Shades of Grey

by Metaphor

Rating: teen
Tags: Octavia, Slice of Life, Sad, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Rarity, Romance
Length: 45347

Rarity has always been searching for love but a chance encounter with a certain mare makes her begin to wonder if she's been looking in all the wrong places.

During one of Rarity's many visits to Canterlot she begins to find herself questioning if the life she dreams of is the one she really wants. What caused this change of heart? What could come between Rarity and the life she has always wanted? Will she be willing to give it all up to help a single pony in her hour of need and in turn what will this pony do for her? Will she return the feelings that Rarity shows or simply walk away?

Author note: This story is set just after series 3 ends as such the events of season 4 do not have any bearing on it, think of it as an alternate reality.

Published 2013-12-16 23:10:04 UTC
Last updated 2014-04-14 21:08:25 UTC

Chapter 2

As Octavia woke the next morning the morning sun was already streaming in through the window. She moaned softly as she shielded her eyes from the light. For a moment she lay still, enjoying the warmth and softness provided by the mattress and blankets around her. Everything seemed like it was in a daze but truthfully Octavia didn’t mind at that moment. Surrounded by her cocoon of comfort she could have happily stayed there for the rest of her life.

This is she would have had it not been for a ball of white fur that leaped onto the bed, jumped on her and then scurried away towards the sofa at the other side of the room. Octavia gave a disgruntled groan and slowly lowered the blankets. As she did she got her first look at the room she was in. It was amply furnished and it would appear that no expense had been spared when decorating. Above her a large canopy hung from the four poster bed and the sheets and blankets that covered her were embroidered with fine golden silk.

Octavia found herself wondering exactly where she was. She could remember leaving Joe’s diner the previous evening but she had been so tired that the trip home with Rarity was all a blur. She sat up slowly, again looking around her. At the far side of the room a series of tall windows looked out of the room, although all Octavia could see from her position was sky and rolling clouds…wherever she was she was high up. She looked to her side a door visible in the wall that could only lead outside due to its thickness and position. The thought of stepping outside right now though wasn’t one that Octavia wanted to entertain…what she really needed was a shower.

Glancing to her other side her gaze fell on a small bedside cabinet. On the top of it rested a single piece of paper propped up against a glass of water. On the front was written her name, the writing elegant and obviously crafted with a precision that could only come from unicorn magic. Curiously she picked it up, turning it over a few times in her hooves before opening it. Inside was written a note, the writing matching that that adorned the front.

“My dear Octavia, sorry I couldn’t be there when you awoke but you looked so peaceful that I didn’t

want to disturb you. If I haven’t returned by the time you awake know that I’ve gone to run a few

errands that simply must be attended to. Make yourself at home and do feel free to use the bathroom.

Your friend,

Rarity”

Octavia couldn’t help but smile at the note as she gently placed it back on top of the cabinet. She looked around the room again, quickly locating another door against the back wall. This one sat slightly ajar and beyond Octavia could make out a small basin set against the wall. It was enough to spark Octavia’s curiosity and slowly the earth pony dragged herself from the warmth of her bed and towards the door. Pushing it open she found a lavish bathroom. A large ceramic bath stood in one corner of the room, gold fixtures and fittings glinting in the light that filtered into the room through a single window. Fresh towels were piled neatly on a side cabinet and a small stand covered in all manner of mane and coat shampoos sat next to the bath.

Octavia eyed the bath with an expression that bordered on lust. She crossed to it quickly, turning on the water and pushing the plug into place. Very soon the room began to steam up as hot water poured into the deepening water. Octavia’s attention though was firmly fixed on sorting through the stand of shampoos and toiletries. She had already added a dash of bubble bath to the water and a thick foam was starting to form on the water. Finally deciding on a selection of mane care products she set them out beside the bath and tested the water. It was warm, almost too warm, but Octavia could feel her very soul yearning to immerse herself in it. For the last several months she had been forced to settle for luke warm showers due to her struggling finances and recently she hadn’t even had that privilege.

She quickly slid a hoof to her neck and undid the small bowtie and collar that she always wore and removed it, seemingly she had been too tired the previous night to even remember she was wearing it. Testing the water a final time she stopped the taps and slowly slid herself into the water. A carnal moan of pleasure filtered through the air the earth pony felt the water wash over her. For a while she simply lay there, the hot water soothing ever muscle in her body and relaxing her spirit so much that she nearly fell asleep once again.

This didn’t occur but Octavia did remain still in the foaming water for quite some time before she finally reached for the soap. She spent some time slowly cleaning her body working shampoo deep into her coat and mane and then brushing it out again to leave a smooth finish. Time didn’t seem to matter to her at all and she could quite easily have spent the whole day in the bath had the water not started to go cold on its own. Not wishing to remain submerged in luke warm water Octavia eventually pulled herself from the bath and began to dry herself off.

As she began to dry herself off she happened to catch a glimpse of herself in a long full length mirror mounted on the wall. Apart from the dull bags that could be seen under her eyes you wouldn’t have guessed that there was anything wrong with her. Her coat gleamed with a radiant shine and for a moment a small smile spread across her face. It reminded her of how she had been before all of this had happened. The thought turned on her quickly making her avert her eyes and drop her head slightly. Regardless of how life had been it wasn’t like that now.

She sighed as she finally placed the used towels in a small basket near the door and left the room. The main room was almost completely unchanged apart from one thing. There was a new smell on the air, that of freshly baked bread and well brewed coffee. Looking around the room again Octavia caught sight of a small table sitting against the far wall. She quickly trotted over, her eyes going wide and her mouth beginning to water as she looked over the lavish spread before her.

Fresh bread and delicate pastries filled a large basket in the centre of the table. Around this sat various jars of preserved jams and large wedges of fresh butter. Containers filled with mixed oats and nuts sat next to bowls of fresh fruit and to the side of the table sat a coffee pot sat on a magically enchanted hot ring that kept the pot simmering nicely.

Octavia swallowed as she licked her lips. It was all too good to be true but those worries and concerns would wait until she had eaten and before long she was tucking into a feast of a breakfast. Bowls of oats and cream were devoured followed by copious amounts of bread and jam and fresh fruit all washed down with several cups of coffee. Before long Octavia sat back in her chair, her belly full to bursting and her appetite nicely satisfied. It was hard to believe that she had eaten her way through four plates of donuts the night before but she simply could not stop herself.

She was pondering if she would be able to manage another slice of bread when the door behind her gave a click and opened slowly. Octavia looked round to find Rarity walking into the room. She wasn’t as dressed up as she had been the previous night and Octavia was able to get a proper look at her. Her white coat was groomed immaculately and matched the expert job that had been done on her mane and tail. She smiled warmly as she noticed Octavia looking at her.

“Good morning darling,” she said musically as she made her way towards her, “I do hope I didn’t disturb you this morning, I was going to wake you but you looked so peaceful I just couldn’t bring myself to do it.”

“Oh um…no, you didn’t,” replied Octavia after a moment, “uh, thank you for the breakfast.”

“Oh think nothing of it darling, I knew you were going to need it.”

Rarity turned away slightly, her magic flaring to life as she began to straighten the bed sheets that had been left in a tangled mess by Octavia earlier. Octavia felt a little embarrassed, she hadn’t even noticed.

“Is this your…” she began only to have Rarity preempt her question.

“My place? Yes it is darling. Well not exactly my place but the Princess and I have a good understanding and I try to pay her back in any way I can.”

Octavia blinked before a realisation filled her mind, “P-Princess?”

“Why yes my dear, Princess Celestia. My actual home is in Ponyville but I spend so much time in Canterlot these days that the Princess decided to allow me full access to this room whenever I needed it.”

Octavia looked out of the window quickly. She hadn’t done so since first waking up and now she had a proper view of what was outside. Tall white towers rose all around her, each topped with a golden crown of tiles and streaming banners. Octavia almost felt her jaw hit the ground as she spun back to Rarity.

“Canterlot…C-C-Cas…”

“Castle, yes darling…don’t you remember?” asked Rarity her expression twisting nervously, “We had to climb four flights of stairs and pass through two security check points to get here. You…really don’t remember?”

“I…I remember leaving the donut bar and then…I woke up here?” replied Octavia as her eyes darted back and forth as she tried to search her mind for any other memories that she had missed.

Rarity could see the sudden realisation had caused a rather startling effect and slowly crossed to the earth pony. Octavia meanwhile had returned her view to outside, gazing in amazement at the rising towers she could see. As Rarity’s hooves wrapped around her neck she jumped and looked back to find Rarity giving her a soft embrace.

“I’m sorry darling, you must have been so sleepy last night that you couldn’t remember properly. I didn’t mean to distress you in any way,” she said softly as she gave her a brief squeeze.

Octavia rested for a moment, the warm embrace calming her shredded nerves and returning her breathing to a normal pace.

“That’s…alright, it was just rather startling is all,” replied Octavia as she returned the embrace slightly, “I’ve only been to Canterlot Castle a few times before and to be honest I didn’t get any time to look around. I never imagined I’d be sleeping in a private room at the Castle ever.”

“I must say I was rather amazed when the Princess first told me I could stay here,” chuckled Rarity as she released the embrace and slid herself into a seat opposite the earth pony, “I’m afraid I got rather carried away at the time, ended up on my knees kissing her hooves if I remember rightly.”

Rarity felt herself blush slightly prompting Octavia to give a small giggle. The earth pony sighed happily, relaxing once again. It all seemed too good to be true, like a fairy tale story.

“I really must thank you again for everything you’ve done for me Miss Rarity. I really don’t know what I can do to repay the kindness you’ve shown me.”

“Just Rarity is fine my dear and you really don’t have to repay me at all, I couldn’t exactly leave you to sleep on the streets now could I?” replied Rarity as she began to pour herself a fresh cup of coffee, “Although…if you want to do something, you could tell me how all of this happened. Only if you want to though my dear, I already know how painful those memories are for you.”

“No…you deserve to know, it’s the least I can do,” replied Octavia as she sat back in her chair, “I suppose it all boils down to jealousy and misunderstandings…doesn’t it always. My ensemble has…well had…always been the most well respected group of musicians in all of Canterlot. We played at every show and event from the Grand Galloping Gala to the National Desserts Contest. I suppose we always took the position for granted but we all knew we deserved it. Each one of us had come through our own turmoil and problems to be where we were. We had sacrificed everything we had to music but we were happy.”

“It seemed that others however were not so happy. Looking back I can remember playing with them at the Canterlot Garden Party, a pair of musicians called Symphony and Concerto. It was supposed to be our normal ensemble but Beauty Brass had broken a leg and Frederic found himself stranded in Las Pegasus after a freak weather accident. We had to hire in a couple of extra musicians to fill the gaps and they were the only ones available. I didn’t notice at the time but Symphony just kept scowling at me at every possible opportunity. She was jealous I realise now and jealousy can do horrid things to a pony.”

Rarity nodded but didn’t speak.

“Well after that Symphony and Concerto applied to the Royal Canterlot Hall with their own musical act using their appearance at the garden party to lift their image. It worked and they got a slot but things quickly…well, flopped for lack of a better word. They are good musicians don’t get me wrong and I respect them even now but they just lacked the experience. I went to see their show out of curiosity but…I guess their nerves got the best of them. If they had managed to keep time with each other it may have worked but they also hit so many bad notes that the audience was booing before they even reached their second movement. Symphony was in tears and Concerto looked devastated. To see everything they had worked for come crashing down around them…well I suppose I do know how that feels now.”

Octavia stopped briefly to wipe away a tear. Her voice had started to quiver slightly towards the end of her sentence and Rarity could see that her hooves were shaking. She reached forwards, gently placing one of her own hooves on Octavia’s.

“Darling you don’t have to do this, it’s obviously upsetting…”

“No! I’ve started and I will finish,” replied Octavia resolutely.

Rarity gave a sigh and nodded slowly, sitting back in her chair as she waited for Octavia to continue.

“Well I can only surmise that sadness turned to jealousy and jealousy to anger. I don’t know why they decided to pick me, perhaps I was the easiest target? Frederick’s family runs a powerful shipping industry in Manehatten, Parish is of upper class birth and Beauty was raised by her rich aunt and uncle here in Canterlot after her parents died. I on the other hand am the only daughter of an old farm pony. They started by spreading whispers to those in the know, mostly lies and made up stories about what happened during my childhood on the farm and such like. At first none of it received much attention and I kept brushing it off as ridiculous when asked.”

“However as time went on and they kept spreading rumours some of them began to take on a life of their own. Stories started appearing out of nowhere and ponies began to question what I was saying. I had no idea where the stories were coming from at the time but the whole ensemble was worried. It all came to a head at the Royal Wedding, the one with Shining Armour and Princess Cadence. There was a DJ there…uh…Vinyl Scratch? Although if memory serves me right she was using her stage name at the time, DJ Pon-3?”

Rarity remembered; she and all her friends had been involved in the party preparations, Rarity finding herself smiling slightly as she remembered the dresses she had made for it. The party itself had been a very successful event and no pony had complained. Even Fancy Pants had been there and had appeared to enjoy himself…what could have happened?

“I do remember talking to her after the show. As a musician I take interest in all forms of music…even if the ‘wubs’ that she kept going on about seemed a little odd to me. Certainly not my cup of tea but each to their own I suppose. She was a pleasant enough pony even if her manners were a little lacking and her blatant ego got in the way most of the time. However I did make one mistake that night that I still regret, I agreed to try one of the drinks she was handing out. I should have known better…I don’t have a good tolerance to alcohol on a good day but she just wouldn’t shut up about it. It hit me like a brick, still don’t know what she put in it, but the next thing I remember is…”

Octavia paused, sighing softly as a blush spread across her face, “The next thing I remember is waking up the following morning in the same bed as her.”

A clatter sounded around the room as a teacup hit the floor. Rarity had been holding it aloft only a moment ago but the shocking information had caused her to drop it. She stared at the mare in front of her, trying to process just what she had heard.

“I can imagine it’s not what you expected to hear from a pony like me…that said even I have to remind myself that I have not always been a member of cultured society. Even so I can’t excuse what happened that night even if I don’t remember a moment of it before waking up.”

Octavia paused for a moment looking off out of the window towards the horizon. Whilst at first shocked Rarity found this emotion quickly fading from her mind. It wasn’t unusual in Equestria to find such things happening. Twilight had explained it to her at one point in the past, something about genetics and the over population of females. Even so it seemed to be something that bothered Octavia.

“I know I shouldn’t be saying these things Rarity but…even though my cultured side tells me it was wrong my emotions just don’t agree. I don’t know why, I’ve never given much thought to my sexuality but that night brought everything to a head…I’m a filly fooler.”

Octavia looked like she was stuck between every emotion you could think of. They danced across her face like mist on the moors never staying for more than the blink of an eye before changing.

“Darling…I…” began Rarity in a quiet voice.

“I hope you don’t hate me,” cut in Octavia, her voice pleading slightly as she spoke.

“Hate you? Darling I couldn’t do that. This is a little shocking but I’ve met ponies from all over Equestria and you’re certainly not the first I’ve met who felt this way.”

“…Thank you.” Octavia looked like she was going to cry again but quickly sniffed them back and turned to look out of the window again, “This must have been what they had been waiting for, a way of embarrassing and humiliating me. It worked. I don’t know how they found out but they did. Maybe Vinyl let something slip, maybe they saw me leave her apartment? I don’t know…but from that moment I was branded. The venues we were scheduled to play for suddenly started rejecting our bookings. First it was only a couple; we thought nothing of it at the time…I mean you always get some cancellations. But then it started getting more and more frequent and with every cancellation tension began to rise in the group.”

“It all came to a head when we lost our routine booking at the Concert Hall. We’d had a constant show schedule with them for months, ponies from far and wide coming to appreciate our music and often coming back several times. When we asked why we had been cancelled we simply got a response saying they couldn’t be seen supporting a filly fooling commoner.”

“When we got the news it really marked the end. Frederick lost it; he wouldn’t stop screaming and shouting, saying that I had ruined all their careers because I couldn’t keep my legs closed. It hurt so much but what was worse is that I knew he was right. Even if Symphony and Concerto hadn’t found out somepony would have eventually. Frederick was the first to leave, I think he headed back to Manehatten to his family…I really don’t know though, I’ve not spoken to him in over a year. Parish stuck around a little longer but he soon left as well. I think he was more disappointed than upset, he loved playing the harp…you could see it in his eyes every time he plucked a string. He used to send me a few letters now and then to let me know how he’s doing but eventually they stopped. As for Beauty Brass…well she tried to stay but ultimately she just couldn’t cope with the pressure. She’s living in Vanhoofer with her sister.”

“As for me? It was my fault all of this happened. If I had noticed other around me…if I had helped them more…would all of this have happened? I tried to find Symphony and Concerto to ask why, but…they just seemed to vanish. I was all alone but I promised myself that I’d never give up. I had to find a way to make up for my sins. I had to keep trying! I had to…”

Octavia fell silent, a long dejected sigh slowly slipping from her lips, “In the end I failed though. All I have is packed up in those cases. I have no home, no money, no respect and nowhere else to turn. I know you said you wanted to try and help me but I honestly don’t see anyway you can. None of the music theatres in Canterlot will even speak to me now. I could try asking my former ensemble for help but…I doubt they would be able to. Beauty has stopped playing, Parish has a new life and wouldn’t want to be stigmatised by my presence…and Frederick…I doubt he would ever want to see me again.”

Octavia finally gave into her emotions, her eyes filling with tears as she collapsed her head to her hooves and began to sob. Rarity felt like her heart was about to explode. She could feel her own tears beginning to form in response to Octavia’s. There was so much more to this than she had ever expected. She had figured that there had been an argument over fees or that Octavia was simply being taunted due to her skills. Nothing like this; nothing so deep, dark and cruel. It was unlike anything he had ever heard of before; did such things really happen?

Slowly she slipped from her chair, and slid a hoof around Octavia’s shaking body. The mare jumped, looking up from her hooves with bloodshot eyes. For a moment Rarity did nothing and then, slowly, she pulled Octavia round and embraced her tightly. Octavia didn’t pull away, instead bursting into fresh tears on Rarity’s shoulder as the pain and torment of the last years overcame the distraught mare. Rarity just held her tightly, cooing quietly as if trying to comfort a young child. It wasn’t far from the truth, the number of times she had comforted Sweetie Belle was uncountable.

“Octavia,” she began, still maintaining her grip on the sobbing mare, “thank you for sharing all of this with me, I know it can’t have been easy to dredge up such terrible memories. I want you to know that I don’t think of you as horrid, disgusting or repulsive. You’re a wonderful pony, the intensity of your emotions is proof enough, and I want to help you. I will have to think about it but rest assured that if I can do anything I will and I won’t stop until I’ve exhausted every possible option.”

Octavia’s grip tightened on Rarity as she continued to sob.

“Come on now, I think you need some more rest.”

It was but only ten minutes later that Octavia, once again tucked up under the covers of the four poster bed, was sound asleep. She twitched in her slumber but her face was relaxed and calm, a far cry from what it had been only a short while ago. Rarity sat on the couch to the side of the room, Opal sleeping happily beside her. Alone with her thoughts Rarity started to process everything she had heard and began to work out a plan.

Well Rarity, what have you gotten yourself into this time? You really have bitten off a little more than you can chew and no amount of lunch jokes will solve it. Could it all really be true? But then why would she lie about something like that? And those tears certainly weren’t fake either. I know I have some influence in Canterlot but how am I supposed to convince every pony that Octavia isn’t what they think she is? I doubt Fancy Pants could help in this matter…besides he probably wouldn’t want to get his hooves dirty without some promise of recompense. I could ask the Princess…no! Celestia and Luna are far too busy with their royal duties to spend time on a single pony. I suppose there is always Twilight but…asking her just seems too easy. Besides if the Princesses stepped in it would certainly cause unwanted attention and look like favouritism and I don’t want to subject Octavia to any more harsh rumours or secret whispers. What we need is something normal that will change their minds. I’m sure there will be others who feel sorry for her, they can’t all despise her can they?

Rarity glanced over at the sleeping mare, watching her sleep for a moment. A smile started to spread across her face. She was the element of generosity after all and would go to any length to help those in need. Even though she had only known Octavia for less than a day she already felt a bond between them, maybe it was just pity but then again would she be sat there willing to risk her entire reputation on a mere feeling?

That is something to consider Rarity, if you do help her you could quite easily be tarred with the same brush. Are you really willing to risk everything you’ve achieved so far for just one pony? What kind of a question is that? When I helped defeat Nightmare Moon, Discord, Chrysalis and Sombra…I was willing to risk not just my achievements but my very life itself! I, my friend, we stood to lose everything if we failed and yet we dived in without hesitation. We saved Equestria in those moments. And here I am, worried about helping just a single pony in fear of losing social standings?

Rarity looked away out of the window, watching the banners flutter on the wind on a nearby tower. Perhaps it was the fact that, in this endeavour, she would be alone. Before she could always count on her friends to be there to help her but now? After Twilight’s coronation everything had changed. The former unicorn was always so busy now, not with studying but learning her new role as a princess. She was always attending diplomatic meetings, hosting dinners or visiting distant nations on missions of mercy or peace. In truth she hadn’t seen her in weeks…and hadn’t spoken to her in months. She also missed Spike, Twilight’s dragon companion ever by her side helping to support her through the transition.

Then there were her other friends. Rainbow Dash was nearly always at the Wonderbolt Academy now. Ever since being made a lead pony she had been training harder and harder. In her last letter Rainbow had made mention that she was training to join the reserve team, a position that would put her within a hoofstep of her ultimate goal. Rarity was pleased for her. Whilst Rainbow was a brash and sometimes inconsiderate pony she had learned great restraint and humility during her time at the Academy and was quickly maturing.

Fluttershy was still caring for her animals but was now taking her talent even further. After hearing the Mane Cureall, Ponyville’s vet, would be retiring she took it upon herself to fill the gap. The timid Pegasus had braved her fears remarkably and was now training hard to become a professional vet. Apart from Twilight she was the only other pony in their circle of friends that had attended any formal schooling following basic school. In a way it made her feel a little envious but Rarity knew just how difficult it was for the Pegasus and had promised herself she wouldn’t add to Fluttershy’s worries.

Pinkie Pie meanwhile was still her usual bouncy sugar fueled self. The difference now was that she had extra responsibilities. The Cakes had finally started to become overwhelmed with caring for their young foals and running a business at the same time. In order to better raise her foals Mrs Cake had taken a leave of absence from the bakery so that she could focus more on the twins. This had left Mr Cake highly stressed and Pinkie had offered to help run the bakery. Pinkie was already a natural at baking and it was now not uncommon for every day at Sugarcube Corner to be an ‘extra special fantastic baked good party-o-rama’ as Pinkie described it. She was always throwing parties, bringing in more business than was healthy at times, but Pinkie never seemed to tire.

Finally there was Applejack. As ever the farm pony was always where she had been…and likely would be forever. Sweet Apple Acres was a farm that never seemed to give her a moments peace, especially with Big Mac currently out of action after a rather painful accident. The poor dear had torn a number of ligaments in his neck making it impossible for him to wear his yolk and therefore plough. It also left him incapable of raising his head more than a foot from the ground meaning he couldn’t even buck apple trees. The extra work had Applejack tearing around the farm like a mad pony. Even with Applebloom’s help she was only just managing.

No she couldn’t trouble her friends this time, it was something she would have to tackle alone. The question was where to start and what to do first? She pondered for a moment. There was no point in going to the venues immediately, if what Octavia had said was correct then they wouldn’t even entertain the idea of having her back on stage. She had to think of another way to get her noticed again…and for the right reasons.

Then it struck her! Next week she was scheduled to hold a fashion show in Canterlot. They were always well attended and would be the perfect place to show everypony just what Octavia could do. However, such an endeavour would require preparation and the assistance of a few ponies…and she knew just where to start.

Chapter 3

“Do you really think this is all going to work?” asked Octavia slowly as they disembarked from the train.

“Relax darling or you’re going to strain something,” replied Rarity as she gave the mare a soft pat on the shoulder.

“I am relaxed…well…maybe not entirely relaxed.”

Rarity gave a soft chuckle and lowered her hoof. Octavia had asked the same question no less than six times during their trip and those had been the occasions when she had actually noticed the question. Truth be told Rarity herself was a little unsure on how exactly this was all going to work out but right now it was the best idea she could think of.

As the train pulled away from the station the pair found themselves standing in front of the main station building of Vanhoofer. Fortunately for them it wasn’t snowing but an earlier storm had left the streets piled high with powered whiteness. Young fillies and colts raced back and forth each one hurling snowballs at their companions as they played. Despite its somewhat remote position when compared to the other cities of Equestria, Vanhoofer was still a bustling city filled with life and energy.

“Now then, where is that map?” questioned Rarity as she started poking around in her saddlebag with her magic.

A moment later she had drawn out and unfolded a large map of the city. As she studied it she began to wish Twilight was there to help her, such things were not normally her strong points. Octavia however was also studying the map, finally placing her hoof down on a spot on the paper.

“Here, Cedar Gallop, that’s the street we want, number four hundred and nineteen.”

Rarity gave a nod as she quickly traced a route across the map and tried to memorise it. She then folded the map but kept it hovering nearby in case she needed it again. Together the pair set off through the streets. Soon they had left the station behind and the sounds of the playing youngsters faded into silence. Vanhoofer was a new city and the architecture showed it, each building crafted lovingly out of beautifully formed bricks and treated timbers. It was a big change from the rustic charm of Ponyville or the ancient extravagance of Canterlot. In a way it almost seemed too sterile, lifeless perhaps.

