Octavia pushed it even closer.
“Do as I say, bitch.” She said calmly, “I want you to lick and suck on this while I masturbate. I plan on cumming, and if you're successful at it, I'll kill you quickly and painlessly, I promise.” Octavia nodded and took a few steps away from the yellow pony before slumping in a fold-out chair that was never noticed before, “You can start anytime,” She smiled and opened her legs, reviling an already-excited twat.

Fluttershy gulped roughly and closed her eyes, sticking out her tongue slowly and giving a quick flick to the glass object before sucking her tongue back into her mouth.

Then a loud gong tone rang throughout the whole house and echoed in the basement. Fluttershy started to whimper as she was extremely confused about what that sound could've been.

Octavia sighed and got off the chair, “Stay here.” She said, and quickly trotted up the stairs.
Octavia's violet eyes darted around once she poked her head out from the door of the basement. She closed the door quietly behind her and bolted it shut before turning to head through the lobby. Once she got to the big main entrance, she peered out the peep hole and saw nothing. She pulled her head back and waited, straining her ears to listen carefully to whomever was standing outside her home.

Was it the police? It couldn't be... who would suspect a rich-looking cellist be any kind of trouble?

And finally, a crackle of leaves and a thumbing hoof was heard. Octavia gritted her teeth nervously and then took a deep breath, letting it out and immediately calming herself before opening the door.

“Hello there.” She greeted the small bunny that had its paws crossed over its chest and a foot thumping rhythmically against the concrete step, “You must be Angel Bunny, isn't that correct?”

The white bunny raised an eyebrow and then peered behind Octavia into the home, pointing inside.

“Would you like to come in? Fluttershy is just tending my sick kitten right now. Come in, make yourself comfortable. Would you like some tea?” The bunny nodded and hopped around the grey cellist who smiled devilishly before closing and locking the door behind them.

Author's Note

Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Questions, comments, concerns, and judgements are all encouraged.

In The Darkness

Vinyl tossed and turned in her bed, trying to shake the voices out of her head from her dream. She could never remember what her dreams have been about, but it always ended with her waking up in an extremely angry and fed up mood which usually causing chaos around the flat while Neon tried to make breakfast.

But instead of worrying, the white unicorn made her way out of bed, slowly. She yawned and gulped a large amount of air before blowing it back out and heading toward the kitchen. She wasn't sure if she wanted to go out to grab something, or attempt to make a meal with the leftovers she already had. Being the lazy pony she was, Vinyl grabbed a few bits and headed out the front door with her glasses floating close behind her.

Vinyl headed down the sidewalk and put her glasses on, shading her eyes from the bright morning sun. Celestia must've been wide awake by now, and she was doing a beautiful job today.

Pegasi soared through the air, clearing a few clouds and sending a light breeze that flew through Vinyl's mane, almost pulling the unicorn toward the main centre of town where a certain Sugar Cube Corner was waiting for her. But first things first, she needed to grab some supplies before she forgot.

Vinyl greeted the familiar faces with a smile and nod. A few ponies didn't seem so happy as they went about their business. Vinyl was curious as to what went wrong with them this beautiful morning, but decided to ignore it as her stomach rumbled. She guessed shopping could wait until she had a little breakfast.

Vinyl entered the cutesy bakery and deeply inhaled the fresh scent of baking goods coming from the kitchen. She knew somepony had just made a large batch of pancakes and she couldn't stop her mouth from salivating over the warm delicacy. The white mare trotted happily up to the counter to order her sugary breakfast.

“Hey Vinyl!” A familiar, high pitched voice was heard from the kitchen, “Did you want some pancakes like yesterday!?” The mare yelled.

“Heck yeah, they smell delicious! Yesterday's were amazing, Pinkie Pie!” Vinyl yelled back and chuckled.

“Well, these are fresh off the stove just for you! I knew you were stopping by and you know how happy I get when my friends stop by to visit, but then again I'm always happy because everypony stops by to grab a bite, and everypony is my friend so of course I would be!” The hyperactive pink earth pony jumped into the air with a plate of chocolate-chip pancakes stacked high, “That'll be no bits! This batch is on the house from your bestest friend Pinkie Pie! Enjoy! And if you want anything else, just ring!”

“Oh wow, really? That's so awesome of you!” Vinyl marvelled at the delicious-looking, steaming pancakes, “Thank you!”

