Bite Down, Don't let Go

Chapter 9:

House hunting, Home Crashing, Party wrecking Pt 1.

(Snapping Shut)

Dream world

*Luna gazed suspiciously at the door before her. The door that months ago had been so mentally guarded she considered magic the cause. A few nights earlier the chains had loosened proving her first assumption inaccurate. This night however...*

*The Princess of The Night watched as the Chains binding the door shattered to dust.*

*Under normal circumstances the night goddess would have considered the occupant of the mental doorway 'opening up', those thoughts were brushed aside harshly as hundreds of black, wire thin, auras anchored themselves to the door.*

*Quivering violently the door shook, like it attempted to take a deep shaky breath in sub zero temperatures. Luna watched as the negative thoughts and feelings latched to the door.*

*Horn blazing, Luna blasted the threads, severing the connection with the door. Nodding to herself, she watched as the dark strings reattached, mending as blood red runes encircled them. About to strike again two other dreams became ensnared by malice some ways off.*

*While it would be in the interest of the occupant to solve this issue now, this was not a problem to be solved in a single night. Turning around Luna saw each thread came from far off, none from a near by door.*

*staring the threads down one last time she took off not noticing as they rooted into the door.*

***home of Octavia and Vinyl's scratch***

***Octavia lay in her bed, slowly waking with the morning sun shining in her face. It had been a long time since she'd slept without the thrumming of Wubs rattling off downstairs while Vinyl cleaned dishes. The Cellist's right eye opened a bit with the thought. Perhaps she had a late show and was sleeping in, but then she remembered they both turned in after the stressful day they'd experienced yesterday.***

***Then again Vinyl has had some rather late shows and that's never stopped her from playing her dub washer.***

***Maybe for once she was washing by hoof. Octavia's eyes shot open with such an outrageous assumption. She never missed the opportunity to play her Wubs.***

***Slipping from her bed, Octavia brushed out her bed head to something more acceptable, then trotted out her room door. First checking Vinyl's room only to find it empty she moved to the front of the house, surveying the kitchen to find it empty.***

***Looking to the living room she saw the white unicorn sitting down on the wooden floor, glasses atop her head staring at something around the corner.***

***"Vinyl?" She called. No response, the DJ just kept staring at whatever. "Vinyl?!, what are-"***

***"Shush!" She sounded. Her eyes didn't leave their target. scoffing Octavia called again.***

***"Vinyl! I only wish to inquire-"***

***"Shush Tavi!"  The white mares eyes darted only a second away from whatever captured their gaze. Octavia narrowed her eyes, aggravation clear. Cantering LOUDLY to her house mate, each clop echoing, she spoke even louder of her displeasure.***

***"Do not seek to silence me Vinyl Scratch, I came worried about your well being and your here staring at-" As the earth pony made progress to her friends position, she watched the mare shake her head vigorously and now making it around the corner did she understand why.***

***Sleeping in said corner was Oberus laying on his ratty orange backpack. What was wrong about a picture that should have been slightly adorable was that he was covered snout to stubby tail in blood. Octavia took a sharp inhale, purple eye snapping open Oberus took a quick survey of his surroundings.***

***The mares had both become wide eyed and fearful. Shakily getting up the hetero chromatic Hyena only succeeded in flopping back down eliciting a long, low, seething from his maw. Rolling over some the mares were treated to the sight of multiple gashes in his side. The DJ's face had gone from relief that the blood wasn't another ponies to utter horror to the bleeding body in their home.***

***"Octavia help Chomper! I'm going to get Nurse Redheart!" And she galloped out in haste.***

***The Cellist began taking panicked breaths, but viewing her bleeding house guest she noticed he didn't seem to care just kept looking tired, attempting to once again get up and fail. Running into the kitchen she grabbed a clean dishtowel, ran back and placed it on his wounds.***

***Like back in the cave then, the smell burned her nostrils, any sleepiness that might have resided in her brain banished by the salty metallic smell. she took another view at Oberus who just stared off into the distants, every couple seconds his eyes would dart to a corner as if something was playing in his head.***

***"What happened!?" She inquired. He focused on her. Breathing slowly if at all, obviously from the lack of blood, He started.***

