Strings unbound

by Exodious

Rating: teen
Tags: Main 6, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Lyra, Romance, Octavia, Comedy, Bon-Bon, DJ P0N-3
Length: 10280

Just when things can't possibly get worse for Octavia she learns the room she's rented has an obnoxious partner who knows nothing of high class etiquette. How will she survive the insanity!?

Octavia had it all. Fame, money, respect, and a warm home centered in the lower district of Canterlot. However, a series of unfortunate events sends everything she had come to know into a crumbling nightmare and lands the talented mare on the streets of the Equestrian capital. On the verge of starvation, an old friend convinces her to move out to a little village, known as Ponyville where she can rent out the spare cottage.
Octavia leaps at the chance gathering what little she has left. Little does she know she has a roommate. Not only must she now balance between recovering her lost fame, her weekly cello lessons for the fillies and colts of Ponyville, but she must also overcome the obstacle of living with a roomtmate who by her very essence is the polar opposite of her.

How will it end for this talented mare, and what secrets shall be uncovered? The future is unknown, but one thing is certain. It will be musical.
(Note, tags may be updated as the story progresses. However, it will remain within the teen age group. No clop for you.)
7/15/14 Yay! New cover! The other one was nice, but it was a little overused. Hurray for new images!

Published 2014-06-08 22:40:05 UTC
Last updated 2014-08-19 23:39:21 UTC

Prologue

She stood in a plain of darkness. She could hear whispers of someone far off in the distance, but nothing more than that. Like the little voices you think you hear telling you not to eat the last cookie in the jar or not to run with scissors; that nagging little voice. However, one voice rang stronger and more annoying than the rest of the almost hushed whispers.

“Wake up.” Over and over it repeated. She was wide awake and aware of her bleak dark surroundings, but still the voice repeated its message. “Wake up.” She would try and find the source by galloping towards it at full speed only to reach an invisible edge and fall deeper into the dark plain. Sometimes the voice would fall silent; several times in broken defeat she would fall on her flank trying to come up with an idea only to be assaulted by tendrils that seemed to sprout from the darkness. They tried time and time again to devour her into nothingness but retreated whenever she began moving further into the darkness.

She would move again for what seemed like hours, or was it minutes; time had lost all meaning only to collapse as ripping agony tore through her chest. The constricting and fluttering of her heart told her it was a heart attack yet she recovered quickly enough, preventing the tendrils from latching onto her. Each time she collapsed from the faux attack the tendrils came for her. But each time she escaped with renewed gusto. Each time they slithered into the darkness rippling as moved behind her, just out of sight but always watching, waiting for her to lose her will and fall.

She walked on patiently waiting for the voice to speak again. To give her some hope of finding her way out. But all was quiet. Her own hooves made no sounds as they hit the seemingly invisible floor of dark. She closed her eyes still walking, listening for something. Just anything.

“please...wake up” There it was again. This time there was another word to the repeating phrase. It was if now she was being begged to awaken. But from what she mused refusing to sit despite the growing burning sensation in her legs. Come to think of it, she noticed her senses were awakening in more than just one way now. Aside from the faux attacks a growing nagging burn was growing in her legs. A dull throbbing like a drum rolled in her head. The voice also seemed to be growing steadily louder. It was no longer a whisper but now comparable to one speaking normally. She noticed that her left hoof felt heavier. Yet each time she examined it nothing was there. How odd.

The pain was beginning to grow stronger. No more just a burning now in her hind legs, but now it felt like little dagger being pushed through her muscles and bone. It was almost too much for the mare to handle. Almost. She feared what would happen if the tendrils caught her; where they would take her and she resolved not to give in and let them catch her. But, rest seemed so welcoming at the moment. The pain was overbearing slowing her further than before. From the corner of her eyes she saw them rising. The slower she became the further they began to rise, shimmering black vines that stood out from the constant black around her. Her breathing quickened. Not from the fear but from another round of constricting pain.

“...Tavi...please...you gotta wake up…”

A tendril slipped around her hind leg. She involuntarily screamed emitting no noise as she fell on her face as the tendril pulled taut. She screamed as more began to slither towards her kicking at them as hard as she could muster. However the growing pain in her chest and stomach forced the mare into a violent coughing fit as more began to wrap tightly around her now prone form.

“...please...I need you...wake up…”

She struggled hopelessly against the darkness. She cried out for anyone in between her coughing, fighting to keep anymore of her body from being ensnared as small streams of tears began to roll down her cheeks staining her fur.. But as a particularly large tendril wrapped tightly around her waist she clawed at the invisible ground trying to escape. Heavy rivers of tears poured from her eyes as the darkness pulled her right leg into the mouth of oblivion. She felt it disintegrating; simply ceasing to exist as more and more of her leg was pulled in.The large tendril working it’s way further up her body as it pulled her in deeper and deeper more of her being vanishing from existence. It had consumed both her leg already and now began to eat away at her stomach. Still she tried to escape; clawing at the ground she thought was below her.

“Tavi...wake up...wake up…” The voice was growing louder.

The tendril now wrapped itself around her throat constricting tightly cutting off her already struggling breaths. She choked and sputtered trying to pry it away. But as she tried the maw had began consuming her chest cavity. She felt it closing around like a great mouth of a timberwolf; the tendril its massive sticky tongue. She couldn't fight it anymore. Her willpower had all but been extinguished and the pain was simply too much. She closed her eyes taking a shallow gasp of breath and waited as the maw closed around her. The darkness closed around her and she ceased her thoughts.

Everlasting darkness consumed her.

"...Wake up..."

"...Wake up..."

"...Wake up..."

"...Wake up..."

♫♫♫

She jolted somewhat as a deep rooted pain throbbed heavily in her chest. She coughed raggedly laying still to avoid needlessly aggravating the pain she felt. Everything hurt, her hooves, her teeth, her tail, her eyes yet her chest was the worst. She coughed again feeling a small tickle in the back of her throat aware that there was a small tube running through her nose and an IV stuck somewhere in her foreleg. She tried to find it with her left hoof but found it weighed down by something heavy, but surprisingly warm. Sighing in partial aggravated and pained defeat she tried cracking her eyelids open but hissed in pain as the dim light hit her. It was dimmed, but it burned all the same. Her chest all the way to her throat was covered in heavy layers of slightly bloodied gauze, all four of her legs also wrapped in gauze and as well as her head and right eye. She sighed defeated. Everything felt as if Celestia herself had pushed a miniature sun inside her chest, but she was alive.