“Aww, don't mention it! It's the least I could do for the most amazing DJ in all of Ponyville!” She giggled.

Vinyl stopped herself before stuffing her face to look at Pinkie with a raised eyebrow, “The most amazing DJ in all of Ponyville? Says you!” She giggled.

“Says the town! Apparently you got loads of great feedback from last night's show that Mayor Mare wants you to play at the grand opening of the new club in town! Didn't you hear? It's in the paper!”

The pink mare plopped a newspaper in front of Vinyl, and to the unicorn's surprise, she made front cover. The picture was of Vinyl holding out her hoof to the crowd of... over a hundred ponies!

“Wha...?” Vinyl didn't remember there being that many ponies there. “This was last night?”

“Yeah! You were there, right? I mean, you would've had to be there! There you are!” Pinkie slammed her hoof on the picture and made a squealing sound in her throat, “Oh this is so exciting!”

“'The most amazing DJ in all of Ponyville' .... heh... who would've thought?” Vinyl mumbled to herself.

“Well, Miss DJ, eat up! I would assume the Mayor would want to talk to you later!” Pinkie popped back into the kitchen, disappearing from sight.

Vinyl ate her pancakes slowly, staring at the picture and caption below it, reading it over and over again... she guessed sometimes being in her own world wasn't so great all the time. She didn't realize there were so many ponies there watching her play... she could've sworn there were only a small group of five or six.

Vinyl smiled nonetheless, enjoying the delicacy that were free Sugar Cube Corner pancakes and the fame that burned through her veins with every quick-paced heart beat.

“I told you I could do it, mom, dad...” Vinyl snickered at her thoughts, “I told you I would become a famous DJ some day.”

After Vinyl finished her overload of pancakes, she moved her stuffed body through the streets and toward the City Hall. Nothing was in place for her arrival, but she didn't expect anything anyway. She was still unsure she was even awake yet.

“Ah! There's our DJ pony. How are you this morning, Miss Vinyl Scratch?” Mayor Mare smiled widely at the unicorn.

“I'm really fine, thanks!” Vinyl smiled back.

“I'm not sure if you were escorted here by the carriage I sent, were you?”

“Oh... no I wasn't,” Vinyl bit her lip, “I went out early for breakfast... I wasn't expecting anything like this at all.”

“Oh, but why wouldn't you? You're a success, my dear,” Mayor Mare nodded, leaning her hoof in front of her toward a door to the right of the room, “Right this way please, we must get things in order for the big event happening!”

“So I've heard...” Vinyl said softly, entering the larger hall and admiring the scenery of the round glass room, “So.... what exactly does this mean then. Like, what's going to happen to me?” She chuckled nervously.

“Well, my dear, as you may or may not have heard, the town of Ponyville is having a grand opening of our very new club: The Cortland Babylon. It's in honour of our guests from the Crystal Empire who've been so very generous as to donate their time and money into this big event. Princess Cadence and Shining Armour will be visiting shortly after, possibly in a couple of days, which means we will have another job in time for you. Sign this here, please.” Mayor Mare introduced a piece of parchment paper that Vinyl signed using her magic and a quill, “And right here... perfect. If you need anything, anything at all, you know who you can c-”

“Mayor!” A minty blue Pegasus glided into the hall, “Extremely sorry to interrupt, but Zecora is in the main hall and she has urgent news to report coming from around the Everfree Forest.”

Mayor Mare glanced at Vinyl with round blue eyes, “Please excuse me, Miss Scratch, this won't take long.”

Vinyl nodded and watched the Mayor leave the room in a hurry. Vinyl stayed behind and re-read her agreement, making sure she was certain as to what she was signing. She still couldn't believe it. The quill shook with excitement as she tried to scribble her unofficial initials on the dotted line. Maybe she would even get to speak with the Princess of the Crystal Empire! How exciting would that be?

In the other room Zecora looked nervous and terrified at the same time. Her mane was slightly flattened and her striped coat matted down with sweat. She unravelled her cape to let out some heat and when she saw the Mayor barge into the room, quickly swung it back on in courtesy.

“Zecora? What's wrong?” The Mayor asked, leading the zebra into a private room where nopony else would be able to overhear.

Once the herbalist was fully calmed down, she looked at the Mayor with her ravishing cyan eyes in slits.
“Evil has come and land to kill; you ponies are not safe in Ponyville.” She said in a quiet voice with her usual rhyming scheme.

