New Life

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7

Chapter 1

Octavia woke up. The sun was at it's highest peak, so she took a guess it was noon. She was still in the center of the sun alter, the cherry blossom swaying gently behind her. The waves of the lake lapped slowly up to the base of the alter. Octavia slowly sat up, eventually standing all the way up. She looked over to her cello case laying not far from her. Thoughts from yesterday quickly came back. The Canterlot Fair was today. She could go back home and watch the performance. But she couldn't go back. Not yet.

Octavia picked up her cello and slung the strap over her shoulder. She walked down the steps and back towards the train tracks. No train would pick her up here. So, she took a step onto the tracks, took a deep breath and began walking. After a few minutes, the alter was out of sight due to a slight downhill slope. As of right now, Octavia could not hear any train coming, but she knew sooner or later it would. She continued walking, though her cello making it a bit uncomfortable. It was going to be awhile until Octavia would arrive anywhere.

~~~

Hours passed, leaving the shining sun to begin dipping down towards the horizon. The sky began changing to a orangish hue while shadows got longer. Octavia was tired of walking, despite some breaks she took along the way, and her shoulder burned. But there in the distance, she could barely make out a small building. A train station, perhaps? All she knew was she found somewhere to stop. If was a train station, there was a town. Octavia couldn't help but sigh with relief as she reached the building. It was yellow, with a wide platform sticking out the front, a roof hanging over it. There were three ticket counters and a sign with departure and arrival times. Then, aligned in the center, was a sign that gave her an indication as to where she was.

Welcome to Ponyville.

Octavia had vaguely heard of the small town. It was home to Sweet... something or other. Something to do with apples. She took a step onto the platform where she was able to find a map. She found the 'You Are Here' point and used the legends to find lodging. There was a hotel half a mile from the station. She found the path into town and began walking, again. When she arrived at the hotel, well motel by the name one the sign, she was surprised. It was in good condition and didn't have rooms that can be accessed from the outside. All indoors. She walked through the door, and a clock on the far wall indicated that it was half pat seven. She was greeted by a mare at the front desk. She was a light brown color with pale yellow mane. She wore a light blue vest over a white button up, the sleeves rolled up. She smiled, sincerely, mind you, and gently waved. Octavia gave a small smile and a nod and walked up to the desk.

"Welcome to Motel 5! How can I help you this evening?" The mare asked.

"I'd like a room, please." Octavia stated.

"Reservation?"

"No."

"OK, can I get a name please?" The mare asked.

"Octavia Philharmonica."

At this the mare paused for a bit, glanced at little towards Octavia, but said nothing. "Alright, smoking or non-smoking?"

"Non-smoking, please."

"Number of nights?"

"Ah, six will do."

"Alright, room 207 on the second floor, breakfast comes free every morning from seven to nine. Please enjoy your stay!"

"Thank you."

Octavia walked towards the hallway where she found the elevator. She pushed the button for the second floor and the doors closed. After a few seconds, the doors reopened and she disembarked. She walked down the hallway. "Let's see, 201, 203 , 205, ah here it is. Octavia inserted the key card and opined the door. She turned on the lights and let the door swing shut. It was a very nice room. Kitchen area by the door, two queen beds against the wall, a television set in front of them. A desk was placed against the wall by the window and a small sofa on the opposite side. On top of the desk, a phone sat plugged into the wall. Lastly, a door that led to the bathroom was located near the kitchen area. It had a very homey feel to it. She could easily get use to it.

Octavia set her cello against the wall next to the bed she claimed. She thought to herself a bit and decided to send a note to her friend Beauty Brass tomorrow saying she was vacationing in Ponyville for a few days and not to worry. She looked at the night stand and found the remote. With a press of the power button, the television turned on and she set it to a reasonable volume. She searched the channels and stopped at a channel showing the commercial for the Canterlot Fair tomorrow. 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. Should I go? Residents here would go, but should I? Octavia pondered on that thought. She would like too, but it was the one thing she wanted to preform in. Then she knew what to do. She found a cartoon channel and let it play through some shows before she turned it off. It was a quarter after eight and she was very tired from her long walk. She turned the lamp next to her bed on so she could turn the main light off.
Octavia snuggled under the covers and turned the light off. Tomorrow was a new day. A new day that hopefully would please many ponies. She smiled at the thought and closed her eyes. Tomorrow she would be the best she could be. She was going to try to beat the orchestra. She wasn't mad or angry with it, but she wanted to beat it.

She would ask for a solo spot to perform.

Author's Note

Here is the first chapter to New Life! I decided one day to continue of of my story Octavia and thus is the start of what is to come. Hope you enjoy and as always, tell me if there are any mistakes.

P.S- Give yourself a cookie if you found the motel reference.

Chapter 2

Octavia slowly opened her eyes, her eyelids still heavy with sleep. Her eyes were open in slits, her mane sticking up in random places. Then Octavia remembered something: her cello was the only thing with her. She had no combs or tooth care. "Uuuuu" Octavia groaned. She looked at the clock on the bedside table. 8:00 A.M. One hour until breakfast was done. Octavia pulled the covers off of herself and sat on the bed so her legs were dangling off the side. She jumped to the floor and walked into the bathroom. After a quick shower she was able to be at least presentable. She grabbed her key card and walked down to breakfast.

When she arrived to the breakfast rooms the smell of waffles and oats attacked her nose. It was a very plesent smell. She walked over to the food counter and poured some batter into the waffle iron. She poured some oats into a small cup and waited for the waffle to be ready. When the timer dinged, she pulled the waffle onto a plate and scattered the oats on the top. She found an empty table to sit at and began eating. "Enjoy your first night, Miss Philharmonica?"

Octavia turned her head and smiled when she saw that it was the front desk mare. "Yes, thank you. It was a lovely room." Octavia replied. The made smiled back.

"OK, just phone the front desk if you ever need anything." She said. Octavia nodded with another smile and the desk mare walked of to clean the food counter. Octavia finished her waffle and walked out. When she returned to her room, she looked at the clock. 9:00A.M. The fair started. She looked at her cello. She was as ready as she'd ever be. She picked her cello up and walked out the door."Let's hope this works." Octavia said to herself.

~Somewhere on the opposite side of town.~

Vinyl Scratch sat on her couch finishing the last of her Chinese food. She picked up the fortune cookie in her magic and broke it open. She looked at the words on the little slip of paper.

You will meet a well-known musician.

"Eh, not that much of a fortune, but it was a good try." Vinyl said and popped the cookie into her mouth. She looked at her clock. "Well, better get ready for the fair."