She managed to crack a single eye open despite the intense pain ripping through her head. Quiet snoring beside caught her attention. Using her good eye she swiveled in place looking towards the sound in question. sitting in a chair besides with her head lying atop her hoof which was entangled with hers, was an alabaster unicorn who looked as if she hadn't slept or eaten in days

She couldn't help but move her hoof to lovingly stroke the unicorn’s check which in turn stirred her from the sleep she so desperately needed. As she stirred the crimson red eyes fluttered open, heavy dark bags hidden beneath them. Octavia smiled somewhat as they locked eyes.

“...Tavi?”

Welcome to Ponyville

Author's Note

Kindly note something. Unlike many of the Tavy/Scratch Fics out there this story will not feature love at first sight. As adorable as it is, to fuel the plotline no cutesy wutesy for a while, but fear not, there will be daaw moments. Please enjoy the chapter.

Welcome to Ponyville

“Tavi...do...do you remember what happened?”

The unicorn continued to stroke her hoof absent minded staring at her with caring and worried eyes. She was groggy there was no denying that. Whatever they had her on was strong enough to keep most of the pain pacified but it kept her locked in a state of drowsiness. Her minds turned ever so slowly trying to recall the events that had led her to being hospitalized in Canterlot’s ICU. It was something that was burned into her memory but that something eluded her in the hazy fog that was her mind. She grimaced as a sharp bolt of pain lanced up her spine forcing her to bite her lower lip to prevent herself from crying out in pain. Vinyl held her hoof gently stroking it, trying to comfort her in her dire time of need.

A distant train whistle made her ears twitch. She turned slowly staring out the window her eyes still slightly glazed from the pain killers. She saw the train pulling out of the station heading to Celestia only knows where. She wished somewhat she were on it with Vinyl. Anything to escape this room and the helplessness she felt. However as the whistle blew again her memories began to return. Slowly the train ride began to come back to her. It was like a subtle dream that happened so long ago.

Her move to Ponyville.

1 year 8 months earlier

July 3rd 4:30PM

She’d never been a mare for trains. Long boring hours of nothing than the passing landscapes most of which all seemed to blur together, minimal, if any sort of refreshments and the staff were virtually non-existent. It had felt more like a prison than a train ride.

She’d been forbidden from practicing her cello as it may disturb other riders leaving her edgy, tense, and rather irritable.The magazine she was reading had lost its appeal quickly; the events that had led her to now still ringing harshly across several pages of the tabloid.The Sudoku tablet had been filled long ago, laying atop the book. Even her sketchpad that had been the center of her focus for the longest time had finally lost her interest after drawing the 12th alicorn princess.

Sighing in frustrated boredom she merely slipped her headphones over her ears, listening to the music of simpler days laying her head on her hooves The rolling grassy hills and distant forests were a pleasant change from the endless manors and high class often overly pompous unicorns in Canterlot. Ponyville was as down to earth as any place could be if memory served her well. She'd been there once or twice responding to request for her musical skills on more than one occasion such as Nightmare Night and the Apple family reunion, but she’d never took the time to explore much of the town beyond that namely due to her busy schedule, and her travel agent.

She sighed. Knowing this, Bon Bon was certainly going to give her a grand tour of the town with, or perhaps without her opinion. She muttered quietly under breath and closed her eyes simply listening to her music. If not for the fact she was close to her destination, she would have considered a nap. She allowed her eyes to close only for a moment; her thoughts traveling to the events leading to now.

The gala, the scandal among the elite of Canterlot, the bank seizing her home and most of her possessions, save her most cherished items. Her being blacklisted from most if not all events in Canterlot were only the beginning. She was soon subject to outlandish rumors and gossip, most notably being her accused of being a drug addict, as well as the horrendous accusations of being involved in prostitution , or above all things, the Mafia. Seriously, her of all poines in the Mafia?!

She ground her teeth in frustration remembering the cruel remarks about her, her family and her ensemble. How she hated the cruelty of the rich and elite. How they thought her beneath them merely because she was an earth pony from Fillydelphia. Her high blood pressure as any indication they drove her insane. Joining the Canterlot symphony never mentioned having to cater to those overly stuffed, pompous unicorns. She ground her teeth again.

However, she felt her anger fading as she remembered standing on stage in front of both princesses and her student’s friends. How they loved her playing simply because she was playing. Not her wealth, not her upbringing, but her music. She looked towards the case holding her instrument. She took some solace though in the simple fact she still had her cello, and nopony would be able to take it from her.

Her cello; the same cello she’d played since her graduation from Fillydelphia High, was given to her by her grandmother upon receiving her cutiemark, and since her passing she never once considered replacing the well worn wooden instrument. Even after several mishaps that had rendered the instrument damaged she’d always repair the sacred cello with a small fortune, ensuring with critical precision it was always mint as it could be. Some had called it an unhealthy obsession, some even called her crazy for it. However she always brushed off the snide remarks. She’d go to great lengths to ensure her cello was always perfect. It was the least she could for the mare who set the standard for classical music in modern culture.

She sighed somewhat allowing herself to relax more. She knew her grandmother was proud of her. She took comfort in that, and nopony would ever ruin that vision of her. Never

A gentle tap on her shoulder brought the mare from her trance. She turned and removed the headphones looking up at the service attendant doing her best to suppress her yawn of boredom.

“Miss Melody, we’re approaching Ponyville now. We'll be pulling into the station within the next 7 minutes.”

"Thank you." She smiled, her mood noticeably brightening

"My pleasure miss Melody." The attendant turned and took his leave leaving the mare to gather her things.

As she grabbed her ever so precious cello and the dufflebag of other personal belongings from holding racks the train whistle echoed loud and long signaling the end of her long exhausted journey. The faintest hint of houses began to appear among the hills as the train pulled into the station, groaning and hissing as it came to a full stop. She threw the books and sketchpad from the seat next to her into the saddlebag and laid across her back only securing the cello there after she was sure they would not fall out. With a small grunt of effort she grabbed her final bag of spare winter clothes which seemed as heavy as the cello case itself. She cursed herself, noting how Bon Bon mentioned the temperature seemed to become wild and dangerous in the winter. She hated the cold. Loathed it some would say. Another sigh. This place was going to take some getting used to.

