Haunting Remixby featheremberChaptersSorrow's Sweet SymphonyA Place to Stay Reunions and Revelations Wine and Unexpected Consequences Spiteful Sonnet Sorrowful Sonata Baleful Bass Getting the band back together Who needs you anyway? Epilogue PrologueSorrow's Sweet SymphonyChapter 1: Sorrow's Sweet Symphony Vinyls eyes opened slowly, blinking away her sleepiness. Her two toned blue hair was seriously messed up, knots running rampant through it. She got up quickly, almost falling over when a wave of dizziness hit her. Her face split into her telltale daredevil grin as she grabbed a brush from the nearby table and approached the only mirror in her flat. Carefully she combed her mane, making sure that every hair was ramrod straight. Then she shook her head, deliberately tousling her mane, changing it from being straight to her signature messy style. Her ruby red eyes shone as she put her shades on. She checked herself out in the mirror and grinned. "Looking good Scratch." She grabbed a pair of headphones from the nearby shelf and then paused, thinking differently she put the headphones back and turned her stereo system on. It blasted techno music through the house, courtesy of her surround sound system. Head bobbing to the rhythm, Vinyl walked into her kitchen, grabbing a box of cereal from a cluttered cupboard. She dug through her crockery cupboard, searching desperately for an unbroken bowl. She didn't find one, but she did manage to find one that was relatively unscathed amongst the mix of plates, bowls and records stashed in the cupboard. On a whim, she looked out her window and saw the cloudless sky. She was originally going to spend the day inside, in her basement recording studio, but that sky was too inviting to skip. She sat down, munching on her cereal without milk. She felt the satisfying crunch of the cereal in her mouth as she chewed and smiled. ~*~ Melody had woken up much earlier than Vinyl Scratch and was currently sitting in the town square of Ponyville, waiting patiently for the square to become populated. Her violin was in her lap, her bow in her hoof and the violin case in front of her on the ground, wide open. Her pale red coloration was accentuated by her purple and blue mane and tail, both more than slightly frazzled. It hit nine when the ponies of the town started to come out. Melody smiled and placed her violin under her chin, raising her bow. She pulled her bow across the strings and a haunting note played, sounding throughout the square as she started to play. The music was slow and haunting, but strangely powerful. It didn't take long for a crowd to form, looking at the pale red Pegasus in wonder. A couple of ponies walked off, shaking their heads at the busker, but Melody never noticed. Her eyes were closed as she went with the ebb and tide of her hauntingly beautiful music. It didn't take long before she had at least fifteen bits in her violin case, but still she kept playing. Her music was her life now, nothing would make her let go. ~*~ Vinyl was drawn to the music. It sounded quite a bit like her friend Octavia playing her cello, but it wasn't deep enough. It sounded more like a violin. While Vinyl wasn't really a violin or classical music girl of any kind, something about this music made her want to listen, as though it was begging her for her attention. She rounded the corner to the square and her mouth gaped wide open. "No way... A street busker?" She stared at Melody in absolute wonder. Her daredevil grin returned a moment later as she walked up to the Pegasus and sat down in front of her, content to hear the lovingly crafted wailing from the ancient instrument. She took the chance to examine the Pegasus in front of her curiously. Her pale red coloration was strangely attractive and her purple mane and tail, both with a sky blue stripe running down through them appealed to Vinyls edgy style. Her cutie mark was that of a glowing violin, a musical note emerging from it. She was also very thin and her hair wasn't exactly clean or tidy. It took Vinyl a moment to realize that the Pegasus had stopped playing and was now watching her. Get it together Vinyl... She thought. Her face split into her signature grin and she pointed to the violin. "That. Is a really old violin." The Pegasus cradled the violin protectively. "Yes, and it's mine and it isn't for sale." Vinyl held up both forehooves. "I'm not asking you to sell it! After hearing that masterpiece how could I?" The pale red of the mares cheeks became deeper. "You really like my music?" Vinyl scratched the back of her neck absently. "Well yeah. Of course I did. Where did a street busker learn to play like that?" The Pegasus looked away. Vinyl facehoofed. "Oh duh! Where are my manners?" She stuck out a hoof, still grinning. "Vinyl Scratch. Resident DJ and all around sexy beast." The Pegasus giggled softly, her blush deepening. She took the proffered hoof carefully, holding her violin in the other hoof. "Melody." Vinyls face turned thoughtful, then split into a genuine smile, without the daredevil look about it. "I like that. It's a soft sort of name. Fits your music." Melody shrugged and put her violin away, putting the bits she'd earned into a small pouch in a pocket in the case. She stood up, shouldering the case using a beaten up strap. She smiled graciously at Vinyl. "Thank you, for the compliments, but I'm going to have to go now. I"m hungry." Vinyl grinned. "Sure thing. Hey, can I join you?" Melody looked blankly at Vinyl for a moment. Vinyl shrugged. "I haven't eaten lunch yet and I'm feeling a might bit hungry." Melody shrugged. "OK, I don't see why not." ~*~ Twenty minutes later the two were sitting at a cafe, waiting for their meals to arrive. Vinyl grinned. "So friend, Where'd you come from? I haven't seen you around before, so you must be..." Vinyl looked around to make sure Pinkie Pie wasn't around before continuing. "New... here." Melody looked curiously at Vinyl, who shrugged at her. "Didn't want to catch the attention of uh..." Her voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper. "Pinkie Pie." Melody raised one eyebrow at Vinyl. Vinyl sighed. "Never mind that Melody, where you from?" Melody took a bite out of her sandwich that had just arrived and chewed for a moment. She swallowed before answering. "Phillydelphia, my family was one of the better off ones outside the projects. They paid for my music lessons." Vinyl, still chewing on a massive bite from her own sandwich, grinned. She gulped it down before speaking. "Philly huh? Cool. Never been there before." Melody smiled shyly. "No offense Miss Scratch, but I doubt many ponies from Phillydelphia would listen to your music, being a DJ and all." Vinyl shrugged, still grinning. "Don't matter much." Her grin faded slowly and turned into confusion. "But then, if you're from one of the better families in Philly, what are you doing all the way down here, in Ponyville, busking?" Melody's face fell. "My house... and all the belongings I had were lost after my parents died..." Vinyl felt a terrible sense of guilt crash down on her shoulders. Her face turned miserable. "Oh... I... uh... I'm sorry..." Melody, not quite knowing what she was doing, put her pale red hoof over Vinyls ivory one. "You didn't know Miss Scratch, so don't feel bad on my part, please." Vinyl smiled and took her hoof away from underneath Melody's. "Even so, I'm sorry." A Place to Stay A Place to Stay Chapter 2: A place to stay Vinyl Scratch was walking home alone, Melody having stayed back at the square to make what little money she could in the last half hour or so before dark. The incredibly thin Pegasus definitely had talent; there was no doubt about that. Vinyl grinned as she thought back to the haunting music that she’d heard slipping out of the ancient violin Melody owned. “Rivals Tavi, that’s for sure.” Vinyl chuckled at the thought of Octavia being bested by a street busker, then started to think back to her previous interactions with the grey mare. She had, at one point, had a serious crush on the cello playing mare, but the feelings were far from reciprocated. They’d distanced themselves, Vinyl a bit distraught, Octavia slightly weirded out. They were back on speaking terms, but it was tentative at best. ~*~ Melody was packing her violin into its case lovingly. That violin was her entire world now and nothing could make her part with it. The battered strap went over her shoulder and her scruffy wings spread. She flew away from the square towards the squat flat where she’d slept before. The porch was still as inviting as the previous night, as inviting as a slab of grey concrete could be anyway. “Well, at least it keeps me dry.” The pale red Pegasus settled down onto the porch, putting her violin down carefully before sitting herself. It was late and dark, but Melody was not yet tired. There was no movement in the house she was currently sitting outside of, so she got out her violin and started to play. The notes were once again haunting, but it took on a sad tone. She played with every fibre of her being, threading as much emotion in as she could. Her eyes were shut and tears leaked from them. Memories raced through her mind. Her mother and father together, her as a young filly hugging them and the memory of the grand house she’d lived in, made from soft stone. ~*~ Vinyl woke up with tears in her eyes. The sad music outside was heart wrenching and brought back painful memories. Her family’s, rejection, Octavia’s rejection and all the failed attempts to create music that was as meaningful as those hauntingly familiar notes. Sitting up slowly, she wiped away the tears still in her eyes and listened intently. The beat was slow and would have been torturous to Vinyl if it hadn’t been so beautiful. Most of the notes were baritones, but the occasional high note joined the fray, mixing in perfectly. She got up out of her bed, disregarding her bed hair, and walked into the living room of the squat household. The music was originating from somewhere close by, but the reverb from around the house made it difficult to track. It gave her no rest from it, no respite. Eventually, Vinyl tracked the sound to the front door and threw it open, bathing Melody in yellow light from the light she’d just turned on moments before. Melody stopped playing instantly and turned, careful not to allow her violin to touch the ground. She looked at her hooves in shame, placing the violin in the still open case. “... I’m sorry... I didn’t know anypony lived here...” Vinyl stared at the Pegasus in amazement. “Melody? What are you doing here” Melody looked up and peered at the silhouette before her, recognizing the form of Vinyl Scratch. She could not see her eyes. “Vinyl Scratch? You live here?” Vinyl, noting her lack of sunglasses, grabbed a pair from a nearby shelf. It was one of the many spare pairs she kept within her household in case she lost one pair. She put them on and looked at Melody. “Yeah, course I live here. What are you doing here? Where are you staying?” Melody looked down at the concrete and shrugged. “Well, I was staying here but... Now that I know it’s inhabited, I’ll.... just leave.” Her face was flushed a deep red, contrasting the pale red of the rest of her figure. She turned to leave, taking her violin case with her. Vinyl let her walk a few steps before her horn started glowing and Melody was enveloped in a faint light. Melody only noticed she wasn’t moving when she lifted three inches off the ground. She was turned around, her eyes wide with fear. “Please... don’t hurt me...” Vinyl grinned at her happily. “I’m not going to hurt you Mel. You can stay here with me for the time being. Can’t leave a fellow musician to the cold now can I?” Not releasing the nervous Melody from the telekinesis, Vinyl wandered back into the flat, closing the door after pulling Melody in. Reunions and Revelations Reunions and Revelations Chapter 3: Reunions and Revelations Vinyl woke up on the couch. She’d given Melody her room for the night, too soft hearted inside to make her sleep on the couch. Her eyes opened slowly, then widened in surprise. Her living room was tidy. She shot up, grabbing the pair of sunglasses off the floor and putting them over her eyes quickly. The entire room looked new, nothing out of place. There was no rubbish on the coffee table (which was used more as a soda table) and the floor was visible, the normal brown colour clear. She heard a vacuum cleaner start up from one of the other rooms and glanced in its’ direction, still marvelling at the clean state the house was now in. She walked into the kitchen next door and her eyes almost popped out of her head. Not one thing was on the benches, save a small vase Vinyl had forgotten she had filled with a few roses. Opening her cupboards, Vinyl found everything in place, perfectly stacked. Her heart missed a beat when she couldn’t find any of her well-loved records. She tore through the building towards the sound, noting the two other rooms she passed were also spotless. She arrived in the master bedroom to find Melody humming to herself as she vacuumed. Vinyl stared at the clean state of the room. Even now, half done, it was better than Vinyl had seen it since she’d moved in all those years back. Melody turned around and froze, seeing the look of shock on her hostess’ face. “Oh... I... um...” Vinyl stopped staring at the room and looked at the frazzled Pegasus in front of her. Melody blushed and looked at the floor. “I’m sorry... It was just so messy... I couldn’t... I couldn’t help myself...†Vinyl, realising her jaw was practically on the floor, shook her head and grinned. “Are you kidding? I haven’t seen the place look this good since I moved in.” Her grin faded and turned to worry. “But... Where are my records?” Melody pointed to a cabinet that had, until that day, been surrounded by various things and almost drowned in them. Vinyl rushed over to it and threw it open; sighing in relief at the vinyl records all packed in alphabetical order. She grinned again and turned back to a still shame faced Melody. Vinyl laughed at her face. “Don’t look so down Mel, it looks great.” Melody looked up and smiled. “You think so?” Vinyl nodded. “Hay yeah. How can I pay you back for this? You cleaned the whole house!” Melody blushed and looked at her hooves again. “And your studio...” Vinyl’s grin seemed to lift off her face. “And I’ll bet it looks just as beautiful as here.” Melody smiled, reassured that her efforts were appreciated. “You don’t need to pay me back... You’re letting me stay here for a while, that’s payment enough.” Vinyl laughed and tousled Melody's already messy mane. “Don’t be ridiculous. I have to pay you back somehow you silly pony.” Her eyes lit up behind her sunnies as she got an idea. “Come on, we’re going out.” Melody looked at her. “Where to?” Vinyl turned to go, giggling lightly. “You’ll see.” ~*~ “Welcome to Carousel Boutique where everything is chic, unique and magnifique! Who are you looking for?” The two mares were standing outside Carousel Boutique, looking at a smiling Gray. His face changed to one of pleasant surprise at the sight of Vinyl Scratch at the door. “Vinyl? Wow, don’t see you round here much.” Vinyl nodded amiably. “Too true Gray. We’re looking for Rarity, she in?” Gray nodded and motioned them in, leaving them in the foyer while he fetched Rarity, his ruby earring shining slightly. Melody looked incredibly nervous as she waited, amusing Vinyl Scratch. She felt a slight nudge at her shoulder and looked at Vinyl. “Don’t worry there Mel, Rarity is the nicest pony I know.” A white unicorn with perfectly styled mane and tail came practically prancing down the stairs, her blue eyes sparkling. She smiled at Vinyl, then noticed Melody. She caught her breath as her critical eye ran over Melody. “My dear, What in the world happened to your mane!?” Melody stood still, terrified of the hawk like gaze of the fashionista. Vinyl laughed and stepped between the two mares. “Girls, chillax! Rarity, this is Melody. Mel, this is Rarity.” Vinyl looked at Rarity sharply. “Be nice. She’s staying with me at the moment.” Rarity's eye twitched and her fierce gaze subsided. She smiled. “I take it you’re here to fix that hair dear?” Vinyl nodded, still grinning. “That’s right Rarity. Melody plays the violin; she needs to look the part as well.” Rarity's eyes lit up like a beacon. “Ooooh yes! Violin hmm? Come over here Melody, we’ll have your hair looking FABULOUS in no time at all!” Melody looked at Vinyl in disbelief as the fashion hungry unicorn was walking away. Her look spoke volumes. “You... You cannot be serious.” Vinyl nodded. “Dead serious Mel. Don’t worry; Rarity is the best fashion-pony I know.” She pushed Melody towards the room Rarity had entered earlier and watched as the nervous Pegasus walked in slowly. ~*~ “There! All done! You look FABULOUS!” Vinyl looked up from where she’d fallen asleep. It had been almost an hour, and Vinyls’ back was still stiff from sleeping on the couch rather than her own bed. Her jaw dropped to the floor. Melody looked stunning. Her pale red feathers were perfectly aligned, making her wings sleek. Her coat had been shined and her eyes shone in their sockets. But what struck her most was the hair. The deep purple colour of her mane cascaded over both sides of her face, framing it perfectly. The sky blue streak through it ran down the left side, partially obscuring one of her shining eyes. Her tail wasn't straight, but it wasn't poofy either. It was sort of at the middle ground between the two. Melody smiled shyly at the look on Vinyls’ face. “Uh... Hi Miss Scratch...” Rarity looked at Melody in surprise and exchanged an exasperated look with Vinyl and laughed gently. “Vinyl. I've known you since I've been here, and never have I heard you called that.” She turned to Melody, a smile playing across her face. “Don’t be so shy dear. You’re a beautiful mare. Just.... eat a little more ok?” Melody nodded uncertainly. Vinyl smiled at her, a genuinely pleasant smile rather than her signature grin. “You look spectacular Mel. Could ya give me some tips?” Rarity looked archly at the ivory unicorn and her two-tone blue hair. “Vinyl Scratch. The day you grow your hair for any reason, I will style it for absolutely free in any way you want.” Vinyl looked horrified for a moment. “Perish the absurd thought! This hair will never change its sexy style Rarity!” Rarity laughed softly and nudged Melody lightly. “Go on then dear. First is always free.” “That’s what you kept telling me.” All three mares turned to the gunmetal grey unicorn walking down the stairs, a small smile on his face. Rarity sighed dramatically. “Gray, must you bring that up? I still owe you a free style.” Gray chuckled as he walked up to her. “Well, we live together now, so it doesn't count does it?” Rarity rolled her eyes and stiffened slightly as he kissed her. Vinyl whistled suggestively and nodded at Gray when he looked at her, parting from Rarity as he did so. Vinyl grinned. “Hook in mate, hook in.” Gray laughed as Rarity blushed hotly. Melody smiled. She hadn't had this much fun in ages. She looked at the couple in front of her and tilted her head. “You two are so cute together.” Rarity blushed furiously and cuddled up to Grays’ chest. “You really think so?” Melody nodded as Gray put his hoof over Rarity, pulling her a little closer. Vinyl rolled her eyes underneath her shades. Romantic stuff wasn't her thing... not since Octavia rejected her anyhow. Rarity noted the change in attitude and huffed good-naturedly. “What? You jealous Vinyl?” Vinyl felt something in her snap. Her face transformed into a frown. “No Rarity, why would I be jealous of such a perfect, working relationship where both ponies love each other and work together? Hay, of course I’m not jealous!” She stormed out, her anger smoldering. Rarity looked at the door, tears slightly filling her eyes. Melody watched the door in bewilderment. Gray hugged Rarity. “It’s alright Rarity... She didn't mean to hurt you like that.” Rarity shook her head slightly. “No... I know but... I hit a nerve apparently...” Melody made a rushed goodbye and went to follow Vinyl, leaving Gray and Rarity alone in the Carousel Boutique. ~*~ Vinyl was stomping across Ponyville, trying desperately to vent her anger and beating herself up about her reaction. “Come on Vinyl that was pathetic. What were you thinking? Oh that’s right, you didn't think. Stupid unicorn, that’s old news. You and Tavi are still friends. Just because Rarity's relationship with Gray is perfect... and, and....” She felt tears threaten to spill out and didn't prevent it. She looked around and sighed in partial relief. She’d stopped in an isolated area, a small field with a lake. She walked up to the lake, her stomp turning into a dejected trudge and sort of flopped onto the ground, burying her head in her hooves. She would have stayed there the entire day if she hadn't heard the soft beat of wings above her. She’d taken off her shades to leave way for the tears, and she put them on again quickly, pretending to be simply lying in the sun. There was a soft wumph of a Pegasus landing and she felt a massive hoof on her shoulder. The silky voice that came next permeated the air throughout the entirety of the glade. “What’s wrong Vinyl? You can tell me.” Vinyl looked up at the massive black Pegasus looking down at her. His mane had fallen over her face, so both eyes were visible, both shining a soft purple. She sighed sadly and sat up, pushing the big stallion away from her as she did so. “Nothing is wrong Demonheart. What makes you think there’s something wrong?” Her voice cracked partway through and she cursed her weakness in her head. Demonheart smiled kindly. “Your voice and the way you've lain here for about fifteen minutes now crying.” Vinyl shrugged, realizing the pointlessness of arguing any further. “Alright fine. But what I say here cannot go any further than us k?” Demonheart nodded slowly. Vinyl took a deep breath to order her thoughts. “Alright. You remember Octavia?” Demonheart nodded again. “Well, I used to have, like, this massive crush on her...” Demonheart didn't even flinch. “But when I tried to approach her about it, she thought I was weird and obviously didn’t reciprocate the feelings. It took me almost three months to come back in speaking terms with her, let me put it like that.” Demonheart smiled kindly, rubbing Vinyls’ back comfortingly. Vinyl shivered and leaned against him, tears once more leaking out her eyes, spilling out from underneath the glasses. “And.... I thought I was over her... but apparently I was wrong...” “She snapped at Rarity because she was jealous of her relationship with Gray.” Both ponies turned around, both with wide eyes. Melody stood behind them smiling. “Hello Demonheart. Long