Neither pony spoke as they turned down one street and then the next, pausing occasionally to allow Rarity to read the map. Soon enough though they were slowly making their way down Cedar Gallop, counting off houses one by one until they reached their destination. The house in question only had a single floor and what appeared to be an attic room. It was constructed entirely of wood and painted a light green. Outside was a small veranda shaded by an overhang of the roof above it.

Octavia swallowed hard, throughout the entire journey she had done everything she could to distract herself from this moment but now that it was finally here she couldn’t do anything to stop it. She could feel her legs shaking slightly, her mind telling her to flee and never look back. She wasn’t nervous, she was terrified. Despite the letters that Beauty and herself had exchanged over the last year the guilt that resided in her soul wouldn’t loosen its grip on her.

Rarity slowly gave the mare a reassuring pat on her shoulder and then ushered her forwards. Together they walked up the short path and onto the veranda. With a quick look at Octavia, Rarity raised a hoof and knocked firmly on the door. For a moment there was nothing and then there was a scuffle followed by a sudden bang and the fluttering of paper. Rarity and Octavia both looked at each other with confusion as they tried to work out what was happening on the other side of the door. Before they could say anything to each other though the door opened wide to reveal a mint coloured earth pony with a deep green mane.

At first glance you would wonder what on Equestria she had been doing. Black ink splotches covered her coat and mane, including one right in the centre of her face. She looked a little dizzy as though something had fallen on her head but the expression quickly faded from her face to be replaced by a beaming smile.

“Hello hello! What can I do for you?!” she squeaked enthusiastically.

Rarity looked at Octavia and nodded at her, Octavia taking a moment to breathe before she replied.

“Ah, is Beauty Brass at home…?” she asked slowly.

“Brass? Oh yeah she is, um, who are you?”

“I’m…Octavia…”

“Octa…oooooooh.”

The pony withdrew ever so slightly and cast the grey mare a glance from head to hoof. Octavia could feel herself getting more and more uncomfortable by the moment.

“So you’re the mare Brass has been writing to?” asked the pony after a moment, “Always wondered what you were really like. She’s told me some really great things about you. Um! Oh yeah! Do come in! We weren’t expecting anypony so the place is a bit of a mess. Watch out for the paper stacks! I have them all ordered just how I like them.”

The pony flung the door open to reveal the entrance hall behind her. Stacked up in boxes and loose in piles all over the place were reams and reams of paper and writing supplies. Rarity had to blink, if it had been a little tidier she would have been convinced that Twilight had been living here. She quickly snapped herself out of her thoughts though and ushered Octavia forwards into the house. The mint green pony continued to talk, getting more and more excited by the moment.

“So where did you travel from? Brass never mentioned anything about you visiting in the last letter she got from you! Oh watch out for that box! Um! Oh yeah! My name is Eccentric Quill, I’m Brass’ sister! Nice to meet both of you! Uh! Who are you?”

Her last question was directed at Rarity, the unicorn herself giving a short bow of her head before she replied.

“I’m Rarity, we traveled here together from Canterlot.”

“Canterlot! Oooooooooh, jealousy levels rising! Nah I’m just kidding, still I’d love to visit that place someday. Maybe when I get the next royalty cheque from my books. Oh yeah! That’s what all the boxes and paper is, I tend to write a lot and sometimes it doesn’t make much sense so I just store it in case I need it later.”

Rarity cast a glance around the hallway, it certainly seemed like that was the case.

“Oh, but you’re here to see Brass aren’t you! Come on she’s in here, uh, but don’t be too loud ok. She caught a chill the other day coming back from work and its messing with her head.”

Concern spread across Octavia’s face following Quill’s words, the earth pony quickly following her fellow pony into the next room. Rarity followed close behind them, turning to the left into the next room. Had it not been for the even more numerous boxes of paper stacked around the room the living area would have been a nice environment. A simple log fire sat on one wall. A number of large display cabinets occupied another wall, each one filled with small trophies and awards in the shape of instruments or writing tools. A number of large padded chairs sat in the centre of the room along with a large sofa.

On one of the chairs, her rear hooves immersed in a bucket of steaming water, sat Beauty Brass. She looked almost asleep, her head hanging low and a set of deep black shadows resting under her eyes. On her lap sat a large box of tissues and her shoulders were covered in a large blanket. As the trio entered the room she looked up, her eyes trying hard to focus before going wide in amazement.

“Oc…Octavia?! Is that you?” she asked cautiously, as if fearing she was seeing an illusion.

“Yes Brass, it’s me,” replied Octavia as she stepped forwards slightly.

Beauty Brass gave a small cough and then heaved herself from her chair, landing on her front hooves with her rear ones still in the tub of water. She swayed slightly on her feet, almost looking like she was about to fall over.

“Brass!” cried Octavia as she darted forwards to steady her friend, “Are you alright?”

“Eh heh, never better…now that you’re here,” replied the earth pony as she smiled weakly at her friend.

Octavia quickly helped settle Brass back into her seat and then settled herself into a chair next to her. Rarity also found herself a seat across from the pair as Quill left the room in search of drinks. For a moment nopony said anything, seemingly both Octavia and Brass too shocked to initiate any form of conversation.

“Brass…” murmured Octavia at length, “What happened?”

“You mean….this?” she replied motioning to herself, “I was late leaving the café one evening and got caught in the weekly blizzard the weather team have to maintain at this time of year. Thought I was alright at first but…I guess not.”

“Oh Brass…I’m so sorry.”

“Sorry? Why are you sorry? It wasn’t your fault.”

“But if it hadn’t been for me we would all still be in Canterlot and…”

“You’re still beating yourself up over that? Tavi, you have to stop. We’re all upset about what happened but living in guilt isn’t healthy.”

Octavia gave a small sigh, “I’m sorry Brass, I just can’t help it.”

“You never could. You always act so hardnosed and unemotional but you really are such a sensitive mare under it all.”

Rarity listened quietly, well aware that this was a time for the two friends to bond again. Octavia had filled her ear with stories about Beauty Brass during their train ride. At the time she had thought it was nothing more than Octavia trying to distract herself but now she found herself musing on them a little. Beauty Brass sounded like quite the character, always cheerful and smiling with a positive outlook and a glowing smile. Well that would have been the case if not for her current situation. She wondered if she was similar to her sister, Quill reminding her very much of Pinkie Pie on one of her less than full energy days.

“Alright everypony!” came a call as the pony in question slid into the room balancing a tray on her back, “I got hot chocolate for everyone, hope you all like it because…well…we ain’t got nothing else!”

Rarity found herself smirking slightly at the statement, take it or leave it. Rarity quickly plucked the tray from the pony’s back with her magic and levitated a cup over to herself before moving the tray towards Octavia and Brass. As she did Brass’ vision shifted to look at the unicorn.

“And who are you?” she asked quizzically.

“I’m Rarity, I like to consider myself a friend of Octavia but we did only just meet two days ago.”

“Are you from Canterlot? You are certainly very well spoken.”

“Well, not exactly…but I do spend a lot of time in Canterlot giving fashion shows and such like.”

Brass gave a small nod and turned back to Octavia, “So why are you here? You never mentioned visiting in your last letter.”

“Well…a lot has happened since you left Brass as I’m sure you know from my letters. I’ve hit rock bottom and it was only with Rarity’s help that I avoided falling into the deepest pits of Tartarus itself. She has offered to help me…help us…regain what we’ve lost in Canterlot.”

Brass looked across at Rarity with a cautious stare. Rarity met it, long ago learning that to blink was to reveal a weakness and that one should confront everything head on, a lesson she had learned from her friend Rainbow Dash.

“Are you serious?” asked Brass.

“Very serious darling,” replied Rarity, “I heard Octavia play at the Royal Concert Hall a few evenings ago and after learning of her plight I decided that I couldn’t sit back and do nothing.”

“I’m amazed that some pony still cares about our music,” commented Brass sadly, “I still can’t believe everything that has happened.”

“We’re going to make it better Brass, I’m going to fix everything!” interrupted Octavia, “this is our chance, maybe our last one, but I’m going to need your help. Will you help?”

Brass let out a sigh, “Nothing would make me happier but…look at me. I’ve been like this for three days now and it’s not showing signs of improving. The doctors said I could be off my feet for several weeks. I can’t even breathe properly, never mind play an instrument right now.”

Rarity watched as the building hope in Octavia’s expression crashed to the floor and shattered like a pane of glass. She closed her eyes slowly and sighed. This isn’t what she had wanted. Having spoken to Octavia at length about her former companions Beauty had seemed like the logical place to start. The two still wrote to each other and were close friends; if any of them was going to be willing to help her then it was going to be Brass. And yet it seemed fate had drawn the perfect play this time. The fashion show Rarity had been organising was set for five days time. There was no way she could change it at such short notice and unless there was a miracle Brass didn’t look like she’d be ready to perform within that time frame.

“I…I see…” murmured Octavia with a small sigh.

“I’m sorry Tavi, I really am,” replied Brass, “You know I would help you if I could.”

“I know Brass I…”

Octavia stopped and dropped her head. Even from where Rarity was sitting she could tell the mare was struggling to hold back a fresh set of tears. The grey mare blinked hard and looked back at Brass.

“Do…do you have somewhere that I could lie down for a little? I don’t mean to impose but…I need to clear my head.”

“Of course, don’t worry about it Tavi. Quill, could you show Tavi to my room, she can rest there for a little.”

“Sure thing!” chimed Quill as she jumped from her seat and sprung towards the door.

Octavia slowly got to her feet as well, following Quill out of the door. As she did she looked back, mouthing the words ‘thank you’ before vanishing around the doorframe. Rarity and Brass found themselves alone in the room, each looking at the empty doorway.

“Such a sensitive creature,” commented Brass with a sigh.

“Yes I had noticed,” added Rarity.

Beauty Brass now turned her attention to the unicorn; for a moment she studied her from nose to tail.

“Do you mean what you said?” she asked at length.

“But of course,” nodded Rarity as she finally moved her hot chocolate towards her and took a sip, “I couldn’t sleep comfortably at night if I didn’t try and do something.”

“And you really think you can help us…help her?”

“I can’t say for certain but what I will say is that I won’t stop until I’ve exhausted every possible option.”

“I suppose that is better than anything else we have had,” commented Brass as she took a sip of her own drink, “what do you intend to do next?”

“I had hoped to make contact with the rest of your ensemble but I’ve had trouble tracking them down.”

“You mean Frederick and Parish? I haven’t heard from Frederick is nearly a year but I may be able to help with Parish. A few months ago he sent me a postcard from Baltimare. He mentioned he was working in a new club now and gave me an address, I’ll give it to you.”

“Thank you deary.”

“I should be thanking you…uh…”

“Rarity.”

“Rarity…since our ensemble broke up we haven’t had any good luck. Tavi has always blamed herself for what happened, she tries to put on a brave face but she is such a delicate flower. Thank you for giving her hope…even if it doesn’t work out.”

“It’s nothing dear really, I’m just doing what anypony would…well I suppose I’m doing what nopony has done aren’t I?”

“Quite…just promise me one thing.”

“What is that?”

“Stay with her. What Tavi needs right now more than anything is a friend she can count on and draw strength from. I wish it could be me but I’m afraid I’m no use to anypony right now.”

“I promise.”

“Thank you.”

The rest of the afternoon passed without incident. Brass and Rarity occupied their time by talking, Rarity providing most of the conversation as she told Brass about her dual life in Ponyville and Canterlot, her friends, dreams and ambitions. For the most part Brass just sat and listened, content to let the unicorn speak. By the time that Octavia finally re-joined them after her nap the pair were laughing and joking, something that caused a smile to cross her face.

Dinner was much the same. Despite Rarity’s insistence that they didn’t want to impose Quill was having none of it. The mint green pony may have been a little scatter brained but it didn’t stop her from being an exceptional cook, something that Rarity was incredibly pleased with as she had sat down to eat a large meal of homemade cheese quiche, salad and fresh apple juice. As she ate she couldn’t help but smile at the scene that was unfolding before her.

Just like she and Brass had been conversing earlier, now Octavia and Brass were talking…but again Brass wasn’t saying much. Rarity also felt sorry for her, the delicious meals that she herself was eating being replaced by a bowl of plain soup for the ill pony. Still Brass seemed to be enjoying it, or at least she was enjoying the conversation so much she didn’t notice. As they talked about past events and joked about comical moments Rarity just continued to eat, occasionally casting a sideways look at Quill and exchanging a friendly smile with her.

Quill herself was either very happy or was simply a pony that never stopped smiling, the expression having been plastered across her face ever since the start of dinner. Rarity could take a good guess as to what it was that was making her smile though and another look across the table caused her to smile as well. Was this the real Octavia once she had been freed of the troubles and worries of her life? She seemed so natural, so relaxed and calm. It was just like Brass had said, underneath that hard steely stage façade was a pony of such endless joy and happiness. In a way it was like watching all of her friends rolled into one and with each word she spoke Octavia seemed to take on the personality of a different one. She loved each of her friends for who they were and was always sure she would do anything in her power to help them. Seeing Octavia like this did nothing but strengthen her own resolve. She found herself starting to love the grey mare just like her friends and now she not only had a promise to Brass to keep but one to herself as well. She would help Octavia, regardless of the cost and regardless of the end result; there was no doubt in her mind.

As the four ponies finally turned in for the night spirits were high all around. Rarity and Octavia found themselves sharing the spare room; luckily two single beds occupied the small room. Rarity was thankful, she didn’t want to sound rude but sleeping on a couch or Celestia forbid the floor just wasn’t something she enjoyed. As she remade her bed for the third time Octavia, who she thought was already asleep, rolled over and spoke.

“Rarity, I want to thank you,” she said slowly.

Rarity quickly finished tucking in her bed sheet before turning towards the mare, “Oh think nothing of it my dear, I’m just doing what I said I would.”

“Yes but…you’re actually doing it.”

Octavia paused and rolled onto her back. Staring up at the ceiling she continued, “Apart from the members of my former ensemble I’ve never really had any friends. Most ponies just wanted to be near me for their own gains and didn’t really care about me. I don’t know if the others in the group knew but most evenings I would spend on my own sharing a bottle of wine with myself or reading a book. I got so lonely…and it wasn’t through lack of trying. When I tried to get close to others most of them seemed to think I was making friends for the same reason ponies made friends with me; they all assumed I had some ulterior motive. But you’re different, you’re not asking anything of me…it just…makes me happy.”

As Octavia paused Rarity’s hoof gently landed on her shoulder. Octavia looked up at her, the unicorn smiling gracefully.

“I’m glad I can be a friend to you my dear, goodness knows you need more of them. You’re a wonderful mare and you don’t deserve the problems you’ve been facing. What say when this is all said and done, however it works out, that you come back to Ponyville with me for a while. I’m sure my other friends would be thrilled to meet you.”

“I would like that.”

The two ponies exchanged a smile before Rarity finally gave a long yawn.

“Well darling, I simply must get some rest. A lady must look her best and only the proper amount of sleep will do,” she stated as she turned towards her bed.

Making sure that the blankets were just right she elegantly slipped into the covers, scooting down a little at a time so that the sheets remained perfectly in place. With her magic she reached over to a small bedside cabinet that separated the two beds and plucked a night mask from it. Sliding the floral designed night ware over her eyes she turned her head in Octavia’s direction.

“Sweet dreams my dear.”

“And to you Rarity,” replied Octavia as she watched the unicorn sink peacefully into her pillow.

For a while Octavia remained still, watching the white unicorn as she fell asleep. Despite all the pain and sorrow of recent events and the dread and apprehension of what was coming Octavia couldn’t help but feel happy. For the first time since the Royal Canterlot Wedding she felt like smiling. She knew the mountain she had to climb was huge and imposing. She knew that she still faced almost insurmountable odds. But she also knew that whatever was to come she would not have to face it alone. Rolling onto her back she allowed herself to sigh happily. She closed her eyes and slowly the gentle embrace of sleep reached out and brought her into its arms.

Chapter 4

The next day dawned and once again Rarity and Octavia were on the move. With a full breakfast of eggs, toast, muesli and copious amounts of coffee behind them they found themselves standing on the front veranda of Brass and Quill’s home. Octavia looked mournful to be leaving so soon but behind it determination flickered like a spark waiting to become an inferno.

“And please visit more often,” continued Brass as she and Octavia exchanged embraces, “It has been so marvelous to see you again.”

“I will Brass, I promise,” replied Octavia, “And thank you for everything.”

“It’s what friends do…and I’m sorry I couldn’t be more help.”

“Don’t apologise Brass, just focus on getting better again. I’ll take care of the rest.”

Brass gave a small nod as the two broke their embrace. Rarity stepped in and raised a hoof in Brass’ direction.

“Thank you for the hospitality darling, it was lovely getting to know.”

Brass looked at the extended hoof and smiled. Stepping forwards slowly she placed a hoof around Rarity’s neck.

“No, thank you my dear for helping Octavia,” she said as she leaned in closer and lowered her voice to a whisper, “And don’t forget our promise.”

“Have no fear darling, that is one promise I shall not be breaking.”

As the two pulled back Quill jumped in, throwing a hoof around both Rarity and Octavia.

“Super nice to meet both of you, do come again!”

“We will Quill, thank you for your kindness,” replied Octavia with a small chuckle.

“Aww shucks!”

Before long Rarity and Octavia were heading down the garden path away from the house. Brass and Quill still stood on the veranda waving to them and Octavia couldn’t help but stop every few paces and turn to wave back at them but as they vanished round the corner of a building she stopped dead in her tracks. She sighed heavily and for a moment a flicker of despair crossed her face. Rarity stood silently next to her.

“I’m alright,” said Octavia after a moment, seemingly feeling Rarity’s gaze on her, “Just…thinking.”

“I understand darling,” replied Rarity, “But we do have to keep moving or we’ll miss our train to Baltimare.”

Octavia nodded slowly and then set off again. It wasn’t until they had arrived at the station, boarded their train and found their seats that Octavia spoke again. As the train pulled away from the station she held the postcard that Brass had given her in her hoof. On the front was a very tourist looking night scene of Baltimare but it was the back that held her attention. The message was brief due to the size of the card but it was enough.

“Dear Beauty Brass, writing to you to let you know of a change in my circumstances. I’ve finally

got a spot at the Black Tie Club, it’s not much but it’s enough. The offer still stands if you want

to visit, would be great to see a friendly face. Yours Parish.”

“A friendly face,” read Octavia, “I hope he still doesn’t think badly of me.”

“I’m sure it will be fine darling, don’t start worrying before we even get there. Besides you’ve got me along to help you out,” replied Rarity as she looked up from a street map of Baltimare that she’d purchased.

“That’s true.”

“Now then, how about we order a pot of tea and enjoy the trip? I hear the scenery on the way to Baltimare is simply stunning.”

Rarity hadn’t been lying when she had said the trip to Baltimare was stunning. Vanhoofer and Baltimare sat on opposite sides of the Equestrian continent and the train ride took them through the heartlands of the country. Endless fields of crops and flowers greeted their gaze interrupted now and then by an isolated copse or small village. There was only one stop during the trip, that being at Dodge Junction where the train was split so it could head in two directions at once.

As the new engine was being coupled to their train Rarity took a moment to stretch her legs on the platform. She remembered the town well and a part of her wished they had time to call in on Cherry Jubilee. The cherry farm pony had been very understanding of Applejack’s situation…or so she had heard. Rarity herself hadn’t seen the end of the chase after being knocked from the cart by a flying Pinkie Pie. She could still hear the insane babble rattling through her head as she recalled the trip back to Ponyville with her.

Still this wasn’t time to dwell on past events, it was a time to look forwards and focus on the task at hand. Boarding the train once again she settled down for the second leg of their journey to Baltimare. Octavia remained fairly quiet throughout the whole trip no doubt thinking about what she was going to say when she met Parish. She did wonder what he was going to be like. From what Octavia and Brass had told her he seemed to be a fairly quiet pony with a level head and a dislike of frivolities. Rarity hoped there was more to him than this.

By the time they reached Baltimare the afternoon was waning fast. Night was yet to fall but the sun was hanging low in the sky casting large shadows around the urban metropolis of the town. Thanks to her earlier studying of the map Rarity knew where they were going but the journey still took them a short while and they still made a few wrong turns before they found the establishment they were looking for.

The building and its exterior décor announced its class with ease. Like much of Baltimare the building was made of red brick and extended high into the sky above them. The upper floors were apartments each window holding a small balcony and each balcony adorned with a window box filled with trailing flowers that hung down towards the floor below it. The ground floor held a grand looking entrance, obviously a reception space for the apartments above it. Through the clear glass frontage Rarity could see the reception desk and the pony that worked behind it. The walls were decorated in a sleek looking two toned brown wallpaper and twinkling crystal lights hung everywhere.

Away to one side of the reception was another entrance. A set of wide stairs led down to a set of double doors. A long red carpet stretched down the stairs to the door and a canopy above shielded the entrance from any weather conditions that may be present. Above the canopy hung a sign that read ‘The Black Tie Gentlecolts Club”. Patting Octavia on the back Rarity set off towards the entrance. As they approached the bouncer pony at the top of the stairs turned his attention towards them.

“Sorry ladies,” he said as he gave a small bow of his head, “I’m afraid the establishment doesn’t open for another hour yet.”

“That’s quite alright darling, we were actually hoping to speak to a friend of ours who works here, Parish Nandermane.”

“He never mentioned anyone,” replied the bouncer as he gave them an inquisitive look.

“No well, we’re stopping by slightly unannounced. Would you be able to let him know we’re here?”

The bouncer pony thought for a moment and then shrugged slightly, “Can’t hurt, who shall I tell him it is?”

“My name is Rarity and this is my companion Octavia Melody.”

“Wait here.”

With that the bouncer descended the stairs and headed inside. Octavia couldn’t stop fidgeting, Rarity counting at least nineteen occasions that she adjusted her bowtie. When the bouncer returned she was starting to sweat.

“Well he says he’ll see you but only for a little, once the club open he’ll be playing and doesn’t want any interruptions.”

“Perfectly understandable,” replied Rarity as she stepped forwards, “Come along darling, we don’t want to keep him waiting any longer than necessary.”

Octavia wasn’t so quick to jump into action but followed Rarity all the same. They descended the stairs and pushed the door open. Inside the lighting was very subdued and a smell of tobacco smoke drifted on the air. To one side of the room sat a long bar with a black marble top. Behind it a bartender was busy checking the various spirits and wines that were stacked up on the shelf. The main area of the room was filled with small sets of tables and chairs intermixed with separating wicker screens and large ferns. Away to one side sat a door with a sign above it saying ‘Smoking Lounge’ and next to the door sat a low set stage. Octavia was currently looking at the stage, more exactly she was staring at the large gold plated harp that was occupying the centre of the stage.

“So it’s really you Octavia,” came a voice from their left.

Sat in a chair a few meters away, almost hidden in the shadows, was Parish. He looked tired and yet Rarity could see the faint glimmer of a smile on his face.

“Parish,” replied Octavia slowly, the pony unmoving as she looked back at him unsure of what to say.

“Well you might as well sit down,” continued Parish as he motioned towards two chairs at the table he was sat at.

Octavia didn’t move for a moment, drawing back slightly in hesitance, before finally stepping forward and taking a seat. Rarity did the same, sliding herself into a seat next to her friend. For a moment silence filled the air.

“Parish, I…” began Octavia.

“Why are you here Octavia?” interrupted Parish with a firm tone.

Octavia swallowed her words, clamming up like a young student in front of a teacher. Rarity could see her distress and decided to interject.

“That was a little rude don’t you think?” she said quickly with a slight frown.

Parish quickly raised a hoof towards her, his head snapping round to face her.

“I would appreciate it if you were quiet. I don’t know who you are and at this time I’m not interested in knowing. My question is for Octavia and I would appreciate it if you would let her answer them unaided,” he replied, his tone firm but courteous.

Rarity could tell he didn’t mean to be rude even if the statement sounded more like an order than a request. Even so she felt compelled to obey and slowly nodded in response.

“Thank you,” finished Parish as he turned back to Octavia, “Now Octavia, why are you here?”

Octavia didn’t respond although apparently not out of choice. Her jaw moved up and down but no words left her lips. Rarity could only sit and watch, it was actually quite horrifying and she could feel a sense of loathing creeping into her mind towards Parish. The harp player himself just sat in silence for a moment, watching Octavia struggle to get her words out before giving a sigh.

“Look Octavia, I don’t want to seem cruel. We’ve been friends for a long time but when I left for Baltimare you promised you wouldn’t call on me unless you had something important to say. I’ve done everything I can to try and separate myself from everything that happened in Canterlot and the last thing I need is ponies asking questions just as I start a new job. Now unless you have something important to say I have a performance to prepare for.”

As he made a move to stand up Octavia suddenly slammed her hoof down on one of his, pressing it firmly against the table top. For a moment the two ponies looked at each other as a flash of resolve passed over Octavia’s face.

“I do have something important to say Parish,” she began as she released his hoof, “and I need you to hear me out.”

Parish paused for a moment and then finally gave a small nod as he sat back down. Slowly Octavia began to recount the story of the last few days. Her terminal fall and meeting with Rarity, the trip to see Brass and ultimately the plan that she and Rarity had developed between them. After she was done Parish sat back in his chair and brought a hoof to his chin.

“Well now, I wasn’t expecting anything like that,” he said as he turned briefly to look at the bar, “Tumbler, get me a double of the usual.”

The light blue Pegasus pony behind the bar nodded and began preparing the requested drink.

“I know I’m asking a lot,” continued Octavia, “But I believe this could work…but I can’t do it alone.”