“What do you mean? What's going on?” The Mayor asked, leaning in closer.

“I've been hearing loud screams outside the Everfree; take all you love and leave immediately.” She warned, “It's not so safe anymore I fear, bellows of pain is all I ever hear! The heavy clouds of smoke float through the forest mesh, that smell strong of burning pony flesh. You must come and see, only then will you truly understand me.”

Octavia woke up, startled by her nightmare once again. It was no different from yesterday's, so the grey mare didn't bother to look into it more. She got out of bed and neatly remade it, and then walked into the bathroom and took a long, steaming hot shower.

As the water indulged her, she closed her eyes and started to think of what has become of her. She never tortured and killed ponies before, only Fine Letters, but she had a validly good reason to. The old couple she talked about before with Fluttershy really just retired and moved to Canterlot, she didn't actually kill them, but she knew she needed to scare the yellow mare into keeping quiet.

To be completely honest, Octavia was nervous. She knew her life would come to an immediate end as soon as somepony found out about this secret, but did she really care? Was there anything to live for anyway? It's not like she has a purpose, only to be used to play the same cello pieces at the Gala like she's been doing for eleven years straight.

Octavia shut the water off and took a calming breath. She couldn't back down now. She couldn't free the timid Pegasus even if she wanted to. Octavia wanted to feel warm blood on her hooves again and hear the aching screams of defeat bellowing beneath her. She had promised herself she wouldn't do it again. She promised herself this after each and every pony she slaughtered. She hasn't stopped though, and as much as her heart and body willed her to take control and halt, her mind told her to move forward and just get it over with.

Octavia warmed last night's dinner over the stovetop and then sliced the chunk of charred pink and brown meat into thin layers. She placed them between two bread slices and then placed a leaf and a handfull of apple skins on top. She squished the sandwich together and then sat down at the table and stared at the murder plate in front of her, her tongue swiftly moistening her lips in delight.

After Octavia was finished the meal, she walked over to unlock the heavy door to the basement, where she knew there would be a whimpering pony tied up and defeated. She stepped onto the first step and closed the door behind her slowly. She pulled the drawstring down, revealing twenty-so platforms that led into the dark. Octavia slowly stepped down the stairs to her basement, each hoof loudly clacking against the old, wooden steps. A musky scent was looming through the air, but the grey mare hadn't noticed, she was far too nervous to care about something as little as a smell.

A harsh groan was heard in the dark. Octavia pulled the second light on that stalled and flickered before lighting up the basement. Fluttershy was just waking up, probably from all the noise Octavia had made coming down the stairs. When the yellow mare opened her bright blue eyes, they quickly darkened and moistened in hatred and fear. Octavia was finding herself merely turned on by the sight.

“Good morning, Flutters,” Octavia greeted her guest and received nothing more than a fearful squeal under the cloths pushed in the Pegasus's muzzle, “It's pretty sunny today so I'll probably go pick up some groceries after I'm done with you,” The cellist mumbled mostly to herself, but loud enough for Fluttershy to hear, “Your beloved pet made a delicious dinner last night, might I add. I had the rest of him this morning in a sandwich. You raise your animals well, might I compliment. Angel, was it?” Octavia looked deviously at the strapped up mare with big purple eyes. Fluttershy stopped squirming and remained silent, her eyes wider than they originally were, if that was even possible.

The yellow Pegasus began to cry. Octavia just watched her, unsmiling and unmoving. This mare was absolutely stunning... she kind of wished she got to know her better before this whole situation occurred. Octavia finally looked away and moved to her drawer, grabbing out a few tools. She admired the sharp knife and glimmering hammer she often used to kill her victims with. She looked back at the pink-haired mare and saw her head was now hung, no longer looking at anything in particular.

“Flutters...” Octavia said softly, walking toward the mare, “Please don't be sad.”

That just made the mare cry even harder, hiding her entire face with her long willowy hair. Octavia wondered how that mane smelt... probably like fresh flowers.

Octavia walked up close to Fluttershy and handled a few strands delicately with her hooves, seeing caked in blood from ripping so much out of the mare's neck last night. She really wished she hadn't, the dark blots were ruining her fantasy. But, nonetheless, Octavia pushed her muzzled into the hair, closing her eyes and inhaling deeply through her snout, filling her nostrils with the smell of sweat and... yup, fresh flowers. And what was this? Mint shampoo? Delectable...