time.” Demonhearts’ eyes softened with memories. “Melody. Nice to see you again.” Vinyl looked from one Pegasus to another. “You two... You two know each other?” Demonheart nodded and took his hoof off Vinyls’ back, causing her to almost fall over. “Hey!” Demonheart chuckled. “Sorry Vinyl.” Melody walked up to the two and sat next to Vinyl. “You ok Miss Scratch?” Vinyl nodded, brushing away the tracks her tears had made down her face. She threw Melody a daredevil grin. “Yeah, I’m fine Mel. I’m tough.” Her face creased in concern. “But... I think I owe Rarity an apology... I didn't mean to freak like that...” Melody winked at Demonheart and Demonheart grinned. He stepped aside and Vinyl Scratch toppled over, falling flat on her back. “Hey! Demon!” Demon laughed and Melody felt a stirring in her chest. She put a hoof on Vinyls’ head and pushed her back down. Vinyl looked at Melody incredulously. “Mel, what are you doing?” Melody smiled and stood over Vinyl. She leaned in close to her ear and whispered. “There’s nothing wrong with your preferences Miss Scratch. I, for one, am just like you.” Behind her shades, Vinyls’ eyes went wide. “You... You’re... like me?” Melody nodded slowly. “Unless you purely prefer mares. In which case, I’m partially like you.” Demonheart smiled and lifted off, flying back to his home. Vinyls’ eyes softened and she pushed Melody slightly. “You can get off me now Mel... I think you've made your point.” Melody looked slightly disappointed but got off of Vinyl. Vinyl stood up, making sure her shades were firmly in place. She looked at Melody and smiled. “Thanks Mel. And... Please just call me Vinyl.” Melody smiled and nudged Vinyl gently. “ Ok... Vinyl.” Wine and Unexpected Consequences Wine and Unexpected Consequences Chapter 4: Wine and unexpected consequences Vinyl woke up from her dream. She’d dreamed about Octavia for the first time in months, and it disturbed her. She sat up, once more on the couch and grabbed her shades, tears in her eyes. “Vinyl, what the hay is wrong with you?” “That’s an easy question to answer Vinyl.” Vinyl blushed furiously and looked up. Melody stood in front of her smiling softly. “Mel! Uh... How’d you... Uh...” Melody laughed softly. “You talk in your sleep, did you know that?” Vinyl blushed to the roots of her hair. “Uh... I know now...” Melody giggled and set down a plate of bacon, eggs and toast she’d been carrying on the coffee table, removing an empty soda can from it as she did so. “This Octavia must be pretty important to you. Hope she feels the same way.” Vinyl looked at the floor. “She... She doesn’t swing that way...” Melody’s face turned sympathetic. “I see. Well, maybe it isn’t meant to be then. Keep searching V.” She kissed Vinyl lightly on the forehead just under her horn, causing the ivory unicorn to stiffen in surprise. “You’ll find somepony soon.” She turned around and walked out of the room, leaving Vinyl blushing on the couch. She shook her head. “Aw c’mon Vinyl, it’s how she was raised.” She grabbed the plate and ate ravenously, finishing within a few minutes. She walked down to her Studio, leaving a note on the brand new parchment pinned to the fridge for Melody, but she couldn’t concentrate. Her music wouldn’t work, couldn’t work. Then the music began. A happy violin medley played from upstairs, flowing smoothly throughout the entire studio. Vinyl smiled and picked up a quill and a large piece of parchment and began furiously writing. ~*~ Melody’s eyes were closed as she played. She was playing from her heart, without the assistance of any sheet music or memory. She simply let her hoof play over the notes and chords, her bow draw across the strings in whatever way it happened. Her face was smiling, her face slightly flushed. Her thoughts wandered around her head, landing on and staying on Vinyl Scratch. There was something about the daredevil DJ that appealed to her delicate sensibilities. Perhaps it was because she treated her like a pony rather than a princess or a piece of dirt, like she was used to in her two years of wandering. She’d done some terrible things to prevent harm from coming to her beloved violin. It was all she had left of her mother. She’d almost lost her innocence to a mugger, being saved only moments before hand by a big stallion who’d tried to date her soon after. She’d never taken him up and had been nervous around strange ponies ever since. The playing became slow and haunted again, filled with sorrow and pain. Her face turned into a sad frown and tears came to her eyes. That was what she had endured for the past two years of her life. Ever since she’d been thrown out of her home thanks to some bloodthirsty lawyer. She’d felt everything bad there was to feel and more. Tears streaked down her pale red face, some of it getting caught in her beautifully styled mane. She’d made sure that the mane was brushed back into place how it was after the style she’d gotten. She remembered everything she’d been through, but when her memories wandered back to Vinyl Scratch finding her, the music tone lifted and became much happier. Her face split once more into a smile, tears turning into tears of joy. Her heart swelled in her chest, almost bursting with a very familiar emotion she had felt very few times before. ~*~ Vinyl Scratch held up her newest piece of music in delight. “It’s perfect!” It was definitely a change from her usual techno style, being alternative rock instead, but still featured her turntable heavily. She rushed up the stairs, searching desperately for Melody. She found her in the master bedroom, playing exquisitely on her ancient violin. She smiled and leaned against the door frame, noting the way she played with her eyes closed. Her eyes were still covered by shades. Melody’s song came to a close, drawing out a long, sad note before fading out. She sighed happily. “Oh Vinyl... Why can’t you see?” Vinyl stopped leaning on the doorway and walked in. “See what Mel?” Melody spun around, her eyes wide and nervous. “Oh, Vinyl...I uh... “ She went quiet and her face flushed a deep red. Vinyl’s face turned confused. “What? What did I do?” Melody’s wings fluttered nervously. “Nothing... You didn’t do anything...” She returned her violin to her case. “ I was just... uh...” Vinyl shrugged. “Hey, no sweat. Check it out! I made somethin’ new! And it’s all thanks to your music!” Melody looked at Vinyl and smiled. “That’s great Vinyl. Really great.” Vinyl grinned. “I’m headin’ into town. Wanna join me?” Melody blushed further. “Um... sure.” “Great! Let’s go!” ~*~ Melody followed Vinyl shyly, floating about an inch off the ground. They’d been out and about for about an hour now and Melody was getting nervous. Vinyl was loving the time she was spending with her new friend and was happy to spend a few hours out and about, even if it took her away from her music. Melody was definitely feeling things differently. “Uh... Vinyl...” Vinyl turned around and looked at her friend with a grin. “Sup Mel?” Melody smiled shyly. “I... uh... Did you want to get some lunch?” Vinyl thought about it for a moment. “Sure thing Mel.” Melody blushed slightly as Vinyl turned around. She was getting lunch with Vinyl Scratch! It wasn’t exactly what she wanted, but it would work for now. They had a light lunch at a small cafe, eating a salad each along with an iced drink of some sort. Whatever it was, it most definitely wasn’t water and it wasn’t champagne. Vinyl grinned at her friend’s confused face. “This is a berry soda Mel. It’s a smidgen fizzy.” Melody looked at Vinyl. “You think?” Vinyl laughed, the moment over with for now. Their lunch was, for the most part, quiet. It was nice. ~*~ Talisman grinned from inside the library. He’d received a tip from Rarity about the young Pegasus who’d entered Ponyville. His special talent to read minds come in handy about things like this. Twilight noticed his smile and looked at him curiously. “Who are you spying on this time Tal?” Talisman looked at her, a hurt look playing across his face. “Spying? I don’t spy!” Twilight nodded knowingly. “Of course not dear. Now who are you spying on?” Talisman chuckled. “Vinyl Scratch and her new friend.” ~*~ Melody convinced Vinyl to stay out for the rest of the day and even to buy her dinner. They sat at a fancy restaurant, eating a fancy meal neither of them could pronounce, but both agreed was absolutely delicious. It was accompanied by a fine wine, which Vinyl refused point blank to drink. Melody, finding this funny, giggled lightly at her friend’s reaction to the beverage. She ended up drinking both, Vinyl ordering some sort of whisky. It was late when the both of them returned to her flat and Melody was more than slightly intoxicated, having had a few more drinks after the meal. Her walking was wonky and her eyes were constantly straying to Vinyl. She was smiling happily. “Yeah, I’m not really a big fan of that ssilly techno wub-wub thingy... I always preferred violinsh... But I’ll make an ecsheshun for yours!” The two entered the house and Vinyl walked her down to the master bedroom. She turned to her friend and smiled. “Alright Mel. Time for bed now ok?” Melody smiled and leaned toward Vinyl. “Ya know... I never got to see your eyes...” Vinyl stiffened and shook her head. “Nopony has seen my eyes in a long time Mel.” Melody seemed to have sobered up a little bit, and wasn’t slurring her words anymore. “Maybe you should let them...” The ivory unicorn shook her head again and smiled. “It’s time for bed Mel.” Melody leaned further forward, the space between the two mares turning to inches. “hmm.... yeah... time for bed..” Vinyl took a step back, closer to the bed. “Mel... what’s gotten into you?” Melody smiled and took a step towards Vinyl and put a hoof on her chest, pushing her to the bed. “The bed sounds nice...” Vinyl’s face turned scared. “Mel... What are you doing?” Melody pushed Vinyl over, rolling her onto the double bed. Vinyl went to get up off her back but found herself straddled by the pale red Pegasus, her purple mane cascading around her face. Melody giggled. “What do you think sexy?” Vinyl tried to shrink back. “Look, Melody... I don-” She was silenced as Melody leaned forward, only inches from her face. She could feel her breath mingling with Melody’s, taste her scent, smell the alcohol on her breath. She turned her head, avoiding Melody’s gaze. “I... I can’t Mel.” She felt a soft hoof on her cheek and her head was turned to face Melody. “Yes... you can.” She kissed Vinyl softly, rubbing her hooves against Vinyl’s shoulders. She felt Vinyl resist and she pulled back, putting one hoof softly on Vinyl’s chest. “What’s wrong V?” “I can’t... I can’t do it Mel...” “Why not?” Vinyl looked up at the amorous Pegasus on top of her and tears came to her eyes. “I... I’m just a streetwise disc jockey who grew up on the wrong side of town... I don’t deserve a beautiful mare like you Mel...” “So you do feel the same way?” “Well... Yeah... Now that you mention it I do... but even so... I can’t-” She was silenced by another soft kiss from Melody, her soft form pressing against Vinyl and fitting perfectly. She separated from the ivory Pegasus. “Baby, just you telling me that confirms I couldn’t have a better lover.” Vinyl looked up at Melody with heartfelt thanks. “Thanks Mel... But I still can’t accept this...” Melody traced down Vinyl’s body with her hoof gently, eliciting a shiver from the nervous mare. “In this case... You don’t have a choice.” Warning: Explicit content. This is your chance to skip my badly written sex scene via the next chapter button. It's not really necessary, but it was an interesting experiment. She kissed her again, this time passionately. For a moment, Vinyl resisted, but it wasn’t long before the unicorn was kissing Melody back. She felt a soft touch on her bottom lip and she opened her mouth in response, letting in Melody’s soft tongue. Melody’s eyes were filled with love as she led Vinyl’s tongue on an intimate dance. She could feel herself heating up as the dance got more passionate. Eventually the two split for air, a thin strand of saliva connecting the two at the mouth. After what seemed like almost an eternity, the two came together again, this time with Melody gently thrusting forward with her hips, gently rubbing the lover’s nethers together, bringing soft moans from both, arousing them even further. Vinyl’s hooves tangled into her lover’s mane and pulled her closer, forcing the two even closer together. There was a sharp intake of breath from Vinyl as she felt a soft hoof tracing down her side all the way to her flank where it stopped and rubbed sensuously. “Mel...ody...” Melody smiled as she released Vinyl’s tongue, allowing the two to breath once more. “Yes my love?” Melody took a breath of her own as she felt Vinyl’s hoof smack against her own flank and start to trace a circle on her flank. Melody, feeling daring, took Vinyl’s shades in her mouth. There was suddenly a hoof behind Melody’s head and Vinyl’s voice was laced with fear. “No... Mel... you don’t... want to... see-” “Yes I do V... I do...” Using her spare hoof, Melody gently removed Vinyl’s hoof, allowing it to flow down her spine and under her wings instead and slowly took off the shades. Vinyl’s eyes were tightly shut, not allowing anypony to see her eyes. “Open your eyes V... Let me see...” Vinyl shook her head quickly. “No... You’ll see me just like them...” Melody planted a soft kiss on each of Vinyl’s eyelids. “Now V, how could you say that? I’m not like them.” Vinyl hesitated visibly, before she slowly opened her eyes, revealing the two ruby red irises. Melody caressed the nervous mare’s cheek. “They’re beautiful V... I don’t know why you hide them all the time or why they wouldn’t accept them.” Vinyl smiled hopefully and pulled Melody closer. “Then let’s dance gorgeous.” Vinyl pulled her into another kiss, but this one didn’t last for long. Melody pulled away from Vinyl, leaving Vinyl begging for more. She giggled happily and ran her hoof once more down Vinyl’s chest, tracing all the way down to just before the most sensitive spot. Vinyl moaned torturously. “How... Long are you... going to keep... teasing me like this?” The question was punctuated by short gasps of breath and Melody smiled briefly and slid herself down, sensuously bringing her other hoof down her lover’s side, kissing her as she went. The chest... Down to the belly... Just above the tortuously placed hoof, then down her pale white legs. Vinyl tried to sit up, but found herself pushed down again by her still intoxicated partner. “Lie still love... Let me give you something for once...” The face of her lover vanished from view and the hoof shifted position, now pressing gently on Vinyls nethers, eliciting a faint moan of pleasure from her. She spread her hooves out and found the remote for her music. She knocked it out of the way, off the bed. It fell and pressed play as it hit the floor. Suddenly a slow song came on over the speakers, adding to the mood. “˜She must have changed the discs...’ The thought passed through her mind so quickly it was barely registered. “Mel... oh...” Melody was massaging the lips of Vinyl’s slit teasingly with her tongue. Her hooves were turning big circles on either side of her rump, adding to the intense pleasure. It was like nothing Vinyl Scratch had ever felt before. Melody’s head came into view, licking her lips seductively. “Mmm... You taste ever so sweet V... Wanna try?” Vinyl strained forward, desperate to feel the sensuous touch of her lover’s tongue upon hers once more. The taste was different, sweeter and intoxicatingly powerful. Her eyelids half closed in ecstasy. She groaned in pleasure into Melody’s mouth as the Pegasus massaged her slit gently, applying more pressure over time. They split up again, the saliva trail being broken as Melody plunged back down between Vinyl’s legs. Vinyl arched her back and groaned as Melody plunged her tongue into her eagerly. The unicorn’s forehooves went down to the back of her lover’s head, pressing gently for more. Melody was only too happy to oblige, pressing her mouth over the entire slit and sucking as well as tasting inside her. Vinyl could feel an intense pleasure building up inside her, threatening to break loose. The feeling obliterated all thought from her head, turning her into a being of pure hunger. She pressed down even harder, but Melody resisted, raising a few inches and closing her mouth. “Vinyl...” She was cut off as Vinyl shoved her back down, her snout penetrating the eager mare’s final sanctuary. She cried out as it did so, her cry full of longing. Melody complied with the wants of her love, desperate for approval. Her tongue licked the extremities of the warm, wet cavern, forcing it open as it went. The pleasure reached maximum capacity. Vinyl Scratch screamed in absolute ecstasy, her pleasure exploding over Melody, coating her snout and face with the fruits of her labors. Melody looked up from where she was laying, looking at Vinyl’s face and smiled, her blue eyes shining. She crept up until she was at eye level and kissed Vinyl softly, letting some of the musky liquid to enter the mouth of her love. She pulled away and slid down a tiny bit, snuggling her head into the soft fur of Vinyl’s chest, her mane spreading over her partner’s feminine form and her wings spread out, lying on the bed. “I love you Vinyl Scratch...” Vinyl smiled dreamily. “I love you too Melody...” The two fell asleep in the hooves of the one they loved. Spiteful Sonnet Spiteful Sonnet Chapter 5: Spiteful Sonnet Melody slowly swam back into consciousness. Her head hurt a little bit, but nothing she couldn’t handle. She was aware of a soft feeling beneath her that felt ever so perfect, the sheets under her hooves. She hadn’t opened her eyes yet. She didn’t know what the sweet smelling thing beneath her was, but she was still a little sleepy... She snuggled into Vinyl’s chest, waking her up. Vinyl looked down at Melody and smiled lovingly. She was still not wearing her shades, but she didn’t care anymore. She ran a gentle hoof down Melody’s back and the sleeping mare shivered. “mmmm.... Vinyl....” Vinyl started slightly when she heard her name uttered from the sleeping form cuddling into her chest, her eyes sparkling. Both of them fell asleep once more. Both dreaming tantalisingly of the other. ~*~ “Mmm...” Melody woke up, this time her head not hurting and feeling refreshed as ever. She opened her eyes, yawning slowly. And freaked out. “Vinyl? Oh, by Celestia, what have I done?” She tried to escape the embrace of the ivory unicorn holding her in place, but it just wasn’t happening. She struggled, her wings flapping frantically and still talking to herself. “Melody you fool, what were you thinking? By Celestia, I hope you didn’t do anything stupid and this is just as innocent as it seems.... Oh you stupid, stupid filly!” Vinyl woke up suddenly and looked at the desperate Melody, letting go of her. Melody, not expecting the sudden lack of resistance, fell off the bed in her panic. She pressed herself into the corner of the room in fear. Vinyl stretched luxuriously and looked at the nervous mare. It struck Melody that she wasn’t wearing her shades and her eyes were glittering ruby red. All she wanted to do at that moment was sink into the floor, never to be seen again. “What’s up Mel? Did I do something?” Melody shook her head, fear practically dripping off her. Viny looked at her in confusion, getting out of the bed on Melody’s side in the process. “Then... What are you doing?” Melody whimpered as Vinyl got closer. She couldn’t help but notice those eyes... they were stunning. But her fear was overriding her thought processes and she tried to take another step back, realized she couldn’t and whimpered again. The two were inches apart now, Vinyl grinning her signature grin and Melody’s face contorted in fear. “Chill out Mel... Everything’s ok...” It was whispered affectionately into her ear, and that scared Melody even more. “Vinyl.... what happened last night? I remember dinner... walking home... but nothing after that...” Vinyl put a hoof over Melody’s lips to quieten her, noting the electric effect it had on her. “You confessed Mel. How you feel... It’s pretty clear now.” “H... How-?” Vinyl closed the distance between the two in an instant and Melody’s eyes went wide as Vinyl Scratch kissed her passionately. Her eyes filled with tears and she roughly pushed Vinyl back. Vinyl looked incredulously at the terrified Pegasus. “What are you doing Mel? I thought...?” Melody nodded quickly then looked at Vinyl desperately. “I... I can’t... I....” She yelped softly and fled, rushing past Vinyl with a streak of tears and grabbing her violin case before she left, sobs still wracking her petite frame. Vinyl stared after her, completely confused. “I... I guess she was more drunk than I thought....” ~*~ Melody lifted off as soon as she got out the front door, desperately flying away, her eyes leaking tears. Her thoughts were still on Vinyl Scratch, so she didn’t see the darkening sky. There was a crack of thunder, jolting Melody out of her tear stained reverie. The storm had started. Rain poured forth from the heavens, soaking the Pegasus in a matter of seconds, forcing her to the ground, protecting her violin fiercely. She felt utterly miserable as she found shelter underneath another porch, memories coming back to her. She saw herself pulled into Vinyl’s flat for the first and last time, the look of gratitude and surprise she’d gotten when she’d cleaned the place, the look of wonder she received every time she played her violin.... A door opened suddenly, frightening her further. A light brown unicorn stood in the doorway, his tan mane falling over his eyes. He smiled gently at her. “Come on then Melody. I’m not leaving you out here.” Melody looked at him in shock. The unicorn facehoofed. “Ugh, good one Tal. She’s new remember?” He looked at Melody again and smiled. “My name is Talisman. I’m the resident psychiatrist and mind reader. Now, please come in before more introductions are made, I know you’re cold.” He walked back inside, leaving the door open invitingly. Melody looked longingly at the warm interior of the library. She sighed heavily, picked up her violin and walked inside. The door shut behind her, wreathed in a purple light. Twilight Sparkle sat at a desk, staring pensively at a page in a large, leather bound tome. A steaming mug was brought to Melody by a small purple dragon with green spines. “There you go! Looks like you need it!” Melody accepted the hot chocolate gratefully, shivering from the cold. Talisman’s horn glowed and all the moisture from Melody’s pale red coat, feathers and her two toned mane lifted and dissipated. She smiled gratefully at the stallion, noting the purple glow moving his hair out of his