If Music Be The Food Of...Like?by Mr MerrittChaptersChapter OneChapter TwoChapter ThreeChapter FourChapter FiveChapter SixChapter SevenChapter EightChapter NineChapter TenChapter OneCome sail away…come sail away…come sail away with me… The warble of the grey Earth colt’s voice filled the kitchen of Sweet Apple Acres as he busily chopped up a cutting board full of root vegetables. He was in a spectacular mood this day, and he was in the mindset that he really didn’t care who may have found out this fact. …come sail away with me… This was a good thing, for as Peppermill perched on top of the stool bobbing his head to a beat only he could hear, he didn’t notice the arrival of a two pony audience. His elder sister Applejack and her close friend Rarity stood in the entryway to the room, bemused smiles on their faces. Neither of them said a word as the colt continued to prepare the food. …come sail…away…? Somehow, the colt’s sharp hearing noticed the presence behind him and his song faltered. He looked back over his withers at the two mares as they continued to grin at him. He hung his head momentarily, and then gave a rueful laugh. “I know, I know…I can’t…sing to save my life.” Peppermill hopped off of the stool and approached the mares. “Ah reckon it ain’t so much yer singin’ as it‘s yer song sugarcube.” a grinning Applejack drawled. “I agree.” admitted the glamourous unicorn. “That isn’t a song I would have ever expected you to like darling.” “Mother always said…I had a…eclectic taste in music. It came…from having met…so many different kinds…of ponies while…in the restaurant.” “I reckon there ain’t anything wrong with that sugarcube.” Applejack nodded. “Considering the clientele of your family’s business, I imagine you had a number of popular musicians eat there.” Rarity commented. “Yeah…musicians…” If the two mares had been inclined to notice, they might have registered the slightly pained note Peppermill had applied to that final word. As such, they were far too amused at learning a new little quirk in their favorite chef… *** Meanwhile somewhere above Ponyville… Dash, Totally stoked to come and hang with you. Can’t wait for this awesome grub you’ve been promising. Hope it’s cool if I bring a friend. Lates. VS Rainbow Dash re-read the brief letter for the third time with growing trepidation. On one hoof she was going to get to spend a solid week with one the most awesome ponies in Equestria, one she considered as cool as her and a good friend. On the other hoof she was mentally bucking herself for what was beginning to look like another case of her bravado getting the better of her. Of all the things she had to remember, she had to remember that Rainbow grumbled. The blue mare tossed the paper onto the cloud table in front her cloud sofa and rubbed her temples with her forehooves. She gave a fleeting glance towards her sparse kitchen, a far cry from her sumptuous cloud living room of her literal castle in the sky. All doing that served was to bring back memories of how she had gotten herself into this mess in the first place. She had been making small talk with the famous disc jockey while chilling in the local watering hole and the talk had turned to the musically inclined mare’s popularity among the young fillies and colts of Equestria. Not wanting to be outshone, Rainbow Dash had told Vinyl of her number one fan Scootaloo and her friends in Ponyville. One thing led to another, and the Element of Harmony’s thoughts went to a particular grey colt among her circle of friends. The knowledge of Peppermill’s considerable culinary skills, and the overwhelming need to one-up the white unicorn had to led to a statement that, in hindsight, she knew would come back to bite her. “I’ve been taking some cooking lessons, and my teacher says I’m doing pretty well. I am one of his best students, in fact.” It had seemed like an innocent white lie. Peppermill had shown her a few things, mostly because he felt Rainbow had to stop relying on frozen foods and quick take-out meals for her nutrition. She was nowhere near his level, and didn’t expect to be so. But the words came out as fast as the plan formed in her mind. “I bet I can whip up a meal you’d sell your turntables to get another bite of!” Vinyl hadn’t really responded to this boast other than to nod with that easy grin of hers. Having made Equestria’s capital city of Canterlot her home base, Rainbow hoped the unicorn would be genuinely impressed. And if Vinyl by chance tried to call her bluff, she had a perfect counter. She would simply explain that she couldn’t just do it at a drop of a hat, on account she would want to get some advice from her ‘teacher’ not to mention ingredients. The fact that said teacher was a colt was an important point Dash decided not to bring up. But Vinyl simply nodded, and Rainbow assumed that would be the end of it. And then that darn letter had to show up, along with a flyer promoting a big one mare show Vinyl had decided to hold in Ponyville to coincide with her visit. “What in the heck am I supposed to do?” lamented the rainbow-maned mare. There was no way that Peppermill, as good of a teacher in the kitchen as he was, could help her make a major meal on that short of notice. If it had just been Vinyl it probably would have been okay. But if this ‘friend’ that the unicorn was bringing along was who Rainbow suspected, that was going to make things a lot more difficult. The knowledge that she would lose face in front of a pony like her sat like a lump in Rainbow’s belly. … …unless. A stupid, crazy, desperate plan began to creep into the mare’s mind. It was a tremendous longshot, especially given what she would have to do to pull it off. Begging was considerably