Parish gave a sigh, “Octavia look around you. I won’t say my life has been easy since I left Canterlot, in fact I’ve had to survive by taking whatever work I could find at first. But now…I have a new life. The work here is good, peaceful and well paid. I’ve finally been able to afford a new apartment. I have new work colleagues and ponies that respect me. You’re asking me to leave all of that and trust on a prayer that we can get back what we once had.”

Parish gave a long drawn out sigh, “I’m sorry I just can’t do that.”

Octavia looked like she was on the verge of tears. They had been threatening ever since she started retelling her story but now they were making a real appearance. Rarity quickly offered her a handkerchief, Octavia accepting and wiping her eyes as she gave a small sniff.

“Mr Nandermane,” spoke Rarity, finally deciding it was time for her to say something, “I understand what you say but won’t you reconsider?”

“Miss Rarity, don’t get me wrong,” replied Parish as he turned to look at her, “It’s nothing personal and after hearing about what Octavia has been going through I do feel for her. But in my current situation if I don’t do what I’m supposed to do here I will get fired. I had to fight hard to get this position and there is a long line of musicians waiting to take my place if I miss even one appearance. I just can’t.”

He turned to Octavia, reaching out to grab one of her hooves with his own, “Tavi, I know you blame yourself for what happened and I know you’re just trying to put it right…but it’s time to let go. Not everything that is broken can be fixed and you have to start making a new life for yourself.”

“I’m sorry Parish, I just can’t do that…” replied Octavia in a sullen voice.

Parish sighed and released her hoof, “So am I Octavia, so am I. Listen, why don’t you two stay a while and relax. I’m due on stage shortly so I best go and get myself ready.”

It was at this point that Tumbler, the pony from behind the bar, approached with a drink resting on a tray. Parish quickly swiped the drink from the tray, Rarity only getting a moment to observe the light brown liquid inside the glass before Parish had downed it in a single gulp. He drew a breath and then sigh as he placed the glass back on the tray.

“Tumbler get these two mares a drink would you, put it on my tab,” he said as he turned away and headed towards the stage.

“Sure thing Parish,” replied the pony as he looked at Octavia and Rarity, “What can I get for you both?”

Rarity couldn’t find an answer at first, she was too busy watching the expression on Octavia’s face sinking through the foundations of the building.

“Ah…what would you recommend?” she asked after a moment as she gave Tumbler the best smile she could muster.

“Hmm, well the Baltimare Sunrise is proving popular with the mares at the moment. Don’t want to boast but I probably make the best ones in town.”

“Sounds good,” murmured Octavia, her voice both depressed and hopeless.

“Yes, why not dear,” added Rarity as she turned her attention back to Octavia.

“Coming right up, oh and miss. I don’t want to intrude on private business but don’t feel upset at Parish turning you down. He’s had quite a few mares asking him that question recently and I think he just wants to be alone for now.”

“Oh um…yes…of course…” replied Octavia as she gave the best embarrassed giggle she could.

Tumbler smiled slightly and then departed back towards the bar leaving the two mares alone once again. Octavia tried to let her vision wander across the room but each time she did they could only stare at one thing. On the stage Parish was busy tuning his instrument. Seated on a small stool next to the large harp he gently plucked each string in turn, listening as the note rung out and occasionally tightening or loosening a string.

“I don’t know what I was hoping for,” mused Octavia quietly, “Parish has never been a pony to take risks. He’s always wanted a steady life, that’s why our ensemble suited him so well. Nothing ever seemed to threaten it…until everything happened.”

“I’m sorry Octavia,” replied Rarity, the unicorn not really know what else to say.

“It may have been different if Brass was here, those two always had a better chemistry than I did with Parish…but even then I don’t think he would have agreed.”

Rarity sighed slightly, “Don’t lose faith darling, whenever a door closes another one opens.”

Octavia nodded slowly but didn’t seem overly convinced. It was then that Tumbler returned, the pony carrying a new tray with two drinks perched on it. The drinks were long cocktails and Tumbler had not been exaggerating when he said he did them well. They looked like a pair of flames in a glass, the liquid starting red at the bottom and then fading to orange with streaks of yellow swirled through it. Rarity had to admire the craftsmanship even if normally she wasn’t one to drink too much.

“There you are ladies, I hope you enjoy,” announced Tumbler as he placed the two drinks down on the table top.

Octavia didn’t reply, seemingly content to stare at the contents of the glass for a moment before taking hold of it and taking a brief sip. What happened next left both Tumbler and Rarity in shock as Octavia upended the glass and drunk the entire thing without stopping.

“Another,” she said quietly as she placed the glass down and wiped her lips with her hoof.

Tumbler just blinked and Rarity quickly looked over at him in urgency.

“Perhaps you better let me handle this deary, hold that order for now.”

Tumbler nodded as he walked off, occasionally giving a glance back over his shoulder with a half dazed look. Rarity meanwhile reached forwards and grabbed Octavia’s hooves.

“Darling don’t do this, nothing good will come of drowning your sorrows.”

“Does it matter?” asked Octavia, “Don’t you see what’s happening? It’s all been pointless! All the struggles and problems I’ve dealt with since the ensemble split up…it’s all been for naught! I thought that I could change it all if I kept going, that I could correct all the mistake that have happened. And yet…”

Without warning Octavia quickly snatched the drink that had been sat in front of Rarity and started drinking. By the time Rarity snapped herself out of her shock and raised a hoof to lower the glass the contents was already sliding down Octavia’s throat.

“And yet here we are,” continued Octavia, the mare barely pausing the breath as she carried on, “Brass can’t help me, Parish doesn’t care anymore and…hahah, the only other pony who may help me if Frederick…who the last time I saw said he never wanted to see me again.”

Octavia giggled slightly and then started laughing. As she did tears began to form in her eyes.

“I’m being punished, I’m still being punished for my mistakes. That’s what it is.”

“Darling don’t say such things, there is always another way, there is always hope,” replied Rarity as she tried to get the mare to focus.

“I ran out of hope a long time ago, I have nothing left…nothing.”

Octavia’s tear began afresh, her earlier laughing descending into mangled sobs as she lowered her head to the table and began to weep into her hooves. Rarity was glad they were seated in an isolated corner of the establishment, even if it wasn’t yet open she didn’t want the staff casting judgement or comment. She got up from her seat, moving around the table so that she was beside the weeping mare, and placed a hoof round her shoulders. Quietly she began to coo gentle reassurances and brush a hoof through her mane like she had done for Sweetie Belle on numerous occasions. Before long Octavia’s sobs had quietened and not soon after that all that was left was the quiet whistle of her breath as it flowed in and out.

Content that Octavia was safe for the moment Rarity removed her hoof and stepped back. Octavia didn’t move; the mare now fast asleep. With a small nod to herself Rarity turned and headed towards the bar. As she approached she couldn’t help but notice that Tumbler flicked his gaze away from table she had been sat at.

“Keeping an eye on us I see?” commented Rarity as she sat herself down at the bar.

“Uh well, just keeping tabs,” replied Tumbler as he busied himself by cleaning some glasses, “Your friend just looked really upset about being turned down.”

“Oh it’s a little more complicated than that deary but it would take too long to explain all the details to you…and I don’t think she’d appreciate it either. I do hate to ask but is there a small room available where my companion could rest a little?”

“Hmm…well normally we don’t allow such things but let me double check with Parish.”

Tumbler rounded the bar and approached the stage. Rarity watched as he conversed with Parish for a moment, the earth pony casting a few glances towards the table where Octavia was resting as they spoke. When Tumbler returned he was wearing a small smile.

“Seems you’re in luck, Parish says she can rest in his break room for a while, do you need any help carrying her?”

“No that should be fine dear, but if you could show me the way.”

Tumbler did just that. As Rarity used her magic to hoist the sleeping Octavia into the air the bar pony showed her through a door that said ‘staff only’ on it and along a corridor. Opening a door Rarity found a small room with a desk and chair as well as a small, yet adequate, fold down bed. Laying Octavia on it and covering her with a blanket the pair returned to the main part of the bar. It seemed that the establishment had just opened and a selection of rich, or at least well connected, ponies were starting to file into the room.

Rarity returned to her seat at the bar and started to think about what was going to happen next. She had always hoped it would go better than this but it seemed that luck just wasn’t with them this time. Her plans to hold a comeback concert for the whole ensemble lay in ruins and even if Frederick agreed to partake, which she highly doubted, it still wouldn’t be enough. She sighed heavily.

“Sounds like this problem is affecting you too,” added Tumbler as he glanced briefly behind him as he prepared a drink.

“I suppose it does darling,” replied Rarity as she looked across the bar.

“How about a drink on the house to help you relax?” offered the bar pony.

“Charming as that is deary I have to refuse, somepony has to be sober to make sure Octavia is alright. However, I would like a soda water with lemon if you would.”

“My pleasure. Oh uh…don’t suppose there would be a chance of us meeting up tomorrow when I’m not working would there?”

Rarity couldn’t help but smile, “I’m afraid not sweetie, I’ll be moving onto Manehatten in the morning. I do hope you understand.”

“No problems ma’am, I just couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t try. You’re a fine mare ma’am. If there’s anything else I can do for you please let me know.”

Soon enough Rarity was absently sipping her requested drink as she watched the comings and goings of the bar around her. Parish was about to start playing, several of the ponies in the room watching the stage as he readied himself. You could tell he was professional from the way he held himself and the air of confidence that surrounded him. As his hooves plucked the first string the bar went silent. Rarity found herself lost in the melody, the notes touching all manner of emotions deep in her mind. Unlike Octavia Parish played with his eyes open, his gaze focused intently on the strings of his instrument as if trying to burn ever last detail of the string into his mind.

As he had finished his first song the room erupted into a round of applause and Parish took a small bow before stepping down. Rarity watched as he scanned the room and then headed towards the bar. Rarity caught him glancing at her a few times as he approached the musician finally stopping next to the bar near where she was sat.

“Tumbler get me some water if you would,” he said quickly before turning to look at Rarity, “I take it Octavia is still sleeping.”

“I believe so yes,” commented Rarity, “I think it’s safe to say that she will have quite a hangover in the morning.”

“Most likely, two Baltimare Sunrises is quite a considerable amount of alcohol…and Octavia never was a drinker.”

Parish settled himself into a seat as Tumbler offered him a glass of water. For a moment neither pony said anything but ultimately Parish broke the silence.

“So what are you going to do next?”

“Well we have passage booked on the night train to Manehatten so I plan on letting Octavia rest a little more then I’ll see about getting us both to the station.”

“Manehatten huh? I take it you’re going to see Frederick?”

“Yes we are.”

Parish was silent for a moment, “I would wish you good luck but I think you’ll need more than luck when you see him. When Frederick left the group he wasn’t exactly shy about telling us all what he thought. If I recall correctly he called Octavia a whore and said he never wanted to see her again…”

Rarity didn’t reply as she took another sip of her drink.

“I’m sorry for what I had to say earlier but in truth Octavia does need to move on. It’s been a year since the group started to break up and it’s not healthy for her to be clinging to the past like this.”

Rarity looked around sharply, a slight glare settling on her face, “The truth darling is that I feel sorry for you. You’ve lost all hope and whilst you’ve started a new life you don’t exactly look completely happy. Octavia has done nothing but sacrifice everything she had in an attempt to fix something that she perceives to be only her fault. I may not have known her very long but it takes incredible strength to go through all that without going completely insane and I don’t intend on abandoning her now. Even if it means I have to sacrifice everything that I have I will not rest until I see that mare smile again.”

Rarity quickly finished her drink and jumped from her seat. She gave another glare at Parish, the musician pony not able to speak.

“Now if you’ll excuse me I have a friend to take care of and a train to catch.”

Chapter 5

Something didn’t feel right. All she could see was darkness and yet it seemed to be swirling around her like the night sky in fast forwards. She tried to blink but found herself unable to and the more she stared into the darkness the more unsettled she seemed to become.

“Octavia…”

A voice in the darkness called for her and yet she couldn’t see anything. Where was it coming from, how did it know her name?

“Octavia…”

She tried to blink again, this time her eyes opening slightly for a moment as she tried. A prick of light was now evident in the darkness and as she watched it began to grow in size, slowly starting to fill her vision. She blinked again, this time the motion occurring properly as the light intensified and shapes began to form.

“Octavia darling, time to wake up…”

Octavia felt her senses returning slowly. A gentle click-clack sound filled her ears. The scents of different ponies filled her nose. Her eyes began to focus, the face of a white unicorn coming into view. She still felt numb, like she was wrapped in a sheet of plastic, staring out at the world from behind an invisible barricade. The unicorn smiled down at her.

“Good morning my dear, I was hoping you’d awake before we arrived, carrying you around is both tiring and most uncoming of a lady like myself.”

“M-morning?” asked Octavia as her head began to ring.

“Yes my dear, I’m not surprised you don’t remember,” continued Rarity, “you did after all have a considerable amount to drink last night and I hear that you don’t take to alcohol very well anyway. You’ve been asleep for about fourteen hours my dear.”

Octavia tried to speak but her throat didn’t like it, a gurgling cough the only sound that left her lips. Rarity acted quickly, levitating a water bottle from her bag over to Octavia and offering it to her. Octavia was slow on the uptake but eventually managed to get a firm hold on the canister and take a few gulps of the liquid. As she did she found herself spluttering slightly which only served to aggravate her headache. This wasn’t helped by the gentle swaying of the train and before Octavia realised she had jumped up, rushed to the nearby window, lowered it and had stuck her head out.

Rarity cringed and looked away as the sound of retching filled the private compartment. Rarity was glad the train was moving and the airflow through the carriage managed to clear away the smell before it had time to linger. Even so Rarity couldn’t help but shudder, so uncouth. Clearing her throat she crossed to the window, Octavia holding onto the edge of the window frame like her life depended on it as she took in deep shuddering breathes of fresh air.

“Are you feeling alright?” inquired Rarity gently, well aware that Octavia probably didn’t.

“I’ve been better,” came a reply after a moment.

Rarity just nodded as she started rummaging around in her saddlebag again.

“I thought something like this may happen,” she said as she continued her search, “So I decided to plan ahead. I’ve brought a few bags of salted hay snacks and some juice. You’ll probably be in need of salt and sugar after…well…after you’re done.”

Octavia could only nod as she continued to cling to the window frame. Just then the train gave a rather sudden lurch and Octavia felt her stomach give a lurch of its own. For a brief moment her face turned slightly green before the sounds of retching once again filled the air. Rarity retreated to the far side of the compartment and sat down. There was nothing she could do for the moment and crowding Octavia would likely only make her worse.

That said it didn’t take long for Octavia’s stomach to calm down and she finally released her grip on the window. Rarity was there to help her back to a seat and together they sat down on the large couch like seat that occupied one side of the compartment. Octavia found herself lying on her back staring up at the ceiling as Rarity sat down next to her. Octavia still felt a little queasy but accepted the bag of hay snacks from Rarity when offered them.

Closing her eyes she gave a long sigh and placed one of the snacks in her mouth. The taste was simply amazing considering what had recently passed through her mouth and she couldn’t wait to swallow and eat another. As she did she felt something touch her mane, the object passing through it with long purposeful strokes. Octavia opened her eyes to find Rarity smiling down at her as she levitated a brush through her tangled mane. The unicorn was humming quietly as she worked, Octavia recognising the tune almost immediately.

“Is…is that Rest My Dear?” she asked quietly.

“Hmm? Oh you mean my humming, I’m sorry if I disturbed you darling. I tend to find myself humming while I work quite a lot and my sister Sweetie Belle likes that one a lot.”

“It wasn’t disturbing me…in fact my mother used to sing that one to me when I was a little filly. It always helped me relax.”

Rarity just smiled and continued tending to Octavia’s mane. The grey pony herself fell silent for a moment as she looked up at Rarity. She had done so much for her already and she was still there even now, going as far as to brush her mane for her.

“Rarity?”

“Mmmm-hmmm?”

“Can I ask a favour of you?”

“Of course darling, what is it?”

“Would you…would you sing that song for me?”

Octavia could feel a blush crossing her face as she asked. It felt so childish, so beneath her…a grown mare asking for somepony she had only known for a few days to sing her a child’s lullaby. Whilst other may look down on her for such a request or give her funny looks Rarity just smiled. Raising a hoof to her chest she cleared her throat.

“Of course my dear, I may not be the best singer in all of Equestria but I like to think I do a decent enough job.”

Clearing her throat once again Rarity took a deep breath and begun.

“When the day is over and your work is done,

Smile little pony and watch the sun.

Hours of toil have led you here,

Yet now you may finally rest my dear.

Hopes and dreams are waiting for you,

Be not afraid I’m right here too.

By your side I’ll banish your fear,

So now you may finally rest my dear.

Close your eyes and think of morn,

Dream your dreams they shall be born.

Here I’ll be so shed no tear,

So now you may finally rest my dear.”

Rarity was about to embark on singing the forth verse as she heard a faint whistling sound. Looking down she found that Octavia had fallen asleep whilst she had been singing. Her head rested lightly against her side, the earth pony’s face a picture of peace and serenity. Rarity smiled and set her brush aside as she glanced out of the window. Outside she could see the great blue expanse of the eastern ocean as the train ran its course along the coastline. It wouldn’t be long until they arrived in Manehatten but until then she would let Octavia sleep. As she watched the sleeping pony beside her the final verse of the lullaby slipped from between her lips, a light whisper that barely carried on the air.

“When you awake you’ll find me here, day by day and year by year. Always yours I shall be near, so now we may finally rest my dear.”

By the time the train arrived in Manehatten Octavia was fully awake again, although perhaps not quite her usual self thanks to the lingering hangover that still plagued her head. Still Rarity didn’t tease, helping her as needed and taking care of the more mentally suited tasks. Manehatten itself was huge, a sprawling cosmopolitan metropolis that spanned the coastline for many miles. Being home to Equestria’s largest port it was home to creatures of all shapes and sizes not just ponies. Gryphons and zebras were a common sight and even less common species like minotaurs could be found in various places. Truthfully Rarity found it a little daunting. Canterlot was a big city but it had a much different feel to it, Manehatten just felt a little…odd.

Still she wasn’t about to let such feelings stand in the way of her task at hand. Currently this was arranging a cab for transport across the city. Thankfully Octavia had a copy of Frederick’s address but she thought it better to let somepony else do the driving so to speak. It was fast approaching mid-afternoon as they arrived at their destination and, despite the cost, Rarity was quite glad she hadn’t had to walk.

The house, or rather manor, that stood before them was incredibly impressive. It was set in its own private grounds away from the city with a large stone wall encircling it. Through the large iron gated entrance Rarity could make out lavish gardens filled with all manner of trees and plants. The manor itself stood on a slightly raised area of land fronted by large pillars and a sizable oak door. Octavia had already explained all she knew about Frederick, that he was the younger of two brothers born into a rich family. His father owned most of the fishing rights for the surrounding ocean and ran two different companies. How he had managed to get such a position baffled Rarity but she wasn’t about to start analysing the business model now.

Giving a glance at Octavia she raised her hoof and hit the call button on the intercom system mounted next to the gate. They both waited, time ticking by a second at a time until it felt like an eternity had passed.

“Who is it?” asked a voice finally.

“Ah, good day sir,” announced Rarity joyfully as the reply came, “My name is Rarity, my companion and I were hoping to meet with Frederick Horseshoepin.”

“He doesn’t have anything in his diary.”

“Ah yes, well we won’t be expected but if you could convey a message to him we would be most grateful.”

“Very well, what was the name again?”

“My name is Rarity and my companion is Octavia.”

“Please wait.”

The intercom went silent and yet again the two ponies were left waiting for a response. Again seconds dragged by and quickly became minutes. By the time a voice sounded from the intercom again Rarity was almost thinking that they had been forgotten.

“He says he has no interest in meeting you and he’s asked me to ask you to leave.”

Octavia surged forwards, pushing Rarity aside as she spoke, “Sir please, wait a moment. It’s very important that I speak with him. Can’t you ask him again if he will see me? Please?”

There was a pause but Rarity was sure she heard a sigh drift from the intercom, “Very well I shall ask again, please wait.”

Again the waiting but this time Octavia found herself dreading the reply even more. Did she actually want him to change his mind? Would it just be best to call the whole thing off and leave? With each moment that passed she found herself feeling more and more on edge, her ears twitching back and forth rapidly. When the intercom sparked into life again the response filled her with dread.

“Master Horseshoepin has decided he will see you briefly. Follow the path and please don’t touch anything. I will meet you at the front door.”

With that the comm went silent and the large gates started to swing open on their own. Rarity could sense the tingle of magic in the air as she watched the gates open, an animation spell. It was yet another reminder that the ponies that lived here were not only powerful but extremely wealthy. Together they set off up the driveway. On either side flowerbeds bulged with colour and young trees provided a dappled shade from the sun above. As they neared the manor itself Rarity couldn’t help but admire the architecture. It was an old building but well maintained, the weathered stone spotless. Above them pony shaped gargoyles sat on a lip around the building and the high arched windows were topped with small stain glass sections.

Climbing the stairs in front of the manor they found the front door already open, an aged looking pony standing waiting for them. He wore a suit over his brown coat and his white mane did little to brighten his tired looking face. He bowed his head slightly as they approached.

“Greetings and welcome to Horseshoe Manor,” he said in a voice that showed he had said this many times before, “My name is Silver Service, if you’ll follow me I’ll take you to Master Horseshoepin.”

“But of course,” replied Rarity so as not to be rude.

Again the pony gave a small bow of his head and opened the door a little more so they could enter. They stepped through into the hallway, Rarity having to control her urges to freak out as she looked around at the décor. Tapestries and paintings stretching back hundreds of years adorned the walls Rarity recognising genuine work from both Ponycasso and Ponet amongst other great figures in Equestrian arts. She could have spent a week simply admiring them but Silver Service seemed keen to deliver them to his master as he ushered them forwards into the manor.

He led them down a few corridors and then turned sharply as he arrived at the end of one of the corridors. A large door stood here, Silver Service knocking and then pushing the door open. The pony stepped forwards into the room a little before speaking.

“Master Horseshoepin, here are the ponies I mentioned earlier,” he said slowly, “Miss Rarity and Miss Oct…”

“I know who they are Silver, now kindly show them in and then leave until I call for you,” came a sharp and very abrupt reply.

Octavia could feel herself shrink, it was Frederick’s voice and it didn’t sound happy.

“As you wish sir,” replied Silver, the pony’s voice holding no hint of being hurt by the sharp reply.

He stepped back, opening the doorway for them to walk in. Tentatively Octavia stepped forwards, Rarity following her inside as Silver closed the door behind them. They were in a large library, one that Twilight would have spent weeks cataloging and searching if she got the chance. Books extended from floor to ceiling, only interrupted by the occasional painting or window. To one side of the room sat a reading area, a large roaring fire flicking back and forth behind the grate and several large leather armchairs surrounding it. In one of these chairs sat Frederick, his expression could only be described as a glare.

“Octavia,” he stated, his words strong with venom, “To what do I owe this reunion?”

“Frederick…I…” stammered Octavia, the fear evident in her voice, “I know you said you never wanted to see me again but…I’ve come to ask you something.”

“Ask me something? What do you want?”

“I’ve been trying to put things right ever since you left and…well a few days ago I met Rarity here and she’s given me a chance to try and fix everything. I…I want to get the ensemble back together…I want things to go back to the way they were…but I’m going to need everyone’s help. Will…will you help?”

For a moment silence filled the room. Octavia looked ready to bolt as Frederick stared back at her, he hadn’t even looked at Rarity yet. Then it happened, Frederick started laughing. Not a joyous laugh you may share with a friend but a malicious laugh, a laugh a crazy pony might use. Octavia and Rarity just stared at him as he tried to speak through his chuckle.

“You want to put things right? You want to fix everything? Oh dear sweet naive little Octavia, you really don’t understand do you. You don’t have a clue! You think it’s just that easy? That we would all come skipping back to you when you decided to fix things?”

“Frederick…I…”

“Shut up! I don’t know what I ever saw in you, snivelling little cowardly worm that you are!”

“Sir I must…” cut in Rarity as she saw Octavia collapsing faster than a balloon with a hole in it.

“And you!” interrupted Frederick as his head whipped round in her direction, “I don’t know what you’ve said to her or what you’ve promised to do for her but this worthless excuse of a pony isn’t even worth the air she breathes! And do you want to know why? Let me tell you a little story. Once upon a time there was a young brother to a powerful family. He would never carry on his father legacy; this would always fall to the older brother so he tried his best at what he could. Then he found out that his brother couldn’t sire a foal and as such if he got married he could take his place by his father’s side. But he was happy where he was and he didn’t have a wife yet either. But he did have a special somepony that he looked up to and admired for her own talents. She was perfect but he could never pluck up the courage to tell her how he felt. Then one day he learns a shocking truth, one that not only brings his entire world crashing down around his ears but also saps every last drop of love from his heart in one go.”

He paused in his story to glance back at Octavia. Her face was frozen in horrified realisation at what was about to come.

“Do you want to know what that truth was? Hmm? The pony he admired and adored, the one he thought would make his entire life complete…was a dirty self-degrading filly fooler!”

He spat his last words with such hate that Rarity felt a shiver run through her whole body. Octavia was completely frozen in place, not even her tears being able to break the death grip that Frederick had over her in that moment.

“I loved you Octavia! I loved you more than you can ever realise! And in that one moment when the truth came out, you not only destroyed our reputation, our livelihood and our future…but you destroyed my heart as well!”

“I…” the word caught in Octavia’s throat like an apple in a hosepipe.

She didn’t know what to say, what to think, anything. She had always thought that Frederick had hated her because she had caused the ensemble to break apart. She had never for one moment considered this possibility. They had worked together for years and he had never said anything, never shown any emotions of the kind.