***"Was...attacked by...a Hydra on...my way...here." He spoke softly, barely enough to hear.***

***"A Hydra!?" She gasped. Applying to much pressure the musician forced a sharp bark like laughter from Oberus. "Sorry!" He only blinked slowly, nodding moments later.***

***"I was... doing... fine till I was...." He stared off again something taking his attention. Octavia looked in the direction but saw nothing. "Distracted." He finished. Looking over him again, and even lifting up the towel that most of the wound was crusted over, scabbed.***

***"How long have you been here, asleep?" She asked. Mulling it over he answered.***

***"Three hours." He responded.***

***"T-three?" She stuttered. "Why did you not seek medical attention!? Such a wound may become infected!!" Closing his eyes Octavia feared he might of past especially when his right side flashed an eerie blue. But seconds later he opened his eyes, purple and green focusing on the earth mare.***

***"After yesterday... I doubt if I'm truly welcomed here...and dealing with any of the six... would have been... awkward." The Hyena ended simple.***

***"Then why associate with me or Vinyl? Why come here?" Octavia prodded, increasing the pressure on the wound with each word. Oberus didn't vocally complain this time.***

***"I wasn't... thinking...?" He looked confused like maybe he wasn't sure about his own decision. His eyes became lidded. "I just...wanted...a home." In the background Octavia heard the door slam open Vinyl came in followed by an off white earth mare with mane done in a bun and a red cross Cutie mark, behind her was a soft red colored unicorn colt, a short cropped white and gray mane. His Cutie mark was a stethoscope wrapped around an IV.***

***"What happened?" The Unicorn asked. he began poking at Oberus; pulling at eyelids, poking his ribs, placing a hoof on the Hyena's chest checked the rise and fall.***

***"He was attacked by a Hydra some time ago." Octavia answered.***

***"How long?" Nurse Redheart questioned.***

***"Three hours." She responded lowly. They gasped, Standing to either side of him, the unicorn placed a hoof on Oberus, the nurse saddling to the other side.***

***"Please come to the hospital when you have the chance." The Doctor told Hurriedly, then with a flash they were gone. Octavia looked at the bloody smear in her home.***

***"Jeez, three hours Tavi?" Vinyl asked. Octavia nodded. "what had he been here for? He tell ya?" Again she nodded. "Well... What was it?"***

***"...A home."***

***Pinkie pie was at the hospital today. If you were to ask why she would simple say to make the sick ponies laugh and feel better. When she got there today however she was surprised to see the emergency room lights on. That was new.***

***She's never seen the E.R. lights on before cause no pony ever got really hurt. She went up to the receptionist to ask questions.***

***"Hey Wind Chime!"***

***"Oh!? Hello Ms.Pie how are you today?"***

***"I'm fine, but whatever ponies in the flashy room isn't. " she replied. Chime nodded.***

***"From what I heard, Doctor Diagnosis brought in what only appeared to be major blood loss, but after an analysis spell the patient had a number of old injuries that were never properly taken care of, even neglected!" A long gasp escaped Pinkie.***

***"Who would ignore their own health!?"***

***"I know! And these injuries, I can't disclose much but the wounds must have caused constant pain!" Pinkie got a big smile on her face.***

***"Well some ponies gonna needs a get well cake and party when they feel better!" She pounded a hoof into her other to emphasize her point.***

***"That's a great idea!" Wind Chime agreed. "I doesn't seem like he has many friends."***

***"(Gasp)  we have to fix that!, what's his name?"***

***"From what the two mares who found him gave his name. Its....Oberus."***

***"....."***

***".....Ms. Pinkie Pie?"***

***"....Oberus is hurt?....no friends?" Her coat grayed.***

***"Are you-"***

***"I've got to tell Twilight!" And with that she was out of the hospital, a trail of streamers and balloons following out the front door.***

***"But Octavia-"***

***"No Vinyl! That is an awful idea!" The best friends traveled down the market road. Headed toward the town hall. Even though the Cellist was completely against the suggestion made by the DJ.***