not cool, but her pride demanded that she at least try. She had very little time to implement it, but as many ponies knew flying by the seat of her non-existent pants tended to be the style that suited Rainbow Dash. After all, the hardest part is to get them to go along with it… Author's Note Mr Merritt Sez: Yes, that is the chorus for Come Sail Away by Styx...don't judge me! Chapter TwoPeppermill and the rest of his friends were gathered eagerly by the community bulletin board near the center of Ponyville. One of city hall’s staff ponies was busily pasting up a large poster to the surface, and the colts all anxiously waited to see what it was all about. “It’s got to be something important. I mean, the poster is bleedin’ huge!” chirped Pipsqueak, rearing up on his hind legs and craning his neck to try and catch a glimpse of the poster’s contents. “Just because it’s big doesn’t mean that it is important.” remarked Featherweight. “Well, whatever this is about has got to be better than nothing. It’s been stupidly boring around here lately.” grumbled Snips. “The only reason…you are bored is because…we don’t want to do…the things you suggest we do.” Peppermill pointed out, which earned him a dark look and a snort from the tubby unicorn. “I think he’s finished.” exclaimed Rumble. The colts fell silent as the stallion in question looked over his work for a moment, nodded, and then went away. In seconds the spot he had been standing on was occupies by six pairs of eager eyes. “DJ P0N3 presents The Ponyville Jam…” recited Snails as he read out loud. “DJ P0N3 is coming here to Ponyville! Awesome!” crowed Rumble, performing a wing assisted backflip in triumph. “Finally, something cool comes here.” agreed Snips, perking up considerably at this news. “She is totally awesome. I hear she does these free concerts all the time, a lot more than any other musician in Equestria.” commented Featherweight. “Cor, she’s like…really famous!” squealed the tiny pinto pony. “Erm…” “…” The rather sudden silence at the uncertain noise made by Peppermill was punctuated by five young colts looking at the grey Apple pony in astonishment. “Please tell me you have heard of DJ P0N3…there is no way a colt from Canterlot could not have heard of her.” questioned Snips. “Of…of course I have heard…of her…” stammered Peppermill. “Her real name is Vinyl Scratch.” offered Snails cheerfully. “I know that!” exclaimed Peppermill indignantly. “Easy guys.” Rumble quickly inserted himself into the conversation. He peered at the grey colt for a moment, and then spoke again. “Just because he is from Canterlot doesn’t automatically mean he would have heard of DJ P0N3.” Peppermill began to give a sigh of relief until the tough Pegasus colt added “Besides, I’m not sure that would be the kind of music he would be into anyways.” “What exactly…is that supposed…to mean.” Peppermill’s voice was bathed in righteous indignation at what he felt was some sort of implied insult. “Yeah, I suppose being all fancy means you wouldn’t be into any of the good music out there. All he probably had to listen to was symphonies and that kind of stuff.” remarked Snips with a wave of a forehoof. “I always thought Peppermill would like those opera songs. I know some of me aunties love going to those back in Trotingham.” quipped Pip. “There is nothing wrong with that kind of music guys. “ Rumble’s attempts at regaining control of the conversation hid from him the fact that Peppermill was positively seething. “Just like there isn’t anything wrong with one pony liking one type of music over another.” “What pony wouldn’t like DJ P0N3’s stuff?” countered Snips. “Well, mostly just the older ponies. You know, grandmas and grandpas and ones like that.” Featherweight stated. “That’s…that’s not true at all!” exclaimed Peppermill with a shout. “And how…do you know this…Vinyl Scratch…is as nice as…you claim?” “I heard she is really nice. And she’s kinda cool looking…” mumbled Snails shyly. “What is your beef with her anyways?” demanded Snips. “I’m just saying…that you shouldn’t…believe everything you…read about other ponies. This mare could…be a really diva in…the flesh.” protested Peppermill. “It sounds more like you just don’t like her music and don’t want to come off as uncool.” Snips smirked. “It’s not a big deal if he doesn’t like her music.” intoned Rumble, placing himself in between Peppermill and Snips. He could tell the conversation was spiralling into a full blown argument, and intended to shut that down in a hurry. He was so busy dealing with Snips, who he believed was goading their friend intentionally that he never noticed Peppermill storm off. “Nice going Snips.” sighed Featherweight, rolling his eyes. “You did a great job of ticking off one of your best friends.” “What? You all know Peppermill is always trying to act like one of us.” snapped the unicorn colt. “Who says he isn’t one of us? What is your thing about reminding him about his past?” sighed Rumble. “Sometimes you really need to learn to shut yer gob Snips.” snorted Pipsqueak. “And you need to watch your mouth, unless you want me to tell your aunt and uncle the words you use outside of the house!” “I’d like to see you bloody well try!” Only Snails continued to gaze off where the grey pony had went, while the two Pegasus colts attempted to keep the little pinto colt and chubby grump of a unicorn from going at each other. Chapter Three“I swear, sometimes I just don’t get boys…” This was the lament of Applebloom to her elder sister as the two Apple ponies washed up dishes from their lunch. “Ah mean, jus’ the other day Peppermill was all happy and singin’ and now he all grouchy.” “Ah reckon I have seen you do the same thing yerself sugarcube. When