~~~

Octavia stood on the train platform, patiently waiting for the train to arrive. Her cello leaned against one of the support beams while she stood next to it. She was nervous and excited that she was going to the fair, and she would be able to tell Beauty Brass where she would be for the next couple of days. Finally the train arrived. With the few stray bits she found in her case, she was able to purchase a two-way ticket to and from, which were actually quite cheap. She boarded the train, find an empty seat so she could set her cello down. It would take until ten to get to Canterlot and it was about nine fifteen. She looked out the window to see one last pony pay for their ticket to board the train. She was white with and electric blue mane that had lighter blue streaks in it. 'That mane is familiar, but I can't quite put my hoof on it. Oh well, were off.

Octavia disembarked the train into Canterlot Central. She could see posters advertising the fair. She walked over to scan it. It was recent, showing signs that it was put up that day. Octavia's heart skipped a beat when she saw exciting words.

Looking for an extra musician to perform.

Octavia couldn't believe the luck. She grabbed her cello and walked towards the fairgrounds and a soft but fast pace. She needed that spot. The fairgrounds were beautifully colored, tents and booths set up here and there. She found the stage in the center and looked for a manager. There was her ticket to performance, standing at the foot of the stairs, looking bored. She walked over and he stood straighter. Octavia was the first to speak. "Hello, I hear you have an opening for a musician."

"We do. Are you interested?" He replied.

"Yes, I was wondering if I could take the place. Are there any certain qualifications?"

"Nope, just have to have at least three years of experience with any instrument. How many years would you have?"

Octavia was releaved. She was on her fourth year now. "Four."

"Alright, can I get a name?" He asked.

"Octavia Philharmonica."

At this, the manager paused. "You played at the Gala a few years back, didn't you?"

"Um, yes. That would be correct."

The manager smiled. "Now this should be interesting. You'll come up and play after the orchestra. Sound good?"

"Yes, thank you." Octavia smiled back and went to go look around for a bit. Many interesting booths. Her favorite so far was, of course, the music booth which had a large variety of classical CD's.

"Fillies and gentlecolt's, our first performance will be by the Canterlot Fair orchestra with this years musicians. Directed by Treble Clef and accompanied by Lyrica Forte on the violin. With that, the orchestra began their piece, playing with elegant quality. They were good. Really good. Octavia had a pang of jealousy that she wasn't up there, but now she could do her own thing in her own way. But what was she going to play? She knew many piece's by heart, but most were simple. Not interesting for the fair. Then she got it. She would play the tune she played at the audition. Never before heard, and lots of emotion put into it. But not just that, but the piece's she added on while at the sun alter.