“You what?!” spat Frederick, “You didn’t know? You didn’t mean for this to happen? Well now you do know. And let me give you an answer to your earlier request. On the day that I help you the fiery pits of Tartarus will freeze over and the sun and moon will rise and fall on their own. In truth Octavia I don’t care what happens to you, you could very well roll over and die right now and I wouldn’t care…but then that would be too easy! Get out of here Octavia, go and live a long life knowing what you’ve done…and if I ever see you again it will be too soon. SILVER!”

It seemed that Silver had been waiting on the other side of the door, the pony opening it only a moment after he was called.

“You called s…”

“Get this worthless lump of festering meat out of my sight before it leaves a stain on the carpet.”

Octavia didn’t even need to be ushered this time. She couldn’t believe what she had just heard from a pony that she once considered a friend. Her mind wouldn’t accept it, it couldn’t be true…and yet it was. Tears streamed down her face like a pair of waterfalls as she backed away a few steps. Her vision was still locked on Frederick but as he looked away her mind cried out and she bolted, galloping from the room as new tears joined the old ones. Rarity had been so stunned during the whole exchange that it was only when Octavia bolted that she finally came back to her senses. Part of her wanted to leap at Frederick and smack him so hard his face came off. How could he say those things? How could he act so cold and hateful?

She could feel tears of her own flooding her eyes and a moment later she took off after Octavia, screaming her name over and over as she chased her down the corridor back towards the front door. Silver just stood to the side, sighing slightly to himself as he shut the library door leaving Frederick alone once more.

Octavia couldn’t bring herself to stop. She tore through the house, throwing herself against the front door as she charged out into the sunshine. She kept running, the gardens of the manor passing by as she fled through the open gate and out into the road beyond. Still she didn’t stop, Octavia running past a couple of confused looking ponies as she went. She didn’t notice the scenery or the details of the buildings she passed. All she wanted to do was run; run until her legs collapsed beneath her and her lungs gave out, run until the very world faded from view and only the darkness remained. She was a monster, a sick twisted monster that didn’t deserve friends or praise.

She would have run forever had it not been for a small rock that caught her hoof. In that moment she was sent tumbling head over hooves, rolling down a bank and landing with a solid thud at the bottom. Her body hurt all over and yet she didn’t even seem to notice. She looked up briefly seeing that she had fallen down a small embankment and landed in a ditch at the bottom. A small stream ran along the ditch and Octavia could feel the cold water washing past her. She didn’t care though, maybe this was for the best? Maybe she should just curl up and die right there like Frederick had said.

“Octavia!”

The voice rung out like a klaxon call, splitting through Octavia’s thoughts like an axe through a log. She was looking for her and yet she couldn’t bring herself to call out. She curled up in a ball, shivering and shuddering as she lay in the cold water, one set of words filling her mind.

“When you awake you’ll find me here, day by day and year by year. Always yours I shall be near, so now we may finally rest my dear…”

“Octavia! Darling! Octavia speak to me!”

Rarity had launched herself down the embankment, skidding to a halt in the stream below. She reached out with her hooves, shaking the grey mare hard. Octavia gasped loudly but otherwise just continued to sob. Rarity quickly looked her over, the panic evident on her face.

“Octavia darling, are you alright? Oh my, that’s definitely a broken ankle. Multiple cut and abrasions…we have to get you to a hospital darling and quick.”

Octavia made no sign of moving. She was lost in her own little world of pain and not even the words of Rarity could reach her.

“Stay with me now Octavia! You hear me, stay with me!” she said as she looked back up the embankment, “Somepony! Anypony! Help!”

Darkness loomed on every side, flickering shadows swirling past like phantoms. She couldn’t move, frozen in fear and terror. There was no light, no escape…only the crushing feeling of dread that filled every part of her body. Voices whispered in the dark, taunting her with foul lies. She curled up and shut her eyes, trying to block out the nightmare that was surrounding her. And yet even her own eyes betrayed her, the shadows plaguing her mind.

“I didn’t mean it! I’m sorry!”

The shadows and whispers continued, ignoring her pleas and moving closer.

“Stay back! Please, don’t come any closer!”

Still they approached. She drew herself tighter into a ball, trying desperately to shut it all out. She wished for the nightmare to end, to wake up and find out that everything had just been a terrible dream, a figment of her imagination…anything.

“Stay back!”

She looked up briefly, opening her eyes just enough to see a shapeless limb reaching out towards her. She froze, rendered immobile by fear. She could do nothing as the shapeless nightmare drew ever closer.

“No…..NO!”

Octavia jerked awake with a start, gasping loudly as she did. The world around her spun like a cartwheel and she could hear every last noise down to the almost silent dripping of a tap across the room from her. Her breathing was heavy and fast almost to the point of hyperventilating. Cold sweat clung to her coat causing her to shiver as she tried to focus her eyes. She looked around, the room slowly coming into focus as she did. She was lying in a bed, sterile white sheets covering her body that matched the curtains hanging on either side of the bed itself. The green wall ahead of her held a number of posters but she found herself unable to focus on any of them.

“Octavia!”

She looked to her side, a white unicorn standing against the side of her bed. As she watched the unicorns eyes began to water before she quickly wrapped her hooves around her.

“Oh Octavia darling!” continued Rarity as she embraced the grey mare tightly, “I was so worried about you.”

Octavia didn’t reply but instead returned the embrace, clinging to Rarity like a child to its mother. For a moment neither moved, both content to just remain in that moment, before Rarity finally pulled back.

“How are you feeling?” she asked.

“I…I’m not sure,” whimpered Octavia in response.

“The doctors say you had a lucky fall so to speak. Your ankle was only twisted and the cuts you suffered aren’t deep.”

Octavia took a moment to look down at herself. There was hardly a part of her that wasn’t covered in a bandage or plaster. Her right hind leg was wrapped up tightly in a temporary splint, no doubt meaning to immobilise it to allow the sprain to heal. For a moment her memory eluded her, the mare being unable to remember why she may be like this. Then it flooded back to her, everything from the fictional nightmare that she had awoken from to the real nightmare that she was living right now. Her breathing began to shudder, her eyes watering once again as her jaw began to quiver at the resurfacing memories. As the first tear trickled from her eye Rarity leaned in once again, cradling the mare in her hooves.

“Let it out my dear, I’m here for you.”

It was all that Rarity needed to say. Octavia broke down, flinging herself at Rarity and wailing into her chest. Tears flowed freely, cascading down her face and soaking both her and Rarity in the process. Her hooves frantically scrambled for something to hold onto, each one finding part of Rarity’s coat and clinging to it like caramel on an apple. She pulled Rarity closer, nearly toppling her over as she pressed herself further into the loving embrace of the unicorn.

“I’m so sorry Octavia,” whispered Rarity after a moment, “I can’t help but feel responsible for all this. If I hadn’t pushed you into this idea then you wouldn’t have had to go through all this heartache. I’m beginning to wonder if you would have been better off if I had not met you…”

“No you’re wrong,” stammered Octavia between her sobs, “You may have shown me the full extent of my reality…but you never once left my side.”

The pair fell silent, Rarity content to be able to comfort the distraught mare and Octavia glad to have somepony to be with. For a time they remained still, minutes ticking by one by one until a light cough interrupted their embrace. Rarity looked round to find one of the hospital nurses stood at the end of the bed.

“I really am sorry to interrupt but I’m afraid visiting time ended nearly fifteen minutes ago,” she said softly, “I’m going to have to ask you to leave so our patients can get some rest.”

Rarity sighed and gave an understanding nod as she slowly pried the still sobbing Octavia from her body. The pair looked at each other for a moment, neither of them wanting to part ways and both knowing the other was thinking the same thing.

“Please don’t go…” murmured Octavia after a moment.

“Don’t worry darling,” replied Octavia as she ran a hoof through Octavia’s mane, “The doctors told me they just want to keep you in overnight for observation and that you’ll be free to leave in the morning. I’ll be here as soon as they open the door in the morning and…well…”

Rarity paused for a moment, Octavia looking at her intently.

“I was just thinking, you’ve been through so much these last few days and the fashion show I’m hosting isn’t for a few days yet. Do you remember what I said that evening at Brass’ house in Vanhoofer? About coming back to Ponyville with me for a while. After everything that’s happened I know you could use a break and a rest. What do you say?”

“I…I would like that…” replied Octavia quietly.

Rarity gave a small smile, “Wonderful darling, I’m so glad to hear that. Now I best go before the nursing staff throw me out…but I’m sure if you need anything you can call on them at any time.”

The nurse at the foot of the bed gave a nod in response before turning away and heading off down the ward. Octavia gave a small smile.

“Thank you,” she said quietly.

What happened next surprised her. Without warning Rarity quickly leaned over her and planted a small kiss on her forehead. As the unicorn withdrew Octavia could see the faint blush that had formed on her cheeks.

“Think nothing of it darling, now you get some sleep and I’ll see you in the morning.”

Octavia gave a small nod and the two shared a final smile before Rarity turned and headed off down the ward herself. Octavia meanwhile pulled the sheets up over her body and snuggled into them. For some reason she didn’t feel sad anymore and as she closed her eyes a shining white light vanquished the shadows that had been plaguing her dreams. Before long Octavia was sound asleep.

Chapter 6

“Surprise!” cried a choir of voices as the door opened.

Octavia was more than a little stunned, in fact she was positively catatonic as she stood rigid in the doorway. It wasn’t until a bright pink earth pony jumped into her field of vision that she managed to recover some of her muscle control.

“Hi!” she chirped in a voice so high it was almost cracking, “I’m Pinkie Pie and I threw this party just for you! Were you surprise? Huh huh huh? I hope Rarity didn’t spoil the surprise, because what’s a surprise party without it being a surprise. But then given your reaction I guess you didn’t know, which makes it a surprise. Well until now when I just told you I was throwing a surprise party for you, but the surprise had already happened by then so I wasn’t spoiling it either and…”

“Pinkie Pie, do hush now and let our guest inside,” interrupted Rarity as it became evident that Pinkie wasn’t going to be quiet anytime soon.

“Oh sure! I’m going to go and check on the cake! Can’t have a party without cake!”

With that Pinkie departed, bouncing off across the room towards the kitchen of Sugarcube Corner. Octavia watched her leave for a moment until she noticed the many sets of eyes that were now watching her with beaming smiles. Despite her years of performing on stage it was a little off putting. Rarity decided to defuse the moment, stepping up in front of Octavia with a smile.

“Now then everypony, there will be plenty of time for introductions later,” she said quickly, “Octavia and I have just had a rather long tiring trip and we both need a little time to relax.”

Most of the watching ponies nodded to themselves in agreement, it was a perfectly normal request. Turning to their various partners they went back to what they had been doing a moment before. Rarity meanwhile turned to Octavia and began ushering her across the room towards some seats.

“Goodness I wasn’t expecting something this big…but then again I shouldn’t have expected anything less when I asked Pinkie to throw a party,” she mused thoughtfully.

“Party? Wha?” murmured Octavia, the mare seemingly completely perplexed by the situation.

“Forgive me dear,” replied Rarity as she slipped into a seat, “After I left the hospital yesterday I decided to write ahead to my friends here in Ponyville. I wanted to do something to make you happy and Pinkie Pie always knows how to throw a good party…even if they are a little more…rustic…than you might be used to. Although I must say I’m surprised she managed to get something like this organised in less than a day. She could only have gotten my message early this morning.”

Rarity gave a sheepish grin as she looked around. Ponies from all over town were here from Berry Punch the local vineyard keeper to Cherry Berry the owner of Ponyville’s hot air balloons. Around the room tables were stacked with cakes, pastries and buns of various types intermixed with various drinks and other party foods. I was a spread to be proud of, no doubt the Cakes having helped Pinkie with the food order.

She looked back at Octavia. The mare still looked a little startled by what was going on around her and Rarity couldn’t blame her. Since she had collected the pony from the Manehatten hospital early that morning Octavia hadn’t said much at all. Despite looking more comfortable than she had the previous night it was clear that she was still carrying a heavy burden. The train ride to Ponyville had been conducted mostly in silence although Rarity had taken heart when Octavia had fallen asleep at her side once again.

The day had been reaching mid-afternoon when they had arrived at Ponyville and still Octavia hadn’t said much at all. Even as Rarity had tried to show her the various sights of the town the grey mare hadn’t taken much notice of her. It had taken her encounter with Pinkie a moment ago to even get her to speak.

Rarity watched as Octavia looked around the room. She still wore the badge of a pony who had a lot on her mind but Rarity could see faint cracks appearing in it. The music and chatter in the room was making her ears flick back and forth and each time her gaze passed over the food tables her tongue would sneak out and lick her lips. And yet it was almost as if Octavia was pulling herself back whenever something took her interest, the pony seemingly reluctant to allow herself to have any comforts.

“Do cheer up darling, I know things don’t look so good at the moment but…”

“How can I justify being happy Rarity?” asked Octavia in a sombre tone, “All the pain and suffering I’ve caused…perhaps Frederick was right. Maybe I do deserve to live a long and unhappy life after all I’ve done.”

“Darling, is this why you’ve been so quiet today?”

Octavia just gave a nod and sighed as she looked back at the party going on around her. Rarity gave a sigh of her own.

“Octavia dear you can’t go on like this,” she said slowly, “I know you feel like you should but what good will come of it? Hindsight is a wondrous thing my dear and I’m sure you’ve been telling yourself if only you had done something different then this wouldn’t have happened. But it has happened and you can’t go on living your life in the shadow of your mistakes. Brass and her sister didn’t want that and I’m sure Parish doesn’t want you to do that either.”

“But what about Frederick? I had no idea I had hurt him so much,” asked Octavia.

“I’m sure you didn’t but that doesn’t mean he should have spoken to you like he did either. There are always regrets that we have in our life but we have to move past them. Don’t let everything you’ve done since last year go to waste. You’ve been through far too much pain and turmoil to give up now.”

Octavia gave a small nod and shut her eyes, “You’re right Rarity, I know you’re right…it’s just so hard.”

“Just remember you don’t have to face it alone, you have friends and…”

“And ah’m sure that Rarity’s friends will help in any way they can,” interrupted a voice.

Both ponies looked up to find an orange mare trotting towards them holding a tray of small cakes and buns. She quickly set the tray down next to them and turned to Octavia.

“Howdy, name’s Applejack,” she said quickly as she reached in to shake Octavia’s hoof, “Ah understand you’re going through a tough spell, or at least that’s what ah understand from the note Rarity sent. Now ah might not know a lot about organising a party but ah do know that a belly full of good grub can make any pony happy. So what ya hankering for? Ah got apple pies, apple fritters and apple dumplings here…oh and if that ain’t your thing ah’m sure Pinkie has a whole host of different cakes as well.”

“Um…well…” replied Octavia.

“Applejack darling, don’t crowd her so much. Octavia here is quite delicate right now,” frowned Rarity as she moved in to separate the ongoing hoofshake.

“Don’t mean nothing by it Rarity, just trying to cheer her up a bit.”

“I’m sure you are darling but I also thought I mentioned for everypony to give her some space as well.”

“Yeah well, how’s she gonna go and cheer up if nopony tries to cheer her up?”

Rarity was about to reply when a light giggle left Octavia’s mouth. The pair looked around to find the pony smiling slightly as she sat watching them. She gave a small cough as they looked at her.

“Oh sorry, it’s just…well you two remind me of myself and Brass,” she said slowly, “We used to bicker like that all the time when we first met.”

“Bicker?” questioned Rarity.

“Nopony said anything about bickering…ah was just stating the facts,” responded Applejack with a sideways glance at Rarity.

“As was I.”

The two ponies looked at each other sternly for a moment before Octavia gave another giggle. After a moment both Applejack and Rarity also started to chuckle both of them giving the other a small smile. Octavia meanwhile leaned forwards and plucked one of the small apple pies from the tray. She took a small bite, one that showed the proper table manners she had taught herself after moving to Canterlot, and then a much larger one, showing the growing desire for more that crossed her face upon tasting it.

“This is good!” she exclaimed happily before taking another bite.

“Well there’s plenty more where that came from. Speaking of ah better go check on Pinkie Pie,” replied Applejack as she turned to leave, “Nice to meet ya Octavia.”

“Ah, and you too Miss Applejack,” replied Octavia between mouthfuls.

The farm pony chuckled again as she wandered off. Rarity sat back in her chair.

“I am sorry about that, Applejack has a heart of gold but she is well, perhaps a little rough around the edges.”

“Don’t worry about it…but she is right, a good meal can certainly lift your spirits.”

Octavia gave a small smile, the first that Rarity had seen on her face in a few days.

“Although I must admit, she does look a little familiar from somewhere. That pink pony as well,” continued Octavia, “Can’t quite put my hoof on it. Have they ever been to Canterlot before?”

“All my friends have at some point or another. We regularly get summons to the castle but we have all attended the Grand Galloping Gala and we were there for the royal wedding as well.”

Octavia thought for a moment. In all honesty she couldn’t recall Rarity saying much about her friends since they had met. Conversations between them had always revolved around her own problems and ways to fix it. Thinking back on the two events Rarity had mentioned was not something she enjoyed. The royal wedding held its own pain and sorrow for her and the last Grand Galloping Gala that she had played at had been a mess of chaos and…

Octavia blinked, now she remembered. She looked up sharply scanning the crowd before looking back at Rarity.

“That pink pony, she was at the Gala last year! She was the crazy one who kept jumping on the stage and interrupting our music.”

Rarity gave a sideways glance and cringed slightly, “Yes…I’m afraid she was…although I didn’t know it was you playing at the Gala that year.”

Octavia paused again, Rarity easily seeing the cogs turning in her mind as she processed her thoughts. She went to speak several times but each time she did she went back to thinking.

“But I also heard that pony was actually one of the bearers of the Elements of Harmony,” she said at length, “And if you know her that would mean that you also know…”

“Well hello there, hope I’m not interrupting,” came a voice.

The timing was almost comical in a way. If Rarity didn’t know better she would have said the new pony had been waiting for this very moment before revealing herself. Octavia turned towards the voice slowly to find a purple coloured alicorn standing tall behind her. If it hadn’t been for her slightly larger stature and the combination of horn and wings you wouldn’t have been able to tell she was any different to the rest of the party goers. She wore no fancy clothing and the crown that usually sat upon her head was nowhere to be seen.

“I take it you’re Octavia,” continued Twilight as she stepped forwards and extended a hoof.

“P-Princess Sparkle!” exclaimed Octavia as she snapped herself from her stunned silence.

“Oh no need for formalities,” blushed the alicorn, “Tonight I’m simply Twilight Sparkle, see? No crown.”

“Twilight,” smiled Rarity happily as she got up to embrace her friend, “I didn’t think we were going to see you tonight.”

“My latest trip to Saddle Arabia got cancelled so I was able to attend. I must say Pinkie has done a great job once again, how she does it I have no idea. Despite how crazy she can get at times maybe even I could learn something from her organisational skills…not that mine are bad you understand.”

Rarity smiled, typical Twilight. She glanced back at Octavia, the earth pony simply staring at Twilight with an expression somewhere between disbelief and terror. Carefully she placed a hoof on Octavia’s shoulder but even this gentle touch was enough to make her jump harshly.

“Darling let me introduce you properly,” she said with a small smile, “This is Twilight Sparkle, one of my dear friends. Twilight as you so correctly guess, this is Octavia.”

“A pleasure to meet you,” smiled Twilight, the alicorn extending her hoof once again.

This time Octavia retained enough of her free will to extend her own hoof to shake Twilight's.

“A-A pleasure,” she managed to squeeze out between nervous chuckles.

Once again Rarity smiled, perhaps this had been a little too much for Octavia to handle. Looking around the room for another subject to talk about she found herself questioning something.

“Say Twilight, have you seen the others?” she asked.

“I assume you mean Rainbow and Fluttershy?” replied the alicorn in a factual tone, “I’m afraid neither of them will be here tonight. Rainbow is still at the Wonderbolt Academy and Fluttershy apparently has an emergency at her cottage and had to stay home to care for her animals. She’s been taking things super serious since she started her formal education.”

“That’s understandable although I did so want to introduce Octavia to everypony.”

“Looks to me like she’s had enough already.”

Rarity looked round to find Octavia sat on a nearby seat staring at the far wall. She shook her head slowly and gave Twilight a small wave with her hoof.

“Maybe it’s best if I talk to her alone for a little.”

Twilight just gave a smile and nodded before trotting off towards the punch bowl at the other side of the room. Rarity meanwhile took a seat next to Octavia, giving her a gentle nudge as she did.

“Darling, are you alright?”

“I…I was just thinking,” replied Octavia without changing her gaze, “If that pink pony is one of the elements of harmony…and you know Princess Sparkle then…then…”

“…yes, I’m a bearer of harmony as well,” finished Rarity, sensing where Octavia’s mind was going, “I didn’t mean to keep it a secret, I suppose it just never came up. I’ve been so busy trying to find solutions to your problems that I never thought about it.”

“It’s…alright. In fact it explains quite a few things…you’re certainly full of surprises.”

Octavia looked round at her friend, smiling happily as she did. After a moment she looked away, giving a small laugh as she looked at the party going on around her.

“Look at me, you ponies have gone to so much trouble to throw me a party and all I’ve done is sit here in a corner,” she chuckled to herself.

“Well you’re doing better than the first time we threw a party for Twilight…all she did was sit in her bedroom sulking,” Rarity chuckled as she thought back to the incident in question, “Now then, what say we have a look at the buffet table? I am a little parched and so long as Gummy hasn’t landed in the punch bowl again that will do nicely.”

“Gummy?” questioned Octavia as she rose to her hooves along with Rarity.

“Long story, remind me to tell you about it sometime.”

From this point the party fell into full swing. Whilst a little reserved at first Octavia gradually began to relax, chatting and interacting with ponies from all over the town. By the time the evening was drawing to a close Rarity even managed to get her to dance, something the earth pony had been highly reserved about doing initially. However, being surrounded by kind and fun loving ponies had slowly begun to break down the walls of reservation and doubt that existed in Octavia’s mind.

By the time both she and Rarity left Sugarcube Corner Octavia’s smile had broadened into a full grin and she was laughing and joking with everypony she spoke to. Compared to what she had been like the previous day she was a pony transformed. The pair continued to share stories and jokes all the way home, the quiet early evening streets of Ponyville echoing with the sound of laugher and high spirits. As they reached Carousel Boutique Rarity gently pushed open the door and beckoned Octavia inside.

As Octavia stepped inside her vision was filled with yard after yard of elegantly crafted fabrics. Dresses of all shapes, sizes and designs sat around the room, each displayed on its own mannequin and each seeming to glimmer in the light. Octavia had never been a pony to take much notice of fashion, usually opting for something practical rather than stylish, but even she couldn’t help but stare at the collection before her.

“What do you think my dear?” asked Rarity as she slowly trotted to a nearby dress and started to brush out a few mild creases with her hoof.

“It is certainly an impressive collection,” replied Octavia as she approached a nearby dress as well.

For a moment she just examined the fine detail. The perfectly stitched hem lines, the carefully crafted pattern, the tiny sparkling gem stones…there was only one word for it, precision.

“I’m glad you like them darling, although I must say these are last seasons…or soon to be last season’s anyway. My new line is already in Canterlot ready for showing.”

Octavia gave a small sigh, “I suppose that’s our next stop isn’t it.”

“Don’t fret Octavia, it’s most unbecoming of you. Besides, everything will work out, I’ll make sure of it.”

Octavia gave a small nod as she turned back to the unicorn, “Thank you Rarity, I truly mean that.”

“You don’t have to thank me dear, I’m only doing what is right. Now why don’t you go and relax a little and I’ll fetch us some drinks.”

Rarity motioned to one of the doors leading from the room before disappearing off around a corner. Octavia looked back at the dresses for a moment, still amazed at the work the unicorn had done. Whilst some of the dresses and garments shared a common theme none of them were the same, each having their own original twist or flare. It was amazing to think of how far the unicorn must have come from where she had started. Whilst at the party Rarity had amused the earth pony with tales of how she had first become a fashion designer and, by extension, how she and her friends had all earned their cutie marks.

Much like Octavia it had been a long and somewhat difficult road and yet she was willing to risk it all for her. She hoped that everything went well, she hoped that she wouldn’t doom yet more ponies to a life of misery and pain. Beauty Brass, Parish…Frederick, they had all suffered due to what she had done, she didn’t want Rarity to be the next.

As she set off towards the door Rarity had motioned to she shook her head. Thinking like that wouldn’t help, she had to focus and do her best like she had always done. If there was one thing that had been reinforced to her today it was that no matter the circumstance if you stand tall and believe in yourself you can do anything. The Elements of Harmony, she hadn’t for one moment thought she would ever meet them…and yet here she was in their midst. Through talking to Twilight, Applejack and even Pinkie Pie at the party she had learned so much, not just about their struggles but about her own. She couldn’t give in, not now…not ever!

Entering the next room she found it set out as a lounge. Several large padded sofas surrounded a small coffee table in the centre of the room and large bookcases and potted plants filled in the gaps between. Octavia approached one of the sofas, hoisting herself onto it and settling down on her haunches. As much as she had enjoyed the party she was now exhausted. Her limbs ached from days of walking and her heart hung heavy with the burdens she was carrying. Even so a smile was still evident on her face and as she relaxed it began to grow.

“Well I see somepony is happy,” announced Rarity as the door opened and the unicorn stepped through levitating two mugs with her, “You do look so much nicer when you smile.”