you were still lookin’ fer yer cutie mark, I reckon you ran hot an’ cold at the drop of a Stetson yerself.” commented Applejack as she wiped a plate clean. “Well at least everypony knew mah reason. Peppermill ain’t all that keen on talkin’ about stiff that bothers him. He’s one of those private types…” “Eeyup. And ah reckon when he is good an’ ready to tell us wut is botherin’ him he will.” The note of finality in the mare’s voice silenced any further comments from the filly. SMACK The two Apple girls jumped in surprise, Applejack managing to grab the plate she had been holding just before it hit the floor. They gazed in surprise at the closed window over the sink, to find Rainbow Dash’s snout pressed up against it, a frantic look on her face. “Where’s Peppermill?!” shouted the speedster through the glass. “Dang nab it Dash!” grumbled Applejack as she reached over to open the window. “Why can’t you use the door lahk a normal pony?” “Where is Peppermill?” shouted Dash again. “He’s in his loft!” shouted Applebloom. The Pegasus mare took off in the direction of the barn, and missed the filly’s other comment. “But he ain’t in the mood ta talk!” *** One of the few luxuries that Peppermill arranged for his little hidey-hole in the loft of Sweet Apple Acre’s barn was a small record player that he had borrowed from Big Macintosh. As long as he had plenty of batteries and access to his small box of specifically picked records, the colt was quite content. Many an hour had been spent simply writing out recipes and listening to his…unique collection of songs. But what had once given him pleasure and relaxation had turned into fuel for his bad mood. “How is any…of this stuff…fancy or old pony’s music? And so what…if I am…not cool?” muttered the grey pony as he sulked on his cushion. He was less upset about the former accusation and considerably more annoyed by the latter. Peppermill had discovered early in his life in Ponyville that the young ponies in town had definite opinions about ‘city ponies’ as oppose to ‘country ponies’. The reasoning went that being from a large cosmopolitan place like Canterlot meant that you acted in a certain fashion, usually being refined and proper. Given Peppermill’s careful speech, manners and considerable charm he was pretty much the poster foal for ‘fancy’. And while the colt didn’t have an issue with this, it did tend to make a lot of those same foals jump to the wrong conclusions about certain things. And of all of the misconceptions, the one that bothered the colt the most was the belief that he secretly felt superior to everypony else. Snips was especially bad for this, even though Peppermill had never done anything to validate this. Whether it was some sort of resentment or just the unicorn’s naturally sarcastic nature, he always treated the chef as if he was going to become haughty and demanding in a heartbeat. Usually Peppermill would shrug this off, but this whole DJ P0N3 thing had gotten under the colt’s skin. He needed to improve his mood, and he found that music was the balm to sooth his soul. Rifling through his collection Peppermill couldn’t deny that a lot of the songs and artists he preferred were not traditionally one’s that other colts and fillies did. And yes, there was some symphonic music in there, of which he was particularly fond. He plucked one out of the pile and carefully put it onto the player, and soon the soft sounds of a string quartet began to fill the room. The colt began to relax for the first time in a few days, grateful for the alone time until… “Peppermill?” The bellow of a frantic Pegasus mare made the colt jump, and the impact of said mare entering the barn made the needle of his record player jump with a teeth-grinding scratch. “Rainbow Dash?” exclaimed the colt, astonished and irate peering down over the edge of the loft. “Look kid, I really…” began the mare, but she went silent at the furious look on the colt’s face. “This is really…not a good time…to talk Dash.” growled the colt tightly. “Yeah, look I…” “No…” “But…” “No!” “Kid, I really, really need your help…” “Rainbow? Wut in tarnation is going on here?” This comment came from Applejack as she entered the barn after cringing at the sounds coming from inside. “Whatever it is…you need you can…do it yourself Dash!” snapped the colt from high in the loft. “That’s just it. I can’t do it. I need your help!” exclaimed Dash, hovering a few feet off the floor, her rose-colored eyes imploring. “Fer cryin’ out loud. Get over here Dash.” Applejack leapt up and snagged the end of the flying pony’s tail in her mouth and pulled her to the ground and out the door in a matter of a few seconds. “AJ!” cried out Dash in desperation as she spun around with flared wings. “Dash, wutever you need to talk to Peppermill about is gonna hafta wait. Ah reckon he ain`t in any mood fer doing anything fer anypony right now.” “But I need his help!” “Why?” “…b-because.” “Dash, please tell me ya didn’t go shootin’ yer mouth off again.” “But this is really, really important.” “It’s always really important with you, ain’t it? And usually it’s cause ya cain’t stop yerself from braggin’.” “…” “And ah reckon ya had to go and wait til the last minute to ask fer help with yer tail inna knot, right?” “…” “Dash, ah reckon it might do ya a world of good to take yer lumps fer once. Maybe then you will think twice before you make promises ya can’t keep.” “Nnggrrr…” The speedster stood still long enough to throw her friend a furious look before launching herself skyward. Applejack stood there, dividing her gaze between the disappearing speck in the sky and the grumbling voice from the barn. “Ah swear when it rains it pours…” Chapter Four“Rainbow Dash