The orchestra finished their piece and they all stood to bow. They walked of the stage and the announcer came back onstage. This was her chance. "Now, here's a real treat. Please enjoy this performance by Octavia Philharmonic a on the cello!" Octavia walked up and got her cello out of it's case. She straightened her back and got into player position. She brought the bow up and began to play.

~~~

Vinyl stood in line in the food court. It was around noon and she was hungry. After a few more minutes she was at the front. She was about to order when she heard something she had never heard before. She waved the pony behind her to order and walked towards the stage. She was intruged by the music that was being played. It was beautiful. When the stage came into view, she saw the mare playing. "Mother of Celestia." Was all Vinyl could muster.

~~~

Octavia finished the last note. Everypony stood there, stunned. Octavia thought she did something wrong, but the every pony started applauding, even louder than they did for the orchestra. Octavia smiled and gave a little bow. She lay her cello back into it's case and she latched in shut. She slung the strap over her shoulder and walked of the stage. The announcer came back on, announcing that there would be a ten minute break until the next act. Octavia was stopped by the manager. He held out a little pouch. "Excellent performance, Miss Philharmonica." She took the pouch and he left to help out with some of the lighting for later. Octavia shook the pouch a little and heard small notices of metal hitting metal. He paid her? For filling in? Maybe ponies could be really nice, like the mare at the motel. She looked inside the pouch. Twenty bits in all. How nice of him. She then smiled a little and walked over to the music booth.

"Hello, again. Very nice performance you did. The mare that ran the music booth said.

"Thank you. I was wondering, how much for Beethoofen's Fifth?" Octavia asked.

"Four bits."

Octavia gathered the needed money and made her purchase. She turned to see the pony from the train station. "Nice performance. I'm not really into classical, but that was amazing."

"Thank you. Who might you be?" Octavia asked.

"Oh, sorry 'bout that, name's Vinyl Scratch."

Wait a minute. "You played at the Royal Wedding, didn't you?" Octavia tilted her head slightly.

"Yep, that was me. Me and my wubs."

"Wubs?"

Vinyl paused, then smiled. "Subwoofers. The noise they make are deep wubbing sounds."

Octavia nodded. "I see. My name is Octavia Philharmonia. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Vinyl nodded. "Alright cool. Wanna get something to eat?"

"Sure"

The two walked side by side, a comfortable distance between them, to the food court. Octavia ordered a small salad and Vinyl got a hayburger. "So, Octavia, where you from?"

"I'm from here in Canterlot, but vacationing in Ponyville for a few days."

"That's cool, I'm from Ponyville myself, live near the library. Where you stayin'?"

"Motel 5, near the train station."

"Nice place, ain't it? Well nice chatting but I best be going'. The raffle for a limited edition record ends soon."

"Goodbye, Miss Scratch." Vinyl left the table and wandered off towards the stage. Octavia stood and continued walking around some more. She was looking at a pottery booth when she heard a familiar voice.

"Fancy meeting you here." It said.

Octavia smiled. "Nor did I expect to we you, Beauty."

"Where have you been the last three days? Didn't hear a thing about you after your audition."

"I was actually going to stop by your house later to tell you I was vacationing in Ponyville for a few days and not to worry."

"Lovely place, Ponyville. Well, now I need not worry. Have fun."

"Octavia waved as Beauty walked away and continued looking around. Soon, she became tired and headed off towards the train station. The fair would end at ten and she couldn't stay up that long. When she got there, she was greeted by a family, telling her how well she played. After a short picture that Octavia had no trouble with, she waited for the train. After a few minutes it arrived and after every pony boarded, it set off for Ponyville. Octavia smiled out the window. This would be a lovely week.

Chapter 3

The train arrived back into Ponyville around seven o'clock. Octavia was jolted awake by the wistle and she stood. She slung the strap of her cello over her shoulder and walked out onto the platform. She was headed towards the motel when she heard a voice. "Looky who we have here. Octavia Philharmonica." Octavia stopped dead in her tracks and stood still. A stallion walked over and stood in front of her. He was a deep blue with a pale grey mane. His cutie mark resembled a creasent moon impaled by a curved dagger.

"Long time, no see Lunar. I thought you were in Manehatten." Octavia said.

Lunar shrugged. "Came to see the fair, saw you perform. Thought I'd see how you were."

Octavia sighed deeply. Lunar had been her friend in high school. After graduation, he left to Manehatten to become an illusionist. "Well, thank you for caring." Octavia said almost sarcastically. She began walking towards the motel again, but this time Lunar walked beside her. "It's not too late to be friends again. Go back to the good old days. You know, pick up where we left off."

"Lunar, if your trying to flirt with me, it's not working. I have a lot to do and not much time to do it. I'm sorry, but it won't work out." Octavia kept walking as Lunar stood still.

"Octavia wait."