Forcing her way into the hallway with her heavy burden of luggage she took a deep breath and took her place behind the many other ponies disembarking the train.

As soon as she stepped off the train she was met with the sight of the semi familiar cozy town. Taking a brave breath of fresh rural air. It smelled fresh, lively, clean, untainted by snooty elite.

“It seems bigger than I remember. ” She mused looking over her surroundings.

A distinct growl in the pit of her stomach reminded her heavily of a more pressing matter at hoof. In her haste to escape the nightmare that was Canterlot on the whim of Bon Bon’s offer she had forgotten to eat anything more than a few chips on the 7 hour train ride. The all too familiar feeling of pain in her stomach made her wince while her eyes searched for a street vender of somesort. Her luck was merciful as she soon spotted a familiar face. Standing off to the side of the train station a blonde mare and massive bright red stallion stood tending to a stall of freshly picked apples and various apple based products.

Her stomach growled at her again, urging her to go say hello to the farmer ponies on the whim they might remember her, or perhaps at least her fiddle playing alter ego.

She never had the opportunity however. As she took a single hoof-step towards the stand the a pair of rather strong hooves wrapped around the cellist’s chest, crushing her in a heavy bear like hug while lifting her somewhat off the ground. The cello case and her bags slipped off her back as she was hoisted into the air further and she began gasping for breath. The cellist swore she felt a rib pop.

“Tavi, its great to see you again!” Bon Bon beamed holding her still tightly in her grip.”I’m so happy you took my offer about the extra room!”

“Bon...Bon...can’t breath...you’re...crushing me!”

t took her a moment to realise she was inadvertently suffocating the cellist with her mildly over rambunctious hug.

She released her grip smiling weakly. “Heh...sorry Tavi. It’s been a few years so I couldn't help but get a little excited.” She handed the mare her bags helping secure them on her back.

“It’s perfectly understandable Bon Bon. I’m happy to see you as well.” A final adjustment of her cello and everything was as it had been before.

Both mares smiled giving each other a friendlier hug than before, taking care not to unbalance the baggage again. Her rebellious stomach ruined the moment with another loud growl. The apple stand was long gone; probably looking for another hotspot of activity leaving her with no other option but to look for a restaurant. Breaking the embrace the cellist grinned sheepishly.

“Listen...do you know a cheap place I can buy some food? I was in such a hurry to leave Canterlot I forgot to bring food with me.”

“Of course. I know a little place that some of the best veggie burgers outside of Fillydelphia.” She beamed throwing her head towards the center of town. “Come on Tavi, my treat.”

Octavia faltered somewhat, lowering her head allowing her ears to lay flat against her mane.

“Bon Bon, thats...thats not really necessa-” She was silenced when the mare turned with a steely glare of, ‘not taking no for an answer’.

“You haven’t changed at all cello strings.” Her gaze softened somewhat. “Still modest and down to earth.” Again, Bon Bon hugged her tightly. “Your parents would be proud to know that all time in Canterlot hasn’t changed you Tavi.” Octavia couldn’t help but smile at Bon Bon’s words.

“Now come on, like I said, it’s my treat, and I’m not taking no for an answer missy.” Bon Bon wrapped a hoof around Octavia’s tail, dragging her down the road towards the center of town, much to the cellist’s displeasure.

Some ponies never changed.

She couldn't remember the last time she’d had a quality veggie burger.

The expertly prepared eggplant patty, the crisp slices of tomato, rings of onions and deliciously bitter pickles, she couldn't help but stare in awe. Everything seemed to perfect. It was like a work of modern art than a meal. Manners be damned! She was hungry! In a whirlwind of motion Octavia tore into the burger with reckless abandon only stopping to breathe before diving in again for another bite. The extra thick vanilla shake and hay fries were left untouched as she ravenously tore into the meal. Bon Bon merely stared on in surprise as her friend devoured her entire meal within only a few minutes.

As the last poppy seed vanished her attention turned to her next target. The untouched hayfries sitting across from her plate. She looked up to Bon Bon for a brief moment noticing her confused expression before lunging forward snatching the basket and dragging it towards her. Bon Bon tried to reach for the fries, but a sharp hiss from Octavia made her jump back in surprise

“Yeesh Tavi. You said you were hungry, not starving.”

Her cheeks full of food she merely rolled her eyes and resumed her ravenous consumption. Bon Bon couldn’t help but laugh at her friend’s silly behavior.

“Ya know, this reminds me of when Soarin’ was banned for a week from the cafeteria. I swear that stallion's hard headed, but I’m still baffled how he made a facial imprint in the school oven.” She laughed remembering the scene playing out, noticing as Octavia stopped stuffing her face to smile.

“Soarin’ always was the goofball. I heard after flight school he joined the Equestrian Royal Air Force, then the Wonderbolts. I saw him during last year's Grand Galloping gala."

She stopped taking a strong sip of her cola washing down the last of the salt in her mouth.

"I even saw Spitfire with him. They've both grown up so much since middle school. Namely Spitfire.”

Bon Bon nodded while smiling somewhat.

“It’s good to hear those two managed to get in. It’s all they talked about back in middle-school. I swear sometimes it’d take a train wreck just to shut them up.” She paused for moment rubbing her chin with a hoof trying to recall their friend.“Did Spits manage to outgrow her braces?”

“Why, yes she did. She had them removed shortly before going for the air-force. When I managed to catch her and Soarin’ after the Gala they seemed so different. Soarin’s still a goofball to say the least. Older and much more mature, but still a goofball. But what surprised me is how much Spitfire has grown up. She seems like an entirely different mare now.”

Bon Bon arched a brow at her statement, smirking.

“We both know Spits is still a hothead Tavi. She’s always had a short fuse and just because she’s the captain of the Wonderbolts now doesn't mean she's any less fiery. For Faust’s sake, she got her cutie mark because of it you know that.”

“Be that as it may Bon Bon, she’s grown up. Soarin’ has vouched that her temper has been more in check since she took command from Rapidfire.”

Bon Bon shook her head unable to fully accept the facts. However, she smiled and took another drink of her soda.

“What about you Bon Bon? You never really explained what you did in your letters. I assume some sort of catering service?”

The cream colored mare beamed. Octavia could see the excitement coming from her which actually surprised her.