was back here again this mornin’. AJ says she ain’t never seen her wake up this early this often for as long as she’s known her.” Applebloom commented as she and Peppermill made their way into Ponyville. The colt gave a sigh and shook his head. “I’m beginning to think…I should just give in…and see what she wants. It must…be important if she…has been coming this often.” “You know wut AJ would say ifin she heard you say that.” “Yes, yes…she has already…told me that Dash…has to get herself out of…the hole she has…dug for herself. But she must have…a good reason for…needing my…specific help that badly.” “Yeah, maybe…” sniffed the filly. “But then again ya ain’t exactly been the best of company lately…” “I thought I had…already explained myself about…that.” “Peppermill, ya ain’t stuck-up or full of yerself and you know it. And ah reckon you’ve been an Apple long enough fer us to work the fancy right out of ya.” “And yet when…I asked you to give me…your honest opinion about that song…I played for you…you didn’t exact mince your words.” “What the hay has got you so hung up about music anyways?” “It’s not so much music…as it is musicians…” Applebloom frowned at this puzzling remark, and was about to pry further when the two foals spotted a familiar figure standing in the middle of the path. Neither of them had ever seen such a tired look on Rainbow Dash’s face before, and they remained silent but wary as they continued to advance forward until they were only a few feet in front of her. “Applebloom, I need to talk to your brother right now.” Rainbow’s exhausted rasp made both young ponies wince, as did the deep circles around her eyes. Clearly this was a mare at her wits end, and Peppermill realized that he only had one option available. “Bloom?” was all Peppermill had to say. Applebloom didn’t say a word, but simply nodded and continued on her way. “Rainbow, you…look awful.” said Peppermill after a few minutes of silence. “I don’t want to hear it kid. I haven’t slept in three days and I am in as bad of a mood as you are.” “I’m not…in that bad of…a mood anymore. I…was just a little…angry with the guys…” “Friend trouble? Boy, I know what that is like.” sighed Rainbow, rubbing her eyes with her forehooves. “I guess you could say that is the reason why I am so desperate right now…” “What exactly…is going on Dash?” Having finally put the mare on the spot, she suddenly went quiet. It took a tremendous effort of will to admit her mistake, but she realized she had no choice. If she was going to get Peppermill on board with her plan she needed his full support, and that would require the honest truth. “I might have promised a friend of mine, not from here in town mind you, that I could make her an awesome meal…” “Well, what is…stopping you? I’ve shown you…enough that you…should be able to…do a decent enough job…on your own.” “That isn’t it. I mean, she’s cool enough that she’d be okay with anything I could try to make. But she’s bringing a friend.” “A friend…” “Yeah, and if this is who I think it is I would have to really step up my game to impress her. She is like Rarity-level classy…” “Oh my…” Peppermill was beginning to understand the severity of the situation Rainbow had gotten herself into. He knew as well as any pony that Dash’s sizable yet fragile ego meant she hated looking like a fool for even a single second. Even if she never saw this friend of a friend ever again, the pain of her bruised dignity would linger long afterwards. “Dash you know…I would love to…help you. Can I assume…this meal is supposed to happen…really soon?” “Three days…” sighed the mare, beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. “That’s it? Pshh…” snorted the colt with a wave and a grin. “I thought…you were going to…make this hard. I can…whip up a high end meal…that would impress a princess…with time to spare…” “Yeah, about that…” “You mean…there is more?” “Vinyl and this friend of hers are city ponies. I kind of promised something a bit more…what is the word, rustic?” “Rustic?” Peppermill was so focused on that term he completely overlooked the name that Dash had dropped. “You know, country cooking…home cooking, whatever you call it. And I might have promised to do it on an actual farm.” “You want…to hold this dinner at…Sweet Apple Acres.” chuckled the colt, the other horseshoe dropping. “Yeah, I figured having a real country meal in a real country setting would knock their horseshoes off. I was hoping you could convince Applejack to go along with this. I would talk to her myself, but I’ve been so busy trying to get you on board with my plan that I haven’t had time.” “Hmmm…” “Kid, AJ would go along with anything you asked her to do. We both know that.” “Dash…you also know she…would go to any lengths…to help one of…her best friends…” “Sure she would…right until she finds out we both got together despite all her efforts to keep us separated for the last few days. AJ doesn’t like stuff happening she isn’t aware of. I bet we will both be in the doghouse assuming she even goes along with this.” “She’ll go along with it alright! I reckon I’ll put in a good word fer ya!” this shout came from Applebloom, who was only a few feet behind the other two ponies. “Have I ever…told you how much…of a snoop you are Bloom?” remarked Peppermill with a small laugh. “Ah reckon ah have heard ya mention that from tahm to tahm…” The banter between the two young ponies proved to be what Rainbow needed. The tension in her wings and withers loosened and she let loose a laugh. “Thanks you two, I owe you both big.” “You don’t owe us…anything Dash. But now…I have to go and…start coming up with a dinner…plan.” Already growing excited over the possibilities and the challenge