Octavia turned and Lunar walked over. He pressed his lips against her cheek for a few seconds then pulled away. "Good luck out there." He turned and left towards the train station, while Octavia stood there, surprised, gently rubbing her cheek. "Did he just...?" She blinked a few times with a small blush and walked over to the motel's front doors. When she walked through, she was greeted by the desk mare.

"Welcome back Octavia. Heard you did well at the fair. Sounded really good."

"How did you know?" Octavia asked.

"There was a camera crew that set it up live on channel six." The desk made said.

"Oh, thank you. You know, I never did get your name."

"Oh, my name is Shade Amethyst, but you can just call me Shadey."

"Oh. Lovely name. Anyways, goodnight, Shadey."

"Night, Octavia."

~~~

Vinyl stumbled of the train and swayed a little as she tryed to walk straight. It was nearing midnight and she didn't want to walk all the way home. After the fair had ended, she met up with some friends and they headed to a bar. Vinyl had too much and passed out on the train, only woken up by the whistle. She saw a hotel not to far and went to go check-in for the night. She pushed open the doors and slowly walked to the front desk, trying her best not to look drunk.

"Welcome to Motel 5! How can I help you tonight?" The desk mare asked.

"One room, please." Vinyl mumbled.

"Reservation."

Vinyl shook her head.

"Name please?"

"Vinyl Scratch."

"Smoking or non-smoking?"

"Non."

"Nights?"

"One."

"OK, here's your key card, room 209 on the second floor, breakfast is free with your stay from seven to nine in the morning and check out anytime before five in the afternoon. Please enjoy your stay!"

Vinyl nodded her head in thanks and walked to the elevator. Once on the second floor she found her room- "Uh, Vinyl, next one over."

"Hmm?" Vinyl looked around but saw nopony. "Are you the narrator?"

"Um, yes?"

"Oh, thanks."

Anyways, she found her room and opened the door. She didn't care about the look of the room because once inside, she collapsed onto the bed.

~~~

Octavia made her way to the breakfast room, aching to get something in her belly. She entered to the smells of waffles and oats, again, and prepared her breakfast. After sitting, she just began eating, unaware of the white unicorn that had just entered. Vinyl prepared her breakfast and turned towards the tables. She smiled when she saw Octavia. She walked over. "Mind if I sit with you?"

Octavia swallowed and looked over. She smiled when she saw who it was and nodded. Vinyl sat across from Octavia and began eating. "So, what brings you here?" Octavia asked.

"Got back late, didn't want to make the trip to the other side of town."

"I see. How was it?" Octavia asked.

"How was what?"

"You know, the fair, or getting drunk."

"How did you?" Vinyl was saying but got cut of with a smile. Octavia's smile.

"I've seen more ponies than you who had gotten drunk, and it isn't hard to tell if one is."

"Snap, busted."

"No, not busted. Your not in trouble. You make your own decisions."

Vinyl gave a small smile and, when Octavia returned the gesture, she felt odd. Not sick but, happy. She tried to hide a blush but to no effect.

"Is something wrong? Your cheeks seem really red. Your not becoming ill are you?"

"Nah, everything's fine." Vinyl responded, her cheeks returning to their natural white.

Octavia nodded and took her last bite. "Well, I'm off. Lovely talking with you." She threw her plate in the trash and walked out the door. Vinyl just watched her leave, her eyes lingering on the doorway. She looked back at her plate and then back at the doorway. Did she-? She felt like it. 'Oh my gosh.' Vinyl thought. Vinyl finished her breakfast and threw her plate into the trash. Every time she thought of Octavia, she felt that same happy feeling inside. She did.

She had a crush on Octavia.

"Oh s-."

Chapter 4

Octavia packed her newly purchased saddlebags with some bits and a water bottle. She was going to walk around the marketplace to get some food for the week. She was going to ask Vinyl to go with her to bond more and to help her out to get around the town. She set the saddlebags on her back and walked to her room's front door. She walked down the hall to the elevator and took it to the main floor. She waved to Shadey and pushed the front doors open revealing the beautiful day outside. She walked towards the town for the first time during her stay and saw that Ponyville was quite a lovely town. Houses and shops surrounding the town hall at the center, leaving paths in a circular flow all the way around. She could smell all the fresh fruits and vegetables and flowers from the marketplace. She continued to walk around a bit until she spotted a huge tree. The sign out front indicating that it was the Golden Oaks Library, meaning the house across from it had to be Vinyl's.

Octavia went up to the front door and saw a double eighth note that was the same as Vinyl's cutie mark. She knocked three times and waited. Nothing. Three more times. Nothing. Was she not home? Octavia turned to leave when she heard the door unlock. She turned back around just as the door opened. Vinyl stood in the door way, her eyes half closed, her mane askew. She had been sleeping.

"Sorry to wake you. But I was wondering if you would like to help me around and the market." Octavia stated.

"Uuhh..."