eyes. “Tal, you really should get that cut.” Talisman smirked. “You know what happens when I do that Twi.” “It grows back the next day, I know.” Melody watched the exchange in interest. Her face morphed into a sad smile. Twilight looked up at her and smiled, her face screaming tired. “Morning. I’m Twilight Sparkle. You are?” Melody smiled. “Melody.” “Nice to meet you Melody. The dragon is Spike.” Spike nodded to the Pegasus from the ladder he was currently climbing. There was a muffled hello from him and Melody peered at him, sipping her drink. “Baby dragon?” Twilight, having looked back to her tome, smiled gracefully. “Yes. He’s like a little brother to me.” The reference to family made Melody smile and laugh softly. ~*~ Vinyl was worried. It had been almost an hour and the storm was fading but Melody hadn’t returned. She was once again wearing a pair of shades and underneath them her eyes were stricken with fear. The storm had been pretty bad, and no matter what Vinyl did, she couldn’t focus on anything except Melody. Her reaction to where she’d woken up that morning and the reaction to Vinyl’s affections. It was Octavia all over again, and Vinyl couldn’t bear it. She’d cried for a while. She’d tried to forget her and delve into music. But there was something about the Pegasus Vinyl simply couldn’t shake from her mind. Now, she was sitting helplessly on the couch, staring out a window with the slow, melodious music that Melody had replaced her records with before the previous night had happened. She still had tears threatening to spill from her eyes underneath the deep purple shades and she felt pathetic. “What were you thinking Vinyl? She was scared... Obviously she was scared. Why were you so aggressive? You’re a fool Scratch.” A single tear spilled out from under the lens of her sunglasses and she wiped it away angrily. “I... I knew it was too good to be true. I told her I didn’t deserve her...” There was a light knock at her door and Vinyl looked up, hope flaring in her chest. She rushed over to the door, turning off the music as she went. She flung the door open. “Mel?” She felt a dead weight plummet into her heart, plunging down to her stomach. In the doorway stood Octavia, her face more than slightly shocked. “Vinyl Scratch. You really should be careful when you fling the door open like that.” Vinyl automatically flung up a daredevil grin. “Hey Tavi... What are you doing here?” Octavia shrugged nonchalantly. “I decided I wanted to see my friend again. Is there something wrong with that?” Vinyl wanted to scream in her face, tell her there was something wrong, that Octavia was the reason she had never had a partner to live with and love. But she didn’t. Instead she kept grinning. “Nah Tavi, no problem. Come on in?” Octavia walked imperiously into the flat and her eyes went wide. “Vinyl. Your house is clean! What in Celestia’s name happened?” Vinyl shrugged. “It got cleaned.” Octavia shot her a withering look as she closed the door behind her. “I can see that. But who cleaned it? It wasn’t you; you aren’t capable of keeping a house clean for ten seconds, even if it was to save your life!” Vinyl flinched at the insult. “Somepony else.” Octavia raised a curious eyebrow. “Oh? Finally found a stallion then?” Vinyl shook her head vehemently. “Nah, I’m a lone wolf Tavi you know that.” “How much did you pay then?” Vinyl flinched again, the tone of her voice cutting through her facade. “I didn’t pay anything.” “Accepting charity now?” “Hay no.” “Then how did you repay them?” Vinyl sighed, defeated. “I got them a full overhaul at Carousel Boutique.” “But the first is always free.” “Yes well, I didn’t know this at the time.” “Irrelevant. By not paying them back you-” There was another knock at the door a Vinyl raised her eyebrow at Octavia. Her voice had a venomous undertone to it. “Expecting company Tavi?” “No. I’d say it’s for you.” Vinyl rolled her eyes, irritated. Turning around, she opened the door and her eyes went wide, Octavia instantly forgotten. Melody stood in the doorway, her head lowered. “I... um...” Octavia peered over Vinyl’s shoulder. “Vinyl. Who is this?” Vinyl Scratch walked outside and slammed the door in Octavia’s face. “Mel... you came back!” Melody smiled slightly. “Of course I did V...” She looked up, still smiling. “I love you...” Vinyl smiled at Melody and caressed her cheek lovingly. “I’d certainly hope so. I’d hate for last night to be a onetime thing.” Melody blushed, her face turning a deeper red than the rest of her body. The door opened and Octavia stepped out, her face speaking volumes of offence. Vinyl’s hoof seemed to magically disappear from Melody’s face and reappear by her side. “Vinyl. Are you going to introduce me to your friend or not?” Vinyl sighed. “Melody, this is Octavia. Tavi, this is Melody.” Melody’s face suddenly turned outraged. “This is Octavia?” Vinyl gulped, realizing her mistake. She’d spoken about Octavia the previous day, when they were in town and over dinner. “Oh hay...” Octavia offered her hoof aloofly. “Pleasure to meet you dear. Am I to assume you play something less... Raw... than Vinyl?” Melody literally slapped the hoof away from her, a disgusted look on her face. “Don’t touch me you pathetic meat sack!” Octavia looked at the mare incredulously. “Well! I never. You’re even more foul mouthed than Vinyl!” Melody lost it. “What do you know!? Vinyl is a kind, caring and awesome friend! She’s not foul mouthed! Sure, her language is rough, but by Celestia, it adds character to her! And her music is NOT raw, it’s just different!” Octavia was shocked, but Melody wasn’t finished yet. “To think she once liked you! You should have been honoured! Instead you humiliated her and cast her away like a toy a foal no longer wants to play with! It’s disgusting! You’re narrow minded and-” Octavia tried to butt in. “Now look here young mare-” “SHUT UP AND LISTEN!” Both Vinyl and Octavia took a step back in fright. Melody was still talking. “You’re a narrow minded, uppity, arrogant BITCH! Even if I was paid a million bits per day to be your friend over Vinyl, I’d still choose V over you!” Octavia’s heart skipped a beat. “V? You call her V?” Melody, calming down but still angry, nodded sharply. Octavia looked at Vinyl incredulously. “I thought only I called you V!” Vinyl, her confidence boosted by Melody’s outburst scowled at her. “I think you lost that right when you ditched me Octavia.” Octavia looked at the two ponies in irritation. “Fine. Who wants to be here anyway?” She pushed Vinyl out of the way, making her collide with Melody and fall to the ground. With a final look over her shoulder, Octavia stormed off. Vinyl looked up at Melody from her arms where she’d caught her, her wings wrapped around her and smiled. “Thanks Mel.” Melody giggled and kissed Vinyl’s forehead, avoiding the horn as best she could. “Anytime V.” Sorrowful Sonata Sorrowful Sonata Chapter 6: Sorrowful Sonata “So... why’d you leave Mel?” The pair was sitting on the couch in the living room, a soft violin solo playing in the background. Vinyl had mixed up her normal playlist with some of Melody’s favorites after she’d returned. Melody looked at her feet shyly. “Well... I was scared.” Vinyl nodded in understanding. “My actions probably didn’t help huh?” Melody giggled and sort of fell over on the couch, her head landing in Vinyl’s lap. “Not really, no.” Both ponies giggled happily. Vinyl, struck by inspiration, ran a hoof through Melody’s hair gently. “I love your mane Mel... It’s much smoother than my birds nest.” She glanced up at her mane, stylishly tousled as always. Melody reached up and put her hoof on Vinyl’s hair. “I don’t know, I kinda like your hair V. It’s cute.” She tousled the mane further, making Vinyl laugh helplessly. “Mel! I had that perfect!” “I know V. That’s why I did it!” She brought her hoof back down, taking the shades from Vinyl’s eyes in the process. For a moment, Vinyl tried to take them back, but Melody wouldn’t let her. “No V. Your eyes are beautiful. If you want to hide them in public, so be it. But not in here ok?” Vinyl looked helplessly at her partner and smiled slowly. “Alright cute stuff, you have a deal.” “Good. Can you cook?” Vinyl shrugged. “I can boil water.” “That’s not cooking!” “It still counts!” “How does boiling water count as cooking!?” “It heats up.” Melody sighed in mild exasperation and sat up, facing Vinyl. “Well, I’ll have to teach you then.” “What? How to cook?” “No silly, how to lay eggs.” Vinyl rolled her eyes happily. “I’ve always wondered what it’d be like to be a chicken.” “Don’t be silly, you’ll be a duck!” They both stared at each other for a moment and then burst out laughing. Vinyl leaned against Melody, being sure to take care with her horn. “Oh Mel... Where were you three years ago?” Melody looked at the happy unicorn on her and smiled. “I could ask you the same question V.” Vinyl turned her head to face Melody and lost herself to a sudden kiss, her mind spiraling and her blood pumping. ~*~ It was late afternoon when Octavia came back. Melody was playing her violin specifically for Vinyl Scratch at the time. The grey mare listened in at the door, her eyes going wide. “That’s some skill she’s got... And violin?” Octavia straightened noticeably and knocked imperiously on the door. The violin stopped instantly. The door swung open slowly and Melody stood at the door. She frowned at Octavia the instant she recognized her. Her violin was in her hoof. “Come to apologize to Vinyl Octavia?” Octavia sighed dramatically. “No Melody. I’m not. I was wondering as to what you were implying by the insult you threw at me earlier.” “Which one?” Octavia shot Melody a withering look which was returned with interest. “Narrow minded.” Vinyl came up and stood beside Melody, shades now firmly in place. “Octavia? What the hay are you doing here?” Melody looked at the white unicorn, irritation plain on her face. “She wants to know what I meant by narrow minded.” Vinyl blinked as the realisation of what she was talking about dawned on her. She sighed and turned to Octavia. “Never mind what she meant Octavia. It’s not-” Octavia cut her off rudely. “I simply cannot let it go Vinyl. I want to know exactly what she meant.” Melody rolled her eyes and looked at Vinyl expectantly. Vinyl rolled her eyes. “This... is a really bad idea Mel.” Melody shrugged in irritation. “She wants to know.” Vinyl shook her head and went to turn to Octavia. “Just let it...” Melody grabbed Vinyl and pulled her into a kiss, Vinyl’s red eyes widening in shock under her shades, then closing as the now-familiar feeling kicked in, pulling her in closer to the pale red Pegasus. Octavia was shocked and took a step back in disgust. Melody separated from Vinyl and looked pointedly at Octavia. “THAT! That is what I meant Octavia. Now slither on out of here you treacherous snake!” Octavia, her face screwed up in disgust, turned and walked away in a huff. Vinyl, recovering from the sense reeling kiss still, looked at Melody and groaned slightly. “There are going to be so many repercussions for that...” Melody turned back to her love and smiled. “Nothing we can’t handle V.” Suddenly a large rock came flying down from the direction Octavia had left from and struck Melody’s violin, snapping three of the strings and denting it. Melody looked at the damage in horror. “No...” Vinyl looked at the violin in blank shock, just as another rock came flying from the same direction, this time quite a bit bigger. It collided with the violin and continued straight through, shattering it into pieces. Vinyl felt rage. Cold, undeniable rage and she leapt into action, running down the path Octavia had just followed. But Octavia had vanished, as though she was never there. Vinyl returned to the heartbroken Melody and pulled her into a hug. “I.... I’m sorry Mel...” Melody didn’t say anything, her voice stolen with sobs and shallow breaths. ~*~ “I’m going to snap her damn cello in HALF!” Vinyl was fighting to escape Melody’s grip to run down the path where Octavia had left from not fifteen minutes before, but Melody refused to let her go. “No V... Just stay here... This... This is my fault and mine alone.” Vinyl looked at the Pegasus incredulously. Her pale red feathers were brushing along the ground, her wings completely limp. “How is this your fault? This blame lies entirely on Octavia!” Melody shook her head sadly, tears still dripping down her face. “No... I provoked her... It’s my... fault...” She burst into tears again and buried her face into Vinyl’s chest, her tears staining her ivory coat. Vinyl’s eyes softened and she held her close. Melody’s stricken voice only just reached Vinyl’s ears. “I’m sorry mum... I tried...” Vinyl gently rubbed her marefriends back between her wings. Melody wrapped her wings around Vinyl and the two sat there, completely reliant on each other for most of the rest of the day. Luna’s moon was rising in the sky when they eventually walked back to the house and fell onto the couch. Melody had stopped crying and had instead adopted a hollow expression that scared Vinyl. “Melody? Are... are you going to be ok?” Melody looked at Vinyl blankly. “I’ll... I’ll be fine V...” Even her voice was expressionless. Vinyl felt a tear come to her eye as she took off her shades. “Mel, I know that’s a lie. How... How can I help?” “You can’t...” Vinyl was struck hard as she realised the full extent of the damage Octavia had caused Melody and felt her rage return. “If she comes back here... I swear I’m gunna find out where she’s staying and break her precious cello! You just watch-” There was a resounding crack as Melody slapped Vinyl across the face, her face suddenly angry. “You will do no such thing. You will stay here and look after yourself, not go gallivanting around looking for trouble.” Vinyl held a hoof to her now cut face. She looked at Melody in astonishment and tears filled her eyes. Melody realised what she’d done and freaked, emotions suddenly returning. “Oh Celestia... What did I do? I’m... I’m so sorry V... I uh...” She hung her head and got up, making to leave. She levitated three inches into the air and was replaced upon the couch right next to Vinyl. “You’re not going anywhere Mel.” Her intense red eyes met Melody’s blue ones and connected, refusing to let her look away. Melody smiled slightly in return. “Th... Thanks V...” Vinyl smiled mischievously. “I wouldn’t be saying thanks just yet cutie.” Vinyl leaned forward, her lips millimeters away from Melody’s and spoke at a near whisper. “I still need to apologise... and thank you...” Melody desperately leaned forward, trying to steal a kiss but Vinyl leaned back, keeping the distance between them torturously close. She giggled as Melody groaned in longing and slowly kissed her, pushing her onto her back. She split from the panting mare, a string of saliva still joining them together and grinned. “Now it’s my turn.” ~*~ Melody lay on the couch, gasping for breath. Her lover was already asleep, her head resting on Melody’s chest. Sweat dripped down her brow as she tried to catch her breath. “That... was... Insane!” She found herself wrapping her wings around Vinyl’s prone form, feeling protective. She was still quivering when she reached down and stroked Vinyl’s head. She giggled lightly. “You are eager aren’t you V?” Vinyl snored lightly in response, causing Melody to giggle again. “I love you V.” Vinyl stirred in her sleep, her daredevil grin spreading across her face. “I love you too...” She murmured. Melody looked at her frazzled mane and tail. The latter was tangled with Vinyl’s scruffy mane, mixing three tones of blue and a shade of purple together. Gently so as not to disturb Vinyl, Melody worked the twists and turns of their tangled hair out and slipped out from under Vinyl, making sure not to wake her. She trotted over into the kitchen and set about making herself a snack. Still eating said snack, Melody thought back to the destruction of her mother’s violin and her face grew sad. “I’m sorry mum...” Her thoughts fell on Vinyl Scratch and her frown turned into a soft smile. “I couldn’t save your violin... But I got you another daughter... another wonderful daughter. Surely that makes you proud of me?” Her wondering's turned back towards the ivory unicorn still asleep on the couch and she walked back to the living room and watched her for a while. Her shades were on the floor, forgotten long ago. She smiled as Vinyl stirred and mumbled something about music into the pillow her face was now lying on. Melody took the last bite out of her snack and nodded. “Time for bed dear...” She picked up Vinyl with her front hooves and flapped her wings experimentally. She lifted off and floated slowly through the house to the master bedroom. She carefully placed the sleeping unicorn on the pillows and then lay down herself. The last thing she thought before falling asleep came as she gazed at the peaceful face of Vinyl Scratch, her mane partially covering her face. “By Celestia she’s adorable.” Baleful Bass Baleful Bass Chapter 7: Baleful Bass Two pairs of eyes opened at the same time, one pair ruby red and the other a pale blue. Vinyl grinned, grabbing a pillow and throwing it at Melody. Not expecting it, the pillow hit her smack bang in the center of her face. Her eyes narrowed and a smile spread across her face as she grabbed one of her own and hurled it at Vinyl, who ducked, dodging it by millimeters only to be hit by another one a second later. There was much laughter as the two mares playfully threw pillows at each other before Melody hurled herself at Vinyl. They landed together in a clumsy heap, Melody ending up below Vinyl, both laughing. Melody feigned fear and spoke in a cute voice. “Oh please, don’t hurt me mistress!” Vinyl grinned and leaned down close. “Would I do that pet?” Melody’s eyes half closed, tasting Vinyl’s breath as she strained to get a kiss. “Never...” The two came together tenderly, neither willing to break the physical bond. Eventually they had to part for air, and Vinyl grinned at Melody. “So Mel. What do you want to do today?” Melody clapped both forehooves down on Vinyl’s flanks. “Breakfast sounds good.” Vinyl nodded in agreement. “It does. And may I say my love that you’re filling out nicely. Very curvaceous.” Melody blushed and pushed Vinyl lightly. “Get out!” “No really!” The two stood up and walked into the kitchen, still spotless from the night before where they’d skipped dinner. Vinyl got out a few eggs and some hay bacon she had stashed in the fridge, taking them over to a spare bench. Melody had already gotten out a skillet and was heating it up. She threw a carefree smile at Vinyl which she returned, a mischievous sparkle in her ruby red eyes. “V, can you get the toaster? We’ll need it for the toast.” Vinyl’s horn glowed and the toaster floated out of a cupboard and onto the bench. Melody smiled slightly. “I guess magic comes in handy sometimes.” Vinyl nodded, passing the eggs and hay bacon to Melody to cook. “Sure does. But I’m nothing to Twilight.” Melody looked at her in confusion. “Twilight Sparkle? The librarian?” Vinyl looked at Melody blankly. “You’ve met?” “Where’d you think I went after I ran away?” “My first thought was Demonheart. Not Twilight and Tal.” Melody giggled. “Well, I didn’t actually know where I was so, I was just sort of lucky I guess.” Vinyl looked at the egg in the skillet. She pointed it out to Melody who squeaked and dug around for an egg flip before coming up and finding it perfectly flipped, courtesy of magic once more. She looked thankfully at Vinyl. “What would I do without you V?” “Find me I hope. I’ve never been happier in my life.” Melody blushed and watched the egg, trying to hide it. She felt Vinyl’s forehooves wrap around her and a soft kiss on the back of her neck. “You... You really mean that?” Vinyl laughed softly and kissed her ear. “Of course. By the way, I think the egg is done.” Melody looked at the egg. It was indeed done and a plate was already next to the skillet. The egg was quickly transferred to the plate and Melody frowned. “This is going to take too long.” “Impatient Mel?” “Hungry.” Melody discarded the skillet in favor of a big frying pan and threw all the eggs in at once, adding the hay bacon barely ten seconds later, cooking it till the hay that made it up was crispy, as all ponies knew Hay bacon was meant to be eaten. The meal smelled heavenly as Vinyl prepared the toast. They ate in companionable silence, occasionally glancing at each other. There was a series of rapid fire knocks and Vinyl visibly blanched. “Oh no... She’s here.” Melody peered at Vinyl curiously. “Who?” There was a pink blur followed quickly by a blue one and both ponies were knocked off their feet. Vinyl looked up to see the smiling face of Pinkie Pie, while Melody saw the grinning face of Joy Bringer. The two spoke in unison. “Hey girls! You’ve been invited!” A sheet of paper was thrust in front of their faces, their eyes wide. They took the paper hesitantly and the two ponies vanished in twin blurs, one blue and one pink. Vinyl groaned and sat up. “Forgot about him.” Melody got up and grinned. “Well his girl better watch out. I’m the only mare who gets to sit on you V.” Vinyl blushed and chuckled. “In that way? Yes.” Melody giggled and looked at the sheet of paper and her eyes went wide, her jaw dropping. “V... Octavia has arranged a party... and has invited us!” Vinyl looked quickly at the paper and frowned. “That... cannot be right.” Her red eyes wandered across the paper, getting wider by the second. They narrowed suspiciously. “Something just ain’t right here.” “It’s in two days... In the Lapis theater.” ~*~ Octavia was setting the stage for her performance. Her double bass was set up in the middle of the stage under the main skylight. She was still angry at that Melody, Vinyl’s newest marefriend, for insulting her, despite having broken her precious violin. “You will not soon forget this Vinyl. Nor will you Melody.” ~*~ Two days had passed, and neither pony had gotten any sleep. They were too worried about this invite from Octavia to get any sort of sleep. It was the day of the party and Vinyl was suspicious. “Why? Why would she invite us of all ponies?” Melody shrugged, still brushing her mane. “I’m not sure V. It could be an attempt at an apology.” Vinyl snorted derisively. “Octavia? Apologise? I’ve never heard or seen her do so.” Melody finished brushing her hair ad looked critically at Vinyl Scratch. “Hmm, maybe you should fix your mane.” Vinyl glanced at her mane in concern. “Why? What’s wrong with it?” “It’s neat. Fix it please.” Vinyl looked incredulously at Melody. “You want it messy?” “You simply aren’t you without the hair love.” Vinyl shrugged and shook her head quickly, tousling her mane. Melody smiled at her. “That’s much better.” Melody kissed Vinyl lightly on