itself, Peppermill turned on his heel and made his way back to Sweet Apple Acres. As he did this, Applebloom sidled up beside Rainbow with an excited expression. “Did ah hear you right back there Dash? You did mention Vinyl, as in Vinyl Scratch right?” “Yeah” “So wut yer sayin’ is Vinyl Scratch is commin’ to our house fer dinner!” “That’s the plan…” “Yeehaw! This is gonna be so cool!” squealed the filly, bouncing up and down jubilantly. “Cooler than cool!” crowed Rainbow Dash, unable to resist the urge to bounce around herself, the tremendous weight of her potential humiliation lifted from her “DJ P0N3 is coming to Sweet Apple Acres!” Chapter Five“DJ P0N3…is coming here?!” The exclamation from Peppermill had been preceded by the sound of his jaw hitting the table top at the sudden news from Applejack. The grey colt had been finishing writing his final ‘to-do’ list for the busy day he was going to have tomorrow. He would have never of guessed that what would have been deemed a ‘rustic, home-cooked’ meal could require as much planning as an elegant one. It didn’t help that Rainbow Dash would show up almost every other hour to add or change a detail or three. “Well, as ah recall she prefers to be called Vinyl Scratch when she ain’t workin’ a concert. But yeah, ah reckon she’s the one Rainbow Dash has coming here.” The apple mare had been taking a break from apple bucking to come inside the farmhouse for a drink, and had started a conversation with the busy colt. “Hrmmm…” grumbled the colt, already beginning to hear the mocking words of Snips swirl in his head. “And while she didn’t exactly say, ah reckon that she’s bringing along that Octavia gal. Ah reckon you’d lahk her sugarcube. She mighty prim and proper, jus’ lahk you. “Octavia…” The name didn’t mean a thing to the chef, but at that moment he wasn’t thinking about anything other than some vivid memories of the life he had left behind in a literal flash of flames and envy… ”I don’t care what they say. They get plenty of bits doing their invite-only concerts. You’d think they would at least be able to spare a few coins for a tip…” “She‘s in the bathroom crying…one of those divas from the concert hall really ripped into her, and all because…” “Are you bucking kidding me? This is the third time he sent this back! What’s wrong with it now?” “There are only four of them, and they want the entire banquet room for themselves? Are you sure there is enough room for them and their egos in there?” “Those aren’t even in season!” “Those aren’t even on the menu!” “Argh…I hate those snotty ponies so much!” “Peppermill? Sugarcube?” The colt in question shook himself, to find his eldest sister looking down at him with a look of concern. “Are you day dreamin’ or something? Have ya heard wut I’ve been saying to ya?” “Er…yes. I’m…I’m fine. I was just…lost in thought, that’s all.” “Well, ah hope you ain’t frettin’ about this meal yer planning. From what ah have seen this Vinyl is a decent gal. A might strange but decent.” “Strange…yeah…I bet.” murmered the colt under his breath. “Well, ahll leave ya to it sugarcube. And dont let Dash getcha nervous about this whole thing. Ah reckon that girl worries too much about wut other ponies think of her sometimes.” “Well, it can…be hard to…change your opinions…sometimes.” Applejack was already to the door as the colt made this statement, which might have been a good thing if she had taken the time to notice the…ominous note in Peppermill’s voice. *** “Forget it Tavi, you aren’t going to talk yourself out of this.” “I am not trying to talk myself out of anything. I am just getting rather tired of you making decisions for me.” Inside a stylish apartment in downtown Canterlot two mares were having one of their usual discussions-slash-arguments, all the while packing their respective bags for the small trip they were going to take. “It’s free room and board Tavi. And I bet whatever Dash has cooked up is going to be killer.” “That is what worries me. I know she is your friend Vinyl, but she didn’t exactly strike me as the cooking type.” “Duh, of course she isn’t.” “Wait, what?” “Dash is a lot of cool things, but a cook ain’t one of them. She would be the type to try and get some chef friend to make something up for her, and them claim she did it herself.” “Vinyl, that’s terrible!” “Chill Tavi. I intend to rag on her till she confesses, but not before I get some good grub. I’ve never had farm food before…” “I don’t think it’s called ‘farm food’ dear.” “Whatever…either way it’s going to be sweet. It’ll be” “Maybe or maybe not. But I still want to know why you are insisting on bringing me along. I am very busy…” “Are you kidding me? Tavi, you’ve spent a solid week moping around the apartment complaining about being bored.” “It’s…it’s the slow season for quartets…” “Which makes this the perfect time to get out of the city for a bit. You can’t tell me you aren’t even a little bit excited for this? Aren’t you the one that told me how much you would have liked to check out that apple farm outside of Ponyville? The one we didn’t have time to check out because of that wedding? I’d bet my turntable that is where Dash is setting this whole thing up.” “Hmm…” “Pretty please?” “Ugh…couldn’t you at least try to show a little dignity?” “Heh…nope…” “Fine, I suppose I can’t help but dragged along into these messes…” “Was that some sort of dig at my table manners?” “I have seen you eat dear…” Chapter Six“I really owe you for this AJ” “Considering how often I’ve pulled yer flank out of the fire you’ve set fer yerself, ah reckon you’d be working at Sweet Apple Acres till the end of tahm.” Applejack shook her head as she launched a precision kick at the trunk of an apple tree. “Besides, ah