“Of course I started a catering company, but it goes way beyond just that! We supply all of Ponyville with items ranging from candies, chocolates, to five course meals that rival even Canterlot based restaurants!” She was ecstatic the cellist could see that. Bon Bon continued on while she sat there, listening intently to her friend’s tale taking note of each time she would squeal in sheer delight. It was heartwarming to say the least, knowing her best friend had achieved her dream.

At least some ponies did.

♫♫♫

As the clock tower struck 6 Bon Bon called for the check placing a small satchel of bits on the table before walking out of the diner with Octavia in tow. They continued their idle chatter long after they had left the diner.

The sun was beginning to set slowly over in the distance casting hundreds of purple and orange hues across the sky. Little pinpricks of white began to appear behind the hues, signaling the end of the day’s influence as the night approached. Octavia looked up and smiled to herself. She loved being able to see the stars at night here in Ponyville compared to empty blackness like back in Canterlot. More and more she was growing to love this little town.

Bon Bon tapped her her shoulder, sadly ruining the peaceful sight she was so enthralled in. With a sigh the cellist brought her attention to Bon Bon.

“Listen, Tavi, before we get to the room you’re renting, I think there’s something I need to explain to you. See...you’re gonna have to share the place with a roommate. She offered me roughly a thousand bits in advanced rent to live here while she gets her life on track.” She paused a moment considering how to word her next sentence.

“So...till you start pulling your weight in rent, she’s in charge of what goes on in there. Now if things do get out of hoof, tell me and I’ll set her straight alright?”

The cellist sighed. She had expected this. Nothing ever came without a penalty or a catch. Something that seemed trivial yet still a hard learned lesson. .

“I feared as much. I’ll start looking for work as soon as I get settled in. It should only be a day or two.”

“Perfect. However, one word of warning. She may not know you’re here yet, so if she starts shouting at you when she gets back, or tries calling the cops tell her I sent you and it should calm her down. Emphasis on should though.”

Octavia chuckled somewhat, noting her behavior towards her future roommate.

“I’m sure it’ll be fine Bon Bon. How bad can she possibly be?”

Of mares and messes

She'd seen messy houses many times before. Her parent’s apartment before they moved to Fillydelphia, her dorm during college, and at times her music studio back in Canterlot. She’d seen many, many messy rooms and houses. But this...this looked as if a tornado had torn through a garbage dump and threw it inside the two bedroom cottage. Octavia could do little more than stare in shock and horror.

To say this cottage was a mess was a severe understatement; no, scratch that. To call this an understatement would be a crime all in itself. The overfilled sink was piled nearly to the ceiling with dishes caked in uneaten food and mounds of grease, take out and pizza boxes were thrown haphazardly in and around a small trash who had reached its limit long ago; a river of garbage was snaking its way across the tile. In the living room there were soda cans and various stains of Celestia only knew across the carpet along with virtually hundreds of magazines all of which also were in some way or form impure. Inside the fridge it was no better. The cord had been removed long ago and all the perishables had gone foul, fusing together in one heaving mass of...well...she couldn’t say. The stench from the collective cocktail was enough to make even a hardy mare like Octavia gag and slam the fridge shut.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw several large black cockroaches skittering across a moldy pizza slice that seemed to be oozing something similar to black tar. As she flipped the light switch for the living room the collective group of roaches ran in all directions, many opting to scurry under the entertainment unit. Her eyes grew wider as the slice of toxic food began to slither cross the ground screeching until it was safely under the darkened furniture. She turned to Bon Bon who was as wide eyed as she was. The cellist was about to comment until a rustling sound caught her ears. She groaned and turned to face this new abomination of nature, and her heart seemed to skip a beat. Her fur bristled, as from under the mountain of pizza boxes crawled a large greasy brown rat roughly the size of a lava lamp. It looked up at Octavia and Bon Bon both before rearing on its hind legs and hissing harshly at the mares.

"EEEEEEEEAAAAAAA!"

Both mares couldn't help but scream. That rat was huge! It was the size of a Chihuahua that the noble Canterlotians owned!

Without even realizing it she had jumped onto a nearby chair while Bon Bon had hid herself around the corner, both watching the massive rat with penny sized pupils and every strand of fur standing on end. She saw the feral glint in the creature’s eyes as it began to stalk towards her. Grabbing a nearby plate of Celestia only knew what from the table she hurled it at the rat, barely missing the rodent. The rat scurried into a notch hole in the wall, hissing again before it was gone. She sighed a little trying to calm her frayed nerves, looking to Bon Bon, who shared her look of nervousness. She moved towards the front door hoping to escape the nightmarish house.

"That...was the biggest...rat I've ever see-" Her words were cut short as her front hoof hit something causing the shocked mare to fall onto a full garbage with the sickening consistency of mashed peas and rocks. From under the bag hundreds of small black cockroaches scattered in every direction as Octavia groaned, looking at the object she had tripped over, shocked to see a very much petrified hay burger which seemed to have fused with the floor itself. Dozen of the black insects crawled up her fetlock causing a harsh shiver to crawl down her spine.

“Oh sweet Celestia…” She groaned shaking some of the offending insects off. She froze as she felt a nipping sensation near her hind leg. Turning slowly, she came eye to eye with a large green lizard who was merrily snapping the insects off the cellist’s leg and the floor around her. Her fur bristled and her ears went flat.

“B-B-Bon Bon what is that?” She asked trying not to startle the lizard. It looked up at her licking the few stray limbs of the mutilated roaches from its jaws. The long pink tongue made the cellist’s skin crawl.

“That’s...that’s your roommate's’ pet, Iggy.”

‘She named it!? Oh sweet Celestia it’s worse than I thought! Not only do I have to live with a slob, but she’s got an enormous flesh eating reptile!?’

She shuddered, forcing a smile while looking at the lizard. She slowly moved away from the aforementioned ‘Iggy’, keeping her eyes on it until she was a fair distance away. The lizard tilted its head to look at the strange charcoal pony before returning to the roaches still scurrying around near the trash bag.

“Trust me Tavi, Iggy is completely harmless. She wouldn’t bite any pony unless you say, grabbed her tail and flung her around.”

“Well…” She began, keeping her eyes fixed on the large imposing reptile. “So long as she doesn’t eat those roaches off my leg again, I don’t think we’ll have an issue with one another.”