the cheek and giggled. “You’ll be the best looking mare there.” Vinyl shook her head and looked at Melody affectionately. “Not a chance Mel. You’ll definitely walk out with that award.” Melody smiled. “Perhaps.” ~*~ The two walked back into the flat at almost twelve, both with tears in their eyes. The party started out fine, Rock Ranger presenting Octavia, a few tunes being played. It was, all in all, a happy affair. Then it all went wrong. Octavia had called out that the song she was about to play was inspired by and was about the new pony in town, Melody. Vinyl was once again wearing her shades. At first, the two were quite interested. But their curiosity vanished and was replaced with horror when they realised the song was insulting. It was subtle, but both of them picked up on it, as did Rock Ranger. Ranger had left her to introduce her own songs. He took Rainbow Dash and had left the theater along with his friends. Vinyl and Melody had left soon after, tears in their eyes and a dejected trudge replacing their normal walk. Now they were lying in their bed, crying into the shoulder of the other pony. Melody’s wings were wrapped around Vinyl comfortingly. “I... I knew it... knew it wasn’t an innocent party... Why... Why did we go...?” Melody was trying not to cry, but was failing badly. Her tears were soaking into Vinyl’s mane, darkening the light blue colouration. “Because we still had a small flare of hope...” “I hate her... I really hate her...” Melody rubbed Vinyl’s back where she could, trying to comfort her. “I know what she said about you wasn’t nice V, but...” “It isn’t what she said about me Mel... It’s what she said about you. I can take insults... But nopony insults my love or my friends.” Melody gently pushed Vinyl away slightly. And looked her in the eyes, her shades having been removed to allow for the tears. “Vinyl... I...” Vinyl held a soft hoof to Melody’s mouth, stopping her from speaking. “Please don’t. This is my burden to carry.” Melody took the hoof in both of hers and pulled it to her heart. “Not anymore Vinyl. Now we carry it together.” Vinyl went to speak, only to find herself cut off as Melody kissed her. She melted into the affection, desperate for some release. Her red eyes closed slowly. A beat started to pulse in her head and her eyes snapped open as lyrics came to her. She sat up suddenly, startling Melody. “That’s it!” “What’s it?” Vinyl Scratch grinned her signature daredevil grin. “I’m going to write a song to retaliate.” Getting the band back together Getting the band back together Chapter 8: Getting the band back together. “Vinyl, you can’t be serious!” “I’ve never been more serious in my life Mel. This has to be done.” Melody rolled her eyes. “Stubborn, eager Vinyl Scratch.” She smiled at Vinyl. “Another reason I love you.” ~*~ Vinyl Scratch was in her studio for the better of three days, working almost nonstop on her song. She didn’t come out to eat, nor did she come out to sleep, instead sleeping wherever she was sitting or standing at the time. The only thing sustaining her was the diligent watching of Melody. Because of her she was never hungry, never thirsty and never felt lonely. Her work was consuming her completely. On the evening of the third day, a tired and more than slightly elated Vinyl Scratch burst from the door leading to the studio and held up her newest piece. “I’ve got it!” She looked sheepishly at Melody. “But I uh... I cannot perform it alone. I need Rock Ranger at least.” Melody smiled at her. “Any way I could possibly help?” Vinyl grinned. “I was hoping you’d ask.” Melody laughed softly. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Vinyl nodded. “Excellent.” ~*~ Octavia, staying in a hotel just outside Ponyville, got the invite from a very excited Pinkie Pie, whom had been told the entire thing. Octavia was just as surprised and suspicious as Vinyl had been when they’d received her letter, but didn’t question it. She did make contingency plans. Since Vinyl used a turntable, she’d need electricity to run it. So turning off the power to it would disable that annoying piece of equipment... And that’s all she really needed. ~*~ Melody looked over the music on the sheet of parchment and smiled softly. “Well, I guess it’s a good thing I took singing lessons while I was enrolled in school” Vinyl, over at her turntable nodded happily. “Yep. I was hoping you had. But the, even if you hadn’t, it wouldn’t matter. You don’t necessarily need to sing to rap.” Melody shrugged and nodded in agreement. “Too true. So... Levitate huh?” Vinyl grinned from at her instrument. “Hay yeah. I’d not suggest any foals attend for that one though.” “I can see why. Which part am I singing?” Vinyl waltzed over from the turntable and scanned the music before stabbing at an area. “Right there. All the way to here.” “Well alright then.” Melody stole a kiss before Vinyl moved away and smiled happily. There was a chime from the speaker in the studio and Vinyl looked up. “That’ll be Rock Ranger. Hold on Mel, I’ll be right back.” She disappeared up the steps to the main house and Melody felt nervous. She hadn’t actually officially met Rock Ranger yet. She’d heard of his band, but never actually met him. Vinyl came down a few minutes later followed by a deep purple Pegasus with red hair tipped with electric yellow. It was dead straight and when it moved it looked like a mane of flames. He grinned over at Melody. “Hi there!” He walked up to her, past a flabbergasted Vinyl (Who, Melody noted in slight distaste, was wearing shades again) and thrust out his hoof. Melody giggled and took the proffered his in her own. “Name’s Rock Ranger.” “Melody.” The two smiled for a moment, then Ranger turned to Vinyl. “So, what’s this I hear about a song?” Melody walked over to Vinyl and stood beside her as Vinyl answered. “Well, after the nasty song a good three days ago, I figured it was about time somepony put that high and mighty Octavia in her place, but I wasn’t going to stoop to her level.” Ranger nodded and took the sheet music from Melody. “Aight, So what do you... Oh. Guitar? You need guitar?” “And Vocals.” Ranger thought for a moment, his face turning serious. It broke out into a grin. “Count me in then Scratch. No way I’m sittin’ this one out.” Vinyl grinned happily and Melody turned to her. “V. I said not around here.” Vinyl looked at Melody, fear evident in her voice and face. “But Mel, Ranger is here...” “But nothing V.” Melody took of the shades to reveal a pair of tightly shut eyes. Ranger looked momentarily shocked. “I didn’t think those even came off!” Melody giggled softly. “Very rarely until now. Open your eyes V.” Vinyl shook her head mutely. Melody sighed. “Is Ranger your friend?” Vinyl nodded slowly. “Do you trust him?” She nodded again. “Then why won’t you open your eyes?” Rock Ranger watched the exchange, a look of bewilderment on his face. Vinyl sighed heavily and smiled. “Alright Mel, you win.” Hesitantly, Vinyl opened her eyes. Rock Ranger gasped in awe as her ruby red irises came into view. He took a half step forward. “Holy wow... Vinyl, you’ve hidden these for how long now?” Vinyl shrugged nervously. “A long time...” “Why!?” Vinyl looked blankly at Ranger, who was staring at her in wonder. “Well... I was teased for it...” Ranger shook his head, never breaking eye contact. “No way... Ponies who do that are just jealous... those are stunning...” Melody pulled Vinyl into a protective hug. “Yes and they’re hers. And she belongs to me now. Go find your own.” Ranger laughed uproariously. “Don’t you go worrying about that Melody. I have a girl already I don’t need another!” He looked back to the sheet music and frowned. “We can’t do this with only three ponies Scratch.” Vinyl looked distressed from within Melody’s embrace. “You don’t think so?” “No...” Ranger looked up and grinned. “Don’t worry. I Think I’ve got this.” ~*~ The lime green unicorn was lounging on a queen size bed in Canterlot. The other two stallions were lounging around in a similar fashion. Business was good, and for the three in the music industry, that meant everything. There was a knock at the door and one of the stallions called out. “Chords! Somepony at the door!” Chords groaned and sat up. Exiting the room with a serious face, he approached the door and opened it. A grey Pegasus with two off center eyes smiled at him and handed him a note. “Message for you Chords!” He slammed the door closed after taking the note and looked at it. “Rock Ranger? What are you sending me?” He ripped the envelope open and read the letter. His eyes shone with curiosity. Walking into the room containing the other two stallions, he waved it at them. “Letter from Ranger guys. He needs our help.” ~*~ “You sure they’ll come?” Vinyl looked at Ranger nervously. He smiled. “Scratch, they may have ditched me, but they still owe me. They’ll come.” “Are you sure?” “Yeah, stop worrying so much!” There was a knock at the door and Melody, closer called out that she’d answer it. She came back with a letter addressed to Ranger. “It’s for you Ranger.” She handed over the letter and Ranger ripped open the envelope. He read the letter and smiled happily. “See Scratch? Told you. They’ll be here in two days. Good thing you scheduled the party for three days to the date huh?” Vinyl sighed in relief. “Yeah.” Melody went to walk towards the kitchen, tousling Vinyl’s mane as she did so. “Mel! I had that perfect!” “That’s why I did it.” ~*~ Two days later, an unmarked caravan rolled into Ponyville. The wheels glowed with magic and the caravan moved on it’s own. Nopony payed any attention to it. It stopped outside Vinyl Scratch’s house and the hidden door opened. Three stallions got out and knocked on the door. Rock Ranger answered it and grinned. “Hey Chords. Guys. How you doin?” ~*~ The studio was full. Four stallions and two mares, all with different instruments except for Melody, who had no instrument save for her voice. Rock Ranger had his guitar, Chords a bass guitar, Vinyl her turntable and the other two sharing a really big drum set. The whole studio was filled with noise. Melody turned on the microphone she had wrapped around her head. “Alright everypony calm down!” The five remaining ponies looked at her. Melody looked at Vinyl and smiled. “V?” Vinyl nodded and turned to the stallions. “Alright guys. Here’s the situation. Almost a week ago, an old friend of mine, named Octavia...” There was a wolf whistle from one of the stallions. “I know her!” Chords slapped the stallion upside the head. “Shutup.” He looked at Vinyl. “Keep going.” Vinyl nodded gratefully, her shades obscuring her eyes. “Octavia came around almost a week ago. Now, she... doesn’t approve of my taste in almost everything. She uh... She freaked for a reason I’m not willing to explain at the moment... And Melody’s violin was destroyed by her.” There was an angry murmur from around the room. “She threw rocks at it. But anyway. Soon after, we, as in Mel and me, were invited to a party she’d set up. We were both suspicious, but we went anyway.” Vinyl’s eyes filled with tears and one leaked from underneath her purple shades. Melody was suddenly beside her, nuzzling her in comfort. “She... She’d made a song about us... It was...” She stopped talking, her sorrowful memories preventing her from speaking. Ranger spoke for her. “To be blunt, Octavia insulted them lyrically. Now Vinyl has made a song to retaliate and we are going to help her with it.” Chords grinned at the prospect. “Excellent. Nopony deserves to be insulted lyrically, but when they do insult somepony like that there’s only one way to get them back and that’s to insult “˜em in the same way.” Vinyle smiled sadly at Chords. “Thanks for the support Chords... Mine isn’t nearly as insulting, in fact it isn’t really insulting as much as it is a rejection.” Chord’s grin widened even more. “Even better. Don’t lower yourself to her level.” Who needs you anyway? Who needs you anyway? Chapter 9: Who needs you anyway? The Lapis Theater was packed. All of Ponyville was there, eating, drinking and being generally merry. Vinyl Scratch watched from the crowd as Ranger and the rest of his old band played song after song, occasionally talking to other ponies. Melody was backstage. “Vinyl Scratch!” Vinyl turned around and shot a daredevil grin at Octavia, who had called her name. “Hello Octavia. How’s life these days?” Octavia smiled graciously at her. “Not too bad Vinyl. I uh, hope you enjoyed the song last week.” Vinyl felt a muscle twitch in her cheek. “Oh yes. Very nice song.” “Where’s Melody?” Vinyl shrugged. “Backstage I’d imagine. She helped Twilight organise the entire thing.” Ranger spotted the two over from the stage and grinned, still singing. Vinyl was still trying to restrain herself from screaming in Octavia’s face. “Oh yes. It’s a wonderful uh... shindig?” Vinyl giggled girlishly. It sounded weird when Octavia tried to speak more like Vinyl. “Oh yes. That works Octavia. Shindig is a good word to describe this.” The song finished and Rock Ranger called out to Vinyl. “Scratch! You’re on!” Vinyl left abruptly, leaving Octavia looking shocked. Vinyl walked onstage with her daredevil grin in full effect. She grabbed a mic for her turntable and attached it to the stationary piece of equipment. Melody came out, her mane in the same style as Vinyl’s and a similar pair of shades over her eyes. Rock Ranger grinned and covered his microphone. “You girls ready?” They both nodded. “Good. Let’s get this party started.” He took his hoof away from the microphone and spoke to the crowd. “Alright ponies! How’s this for a party huh?” The theater was filled with a cacophony of excited shouts. As the noise died down a wolf whistle was heard. Rainbow Dash flew up from the audience and looked around intensely. Nopony spoke and after a while she flew back down. “So we had a special request for a song tonight. But it wasn’t one of our old songs, no! It’s an original and new song written by Ponyville’s own VINYL SCRATCH!” There was a roar of approval from the crowd and Vinyl held up her hooves. She’d missed this. Vinyl took over. “Hello Ladies and Gentlecolts! How ya doin’ tonight?” The crowd cheered again. “That’s great! Hey, I arranged this little shindig for a few purposes! Number one, I wanted to say something, so quiet down please.” The entire hall almost instantly became quiet. “I’d like to properly introduce you all to Melody.” Melody smiled shyly and took a step forward to the adoring cheers of the crowd, all of which called out a greeting of some sort. Vinyl smiled affectionately at her. “Melody came here a little while ago, playing on the street as a busker. She had a violin, maybe some of you remember her playing.” There were a few murmurs through the hall in affirmation. “She don’t have that violin anymore. It was broken by a cruel soul who threw a few heavy stones.” The murmur became angry. Vinyl nodded. “But that isn’t the reason why I’m on this stage tonight. I’m here to say one more thing before my performance.” She smiled at the audience. “A little while ago, I met somepony special.” There was a few whistles from the crowd and Vinyl blushed as somepony yelled. “WHO IS IT!?” Vinyl held up a hoof to silence them. “You want to know? I’m going to tell you. But not just yet. I hadn’t had a partner in a long time, serious or otherwise. That was because of a rejection I received from my last choice. But this pony... It was different.” She looked over at Melody and grinned, walking closer. “She loved me, and I loved her... And she is the most important thing in my life.” She blushed as she looked at the already furiously blushing mare. “I love you Melody.” “Awwwwwwwww...” The crowd was looking at the couple adoringly. Everyone except Octavia, whose face was a mask. Melody put her hoof on Vinyl’s cheek. “I love you too V.” The crowd let out another adoring cry. Vinyl turned around quickly and flung out both arms. “And this song is based on the cruelties Melody has faced and towards the cruel pony who destroyed my girl’s violin!” She was behind the turntable now, activating it with her magic. “I call it... LEVITATE!” The crowd roared as the music began suddenly. The entirety of the band were playing. Rock Ranger started to sing. “Can’t stop, I need some help, Fuck you, I’m by myself! Is it a truth or lie? It’s what we can’t deny! Coz it’s the way we think, Mixed with the pills and drink Brought back to the way you are Float up till you’re close to god.” He looked over the audience, his eyes and spiked mane swaying in time. “You know that hiding ain’t gon’ ta keep you safe, Because the tears on your face, they leak and leave a trace, So just when you think that true love’s begun, It goes off at any second just like a loaded gun!” Chords leaned forward and started to sing, his voice a much higher pitch than Ranger’s. “You know I, Can take you straight to heaven if you let me! You know I, can make your body levitate if you let me! You know I... Can make your body levitate, lev-levitate-tate, I... can make your body levitate, lev-levitate you know!” Vinyl grinned her daredevil grin and opened her mouth to sing. “Can’t stop the feelin, High as the ceiling, I got the money Who’s fuckin’ dealing? I feel the heat, like a barrel of a gun, I forgot the last time I saw the sun! We got this disease, It’s diggin’ deeper in me, It’s like my mind is leaving, But my heart keeps beating, So I’ll paint the walls red drip from the nose, Where it goes nopony really knows, Hit the bottle, she’s gunna follow I fall asleep, there ain’t no tomorrow Gone too far no-one can save me.” She pointed at Octavia through the crowd, her face turning angry. “Who needs you when I got my baby?” She turned back and looked at Melody lovingly. “My baby’s beautiful, she loves me true, And is she dies, I hope I die too!” Chords opened his voice once more, singing the chorus once more. Vinyl and Melody came together, a quick kiss being shared, sending the crowd absolutely bananas. As the chorus was ending, Melody stepped to the front of the stage and grinned, the grin reminiscent of Vinyl’s daredevil grin. She opened her mouth to sing, and Vinyl looked at her in shock, followed by the rest of the theater as it went almost silent, save for the music. “I put down another sack of them Then it’s straight back to the flask again I can’t help stop what’s happenin’, On the wrong track, yeah I’m back again. Up shit's creek and I’m paddlin’, Blacked out room and I’m travellin’ Good ideas I’m likin them, I’m too fucked up, now I’m babbling!” She looked venomously at Octavia, who seemed to shrink in her place. “Wonder how to fix these damages, All these god-damn damages. Cover myself with bandages From all these d-damn damages! Wonder how to fix these damages, All these god-damn damages. Cover myself with bandages From all these god-damn damages!” The crowd roared in approval after she finished. There was one more Chorus, this time sung by Rock Ranger and Chords both and the song finished. The crowd was absolutely adoring. Except for Octavia. ~*~ The theatre was practically empty. The rest of the musicians had left already, Ranger followed soon after, wishing Vinyl and Melody farewell. Octavia was left standing in front on Melody and Vinyl. The couple were looking at Octavia expectantly. She sighed and looked at her feet. “I... uh... I’m sorry girls...” Vinyl frowned. “Damn straight you are. What you’ve done is inexcusable.” Octavia flinched. “Aright... You’re right... But still I say it. I’m sorry...” Melody put a hoof over Vinyl’s mouth to stop her talking and stepped forward. “Octavia. We accept your apology.” Octavia looked up at Melody incredulously. “However. I want you to know that while we may accept your apology, but that doesn’t mean I forgive you for the destruction of my mother’s violin.” Octavia nodded sadly. “Thank you... for your acceptance... I... I will take my leave... goodnight.” With that, Octavia left, leaving Melody and Vinyl alone in the theater. Epilogue Epilogue Epilogue Vinyl found a package on her doorstep a week later. It was addressed to Melody and Vinyl. She took the package inside the house to Melody and took off the letter attached and opened it to read. The text was spidery. Dear Melody and Vinyl Scratch. I realise what I did is... Unforgivable. But I thought that I’d try to make it up for you anyway. Please accept my sincerest apologies and I believe that I now believe that you are right. I am indeed narrow minded. Sincerely: Octavia. Vinyl smiled slightly. “Well, I guess she’s finally come to her senses.” Melody frowned. “Perhaps.” The package was large. Very large. Vinyl unwrapped it slowly and her eyes went wide. “Mel...” Both mare’s eyes went wide. Inside was a violin case. Melody opened it slowly, revealing a beautiful violin and bow. It was carved as though it was made of flowing water, a Pegasus with spread wings coming out from one side. “A... violin...” A note was attached to the underside of the lid. Please, keep playing your beautiful music and keep the one you love happy. ProloguePrologue: The mare staggered through the rain, desperately trying to protect her violin case from the water. It was dark, and the sun was only just being raised. A pair of pale blue eyes saw a sheltered area away from the rain and rushed to it, desperate to make sure her instrument was ok. The ancient Violin sat in its's case, the velvet lining not touched by a drop of moisture. The mare sighed and closed the case again. "Almost lost your only chance of survival there Melody... What would mum think?", Melody laid down noting she was on the porch of a cluttered looking house (if you could call it that). A pizza box caught her attention in a nearby garbage bin. She reached out, shuddering from the cold, and snatched it up. She opened it frantically, her stomach rumbling in hunger. Her eyes lit up at the crusts contained within the box. " Thank Celestia... I thought I'd die of starvation." Her voice was sophisticated and her wings spread out, shivering as she ate, the pale red coloration denying the cold. She hadn't been able to stretch them for a while and the joints were stiff. She demolished the crusts and promptly fell asleep, using her violin case as a pillow. Author's Note Hey Guys and Gals I'm posting this up because I thought it was a good story when it was originally uploaded and i wanted to share it with you all, once again. all rights to Valorousspectre and thanks to him for letting me upload this story with a few of my tweaks you should go check out his other stories, (http://www.fimfiction.net/user/Valorousspectre ), so without further ado Here's Haunting Remix. Please excuse the short prologue. this may be slightly different from the original as i will be making slight adjustments and tweaks, thank you all for viewing until next time featherember out.