reckon this here Vinyl Scratch is the last gal ya need to impress.” “It’s not so much Vinyl that I want to impress, not that I’m trying to impress anypony…” admitted Rainbow as she hovered over the recently bucked tree, looking for any apples that might have not been shaken loose. While it was highly unlikely that Applejack would have missed one, the Earth mare would admit it still paid to have a second set of eyes just in case. There was nothing that annoyed the farmer more than a single fruit getting left behind to rot. “It’s this Octavia gal, ain’t it?” “Yeah, sort of…” “Sort of?” “Look, as far as I can tell from seeing her once and from what Vinyl has told me, Octavia could probably match Rarity for style and grace. I can handle Rarity so I can probably handle Octavia. I know this is going to sound crazy, but I was doing this more for Peppermill than anypony else.” “Fer Peppermill?” Applejack gazed up at her friend in surprise at this confession. “You know how a few days ago he was in such a bad mood?” “Ah reckon that boy can sulk with the best of them.” “Well, I didn’t a little digging and I think I found out what was bothering him.” Dash proceeded to tell Applejack about the discussions and hurt feelings that had developed between Peppermill and his friends in regards to the topic of music. “It was just a happy coincidence that I found out that Vinyl and Octavia were coming to town when this went down. I figured maybe they could cheer him up a bit, you know, show him that it’s cool to like different kinds of music.” “Huh, that’s down-right impressive thinking commin’ from you Dash. Ah seem to recall you giving me a hard time about me liking country tunes and not that racket you listen to.” “Hey! Rock music isn’t racket!” “Just simmer down sugarcube. The point is that it is mighty nice of you to want to do something good fer Peppermill. Ah reckon getting a chance to entertain some folks and cook up a big meal will make him feel a whole lot better…” “I get a good meal, get to listen to DJ P0N3 rock out and help a friend. It’s a good thing I’m so humble…” “Humble? That sounds a whole more lahk the Dash I know…” *** As the mare’s discussed the virtue of humility, another similar discussion was taking place inside the kitchen of Sweet Apple Acres. Or, to be more accurate, an inner monologue. Okay…as far as I can tell…I have one of two…options available to me: Peppermill sat at the kitchen table, staring at what was the finalized menu for the big meal that he had been planning for Rainbow Dash. One, I make the greatest meal ever prepared…and make this Vinyl and Octavia regret…ever acting snobby or…rude to another…restaurant employee ever again. Peppermill nudged the sheet of paper with a forehoof, chewing on his bottom lip. Or two, I make the worst meal in Equestrian history…and tell them this…is retribution for all the trouble…they have ever caused…for hard working ponies… The colt’s stomach churned as he pondered his options. “Howdy Peppermill!” called out a happy voice as Applebloom bounced into the room. The colt stifled a yelp and grabbed the paper, clutching it to his chest as if the document might reveal his dark thoughts. “Applebloom…” croaked the colt, trying to still his heart. “Ah don’t think I’ve been this excited since I got mah cutie mark! We are gonna have DJ P0N3 right here in our own house!” “Yes…it’s very…exciting…” “The girls are gonna be beggin’ fer details of hanging out with her!” “I am sure…they will want to know…everything that will…happen that night…” “And ah just know you will knock their horseshoes off with whatever ya got planned to make. The whole family is lookin’ forward to it.” “Everypony…” “Well, ah best leave ya to it then. Ah know ya won’t disappoint us.” And with that the filly bound out of the farmhouse, leaving the colt to sit there sick to his stomach. “I guess my…decision was…just made for me.” sighed the chef. “As much as…I might want to…get a bit of…retribution I simply…can’t let my friends and family down.” “…” “But I swear so…much as a single…word that sounds like…an unjustified complaint…” Chapter SevenIt never ceased to amaze Octavia how calm Vinyl seemed to be when everything around her seemed to be on the verge of collapse. She just seemed to take in stride all the little details about arranging a concert, meeting her fans afterwards and then heading out for a meal with a group of ponies she had never really met before that night. If she had been in Vinyl’s horseshoes, she (almost) legendary poise would have been frayed to nothingness. But there was Vinyl, in the middle of a throng of eager young foals all begging for her attention after her afternoon concert. She seemed completely at ease, and gave each and every one of the young fillies and colts a bit of her attention. As Octavia watched from underneath a nearby tree, she marveled at just how comfortable the white unicorn seemed to be around all of the attention. In fact, she couldn’t help but feel a bit envious. It wasn’t as though the musician had never been complemented on her music before. Celestia only knew how many admirers the grey mare had, of both her talent and her appearance. But young foals didn’t traditionally fall under the category of enjoying the type of music Octavia excelled at. As a result, she had absolutely no idea of how to act around them, to the point where she would freeze up and come off as somewhat cold and aloof. “And on top of this I have to share a meal with complete strangers who I have no knowledge about or anything in common with…” sighed Octavia. “The things you drag me into Vinyl…” The mare was so lost in thought she never noticed that not that far away under a tree of his own was a lone