Bon Bon smiled at that, watching as Iggy followed the small trail of roaches out of the kitchen and into the living room, disappearing under the couch. A loud almost insect like shriek echoed from the couch and several of the stained cushions went flying into the air. Iggy scrambled atop the couch perching herself to stare down at a creature that made every strand of Octavia's fur stand on end. Crawling out from under the couch, the same toxic black pizza slice was now skittering across the floor atop petrified hay fry legs with what appeared to be a large toxic green olive eyeball sunk deeply in the fluid-like black cheese; scanning the area for any signs of movement. It emitted a low guttural groan as the eye focused on the two mares. Bon Bon dropped her jaw as Octavia’s blood fled from her face.

“Oh...my…” The cellist began, but she was cut short as the toxic pizza slice leapt onto the wall beside her, its olive eye wide. It split itself in half letting out another toxic groan.

“CELESTIA SAVE ME!” She screamed bolting from the kitchen out the front door. Bon Bon merely stood there petrified at the horrible sight, moving slowly backwards until her hooves were out the door. The pizza slice looked towards the shocked mare, tensing its little hay fry legs. With a sudden groan, it jumped at Bon Bon. Without skipping a beat she screamed slamming the door in the pizza’s face. She heard a sicken splat and a pained gurgling as the creature retreated back into the living room.

Octavia was hiding around the corner, her mane frizzled and her eyes smaller than pinpricks. She held a few of her locks in her hoof, stroking it trying to calm herself.

“Well...that was...exciting?” She asked, smiling sheepishly. Octavia merely shuddered.

“Were...were we just attacked by a mutated slice of pizza Bon Bon? Did that really just happen?”

“Um...hehe, yeah...I think so. Look, I told Vinyl to clean this place up weeks ago…I should’ve known she’d...well ignore me.”

Octavia stared at the mare, her mouth slightly agape.

“Bon Bon, if I’m to live there...by Celestia we need a team of hazardous material disposal ponies!”

Bon Bon laughed sheepishly at that. "Hehehe, yeah I think you're right. But, I think I may know some pony that could help us, for...half the cost of a hazmat team.”

The cellist tilted her head in confusion rising to her hooves. She opened her mouth to comment, but a scratching at the door forced her breath to catch in her throat. A soft eerie moaning called to her from under the door and a small puddle of black

Ooze slithered from under the door jam. Her fur bristled again and she looked towards Bon Bon a wide innocent smile forming.

“SO! Who’s this wonderful pony who’s going to help us!?”

She nearly threw herself into Bon Bon’s hooves are the pizza groaned again. She clung to her friends’ neck, shivering as the hay fry legs scratched at the door.

“Forget I asked. Can we leave already!?” She began pushing her friend away from the door fearful that the toxic creature would follow them.

It was nearing 8 when they had reached their destination. Octavia marveled at the large overly flashy building stained with deep rich pink hues and pristine pony shaped mannequins decorating the roof. The towering roof stood out like a sore hoof among all the small homey cottages.

"Welcome to Carousel Boutique. Ponyville's own fashion and design center. Said to rival even some the best companies in Canterlot."

Octavia couldn't help but agree. She'd seen many fashion centers in the cities she'd visited, but this...this took the metaphorical cake. Bon Bon nosed towards the building, nearly dragging the gray mare by her hoof.

"You cannot be serious can you? The pony that's going to help us is here? By Celestia it looks like a small mansion! Who in their right minds would even have a workplace like this?"

Bon Bon smiled still pulling the cellist towards the boutique.

"Come on Octavia! where's your sense of adventure?"

The cellist deadpanned, scrunching her nose at the treat maker.

"It died when I was attacked by a mutant slice of pizza."

"Whatever. Come on! The sooner we go inside, the sooner we can go back and fight that evil pizza and it's, 'minions of the fast food legion'." She teased with a soft chuckle. Octavia sighed in defeat and allowed her to be pulled through the doors.

Much like its exterior everything was far beyond what she had expected for such a small town like Ponyville. Everything held an air of Canterlotian flair. Everything, literally everything looked as if it had been imported directly from the capital. From the stacks of expensive fabric, pony sized mannequins, to the boxes upon boxes of jewels of every kind, shape and color. It made the cellist sigh distastefully.

'Great...I move out here to get away from Canterlot...' She grumbled to herself following behind Bon Bon.

"Hey! Marshmallow ya home? I got some pony who wants to talk with you!"

"As much as I enjoy your company Bon Bon, quit calling me that!" Some pony whined from the other room. "And as for your friend, they will have to wait until I've finished wi- Rainbow will you sit still for five seconds!? I need to finish this stitching!"

"For the love of Celestia! I've got better things to do today than playing dress-up!"

"I don't care! Spitfire asked me to do this for your initiation so sit still!"

Octavia stood there shocked as she heard a series of fierce crashing and few curses, and the frantic flapping of wings. She had to dive to the floor as a blur of cyan feathers and a soft rosy colored dress flew over her and out the door. Bon Bon fell to the floor laughing hysterically as the pegasus flew off, albeit very much impaired. Octavia cringed each time she heard the crash of the impaired pegasus running into a building or another pony.

"RAINBOW DASH GET YOUR FLANK BACK HERE WITH THAT DRESS!" A very agitated shout echoed through the fashion center. A much frizzled and very angry Rarity ran around the corner right past both Octavia and Bon Bon throwing her head out the door yelling dozens of curses and hexes at the fleeing pegasus. She shrieked in anger as the pegasus disappeared into the clouds above.

"Damn it Rainbow! When I get my hooves in yo-" She paused, taking a moment to look behind her. She noticed Bon Bon still howling in laughter and the charcoal grey pony laying beside the treat maker, her ears pinned beneath her hooves with a perplexed look of a mixture between fear and utter confusion.

"O-Octavia? Darling is...is that you?"

She gave a cheeky smile nodding at the fashionista.

"It's good to see you sewing needle. It's been a while hasn't it?"

She teased with the old nickname which caused Rarity to drop her previous anger for a large smile. She extended a hoof to the cellist which she gratefully took. Once on her hooves, she embraced the unicorn in a friendly and long overdue hug.

"It's been far too long darling. You must tell me what you've been doing with yourself. I mean, the last time I heard from you was right after Luna invited us to your initiation into the royal symphony."