Sorrow's Sweet SymphonyChapter 1: Sorrow's Sweet Symphony Vinyls eyes opened slowly, blinking away her sleepiness. Her two toned blue hair was seriously messed up, knots running rampant through it. She got up quickly, almost falling over when a wave of dizziness hit her. Her face split into her telltale daredevil grin as she grabbed a brush from the nearby table and approached the only mirror in her flat. Carefully she combed her mane, making sure that every hair was ramrod straight. Then she shook her head, deliberately tousling her mane, changing it from being straight to her signature messy style. Her ruby red eyes shone as she put her shades on. She checked herself out in the mirror and grinned. "Looking good Scratch." She grabbed a pair of headphones from the nearby shelf and then paused, thinking differently she put the headphones back and turned her stereo system on. It blasted techno music through the house, courtesy of her surround sound system. Head bobbing to the rhythm, Vinyl walked into her kitchen, grabbing a box of cereal from a cluttered cupboard. She dug through her crockery cupboard, searching desperately for an unbroken bowl. She didn't find one, but she did manage to find one that was relatively unscathed amongst the mix of plates, bowls and records stashed in the cupboard. On a whim, she looked out her window and saw the cloudless sky. She was originally going to spend the day inside, in her basement recording studio, but that sky was too inviting to skip. She sat down, munching on her cereal without milk. She felt the satisfying crunch of the cereal in her mouth as she chewed and smiled. ~*~ Melody had woken up much earlier than Vinyl Scratch and was currently sitting in the town square of Ponyville, waiting patiently for the square to become populated. Her violin was in her lap, her bow in her hoof and the violin case in front of her on the ground, wide open. Her pale red coloration was accentuated by her purple and blue mane and tail, both more than slightly frazzled. It hit nine when the ponies of the town started to come out. Melody smiled and placed her violin under her chin, raising her bow. She pulled her bow across the strings and a haunting note played, sounding throughout the square as she started to play. The music was slow and haunting, but strangely powerful. It didn't take long for a crowd to form, looking at the pale red Pegasus in wonder. A couple of ponies walked off, shaking their heads at the busker, but Melody never noticed. Her eyes were closed as she went with the ebb and tide of her hauntingly beautiful music. It didn't take long before she had at least fifteen bits in her violin case, but still she kept playing. Her music was her life now, nothing would make her let go. ~*~ Vinyl was drawn to the music. It sounded quite a bit like her friend Octavia playing her cello, but it wasn't deep enough. It sounded more like a violin. While Vinyl wasn't really a violin or classical music girl of any kind, something about this music made her want to listen, as though it was begging her for her attention. She rounded the corner to the square and her mouth gaped wide open. "No way... A street busker?" She stared at Melody in absolute wonder. Her daredevil grin returned a moment later as she walked up to the Pegasus and sat down in front of her, content to hear the lovingly crafted wailing from the ancient instrument. She took the chance to examine the Pegasus in front of her curiously. Her pale red coloration was strangely attractive and her purple mane and tail, both with a sky blue stripe running down through them appealed to Vinyls edgy style. Her cutie mark was that of a glowing violin, a musical note emerging from it. She was also very thin and her hair wasn't exactly clean or tidy. It took Vinyl a moment to realize that the Pegasus had stopped playing and was now watching her. Get it together Vinyl... She thought. Her face split into her signature grin and she pointed to the violin. "That. Is a really old violin." The Pegasus cradled the violin protectively. "Yes, and it's mine and it isn't for sale." Vinyl held up both forehooves. "I'm not asking you to sell it! After hearing that masterpiece how could I?" The pale red of the mares cheeks became deeper. "You really like my music?" Vinyl scratched the back of her neck absently. "Well yeah. Of course I did. Where did a street busker learn to play like that?" The Pegasus looked away. Vinyl facehoofed. "Oh duh! Where are my manners?" She stuck out a hoof, still grinning. "Vinyl Scratch. Resident DJ and all around sexy beast." The Pegasus giggled softly, her blush deepening. She took the proffered hoof carefully, holding her violin in the other hoof. "Melody." Vinyls face turned thoughtful, then split into a genuine smile, without the daredevil look about it. "I like that. It's a soft sort of name. Fits your music." Melody shrugged and put her violin away, putting the bits she'd earned into a small pouch in a pocket in the case. She stood up, shouldering the case using a beaten up strap. She smiled graciously at Vinyl. "Thank you, for the compliments, but I'm going to have to go now. I"m hungry." Vinyl grinned. "Sure thing. Hey, can I join you?" Melody looked blankly at Vinyl for a moment. Vinyl shrugged. "I haven't eaten lunch yet and I'm feeling a might bit hungry." Melody shrugged. "OK, I don't see why not." ~*~ Twenty minutes later the two were sitting at a cafe, waiting for their meals to arrive. Vinyl grinned. "So friend, Where'd you come from? I haven't seen you around before, so you must be..." Vinyl looked around to make sure Pinkie Pie wasn't around before continuing. "New... here." Melody looked curiously at Vinyl, who shrugged at her. "Didn't want to catch the attention of uh..." Her voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper. "Pinkie Pie." Melody raised one eyebrow at Vinyl. Vinyl sighed. "Never mind that Melody, where you from?" Melody took a bite out of her sandwich that had just arrived and chewed for a moment. She swallowed before answering. "Phillydelphia, my family was one of the better off ones outside the projects. They paid for my music lessons." Vinyl, still chewing on a massive bite from her own sandwich, grinned. She gulped it down before speaking. "Philly huh? Cool. Never been there before." Melody smiled shyly. "No offense Miss Scratch, but I doubt many ponies from Phillydelphia would listen to your music, being a DJ and all." Vinyl shrugged, still grinning. "Don't matter much." Her grin faded slowly and turned into confusion. "But then, if you're from one of the better families in Philly, what are you doing all the way down here, in Ponyville, busking?" Melody's face fell. "My house... and all the belongings I had were lost after my parents died..." Vinyl felt a terrible sense of guilt crash down on her shoulders. Her face turned miserable. "Oh... I... uh... I'm sorry..." Melody, not quite knowing what she was doing, put her pale red hoof over Vinyls ivory one. "You didn't know Miss Scratch, so don't feel bad on my part, please." Vinyl smiled and took her hoof away from underneath Melody's. "Even so, I'm sorry."
A Place to Stay A Place to Stay Chapter 2: A place to stay Vinyl Scratch was walking home alone, Melody having stayed back at the square to make what little money she could in the last half hour or so before dark. The incredibly thin Pegasus definitely had talent; there was no doubt about that. Vinyl grinned as she thought back to the haunting music that she’d heard slipping out of the ancient violin Melody owned. “Rivals Tavi, that’s for sure.” Vinyl chuckled at the thought of Octavia being bested by a street busker, then started to think back to her previous interactions with the grey mare. She had, at one point, had a serious crush on the cello playing mare, but the feelings were far from reciprocated. They’d distanced themselves, Vinyl a bit distraught, Octavia slightly weirded out. They were back on speaking terms, but it was tentative at best. ~*~ Melody was packing her violin into its case lovingly. That violin was her entire world now and nothing could make her part with it. The battered strap went over her shoulder and her scruffy wings spread. She flew away from the square towards the squat flat where she’d slept before. The porch was still as inviting as the previous night, as inviting as a slab of grey concrete could be anyway. “Well, at least it keeps me dry.” The pale red Pegasus settled down onto the porch, putting her violin down carefully before sitting herself. It was late and dark, but Melody was not yet tired. There was no movement in the house she was currently sitting outside of, so she got out her violin and started to play. The notes were once again haunting, but it took on a sad tone. She played with every fibre of her being, threading as much emotion in as she could. Her eyes were shut and tears leaked from them. Memories raced through her mind. Her mother and father together, her as a young filly hugging them and the memory of the grand house she’d lived in, made from soft stone. ~*~ Vinyl woke up with tears in her eyes. The sad music outside was heart wrenching and brought back painful memories. Her family’s, rejection, Octavia’s rejection and all the failed attempts to create music that was as meaningful as those hauntingly familiar notes. Sitting up slowly, she wiped away the tears still in her eyes and listened intently. The beat was slow and would have been torturous to Vinyl if it hadn’t been so beautiful. Most of the notes were baritones, but the occasional high note joined the fray, mixing in perfectly. She got up out of her bed, disregarding her bed hair, and walked into the living room of the squat household. The music was originating from somewhere close by, but the reverb from around the house made it difficult to track. It gave her no rest from it, no respite. Eventually, Vinyl tracked the sound to the front door and threw it open, bathing Melody in yellow light from the light she’d just turned on moments before. Melody stopped playing instantly and turned, careful not to allow her violin to touch the ground. She looked at her hooves in shame, placing the violin in the still open case. “... I’m sorry... I didn’t know anypony lived here...” Vinyl stared at the Pegasus in amazement. “Melody? What are you doing here” Melody looked up and peered at the silhouette before her, recognizing the form of Vinyl Scratch. She could not see her eyes. “Vinyl Scratch? You live here?” Vinyl, noting her lack of sunglasses, grabbed a pair from a nearby shelf. It was one of the many spare pairs she kept within her household in case she lost one pair. She put them on and looked at Melody. “Yeah, course I live here. What are you doing here? Where are you staying?” Melody looked down at the concrete and shrugged. “Well, I was staying here but... Now that I know it’s inhabited, I’ll.... just leave.” Her face was flushed a deep red, contrasting the pale red of the rest of her figure. She turned to leave, taking her violin case with her. Vinyl let her walk a few steps before her horn started glowing and Melody was enveloped in a faint light. Melody only noticed she wasn’t moving when she lifted three inches off the ground. She was turned around, her eyes wide with fear. “Please... don’t hurt me...” Vinyl grinned at her happily. “I’m not going to hurt you Mel. You can stay here with me for the time being. Can’t leave a fellow musician to the cold now can I?” Not releasing the nervous Melody from the telekinesis, Vinyl wandered back into the flat, closing the door after pulling Melody in.
Reunions and Revelations Reunions and Revelations Chapter 3: Reunions and Revelations Vinyl woke up on the couch. She’d given Melody her room for the night, too soft hearted inside to make her sleep on the couch. Her eyes opened slowly, then widened in surprise. Her living room was tidy. She shot up, grabbing the pair of sunglasses off the floor and putting them over her eyes quickly. The entire room looked new, nothing out of place. There was no rubbish on the coffee table (which was used more as a soda table) and the floor was visible, the normal brown colour clear. She heard a vacuum cleaner start up from one of the other rooms and glanced in its’ direction, still marvelling at the clean state the house was now in. She walked into the kitchen next door and her eyes almost popped out of her head. Not one thing was on the benches, save a small vase Vinyl had forgotten she had filled with a few roses. Opening her cupboards, Vinyl found everything in place, perfectly stacked. Her heart missed a beat when she couldn’t find any of her well-loved records. She tore through the building towards the sound, noting the two other rooms she passed were also spotless. She arrived in the master bedroom to find Melody humming to herself as she vacuumed. Vinyl stared at the clean state of the room. Even now, half done, it was better than Vinyl had seen it since she’d moved in all those years back. Melody turned around and froze, seeing the look of shock on her hostess’ face. “Oh... I... um...” Vinyl stopped staring at the room and looked at the frazzled Pegasus in front of her. Melody blushed and looked at the floor. “I’m sorry... It was just so messy... I couldn’t... I couldn’t help myself...†Vinyl, realising her jaw was practically on the floor, shook her head and grinned. “Are you kidding? I haven’t seen the place look this good since I moved in.” Her grin faded and turned to worry. “But... Where are my records?” Melody pointed to a cabinet that had, until that day, been surrounded by various things and almost drowned in them. Vinyl rushed over to it and threw it open; sighing in relief at the vinyl records all packed in alphabetical order. She grinned again and turned back to a still shame faced Melody. Vinyl laughed at her face. “Don’t look so down Mel, it looks great.” Melody looked up and smiled. “You think so?” Vinyl nodded. “Hay yeah. How can I pay you back for this? You cleaned the whole house!” Melody blushed and looked at her hooves again. “And your studio...” Vinyl’s grin seemed to lift off her face. “And I’ll bet it looks just as beautiful as here.” Melody smiled, reassured that her efforts were appreciated. “You don’t need to pay me back... You’re letting me stay here for a while, that’s payment enough.” Vinyl laughed and tousled Melody's already messy mane. “Don’t be ridiculous. I have to pay you back somehow you silly pony.” Her eyes lit up behind her sunnies as she got an idea. “Come on, we’re going out.” Melody looked at her. “Where to?” Vinyl turned to go, giggling lightly. “You’ll see.” ~*~ “Welcome to Carousel Boutique where everything is chic, unique and magnifique! Who are you looking for?” The two mares were standing outside Carousel Boutique, looking at a smiling Gray. His face changed to one of pleasant surprise at the sight of Vinyl Scratch at the door. “Vinyl? Wow, don’t see you round here much.” Vinyl nodded amiably. “Too true Gray. We’re looking for Rarity, she in?” Gray nodded and motioned them in, leaving them in the foyer while he fetched Rarity, his ruby earring shining slightly. Melody looked incredibly nervous as she waited, amusing Vinyl Scratch. She felt a slight nudge at her shoulder and looked at Vinyl. “Don’t worry there Mel, Rarity is the nicest pony I know.” A white unicorn with perfectly styled mane and tail came practically prancing down the stairs, her blue eyes sparkling. She smiled at Vinyl, then noticed Melody. She caught her breath as her critical eye ran over Melody. “My dear, What in the world happened to your mane!?” Melody stood still, terrified of the hawk like gaze of the fashionista. Vinyl laughed and stepped between the two mares. “Girls, chillax! Rarity, this is Melody. Mel, this is Rarity.” Vinyl looked at Rarity sharply. “Be nice. She’s staying with me at the moment.” Rarity's eye twitched and her fierce gaze subsided. She smiled. “I take it you’re here to fix that hair dear?” Vinyl nodded, still grinning. “That’s right Rarity. Melody plays the violin; she needs to look the part as well.” Rarity's eyes lit up like a beacon. “Ooooh yes! Violin hmm? Come over here Melody, we’ll have your hair looking FABULOUS in no time at all!” Melody looked at Vinyl in disbelief as the fashion hungry unicorn was walking away. Her look spoke volumes. “You... You cannot be serious.” Vinyl nodded. “Dead serious Mel. Don’t worry; Rarity is the best fashion-pony I know.” She pushed Melody towards the room Rarity had entered earlier and watched as the nervous Pegasus walked in slowly. ~*~ “There! All done! You look FABULOUS!” Vinyl looked up from where she’d fallen asleep. It had been almost an hour, and Vinyls’ back was still stiff from sleeping on the couch rather than her own bed. Her jaw dropped to the floor. Melody looked stunning. Her pale red feathers were perfectly aligned, making her wings sleek. Her coat had been shined and her eyes shone in their sockets. But what struck her most was the hair. The deep purple colour of her mane cascaded over both sides of her face, framing it perfectly. The sky blue streak through it ran down the left side, partially obscuring one of her shining eyes. Her tail wasn't straight, but it wasn't poofy either. It was sort of at the middle ground between the two. Melody smiled shyly at the look on Vinyls’ face. “Uh... Hi Miss Scratch...” Rarity looked at Melody in surprise and exchanged an exasperated look with Vinyl and laughed gently. “Vinyl. I've known you since I've been here, and never have I heard you called that.” She turned to Melody, a smile playing across her face. “Don’t be so shy dear. You’re a beautiful mare. Just.... eat a little more ok?” Melody nodded uncertainly. Vinyl smiled at her, a genuinely pleasant smile rather than her signature grin. “You look spectacular Mel. Could ya give me some tips?” Rarity looked archly at the ivory unicorn and her two-tone blue hair. “Vinyl Scratch. The day you grow your hair for any reason, I will style it for absolutely free in any way you want.” Vinyl looked horrified for a moment. “Perish the absurd thought! This hair will never change its sexy style Rarity!” Rarity laughed softly and nudged Melody lightly. “Go on then dear. First is always free.” “That’s what you kept telling me.” All three mares turned to the gunmetal grey unicorn walking down the stairs, a small smile on his face. Rarity sighed dramatically. “Gray, must you bring that up? I still owe you a free style.” Gray chuckled as he walked up to her. “Well, we live together now, so it doesn't count does it?” Rarity rolled her eyes and stiffened slightly as he kissed her. Vinyl whistled suggestively and nodded at Gray when he looked at her, parting from Rarity as he did so. Vinyl grinned. “Hook in mate, hook in.” Gray laughed as Rarity blushed hotly. Melody smiled. She hadn't had this much fun in ages. She looked at the couple in front of her and tilted her head. “You two are so cute together.” Rarity blushed furiously and cuddled up to Grays’ chest. “You really think so?” Melody nodded as Gray put his hoof over Rarity, pulling her a little closer. Vinyl rolled her eyes underneath her shades. Romantic stuff wasn't her thing... not since Octavia rejected her anyhow. Rarity noted the change in attitude and huffed good-naturedly. “What? You jealous Vinyl?” Vinyl felt something in her snap. Her face transformed into a frown. “No Rarity, why would I be jealous of such a perfect, working relationship where both ponies love each other and work together? Hay, of course I’m not jealous!” She stormed out, her anger smoldering. Rarity looked at the door, tears slightly filling her eyes. Melody watched the door in bewilderment. Gray hugged Rarity. “It’s alright Rarity... She didn't mean to hurt you like that.” Rarity shook her head slightly. “No... I know but... I hit a nerve apparently...” Melody made a rushed goodbye and went to follow Vinyl, leaving Gray and Rarity alone in the Carousel Boutique. ~*~ Vinyl was stomping across Ponyville, trying desperately to vent her anger and beating herself up about her reaction. “Come on Vinyl that was pathetic. What were you thinking? Oh that’s right, you didn't think. Stupid unicorn, that’s old news. You and Tavi are still friends. Just because Rarity's relationship with Gray is perfect... and, and....” She felt tears threaten to spill out and didn't prevent it. She looked around and sighed in partial relief. She’d stopped in an isolated area, a small field with a lake. She walked up to the lake, her stomp turning into a dejected trudge and sort of flopped onto the ground, burying her head in her hooves. She would have stayed there the entire day if she hadn't heard the soft beat of wings above her. She’d taken off her shades to leave way for the tears, and she put them on again quickly, pretending to be simply lying in the sun. There was a soft wumph of a Pegasus landing and she felt a massive hoof on her shoulder. The silky voice that came next permeated the air throughout the entirety of the glade. “What’s wrong Vinyl? You can tell me.” Vinyl looked up at the massive black Pegasus looking down at her. His mane had fallen over her face, so both eyes were visible, both shining a soft purple. She sighed sadly and sat up, pushing the big stallion away from her as she did so. “Nothing is wrong Demonheart. What makes you think there’s something wrong?” Her voice cracked partway through and she cursed her weakness in her head. Demonheart smiled kindly. “Your voice and the way you've lain here for about fifteen minutes now crying.” Vinyl shrugged, realizing the pointlessness of arguing any further. “Alright fine. But what I say here cannot go any further than us k?” Demonheart nodded slowly. Vinyl took a deep breath to order her thoughts. “Alright. You remember Octavia?” Demonheart nodded again. “Well, I used to have, like, this massive crush on her...” Demonheart didn't even flinch. “But when I tried to approach her about it, she thought I was weird and obviously didn’t reciprocate the feelings. It took me almost three months to come back in speaking terms with her, let me put it like that.” Demonheart smiled kindly, rubbing Vinyls’ back comfortingly. Vinyl shivered and leaned against him, tears once more leaking out her eyes, spilling out from underneath the glasses. “And.... I thought I was over her... but apparently I was wrong...” “She snapped at Rarity because she was jealous of her relationship with Gray.” Both ponies turned around, both with wide eyes. Melody stood behind them smiling. “Hello Demonheart. Long time.” Demonhearts’ eyes softened with memories. “Melody. Nice to see you again.” Vinyl looked from one Pegasus to another. “You two... You two know each other?” Demonheart nodded and took his hoof off Vinyls’ back, causing her to almost fall over. “Hey!” Demonheart chuckled. “Sorry Vinyl.” Melody walked up to the two and sat next to Vinyl. “You ok Miss Scratch?” Vinyl nodded, brushing away the tracks her tears had made down her face. She threw Melody a daredevil grin. “Yeah, I’m fine Mel. I’m tough.” Her face creased in concern. “But... I think I owe Rarity an apology... I didn't mean to freak like that...” Melody winked at Demonheart and Demonheart grinned. He stepped aside and Vinyl Scratch toppled over, falling flat on her back. “Hey! Demon!” Demon laughed and Melody felt a stirring in her chest. She put a hoof on Vinyls’ head and pushed her back down. Vinyl looked at Melody incredulously. “Mel, what are you doing?” Melody smiled and stood over Vinyl. She leaned in close to her ear and whispered. “There’s nothing wrong with your preferences Miss Scratch. I, for one, am just like you.” Behind her shades, Vinyls’ eyes went wide. “You... You’re... like me?” Melody nodded slowly. “Unless you purely prefer mares. In which case, I’m partially like you.” Demonheart smiled and lifted off, flying back to his home. Vinyls’ eyes softened and she pushed Melody slightly. “You can get off me now Mel... I think you've made your point.” Melody looked slightly disappointed but got off of Vinyl. Vinyl stood up, making sure her shades were firmly in place. She looked at Melody and smiled. “Thanks Mel. And... Please just call me Vinyl.” Melody smiled and nudged Vinyl gently. “ Ok... Vinyl.”