Octavia did something unexpected then... she opened her mouth and let a few strands of thick hair fall onto her tongue. She tasted the hair and found it tasted somewhat bittersweet. Whatever it was, she loved the taste, and it was truly delicious. Fluttershy made a small questioning noise, but Octavia ignored it and continued to taste the hair, biting down on it a little and attempting to break the strands.

Suddenly something made the young cellist stop what she was doing and release the pink hair from her mouth. Octavia pulled away from Fluttershy and blinked, seeing as the mare in front of her was silent and had her eyes completely closed, breathing smoothly without fear. It wasn't a sight Octavia was used to. Octavia pulled the cloths out of the Pegasus's muzzle then, uncertain of what was going on. Fluttershy began to breathe heavily and a bead of sweat rolled down her forehead. The grey earth pony watched the droplet rolled down the yellow coat, slowly, and then it finally hung to the edge of a yellow jaw. Octavia's eyes grew wide with anticipation, waiting for the bead to fall. And when it finally let go of the mare's coat, it disappeared into darkness.

A loud bell tone echoed through the grey mare's mind just then. She panicked and looked around wildly at her murder objects. She had to do something before-
“...You're all warm and you're breathing heavily, there must have been something else you were doing,” He circled his hoof slowly across Octavia's flank, “You can tell me, I promise I won't judge you. I'm your manager.”

Another tone rang and Octavia's entire body shuddered with exhilaration. She had to kill Fluttershy before feelings of resent filled her. She picked up the hammer with her teeth and closed her eyes tightly. Her world went black as she used all of her muscles to swing the hammer, full-fledged, toward the young tied up mare.

Fluttershy let out one final squeak.

In The Suspicion.

“I heard it from there; the screams and howls of the wicked mare,” Zecora led Mayor Mare through a shortcut along the Everfree Forest.

The Mayor was greatly disturbed by this mention of burning and loud screams coming nearby Ponyville, she was feared that everypony might be in danger if this was true. Was this maybe some witchcraft ritual a couple of fillies were joking around with? But why would fillies be burning anypony? Perhaps Zecora's nose deceived her, but still, anything the zebra had told the Mayor in the past was the truth. The herbalist wasn't one to lie about such threats to ponykind.

“Who lives here?” The Mayor asked, slowing down her frantic pace when the ponies passed a small cosy-looking cottage by the stream. The Mayor couldn't help but notice all the animals that looked a little helpless in the yard.

“That is where young Fluttershy is seen to stay, there is certainly no critter that pony would slay,” Zecora answered, urging the Mayor to hurry along.

“Oh, this is the house?” Mayor Mare stood small against the narrow stone pathway to a huge mansion that seemed greatly out of date, “This is where the old Smallfeather couple used to live. Many say it's haunted and perhaps they're right,”

The light grey mare didn't want to admit it, but looking up at the stone building gave her the creeps. She wanted to turn around and run back to Town Hall, but being the mayor she had to stand her ground against anypony, big or small.

“So maybe what they say is true, but what I say is true too,” Zecora nodded toward the building, “There's a pony who lives inside -she never comes out, she's here to hide.”

“Hide from what?” The Mayor whispered back.

“Nopony knows exactly what from, but today is the day we can learn more. Come.” Zecora led the frightened Mayor up the narrow path, small stones rolling under heavy hooves.

The Mayor found it harder and harder to follow Zecora, feeling as small as an ant when they reached the tall door. Zecora took a deep breath through her nose and then looked at the Mayor with piercing navy eyes.

“You smell that smell I feared the most?” She asked. The Mayor sniffed the air experimentally and quickly regretted it. She wanted to gag, “It's the smell I smelt of burning host.” Zecora turned back to the door and then raised a hoof.

“What are you going to do?” The Mayor asked in a tiny voice, fear finally reaching her eyes as they grew wide. Zecora closed her lids, ignoring the mare, and knocked politely on the door. “There's a doorbell,” The Mayor squeaked, receiving a knowing look.

The ponies listened carefully and then heard it: a set of hooves clacking against the floor and growing louder by the second. Mayor Mare's heartbeat quickened as she hung close to the taller, bolder striped mare in front of her. She didn't want to die and she was so extremely frightened by who might just answer that door... being the Mayor she should've known where every pony lived, but very rarely did Mayor Mare travel near the Everfree Forest.