The cellist laughed scratching the back of her neck with her hoof.

"Oh you know...doing what a mare has to in order to survive."

Rarity giggled. "I do understand darling. However it's been a long while since we’ve met. Had any major concerts or plays lately? Maybe finally made a name for yourself? " She paused for a moment. "Really dear you've been isolated for so long I wondered if you even remembered us little ponies." She teases with a well meant wink and a soft nudge to the cellist's shoulder. "So what brings you to Ponyville?" She giggled. "Oh I know, you and the old group are passing through for Las Pegasus!" She beamed with a wide smile. Octavia feeling her smile fail looked towards the ground closing her eyes with a soft sigh.

Rarity took notice. She looked to Bon Bon who shared the cellist's look of disappointment.

"Darling, what's the matter? I didn't overwhelm you with my gossip grabbing did I darling? I apologize if i did my friends always say it’s one of my bad habits." She chuckled dryly.

Octavia sighed, flattening her ears.

"No...no it's not you. The capital has effectively blacklisted my very name. I'm not allowed in Canterlot by the 'royal' decree of..." She ground her teeth. "Prince Blueblood... If I show my face there again I will be arrested on sight and sent...Celestia knows where."

"What in the name of Equestria!?" Octavia Jumped back as the unicorn's horn flared with dangerous energy. "What in Luna's moon gives that pompous low life slug any right to do such a thing!?" She growled grinding her teeth.

"After the fund raising event my ensemble attempted, Blueblood swooped in claiming he would ensure the money we raised would be placed in a trust fund for the orphanage. But he never fell through with his promise, and instead he used the money to indulge his cardinal desires. And when he was confronted, he merely said it takes time to follow through with his promises. If challenged, he merely directed them to his aunt, where he would then rig the screening process, by not only bribing guards not to let some pony in, but also ensuring the appeal was lost in the mail system, making it impossible for them to gain an audience. If they continued to be a thorn in his side, like I was, he finds ways to shut them up...permanently. However, because of my connections with the royal symphony, he was unable to dispose of me without raising questions among my family and my ensemble. So he slandered my name, had the banks freeze all my funds and then reposed my house. Thus why I'm here in Ponyville."

She sighed, becoming somewhat crestfallen

"Is there nothing Celestia or Luna can do to fix the damage this dirty rat has done?"

"I have no idea. Because of the slander to my name and the blackmail, I cannot even gain an audience with the princesses. Every time I sent in an appeal, it was rejected by Blueblood, or as I said, lost in transit."

Bon Bon coughed somewhat catching Octavia's attention.

"Tavi, I know you two are just having a grand old time running Rarity's ex through the mud, but we did come here for a very particular reason. A certain...outfit?"

Rarity sneered at Bon Bon hearing the remark.

"That pathetic slug is not worth my time. How dare you say he's my ex-...Did you say outfit?" Her sneer dropped as both her attitude and ear seemed to perk up with a slight hint of childish glee.

Octavia smiled somewhat. Same as she was back in middle school. Her head always stuck in the stitching.

Some ponies never change.

Bon Bon brushed past the cellist knocking her out of the nostalgic high she was experiencing. She leaned in close to Rarity's ear, whispering something just quiet enough for the cellist not to hear.

Rarity clearly looked shocked and worried. "Her? You cannot be serious can you?"

Bon Bon merely nodded and continued whispering to the fashionista. This caused the unicorn to shudder violently laying her ears flat against her skull.

"Oh dear Celestia, she really let it get that bad?" A sick green hue appeared on Rarity's cheeks. She looked almost ready to faint. This brought a small chuckle to the cellist.

"One moment darling, I think I may have just the thing to handle this." Rarity quickly ran out of the room. The sounds that came from the storage room made Octavia and Bon Bon both jump in surprise. The sounds of items crashing, slight curses, and the screech of a cat made them both turn to the other. Just what was the unicorn looking for? The sapphire stone or something?

As the sounds of crashing died down, a shout of triumph announced the fashionista's return. In her magic's grip she held a large metal container roughly the size of a milk crate.

"Here we are dear. Now, simply follow the instructions inside on how to properly assemble the suit, and follow the cleaning procedures to the letter." She shuddered somewhat. "Celestia only knows what sorts of bio-hazards are lurking in that cottage."

Taking the crate, Octavia noted it had a notable weight to it. Nothing like her cello, but it held a certain weight.

"Rarity, what is this exactly?"

"Why, it's hazardous material disposal suit. It comes complete with a 4 hour oxygen reservoir and carbon scrubbers to prevent exposing yourself to harmful airborne bacteria and viruses. You won't have to worry about the smell I know will be present. " She smiled heartily.

Octavia stood there somewhat surprised. A full blown hazardous waste disposal suit? How did she... Bon Bon snorted once, again tapping the invisible watch on her foreleg.

"Come on, we'll get it set up back at the cottage. What do we owe ya' Rares?"

"Oh not a thing darling! It's my gift to you." She smiled.

Bon Bon rolled her eyes, nudging the cellist towards the door.

"Alright well if you insist. I'll bring it back as soon as we're done with the cottage. Faust only knows when that'll be."

Again, Rarity shuddered.

"Now then, if you'll both excuse me, I must hunt down that rainbow pegasus. I still need to," she paused, placing a stylish hunting cap over her hair while retrieving a large hunting rifle from the backroom. "finish the final stitches on that dress of hers. Her initiation is being held in the Canterlot Gardens and she must look formal, according to old Spitfire.”

Both mares stared at the rifle. They turned to each other, then back to Rarity.

"Um...you’re going to hunt her down with..."

"Oh dear don't worry! They're merely tranquillizer darts. Completely harmless."

They exchanged looks again. "Well I never! You try chasing one of the fastest flying pegasus in Ponyville and see how far you get!" She snapped, seeing their somewhat disapproving looks.

"Ohohohkay. Welp, thanksagainforthesuitwe'llbringitbacksoonokbye!" Bon Bon quickly pulled Octavia through the door before they could invoke Rarity's ire further, quickly running through the town with the large crate balanced on the cellist's flank. Upon clearing the town square, the screams of a certain pegasus and the crack of a sonic boom filled the air. The curses of a very angry unicorn made both mares hasten their pace.

Some ponies never change.