Wine and Unexpected Consequences Wine and Unexpected Consequences Chapter 4: Wine and unexpected consequences Vinyl woke up from her dream. She’d dreamed about Octavia for the first time in months, and it disturbed her. She sat up, once more on the couch and grabbed her shades, tears in her eyes. “Vinyl, what the hay is wrong with you?” “That’s an easy question to answer Vinyl.” Vinyl blushed furiously and looked up. Melody stood in front of her smiling softly. “Mel! Uh... How’d you... Uh...” Melody laughed softly. “You talk in your sleep, did you know that?” Vinyl blushed to the roots of her hair. “Uh... I know now...” Melody giggled and set down a plate of bacon, eggs and toast she’d been carrying on the coffee table, removing an empty soda can from it as she did so. “This Octavia must be pretty important to you. Hope she feels the same way.” Vinyl looked at the floor. “She... She doesn’t swing that way...” Melody’s face turned sympathetic. “I see. Well, maybe it isn’t meant to be then. Keep searching V.” She kissed Vinyl lightly on the forehead just under her horn, causing the ivory unicorn to stiffen in surprise. “You’ll find somepony soon.” She turned around and walked out of the room, leaving Vinyl blushing on the couch. She shook her head. “Aw c’mon Vinyl, it’s how she was raised.” She grabbed the plate and ate ravenously, finishing within a few minutes. She walked down to her Studio, leaving a note on the brand new parchment pinned to the fridge for Melody, but she couldn’t concentrate. Her music wouldn’t work, couldn’t work. Then the music began. A happy violin medley played from upstairs, flowing smoothly throughout the entire studio. Vinyl smiled and picked up a quill and a large piece of parchment and began furiously writing. ~*~ Melody’s eyes were closed as she played. She was playing from her heart, without the assistance of any sheet music or memory. She simply let her hoof play over the notes and chords, her bow draw across the strings in whatever way it happened. Her face was smiling, her face slightly flushed. Her thoughts wandered around her head, landing on and staying on Vinyl Scratch. There was something about the daredevil DJ that appealed to her delicate sensibilities. Perhaps it was because she treated her like a pony rather than a princess or a piece of dirt, like she was used to in her two years of wandering. She’d done some terrible things to prevent harm from coming to her beloved violin. It was all she had left of her mother. She’d almost lost her innocence to a mugger, being saved only moments before hand by a big stallion who’d tried to date her soon after. She’d never taken him up and had been nervous around strange ponies ever since. The playing became slow and haunted again, filled with sorrow and pain. Her face turned into a sad frown and tears came to her eyes. That was what she had endured for the past two years of her life. Ever since she’d been thrown out of her home thanks to some bloodthirsty lawyer. She’d felt everything bad there was to feel and more. Tears streaked down her pale red face, some of it getting caught in her beautifully styled mane. She’d made sure that the mane was brushed back into place how it was after the style she’d gotten. She remembered everything she’d been through, but when her memories wandered back to Vinyl Scratch finding her, the music tone lifted and became much happier. Her face split once more into a smile, tears turning into tears of joy. Her heart swelled in her chest, almost bursting with a very familiar emotion she had felt very few times before. ~*~ Vinyl Scratch held up her newest piece of music in delight. “It’s perfect!” It was definitely a change from her usual techno style, being alternative rock instead, but still featured her turntable heavily. She rushed up the stairs, searching desperately for Melody. She found her in the master bedroom, playing exquisitely on her ancient violin. She smiled and leaned against the door frame, noting the way she played with her eyes closed. Her eyes were still covered by shades. Melody’s song came to a close, drawing out a long, sad note before fading out. She sighed happily. “Oh Vinyl... Why can’t you see?” Vinyl stopped leaning on the doorway and walked in. “See what Mel?” Melody spun around, her eyes wide and nervous. “Oh, Vinyl...I uh... “ She went quiet and her face flushed a deep red. Vinyl’s face turned confused. “What? What did I do?” Melody’s wings fluttered nervously. “Nothing... You didn’t do anything...” She returned her violin to her case. “ I was just... uh...” Vinyl shrugged. “Hey, no sweat. Check it out! I made somethin’ new! And it’s all thanks to your music!” Melody looked at Vinyl and smiled. “That’s great Vinyl. Really great.” Vinyl grinned. “I’m headin’ into town. Wanna join me?” Melody blushed further. “Um... sure.” “Great! Let’s go!” ~*~ Melody followed Vinyl shyly, floating about an inch off the ground. They’d been out and about for about an hour now and Melody was getting nervous. Vinyl was loving the time she was spending with her new friend and was happy to spend a few hours out and about, even if it took her away from her music. Melody was definitely feeling things differently. “Uh... Vinyl...” Vinyl turned around and looked at her friend with a grin. “Sup Mel?” Melody smiled shyly. “I... uh... Did you want to get some lunch?” Vinyl thought about it for a moment. “Sure thing Mel.” Melody blushed slightly as Vinyl turned around. She was getting lunch with Vinyl Scratch! It wasn’t exactly what she wanted, but it would work for now. They had a light lunch at a small cafe, eating a salad each along with an iced drink of some sort. Whatever it was, it most definitely wasn’t water and it wasn’t champagne. Vinyl grinned at her friend’s confused face. “This is a berry soda Mel. It’s a smidgen fizzy.” Melody looked at Vinyl. “You think?” Vinyl laughed, the moment over with for now. Their lunch was, for the most part, quiet. It was nice. ~*~ Talisman grinned from inside the library. He’d received a tip from Rarity about the young Pegasus who’d entered Ponyville. His special talent to read minds come in handy about things like this. Twilight noticed his smile and looked at him curiously. “Who are you spying on this time Tal?” Talisman looked at her, a hurt look playing across his face. “Spying? I don’t spy!” Twilight nodded knowingly. “Of course not dear. Now who are you spying on?” Talisman chuckled. “Vinyl Scratch and her new friend.” ~*~ Melody convinced Vinyl to stay out for the rest of the day and even to buy her dinner. They sat at a fancy restaurant, eating a fancy meal neither of them could pronounce, but both agreed was absolutely delicious. It was accompanied by a fine wine, which Vinyl refused point blank to drink. Melody, finding this funny, giggled lightly at her friend’s reaction to the beverage. She ended up drinking both, Vinyl ordering some sort of whisky. It was late when the both of them returned to her flat and Melody was more than slightly intoxicated, having had a few more drinks after the meal. Her walking was wonky and her eyes were constantly straying to Vinyl. She was smiling happily. “Yeah, I’m not really a big fan of that ssilly techno wub-wub thingy... I always preferred violinsh... But I’ll make an ecsheshun for yours!” The two entered the house and Vinyl walked her down to the master bedroom. She turned to her friend and smiled. “Alright Mel. Time for bed now ok?” Melody smiled and leaned toward Vinyl. “Ya know... I never got to see your eyes...” Vinyl stiffened and shook her head. “Nopony has seen my eyes in a long time Mel.” Melody seemed to have sobered up a little bit, and wasn’t slurring her words anymore. “Maybe you should let them...” The ivory unicorn shook her head again and smiled. “It’s time for bed Mel.” Melody leaned further forward, the space between the two mares turning to inches. “hmm.... yeah... time for bed..” Vinyl took a step back, closer to the bed. “Mel... what’s gotten into you?” Melody smiled and took a step towards Vinyl and put a hoof on her chest, pushing her to the bed. “The bed sounds nice...” Vinyl’s face turned scared. “Mel... What are you doing?” Melody pushed Vinyl over, rolling her onto the double bed. Vinyl went to get up off her back but found herself straddled by the pale red Pegasus, her purple mane cascading around her face. Melody giggled. “What do you think sexy?” Vinyl tried to shrink back. “Look, Melody... I don-” She was silenced as Melody leaned forward, only inches from her face. She could feel her breath mingling with Melody’s, taste her scent, smell the alcohol on her breath. She turned her head, avoiding Melody’s gaze. “I... I can’t Mel.” She felt a soft hoof on her cheek and her head was turned to face Melody. “Yes... you can.” She kissed Vinyl softly, rubbing her hooves against Vinyl’s shoulders. She felt Vinyl resist and she pulled back, putting one hoof softly on Vinyl’s chest. “What’s wrong V?” “I can’t... I can’t do it Mel...” “Why not?” Vinyl looked up at the amorous Pegasus on top of her and tears came to her eyes. “I... I’m just a streetwise disc jockey who grew up on the wrong side of town... I don’t deserve a beautiful mare like you Mel...” “So you do feel the same way?” “Well... Yeah... Now that you mention it I do... but even so... I can’t-” She was silenced by another soft kiss from Melody, her soft form pressing against Vinyl and fitting perfectly. She separated from the ivory Pegasus. “Baby, just you telling me that confirms I couldn’t have a better lover.” Vinyl looked up at Melody with heartfelt thanks. “Thanks Mel... But I still can’t accept this...” Melody traced down Vinyl’s body with her hoof gently, eliciting a shiver from the nervous mare. “In this case... You don’t have a choice.” Warning: Explicit content. This is your chance to skip my badly written sex scene via the next chapter button. It's not really necessary, but it was an interesting experiment. She kissed her again, this time passionately. For a moment, Vinyl resisted, but it wasn’t long before the unicorn was kissing Melody back. She felt a soft touch on her bottom lip and she opened her mouth in response, letting in Melody’s soft tongue. Melody’s eyes were filled with love as she led Vinyl’s tongue on an intimate dance. She could feel herself heating up as the dance got more passionate. Eventually the two split for air, a thin strand of saliva connecting the two at the mouth. After what seemed like almost an eternity, the two came together again, this time with Melody gently thrusting forward with her hips, gently rubbing the lover’s nethers together, bringing soft moans from both, arousing them even further. Vinyl’s hooves tangled into her lover’s mane and pulled her closer, forcing the two even closer together. There was a sharp intake of breath from Vinyl as she felt a soft hoof tracing down her side all the way to her flank where it stopped and rubbed sensuously. “Mel...ody...” Melody smiled as she released Vinyl’s tongue, allowing the two to breath once more. “Yes my love?” Melody took a breath of her own as she felt Vinyl’s hoof smack against her own flank and start to trace a circle on her flank. Melody, feeling daring, took Vinyl’s shades in her mouth. There was suddenly a hoof behind Melody’s head and Vinyl’s voice was laced with fear. “No... Mel... you don’t... want to... see-” “Yes I do V... I do...” Using her spare hoof, Melody gently removed Vinyl’s hoof, allowing it to flow down her spine and under her wings instead and slowly took off the shades. Vinyl’s eyes were tightly shut, not allowing anypony to see her eyes. “Open your eyes V... Let me see...” Vinyl shook her head quickly. “No... You’ll see me just like them...” Melody planted a soft kiss on each of Vinyl’s eyelids. “Now V, how could you say that? I’m not like them.” Vinyl hesitated visibly, before she slowly opened her eyes, revealing the two ruby red irises. Melody caressed the nervous mare’s cheek. “They’re beautiful V... I don’t know why you hide them all the time or why they wouldn’t accept them.” Vinyl smiled hopefully and pulled Melody closer. “Then let’s dance gorgeous.” Vinyl pulled her into another kiss, but this one didn’t last for long. Melody pulled away from Vinyl, leaving Vinyl begging for more. She giggled happily and ran her hoof once more down Vinyl’s chest, tracing all the way down to just before the most sensitive spot. Vinyl moaned torturously. “How... Long are you... going to keep... teasing me like this?” The question was punctuated by short gasps of breath and Melody smiled briefly and slid herself down, sensuously bringing her other hoof down her lover’s side, kissing her as she went. The chest... Down to the belly... Just above the tortuously placed hoof, then down her pale white legs. Vinyl tried to sit up, but found herself pushed down again by her still intoxicated partner. “Lie still love... Let me give you something for once...” The face of her lover vanished from view and the hoof shifted position, now pressing gently on Vinyls nethers, eliciting a faint moan of pleasure from her. She spread her hooves out and found the remote for her music. She knocked it out of the way, off the bed. It fell and pressed play as it hit the floor. Suddenly a slow song came on over the speakers, adding to the mood. “˜She must have changed the discs...’ The thought passed through her mind so quickly it was barely registered. “Mel... oh...” Melody was massaging the lips of Vinyl’s slit teasingly with her tongue. Her hooves were turning big circles on either side of her rump, adding to the intense pleasure. It was like nothing Vinyl Scratch had ever felt before. Melody’s head came into view, licking her lips seductively. “Mmm... You taste ever so sweet V... Wanna try?” Vinyl strained forward, desperate to feel the sensuous touch of her lover’s tongue upon hers once more. The taste was different, sweeter and intoxicatingly powerful. Her eyelids half closed in ecstasy. She groaned in pleasure into Melody’s mouth as the Pegasus massaged her slit gently, applying more pressure over time. They split up again, the saliva trail being broken as Melody plunged back down between Vinyl’s legs. Vinyl arched her back and groaned as Melody plunged her tongue into her eagerly. The unicorn’s forehooves went down to the back of her lover’s head, pressing gently for more. Melody was only too happy to oblige, pressing her mouth over the entire slit and sucking as well as tasting inside her. Vinyl could feel an intense pleasure building up inside her, threatening to break loose. The feeling obliterated all thought from her head, turning her into a being of pure hunger. She pressed down even harder, but Melody resisted, raising a few inches and closing her mouth. “Vinyl...” She was cut off as Vinyl shoved her back down, her snout penetrating the eager mare’s final sanctuary. She cried out as it did so, her cry full of longing. Melody complied with the wants of her love, desperate for approval. Her tongue licked the extremities of the warm, wet cavern, forcing it open as it went. The pleasure reached maximum capacity. Vinyl Scratch screamed in absolute ecstasy, her pleasure exploding over Melody, coating her snout and face with the fruits of her labors. Melody looked up from where she was laying, looking at Vinyl’s face and smiled, her blue eyes shining. She crept up until she was at eye level and kissed Vinyl softly, letting some of the musky liquid to enter the mouth of her love. She pulled away and slid down a tiny bit, snuggling her head into the soft fur of Vinyl’s chest, her mane spreading over her partner’s feminine form and her wings spread out, lying on the bed. “I love you Vinyl Scratch...” Vinyl smiled dreamily. “I love you too Melody...” The two fell asleep in the hooves of the one they loved.