The lock slid open and the door creaked, pulling inward as a soft, clean atmosphere caught the two mares by surprise. Octavia opened the door and stared at her wonderment visitors, almost in excitement.

“Mayor Mare and Zecora at my doorstep? What a wonderful surprise! Would you ladies like to come in? I was just making lunch.” The grey mare smiled, pushing the door completely open and bowing her head with the utmost courtesy.

“Thank you, O-Octavia,” The Mayor nodded back and so did Zecora before entering the pony's home.

“Could I get you anything? Soup maybe?” The cellist trotted past them after closing the door following their entry.

“A stay so long we can't guarantee, but may I say this is not what I expected to see.” Zecora looked at the murals and stain-glass windows in amusement.

Octavia put on her best confused smile and raised an eyebrow, “I beg your pardon?”

“What she's trying to say is...” Mayor Mare glanced over at Zecora for an okay to tell her story. When she received a nod, The Mayor continued, “Zecora filed a noise complaint, along with the complaint of... outrageous amounts of foul smell coming from smoke belonging to a chimney. Now I'm not pointing hooves at anypony, but I'm here to investigate a little to get down to the pit of this concerning factor.” The Mayor nodded, looking about the house, trying to find anything out of place or worth noting.

Octavia stared at the respectful Mayor with watchful eyes and then looked at Zecora who also seemed to look around suspiciously, only not as noticeably.

“Yes, well perhaps I could explain all of your suspicions over lunch.” Octavia finally spoke up, watching in humour as the two mares snapped their attention back to the cellist who was leaving the room and walking toward the kitchen.

As the three mares chowed down on their thick soups, Octavia began to explain how all of this came to be. Being extremely intelligent and cunning as she was, she had made up a story before-hand, knowing for certain she would be questioned if anything abnormal was to come. She had excuses and lies for every detail of the house, every crack in the floor or ceiling, every lock, knob, switch, creak, stain, mark, or feather found anywhere at all. She had it all memorized and had it all burned into her mind.

“Are you two enjoying your soup?” Octavia smiled as she finished hers.
The mares nodded in unison.

“I have never tasted anything so great and so raw. What is your recipe, Miss Philharmonica?” Zecora asked, swallowing her last satisfying bit.

“Well, the trick is to keep the lettuce always freshly picked and washed in cool water, dried very well with a towel. Then the dandelions, I always have to purchase from the market. Golden Harvest always has the freshest, I find. I've paid for a unicorns help at puréeing these ingredients at high temperature to perfection.”

“What about this redish colour? It must've made all the difference to the taste.” The Mayor asked, “I've never seen this, nor tasted this sort of thing coming straight from plants before.”

Octavia looked at it and quickly searched in her memory for her excuse, “Oh, yes, but of course. Those are tenderized beets. An old Philharmonica trick for perfect soup.” Octavia smiled.

“How peculiar... very nice, though,” Mayor Mare nodded, finishing up.

"This was excellent lunch but for long we can't stay, now about the explanations you've been meaning to say?” Zecora watched the strange grey mare with uncertain eyes as the cellist nodded and took in a deep breath.

“Well, Spring time was coming to an end so I decided I should do a little cleaning. I usually have a fire going with some incense in the basement to cover up the ghastly smell of mold. You see, when it rains, my basement walls spring a leak. It's a headache, really.” Octavia drastically rubbed her temples with her hooves.

“And the noise?” Mayor Mare asked.

“Ah, yes, the noise,” Octavia sighed, “I've been hearing it too, and perhaps the stories of this house being haunted weren't really ponytails after all. It gets a little freaky at night.”

“So why not move? I'm sure I can find you a wonderful new home somewhere in town, or what about Canterlo-”

“I refuse to move back to that place!” Octavia snapped suddenly. Zecora and the Mayor exchanged curious glances, “Excuse me.” Octavia apologized, clearing her throat and mentally kicking herself for the outburst, “I just... haven't been really close with my family lately. We're in a heated argument I wish to not get involved with.”

“Fair enough.” The Mayor nodded, “I only suggested from the fact that you've lived there most of your life.”

“I understand.” The cellist nodded.

“Should we see your basement then?” Mayor Mare looked over at Zecora and then Octavia for approving nods.