***"No- its an awesomely fantastic idea!" Vinyl Scratch was pretty much bouncing in the street.***

***"But what if he doesn't want a house Vinyl, have you not considered that?"***

***"Then he can live with us Tavi, he can be like our super dangerous house pet!"***

***"Vinyl!"***

***"Ok, ok, how 'bout guard dog?"***

***"Vinyl." She ended firmly. "Look... We'll go and make a listing for him ok?"***

***"That's all I'm asking Tavi." Vinyl smiled widely in victory.***

***"Please don't call me that in public."***

***"Ugh, fine OCTAVIA." Vinyl surrendered sounding out each syllable.***

***"Thank you." They walked in silence, which for Vinyl was rather unusual. Most of the time she would beat box down the road, strange sounds that she would try out on her next mix. Octavia took this as a mixed blessing. It was rare for her to have any quiet time.***

***"Octavia?" She let out a sigh. There goes wishful thinking.***

***"Yes Vinyl?"***

***"Do you think....ya think he felt so bad about yesterday he picked a fight with a Hydra?" The DJ stared at the ground sounding confused.***

***"I'm not sure-" she took a breath then started. " I've only encountered him this one time, but from what I saw from the tunnels he's brave, a bit ruthless, but kind, and had a back up plan even when we weren't sure any more." Octavia allowed herself another breath then continued. "He's the First Hyena I ever met so I truly have no base in which to judge."***

***"And why is that?" Vinyl asked. "We've heard of Diamond Dogs and even the myth about Humans, so why haven't we heard or even seen a Hyena till Chomper?" Before Octavia could respond a mint green mare interposed.***

***"Humans, where?"  The two musicians actually reared in surprise. another mare ran forward.***

***"Lyra calm down!" The new mare chastised.***

***"But Bon Bon, they were talking about humans."***

***"No-" Spoke Octavia. "We were talking about a friend-"***

***"Your friends with a human, cool! Where is he!?"***

***"No,no Lyra we were talking of our friend Oberus, a Hyena, in conjunction with the myth of Humans."***

***"(Gasp) you know a Hyena? That's still cool!" she gave a big cheesy grin.***

***"What?" Was Vinyl's reply. Lyra elaborated.***

***" I did a thesis on Hyenas and their difference to us Ponies." She explained. "But I only did it because I wasn't allowed to do another essay on humans, can you believe that?!"***

***"Lyra!!" Order Vinyl.***

***"Hmm?"***

***"Essay on Hyenas?"***

***"Oh right! Well I found this book in the Canterlot Library, saying at some point they just kind a showed up really quickly, first in low numbers somewhere around the mid hundreds. " Lyra spoke. She was in a lecture tone, not hyper like when she talks about humans but actually like a professional speaker not the crazed loon other ponies call her. "From what I gathered their like ponies when it comes to harmony, working together to better the whole. Their ruled by an alpha female or Queen, doesn't matter if royal blood or not if she's strong enough she can rule." Bon Bon was actually having a tough time in understanding why Lyra was being so calm about this.***

***"Wait what about the males?" Questioned Octavia. Lyra got a funny look on her face***

***Like the very thought that crossed her mind confused her. "Why has it appeared as though your dodging the question?"***

***"I'm not... Its just that...." She looked kind of freaked out, like she found out a horrible truth. "Hyena males are kind a banned from their own capital." The three listeners gained wary looks.***

***"What are you talking about Lyra?" Asked Vinyl. " That makes no sense!"***

***"What I mean is other than a select few who are supposedly tortured to the utmost obedience, males aren't allowed." She spoke low.***

***"Could you be more specific?" Octavia urged.***

***"There's this rumor that Hyenas get marks like us Ponies when they find their talent or ability, the thing is males aren't allowed to find theirs."***

***"That's horrible!" cried Bon Bon. The musicians nodded vigorously in agreement.***

***"Yeah, and the reason most of the males aren't allowed is there's a medicine of sorts that could help them find it!" The three mares were paying really close attention now.***

***"So why is it Males are not to partake of the medicine?" Octavia questioned.***

***"I don't know!" Lyra whined. She let out a sharp gasp. "We can ask that friend of yours!"***

***"We...can't." Vinyl said slowly. "He's currently laid up in the hospital." Lyra and Bon Bon raised their eyebrows.***

***"Why?" Asked Bon Bon.***

***"Hydra." Octavia answered. Bon Bon started hyperventilating, Lyra looked somewhat pleased. "What is with that face Lyra, a friend is injured and your smiling as if you just found out a humans been living in your backyard!"***