Spiteful Sonnet Spiteful Sonnet Chapter 5: Spiteful Sonnet Melody slowly swam back into consciousness. Her head hurt a little bit, but nothing she couldn’t handle. She was aware of a soft feeling beneath her that felt ever so perfect, the sheets under her hooves. She hadn’t opened her eyes yet. She didn’t know what the sweet smelling thing beneath her was, but she was still a little sleepy... She snuggled into Vinyl’s chest, waking her up. Vinyl looked down at Melody and smiled lovingly. She was still not wearing her shades, but she didn’t care anymore. She ran a gentle hoof down Melody’s back and the sleeping mare shivered. “mmmm.... Vinyl....” Vinyl started slightly when she heard her name uttered from the sleeping form cuddling into her chest, her eyes sparkling. Both of them fell asleep once more. Both dreaming tantalisingly of the other. ~*~ “Mmm...” Melody woke up, this time her head not hurting and feeling refreshed as ever. She opened her eyes, yawning slowly. And freaked out. “Vinyl? Oh, by Celestia, what have I done?” She tried to escape the embrace of the ivory unicorn holding her in place, but it just wasn’t happening. She struggled, her wings flapping frantically and still talking to herself. “Melody you fool, what were you thinking? By Celestia, I hope you didn’t do anything stupid and this is just as innocent as it seems.... Oh you stupid, stupid filly!” Vinyl woke up suddenly and looked at the desperate Melody, letting go of her. Melody, not expecting the sudden lack of resistance, fell off the bed in her panic. She pressed herself into the corner of the room in fear. Vinyl stretched luxuriously and looked at the nervous mare. It struck Melody that she wasn’t wearing her shades and her eyes were glittering ruby red. All she wanted to do at that moment was sink into the floor, never to be seen again. “What’s up Mel? Did I do something?” Melody shook her head, fear practically dripping off her. Viny looked at her in confusion, getting out of the bed on Melody’s side in the process. “Then... What are you doing?” Melody whimpered as Vinyl got closer. She couldn’t help but notice those eyes... they were stunning. But her fear was overriding her thought processes and she tried to take another step back, realized she couldn’t and whimpered again. The two were inches apart now, Vinyl grinning her signature grin and Melody’s face contorted in fear. “Chill out Mel... Everything’s ok...” It was whispered affectionately into her ear, and that scared Melody even more. “Vinyl.... what happened last night? I remember dinner... walking home... but nothing after that...” Vinyl put a hoof over Melody’s lips to quieten her, noting the electric effect it had on her. “You confessed Mel. How you feel... It’s pretty clear now.” “H... How-?” Vinyl closed the distance between the two in an instant and Melody’s eyes went wide as Vinyl Scratch kissed her passionately. Her eyes filled with tears and she roughly pushed Vinyl back. Vinyl looked incredulously at the terrified Pegasus. “What are you doing Mel? I thought...?” Melody nodded quickly then looked at Vinyl desperately. “I... I can’t... I....” She yelped softly and fled, rushing past Vinyl with a streak of tears and grabbing her violin case before she left, sobs still wracking her petite frame. Vinyl stared after her, completely confused. “I... I guess she was more drunk than I thought....” ~*~ Melody lifted off as soon as she got out the front door, desperately flying away, her eyes leaking tears. Her thoughts were still on Vinyl Scratch, so she didn’t see the darkening sky. There was a crack of thunder, jolting Melody out of her tear stained reverie. The storm had started. Rain poured forth from the heavens, soaking the Pegasus in a matter of seconds, forcing her to the ground, protecting her violin fiercely. She felt utterly miserable as she found shelter underneath another porch, memories coming back to her. She saw herself pulled into Vinyl’s flat for the first and last time, the look of gratitude and surprise she’d gotten when she’d cleaned the place, the look of wonder she received every time she played her violin.... A door opened suddenly, frightening her further. A light brown unicorn stood in the doorway, his tan mane falling over his eyes. He smiled gently at her. “Come on then Melody. I’m not leaving you out here.” Melody looked at him in shock. The unicorn facehoofed. “Ugh, good one Tal. She’s new remember?” He looked at Melody again and smiled. “My name is Talisman. I’m the resident psychiatrist and mind reader. Now, please come in before more introductions are made, I know you’re cold.” He walked back inside, leaving the door open invitingly. Melody looked longingly at the warm interior of the library. She sighed heavily, picked up her violin and walked inside. The door shut behind her, wreathed in a purple light. Twilight Sparkle sat at a desk, staring pensively at a page in a large, leather bound tome. A steaming mug was brought to Melody by a small purple dragon with green spines. “There you go! Looks like you need it!” Melody accepted the hot chocolate gratefully, shivering from the cold. Talisman’s horn glowed and all the moisture from Melody’s pale red coat, feathers and her two toned mane lifted and dissipated. She smiled gratefully at the stallion, noting the purple glow moving his hair out of his eyes. “Tal, you really should get that cut.” Talisman smirked. “You know what happens when I do that Twi.” “It grows back the next day, I know.” Melody watched the exchange in interest. Her face morphed into a sad smile. Twilight looked up at her and smiled, her face screaming tired. “Morning. I’m Twilight Sparkle. You are?” Melody smiled. “Melody.” “Nice to meet you Melody. The dragon is Spike.” Spike nodded to the Pegasus from the ladder he was currently climbing. There was a muffled hello from him and Melody peered at him, sipping her drink. “Baby dragon?” Twilight, having looked back to her tome, smiled gracefully. “Yes. He’s like a little brother to me.” The reference to family made Melody smile and laugh softly. ~*~ Vinyl was worried. It had been almost an hour and the storm was fading but Melody hadn’t returned. She was once again wearing a pair of shades and underneath them her eyes were stricken with fear. The storm had been pretty bad, and no matter what Vinyl did, she couldn’t focus on anything except Melody. Her reaction to where she’d woken up that morning and the reaction to Vinyl’s affections. It was Octavia all over again, and Vinyl couldn’t bear it. She’d cried for a while. She’d tried to forget her and delve into music. But there was something about the Pegasus Vinyl simply couldn’t shake from her mind. Now, she was sitting helplessly on the couch, staring out a window with the slow, melodious music that Melody had replaced her records with before the previous night had happened. She still had tears threatening to spill from her eyes underneath the deep purple shades and she felt pathetic. “What were you thinking Vinyl? She was scared... Obviously she was scared. Why were you so aggressive? You’re a fool Scratch.” A single tear spilled out from under the lens of her sunglasses and she wiped it away angrily. “I... I knew it was too good to be true. I told her I didn’t deserve her...” There was a light knock at her door and Vinyl looked up, hope flaring in her chest. She rushed over to the door, turning off the music as she went. She flung the door open. “Mel?” She felt a dead weight plummet into her heart, plunging down to her stomach. In the doorway stood Octavia, her face more than slightly shocked. “Vinyl Scratch. You really should be careful when you fling the door open like that.” Vinyl automatically flung up a daredevil grin. “Hey Tavi... What are you doing here?” Octavia shrugged nonchalantly. “I decided I wanted to see my friend again. Is there something wrong with that?” Vinyl wanted to scream in her face, tell her there was something wrong, that Octavia was the reason she had never had a partner to live with and love. But she didn’t. Instead she kept grinning. “Nah Tavi, no problem. Come on in?” Octavia walked imperiously into the flat and her eyes went wide. “Vinyl. Your house is clean! What in Celestia’s name happened?” Vinyl shrugged. “It got cleaned.” Octavia shot her a withering look as she closed the door behind her. “I can see that. But who cleaned it? It wasn’t you; you aren’t capable of keeping a house clean for ten seconds, even if it was to save your life!” Vinyl flinched at the insult. “Somepony else.” Octavia raised a curious eyebrow. “Oh? Finally found a stallion then?” Vinyl shook her head vehemently. “Nah, I’m a lone wolf Tavi you know that.” “How much did you pay then?” Vinyl flinched again, the tone of her voice cutting through her facade. “I didn’t pay anything.” “Accepting charity now?” “Hay no.” “Then how did you repay them?” Vinyl sighed, defeated. “I got them a full overhaul at Carousel Boutique.” “But the first is always free.” “Yes well, I didn’t know this at the time.” “Irrelevant. By not paying them back you-” There was another knock at the door a Vinyl raised her eyebrow at Octavia. Her voice had a venomous undertone to it. “Expecting company Tavi?” “No. I’d say it’s for you.” Vinyl rolled her eyes, irritated. Turning around, she opened the door and her eyes went wide, Octavia instantly forgotten. Melody stood in the doorway, her head lowered. “I... um...” Octavia peered over Vinyl’s shoulder. “Vinyl. Who is this?” Vinyl Scratch walked outside and slammed the door in Octavia’s face. “Mel... you came back!” Melody smiled slightly. “Of course I did V...” She looked up, still smiling. “I love you...” Vinyl smiled at Melody and caressed her cheek lovingly. “I’d certainly hope so. I’d hate for last night to be a onetime thing.” Melody blushed, her face turning a deeper red than the rest of her body. The door opened and Octavia stepped out, her face speaking volumes of offence. Vinyl’s hoof seemed to magically disappear from Melody’s face and reappear by her side. “Vinyl. Are you going to introduce me to your friend or not?” Vinyl sighed. “Melody, this is Octavia. Tavi, this is Melody.” Melody’s face suddenly turned outraged. “This is Octavia?” Vinyl gulped, realizing her mistake. She’d spoken about Octavia the previous day, when they were in town and over dinner. “Oh hay...” Octavia offered her hoof aloofly. “Pleasure to meet you dear. Am I to assume you play something less... Raw... than Vinyl?” Melody literally slapped the hoof away from her, a disgusted look on her face. “Don’t touch me you pathetic meat sack!” Octavia looked at the mare incredulously. “Well! I never. You’re even more foul mouthed than Vinyl!” Melody lost it. “What do you know!? Vinyl is a kind, caring and awesome friend! She’s not foul mouthed! Sure, her language is rough, but by Celestia, it adds character to her! And her music is NOT raw, it’s just different!” Octavia was shocked, but Melody wasn’t finished yet. “To think she once liked you! You should have been honoured! Instead you humiliated her and cast her away like a toy a foal no longer wants to play with! It’s disgusting! You’re narrow minded and-” Octavia tried to butt in. “Now look here young mare-” “SHUT UP AND LISTEN!” Both Vinyl and Octavia took a step back in fright. Melody was still talking. “You’re a narrow minded, uppity, arrogant BITCH! Even if I was paid a million bits per day to be your friend over Vinyl, I’d still choose V over you!” Octavia’s heart skipped a beat. “V? You call her V?” Melody, calming down but still angry, nodded sharply. Octavia looked at Vinyl incredulously. “I thought only I called you V!” Vinyl, her confidence boosted by Melody’s outburst scowled at her. “I think you lost that right when you ditched me Octavia.” Octavia looked at the two ponies in irritation. “Fine. Who wants to be here anyway?” She pushed Vinyl out of the way, making her collide with Melody and fall to the ground. With a final look over her shoulder, Octavia stormed off. Vinyl looked up at Melody from her arms where she’d caught her, her wings wrapped around her and smiled. “Thanks Mel.” Melody giggled and kissed Vinyl’s forehead, avoiding the horn as best she could. “Anytime V.”
Sorrowful Sonata Sorrowful Sonata Chapter 6: Sorrowful Sonata “So... why’d you leave Mel?” The pair was sitting on the couch in the living room, a soft violin solo playing in the background. Vinyl had mixed up her normal playlist with some of Melody’s favorites after she’d returned. Melody looked at her feet shyly. “Well... I was scared.” Vinyl nodded in understanding. “My actions probably didn’t help huh?” Melody giggled and sort of fell over on the couch, her head landing in Vinyl’s lap. “Not really, no.” Both ponies giggled happily. Vinyl, struck by inspiration, ran a hoof through Melody’s hair gently. “I love your mane Mel... It’s much smoother than my birds nest.” She glanced up at her mane, stylishly tousled as always. Melody reached up and put her hoof on Vinyl’s hair. “I don’t know, I kinda like your hair V. It’s cute.” She tousled the mane further, making Vinyl laugh helplessly. “Mel! I had that perfect!” “I know V. That’s why I did it!” She brought her hoof back down, taking the shades from Vinyl’s eyes in the process. For a moment, Vinyl tried to take them back, but Melody wouldn’t let her. “No V. Your eyes are beautiful. If you want to hide them in public, so be it. But not in here ok?” Vinyl looked helplessly at her partner and smiled slowly. “Alright cute stuff, you have a deal.” “Good. Can you cook?” Vinyl shrugged. “I can boil water.” “That’s not cooking!” “It still counts!” “How does boiling water count as cooking!?” “It heats up.” Melody sighed in mild exasperation and sat up, facing Vinyl. “Well, I’ll have to teach you then.” “What? How to cook?” “No silly, how to lay eggs.” Vinyl rolled her eyes happily. “I’ve always wondered what it’d be like to be a chicken.” “Don’t be silly, you’ll be a duck!” They both stared at each other for a moment and then burst out laughing. Vinyl leaned against Melody, being sure to take care with her horn. “Oh Mel... Where were you three years ago?” Melody looked at the happy unicorn on her and smiled. “I could ask you the same question V.” Vinyl turned her head to face Melody and lost herself to a sudden kiss, her mind spiraling and her blood pumping. ~*~ It was late afternoon when Octavia came back. Melody was playing her violin specifically for Vinyl Scratch at the time. The grey mare listened in at the door, her eyes going wide. “That’s some skill she’s got... And violin?” Octavia straightened noticeably and knocked imperiously on the door. The violin stopped instantly. The door swung open slowly and Melody stood at the door. She frowned at Octavia the instant she recognized her. Her violin was in her hoof. “Come to apologize to Vinyl Octavia?” Octavia sighed dramatically. “No Melody. I’m not. I was wondering as to what you were implying by the insult you threw at me earlier.” “Which one?” Octavia shot Melody a withering look which was returned with interest. “Narrow minded.” Vinyl came up and stood beside Melody, shades now firmly in place. “Octavia? What the hay are you doing here?” Melody looked at the white unicorn, irritation plain on her face. “She wants to know what I meant by narrow minded.” Vinyl blinked as the realisation of what she was talking about dawned on her. She sighed and turned to Octavia. “Never mind what she meant Octavia. It’s not-” Octavia cut her off rudely. “I simply cannot let it go Vinyl. I want to know exactly what she meant.” Melody rolled her eyes and looked at Vinyl expectantly. Vinyl rolled her eyes. “This... is a really bad idea Mel.” Melody shrugged in irritation. “She wants to know.” Vinyl shook her head and went to turn to Octavia. “Just let it...” Melody grabbed Vinyl and pulled her into a kiss, Vinyl’s red eyes widening in shock under her shades, then closing as the now-familiar feeling kicked in, pulling her in closer to the pale red Pegasus. Octavia was shocked and took a step back in disgust. Melody separated from Vinyl and looked pointedly at Octavia. “THAT! That is what I meant Octavia. Now slither on out of here you treacherous snake!” Octavia, her face screwed up in disgust, turned and walked away in a huff. Vinyl, recovering from the sense reeling kiss still, looked at Melody and groaned slightly. “There are going to be so many repercussions for that...” Melody turned back to her love and smiled. “Nothing we can’t handle V.” Suddenly a large rock came flying down from the direction Octavia had left from and struck Melody’s violin, snapping three of the strings and denting it. Melody looked at the damage in horror. “No...” Vinyl looked at the violin in blank shock, just as another rock came flying from the same direction, this time quite a bit bigger. It collided with the violin and continued straight through, shattering it into pieces. Vinyl felt rage. Cold, undeniable rage and she leapt into action, running down the path Octavia had just followed. But Octavia had vanished, as though she was never there. Vinyl returned to the heartbroken Melody and pulled her into a hug. “I.... I’m sorry Mel...” Melody didn’t say anything, her voice stolen with sobs and shallow breaths. ~*~ “I’m going to snap her damn cello in HALF!” Vinyl was fighting to escape Melody’s grip to run down the path where Octavia had left from not fifteen minutes before, but Melody refused to let her go. “No V... Just stay here... This... This is my fault and mine alone.” Vinyl looked at the Pegasus incredulously. Her pale red feathers were brushing along the ground, her wings completely limp. “How is this your fault? This blame lies entirely on Octavia!” Melody shook her head sadly, tears still dripping down her face. “No... I provoked her... It’s my... fault...” She burst into tears again and buried her face into Vinyl’s chest, her tears staining her ivory coat. Vinyl’s eyes softened and she held her close. Melody’s stricken voice only just reached Vinyl’s ears. “I’m sorry mum... I tried...” Vinyl gently rubbed her marefriends back between her wings. Melody wrapped her wings around Vinyl and the two sat there, completely reliant on each other for most of the rest of the day. Luna’s moon was rising in the sky when they eventually walked back to the house and fell onto the couch. Melody had stopped crying and had instead adopted a hollow expression that scared Vinyl. “Melody? Are... are you going to be ok?” Melody looked at Vinyl blankly. “I’ll... I’ll be fine V...” Even her voice was expressionless. Vinyl felt a tear come to her eye as she took off her shades. “Mel, I know that’s a lie. How... How can I help?” “You can’t...” Vinyl was struck hard as she realised the full extent of the damage Octavia had caused Melody and felt her rage return. “If she comes back here... I swear I’m gunna find out where she’s staying and break her precious cello! You just watch-” There was a resounding crack as Melody slapped Vinyl across the face, her face suddenly angry. “You will do no such thing. You will stay here and look after yourself, not go gallivanting around looking for trouble.” Vinyl held a hoof to her now cut face. She looked at Melody in astonishment and tears filled her eyes. Melody realised what she’d done and freaked, emotions suddenly returning. “Oh Celestia... What did I do? I’m... I’m so sorry V... I uh...” She hung her head and got up, making to leave. She levitated three inches into the air and was replaced upon the couch right next to Vinyl. “You’re not going anywhere Mel.” Her intense red eyes met Melody’s blue ones and connected, refusing to let her look away. Melody smiled slightly in return. “Th... Thanks V...” Vinyl smiled mischievously. “I wouldn’t be saying thanks just yet cutie.” Vinyl leaned forward, her lips millimeters away from Melody’s and spoke at a near whisper. “I still need to apologise... and thank you...” Melody desperately leaned forward, trying to steal a kiss but Vinyl leaned back, keeping the distance between them torturously close. She giggled as Melody groaned in longing and slowly kissed her, pushing her onto her back. She split from the panting mare, a string of saliva still joining them together and grinned. “Now it’s my turn.” ~*~ Melody lay on the couch, gasping for breath. Her lover was already asleep, her head resting on Melody’s chest. Sweat dripped down her brow as she tried to catch her breath. “That... was... Insane!” She found herself wrapping her wings around Vinyl’s prone form, feeling protective. She was still quivering when she reached down and stroked Vinyl’s head. She giggled lightly. “You are eager aren’t you V?” Vinyl snored lightly in response, causing Melody to giggle again. “I love you V.” Vinyl stirred in her sleep, her daredevil grin spreading across her face. “I love you too...” She murmured. Melody looked at her frazzled mane and tail. The latter was tangled with Vinyl’s scruffy mane, mixing three tones of blue and a shade of purple together. Gently so as not to disturb Vinyl, Melody worked the twists and turns of their tangled hair out and slipped out from under Vinyl, making sure not to wake her. She trotted over into the kitchen and set about making herself a snack. Still eating said snack, Melody thought back to the destruction of her mother’s violin and her face grew sad. “I’m sorry mum...” Her thoughts fell on Vinyl Scratch and her frown turned into a soft smile. “I couldn’t save your violin... But I got you another daughter... another wonderful daughter. Surely that makes you proud of me?” Her wondering's turned back towards the ivory unicorn still asleep on the couch and she walked back to the living room and watched her for a while. Her shades were on the floor, forgotten long ago. She smiled as Vinyl stirred and mumbled something about music into the pillow her face was now lying on. Melody took the last bite out of her snack and nodded. “Time for bed dear...” She picked up Vinyl with her front hooves and flapped her wings experimentally. She lifted off and floated slowly through the house to the master bedroom. She carefully placed the sleeping unicorn on the pillows and then lay down herself. The last thing she thought before falling asleep came as she gazed at the peaceful face of Vinyl Scratch, her mane partially covering her face. “By Celestia she’s adorable.”
Baleful Bass Baleful Bass Chapter 7: Baleful Bass Two pairs of eyes opened at the same time, one pair ruby red and the other a pale blue. Vinyl grinned, grabbing a pillow and throwing it at Melody. Not expecting it, the pillow hit her smack bang in the center of her face. Her eyes narrowed and a smile spread across her face as she grabbed one of her own and hurled it at Vinyl, who ducked, dodging it by millimeters only to be hit by another one a second later. There was much laughter as the two mares playfully threw pillows at each other before Melody hurled herself at Vinyl. They landed together in a clumsy heap, Melody ending up below Vinyl, both laughing. Melody feigned fear and spoke in a cute voice. “Oh please, don’t hurt me mistress!” Vinyl grinned and leaned down close. “Would I do that pet?” Melody’s eyes half closed, tasting Vinyl’s breath as she strained to get a kiss. “Never...” The two came together tenderly, neither willing to break the physical bond. Eventually they had to part for air, and Vinyl grinned at Melody. “So Mel. What do you want to do today?” Melody clapped both forehooves down on Vinyl’s flanks. “Breakfast sounds good.” Vinyl nodded in agreement. “It does. And may I say my love that you’re filling out nicely. Very curvaceous.” Melody blushed and pushed Vinyl lightly. “Get out!” “No really!” The two stood up and walked into the kitchen, still spotless from the night before where they’d skipped dinner. Vinyl got out a few eggs and some hay bacon she had stashed in the fridge, taking them over to a spare bench. Melody had already gotten out a skillet and was heating it up. She threw a carefree smile at Vinyl which she returned, a mischievous sparkle in her ruby red eyes. “V, can you get the toaster? We’ll need it for the toast.” Vinyl’s horn glowed and the toaster floated out of a cupboard and onto the bench. Melody smiled slightly. “I guess magic comes in handy sometimes.” Vinyl nodded, passing the eggs and hay bacon to Melody to cook. “Sure does. But I’m nothing to Twilight.” Melody looked at her in confusion. “Twilight Sparkle? The librarian?” Vinyl looked at Melody blankly. “You’ve met?” “Where’d you think I went after I ran away?” “My first thought was Demonheart. Not Twilight and Tal.” Melody giggled. “Well, I didn’t actually know where I was so, I was just sort of lucky I guess.” Vinyl looked at the egg in the skillet. She pointed it out to Melody who squeaked and dug around for an egg flip before coming up and finding it perfectly flipped, courtesy of magic once more. She looked thankfully at Vinyl. “What would I do without you V?” “Find me I hope. I’ve never been happier in my life.” Melody blushed and watched the egg, trying to hide it. She felt Vinyl’s forehooves wrap around her and a soft kiss on the back of her neck. “You... You really mean that?” Vinyl laughed softly and kissed her ear. “Of course. By the way, I think the egg is done.” Melody looked at the egg. It was indeed done and a plate was already next to the skillet. The egg was quickly transferred to the plate and Melody frowned. “This is going to take too long.” “Impatient Mel?” “Hungry.” Melody discarded the skillet in favor of a big frying pan and threw all the eggs in at once, adding the hay bacon barely ten seconds later, cooking it till the hay that made it up was crispy, as all ponies knew Hay bacon was meant to be eaten. The meal smelled heavenly as Vinyl prepared the toast. They ate in companionable silence, occasionally glancing at each other. There was a series of rapid fire knocks and Vinyl visibly blanched. “Oh no... She’s here.” Melody peered at Vinyl curiously. “Who?” There was a pink blur followed quickly by a blue one and both ponies were knocked off their feet. Vinyl looked up to see the smiling face of Pinkie Pie, while Melody saw the grinning face of Joy Bringer. The two spoke in unison. “Hey girls! You’ve been invited!” A sheet of paper was thrust in front of their faces, their eyes wide. They took the paper hesitantly and the two ponies vanished in twin blurs, one blue and one pink. Vinyl groaned and sat up. “Forgot about him.” Melody got up and grinned. “Well his girl better watch out. I’m the only mare who gets to sit on you V.” Vinyl blushed and chuckled. “In that way? Yes.” Melody giggled and looked at the sheet of paper and her eyes went wide, her jaw dropping. “V... Octavia has arranged a party... and has invited us!” Vinyl looked quickly at the paper and frowned. “That... cannot be right.” Her red eyes wandered across the paper, getting wider by the second. They narrowed suspiciously. “Something just ain’t right here.” “It’s in two days... In the Lapis theater.” ~*~ Octavia was setting the stage for her performance. Her double bass was set up in the middle of the stage under the main skylight. She was still angry at that Melody, Vinyl’s newest marefriend, for insulting her, despite having broken her precious violin. “You will not soon forget this Vinyl. Nor will you Melody.” ~*~ Two days had passed, and neither pony had gotten any sleep. They were too worried about this invite from Octavia to get any sort of sleep. It was the day of the party and Vinyl was suspicious. “Why? Why would she invite us of all ponies?” Melody shrugged, still brushing her mane. “I’m not sure V. It could be an attempt at an apology.” Vinyl snorted derisively. “Octavia? Apologise? I’ve never heard or seen her do so.” Melody finished brushing her hair ad looked critically at Vinyl Scratch. “Hmm, maybe you should fix your mane.” Vinyl glanced at her mane in concern. “Why? What’s wrong with it?” “It’s neat. Fix it please.” Vinyl looked incredulously at Melody. “You want it messy?” “You simply aren’t you without the hair love.” Vinyl shrugged and shook her head quickly, tousling her mane. Melody smiled at her. “That’s much better.” Melody kissed Vinyl lightly on the cheek and giggled. “You’ll be the best looking mare there.” Vinyl shook her head and looked at Melody affectionately. “Not a chance Mel. You’ll definitely walk out with that award.” Melody smiled. “Perhaps.” ~*~ The two walked back into the flat at almost twelve, both with tears in their eyes. The party started out fine, Rock Ranger presenting Octavia, a few tunes being played. It was, all in all, a happy affair. Then it all went wrong. Octavia had called out that the song she was about to play was inspired by and was about the new pony in town, Melody. Vinyl was once again wearing her shades. At first, the two were quite interested. But their curiosity vanished and was replaced with horror when they realised the song was insulting. It was subtle, but both of them picked up on it, as did Rock Ranger. Ranger had left her to introduce her own songs. He took Rainbow Dash and had left the theater along with his friends. Vinyl and Melody had left soon after, tears in their eyes and a dejected trudge replacing their normal walk. Now they were lying in their bed, crying into the shoulder of the other pony. Melody’s wings were wrapped around Vinyl comfortingly. “I... I knew it... knew it wasn’t an innocent party... Why... Why did we go...?” Melody was trying not to cry, but was failing badly. Her tears were soaking into Vinyl’s mane, darkening the light blue colouration. “Because we still had a small flare of hope...” “I hate her... I really hate her...” Melody rubbed Vinyl’s back where she could, trying to comfort her. “I know what she said about you wasn’t nice V, but...” “It isn’t what she said about me Mel... It’s what she said about you. I can take insults... But nopony insults my love or my friends.” Melody gently pushed Vinyl away slightly. And looked her in the eyes, her shades having been removed to allow for the tears. “Vinyl... I...” Vinyl held a soft hoof to Melody’s mouth, stopping her from speaking. “Please don’t. This is my burden to carry.” Melody took the hoof in both of hers and pulled it to her heart. “Not anymore Vinyl. Now we carry it together.” Vinyl went to speak, only to find herself cut off as Melody kissed her. She melted into the affection, desperate for some release. Her red eyes closed slowly. A beat started to pulse in her head and her eyes snapped open as lyrics came to her. She sat up suddenly, startling Melody. “That’s it!” “What’s it?” Vinyl Scratch grinned her signature daredevil grin. “I’m going to write a song to retaliate.”