It had taken both mares a few minutes to fully understand the instructions, and far longer to fully assemble the suit of antibacterial armor. The hose connecting to the helmet was properly installed to the oxygen tank, and all the Velcro straps were tightened down.

Octavia tested the weight, surprised at how light it really was. The tank on her back was easily the heaviest item of the set, but it was no heavier than a violin. All those years of conditioning really payed off.

Bon Bon strode alongside her as they approached the door to the cottage.

"You ready for this Tavi? Cause Once I close the door, I'm not coming back 'till morning." She handed the cellist a large box filled to the brim with heavy duty black trash bags.

"As ready as I'll ever be I guess." She sighed, dead panning. "I just hope this will be the last time I have to do this...I don't think my heart can handle another pizza demon."

"Yeah...hehe. Well, good-luck Tavi." Bon Bon passed the spare set of keys to the mare, and started walking away towards her

own home. Tavi took a breath of the clean artificial air, and unlocked the door.

"Allons-y." She muttered stepping inside.

As the door swung open, the first thing she noticed was that the pizza slice that had attacked her was now in hiding, possibly laying in ambush. She crept forward in her armor, head swiveling side to side, looking for the toxic pizza slice and whatever foul minions it may have summoned to aid it. Placing the bag of black trash bags on the table next to her cello, she noticed something move out of the corner of her eyes. It skittered over the leather case of the cello hissing violently at the cellist.

She turned to take a look at her new foe, only to come snout to snout with the little green iguana from before. She was crouched low, hugging the cello case as if trying to protect it from the mare. Octavia smiled a little.

"Um...easy there...I-Iggy. it's just me..." She spoke quietly trying not to spook her. Iggy however did seem to understand, as she began to relax a little bit. Her tail ceased its agitated thrashing and she visibly relaxed her stance. She stilled appeared a little spooked by the sudden appearance of the armored mare, but at least she wouldn't snap at her now. 'Hopefully.'

Turning back to her task at hoof, the cellist took the first large trash bag and began to fill it with whatever she could get her hooves on. Pizza boxes, take out cartons, jugs of empty soda bottles, several large booze bottles, limitless paper plates and whatever she could possibly grab. Roaches scurried in every direction as she worked while the iguana sat perched upon her cello, devouring anything that came near it. As the first bag was stuffed to capacity, the cellist stopped to look at her progress. Barely a dent was made in the massive pile that was overrunning the kitchen. She sighed tying the trash bag closed.

This was going to be a very long night.

It was nearly 12:33 when she managed to sit down. Nearly 4 hours held pleasant results. 10 large bags stuffed to the brim with trash and nameless other toxic materials all stacked neatly against the refrigerator. Taking a small break, the cellist looked at her work, pleased with herself and the progress she had made. She had a lot of work ahead of her, but it was a very good

start. At least she can finally see the tiles of the kitchen floor. Lifting her hoof up for a moment she inspected the remaining reserves in her tank. the needle indicated less than 30 minutes remaining, making the cellist groan aloud. Well at least she had an excuse to stop cleaning. She Looked towards the refrigerator with the large pile of trash bags beside it. She was dreading to be the one to crack it open and fight the mutated abominations of nature that might be lurking inside. The mere thought sent violent shivers down her spine.

She allowed her head to slump down on the table. Perhaps she could get her roommate to help her...or perhaps not..."

A loud shattering caused the cellist to jump up from her chair.

“WHAT THE BUCK!? WHO THE HAY ARE YOU!?” The harsh shouts made the cellist panic a little bit and she took a rather defensive posture starring towards the source of the loud noise. The broken bottle of what she assumed was alcohol was scattered all across the floor. She groaned inwardly. She knew it was inevitable that she would be the one to clean that up as well. She was surprised to see the unicorn standing there, and the unicorn was furious to see the armored cellist standing in her kitchen.

The first thing Octavia made note of was her mane. Two tones of electric blue and a jagged spiky style made her shudder. A horn stuck out from under the messy mane. A unicorn? How could a unicorn...scratch that, any pony live in such a pigsty. Another note the cellist made was her purple sunglasses. Why would she be wearing them this late at night?

Starch white fur, nothing really outspoken there. Lots of white unicorns. Her cutie mark was what really caught her eye though.

Reversed bridged eighth notes. Possibly a musician like herself? Perhaps she may be able to find some common ground after all.

Her visual inspection was cut short when the unicorn again shouted at her.

“Excuse me!? I asked you a question suit n mask. Who the hay are you!? Answer me ‘fore I start kicking some flank!”

Octavia sighed. Best to try and calm the situation to the startled mare before anything escalates further. She chuckled however.

At least if something tries to break in, she’d have an attack unicorn to protect her. She cleared her throat extending her hoof towards the unicorn.

“Good evening. I’m Octavia Melody, your new roommate.”

The unicorn sneered fiercely.

“Excuse me!? NOPONY said anything about any bucking roommate!" She smacked her hoof away causing the cellist to step back somewhat with her ears laid back.

Yep. Bon Bon was right. She had completely ignored the notices. She sighed again and reached for the red slips on the table.

"Forgive me but Bon Bon did leave you several notices about this. Nearly one week in advance I might add." The unicorn snatched them quite harshly from the cellist's hooves, reading through them as quickly as she could. With each slip she finished her scowl grew more and more angry. Octavia was slightly afraid the unicorn may use that magic of hers against her.

"This is bullshit!" She shouted catching Octavia off guard with her intense outburst. "She can't do this to me!"

She slammed the notices on the table with excessive force and stalked towards the door with heavy thudding hoof steps.

"why that no good candy making flip-flop...when I get my hooves on her..." She muttered angrily walking back out the door. With a strong kick of her legs, she slammed the door shut making a few photo frames fall to the ground.

Octavia stood near the table for a few moments, unable to fully process the scene that had just taken place. However standing there looking like a fool nagged at the back of her mind. Sighing in defeat the cellist unlatched the helmet from the suit, unscrewing the hose and placing the oxygen tank on the table. It took her a few minutes but soon the suit was off and packed safely away in its metal crate. She quietly sat down at the table sighing again waiting for her explosive roommate to return. Looking through the window seeing that the unicorn was now arguing fiercely with Bon Bon made her grimace. She was very, very violent for a unicorn.

Her eyes fell upon her cello case once again, and Iggy was staring at her with her head tilted to the side.

“She isn’t always like this is she Iggy?”