***"That's just it...Humans!" She screamed. All three mares gained a strange looks. "Hyenas have their own stories on humans, and this is the best time to hear one!" With that she galloped off to the Hospital. Bon Bon gave chase screaming Lyra's name. Vinyl followed some moments after. Octavia just stood in her previous spot sputtering.***

***"But Vinyl, what about the House!" downtrodden she started walking to the Town hall knocking over a rutty orange backpack. She started walking again then stopped. Taking another glimpse of the bag she voiced the question.***

***"How did this get here?"***

***Oberus eyed the nurse Warily, considering the reply in which to give the mare that graced his bed side. all things considered, he was still woozy from blood loss, his side throbbed and the morphine and what ever else was messing with the drug. Overall the abundant cracks and glares in his vision could be ignored for now. The Panda however...***

***"Mr.Oberus!"  He glanced at the nurse, Redheart if he remembered correctly. Tilting his head to the right. Eyeing her up and down, shining white sparkles twinkled around her frame. "May we have an answer?" A blur began settling, encompassing her face in a blinding sheen.***

***"Your pretty," His mouth betrayed him. Nurse Redheart flinched surprised by his words. "-and no I won't remove it." She glared harshly, stray compliment forgotten.***

***"For the sake of your health, I advise you remove the cosmetic spell that influences the majority of your right side, for the ability to fix it properly we need to see the damage!" She explained. The Panda across from him was sipping tea with a pelican in a sun dress now. That shade of pink did not go well with its feathers.***

***"Look, I was all up for with resetting my forepaws and ribs, but the face doesn't come of." He added sternly. Which was hard to do considering there now bunnies doing the tango on his lap. And he thought beans the only musical food.***

***"Your living a lie!" She argued. The Panda and Pelican join the dance.***

***"I like the lie." He replied. He felt really tired now. As if a curtain dropped its self over his mind. The bunnies now laid themselves on various spots of his bed. The Panda fell atop the pelican crushing the bird under its weight. Oberus could only feel a small twinge as his face tried to pull into a smile. He reigned it in. the mare gave a deep sigh before leaving the room. "Nurse?" He called. She popped back in.***

***"Yes?"***

***"Could you tell the Doctor to stop that I'm seeing things." She gave nod and Left. "Nurse?"***

***"What?!" She hissed.***

***"Your still pretty." She flushed then left quickly. He laughed lowly a hearty chuckle compared to most.***

***"That was mean ya know." A voice told of him. twisting he reached to his curtain ripping it down. The mare in the bed was, cream in color, a blue curly mane atop her head. He couldn't see the rest of her because of the cover, though if the lump at the side of her is anything she was probably a Pegasus. a couple bandages adorned here and there but overall she appeared fine.***

***The panda still laid in the middle of the room, atop a moaning pelican.***

***"I'm not feeling in the best of moods so..." He trailed off sniffing the air. He narrowed his eyes sluggishly.***

***"Mood or not playing with somepony so cruelly-" she stopped talking only watching as her strange roommate attempted to leave the bed, groan with every muscle movement. The unnamed Pegasus watched bewildered.***

***"Um...what are you doing?" She asked. He'd gotten only his front arms from the bed, sweat glistened through his fur, the effort too much. "You should stop..." A loud thump echoed in the room as Oberus landed on his face. He frowned. He wasn't use to being this weak, or this much pain. The price of control, he guessed. "Holed up." She called "I'll help you." From his position Oberus couldn't get a clear view of her any more, but his line of sight did provide him with a new interest.***

***Close to the bed was a horizontal plank with two side planks on either side. Large wooden wheels were attached to the side planks. Wait a minute-***

***"Aaah!" Was the call of alarm as he suddenly saw the mare plummet to the white sterile floor. He saw a Cutie Mark of two small hearts tied together by a blue string. White truly interested the floored Hyena about the mares hindquarters, was the fact they both had bandages and splints.***

***She had absolutely no use of her hind legs.***

***The Panda gasped.***