Getting the band back together Getting the band back together Chapter 8: Getting the band back together. “Vinyl, you can’t be serious!” “I’ve never been more serious in my life Mel. This has to be done.” Melody rolled her eyes. “Stubborn, eager Vinyl Scratch.” She smiled at Vinyl. “Another reason I love you.” ~*~ Vinyl Scratch was in her studio for the better of three days, working almost nonstop on her song. She didn’t come out to eat, nor did she come out to sleep, instead sleeping wherever she was sitting or standing at the time. The only thing sustaining her was the diligent watching of Melody. Because of her she was never hungry, never thirsty and never felt lonely. Her work was consuming her completely. On the evening of the third day, a tired and more than slightly elated Vinyl Scratch burst from the door leading to the studio and held up her newest piece. “I’ve got it!” She looked sheepishly at Melody. “But I uh... I cannot perform it alone. I need Rock Ranger at least.” Melody smiled at her. “Any way I could possibly help?” Vinyl grinned. “I was hoping you’d ask.” Melody laughed softly. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Vinyl nodded. “Excellent.” ~*~ Octavia, staying in a hotel just outside Ponyville, got the invite from a very excited Pinkie Pie, whom had been told the entire thing. Octavia was just as surprised and suspicious as Vinyl had been when they’d received her letter, but didn’t question it. She did make contingency plans. Since Vinyl used a turntable, she’d need electricity to run it. So turning off the power to it would disable that annoying piece of equipment... And that’s all she really needed. ~*~ Melody looked over the music on the sheet of parchment and smiled softly. “Well, I guess it’s a good thing I took singing lessons while I was enrolled in school” Vinyl, over at her turntable nodded happily. “Yep. I was hoping you had. But the, even if you hadn’t, it wouldn’t matter. You don’t necessarily need to sing to rap.” Melody shrugged and nodded in agreement. “Too true. So... Levitate huh?” Vinyl grinned from at her instrument. “Hay yeah. I’d not suggest any foals attend for that one though.” “I can see why. Which part am I singing?” Vinyl waltzed over from the turntable and scanned the music before stabbing at an area. “Right there. All the way to here.” “Well alright then.” Melody stole a kiss before Vinyl moved away and smiled happily. There was a chime from the speaker in the studio and Vinyl looked up. “That’ll be Rock Ranger. Hold on Mel, I’ll be right back.” She disappeared up the steps to the main house and Melody felt nervous. She hadn’t actually officially met Rock Ranger yet. She’d heard of his band, but never actually met him. Vinyl came down a few minutes later followed by a deep purple Pegasus with red hair tipped with electric yellow. It was dead straight and when it moved it looked like a mane of flames. He grinned over at Melody. “Hi there!” He walked up to her, past a flabbergasted Vinyl (Who, Melody noted in slight distaste, was wearing shades again) and thrust out his hoof. Melody giggled and took the proffered his in her own. “Name’s Rock Ranger.” “Melody.” The two smiled for a moment, then Ranger turned to Vinyl. “So, what’s this I hear about a song?” Melody walked over to Vinyl and stood beside her as Vinyl answered. “Well, after the nasty song a good three days ago, I figured it was about time somepony put that high and mighty Octavia in her place, but I wasn’t going to stoop to her level.” Ranger nodded and took the sheet music from Melody. “Aight, So what do you... Oh. Guitar? You need guitar?” “And Vocals.” Ranger thought for a moment, his face turning serious. It broke out into a grin. “Count me in then Scratch. No way I’m sittin’ this one out.” Vinyl grinned happily and Melody turned to her. “V. I said not around here.” Vinyl looked at Melody, fear evident in her voice and face. “But Mel, Ranger is here...” “But nothing V.” Melody took of the shades to reveal a pair of tightly shut eyes. Ranger looked momentarily shocked. “I didn’t think those even came off!” Melody giggled softly. “Very rarely until now. Open your eyes V.” Vinyl shook her head mutely. Melody sighed. “Is Ranger your friend?” Vinyl nodded slowly. “Do you trust him?” She nodded again. “Then why won’t you open your eyes?” Rock Ranger watched the exchange, a look of bewilderment on his face. Vinyl sighed heavily and smiled. “Alright Mel, you win.” Hesitantly, Vinyl opened her eyes. Rock Ranger gasped in awe as her ruby red irises came into view. He took a half step forward. “Holy wow... Vinyl, you’ve hidden these for how long now?” Vinyl shrugged nervously. “A long time...” “Why!?” Vinyl looked blankly at Ranger, who was staring at her in wonder. “Well... I was teased for it...” Ranger shook his head, never breaking eye contact. “No way... Ponies who do that are just jealous... those are stunning...” Melody pulled Vinyl into a protective hug. “Yes and they’re hers. And she belongs to me now. Go find your own.” Ranger laughed uproariously. “Don’t you go worrying about that Melody. I have a girl already I don’t need another!” He looked back to the sheet music and frowned. “We can’t do this with only three ponies Scratch.” Vinyl looked distressed from within Melody’s embrace. “You don’t think so?” “No...” Ranger looked up and grinned. “Don’t worry. I Think I’ve got this.” ~*~ The lime green unicorn was lounging on a queen size bed in Canterlot. The other two stallions were lounging around in a similar fashion. Business was good, and for the three in the music industry, that meant everything. There was a knock at the door and one of the stallions called out. “Chords! Somepony at the door!” Chords groaned and sat up. Exiting the room with a serious face, he approached the door and opened it. A grey Pegasus with two off center eyes smiled at him and handed him a note. “Message for you Chords!” He slammed the door closed after taking the note and looked at it. “Rock Ranger? What are you sending me?” He ripped the envelope open and read the letter. His eyes shone with curiosity. Walking into the room containing the other two stallions, he waved it at them. “Letter from Ranger guys. He needs our help.” ~*~ “You sure they’ll come?” Vinyl looked at Ranger nervously. He smiled. “Scratch, they may have ditched me, but they still owe me. They’ll come.” “Are you sure?” “Yeah, stop worrying so much!” There was a knock at the door and Melody, closer called out that she’d answer it. She came back with a letter addressed to Ranger. “It’s for you Ranger.” She handed over the letter and Ranger ripped open the envelope. He read the letter and smiled happily. “See Scratch? Told you. They’ll be here in two days. Good thing you scheduled the party for three days to the date huh?” Vinyl sighed in relief. “Yeah.” Melody went to walk towards the kitchen, tousling Vinyl’s mane as she did so. “Mel! I had that perfect!” “That’s why I did it.” ~*~ Two days later, an unmarked caravan rolled into Ponyville. The wheels glowed with magic and the caravan moved on it’s own. Nopony payed any attention to it. It stopped outside Vinyl Scratch’s house and the hidden door opened. Three stallions got out and knocked on the door. Rock Ranger answered it and grinned. “Hey Chords. Guys. How you doin?” ~*~ The studio was full. Four stallions and two mares, all with different instruments except for Melody, who had no instrument save for her voice. Rock Ranger had his guitar, Chords a bass guitar, Vinyl her turntable and the other two sharing a really big drum set. The whole studio was filled with noise. Melody turned on the microphone she had wrapped around her head. “Alright everypony calm down!” The five remaining ponies looked at her. Melody looked at Vinyl and smiled. “V?” Vinyl nodded and turned to the stallions. “Alright guys. Here’s the situation. Almost a week ago, an old friend of mine, named Octavia...” There was a wolf whistle from one of the stallions. “I know her!” Chords slapped the stallion upside the head. “Shutup.” He looked at Vinyl. “Keep going.” Vinyl nodded gratefully, her shades obscuring her eyes. “Octavia came around almost a week ago. Now, she... doesn’t approve of my taste in almost everything. She uh... She freaked for a reason I’m not willing to explain at the moment... And Melody’s violin was destroyed by her.” There was an angry murmur from around the room. “She threw rocks at it. But anyway. Soon after, we, as in Mel and me, were invited to a party she’d set up. We were both suspicious, but we went anyway.” Vinyl’s eyes filled with tears and one leaked from underneath her purple shades. Melody was suddenly beside her, nuzzling her in comfort. “She... She’d made a song about us... It was...” She stopped talking, her sorrowful memories preventing her from speaking. Ranger spoke for her. “To be blunt, Octavia insulted them lyrically. Now Vinyl has made a song to retaliate and we are going to help her with it.” Chords grinned at the prospect. “Excellent. Nopony deserves to be insulted lyrically, but when they do insult somepony like that there’s only one way to get them back and that’s to insult “˜em in the same way.” Vinyle smiled sadly at Chords. “Thanks for the support Chords... Mine isn’t nearly as insulting, in fact it isn’t really insulting as much as it is a rejection.” Chord’s grin widened even more. “Even better. Don’t lower yourself to her level.”
Who needs you anyway? Who needs you anyway? Chapter 9: Who needs you anyway? The Lapis Theater was packed. All of Ponyville was there, eating, drinking and being generally merry. Vinyl Scratch watched from the crowd as Ranger and the rest of his old band played song after song, occasionally talking to other ponies. Melody was backstage. “Vinyl Scratch!” Vinyl turned around and shot a daredevil grin at Octavia, who had called her name. “Hello Octavia. How’s life these days?” Octavia smiled graciously at her. “Not too bad Vinyl. I uh, hope you enjoyed the song last week.” Vinyl felt a muscle twitch in her cheek. “Oh yes. Very nice song.” “Where’s Melody?” Vinyl shrugged. “Backstage I’d imagine. She helped Twilight organise the entire thing.” Ranger spotted the two over from the stage and grinned, still singing. Vinyl was still trying to restrain herself from screaming in Octavia’s face. “Oh yes. It’s a wonderful uh... shindig?” Vinyl giggled girlishly. It sounded weird when Octavia tried to speak more like Vinyl. “Oh yes. That works Octavia. Shindig is a good word to describe this.” The song finished and Rock Ranger called out to Vinyl. “Scratch! You’re on!” Vinyl left abruptly, leaving Octavia looking shocked. Vinyl walked onstage with her daredevil grin in full effect. She grabbed a mic for her turntable and attached it to the stationary piece of equipment. Melody came out, her mane in the same style as Vinyl’s and a similar pair of shades over her eyes. Rock Ranger grinned and covered his microphone. “You girls ready?” They both nodded. “Good. Let’s get this party started.” He took his hoof away from the microphone and spoke to the crowd. “Alright ponies! How’s this for a party huh?” The theater was filled with a cacophony of excited shouts. As the noise died down a wolf whistle was heard. Rainbow Dash flew up from the audience and looked around intensely. Nopony spoke and after a while she flew back down. “So we had a special request for a song tonight. But it wasn’t one of our old songs, no! It’s an original and new song written by Ponyville’s own VINYL SCRATCH!” There was a roar of approval from the crowd and Vinyl held up her hooves. She’d missed this. Vinyl took over. “Hello Ladies and Gentlecolts! How ya doin’ tonight?” The crowd cheered again. “That’s great! Hey, I arranged this little shindig for a few purposes! Number one, I wanted to say something, so quiet down please.” The entire hall almost instantly became quiet. “I’d like to properly introduce you all to Melody.” Melody smiled shyly and took a step forward to the adoring cheers of the crowd, all of which called out a greeting of some sort. Vinyl smiled affectionately at her. “Melody came here a little while ago, playing on the street as a busker. She had a violin, maybe some of you remember her playing.” There were a few murmurs through the hall in affirmation. “She don’t have that violin anymore. It was broken by a cruel soul who threw a few heavy stones.” The murmur became angry. Vinyl nodded. “But that isn’t the reason why I’m on this stage tonight. I’m here to say one more thing before my performance.” She smiled at the audience. “A little while ago, I met somepony special.” There was a few whistles from the crowd and Vinyl blushed as somepony yelled. “WHO IS IT!?” Vinyl held up a hoof to silence them. “You want to know? I’m going to tell you. But not just yet. I hadn’t had a partner in a long time, serious or otherwise. That was because of a rejection I received from my last choice. But this pony... It was different.” She looked over at Melody and grinned, walking closer. “She loved me, and I loved her... And she is the most important thing in my life.” She blushed as she looked at the already furiously blushing mare. “I love you Melody.” “Awwwwwwwww...” The crowd was looking at the couple adoringly. Everyone except Octavia, whose face was a mask. Melody put her hoof on Vinyl’s cheek. “I love you too V.” The crowd let out another adoring cry. Vinyl turned around quickly and flung out both arms. “And this song is based on the cruelties Melody has faced and towards the cruel pony who destroyed my girl’s violin!” She was behind the turntable now, activating it with her magic. “I call it... LEVITATE!” The crowd roared as the music began suddenly. The entirety of the band were playing. Rock Ranger started to sing. “Can’t stop, I need some help, Fuck you, I’m by myself! Is it a truth or lie? It’s what we can’t deny! Coz it’s the way we think, Mixed with the pills and drink Brought back to the way you are Float up till you’re close to god.” He looked over the audience, his eyes and spiked mane swaying in time. “You know that hiding ain’t gon’ ta keep you safe, Because the tears on your face, they leak and leave a trace, So just when you think that true love’s begun, It goes off at any second just like a loaded gun!” Chords leaned forward and started to sing, his voice a much higher pitch than Ranger’s. “You know I, Can take you straight to heaven if you let me! You know I, can make your body levitate if you let me! You know I... Can make your body levitate, lev-levitate-tate, I... can make your body levitate, lev-levitate you know!” Vinyl grinned her daredevil grin and opened her mouth to sing. “Can’t stop the feelin, High as the ceiling, I got the money Who’s fuckin’ dealing? I feel the heat, like a barrel of a gun, I forgot the last time I saw the sun! We got this disease, It’s diggin’ deeper in me, It’s like my mind is leaving, But my heart keeps beating, So I’ll paint the walls red drip from the nose, Where it goes nopony really knows, Hit the bottle, she’s gunna follow I fall asleep, there ain’t no tomorrow Gone too far no-one can save me.” She pointed at Octavia through the crowd, her face turning angry. “Who needs you when I got my baby?” She turned back and looked at Melody lovingly. “My baby’s beautiful, she loves me true, And is she dies, I hope I die too!” Chords opened his voice once more, singing the chorus once more. Vinyl and Melody came together, a quick kiss being shared, sending the crowd absolutely bananas. As the chorus was ending, Melody stepped to the front of the stage and grinned, the grin reminiscent of Vinyl’s daredevil grin. She opened her mouth to sing, and Vinyl looked at her in shock, followed by the rest of the theater as it went almost silent, save for the music. “I put down another sack of them Then it’s straight back to the flask again I can’t help stop what’s happenin’, On the wrong track, yeah I’m back again. Up shit's creek and I’m paddlin’, Blacked out room and I’m travellin’ Good ideas I’m likin them, I’m too fucked up, now I’m babbling!” She looked venomously at Octavia, who seemed to shrink in her place. “Wonder how to fix these damages, All these god-damn damages. Cover myself with bandages From all these d-damn damages! Wonder how to fix these damages, All these god-damn damages. Cover myself with bandages From all these god-damn damages!” The crowd roared in approval after she finished. There was one more Chorus, this time sung by Rock Ranger and Chords both and the song finished. The crowd was absolutely adoring. Except for Octavia. ~*~ The theatre was practically empty. The rest of the musicians had left already, Ranger followed soon after, wishing Vinyl and Melody farewell. Octavia was left standing in front on Melody and Vinyl. The couple were looking at Octavia expectantly. She sighed and looked at her feet. “I... uh... I’m sorry girls...” Vinyl frowned. “Damn straight you are. What you’ve done is inexcusable.” Octavia flinched. “Aright... You’re right... But still I say it. I’m sorry...” Melody put a hoof over Vinyl’s mouth to stop her talking and stepped forward. “Octavia. We accept your apology.” Octavia looked up at Melody incredulously. “However. I want you to know that while we may accept your apology, but that doesn’t mean I forgive you for the destruction of my mother’s violin.” Octavia nodded sadly. “Thank you... for your acceptance... I... I will take my leave... goodnight.” With that, Octavia left, leaving Melody and Vinyl alone in the theater.
Epilogue Epilogue Epilogue Vinyl found a package on her doorstep a week later. It was addressed to Melody and Vinyl. She took the package inside the house to Melody and took off the letter attached and opened it to read. The text was spidery. Dear Melody and Vinyl Scratch. I realise what I did is... Unforgivable. But I thought that I’d try to make it up for you anyway. Please accept my sincerest apologies and I believe that I now believe that you are right. I am indeed narrow minded. Sincerely: Octavia. Vinyl smiled slightly. “Well, I guess she’s finally come to her senses.” Melody frowned. “Perhaps.” The package was large. Very large. Vinyl unwrapped it slowly and her eyes went wide. “Mel...” Both mare’s eyes went wide. Inside was a violin case. Melody opened it slowly, revealing a beautiful violin and bow. It was carved as though it was made of flowing water, a Pegasus with spread wings coming out from one side. “A... violin...” A note was attached to the underside of the lid. Please, keep playing your beautiful music and keep the one you love happy.
ProloguePrologue: The mare staggered through the rain, desperately trying to protect her violin case from the water. It was dark, and the sun was only just being raised. A pair of pale blue eyes saw a sheltered area away from the rain and rushed to it, desperate to make sure her instrument was ok. The ancient Violin sat in its's case, the velvet lining not touched by a drop of moisture. The mare sighed and closed the case again. "Almost lost your only chance of survival there Melody... What would mum think?", Melody laid down noting she was on the porch of a cluttered looking house (if you could call it that). A pizza box caught her attention in a nearby garbage bin. She reached out, shuddering from the cold, and snatched it up. She opened it frantically, her stomach rumbling in hunger. Her eyes lit up at the crusts contained within the box. " Thank Celestia... I thought I'd die of starvation." Her voice was sophisticated and her wings spread out, shivering as she ate, the pale red coloration denying the cold. She hadn't been able to stretch them for a while and the joints were stiff. She demolished the crusts and promptly fell asleep, using her violin case as a pillow. Author's Note Hey Guys and Gals I'm posting this up because I thought it was a good story when it was originally uploaded and i wanted to share it with you all, once again. all rights to Valorousspectre and thanks to him for letting me upload this story with a few of my tweaks you should go check out his other stories, (http://www.fimfiction.net/user/Valorousspectre ), so without further ado Here's Haunting Remix. Please excuse the short prologue. this may be slightly different from the original as i will be making slight adjustments and tweaks, thank you all for viewing until next time featherember out.