"It's fine if you can't, I'm sure I can get around."

She heard soft, but deep breathing.

"Vinyl? Are you OK?"

Vinyl's head shot up her eyes wide open. "It wasn't me!" Her eyes met the doorway and she quickly jumped back, covering her eyes. "Gah! Sunlight! Bad sunlight!"

"Vinyl, are you OK?" Octavia asked again.

Vinyl's head shot up again and she smiled at the confused cellist. "Hey Octy, what's up?"

That happened. "Um, I was wondering if you wanted to help me around the market. If you can't, that's-"

"Nah, nah, I can help you! Anything you need."

Octavia was still confused. "Alright then. Lead the way."

~~~

Octavia almost had all that she needed for the next couple of days. Though, Vinyl was still acting strange. Octavia wasn't sure if it was sleep or the other option. Sleep, hopefully, because she didn't like the other one as much. Octavia made her last purchase and went to go find Vinyl. She was here somewhere...

Vinyl walked slowly behind Octavia, trying her hardest not to draw her attention. She was crouched down a little and her tail brushed the ground from time to time, but all that mattered was her master plan. Sneak carefully behind her friend and wait til the moment was perfect. Right as Octavia was about to turn, Vinyl stood straight like a statue and waited. Octavia turned around and freaked out when she saw Vinyl being her. To make matter's worse, Vinyl also said boo at the same time. Octavia tripped and Vinyl fell with her, laughing her flank off. Octavia gently kicked Vinyl and stood up, brushing the dirt off. She gathered her groceries and scowled at Vinyl.

"That wasn't funny, Vinyl."

"Vinyl stood up and stifled a laugh. " Yes, Mommy." She said sarcastically.

Octavia rolled her eyes and walked back towards the hotel. Vinyl walked with her and apologized.

"Sorry, Octy."

"It's fine, just don't do it again.

" How are you this morning?"

"Vinyl, it's three in the afternoon."

"It is?" Octavia nodded. "Dang."

The pair made it to the hotel, walking through the front doors and to the elevator. They arrived on the second floor and casually walked to room 207. Once inside Octavia set her groceries on the counter in the kitchen and looked at Vinyl.

"Care to stay for dinner? I assume you haven't eaten anything since you woke up."

"You can cook?" Vinyl asked.

Octavia nodded and gestured to the couch. "You can watch T.V. while I cook if you'd like." Vinyl smiled and walked over to the couch and plopped down. She levetated the remote over to her-

Vinyl, that's a book.

Vinyl looked at her magic and blushed. "Thanks, man."

"What was that?" Octavia asked, surprised.

"Mr. Narrator."

"What?"

"Nothing..."

Vinyl picked up the actual remote and turned the television on. Octavia went back to preparing dinner, still confused by the strange behavior. Vinyl was watching cartoons and she was comfortable. After about an hour, Octavia pulled their meal out of the oven and set it on the counter to cool of.

"Mmm, Smell's good."

"Thank you. It's my mother's recipe."

"What is it?" Vinyl asked.

"It's a cream of mushroom base mixed with diced vegetables, cheese and mashed potatoes seperating each of the three layers. One on the bottom, the middle, and top. It's kind of like a mashed potato soup."

"Wow. Your mom has good taste."

"Thank you, now we just have to wait until it cools off. Care to sample it first?"

Vinyl got of the couch and was given a spoke with a small scoop of the delectable meal on it. She blew a couple of times then stuck the spoon in her mouth. She let the flavors stir around then swallowed. "Wow, that's pretty good."

Octavia smiled with a small blush. She felt a pang in her stomach. A happy pang. Vinyl was a good friend. But it felt like more than that. Almost past the friend stage... No, brain. Don't think that.

~~~

The pair ate their meal in almost complete science, the occasional compliment from Vinyl and thank you'd from Octavia. When the two finished, Octavia took the plates to the sink, leaving Vinyl alone for the minute. Did she really love Octavia? Was she that special to her? When Octavia turned around, she looked at Vinyl. Do I like her past the friend stage? Is she that special.

Vinyl stood and prepared to go home. Octavia went over to say good bye. Vinyl, out of complete control, looked at Octavia and pressed her lips against hers. It only lasted for a few seconds. Then Vinyl realized what she was doing and pulled away. Octavia was stunned. She didn't know what to think. Vinyl looked down, her ears flattened against her head, as she slowly circled her hoof around. Vinyl was going to leave when Octavia pressed her lips against Vinyl's cheek. "I like you a lot too, Vinyl." Vinyl smiled as the two hugged.

So you liked it.

Shut up, brain. Octavia said.