The Iguana tilted her head at the cellist. She merely licked her eye before turning and skittering up the wall. She disappeared into a small hole above the fan. She groaned again slamming her forehead into the table. She held her position for a moment as a sharp shiver sped down her spine. "...Ow...that was stupid..." She cradled her head somewhat with her hooves. “oh Luna how did I get myself into this mess?”

A heavy of the door announced the DJ's return. Octavia lifted her head from the table staring up at Vinyl who again wore the most evil sneer she'd ever seen a pony produce. The large red welt on her forehead drew no sympathy from her.

"Well it looks like I'm stuck with you till you find your own place. Don't touch my stuff unless you want to find that precious wooden toy of yours wrapped around your throat, got it?!"

Octavia nodded, the unicorn's threat sounding more of a desperate attempt at sounding intimidating than a legitimate danger. Still, best not to invoke the wrath of a unicorn whose abilities were beyond her knowledge. With a harsh snort, Vinyl stomped out of the room making sure to slam her door as hard as possibly to reinforce her point that the cellist was not welcome. Again, she merely sighed. Grabbing the broom from behind the toxic refrigerator she swept up the broken whiskey bottle, then wiped the remaining fluid up with some lemon scented cleaner.

A low thudding began to fill the cottage causing Octavia to stand in place confused. It started as a soft pulsing, but quickly began to grow in intensity as the music volume increased. The walls rattled as the bass intensified causing the cellist to cover her ears. I quieted for a moment before exploding into heavy thudding bass that shook the entire cottage.

"Bloody hell...it's almost 1 in the morning!" She growled ready to break down Vinyl's door and pulverize the system that was spewing the skull splitting music. She stomped her way towards the unicorn's room, nostrils flared in agitation and teeth still grinding. However the power to the entire cottage suddenly flickered off silencing the horrible excuse for music.

“Oh for Faust's sake!” An angry voice shouted from the other room.

"IT'S 12:49 VINYL! YOU KNOW THE BUCKING RULES!" Bon Bon could be heard shouting from the outside window.

She could release her ears. The power flickered back while the pulsing music remained quiet. A sigh of relief was the cellist's only response to the peace and quiet, for which she was rather grateful for. She heard a few curses come from Vinyl's room before they too were silenced.

Taking her cello, the box containing the suit as well as her various suitcases she opened the door to the room that Bon Bon had arranged for her. Surprisingly, it was much, MUCH cleaner than nearly 90% of the cottage. There were a few dust bunnies as well as a thick layer of dust covering the floor, but there were no toxic slices of mutated pizza hiding under the bed to which she was eternally grateful.

Taking the blanket and set of sheets from the closet she made the bed as if she were back home. Once it was made to her liking, she set the stand for her cello down and placed her ever so precious wooden tool atop it. The well worn but still pristine wood of the instrument made her smile in remembrance. Fleur noire, her grandmother had named it; her prize winning cello that had solidified her as one of the capital's finest cellists, and who also set the standard for classical music. The very same musician Octavia looked up to before her final duet with cancer. She let her hoof brush over the cello once more before turning back to her suitcase. From it came a few light coats namely for fall, and a heavy black jacket for the winter seasons, which Bon Bon had mention could get rather nasty.

Moving the clothes aside and placing them inside the closet, the cellist unearthed a small picture frame that held five ponies and a young teenage filly roughly fifteen or sixteen. Sandwiched between a pegasus, two unicorns, and three grinning earth ponies, Octavia held the largest smile she could muster at the time. Not only was she holding the golden trophy of her high-school’s ensemble battle, but she also had her cutie mark gracing her charcoal flank. She smiled; that day was the crowning achievement of her young life. After years of being bullied because of her 'blank flank' she could finally feel proud of herself, and her entire family made sure it lasted through the years. Her grandmother even gave her Fleur Noire as her reward for stunning the audience speechless.

She placed the small picture frame down on the nightstand beside her bed, propping it against the shaded lamp before moving to drawers. Fearing what sort of possible creature lurked inside she carefully slid the drawer open. Peering inside her eyes fell upon a small plain white envelope. It held no name, no return address, and no defining features of any kind. Picking the little thing up she looked it over noticing the seal had been broken already, but the note remained inside and untouched.

'Could this be for Vinyl?' She pondered, rotating the note in her hoof giving it another quick once over. Her mother's words rang in her ears though; give it to the logical owner...even if said owner was acting like foal with no sense of manners or respect for others...

She sighed again. Well better now than later when she's in an even more irritable mood. Opening the door she moved towards Vinyl's door, walking around books, record sleeves, and the few remaining articles of trash strewn across the floor.

'Keep calm, remember mother's word. Love and tolerate, love and tolerate'

She knocked once on the door, easing into a neutral stance. The door creaked open slowly, as a half asleep Vinyl seemed to materialize out of the darkness, looking at the cellist with sleep laden eyes.

'It must have been one wild party' Octavia thought to herself doing her best not to stare. She cleared her throat trying to remain positive.

“Vinyl, I think...I think we got off on the wrong hoof earlier. I was hoping we could perhaps bury the hatchet an-” A quick flash of light blinded the cellist as the note in her hoof vanished. By the time she had noticed, Vinyl was already in her face with a vicious snarl ringing in her ears.

"What the buck are you doing going through my stuff?!" Octavia had no chance to respond before she found herself lying on the floor a raging unicorn whose' magic was flared holding the note above and behind her head.

“Well?! Say something ya home-wrecking thief!”

“Wha-”

“Shut up! I don't wanna hear it from you! All you've done since you got here is turn my entire life upside down! Bon Bon's pissed at me because of you, you've thrown away crap ton of MY records and magazines that I bought with MY hard earned bits, and now to add a nice little cherry you've gone through MY personal belongings!”

“I-” Octavia stuttered.

“Why did some pony like you even come here?! You don't belong in Ponyville damn you! You don't belong here at all!"

The door slammed echoing through the cottage. Octavia sat there on the floor wondering what the hay had just happened. Her thoughts finally began to catch up with the situation; the realization of what Vinyl had just said and done. Moving entirely out of instinct she removed herself from the floor heading back to her room. Closing her door and securely locking it with the dresser moved to barricade it, she laid herself down in her bed. Taking her family photo in her hooves, she pulled the blanket over her body while holding her photo close to her chest.

“How...how is this my life?”