Earth colt, his coat a similar shade of grey watching the mass of young ponies swarming the disc jockey. All that sounded like…was a bunch or…random sounds. How could…anypony call…that music? Peppermill had decided he had to see and hear for himself what supposedly made this Vinyl Scratch so great in the eyes of his friends. To say he was underwhelmed would have been an understatement. But she sure doesn’t…seem to be like…a diva. Indeed, the colt’s dislike of the music he had heard was tempered by just how happy the musician seemed to be talking and laughing with all the fillies and colts around her. Maybe…this won’t be so…bad. But then again…I don’t see anypony that…looks like an ‘Octavia’ around… *** “That was the coolest concert ever!” crowed Rumble. “That was so awesome!” agreed Snips, clutching his recently autographed picture to his chest. “Heh, thanks guys. I’m glad you all liked it.” chuckled Vinyl. The white unicorn grinned down at the young ponies, pleased that the concert had been received so well. She was also glad that putting on such a major show built up a tremendous appetite. There were more than a few times as she performed that images of whatever goodies she could look forward to at Sweet Apple Acres floated into her vision. She found herself reluctantly wanting to excuse herself before her stomach let loose a timberwolf-like growl when a somewhat familiar drawl caught her attention. “Ah reckon that wuz one of the most amazin’ concert ahv heard in along tahm!” Vinyl peered down at the bright yellow filly with the bright red mane beaming up at her. Vinyl made a habit of being able to recognize as many of her young fans as she could, but she didn’t need any reminders about this one. Applebloom had become the mare’s self-appointed chaperone to lead her and Octavia to Sweet Apple Acres immediately after the concert. “Hey, when you got some serious motivation like I did today you can lay out some serious jams. I can’t wait to see what Dash and your family has in store tonight for me and my pal.” “Ah reckon you’ll be mighty pleased. My brother has got a huge feast ready and cookin’ as we speak!” Brother…? Cool… The image of a big, buff red workhouse popped into Vinyl’s mind, not without a certain measure of approval. A good meal and something nice to look at, assuming Octy doesn’t rag on me…heh. “Ah reckon we best get movin’. Ah was told the food would be ready right after the concert finished.” “Cool. Hey Octy, we gotta bounce!” shouted the mare to the grey mare under the tree. The shout alerted both Octavia and Peppermill, sending the mare over to her friend and the colt to scurry away towards the farm. “Honestly Vinyl, couldn’t you use a better phrase than ‘gotta bounce’? It’s so…undignified.” “I know you love it Octy.” teased the unicorn. “Ah reckon ya don’t have ta worry none Miss Octavia. You’ll get plenty o’ dignity when we get ta Sweet Apple Acres. Ya won’t get much politer than my brother.” “Your brother…” Octavia allowed herself to relax a moment at this, remembering a brief glimpse of a certain red stallion from the wedding reception. Perhaps this might be a bit more enjoyable than I thought… Chapter EightWhen Peppermill had asked Big Macintosh to start the initial prep of the evening meal while he attended the DJ P0N3 concert in town, the stallion had been quite eager to help. He had always held a fascination with the skills his adopted brother had, and he knew just how important this meal was to the colt. Fortunately, Peppermill had already done the majority of the hard stuff, leaving final touches and keeping the food at a proper serving temperature to the stallion. The biggest problem was trying to resist the temptation to sample the upcoming meal. “And ah know if so much as a crumb wuz missin’ he’d be fit to be tied…” sighed Big Mac as he longingly gazed at two small pots full of wonderfully scented sauces. He found himself slyly looking around, and began to inch a massive hoof towards the closest pot when… “Oh crumbs…that was…close…” wheezed a sweaty grey colt as he burst through the door from outside the kitchen. Big Mac snapped to attention, grateful that his naturally red coat often hid blushes of embarrassment. Peppermill was thankfully too busy catching his breath to notice or comment, as he gazed up at his elder brother. “They are…right behind me…” he panted. “Ah reckon so…” agreed the stallion, gazing out the window of the door to see the filly and two mares in the distance. “I…need to clean up…” “You go on ahead, and ah’ll welcome our guests.” “You could…probably consider…getting the table…ready too, if possible.” “Eeyup.” The colt gave a tired nod, and trudged into the house proper towards the second story bathroom. Big Mac, thankful for the minor distraction from his protesting stomach, began to gather a crisply starched tablecloth that had been picked out by the colt for the occasion. As he began to carefully set the table, he could hear the sounds of a conversation approaching the house. “I must admit your farmland is beautiful Applebloom.” Big Mac’s ears twitched at the rather pleasant Trottingham accent he assumed must have came from Vinyl Scratch’s friend, the one Rainbow Dash seemed to think would get along with Peppermill. She does sound mighty fancy…and as ah recall she ain’t all that hard on the eyes either… “Usually the most scenery I see are skyscrapers. But trees can be cool too.” agreed Vinyl. “Vinyl, I think you were a bit more interested in the apples rather than the scenery.” smiled Octavia. “Hey, I have every right to be drooling over all that fruit. I’m starved…” “Well, ah reckon ya won’t hafta wait too much longer.” This statement was from Applebloom as she held the door