Chapter 5

Octavia sat at one of the breakfast tables at the hotel. It had been two days since Vinyl had kissed her and that she had kissed back. Neither pony had expected it, but it happened and they soon became friends. Octavia added another week onto her stay at the hotel so that she could spend more time in the small town. Her and Shady became friends and everything was fine.

Octavia finished her meal and walked back to her room. She sat on her bed and watched the clock tick on the far wall. She had run out of ideas of what to do. Nothing had been going on anytime soon.

Knock, Knock

Octavia's ears picked up the noise and she looked over at the door. She wasn't expecting anypony. She walked over to the door slowly. She opened it slightly and caught sight of the color blue. She opened the door all the way and revealed a smiling Vinyl. Not just smiling, but smiling widely.

"Hey Tavi." She said, still smiling.

"Hello?" Octavia stated, confused slightly.

"Whatcha doin'?" Still the same smile.

"Vinyl, are you...OK?"

"Yup! Today is amazing! So, doing anything?"

"No...?"

"Good! Let's go!" Vinyl looked at her friend and, if possible, widened her smile.

"Where?"

"To the Ponyville Festival of course!"

"...Um, what's that?" Octavia was starting to feel uncomfortable.

"One of the coolest days here in Ponyville! There's lot's of stuff that happenes there! So you wanna go?"

Oh dear "OK..."

________________________________________________________________________

Octavia and Vinyl walked through the streets of Ponyville, passing all the highly decorated buildings and lamp posts. Up ahead, Octavia could hear the faint sound of music. Upon arrival, Octavia gasped. The entire center of town was decorated from the ground up with streamers, balloons, and more.
Everypony was bustling about, enjoying the festival. The one thing that Octavia took notice to was the large amount of different booths scattered around the area. Thousands of items to buy, almost anything you could think of.

'This is better than the Canterlot Fair' Octavia thought.

"What do ya think?" Vinyl asked with a smile.

"This is amazing." Octavia was at a loss for words to say anything other than those three words. All this time, a town that works together as one, behaving better than the Canterlot ponies she was used to. Octavia, for the first time in a long while, felt true joy. She and Vinyl started with walking around to check out all the booths. Octavia got to see a potter crafting a ceramic pot on what looked like a turntable, which it kind of was, just without the vinyl records and what she guessed was a stick in the center. The good thing was that the day was just getting started.

~~~

Octavia and Vinyl sat at a small table by the stage, eating the lunch they had recently ordered. They had spent a good three hours looking at the various booths. The sun was high in the sky, marking it noon. The partying would start at two. Octavia had caught sight of Vinyl smiling at the stage, but when Octavia looked over, she had seen nothing of interest. Octavia just ignored the strange behavior and continued her salad. Afterwards, they got up and walked around a bit more. Then the long awaited time came. Two o'clock. Time for the party.

~~~

Octavia sat in front of the stage. There seemed to be a little entertainment part of the festival where various ponies come up on stage to show their talents in music, comedy, etcetera. The fist performance was a violinist from Manehatten. Octavia sat at attention to listen. Classical music was very popular in Canterlot, but from Manehatten, it was almost a blessing to hear it. The violinist played with such elegance that she wasn't just playing the violin, she was making it sing. After a short song, the performance was over and everypony stomped their applause. Octavia was giddy to almost the point of cheering. She would have liked to, but her sophisticated side told her otherwise.

~~~

Seven hours passed and it was beginning to get dark. Halfway through he performances, she hadn't seen Vinyl at all. Octavia just sat intentivly and watched the performance she didn't notice the unicorn leave. Octavia watched the stage. It was the last and longest performance of the night and Octavia was beginning to grow impatient. Soon the emcee walked out from behind the curtain and to the front of the stage.

"All right fillies and getlecolts. At this moment, we have our final performance. She is from right here in Ponyville and has done fantastic work at some clubs around Equestria. Please give it up for the one, the only, DJ-PON-3!" He quickly walked off stage and the curtain lifted. When it did, Octavia's heart skipped a beat. Behind some electronic device, stood Vinyl, wearing the same purple shades from when they first met.

"Alright Ponyville! Who's ready for the best night ever!"

She was immediately answered by loud cheering and stomping. Vinyl smiled brightly and levitated a record onto the strange machine and music began banging out of the speakers. But not any kind of music Octavia had ever heard of. This seemed electronically altered. Octavia just sat there, staring, though still listening.

~~~

The performance lasted another hour before the last note was played. Octavia was still sitting, but she was smiling. Vinyl's performance had been amazing. Vinyl shot her hoof into the air and walked off stage. She soon spotted Octavia and trotted over. She smiled brightly when she saw her friend was smiling as well.

"How'd you like the festival?"

"It was outstanding. This was one of the greatest days I've had! What where you playing, if I might ask. I've never heard anything like it before."