Octavia blushed slightly, giving a small cough to try and hide it but to no avail. Rarity chuckled quietly as she levitated a mug over towards Octavia and sat down. Octavia took hold of it and looked at the contents, some form of tea filling the cup.

“It’s a special blend that my friend Zecora makes,” commented Rarity as she noticed Octavia looking at her drink.

“Zecora? That’s an unusual name,” replied Octavia as she sipped her tea.

“Yes well she is an unusual character, she’s a zebra. She lives out in the Everfree Forest, why she wants to live in that icky place is beyond me but she’s a darling to get along with.”

“A zebra? There’s a zebra in Ponyville?”

Rarity nodded, “It is a little unusual I will agree and at first the residents here were convinced she was a witch…myself included I’m ashamed to say. But we all realised how silly it was and now we regularly see her in town, especially on market days.”

“I never thought such a small town could have so much diversity. A princess, a baby dragon, a zebra and all six of the Elements of Harmony. It must be quite interesting living here.”

“You have no idea darling but I wouldn’t be without it for all the fame in the world. Growing up in Ponyville has made me what I am today and I would never be without it.”

A silence fell across the room for a moment, Rarity taking another sip of tea as Octavia stared at the leaves at the bottom of her cup.

“…You know…in a way I’m a little jealous,” murmured Octavia after a moment.

“Jealous? What do you mean darling?” asked Rarity quizzically as she put her cup down.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean that to sound negative. It’s just that…well…if I could swap my childhood for anything else I would.”

“You’ve not spoken of your childhood before Octavia, what is it?”

Octavia remained silent for a moment, swishing the tea leaves around her cup for a moment before speaking, “I grew up on my parent’s farm…or rather my father’s farm. My mother died when I was very young…all I can remember are fragmented pictures. It was a hard life but not because of the work we had to do. My father had a relatively short fuse and whilst he was pleasant most of the time you could never tell when he would suddenly erupt. I think he blamed himself for my mother’s death…I don’t know if he meant to take it out on us but…that’s just how it was.”

“Us?” asked Octavia, “You have a sibling?”

“Had…a younger brother…his name was Pitch String. We were always together, always helping each other out. If it hadn’t been for him I don’t know what I would have done, he gave me a reason to live. Whenever my father got mad he would always get scared, especially if my father was mad at him. But I always took the blame, creating a story to keep him out of harms way. I’m amazed I still don’t have the bruises to be honest with you. I suppose it was all the loving care Pitch gave me after my father calmed down.”

Octavia paused and sighed heavily, “Then one winter he caught pneumonia. We weren’t a rich family and couldn’t afford to pay for treatment and slowly he started to fade away from us. I don’t think I’ve ever been as sad as I was at his funeral…and yet there is something about that day that gave me hope.”

Rarity remained quiet, entranced by the sad tale unfolding before her.

“One of my grandparents gave me something that day. He said my mother would have wanted me to have it. It was an old fiddle that had belonged to my mother during her childhood. My grandfather told me that music had always made her happy and that I needed something to make me happy too. I can’t say I touched it for weeks. For me the pain of losing Pitch and being reminded of my mother was too much for me. But as things returned to normal on the farm I found myself pulled to that old fiddle. Oh course the first time I played it was horrid, I’d never had any musical training and well…you can imagine.”

Rarity gave a small nod.

“Over time I started practicing more and more and slowly I began to improve. My father never saw the point in it, always telling me I was wasting my time and that I should focus more on helping around the farm. I hated him for that…he never seemed to care how I was feeling, always putting me down and making me feel worthless. But whenever I played that fiddle I felt as if I could forget about all the pain and sorrow, all the anguish and troubled night’s sleep. Nothing else mattered apart from me and the music I was making. When I finally became old enough to leave home I couldn’t sit still. I enrolled myself in a music school and left home…I’ve not been back since.”

“Never?” asked Rarity slowly, finally feeling it was time to interject.

Octavia frowned as she stared into her cup, “Why would I want to? My father never cared about me; after mother died all he ever did was abuse me.”

“But he’s still your father darling.”

“My only living family, yes…but…I can’t, I just can’t. The only things that mattered to me from that time were my brother and that fiddle…and I don’t have either of them now.”

“What do you mean darling?”

“When I left home…I…didn’t exactly leave normally. I…I fled in the night. I knew my father would never allow me to go so I ran. I couldn’t take anything with me…I didn’t want anything slowing me down. I left that fiddle on my bed with a farewell note attached to it. I…I…”

Rarity watched as tears began to pool in Octavia’s eyes. In her cup the tea began to quiver as her hooves began to shake.

“I’m a monster…” she murmured to herself, “As much as I hated my father…he didn’t deserve that. But I’ve been so ashamed that…I couldn’t bring myself to go back.”

A hoof slowly fell across her shoulder, Octavia jumping slightly as it did. Looking up she found Rarity beside her, the unicorn smiling down at her like some kind of angel.

“And so I continue to learn more and more about you darling,” she said softly as she pulled the earth pony into a hug, “This explains why your music means so much to you. Without it you…”

“…I have nothing,” finished Octavia as she returned Rarity’s embrace, “Just what am I without my music? What have I become?”

Rarity didn’t respond, simply choosing to run a hoof through Octavia’s mane once again. The gentle breathing of the two ponies was the only sound that filled the room for the longest time. As Rarity finally pulled back Octavia looked almost ready to fall asleep in her hooves. Pulling herself from her seat she set off towards the door.

“I’ll be back in a moment darling, there’s a little something that I want you to have.”

With that Rarity left the room and headed for the upstairs part of the Boutique. As she climbed the stairs her mind was racing, trying to remember where she’d seem the item she was looking for. Fearfully she could only think of one place, the store room. It wasn’t the most glamorous part of the building, a small room stacked high with box upon box of various unsorted junk and brick-a-brack. She just hoped it was obvious or she could be a while finding it and she hoped Octavia would remain awake long enough until she did.

Approaching the room she opened the door and readied her magic in case anything decided to topple out. Luckily nothing did but as she looked at the stacks of boxes she knew her hunt wouldn’t be easy. She started in earnest, sifting through one box and then the next and the next. Old ornaments, bills, clothing, toys and everything else you could think of was soon scattered around the small amount of floor space and Rarity was beginning to lose hope. It was then that one box caught her attention. It was poking out from behind another stack of boxes almost hidden from view by the shadow. Rarity quickly grabbed at the box, sliding it out and grinning, this was it.

A moment later she had sifted through the box’s contents and had pulled out another item. Smiling to herself she left the room and headed downstairs. Octavia was lying still on the sofa when she arrived, the unicorn fearing that she had already dozed off, but as she arrived she rose her head and rubbed her eyes. Rarity quickly floated the item she had brought over towards Octavia and allowed the earth pony to take hold of it.

It was a plain triangular shaped wooden box. Two sets of hinges adorned one long side whilst a catch was visible on the other. The box itself was old and tatty, scratches and marks scored into the once pristine varnished surface.

“What’s this?” asked Octavia.

“Just open it my dear,” replied Rarity.

Octavia took another look at the box and then did so. Inside the box was padded, a deep maroon fabric moulded to the shape of the item it was cradling. The violin was pristine, its polished surface glinting in the light and its strings shimmering. In one corner of the instrument was a mark, a signature if you will, that showed the instruments origin. Octavia could do little but stare at it.

“This…this is a Strata…Stratahoovius! Where did you get this?” she exclaimed.

“It’s been passed down through my family for generations darling. I got it from my father who got it from his mother, etcetera etcetera. I know it’s not exactly a fiddle but and I want you to have it.”

“What?! No! No I can’t accept this! Element of Generosity of not this thing is worth tens of thousands of bits! I couldn’t possibly…”

“Octavia darling, please don’t make me repeat myself. I want you to have it. My parents were never musical types and I myself will never have time to learn to play an instrument. It’s just going to sit in a cupboard unused for several more generations and I feel that is an unworthy end to such a fine instrument. No, I want you to have it…but I do have one request.”

“What is that?”

“Play me a song.”

For a moment Octavia looked like she was going to protest. Whilst she had played a fiddle in her youth and had tried many different string instruments in her lifetime, the cello is the only one she had played for the last half decade. She looked down at the instrument, examining the finely crafted curves and filigree pattern that adorned its surface. Slowly she lifted it from its case, looking even more closely at it in the process. She plucked a string, the sound resonating around the room. Even after the length of time it had been in storage the sound was still nearly perfect.

For a moment she continued to pluck the strings, altering the tightness of each one a little before she was satisfied. Next she lifted the bow from the case, it was a lot smaller than the one she used for her cello but nearly identical in appearance. She held it up, checking the balance and weight for a moment before lowering it to her side. She adjusted her position, sitting herself on the edge of the sofa as she brought the violin up to her chin. Making sure it was in a comfortable position she finally brought the bow around and ran it clean across the strings.

Even this simple movement created a beautiful sound and for a moment Octavia had to stop as she felt her heart race. Looking back at Rarity she found the unicorn’s gaze glued to her, watching her every movement with great interest.

“My grandfather told me that this was my mother’s favourite piece,” announced Octavia after a moment, “I’m not sure if I can remember it right but I’ll try.”

With that Octavia began to play. At first she seemed stiff and unsure but gradually the earth pony began to relax. As she did her eyes closed and a light smile spread across her face. Rarity didn’t seem to notice, she was enchanted by the music, lost in the varying tempo and flow of the music. She could have remained there forever, locked in the musical prison that Octavia was creating, but all too soon the music stopped and the earth pony lowered her instrument. She wore a smile and yet tears were forming in her eyes. Rarity slowly crossed to her as Octavia returned the instrument to its case.

“Come along my dear, I think you need a good rest.”

Chapter 7

It was later the following afternoon that Rarity found herself trotting across Canterlot. Above her the sun was shining but the large yellow sunhat she was wearing shaded her nicely from the heat. She stopped a moment as she pulled out a map from a small, but elegantly designed, set of saddlebags that rested on her back. Holding it in her magic she studied the route she was to take and then looked up at the streets. She was worried she had become lost, this area of Canterlot was not one of her common visiting locales, but thankfully that was not the case. Putting the map away she trotted on, rounding a few more corners before coming to a stop.

In front of her was a sizeable but low set building. It looked a little worse for wear, some of the paint peeling and one of the letters in the neon sign on the front remaining unlit. Rarity pulled a face, she didn’t much care for the state of repair the building was in, truthfully she found it rather insulting to Canterlot’s well-kept streets and pristine décor. Even so this was the right address and there was little choice in the matter if she wanted help. As she approached the door she remembered back to a few hours before when she had proposed her idea to Octavia.

“Are you sure that’s the best idea?” asked Octavia slowly, nursing a fresh cup of tea around her hooves.

“I’m not entirely sure my dear but given the situation I think it’s the only option. I have worked with her before on a few projects and her work, whilst different to yours, is good,” replied Rarity before taking a sip of her own tea.

“But her? I don’t know if I would feel comfortable…”

“Darling don’t worry, we will make sure to explain everything to her before we agree to anything. Just trust me on this, please?”

“Well…alright…”

“Tell you what darling, if you’re feeling uncomfortable why don’t you stay here this afternoon. I will speak to her and see what I can work out. How does that sound?”

Octavia paused for a moment, seemingly studying the tea leaves in the bottom of her cup as she considered the proposal. At length she finally gave a small nod. Rarity leaned over and gentle rested a hoof on Octavia’s.

“Have faith my dear, we will find a way.”

“And we shall!” announced Rarity to herself as she pushed open the door to the building and stepped inside.

Inside the building was much the same as the outside, slightly uncared for but not completely dilapidated…yet. The doors opened into a small reception area, a corridor leading off to the right. There wasn’t much in the way of decoration in the room apart from a few pictures of famous musical ponies and a slightly ill looking potted tree in a corner. A desk sat at the back of the room, behind which a young blue pegasus pony was sitting. He looked a little bored, aimlessly flipping a yoyo around in his hoof as he attempted to perform a few tricks. As Rarity walked in though he snapped his attention forwards, a beaming smile filling his face.

“Hi there! Welcome to the DJ Hole, what you looking for today?” he called cheerfully.

“Oh uh, well,” began Rarity as she glanced around the room, “Is Miss Scratch available?”

“Pon-3? I’m sure she’s around here somewhere, think she was out on the town last night so she might not be too talkative. That going to cause a problem?”

“Maybe, maybe not,” sighed Rarity as she shook her head, “I will have to speak to her to find out.”

“Sure thing, if you’ll follow me I’ll see if I can find her. What’s your name by the way? I’m Star Blitz.”

“Rarity.”

Star Blitz flashed her a broad smile once more as he gave a quick flap of his wings and catapulted himself over the desk, landing only a few paces from her. As he landed his spiked yellow mane flipped forwards into his eyes causing him to raise a hoof to throw it back. He grinned again and then motioned for Rarity to follow him. Rarity did just that, wandering along behind the Pegasus as he made his way down the corridor. Rarity continued to look around taking note of each door as the passed by. Despite having worked with Vinyl Scratch on various occasions in the past she had never visited her place of work. She was less than impressed and began to wonder just what the pony had spent all the bits on that she had paid.

“Ah hah! Here we go,” announced Star Blitz as he stopped next to a door.

On it was a slightly crooked nameplate that read ‘Vinyl “DJ Pon-3” Scratch’. Star Blitz rose a hoof and knocked loudly. There was no response. Pulling an irritated face he tried the handle and found the room unlocked; pushing it open he stepped in. Rarity poked her head in too, catching the sound of snoring almost immediately. Flopped over her desk was Vinyl, the white unicorn drooling slightly as she snored loudly. Star Blitz didn’t bat an eyelid as he walked over to the sleeping pony.

“Hold on this won’t take a moment,” he said quickly with a glance at Rarity before turning back to Vinyl.

He lowered himself closer to the sleeping pony before he spoke again.

“Vinyl Scratch!” he cried loudly, his muzzle no more than a few inches from Vinyl’s ear.

The sleeping unicorn jump like she had just been zapped by lightning.

“Yes mommy!” she cried loudly in shock before going silent and clutching her head, “Uuuuuh! What….Blitz? Oooooh, by Celestia! Why’d you…oooooh, why are there three of you? Wait never mind? Whichever is the real you get me something for this headache alright?”

“Sure thing Pon-3,” replied Star Blitz as he headed for the door, “Oh you got a visitor too, her names Rarity.”

With that the young Pegasus turned and headed from the room leaving a rather unimpressed Rarity to stare at the hung over DJ in front of her. Vinyl just continued to groan as she rested her head on the desk. Rarity sighed, this was going to be much more difficult than she had planned. Trying to think of an icebreaker she glanced around the room. The walls were decorated with all manner of records and certificates in frames; the collection being very impressive.

“Interesting selection of décor my dear,” commented Rarity.

“Huh? Oh, right…” replied Vinyl as she slowly raised her head to look at Rarity.

Despite her mind being full of fog she couldn’t help but think of the name, it was definitely familiar to her.

“R-Rarity…that name sounds familiar…” she mumbled to herself as her mind finally clicked, “Oh hayseeds!”

Vinyl’s head shot up quickly as she remembered who Rarity was. The sudden movement caused her head to spin and as quickly as it had risen it crashed back to the desktop. She moaned again and slowly raised a hoof to her face to rub her eyes. This time she raised her head a lot more slowly, blinking hard to bring the world into view. Rarity gave a sigh and shook her head.

“Uh sorry,” continued Vinyl as she took a deep breath, “Wasn’t expecting company this morning.”

“Afternoon,” corrected Rarity, “Late afternoon.”

“Afternoon? Geez, what did I drink last night?”

“I doubt it’s a question of what but rather how much.”

“Yeah, most likely,” replied Vinyl as she rubbed her head, “Blitz! Where’s my headache relief?”

“Coming boss,” replied the Pegasus as he swooped into the room and landed in front of Vinyl’s desk.

He promptly plonked a glass of water and two white pills down on the table top. Vinyl didn’t need prompting, sweeping up the pills in her hoof and chugging them down with water. She continued drinking until the glass was empty and then sat back in her chair. For a moment Vinyl remained still and then finally pulled herself to her hooves.

“Thanks Blitzr,” she said pleasantly.

“No worries boss, I’ll on the front desk if you need me,” replied the Pegasus with a grin before dashing from the room.

Rarity watched the Pegasus leave, smiling slightly to herself, “A pleasant pony.”

“Yeah Blitz really helps out a lot around here. Couldn’t keep up with it all if it wasn’t for him.”

“Maybe you should lay off the alcohol then, you do realise the effect it can have on us unicorns.”

“Yeah I guess so,” replied Vinyl with a blush.

It was very true that most unicorns didn’t drink alcohol, or at least didn’t drink a lot. The chemical imbalance it created in the body had a tendency to disrupt the passive movement of magic in and out of a unicorn’s body. The results varied greatly but severe hangovers unlike anything a Pegasus or earth pony could imagine were one of them.

“Well, now that is all said and done,” commented Rarity, “I need to talk to you.”

“Uh sure, what about?” asked Vinyl.

“Two items. Firstly are you available for hire in two days’ time?” asked Rarity.

“Two days? Yeah I think I’m available. I’ve got a gig at the Hardhoofs Bar tomorrow and next weekend I’m playing at the party after the national chilli eating contest.”

“National chilli…oh nevermind,” Rarity rolled her eyes.

“So what’s the gig then?” asked Vinyl.

“Well that brings me to my second point. Unlike the previous time I’ve hired your expertise you won’t be working alone this time. Actually I want you to play as a backup and support for another artist.”

Vinyl frowned, “Support? Seriously? DJ Pon-3 is the best pony you could ever hire. She drops more bass that a fish vendor! Who could you possibly want me to play support for?”

Rarity pondered for a moment, debating on if she should tip toe around the issue or just come straight out with it. Given the disgruntled look on Vinyl’s face though she doubted the unicorn would settle for any fancy stepping.

“Octavia Melody,” she replied finally.

Vinyl’s eyes dilated rapidly, her jaw dropping a moment later. For a moment she stood in shocked silence before her hind legs finally decided enough was enough and collapsed under her sending her rear plummeting to the floor. The impact jolted her back to her senses but even so it took her a moment to regain the ability to speak.

“Oc-Oc-Octavia…man…” she murmured slowly, “…that was unexpected.”

Rarity bit her lip slightly, “I uh…understand that you two…got a little close at one stage.”

Vinyl blushed bright red and quickly looked away, obviously embarrassed by the mention of such things.

“Well uh…I guess…kinda…but not really,” she replied slowly.

“Whatever do you mean darling?”

Vinyl still looked a little embarrassed to be talking about such a subject forcing Rarity to go on.

“Look I’m sorry to bring this up and well the truth is…”

Rarity spent the next twenty minutes explaining everything that had happened since she had met Octavia a few days before. About Octavia’s struggles, her problems and her broken friendships but most of all the event that lead to it all coming to a head. Through it all Vinyl sat and listened, nodding as Rarity spoke. Vinyl usually found talking like this to be boring, she was a pony of action and fun, but right now you could have mistaken her for Twilight. As Rarity finally came to the end of her story Vinyl could only say one thing.

“Woah…” she murmured, “And all that happened because they think we…”

“…yes,” replied Rarity, cutting Vinyl off before she could say anything too graphic.

“Woah, I didn’t think anything like that would happen. In my line of work it’s pretty common place to be honest. Mad parties, loads of beer, casual sex…life of a DJ. Never occurred to me to think that other ponies might frown on it.”

“Well I think most would my dear if they knew the full extent of it but in Canterlot…well the level of tolerance for such things is a little lower. But I do have one question, what did you mean when you said ‘kinda’ earlier?”

“Oh that…well you’ll probably find this a little amusing honestly now that I’ve heard that story. That night after the wedding party when Octavia and I supposedly, well you know, we didn’t.”

“You didn’t? But Octavia…”

“Octavia was so drunk that night I’m amazed she remembered as much as she did. Truth be told she came onto me like a pony in heat but…well we retired to a private room but before anything actually happened she fell asleep. Totally out cold, she could have slept through holy Armageddon and not woken up. Worse part of it all was she collapsed on top of me, you ever tried to move a sleeping earth pony? Take it from me, don’t bother trying, I was stuck there all night. Total mood killer.”

This time it was Rarity’s turn to be shocked, “But then…”

“Heheh! The look on your face is priceless!” chuckled Vinyl.

“This is no laughing matter! This is serious!” snapped Rarity as her senses returned to her.

“Oh, yeah…right.”

This changed everything! All the problems and turmoil that Octavia had faced since the wedding party, all of it was based on something that didn’t even happen regardless of how close it was. She had to tell Octavia, she had to…

Rarity paused in her thoughts, did this really change everything? Was Octavia’s situation likely to change just because one pony said it wasn’t true? If anything it would likely make it worse! Dredging up past problems was never a way to make things right…at least not in this case. The Canterlot elite was hardly going to believe a story that came from a ‘disgraceful’ member of Equestrian society. Having worked with Vinyl on multiple occasions Rarity knew that much that was said about her was untrue; despite her tendency to party hard she was a good natured creature at heart but that didn’t mean a thing to those in the upper circles.

“Uh…hey, you alright?” inquired Vinyl, her voice cutting through Rarity’s internal monologue, “Looks like you’re getting a headache too.”

“I’m fine, I’m fine,” dismissed Rarity with a wave of her hoof, “Just thinking, I just don’t know if this revelation makes things easier of harder.”

“Uh yeah…I guess that’s an issue,” replied Vinyl as she scratched a hoof across her temple, “…say, it Tavi here? I don’t know if she’d want to see me but after hearing about everything that’s happened guess I should apologise.”

“She’s not here no, she was a little nervous about meeting you again, she still think the two of you ‘did it’.”

Vinyl nodded slowly, “Well I’ll take the gig, it’s the least I can do for Tavi. She was such a fun pony to hang out with at the party. I kept meaning to find out what she was up to but I was always too busy.”

“Or drunk…” murmured Rarity to herself with a small shake of her head, “Alright, why don’t you come back with me? You can apologise and we can discuss what we’re going to do next.”

“Awesome!” cheered Vinyl, the DJ pony punching the air with a hoof as she spoke, “Oh and don’t worry, with DJ Pon-3 at your side nothing can ever go wrong!”

Octavia paced back and forth across the small room. Ever since Rarity had left she had been unable to keep still, her mind racing from one concern to another. Was this the right thing to do? What would happen? Could Vinyl be trusted? Could she herself be trusted? Her mind kept going back to that night when it had all started. Much of it was a haze, a mass of swarming images that made little to no sense. She remembered playing during the opening song of the night and some of the party that followed. She remembered watching the white unicorn as she bobbed her head to the beats she was playing. What had possessed her to speak to her? She didn’t even like ‘wubs’.

She sighed heavily and looked towards the door once more. She couldn’t do much until Rarity returned and worrying wasn’t going to help. Crossing to the table she poured herself another cup of tea. The liquid had long since gone cold but Octavia didn’t seem to notice as she sipped slowly. She hated to admit it but she was scared. Scared of what might happen but more so what wouldn’t happen.

Before she had been trying her best to make things right; to bring her friends back together and to apologise for the events of the past. She knew now that it was a far flung dream that only existed in her mind. Perhaps a part of her had known all along but she had refused to admit it to herself. Even if this grand event that Rarity had planned out actually work…even if her reputation was restored…what good would it do now?

She was about to take another sip of tea as she heard the sound of hoofsteps approaching from the other side of the door. She placed her cup down, trotting quickly towards the door.

“Rarity, I’m so glad you…” she began as she flung the door open.

The rest of her sentence caught in her throat as she saw not one white unicorn but a pair standing before her. Rarity was trying her best to look calm but the other was looking a little sheepish as she slowly removed the pair of shades she was wearing.

“Uh…hi Octavia…long time no see,” Vinyl spoke in an oddly out of character chuckle.

For a moment Octavia stood still in the doorway. She could feel her cheeks flushing with sudden embarrassment as the memories that she did have of that night over a year ago flooded back to her.

“V-Vinyl…” she stammered slightly as she looked quickly at Rarity, her eyes pleading for an explanation.

“Don’t worry my dear,” replied Rarity as she noticed the earth pony’s growing nerves, “we have plenty to discuss and I’ll explain everything in due course. Come along now Vinyl.”

“Uh…yeah” replied Vinyl as they both stepped over the threshold and into the room.

Octavia backed off slightly as they entered, the earth pony still trying to stammer words but quickly closing her mouth as incomprehensible gibberish was all they came from it. She raised a hoof to cover her face as the ruby red blush continued to spread across it. Her mind was confused, why wasn’t she angry? Why was she just standing there like a small child? Lowering her hoof she found Rarity and Vinyl slipping into a pair of chairs at the table. She took a step before hesitating, why was she hesitating?

“Octavia darling…are you alright?” asked Rarity in a concerned tone.

Octavia shut her eyes and took a deep breath. With almost perfect precision she let the breath go and opened her eyes as the blush faded from her face and the calm exterior Rarity had seen many times before crossed her face. It was an act, a well-rehearsed way of coping with stress that any performer would be accustomed to seeing. Rarity couldn’t help but smile slightly as Octavia joined them at the table.

“I know this must be hard for you Octavia but we have a lot of important matters to discuss and I need you to be strong,” she said slowly with a mild apologetic tone.

“Of course,” replied Octavia, the musician still maintaining the façade that surrounded her, “But may I ask…what is she doing here?”

“During our discussions I found out some rather important information but I felt it best if Vinyl tells you herself.”

“Yeah, rockin’,” added Vinyl, “Rarity told me all about what’s been going on and well…you know that night when you think we…?”

Octavia gave a small cough, a fracture appearing in her calm exterior. Vinyl didn’t even seem to notice, as with everything in her life she was presenting her information garnished in fireworks and rave music…well figuratively speaking of course.