The grey mare smiled, her purple eyes glimmering with ecstatic notion, “But of course! Right this way, ponies. Mind you, the couple that lived here before had a bunch of strange locks on the door. They must have been hiding something pretty important down here.” Octavia lied, bringing her company close to the door.

The young mare popped open the heavy door, seeing as no locks were fastened to mask her illusion. She drew the light and told the ponies to watch their steps.

As the three mares trotted slowly down the stairs, they whispered to each other about the stench, but Octavia mentioned again about the incense and mold. When their hooves landed on concrete, Octavia drew another light. Everypony looked around and murmured to themselves.

The entire basement was cleared out. No stains of rust or blood were left on the floor, the tools and ropes were neatly stashed away to make it seem like just another old storage area, and no trace of a soul was left behind. Octavia smiled to herself and then sighed.

“I have no idea what to do with this place anymore, so I kind of gave up on it. I wanted to use it as a personal storage area, but I have no things to really store but my instruments, so I just craft cellos down here. It's a quiet, serene place.” Octavia nodded, looking to the floor, examining as she did so.

Her heart started to pound fast as she saw a long piece of light, pink hair wisp across the floor while Zecora walked by. The grey mares eyes snapped over to the Mayor who was slowly fixing her glasses atop her muzzle. But before Mayor Mare could adjust her specs, Octavia walked over and hid the hair under her front hoof, smiling lightly at the Mayor who looked back suspiciously.

“I must say, Octavia, your ways have slightly changed since you've moved into Ponyville.” The Mayor chuckled.

“Well, everypony alters a bit whilst growing up, don't we?” The cellist remarked, chuckling back and scooping up the hair when the Mayor turned around to join Zecora on the other side of the room.

Octavia stuffed the pink hair into her mouth and chewed quickly, trying to break the extremely thick strand. She finally managed to split it into two at least before swallowing with a graceful gulp.

“Anything strange you see?” Mayor Mare leaned in close and whispered to the zebra.

“None that I can see with my eyes of blue. What about you?” Zecora whispered back.

“Absolutely nothing. Maybe you were hearing the Timberwolves screaming, Zecora. I don't know about you, but I certainly don't believe in ghosts.” The Mayor frowned.

“Well perhaps now we may find no evidence, but remember this place for future reference.” Zecora said, making the Mayor nod in agreement.

“Well, luckily for you, Miss Philharmonica, we found nothing out of the blue, so we wont bother you any further today,” The Mayor said with a nod, “But this doesn't mean you're off the hook.”

“Understandable, Mayor,” The grey mare nodded, “I'm glad I can be of any help to you two,”

While Octavia waved the two mares goodbye, she couldn't help but smile gleefully to herself. Once the ponies left her sight, she closed the door and locked it behind her, drawing in a deep breath and then letting it out.

The exhausted cellist stalked up the stairs slowly, pushing her tired and aching body up each step. She had been up all night cleaning the house, and by the morning she had to murder her victim, which was a lot of work like usual. She also spent most of the day slicing the flesh bit by bit off of the Pegasus skeleton to make a purée for soup, and then cleaned the access blood from the floors and walls, but it was all worth it after a nice hot bath.

She had expected a visit by the Mayor from all the screeching Fluttershy's bitchy, ignorant rabbit did, so she was happy she woke up to early enough to get everything done. She was also greatly happy that the Town Hall was about an hour and a half away by hoof from where she lived.

Octavia finally made it to her bedroom and instantly galloped over to her large closet in which she opened to reveal her oddities: one half-sawn Fluttershy corpse, and a chestnut cello that waited patiently for her to embrace.

Octavia admired the corpse before grabbing hold of her cello and standing next to the dead pony in the closet. She began to play, once in a while looking at the mangled Fluttershy and smiling to herself.

Once she was done, she took a bow and could imagine the respectful cheers and claps from an imaginary audience.

“Thank you, thank you everypony. You're all too kind,” She whispered and then looked at the hanging corpse again, “What's that?” She asked, leaning her perked ear closer to the skeleton, “You want a private concert? Well of course I can do that for you, Flutters! Anything for you, my love,”

Octavia plays a note experimentally before nodding to herself and continuing the piece as fluently as ever... the same Bach piece in G major she knew all too well.

Vinyl stood on the podium, cranking the familiar knobs with her magic in rhythmic perfection to the beat she's drawn from scratch that very morning.