"It's called dubstep, a fusion of different sounds to make one tune. I've always loved wubs from when I first heard them."

Vinyl nodded and the two walked towards the hotel. Octavia was thankful that Vinyl was accompanying her. She hated walking alone in the dark. The pair walked out of the stage area, but before they could get very far, they heard a gasp.

"Vinyl! You didn't tell me there was a new pony in town!" Pinkie Pie shouted.

Author's Note

So, here's chapter 5! Scince Octavia had a chapter where she performed, I decided to give Vinyl one too. You can kind a guess how the next chapter is gonna be. Why? Because Pinkie Pie. Anyways hope you enjoy!

-Mydnyt

Chapter 6

"Apple.... what?" Octavia asked, slightly confused from her friend's comment.

"Apple Peach Cobbler," Vinyl stated. "It's one of the tastiest things from Sugarcube Corner. A mix of apples and peaches all wrapped inside a warm golden brown crust. Trust me, it's amazing."

Now that she had heard properly, Octavia couldn't help but smile at the desert's mentioning. Then she thought a little more. "I still don't understand this Pinkie Pie friend you have."

Vinyl smiled apologeticly and rubbed the back of her head, not able to look at her friend. "About that. Pinkie is the party pony anywhere, wherever there's a party, she's there. But, she really loves meeting new ponies, so whenever there's a new pony in town, Pinkie is there with a party ready to explode into existence."

Octavia let that sink in. This mare throws a party for every new pony she meets? Who would be that crazy over a party? "Anyways... Do I have to bring anything? Like a dish or a salad?"

Vinyl turned towards her friend and smiled. "It's your party. Bring what you want."

The day was going by slowly, each second gone was a second closer to the party thrown by Pinkie Pie. Not only was the day going slow, but Octavia was a nervous wreck when it came to new faces. She never knew what to say. As the day wore on, the more Octavia had struggles breathing right. Vinyl didn't do much to help as she just sat around either sleeping or reading a comic book. But soon, the dreaded party had arrived.

Vinyl and Octavia made their way to Sugarcube Corner, where the party was being held. Octavia was shaking and it was difficult to walk like that, but she couldn't help it. She was just too nervous to remember posture and elegance. The sweet shop soon came into view. Octavia could see ponies walking in, the faint sound of music in the atmosphere. They made there way to the door and Vinyl stopped. She turned towards Octavia and spoke.

"Just a little reminder. Pinkie is, well, unpredictable. You don't know when or what to expect something. Her parties are amazing, though, so don't worry. It shouldn't be too over the top."

"But that's putting it gently. My parties are always, one hundred percent fantastical-super-amazing-overly awesome parties!" Pinkie Pie shouted, somehow just materializing next to the two. She just appeared out of know where. Pinkie Pie bounced happily into the sweet shop, leaving Octavia frozen and Vinyl laughing.

"Another thing, you don't know when she'll pop out."

The party was amazing for a welcome party. There were lights, music, cake(lots and lots of cake that disappeared buy the slice), and an overallgreat turnout. But Octavia watched all of it from the corner. She was in nervous mode, not wanting to socialize, dance, or eat anything. She watched everything from that corner, listening to the music. Vinyl walked over and sat next to her friend. She set a piece of cake in front of her and smiled.

"How's the party?" Vinyl asked.

"Good, good. Just, um... Cozy."

"Alright, want to do anything? She has some instrumentsupstairs, you could play a song."

"Um... Well y-you see, I'm not very social to new faces and, um... I don't really do well in these kinds of crowds."

"So what your saying is your socially inactive and claustrophobic."

"Pretty much, yes."

Vinyl sat there, seriously deep in thought. She knew what she needed to do, but didn't know how to make it work. She stood up and walked over to the pink pony. She said something and the pink pony saluted and and zipped off. She came back a few seconds later with a black, very familiar case. Vinyl walked back over and stood her friend up. Octavia knew where this was going, and she didn't want to do it. Vinyl eventually had to push Octavia across the floor over to the front. She set her friend by the case and told her to stay put. Octavia stared wide eyed at the crowd of ponies in front of her and was willing to sit still. Vinyl unlatched the case and gently took the instrument out. She set in on the portable stand and pulled a towel off of the counter. She pulled it over her friends eyes with struggle and got it tied in the back. She whispered to Octavia.

"Pretend that the ponies aren't there. This you have your eyes closed and your in the safety of your room. Just play."

She helped her friend stand and positioned behind the cello. She handed her the bow and hoped her friend could play blindfolded.

Octavia shakesher hoof oo'er to the strings and played a short note. Perfectly tuned. She took a shakey breath and began...