“Well we didn’t!” she continued, “Actually you sorta fell asleep on top of me. Most uncool by the way but I can forgive you as your music is great. I mean it’s not exactly my thing you know but I can tell a great musician when I see one and you got some serious beats going on!”

In the background Rarity found herself facehoofing. It seemed that all the instructions she had given the DJ regarding being gentle with what she said and not going off on a tangent had been completely forgotten…or hadn’t even gone in to start with. As Vinyl continued to chatter on the walls that Octavia had built around herself were beginning to crumble. First her lower jaw began to quiver, then her eyes widened and finally her hoofs hit the table top with a bang.

“What do you mean we didn’t?!” she exclaimed loudly.

Vinyl stopped mid-sentence and as she looked back at the earth pony.

“Just what I said, we didn’t do anything. You fell asleep,” she replied casually, “I must have added too much alcohol to those drinks I gave you, man you must be the lightest lightweight I’ve ever known. Even Rising Star can hold more than that and that guy is usually dancing on the tables after a couple of ciders!”

Vinyl gave a chuckle but Octavia looked far from being in a laughing mood. Her chair flew backwards and clattered to the floor as she stood up, the noise silencing Vinyl instantly.

“This is nothing to laugh about…this is…if we didn’t…but I was going to…but was it the alcohol or did I want to?”

Octavia started to pace back and forth, rambling as she went. Rarity could see the rising sense of panic filling her face and quickly got up herself. However it wasn’t the white hoof of Rarity that landed on Octavia’s shoulder a moment later, this one belonged to a different white unicorn.

“Octi! Can I call you Octi? Yes? Good!” Vinyl looked a little concerned but mostly irritated, “Octi you gotta relax a little! I mean you are an awesome musician, not exactly my style you know but…when you were playing at the wedding I could tell how much it meant to you. That’s rare you know, not every pony takes their skill as seriously as that. But what good is it if you can’t enjoy yourself? If you can’t be you? I mean look at me! Your friend Rarity here just loves poking fun at my drinking habits but you know what? That’s how I enjoy myself! Sure I’ve had my spell of bad times and run into more than a couple of problems but I’ve enjoyed every moment of it!”

Vinyl paused for a moment and grinned, Octavia meanwhile had calmed down and was listening intently. It was true, she had lived her life in a way that had always been aimed at making those around her accept her…but was it really who she was? She always enjoyed her music and she never doubted that would ever change…but what about the moments between? She had only ever interacted with the other members of her ensemble on a personal level and even then only Brass really knew who she was.

“So yeah, you need to lighten up a little, go with the flow you know,” continued Vinyl, “For a start living like that is boring, secondly it’s not healthy, thirdly…um…well I can’t think of a third thing. Anyway, I came over to help out and that’s just what I’m going to do. Why don’t you lay some on me?”

“P-Pardon…?” stammered Octavia, the earth pony face twitching in pure astonishment.

“Oh by Celestia,” Vinyl rolled her eyes, “Not like that, play me some music! You know, that string instrument you play, what you call it?”

“….A ce-cello.”

“Huh…always though it was a bass. Anyway, don’t just stand there, play me something. If I’m going to do backing work for you I’ll need to know what sort of stuff you’ll be playing so I can match in some wubs of my own.”

Octavia looked towards Rarity for support and found the other unicorn nodding slowly at her. Octavia took a deep breath and held it for a moment as she tried to settle her nerves. What Vinyl had said still spun around and around in her head as she went about getting her instrument ready. As she started to play a weight seemed to lift from her mind. Why was she doing this? It wasn’t in the hope of getting her ensemble back together any more. So why? Why would she risk more heartache and ridicule? Why was she still trying to prove she wasn’t a failure? There was only one answer to that question…because she loved to play. More than anything else in the world she enjoyed the sound of music, the expressions that drifted across her audience’s faces with each note she played. The power and emotion she commanded with every pluck of a string. She was doing this for herself, to prove to herself and every pony else that Octavia Melody would never give up and to thank the one pony who hadn’t given up on her. The past was past and couldn’t be undone…but the future was unwritten and she was going to forge it in her own way.

Chapter 8

The assembled ponies erupted into yet another round of applause as the last of Rarity’s ensembles was paraded down the runway. The yellow earth pony displaying the dress tried to maintain a professional look but Rarity couldn’t help but notice the edges of her mouth turning upwards as the crowd stared at her. She couldn’t blame her, having ones moment in the spotlight was a fabulous experience. Or at least it should be. Rarity couldn’t help but remember when Hoity Toity had attended her very first fashion show, the image of the dresses she had created for her friends still haunted her from time to time. But then again everything had worked out alright in the end. Something she sincerely hoped would happen tonight.

As the yellow pony finished her last waltz and began her return trip up the runway Rarity took a deep breath. The moment was fast approaching and she just hoped that everything was in place. Despite Octavia’s earlier reluctance and shock she had eventually started to relax around the DJ unicorn. Rarity had to admit that she was hard to get along with, always so brash and in your face. The concept of personal space seemingly didn’t exist for her and neither did basic manners and decency…but that said she wasn’t vulgar out of spite and had a heart of gold once you actually saw it.

The pair had been practicing all the previous day, Vinyl only disappearing a few times to rush back to her studio and pick up yet another set of records or mix up a new beat. The afore mentioned items still cluttered Rarity’s castle room, stacked up in piles all over the place. Rarity was sure that Opal had actually been buried underneath one of the stacks that had collapsed at some point over the last few days. Despite it all though Rarity could see a growing confidence in the earth pony and, despite Octavia chastising Vinyl at every possible opportunity, you could see a growing sense of respect between the two ponies based purely on their joint love of music.

Rarity still found herself marveled by Octavia’s strong will. No matter how many times she had been put down, no matter the pain or turmoil she had been through, she always managed to pick herself up and carry on. In part she was slightly envious, in Octavia she could see everything that she had looked for in a stallion herself. A strong determined heart with a deep well of kindness and empathy. Rarity smiled, whoever got her was a lucky pony.

With a final glance at the now empty runway Rarity turned towards the stairs leading up to the stage. She was nervous, not just for Octavia but for herself as well. If everything fell apart it wouldn’t just be the earth pony in trouble, it would be herself as well. Each step felt like her hoof was encased in cement and her breathing shuddered slightly. As she reached the top of the steps and a spotlight fell on her she took a deep breath and set a look of determination upon her face. This was it.

“Fillies and Gentlecolts,” she announced in her usual tone as she took a few steps up the runway, “Thank you so very much for coming tonight and I trust the evening has been entertaining for you.”

The crowd began clapping to show their appreciation but all Rarity had to do was raise a hoof and the applause slowly died back.

“Now then, I have a special announcement to make. As I’m sure some of you will have noticed the music for tonight’s show has been a little different to normal.”

A slight murmur ran through the crowd as the various ponies turned to their neighbour to converse. Indeed the music had been substantially different. Whilst normally Vinyl Scratch would have been playing some of her more mellow beats this time the gentle melody of a string instrument had been playing throughout the whole show. Rarity could tell that some ponies had indeed noticed, ear twitching one way and the other as they had tried to work out what the music had been.

“Well I’m pleased to announce a little something extra not featured in your guide. The musician responsible for tonight’s music has agreed to put on a little performance for you all and I do hope you enjoy it.”

With that she stepped aside waving her hoof backwards as the curtain at the end of the stage lifted. Behind it stood the form of a pony, their features masked by the lack of light that was illuminating them. Another murmur ran through the crowd, who was this mysterious pony? The pony was stood next to a large instrument, it too shrouded in darkness, using it as a support as a spare hoof slowly drew a long bow from her side. Still encased in darkness the pony brought the bow down into contact with the instrument itself and paused. The crowd was silent as they waited to see what would happen.

Then the music started. A slow melodic backing beat provided by Vinyl as an accompaniment to what was to come. With expert precision the pony drew the bow across the instrument, the notes fierce and determined as the pony continued to play the bow across the strings. As the notes continued the backing track began to grow in intensity, growing louder and louder as the playing pony continued to slice notes out of the air.

The crowd could do little but gaze and Rarity found herself staring aghast at what the duo had created. Just then the tempo increased, the pony on stage increasing her movement as note after note tumbled from the instrument. Then suddenly the backing beats stopped and the pony on stage seemed to start playing even faster. The energy built like a raging inferno, the ponies hoof a blur as she played the bow back and forth with mounting energy. As the backing beats slowly started to build in time once more the pony on stage stopped abruptly.

For a moment a silence resonated through the air before both the pony and the beats resumed although at a slower earlier pace now. The energy was still there though and each note carried incredible weight with it. And so it continued, the rising and falling tempo of both the pony and the music behind her synchronised to perfection. There was no let up, no lull in the tempo, nothing, just pure emotion and spirit that felt like it was reaching into your very soul.

By the time the music finally started to build to a finale everypony was glued to the stage, completely absorbed by the music. As the final note was strung and the backing beats came to a climactic finish everypony in the crowd started to cheer and clap. None of them had heard music like it before and the calls for an encore were quick to begin. The pony on stage remained motionless, still encased in shadow…but not for long.

As the stage lights finally lit up everypony in the crowd suddenly fell silent. Octavia stood tall, resting defiantly against her instrument as she looked out at the sea of faces staring back at her in shock. The moment seemed to last forever, Octavia feeling her confidence waver as the crowd remained silent and unsure. Rarity took a deep breath and stepped forwards.

“Let’s have a big cheer for our mystery musician tonight, Octavia Melody,” she announced with a wave of her hoof.

Again there was a moment of silence. Rarity felt a chill of pure fear running down her spine, it couldn’t end like this could it? Then, from the back of the crowd, a voice run out.

“Woo-hoo! Go Octavia!” it cried, each syllable separated by a dry sounding cough.

Octavia felt her heart skip a beat, it couldn’t be.

“Brass?!” she cried quickly, dropping to her hooves and looking out across the sea of faces.

In that moment nothing seemed to matter to her, not the shocked reaction of the crowd, not her music, nothing…only the single voice that had cried out above it all. She scanned left and right and then back again, the second pass catching something waving in the crowd. Looking at it she found herself locking eyes with her friend and her sister. The two ponies stood side by side, well Quill stood and Brass leaned…on Quill. Brass was wrapped up in a multitude of layers to keep her warm but despite the weight of her illness she was still smiling.

Octavia bolted towards her, racing down the runway and leaping down into the crowd. A gap opened up for her and the eyes of the ponies around her followed her as she scythed through the crowd towards her friend. As she approached she didn’t slow, almost launching herself at the earth pony and throwing her hooves around her neck.

“Brass! Oh Brass!” she sniffed, tears of joy slowly sliding down her cheek, “It’s so good to see you.”

“Couldn’t miss this now could I?” replied Brass with a few coughs.

“But I though…”

“I was too ill? Well I’m probably going to regret this later but I couldn’t abandon you after all we talked about back in Vanhoofer.”

“But how did you know?” asked Octavia slowly as she pulled back from her friend slightly.

“Your friend Rarity sent us a letter,” cut in Quill as she held up a flyer for Rarity’s fashion show with a hoof written letter elegantly written across the back.

Octavia looked back towards the stage, only to find the white unicorn moving towards her through the crowd. She was smiling happily as she approached almost looking like she was on the verge of tear herself.

“Well I couldn’t let everything go without trying one last time,” explained Rarity before Octavia could ask, “Even after everything you’ve been through you were still so determined to go on and it didn’t feel right to let that go un-noticed.”

“Hear hear,” came a voice from the side, calm and masculine.

Again Octavia froze, her head snapping round to find a deep blue earth pony standing not more than a few meters away. He had a slight grin on his face, a beaming look of pride and respect etched into every facet of his expression. He stepped forwards and then stopped.

“Good evening Octavia,” he said politely.

“P-Parish…? What are you…”

“The same reason Brass is here, your friend Rarity sent me a flier in the mail. I must say I did debate on whether I should come but I’m glad I did. Hearing you play again has certainly made your struggle easier to understand.”

“Parish…I…”

“Not another word my dear Octavia, I think you performed splendidly tonight, you should be proud.”

With that Parish started clapping, Brass, Rarity and Quill joining him a moment later. Slowly but surely the clapping began to spread, one pony after another adding their own applause to the growing noise that filled the air. Octavia could feel the tears trickle down her face as she slowly turned to look around her. Where once the faces of the various ponies had been shocked or even disgusted to see her now each of them looked at her with a fresh perspective. Most were smiling, a few of the more excited show goers beaming and clapping a little more energetically. Even Lyrica Lilac, a pony who had until recently simply dismissed the cello player, was clapping although she still managed to keep a straight face…it wasn’t always possible to turn everypony immediately it seemed. Still Octavia didn’t seem to care.

“Thank you….thank you everypony!” she replied, trying her best to keep her voice from cracking as she took a small bow.

“…and then when you started freestyling during the third encore! Oh man did I ever lose my tail hairs! You seriously nearly got me on that one, had to really mix those beats to keep up! Sick, totally sick!”

“V-Vinyl…I wasn’t ‘freestyling’, I was allowing the music to guide me. There’s a difference,” sighed Octavia as she rubbed a hoof against her temple.

Despite the seemingly never ending stream of words the DJ pony was outputting Octavia couldn’t help but smile slightly. Tonight had been better than anything she could have hoped or dreamed of. Her concert had been a tremendous success and four encores later Octavia had finally found herself too exhausted to continue. The crowd had been disappointed but understanding and as she had finally stepped down the noise of the applause had reached a peak that exceeded anything else that evening.

“Yeah whatever,” continued Vinyl, seemingly unconvinced by Octavia’s explanation, “You’re still a totally awesome musician! Hey, we should totally do this again sometime, maybe at your next show Rare!”

“Well we’ll have to see about that,” replied Rarity with a shake of her head, “Thank you for your assistance tonight my dear, I’ll forward the usual fee to your account tomorrow.”

“Fee? Oh no way! Tonight was on me!” protested Vinyl, “No seriously, it was a treat to help out.”

“Are you sure darling?”

“Totally, besides I have to repay Octi for all the problems I’ve caused.”

“Please stop calling me Octi, its Octavia,” groaned the earth pony as she pressed a hoof to her forehead.

“I think it suits you Octi,” cut in Brass with a grin.

“Oh don’t you start too Brass,” moaned Octavia as she looked towards her friend.

Brass just gave a small chuckle as she looked back with tired yet happy eyes. She looked weary, her illness taking its toll on her physical condition, yet there was a spark about her that hadn’t been present for a long time. Octavia could see it, the childish eagerness, the overexcited joy, there was the Brass she knew; this is who she was meant to be.

“Childish banter aside,” interrupted Parish before the pair started to bicker, “I have to say you performed marvelously tonight Octavia. To think you’ve been through everything you’ve told us about and still be able to play like that. It’s quite a marvel…and I have to say I feel refreshed and revitalised after seeing it.”

“Thank you Parish,” replied Octavia with a nod of her head.

Like Brass, Parish seemed a different pony. In Baltimare he had seemed sharp and a little on edge but now he was relaxed and mellow. He had always been the stable pillar in the ensemble, always there for everypony and always the voice of reason in the midst of chaos.

“Are you sure you won’t reconsider Octavia’s request?” asked Rarity curiously.

“I’m afraid not my dear,” replied Parish with a shake of his head, “Tonight has been amazing and to see Octavia’s determination on show was a true eye opener but…I’ve moved on. I have a new job, a new friends, new commitments and responsibilities. I can’t rightly throw them all to the wind on a whim. Octavia doesn’t need our help any more, she’s already proven her strength…wouldn’t you say Brass?”

“Indeed,” replied the sousaphone player with a nod before turning to Octavia, “I know you did all this to try and make up for what happened but I think I speak for both of us when I say that we forgive you. It’s been a hard year for all of us but none of us need to suffer anymore…especially you Tavi.”

Octavia gave a small sniff and looked back at the two ponies in front of her. She had been dreaming of this day for so long, the relief of being forgiven, the sense of pride for what she had accomplished. Her eyes began to water, the pony looking away slightly to rub her eyes. As she did her breathe caught in her throat. She felt a chill run down her spine and her eyes shot open. Those stood around her noticed and frowned before looking in the same direction. The frowns deepened as everyone locked their gaze on a brown coloured pony standing half hidden behind a doorframe.

“You…you didn’t…?” snapped Octavia with a tone verging on sheer panic as she looked round at Rarity.

“Yes, yes I did,” replied the unicorn, “Despite everything that’s happened I didn’t want to exclude anypony…even Frederick.”

The pianist didn’t speak, instead he just looked at them all with one eye, his expression filled with defiance and yet mellowed with…fear? The silent moment was quickly broken by Parish, the earth pony stepping forwards a few steps as his expression flickered with loathing.

“How dare you show your face here you despicable pile of cowardice!” he snapped harshly, “Don’t think for one moment that we don’t know what you said to Octavia, she told us the whole story.”

“Woah, things just got real,” commented Vinyl with a chuckle.

Rarity and Brass quickly exchanged a look of intolerance before Brass turned to Quill and motioned towards Vinyl. The energetic writer quickly grabbed the DJ and started to drag her across the room towards the far door.

“Aaaaw, but I wanted to watch,” complained Vinyl before Quill shut the door and left the others alone.

Parish didn’t even seem to have noticed the shenanigans going on behind him. Instead he continued to walk slowly towards Frederick, all the time his tone becoming louder and angrier.

“I’m ashamed to think I ever considered you a friend! Despite everything that has happened it gives you no right to speak to a mare that way.”

He stopped in front of Frederick, the pianist still looking away with one eye fixed on the approaching harp player. The defiant look in his eye held firm and yet it seemed to flicker like grass in the wind. There was a moment of silence, a moment in which Octavia and Frederick locked gaze. The defiant look melted away to reveal what was behind; regret, sorrow and pleading wishes of forgiveness. As Parish raised a hoof to strike a blow Frederick’s eye snapped shut, the pony recoiling and shivering where he stood.

“Wait!” cried Octavia suddenly, Parish halting in mid strike as he looked back at her.

“What? Octavia?” asked Parish, unsure if what he had heard was actually correct.

“I said wait,” replied Octavia as she took a few steps forwards.

Parish opened his eye nervously, everypony now able to see the slight shaking of his body.

“Look at me Frederick,” instructed Octavia slowly, “…please?”

For a moment he didn’t move and simply shut his eye once more. As he opened it again he turned to look at them properly, the hidden side of his face coming into view. Everypony gasped at the sight. The entire side of his face was bruised his eye encircled by a deep purple ring. Octavia faltered slightly, recoiling back slightly at the sight before taking a deep breath.

“Frederick…what happened?” she asked quietly.

Yet again Frederick was silent, each of the ponies around him waiting with baited breath for an answer.

“It…it was Silver Service,” replied Frederick at length with a sullen tone, his eyes closing as he began to speak, “he must have been listening when…after you left he…turns out that despite his age he still has a nasty right hoof.”

Frederick paused to raise his own hoof to his bruised eye, wincing slightly at the contact.

“He said I’d disgraced the family and that he’d had enough…he quit his job a moment after striking me. After that I spent the next day thinking about everything that had happened, about everything that I’d said and done. I…I thought I was justified, I thought I was acting rashly as anypony else would…turns out I wasn’t. I don’t expect you to forgive me Octavia but I hope you can at least find it in yourself to not hate me, I’m just sorry I couldn’t do that for you.”

As Frederick finished speaking a silence fell upon the room. All eyes were on Octavia, the grey pony stunned at the words that he had spoken. Was it really true? Had she heard correctly? For a moment she felt rage building up inside her, a year of struggle and pain boiling to the surface and threatening to spill over. At the same time though her mind managed to keep itself above the seething mass of emotion, the only betrayal on her otherwise emotionless face being the slight twitching of her right eye.

What was the right thing to do? Should she forgive him? Frederick who had done nothing but blame and insult her ever since it had all started happening? The pony who had disowned her as a friend and didn’t care if she died? And yet despite everything she felt sorry for him. Anger and hatred could twist even the most steadfast pony and Frederick had always been prone to being emotional.

She took a step forward, the room falling even more silent as she approached Frederick. Her face remained emotionless, void of any reaction at all. This only seemed to unnerve Frederick even more, the pianist casting a glance at the door behind him as Octavia approached. She stopped in front of him, pausing for a moment before raising a hoof slightly. Frederick flinched and shut his eyes expecting to feel the cold impact of rejection. Instead he felt a hoof fall across his shoulder and a moment later the warm embrace of the cello player as she nuzzled into his neck.

“Oh Frederick, I’m so sorry for everything I’ve put you through,” sniffed Octavia, tears threatening to spill over as she spoke, “I could be angry with you for how you’ve treated me and…someponies would think I was justified in doing so. Despite everything that has happened though I…I still consider you a friend and more than anything I want us all to be together in this moment like we used to be. I…I may not be able to forgive you just yet but I don’t hate you Frederick. You’re my friend and always will be no matter the circumstance, just like Parish and Brass. It’s…it’s just good to see you.”

“And you Octavia…” replied Frederick as his own tears began to slowly pool in the corner of his eye.

“Glad to see you’ve come to your senses at long last,” added Brass as she took a step forwards.

“I’m sorry Brass,” replied Frederick as he pulled back from Octavia’s embrace, “I haven’t been acting as I should. I got so caught up in my own emotions to even realise what I was doing to every pony else.”

He paused to rub a hoof against his bruised face once more, “It took this to finally snap me out of my own head for a while. Silver has always been like an uncle to me ever since I was little…hearing those words from him…it…struck home rather heavily.”

“Emotions can be a powerful thing Frederick,” spoke Octavia as she took a step back and shot a glance at the pony next to her, “Can’t they Parish?”

The harp player gave a small cough and nodded, “Indeed they can, my apologies Frederick, it would seem that my earlier actions were a little too hasty.”

Frederick gave a small smile and nodded. Meanwhile Rarity watched the scene unfold before her. The heavy weight of doubt and uncertainty that had been resting on her shoulders throughout the entire day finally gave way and allowed her to breathe normally. Everything had worked out; the show, Octavia’s performance, reuniting the cello player with her fellow musicians. Everything had gone to plan, everything but…

Rarity shook her head, perhaps her final wish was too much to hope for but it would have been the cherry on top of an otherwise perfect day. Still, she had managed to accomplish what she had set out to do. She had brought light back to Octavia’s world and as she watched the four musicians begin to laugh and chatter she couldn’t help but shed a few tears of her own.

At length Octavia turned and trotted over towards Rarity. She was smiling, her cheeks damp with a seemingly constant flow of joyful tears. She didn’t speak, she didn’t need to, as she put a hoof around Rarity’s neck and hugged her tight. Behind her the other three musicians walked up and watched silently as the pair embraced. Octavia couldn’t remember the last time she had felt so happy. Her life was indeed different to what it had been before but now she had hope and direction. She could look forward to the future without being weighed down with the mistakes of the past. She felt free.

“Rarity, I…”

“Hush darling, you don’t have to say a thing,” interrupted Rarity with a gentle squeeze, “I only did what I felt was right, there’s no need to thank me.”

No need to thank me…the mare had repeated those words so often over the last few days. It didn’t seem right though. Rarity had risked a lot to help her, had bent over backwards to do everything she could, and still asked for nothing in return. It was like she was an angel sent to watch over her, her angel! A feeling began to blossom in Octavia’s heart, a need and a pull so strong that it couldn’t be resisted. All her life she had longed for this, to have somepony to look out for her, somepony that cared about her more than anything in the world, somepony that would move the world just for her. Would another pony have done everything that Rarity had? In that moment a cascade of emotion swept over her, a burst dam that had been threatening to overflow for days. She loved Rarity!

“Oh Rarity…”

She pulled back sharply, the earth pony having but a brief moment to catch the puzzled look on Rarity’s face before she leaned in and planted a long and firm kiss right on Rarity’s lips. Behind Octavia a set of surprised gasps sounded but Rarity herself didn’t notice, the unicorn stunned in frozen shock as the kiss continued. After a few moments Octavia pulled back, her face awash with unbridled joy and happiness. However as Rarity watched the expression faded, her face going white and her eyes widening in shock over what she had just done. She pulled away sharply, spinning round to face her friends. They all wore slightly shocked expressions but to Octavia they looked more like evil glares. She glanced back at Rarity, the unicorn also looking back at her with stunned silence.

In that instance Octavia felt her world fall apart. What had she done? Why had she done that? Why now? Why?! For a moment she cast terrified looks between her friends and Rarity, edging backwards slightly with every look. She felt the room closing in, the light in the room fading to nothing but a spotlight centred on her. Fear and doubt rushed into the space in her mind previously occupied with joy and happiness.

She bolted. With a flurry of hooves and a rather graceless dive Octavia galloped from the room, tears flowing freely from her eyes. Her friends barely had time to glance towards her as she ran, each of them unsure on what to do. Rarity meanwhile had managed to pull herself together slightly and the sudden movement drew her attention immediately.

“O-Octavia! Octavia wait!” she called as the earth pony vanished around the doorframe.

She looked back at the other musicians, each of them looking at her in surprise as if they were expecting answers from her. She shook her head and looked back at the door.

“Wait here!” she said firmly as she took off towards the door herself, “Octavia wait!”

Octavia didn’t wait, she simply continued to run. Down the corridor towards the emergency exit she fled, throwing herself against the double door as she reached them and tumbling out into the alleyway behind the theatre. She looked both ways, quickly choosing a direction as she took off at a gallop once again. Panic raced back and forth around her mind, urging her ever onwards. Rarity was close behind but she knew she wouldn’t catch the earth pony if she didn’t slow down.