The unicorn had to admit that she was feeling extremely nervous and frightened before setting hoof on stage, but as she did, her fear vanished as fast as it had come and she smiled into the audience of all the ponies who have come to watch her play: hundreds, if not thousands of ponies, big and small, Pegasi, unicorn or earth, even the large groups of glittering crystal ponies had pooled in just moments ago.

The lights were blinding as they passed by Vinyl's vision, but her glasses helped with the most part. She spotted Pinkie Pie jumping up and down excitedly with her friends, her smile gleaming with joy at her friend on stage. The Mayor and Zecora even came in together. There were only a couple unfamiliar faces and a whole heap-load of crystal ponies, all smiling and dancing to the music that the young DJ produced.

The club was so overpacked that ponies had to stand outside as well, seeing through the glass windows that the large club had to install. Vinyl swung track by track, not missing a beat as she herself enjoyed the music too. She looked out into the crowd a bunch of times, searching for more familiar faces she might have missed, but the two ponies she desperately wanted to see there weren't... her parents.

She wanted, more than ever, to see the looks on their faces now that their very own daughter was living her dream. Vinyl's blood boiled in her veins as she tilted her horn forcefully forward and cranked all the knobs up. The bass erupted throughout the club, shaking the walls and throwing all the ponies into a gleeful frenzy. Maybe her parents can hear her now.

And then the white unicorn paused from turning any more knobs as she noticed a big flash of light come from the doorway. Everypony looked over and gasped at the sight and Vinyl was absolutely clueless as to what was going on. As soon as the light dimmed down again, a tall and slender pony with a whitish-pinkish coat and flowy multi-coloured tail and mane glided through the crowd.

Everypony clapped and cheered at the presence of Princess Celestia. Vinyl's heart leaped high into her throat and she smiled stupidly as the Princess looked over and nodded, acknowledging the pony's efforts. And then another flash of darker light shone and the princess's younger sister, Princess Luna of the night, showed up and the cheers only grew louder. Vinyl wanted to faint right then and there, but pushed herself onward, not wanting to disappoint the princesses.

Vinyl pulled the microphone from the stand and brought it to her lips, “Are you ponies ready to DROP. THE. BASS!?” Vinyl screamed into the microphone and received howls and cheers right back, “Come on, now!”

Vinyl twisted a very large knob which brought the frequency of the bass to a dangerous low, but it even got Princess Celestia nodding her head to the beat, smiling and greeting her subjects as she did so. Luna's expression looked unpleasant as usual, but Vinyl wanted to so desperately change that.

Vinyl switched her track to a greatly familiar album that she knew would get Luna grooving: Filly Gaga.

Finally, Vinyl saw Luna's dark eyes widen with glee and look over to her older sister. Celestia laughed out loud and flank-bumped her sister into moving. With great hesitation, Luna finally started to feel the rhythm with her hind quarters and Vinyl patted herself on the back.

Octavia was soaking in a hot bath filled with lavender salts to ease her mind from constantly replaying the events of the day. She's never had a complaint filed about her doings and that scared her greatly. She could tell the older zebra was still cautious and would keep a sharp eye and ear out for anything else suspicious. Zecora knew everything there was to know about the Everfree Forest, and that made Octavia shiver, even though her entire coat was dunked into a steaming hot tub of water.

As the grey mare watched the thick steam rise to the ceiling of her large, stone bathroom, she sighed. And then the cellist paused her thoughts and looked back at the water. She noticed, without a single movement, the waters surface rippled.

One. One two. One. One two. It was a pattern of music she understood quite well. But where was this low frequency coming from? Certainly she wasn't playing her cello nor did she have the radio plugged in... so where was it happening? Who was playing this terribly loud music?

Octavia stepped out of the tub and drained the water, slinging a towel over her back and walking into her bedroom. She drew the curtains open and looked out the window across the trees and toward the town of Ponyville. She saw some lights and beams shooting into the air and knew something interesting was going on. Perhaps a new club opened? She did hear something about the crystal ponies visiting...

Octavia still wasn't going to let this go. She wanted to get to the bottom of this frightening enigma that is the DJ. She nonetheless turned her plot to the window and trotted over to the mirror. She combed out her mane and tail and then neatly adjusted her bow tie and collar around her throat. She admired herself in the mirror for a split second and then looked away, hurrying down the stairs to get to the lobby.