For only a couple minutes until she lost balance and thought she would fall, but was stopped by something soft, warm, and smelling of cotton candy. Octavia took the towel off of her face and looked behind her. She was propped onto Pinkie's back. Go figure. She got to all four hooves and looked nervously at the crowd, their eyes burning into her soul. She stood frozen until she heard a loud applause. She started relaxing and put a little smile on.

"OHMYGOSHTHATWASTHEBESTTHINGIHAVEEVERHEARDBUTTHENYOUFELLANDIZIPPEDINANDCAUGHTYOUANDWOW!" The pink pony took in a deep breath and clear her voice. "So awesome!"

Octavia smiled ad looked around. She actually enjoyed the rest of the night.

~~~

Soon, the night ended and Octavia and Vinyl had left. They were walking down the street in the lamp light laughing. After Octavia played and began to socialize more, Pinkie Pie came up and whispered to her three little words.

"You're really soft."

Octavia and Vinyl laughed when they heard that. As they were walking, however, and Vinyl stopped, sniffing the air.

What's wrong?" Octavia asked.

Vinyl turned slowly, a sly smile playing its way onto her lips. "Have you ever tried Hard Apple Cider?"

Chapter 7

"Show me the way to go home...

This Octavia said, slightly stumbling along the road.

I'm tired and I wanna go to bed...

Vinyl joined in, stumbling next to Octavia,following only the light of the street lamps to get them somewhere.

WE HAD A LITTLE DRINK ABOUT AN HOUR AGO!

The pair just stumbled along the barren road, sing to their heart's content. If anything, the two had way more hard apple cider than the regulars they sat with. It seemed stupid, but Vinyl had challenged her to do it...

"Come on Tavi! Just one more!" Vinyl cheered drunk to her friend. Octavia only drank three shots, but was a pony who couldn't hold their alcohol. Just one shot made her tipsy, the other two, full on drunk, only now being challenged by the white unicorn to drink a fourth. She shakily put the orange-brown liquid to her muzzle and tipped it to her mouth, downing the shot.

"Ye*hic*ah!" Vinyl slurred. The earth pony smiled lopsidedly and set the glass down and looked to the drunk unicorn. "We got go home now" she said, fumbling with the right words. She set some bits on the counter and dragged her unicorn friend off her seat before she had the oppertunity to pass out... again. The walked to the streets and wander towards home. That's when they started singing.

OK, maybe not as much as the regular's, but Octavia really couldn't hold her alcohol. The pair kept walking and singing while trying to find their way home.

I had a little drink about an hour ago and it went right to my head!

Octavia looked at a street sign and became confused. She didn't recognize the name. She looked around. None of the buildings looked like the one's near the hotel she stayed at. She looked at her friend who had opened a door on a nearby house and walked in. Octavia stummbled after her and walke in as well. She had never seen the house before but Vinyl walked through it like memory. She followed her friend up a flight of stairs and into a room when the unicorn facepanted onto the bed at the end. Octavia coud soon hear snoring and asumed the unicorn had fallen asleep. Octavia just smied and walked over to pull the blanket over her friend.... bofre she remembered she was drunk, tired, and queasy, the earth pony passed out on top of her friend.

~~~

Octavia woke to the bright rayos of the sun leaking through the curtained window, as she had gotten used to waking up to in her hotel room. She went to sit up to stretch but found herself trapped. She looked down to her waist and found Vinyl with her front legs wrapped around her, her head resting on the earth pony's belly. Then Octavia looked around the room and was caught off gaurd as it was not her hotel room, but Vinyl' bedroom. The unicorn muttered something in her sleep while Octavia tried to recount what had happened the nght before.

She almost gave up when she caught the smell of apple's when the unicorn yawned. That's when she remembered. The walk home from Pinkie's party, the question about drnking, the three shots and one extra as a challenge, singing a song of some sort, looking at how cute Vinyl looked when she was asleep... She shook the thought from her mind. Not today, brain, Octavia thought. But how did she end up in the same bed as Vinyl?

Vinyl stirred in her sleep and let go of Octavia, slowly sitting up and rubbing her eyes. She looked at her friend and smiled. "Hey, Tavi."

"Uh, good morning," was all Octavia could say.

"Mmm," Vinyl looked at her room, then her bed, then Octavia and went wide eyed. "D-did we sleep together?" she muttered.

Octavia's cheeks felt hot. "Um...Y-yes."

Vinyl sat there for a second. "Hmm. Your really soft."

Octavia blused even harder and Vinyl started laughing. "Your funny, Octy. want to get something to eat?"

Octavia rubbed her forehead and nodded shakily. "Y-yeah, sure." She could tell already that today would be really eventful.

Author's Note

Welp, here's chapter 7. Sorry for the short one this time, I have a little writer's block. Anyway's, I will get to work on the next chapter as soon as I can and I'll see you all soon!

Mydnyt Rayn