“Octavia, please stop!”

The words did little but spur Octavia on, the earth pony not slowing for a moment as she rounded the end of the alley and fled out into the moonlit streets of Canterlot. There was no other pony there, the time easily after midnight but the position of the moon above them. The clip-clop of hooves on the cobbled streets echoed between the buildings, each one sounding a hundred times louder to Octavia than they actually were.

Why had she done that? Why had she just thrown it all away? One moment of weakness, just like before, one moment of weakness. So wrapped up in her own mind was she that Octavia failed to notice the uneven lay of the ground beneath her. Her hoof caught on a jutting stone and a moment later she found herself crashing to the ground. The impact hurt, her head bouncing off the stonework as it in turn knocked every last bit of air from her lungs. She coughed and choked, gasping for air as she tried to focus on the present. As she did she heard the sound of galloping hoofsteps approaching. Slowly they changed to a canter and then to a walk, the noise seeming to get louder as it approached. Finally it stopped, Octavia sobbing onto her hooves as she lay motionless on the ground.

“Octavia?”

“Go ahead, tell me you hate me!” replied Octavia, the pony staring down at the ground as she spoke, “Tell me that I’m disgusting and don’t deserve your help anymore! How could I do that? After everything you’ve done for me! After all the trouble I’ve caused you I…I…I’m so sorry!”

Rarity didn’t respond, instead she slowly approached the ground bound pony. Octavia tensed half expecting a kick to land any moment. Instead something warm and soft pressed into her side and a hoof brushed against the side of her face. Daring a look she slowly glanced round to find Rarity lying on the street next to her. Her face said a thousand words; there was no malice or hatred, no cruelty or disgust. Instead all she saw was the same caring smile and pair of soft loving eyes that she had seen on her face many times before.

“I don’t hate you Octavia,” replied Rarity finally, “I will admit I was a little shocked but…to think that I would abandon you now after all we’ve been through together is such a foolish thought.”

She leaned in, gently planting a soft kiss on Octavia’s forehead.

“We’ve both been so busy preparing for tonight that our personal feelings have taken a back seat,” she said before giving a small sigh, “In truth I have found myself feeling a little envious lately, thinking that any pony that got you would be a lucky one…I never considered for a moment that it would be me.”

“Y-you mean…”

“Octavia darling, you’re a wonderful mare and I would be honoured to…well…”

Rarity felt a blush cross her face, it felt so odd to be saying this. Truth be told she had felt herself getting closer and closer to Octavia ever since their meeting. Her desire to protect and help her was unlike anything she had encountered before, even amongst her friends. Even now, helping her to overcome her doubts and fears, she couldn’t help but smile at the earth pony. She had spent most of her adult life looking for the perfect stallion, a white knight to pick her up and whisk her away to a fairy tale castle…it never occurred to her that she herself would be the white knight for somepony else.

“It’s just that after I found out you never…did anything with Vinyl…I didn’t want to push the subject, I didn’t know if that’s truly how you felt or if it was just a lax of judgement. And I don’t want to ruin our friendship by…well, getting involved in such a way and…well…”

Rarity was interrupted as a hoof grabbed the base of her chin and spun her head towards the earth pony. The next thing she knew she was once again locked in a kiss with Octavia. Whilst there was still a mild amount of shock this time it felt easier. She felt herself relaxing, the gentle exchange saying a thousand words as the tension and doubt slipped from her mind. After a moment which seemed to last a thousand years they both pulled back, each giving a nervous smile as they did.

“Well, I suppose that erases the doubt somewhat,” commented Rarity with a small chuckle.

“I’m so glad I got to meet you Rarity,” replied Octavia, “I’ve been living in fear for the last year…but now, when I’m with you, I feel like I could take on the world.”

Rarity blushed and sighed heavily. She looked up, the clouds above drifting slowly across the moonlit skyline causing rows of tiny stars to glimmer. She yawned, the pent up exhaustion that had been building over the last few days finally getting chance to make itself known.

“I hate to break the moment darling but…maybe we should get inside, lying on a cold street in the middle of the night doesn’t help ones complexion.”

Octavia chuckled as she slowly rose to her feet with Rarity quick to follow. For a moment they stood in silence, the gentle night breeze the only sound that disturbed the…

“…L-Little Octave? Is…is that you?”

Octavia felt every hair on her body stand on end and every muscle tense. Her breath caught in her throat and the little that squeezed through only caused her heart to race. She knew the voice; it was one that she would always remember despite their time apart and one that she thought she would never hear again. Slowly she turned to face the voice, her eyes locking on the silhouetted form of a pony half hidden behind the wall of a side street.

The pony stepped forth as she turned, their body held low to the ground as if nervous or scared to approach. As the light of a street lamp finally caught the lines of his face the pony came into view. He was old and frail looking, his brown face lined with many furrows and scars. His eyes looked tired but at the same time held a fierce determination hidden beneath years of toil. He stared in awe at Octavia, unable to speak further.

“P…Papa?” murmured Octavia quietly, her voice filled with astonishment.

“Octave…” replied the pony as he looked back at her.

“But…how…”

“I see you got my message,” spoke Rarity quietly as she stepped forwards.

“M-Message?” asked Octavia as her vision flashed round to face the unicorn.

Rarity nodded slowly, “After hearing all about your childhood in Ponyville I…I just couldn’t let things go as they stood. When I wrote to invite your fellow musicians to the show tonight I…I also wrote to your father. It wasn’t easy to find where he was living but I didn’t want to say anything about it in case…”

Rarity trailed off, looking away as a wave of insecurity washed over her. She hated going being a pony’s back but in this case she had decided it was the only way, “I…I’m sorry if I did wrong…”

Octavia didn’t even seem to notice half of what Rarity had said, her attention had shifted back towards the pony stood in front of her.

“Papa…I…”

“…I…I’m sorry Octave…”

Octavia fell silent in surprise, her father had never once apologised to her for anything. Everything had always been her fault or that of her brother…never his.

“You…you were right to run away,” continued the pony as his head sunk towards the floor, “I…I was never a good parent, all I ever did was upset you and Pitch. After your mother died I just…I couldn’t cope and I lashed out. I didn’t mean to hurt you…I was afraid…afraid I would lose you too.”

He paused, his gaze now directed at the floor as he sighed slowly, “You meant more to me than anything in this world…and yet whenever I looked at you all I could see was your mother. When you started playing her fiddle…it nearly broke my heart all over again. I’m so sorry for what I said, all I wanted was for us all to be happy but all I did was drive a wedge between us. When I found your note that morning I…I almost…I almost…”

He stopped, his words catching in his throat. Octavia started to make a move, her hoof barely making it off the ground before she froze in place once more.

“I couldn’t even do that…I’m such a coward,” he continued after a moment, “When I received the letter from Miss Rarity I couldn’t even bring myself to read it when I realised what it was about. All the old wounds got ripped open and I…I ran away again. I didn’t want to believe it was you, I couldn’t bring myself to face it all again but part of me refused to let it all go. When…when I saw you playing on stage I…”

“You…you saw…?”

“I watched from the back. A part of me wanted to come forward and congratulate you when all those ponies started clapping but…I couldn’t. I was afraid you wouldn’t want to see me…that you’d still hate me for everything that I did…”

Octavia made another slight move forwards. All these years she had lived with the guilt of running away when she did. She had always thought her father would be mad at her, that he wouldn’t want to see her. And yet here he was; not angry or mad but regretful, timid and scared. She knew how he felt, after her mother had died Octavia had felt nothing but fear from her father and yet now he was at her mercy. She could yell at him, tell him how much she hated him and how he never cared for her.

She felt a tear form in her eye. Without warning she quickly stepped forwards and threw a hoof around his shoulder. The pony tensed, expecting some kind of physical blow but instead all he felt was the steady drip of tears as Octavia broke down on his shoulder.

“I don’t hate you papa! I could never hate you!” balled Octavia as the tears turned to waterfalls, “I’m so sorry for what I did, you’re not a coward…I’m the coward! I should never have run away like that. I shouldn’t have left you alone! I was just so scared that you wouldn’t let me go.”

“You-you were my only light Octave, I just didn’t want to lose you like your mother and Pitch. I’m sorry I made you feel that way, I’m sorry I made you feel imprisoned like that.”

Octavia didn’t reply, instead she simply tightened her grip on her father and buried her head in his shoulder. Her father followed suit, holding her tightly and shutting his eyes as his own tears threatened to spill forth. For a time they both stood still, locked in each other’s hooves. Rarity stood quietly to one side watching the tearful reunion. She had taken a risk when she had written the letter to Octavia’s father, a risk that had, at least in this case, paid off. She let herself relax a little, her body sore and exhausted from the previous day’s struggles and turmoil. She found herself musing on what she had said earlier about being a white knight straight out of a fairy tale. Most tales like that aimed to teach a moral and one could never tell if the ending would be happy or sad. As she watched the two ponies still locked in each other’s embrace she knew one thing was certain, this story would have a happy ending.

Epilogue

“Are you sure you want to do this?” asked Rarity.

“No,” replied Octavia, her vision cast in front of her as she spoke, “but I have to know…and so do they.”

Rarity gave a nod and followed Octavia’s line of sight. They both stood at the end of a small path that led away from the roadside. The path led up a small bank through a garden filled with all manner of flowers, fruits and vegetables towards a thatched cottage that sat nestled under a large oak tree. A steady stream of white smoke drifted from the chimney indicating that the occupants were indeed home.

Octavia took a deep breath. It had taken two weeks to find them, two weeks of uncertainty and questions. Was she doing the right thing? Was it really best to simply let it all go? No…this had to be done, not just for her sake but for theirs. She took a step forwards, pushing open the small white gate that blocked her path and beginning the short walk up the bank to the house. Rarity followed close behind her casting looks at the garden around her. It was easy to tell that earth ponies had made it. Everything was arranged perfectly for maximum production and yet the garden didn’t feel artificial or managed. Flowers bloomed from odd places and every so often the perfectly straight plantation lines would take a sudden turn or stop without warning. Rarity had often wondered about the magic of earth ponies and their connection to the world around them. Unlike her own magic, earth magic was subtle and silent; always surrounding them but never seen. She took a deep breath, her nose filling with the sweet smell of flowers and herbs. She still hated getting dirty but she could understand why Applejack loved her farm so much, being surrounded by such natural beauty was truly a gift.

As the pair arrived at the door Octavia paused once more. She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath as she did and raising a hoof towards the door. She hesitated, the moment finally upon her, but it only lasted a second as her hoof came down and rapped several times on the door. At first there was nothing, silence, and then the gentle clop of hooves filled the air as a pony approached from the other side of the door. A bolt was slid back and the hinges gave a small creak as the door finally opened. A brown coloured earth pony stood before them. He wasn’t looking at them just yet, his attention diverted down the hallway behind him.

“Just a minute darling, I’ll be right with you,” he called over his shoulder before turning his attention forwards, “Hello, can I help…?”

He stopped mid-sentence, his face going slightly white as he came face to face with Octavia. She tried to remain calm, to keep an expression of neutrality on her face, but it was difficult.

“Hello Concerto, may we come in?” she asked slowly.

Concerto seemed to swallow at the question and for a moment he simply stood motionless in the doorway. Finally he gave a small sigh and nodded.

“…of course,” he replied.

He stepped back and opened the door allowing both of them to enter. The air was as still as a millpond and no pony spoke a word as Concerto led them down a small hallway and into the main room of the house. Rarity found herself looking around at the décor. Exposed beams ran the length of the room, each one decorated with various horseshoe ornaments and farm tack. A selection of old worn sofas lay scattered around the room in front of an open fire, currently unlit but cleaned and prepared for lighting that evening. The walls were adorned with pictures of various ponies and on one wall hung a pair of violins, their necks crossed like a coat of arms. In the centre of the room stood a yellow coloured mare with a purple mane and tail. Her back was turned to them and she was cooing a song quietly as she swayed back and forth gently.

“Concerto, who was at the door?” she asked without looking round as the door opened.

“Hello Symphony,” replied Octavia quietly, keeping her voice as calm as she could.

“Oc…Octavia…” murmured Symphony as her body froze on the spot.

She turned slowly to face them, both Rarity and Octavia gasping slightly as she did. In one of her front hooves was cradled a roll of blankets, the small form of a baby foal visible through an opening at the top. The foal was a light peach colour, the tip of her yellow mane flicking back and forth on the breeze caused by her gentle breathing. For a moment nopony spoke, each unsure on what exactly they should say. For a moment the resolve Octavia had flickered; should she really be here, was it really necessary?

“M-May we sit down?” she asked hesitantly.

Symphony cast a glance at Concerto, the stallion giving a single firm nod of his head. Symphony sighed and nodded in response.

“Of course, please have a seat,” she said slowly and she continued to cradle the child in her hoof.

Octavia and Rarity slowly slipped themselves into a seat and again a silence fell on the room. Octavia found herself staring at the sleeping foal.

“What her name?” the question was quiet, barely a whisper dare she disturb the sleeping infant.

“Melody,” replied Symphony with a small smile as she cast a glance down at her daughter.

“M-Melody?” questioned Octavia thinking she must have heard wrong, “As in…”

“As in you, yes,” interrupted Symphony with another sigh.

Slowly she moved over to a chair herself and hoisted herself onto it. She sat back, bringing her second front hoof round to cradle the infant properly before resuming her earlier motion of gently rocking her back and forth. For a moment she just sat and smiled at the child.

“We’ve been expecting you to drop by at some point, haven’t we Concerto?” she stated.

The other pony just nodded and grunted affirmatively as he sat down next to her. Slowly he raised a hoof and lightly brushed it against the foal’s cheek. She made a small gurgle in her sleep and stretched slightly but otherwise remained asleep.

“I expect you’re here to find out why we did it?” asked Symphony as she looked back at Octavia, “We heard about everything that happened in Canterlot recently, we’re both glad things are looking up for you.”

She cast a glance at Rarity, her smile broadening slightly, “Would you be Rarity?”

“That I am darling,” replied the unicorn.

“Words can’t describe how happy we are for what you’ve done for Octavia and her friends. We’re so grateful.”

“Very grateful,” added Concerto with a slight bow of his head.

“But why?” cut in Octavia sharply, her eyes narrowing slightly, “Why?”

A look of shame and regret slowly crept across Symphony’s face. Octavia immediately felt bad for being so sharp but her desire for answers remained strong as she waited for Symphony to speak.

“I guess I should start from the beginning,” she said finally as she looked over at Concerto for a moment, “It all began when Concerto and I met during a visit to the concert hall in Canterlot. We were both aspiring musicians at the time and had come to check out the local talent.”

“I don’t think either of us expected to find such talented musicians did we dear?” added Concerto.

“No we didn’t,” she replied with a small smile, “But neither of us wanted to give in. We met during the intermission and started talking. By the end of the night we had decided to help each other, form a duo and try to make our own mark on the musical world. It seemed like a perfect plan…but there were problems.”

“Canterlot already had a thriving cultural centre and finding a space within it was difficult,” continued Concerto, “We tried many venues but a lot of the time we were turned down due to venue schedules being booked up months in advance. We did make some money, enough to live on, but it was a frugal existence.”

“The more we worked together though the more we were determined to make it work but something else occurred that we didn’t account for…we both fell in love.”

Symphony and Concerto looked at each other, the pair lost in each other’s eyes for a moment before Symphony finally broke the look and glanced back at Octavia.

“It took some time for us both to admit it to ourselves and then to each other but when we did we found the feeling was mutual. I can say it was one of the happiest moments of my life apart from the day Melody was born. She was conceived that day but we didn’t know it at the time. When we did find out we began to panic a little, we barely had enough money to support ourselves and babies are not cheap.”

“It was about this time that we found out your ensemble was looking for short notice replacements for the Garden Party,” Concerto said as he picked up the story from Symphony, “Of course we were thrilled when we got the opportunity. It would help both our finances and it gave us an idea. We could use the limelight from that event to promote ourselves and hopefully get some recognition and more venue opportunities.”

“It worked…in part,” sighed Symphony with a shake of her head, “I think if we could have calmed down everything would have worked out but instead everything fell apart around us. After that we started getting even less shows and the panic finally overwhelmed us.”

“We aren’t proud of what we did,” added Concerto with his own sigh, “We may have been driven by fear at the time but that doesn’t excuse the pain and suffering we caused. All we wanted to do was knock your ensemble down a couple of pegs, create some more openings for ourselves so we could earn a little money. We never thought…it would get so out of control. When everything came out about what happened during the Royal Wedding we couldn’t stop it. We tried, Celestia knows we tried, but the rumours took on a life of their own and everypony started spreading them.”

“We were so shocked by what happened that we just couldn’t bear to stay in Canterlot,” sniffed Symphony, “You can say that we ran and you’d be correct. When I saw the full extent of what our fear and panic had done I nearly…thank Celestia Concerto was there to stop me.”

The mare leaned over, pressing herself against Concerto’s side as he gently wrapped a hoof round her shoulders. Octavia sat silently, her desire for answer fading just as fast as her anger and resentment. She wanted to get up and go to them, she wanted to say she was sorry…but she remained seated and silent, frozen by the truth that sat before her.

“We managed to find this place and had just enough bits to buy it,” continued Symphony after a moment, “We started growing fruit and vegetables and sold them at nearby markets, I suppose it’s lucky that we are both earth ponies. Melody was born a few months ago so since then I’ve not had much time to tend the crops so Concerto has been doing it alone. It’s been hard but I suppose it’s been nothing compared to what you’ve been through.”

“I know it doesn’t really mean anything now,” cut in Concerto, “But believe me when I say we are both sorry…and I just hope you can find it in you to forgive us.”

For a moment Octavia didn’t say anything as everything she had just heard circled round and round her head. She had always suspected that they had been driven by jealousy, that much was certain…but not in this way. Perhaps her time in Canterlot had desensitised her to the plight of other ponies? Perhaps she had been so used to having everything that she hadn’t noticed the ponies under her and the struggles they went though. She knew now what that was like; to have everypony looking down on you, struggling against a never ending tide of pain.

She looked at the two ponies sat before her, both of them looking back with eyes filled swimming in sorrow and hope. How could she not forgive them? How could she not? And yet one thing was yet left unanswered, not about what had happened before but about what had happened since.

“What about your music?” she asked.

Concerto and Symphony just blinked, not expecting the question in the slightest. They looked at each other for a moment seemingly unsure on how to answer.

“We…we haven’t really played since we moved here,” replied Symphony after a moment, “All our effort has been put into our garden and then into Melody.”

“I don’t think either of us has felt very musical in the last year either…” added Concerto.

Octavia huffed and immediately got up from her seat. Everypony in the room was watching her, hope slowly draining from the faces of Concerto and Symphony. After taking a few steps Octavia stopped and turned around.

“I’ll forgive you…on one condition…” she said as she turned away again and headed towards the back wall.

There on the wall hung two violins, Octavia slowly lifting one of them from the wall and walking back towards the assembled ponies. She held out the violin towards them, determination and resolution dancing in her eyes.

“One condition,” she repeated firmly, “don’t give up on your music.”

The two ponies looked at her with confusion forcing a sigh from Octavia’s mouth.

“Before two weeks ago all I ever had in my life was music,” she said slowly as she seated herself one more, “Music kept me going during the worst time I could imagine. It gave me strength, determination and a purpose. It let me reach out and touch other without them even realising or wanting. No matter the hardship, no matter the pain and suffering, you cannot let such a precious gift go unused. Please, if not for yourself then for Melody. That very word has meaning and you can’t allow her to grow up not knowing the full power of the word by which she is named. So, I will forgive you and everything you’ve done if you promise me that you will not give up on your talent and show your child the wonders that music can bring.”

By the time Octavia stopped talking Symphony was on the verge of tears. Had she not been cradling Melody in her hooves Octavia was sure those same hooves would be wrapped around her neck. Concerto appeared to have better control over his emotions but even so Octavia could see the waves of happiness lapping against the backs of his eyes.

“Thank you,” he said slowly, “Thank you.”

“Thank you for not saying anything,” smiled Octavia as she and Rarity walked calmly along the forest track.

“I told you I wouldn’t my dear and I’m not one to break my promises,” replied the unicorn, “Did you find all the answers you needed?”

“All of them and more than them, I feel like my heart is finally free.”

“I’m glad my dear.”

Rarity slowly leaned over and planted a small kiss on Octavia’s cheek. The earth pony blushed slightly and gave a small sigh. She couldn’t describe how she felt, a mix of so many emotions that it would have been easier to describe how she didn’t feel. She stopped for a moment, looking back down the track at the small house nestled under the trees.

“They’ll be alright, I’m sure of it,” reassured Rarity as she followed the earth pony’s gaze.

“I hope so, I know what those two have been through…but unlike me they never found somepony like you to help them.”

“Oh I wouldn’t be too sure of that my dear.”

Rarity shot a glance at Octavia and giggled quietly before turning away and continuing along the track. Octavia remained still for a moment before she too turned away, a small smile present on her face.

Chapter 1

The days just kept getting better and better; Rarity still couldn’t believe the cards that Lady Luck had dealt her. What had started as a chance encounter with Fancy Pants in the streets of Canterlot had grown into a second life for her. Despite the shocking revelation she had divulged at the Canterlot Garden Party the year before her life of high society had continued without issue. Of course she put this down to Fancy Pants acceptance, had he not interjected when he had the history of the last year would have been much different.

The other members of the Canterlot elite had taken a little longer to come around to the idea that she was a common pony by birth but Rarity had been able to win them over once again without too much work. Her style, elegance and charms had certainly done much to convince them that she was indeed a pony to be respected but she couldn’t help but wonder if Fancy Pants was still pulling some strings behind the scenes.

She could remember spending time with him during the Canterlot wedding following the defeat of Chrysalis and she looked back at that time with fond memories. She often found herself musing on the fact that he was already taken. Rarity did feel a little jealous of Fleur but she knew her own white knight would find her soon although she was beginning to think that so long as it wasn’t Blueblood she would settle for anything. She shook her head, that wasn’t how she should be thinking. She was a high society mare and deserved the best she could get.

“Have faith Rarity, your prince will come one day,” she said to herself with a tone full of confidence, “Besides, good things come to those who wait.”

She looked briefly at the clock, nearly seven o clock. She had been invited to the Royal Canterlot Hall that evening by one of Fancy Pants’ many companions. Despite visiting as often as she could she still had a little trouble remembering all the new names, what was it now? Corsage? Yes that was it!

“Isn’t it just marvelous Opal?” she mused to herself as she pranced back and forth across her room in Canterlot Castle, “It’s so much like a dream come true that…oh it’s just splendid!”

Opal didn’t appear to be interested, the feline companion happily asleep on the large four poster bed that dominated the centre of the room. Rarity smiled to herself as she continued with her preparations. Once again she had been able to secure her usual suite at the castle. With all the frequent visits she was making to Canterlot Princess Celestia had decided to have a key made for her so she could access the room whenever she needed. It had been quite an honour; to be able to put down a permanent address at the castle when she delivered new shipments of dresses always got an awestruck response.

She looked at the clock once again, the hands just arriving at seven o clock. The show started at eight but she did have a short journey from the castle to the hall to take into account so she would have to leave shortly. She paused for a moment, admiring herself in the full length mirror that stood against one of the walls. She couldn’t help but giggle slightly at her reflection. She looked stunning! She was adorned in a long flowing purple dress that matched in with her mane colour perfectly. Every seam and hem had been studded with miniscule gems that twinkled in the light as she moved. On her head sat a small golden tiara that aided to hold her neatly styled mane in place. It was a new style she was trying out in preparation for that year’s Grand Galloping Gala and so far she was pleased with the results. Despite her unfortunate encounter with Blueblood Rarity still wished to attend the Gala again. Only this time she hoped it would be with her white knight rather than in an attempt to find him.

She smiled and cast a final look at herself in the mirror. She was ready! With a nod to herself she elegantly swung from the room and began her descent towards the ground below. On her way several of the Canterlot Castle guards nodded in her direction. They were quite accustom to her comings and goings by now and she always returned their nod with a beaming smile and a small wave. Tonight was no exception and she greeted them as she passed by. Before long though she was making her way down the gradually darkening streets of the capital.

Canterlot was always quiet at night, the hustle and bustle of the day giving way to quiet nightly performances and romantic strolls. A few ponies made their way here and there, most of them not even noticing the dressed up unicorn as she quietly trotted along. Above her the gradually darkening sky was starting to fill with all manner of stars. For a moment Rarity stopped to admire it, she had to admit that ever since Princess Luna had returned the night skies had always been that much more elegant and dazzling.

“Miss Rarity,” came a noticeable yet well maintained call.

Rarity looked back at the street to find a lilac coloured earth pony trotting towards her. Her iris coloured mane was neatly pinned up behind her head which was adorned with the most amazing purple hat Rarity had seen in a while. Perhaps it was the pink feather that stuck out from it that set it apart from other hats; but all this said Rarity still believed her own designs were better.

“So glad to see you,” continued the pony as she elegantly straightened a crease in the white blouse that she was wearing, “Tonight performance is going to be simply brilliant.”

“Why yes of course it is my dear Corsage,” replied Rarity with a small wave of her front hoof, “I have heard many good things about this performance although I’ve never had the chance to attend before.”

“Oh you are in for a treat, now do come along or we’ll miss the opening.”

Rarity fell into step alongside Corsage as the two ponies made their way down the street to the concert hall. She had to admit a few of the ponies she had met did seem to be a little full of themselves but Corsage appeared a little more tempered; well for a Canterlot pony that was. It seemed she was well known at the hall though, various staff ponies giving Corsage a short bow as she passed by. She led Rarity towards the back of the reception area and up several flights of stairs, climbing high into the structure of the concert hall.

As the pair emerged into the light Rarity found herself standing in one of the boxes that encircled the main concert stage. Rarity should have expected this, no pony with connections like Corsage would have been seen mixing with other ponies. Rarity couldn’t help but feel a little superior for a moment, the high flying lifestyle starting to affect every ounce of her being.

“Isn’t it just a marvelous view?” asked Corsage, “This box only ever gets used when I visit.”

“Quite impressive,” replied Rarity as she stared down at the stage below.

Corsage seemed to smile a little, obviously happy with the comment. After a moment of intrigue in which Rarity cast her vision across the assembling crowd below she turned to her side and levitated a program into view. It had been given to her just before she had ascended the stairs to the box and, although she had checked out the line-up for tonight’s performance, she felt duty bound to give it a cursory glance over.

For the most part everything looked in order. The main event of the night was a performance by Lyrica Lilac, Canterlot’s finest opera singer, and the program made a point of advertising this at every possible opportunity. Of course there were a few supporting acts scheduled for the evening but one in particular caught her attention.

“A Melody of Octaves?” she questioned aloud as she scanned the program, “I don’t recall that on the previous versions.”

“What was that?” asked Corsage as she glanced over at Rarity.

The unicorn moved the programme so Corsage could see it and almost immediately the earth pony scrunched her nose.

“Oh no! Not her!” she announced with a hint of disgust, “Honestly! They are still trying to prop up that disgrace of a pony?”

Rarity was a little confused and gave a small frown. She was about to question Corsage’s reaction but the lights in the hall suddenly dropped indicating that the show was about to start. She slowly lowered the program and let her magic fade as she turned her attention to the show. For a time the show progressed but Rarity only half noticed what was going on. She clapped with the crowd and listened to the ever changing flow of music drifting up from the stage but her mind still lingered on the addition to the programme.

As one of the performances finished she heard Corsage sigh, “Well she’s next…I simply can’t understand why the theatre still puts up with her. It’s just a bad reminder for us who would rather forget all about it.”

Rarity was still puzzled but now she was also intrigued, what could possibly be so bad? She looked back at the stage and waited. As the curtain rose once more a single pony stood on the stage. She was an earth pony, her grey coat expertly combed and shining in the lights of the stage. Her well-kept mane and tail had the opposite effect, the deeper shade of grey drawing in light that caused her highlights to stand out. Around her neck was a small white collar, a well-shaped pink bowtie set neatly in the middle. She stood on her hind legs, her weight supported on her front hoofs by holding the neck of the large instrument she was about to play, a cello.

She still hadn’t opened her eyes and as she raised her bow to play they remained that way. One of her hooves moved to the neck of the instrument whilst her other slowly swung her bow round to meet the strings. There was a pause, a moment of silence, and then the notes began to fill the theatre.

Rarity was momentarily taken aback, the sound was unlike anything she had ever heard. It was soft and gentle yet held emotions she couldn’t place and a strength that made her shiver to her core. What’s more she recognised the pony, it was the same one who had been playing at the Grand Galloping Gala over a year ago. She had never got the chance to meet her but it was hard to mistake her due to the instrument she played.

Rarity could have listened to the music all night but it was over far too quickly. As the music finally came to a close there was another silence, an almost pregnant pause. Until now all the performers had received their applause immediately but now the audience seemed hesitant to react. Finally a series of clops began to wash their way across the crowd. They were unenthusiastic and quiet, nothing like what had come before. Rarity felt a little shocked, what was going on?

Without a second thought she leaned up against the edge of the box and began to clap herself, as loudly and enthusiastically as she had done for all the acts previously. Her actions appeared to spur on a few others in the crowd and the noise of clapping increased slightly. As it did the earth pony finally opened her eyes, her purple iris’ skimming the shadowy form of the crowd before her. In that instant Rarity was hit by a surge of sadness. Despite the neutral expression on the earth pony’s face Rarity could see the waves of despair that were washing over her.

And then, as quickly as she had appeared, she was gone as the curtain dropped once more. Rarity leaned back as she let her clapping peter out. She could hear Corsage express her distaste as a loud groan of annoyance.

“Oh thank goodness that’s over with,” she commented, “Waste of time if you ask me. But enough of that, it’s time for the main event! Did I mention I know Lyrica personally? Perhaps I did, I should introduce her to you after the show.”

“Uh yes, perhaps,” replied Rarity as she cast her eyes back to the stage, her mind still lingering on the earth pony who had come before.

The evening continued without any further issues. Lyrica sang well, Rarity having to admit that she was indeed highly talented. Several encores were sung but the grey earth pony was not seen again. As the pair finally left the private box the night was well established. The moon was high in the sky and the time was well after midnight. Corsage couldn’t stop talking.

“…And well you know how it can be sometimes,” she finished giving a short giggle of amusement at her own story, “But oh I almost forgot, I was going to introduce you to Lyrica wasn’t I. Come this way.”

Corsage quickly set off towards one side of the theatre without waiting for Rarity to respond. Part of Rarity’s mind was still thinking about the earth pony but the rest was now totally focused on high society once again. It was, after all, why she was here and she had to make the best impression she could at all times.

“Sounds marvelous,” she replied as she fell into step beside Corsage, “I must say her performance was certainly spectacular.”

“She will be ever so pleased to hear that,” replied Corsage as she shot a beaming smile at Rarity.

Together the pair approached a door. On it a sigh read ‘Private – Staff Only’ and a bullish looking security pony stood next to it. As the pair arrived Corsage gave him a small smile and flashed a small ID badge at him. He nodded and stepped aside, using one hoof to push the door open for them. Together they entered the next hallway. It wasn’t any different to any other corridor you might find but the number of doors that led off from it on either side was higher than usual. Rarity found herself glancing one way and another as they passed the doors, each one holding a name of a particular pony.

She was so engrossed in her viewing that she almost walked straight into Corsage as she stopped in the middle of the corridor. Looking round at the door they had stopped at the name ‘Lyrica Lilac’ was plain to see embossed in gold. Corsage rose a hoof and gave a firm but polite knock.

“Who is it?” came a voice.

“Corsage,” replied the Canterlot pony.

There was a brief pause and the door was flung open. Lyrica stood there, her usually styled mane hanging loose behind her and a towel draped across her back.

“Corsage! Sweetie, how have you been?” chimed the purple pony as she greeted Corsage with a hug, “Do forgive my appearance, I had just finished taking a shower, performances can be oh so tiring.”

“Fear not Lyrica, I know we didn’t exactly make an appointment, your appearance matters not.”

Lyrica now turned to look at Rarity, curiosity filling her face, “And who might this be?”

“This is my friend Rarity,” announced Corsage quickly before Rarity herself could speak, “She has been in town on business and I decided to treat her to the performance tonight.”

“It was certainly spectacular,” added Rarity quickly, eager to get at least a few words in between Corsage’s barrage.

Lyrica paused for a moment, examining Rarity closely, “Rarity you say, you do look familiar from somewh…oh my! Where you that pony who was at Fluttershy’s final performance.”

“Oh…ah, yes that was I,” replied Rarity, the unicorn feeling a small blush spread across her face at the mention of that event.

“Well imagine that,” smiled Lyrica, “Imagine meeting such a famous fashion designer, your ensembles are quite magnificent. I just recently placed an order for one of the crystal rose lines, oh how you work such wonders is simply amazing.”

Rarity could feel her ego swelling with every word. It was true that since Hoity Toity had decided to stock her dresses in his shop that her trade had been greatly magnified, at least in Canterlot. Whilst there were still only a few ponies who knew her by sight her name was well known across the fashion world of Canterlot and surrounding areas.

“Why thank you darling,” replied Rarity, trying to keep herself from looking too smug, “I’m sure you’ll be absolutely thrilled with your purchase…but if you do have concerns I’m sure our friend Corsage here will be able to get word to me. Can’t have my clients being disappointed now.”

“Well said, now do come in both of you. It will be so lovely to talk a while, I’ll have some tea brought in too.”

As Rarity and Corsage moved forwards into the room Lyrica shut the door behind them and quickly set about picking up a few loose items that were lying about the room. It was a small but lavish set up, space obviously being a premium in the old theatre. A large mirror and dressing table dominated one wall covered in a host of neatly arranged make ups, perfumes and creams. Rarity eyed some of them enviously as she recognised the top brand names amongst the cosmetics. A couch sat on another wall, big enough to relax on, next to which stood a small table and a couple of comfy looking chairs. A neat pile of suitcases were stacked against the third wall next to a modestly sized wardrobe complete with yet another set of mirrors. Away to the side a second door led into another room, Rarity assuming that it led to the bathroom. Even the décor itself has received special treatment, the exposed wood rails and beams in the room being varnished to a glimmering shine and the paint holding a slight twinkle to it.

“It’s not quite as grand as my own dressing room at home but it certainly covers my needs,” spoke up Lyrica as she noticed Rarity scrutinising the room, “They even go as far as to make sure I have clean towels after every performance, I must say they certainly provide for your ever need.”

“And rightly so Lyrica, you are famous after all,” cut in Corsage, her snooty attitude raising its head again, “I can’t imagine them giving you anything less than perfection.”

As the conversation continued between the two friends Rarity found her mind wandering. Yet again it was the same type of conversation she had heard a million times before. Occasionally a part of her became tired of the constant showboating and stuck up attitude but she was unaware of just how tired she had become of it until a few moments later.

A thundering crash sounded from outside the door, both Lyrica and Corsage stopping mid conversation to look at the door. Lyrica looked a little irritated.

“If that’s the porter again I’m going to have him fired!” she complained as she approached the door and swung it open, “Well speak of the devil, we were just talking about you. I don’t know how you managed to get back on stage but you can be assured that you won’t any longer. Why don’t you just go back to that hometown of yours and stay there, you’re not welcome in Canterlot anymore, no pony has even the slightest interest in you.”

During Lyrica’s rant Corsage had arrived at her side and was nodding in agreement with every word. Rarity had been trying to see just what was going on but the two earth ponies were effectively blocking her view. As Corsage moved slightly though Rarity saw her chance, pushing in between the two ponies.

On the other side of the door lay a rather stunned looking grey earth pony, the same one that had been on stage just before Lyrica. She was surrounded by numerous heavy looking cases including what looked to be a large instrument. It would appear that she had been trying to haul the stack of cases down the corridor all by herself but this would have been a tall order for even a stallion to manage on his own. Her eyes were beginning to water, Rarity easily seeing the fear and sadness spreading through the pony’s body.

As Lyrica and Corsage continued to bombard her with insults and cruel words though Rarity felt something inside her snap. This pony had performed amazingly that evening. It had without a doubt been the most moving act of the whole evening. Not to take away from Lyrica but the grey earth pony had done more in five minutes playing than Lyrica had done in an hour of singing.

She couldn’t allow this to continue, she wouldn’t allow it to continue.

“Goodness darling are you alright?” she asked loudly, cutting Lyrica off mid-sentence.

The grey earth pony blinked hard, an action mimicked by Lyrica and Corsage who proceeded to look at the unicorn with amazement.

“What?” asked Lyrica slowly, trying to work out if she’d just heard Rarity correctly.

“I was just asking if she was alright, a tumble like that can really damage a lady’s back if one isn’t careful. Here let me help you with those cases,” continued Rarity.

Effortlessly her horn gave a glow and the scattered cases lifted into the air and began stacking themselves back up in a neat pile beside her. Rarity admired the stack for a moment and then nodded to herself.

“Much better, now then my dear do get up, the floor is such an uncouth place for a lady to be,” she said quickly as she stepped forward to help pull the pony to her feet.

“I…um…” the earth pony tried to speak but she was seemingly as stunned as Rarity’s companions.

“Oh don’t worry about thanking me darling, any pony with a proper set of manners would do the same. Speaking of manners, allow me to help you with those cases, they will be such a struggle on your own.”

Without pausing she quickly turned to her companions, both of them still stuck in stunned silence.

“Well my dears it would seem I’ll have to cut this little get together short. Can’t have this poor mare here injuring herself trying to move these bags. Most pleasant to meet you Lyrica, your performance was lovely. And thank you Corsage for the invitation. I’m sure I’ll see you later, I heard Fancy Pants is planning a tea party and I do so wish to attend before I have to leave for home. Good night darlings.”

With that Rarity quickly lofted the earth pony’s bags into the air with her magic and set off down the corridor. The three earth ponies just stared after her in shock but eventually the grey pony, half motivated by fear of the other two and half by the fact that her belongings were currently sailing off down the corridor, shook herself off and trotted after Rarity. Lyrica and Corsage still didn’t say anything, both of them seeming too shocked to even blink.

Rarity made straight for the front doors of the concert hall, ignoring any pony who happened to cross her path on the way. As she went she continued to talk, commenting on various aspects of the mare’s luggage from the size and shape to the intricate detail of the stitching on one of the cases. The grey mare followed on, a mixed look of confusion and apprehension on her face. As Rarity finally pushed the front doors of the concert hall open she stopped, setting the bags down to one side.

“I must apologise for my companions,” she said quickly, turning to face the earth pony, “They are a nice enough group…but they can be a little cruel at times.”

“It’s…alright,” replied the earth pony, looking back at the concert hall with an odd look of longing in her eyes.

“Goodness with all the fuss I’ve yet to introduce myself, I am Rarity and it’s a pleasure to meet such a talented pony. I must say that your rendition tonight was simply stunning although far too brief for my liking, you really should have had centre stage with that.”

“…Thank you,” replied the mare after a moment, forcing a weak smile onto her face as she looked back at Rarity, “My name is Octavia, Octavia Melody.”

“A Melody of Octaves,” smiled Rarity, “I do like a clever little play on words like that. Do tell me though darling, why weren’t the porters helping you with your bags?”

Octavia didn’t reply for a moment, letting out a short sigh as she seemed to be debating with herself about something.

“They…aren’t allowed,” she said finally.

“Aren’t allowed? Well that seems rather unfair. I know that earth ponies tend to have a little more strength than others but to make you carry your own bags, simply disgraceful! I have half a mind to walk back in there and find out what is going on!”

“No! Please don’t!”

Octavia suddenly looked afraid, her lower lip trembling slightly as she looked at Rarity with pleading eyes.

“Darling…?” enquired Rarity slowly, “Whatever is the matter?”

Octavia didn’t reply, instead she just gave a small sniff and looked away as she tried to hide the fact that tears were starting to form in her eyes. Rarity could tell something was very wrong here. She slowly walked up to Octavia’s side and gently placed a hoof around her shoulders. Octavia didn’t move away, instead only giving another sniff as she quickly wiped away a tear. Rarity was about to speak when a rumbling gurgle filled the air, Octavia letting out a soft whimper of embarrassment as her face turned red.

“Come with me darling, we need to get you something to eat and somewhere to sit down for a while, I know just the place,” Rarity spoke softly as she gently hugged Octavia.

Octavia herself didn’t seem to care, nodding slowly as Rarity released her embrace and slowly levitated her bags back into the air. For the most part Octavia didn’t recall the journey at all. Canterlot was almost silent, the drag ends of various party goers returning home and the silent streets of shops waiting for the morning rush. High above the moon shone brightly, piercing the light clouds that drifted across the sky and obscured the stars. Octavia continued to sniffle, her head hanging low and her gaze fixed on the cobbled streets upon which she walked.

“We’re here darling,” announced Rarity at last causing her to look up.

Octavia was met with a brightly shining beacon of light. She recoiled from it for a moment as her eyes adjusted to the intensity but as she looked back it came into focus. A large diner sat ahead of her, well perhaps diner wasn’t the right word for it. Above the establishment a large donut stuck up towards the sky with the words ‘Donut Joe’s Emporium’ stencilled onto it. The light was shining out through large windows but the lightly frosted glass meant it wasn’t possible to see inside.

Rarity stepped forwards, “Come along my dear, it might not be the finest eating establishment in all of Canterlot but it’s never closed, has some surprisingly good baked goods and is, at this time of night, very quiet.”

With that Rarity pushed the door open and stepped inside, floating Octavia’s bags in along with her. Octavia didn’t seem to have a choice, slowly following the unicorn inside. The establishment was very much like a diner, tables set out in neat rows with those along the walls having large padded sofas seats. At the far end of the room stood the counter, behind which a tall light tan coloured unicorn was stood glancing back over his shoulder.

“Well I’ll be, Rarity! I’ve not seen you in quite some time,” he announced quickly, “To what do I have the honour of your visit?”

“Always the charmer Joe,” replied Rarity with a small smile, “Two of the usual please, we’ll be sat around the corner.”

Donut Joe gave a small nod as he began to busy himself behind the counter as Rarity ushered Octavia into a seat. The earth pony looked a little uncomfortable as if she was worried about being there. Rarity smiled as she slid herself into a seat.

“Don’t worry darling, if any pony saw us in here they’d have just as much to worry about as us and I’m sure we could sort out a little deal. Besides, I’m not going to let such things come between me and one of my favourite snacks,” she said quickly noticing the expression on Octavia’s face.

For a moment they both looked at each other, Octavia still looking a little uneasy as she slid into a seat of her own.

“Relax darling, you’ll strain a muscle if you tense up so much,” commented Rarity before her eyes brightened, “Oh that gives me an idea, you should come to the spa with me, it is such an amazing feeling.”

“Why are you being so nice to me…?”

The question made Rarity pause for a moment, “Beg pardon?”

“Why are you being so nice to me, what are you planning? Unless you’re completely clueless then you wouldn’t be seen socialising with me this side of the next solar eclipse.”

Octavia was looking at Rarity with an almost expectant expression as if she knew exactly what Rarity was going to do next. Rarity however paused and thought for a moment, studying the earth pony.

“I’m being nice to you darling because if I hadn’t those two ruffians, all be it well connected ruffians, would have taunted you into a ball of shivering fur. Now whilst I wouldn’t normally say a thing I cannot stand idly by and watch such a talented pony demeaned and insulted in such a way.”

Octavia’s expression softened slightly but she still looked slightly unconvinced.

“Look darling, I really don’t know what going on. I’ve only just got back to Canterlot after an extended absence and between organising my next fashion show and trying to maintain appearances I’ve not had time to, well, indulge in the latest gossip.”

“So you haven’t heard about the utterly disgraceful and scandalous musician who disrespects the art scene of Canterlot with her very presence? You haven’t heard about how a group of friends who have been together for years and thought that nothing would come between them be ripped apart by truths that should have remained hidden? You haven’t heard about the constant torment and ridicule she has to endure daily? You haven’t…”

Octavia’s words descended into a mix of sniffs and gentle sobs as she let her head fall to her hoofs on the table top. Rarity was a little taken aback, not only had she had no clue at all but she hadn’t even expected it. Octavia’s performance that evening had been faultless and moving, could what she was saying be true. Just then the smiling face of Joe rounded the corner of the counter levitating two plates of food with his magic. He stopped dead as he saw the scene before him, Rarity looking up and giving him a knowing look. Joe just smiled and gave a nod, levitating the plates and cups onto the table and then retreating from view.

Rarity glanced at the food, two plates of mini chocolate filled donuts and a large hot chocolate drink with cream. Rarity liked to dine elegantly of course but her time in Ponyville had given her a much broader insight into cuisine and ever since Twilight had introduced her to Joe’s establishment following their trip to the Grand Galloping Gala she had always found time to stop by whenever she visited.

“Why don’t you eat something first, you’re obviously hungry,” encouraged Rarity, “I can imagine a performance like that takes it out of you, I know I certainly feel drained after a show. And don’t worry, it’s on me.”

Octavia looked up, the earth pony’s eyes already red with tears. At the sight of the food though she swallowed hard, looking up at Rarity with a questioning expression. Rarity didn’t notice though, she was already using her magic to spoon a little of the cream from her hot chocolate onto her first mini donut before taking a small elegant bite from the side. Octavia looked back at her own plate, licking her lips for a moment before picking up two of the donuts and cramming them into her mouth.

She chewed hard and swallowed before another two of the donuts disappeared from view. As she finished swallowing again she grabbed her drink, downing half of it in one go before pausing. Rarity was looking at her with an astonished expression on her face as the earth pony devoured the last two of her donuts. Cream from her drink covered her upper muzzle and her lips were plastered with chocolate. As Octavia realised what she had just done she blushed hard, looking around as if she was trying to work out if anypony else had seen her.

“I…apologies…” she murmured quietly as she reached for a nearby napkin.

“Goodness darling, I knew you were hungry but you’re acting like you haven’t eaten all day!”

“…two days actually…” replied Octavia with a hint of embarrassment.

“Two days?!” exclaimed Rarity, “You put on a show like you did tonight and you haven’t eaten in two days?! Goodness darling! Here, I think it’s best if you have the rest of my portion…and I won’t accept no as an answer!”

She finished her sentence firmly as she slid her plate over to the earth pony. Octavia looked a little sheepish but slowly started to eat her way through the remaining donuts on Rarity’s plate, all be it one at a time now. Rarity gave a small sigh.

“Darling please, there is obviously something happening under the surface here and I honestly have no idea what it is. I thought it was simply a case of jealousy but I can see this just isn’t the case. I would like to help if I can,” stated Rarity.

Octavia gave a sigh of her own as she sat back in her chair. Despite the look of sadness that seemed to fill her she still managed to maintain a sense of poise but Rarity could see it was simply an act.

“I’m sorry,” replied Octavia after a moment, “I’ve just become so suspicious of every pony recently. I’m sure you can understand…Canterlot isn’t known for its generous population. I really don’t know where to begin, so much has happened in the last year that I…I try to block most of it out, just thinking about it tends to make me cry. I pride myself on being a strong pony, not just physically but emotionally and mentally too. It’s hard to imagine that I’ve cried myself to sleep more times than I can remember in recent months. I just want to make music, it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do…”

Rarity leaned forwards and gently placed a hoof on Octavia’s, “Don’t push yourself darling, just start simple…perhaps you could tell me why you haven’t eaten in two days?”

“…I simply haven’t had the bits for it,” replied Octavia flatly as if it was too obvious to even need explaining.

“No money? But darling, don’t your shows bring in something? I appreciate you aren’t the main act but they must still pay you.”

“They did…for a while at least. Then they started arguing and reducing my rate. Then they simply began refusing to pay me at all. Part of me was concerned of course but I carried on, performing one show after another hoping they would finally decide to offer up some bits. My finances started to get low and…well I fell behind on my rent payments. I knew I couldn’t live on the streets and still continue to perform so…I opted to go without food. It was ok at first, I managed to sneak a few morsels from the theatre after every show, left-overs mostly. Even so my savings were getting low and even without paying for food I was going to run out very quickly, you know how expensive the rent is here in Canterlot.”

Rarity nodded slowly, not wanting to interrupt the earth pony as she spoke.

“Well that brings us to last week. The theatre decided that I wasn’t worth employing any more, even if they weren’t paying me. They decided to cut my show from the listings and…I guess I panicked. I begged them to let me keep performing, I said I’d do anything. Looking back that was so foolish of me. They agreed to relist my show and in my haste I signed everything they put in front of me. It wasn’t until later that I realised my mistake. They had inserted a clause in my contract that simply said that after my performance tonight I would not be allowed back into the concert hall…ever.”

“What?!” cried Rarity quickly, slamming her hooves on the table top, “How can they do that?! That’s simply outrageous! Oh wait until I get my hooves on the manager, he’ll regret doing…”

“No,” interrupted Octavia with a gentle sigh, “no it’s my fault. I should have seen something like this coming a long time ago. They have been looking for a way to be rid of me for some time now. Part of the reason I decided to carry on performing despite not being paid was to prove to them that I wasn’t going to give in. But it would seem that doesn’t matter any more now. My rent ran out on my apartment yesterday and earlier today I found all my belongings packed away in boxes outside the building. That’s why I’ve got all those cases…it’s all I have left.”

Rarity was speechless. To think all of this had been going on in Octavia’s mind as she had performed that evening. To think that no pony else knew of her plight…or even cared. No! She wasn’t going to allow this to happen, she couldn’t!

“I know you asked if you could help but…I don’t think that any pony could help me now. I’ve lost everything. My father always said that I would fail, look at me…a plain simple earth pony trying to make it big in the high society of Canterlot. A simple farm pony trying to conquer the world…laughable really…”

Octavia sniffed, choking back a sob as she tried to maintain her composure. Rarity meanwhile could feel the rage building inside her. She had always known that Canterlot was full of snobbery and bigoted idiots who would trample over anything that got in her way…but this was so much more. This wasn’t just sarcasm or mud smearing. This wasn’t just putting a pony down or trying to look important. This was cruel malicious destruction of a pony’s life, a life that had been worked on day in and day out for years on end.

“No!” she said firmly, “Now you listen here my dear! You’re not going to let this beat you! Furthermore I’m going to make sure it doesn’t! Your show was spectacular and I’m not going to rest until every pony in this city knows it! I have enough good connections in Canterlot that they will have to do some pretty terrible things to bring me down…and believe me darling that even if they do they will have to get more than just their hooves dirty to do it.”

She quickly reached across the table, grabbing Octavia’s face in her hooves.

“Dry those tears my dear because tonight is the night of your rebirth!”

Octavia could feel new fountains of tears building inside her. After month of being taunted and ridiculed by every pony she met was it really true that there was a pony willing to help her?

“I…I…thank you…” she murmured quietly.

“There will be time for that later my dear Octavia, now then how about we find you a place to stay?”

“I…I couldn’t ask you to pay for somewhere for me!”

“Who ever said anything of the sort my dear. I happen to have the use of a sizeable room and there is easily enough space for both of us. Now then finish your drink my dear and I’ll order another round of donuts for you.”