open for her guests. Big Mac had just finished setting the tablecloth in the dining room, and returned to the kitchen to greet the mares. “Howdy ladies, an’ welcome to Sweet Apple Acres.” “Ah reckon ya’ll remember my big brother Big Macintosh?” “Of course, and may I say it is very kind of you to make these arrangements for us.” smiled Octavia. “Yeah. Rainbow Dash has some cool friends, willing to bail her out like this.” agreed Vinyl. “Well, ah reckon sometimes Miss Dash don’t always think her braggin’ all the way through. But at least this time around we can get a good meal from it.” “Ah reckon sis and Dash’ll be around mighty quick, so we can dish up. Ahm famished!” piped up the filly. “You ladies can wash up in the bathroom, just on the right down the hall. Applebloom, ah reckon you can go and get AJ an’ Rainbow Dash over here before we all starve.” The filly turned around back outside to find the last of their dinner guests while the mares headed to wash up. Amazingly, as they walked off the chef of their impeding banquet returned from the other direction where the stairwell was. “I wuz just about to start setting the table.” explained the stallion. “In that case…I’ll starting plating the food. Can you…make sure to seat…everypony?” “Eeyup…” And with that the two Apple boys went their separate ways, little realizing they were about to partake in one of the more interesting dinners in Sweet Apple Acres history. Chapter NineAs the Apple Clan and Octavia made small talk around the table, Rainbow Dash found herself being playfully grilled by Vinyl Scratch in the corner of the room. “It’s pretty impressive you can whip up a massive dinner while not even being in the same building Dash…” “Ugh…okay, okay. You got me. I’ve gotten a bit better in cooking for myself, but not to this degree. I just…” protested Rainbow. The Pegasus’ lament was cut off by a kind forehoof placed on her chest. “Dash, you don’t have to constantly try and prove yourself to me. You are one of the coolest gals I know. I think it’s cool that we are friends, and nothing you can say or do is going to make me not like you.” “Yeah, I know. It’s just…well…” “Attention ladies…and gentlecolts. If you would…all take your seats…for dinner is…served.” The young raspy voice caused a number of differing reactions from the assembled herd. The Apple ponies and Rainbow Dash all perked up at the sound, while their guests look at each other in surprise. “Who the heck is that?” asked Vinyl of Dash. “The little brother…” explained the Pegasus mare as she headed for her seat. “Wait, a little brother? I know about the big guy, but you never mentioned anything about another one…” “I was under the impression there was just one brother in this family as well.” agreed Octavia. “Huh, ah reckon ya’ll ain’t had a chance to properly meet our adopted kin.” remarked Applejack. As she took her seat the other two mares turned to the doorway of the kitchen in time to see a young Earth colt with a grey coat and dark mane enter, carefully carrying a large serving dish to the table. As he began to dish up the main course Vinyl and Octavia, whom were seated side by side, where fiercely whispering to one another. “You haven’t been holding out on me Octy? I mean, this kid looks an awful lot like you…” “It isn’t unheard of for ponies to share the same coloration. I’m…I’m sure it is just a coincidence. Do you recall being told anything about these ponies adopting a colt?” “No, but this might explain what Rainbow seemed to be holding back on…” “Ahem…” The hushed conversation was silenced as Peppermill stood before the two mares, still holding the serving dish. “I hope you two…will enjoy this. I put…a lot of effort into making…this meal today.” “Oh…of course. I’m…sure it will be quite lovely. Did you…erm…make this all yourself?” Octavia mentally kicked herself at how awkward she sounded. It didn’t help matters that she was still trying to get her mind around the double whammy of learning that there was another member of their host’s family she didn’t know about, and that somepony so young had apparently made the night’s meal… …and that she could swear she had seen this colt before. And of course she had to deal with Vinyl’s total lack of tact… “So what’s your story kid? I don’t remember seeing you around the last time I was in town.” Vinyl studied the colt intently through her sunglasses, brow furrowed. “Ah reckon he wuz here at Sweet Apple Acres when the weddin’ wuz going on.” explained Applebloom. “Cranky had asked him ta make sure the food fer the reception was ready…” “Which meant…I couldn’t attend the actual ceremony. Mind you…I understand there was…some excitement in town…when it was going on. I suspect Applejack…would have preferred I…stayed safely at home.” “Eeyup.” remarked Applejack. “You mentioned this kid was adopted?” pressed the white unicorn. “Yes, I am not…related by blood to these ponies.” admitted Peppermill evenly, a little taken back by how intense the disc jockey had become. “Hey, these are my friends Vinyl. They’re cool.” exclaimed Rainbow Dash from across the table. “I know how you get about that…uh topic…” “If you truly feel…that strongly about…this topic Miss Scratch I would…be happy to talk with you…after dinner. It doesn’t help…the digestion to eat…when angry…” Octavia was quite struck by the calmness and poise of the colt, given what she knew about Vinyl and her personality. She was even more surprised when Vinyl, while not the type to start a fight was also not the type to back away from one, seemed genuinely subdued by his words. “I wasn’t angry…” muttered the unicorn sullenly. She turned to the full plate of food now before her, and her mood lightened considerably. Silence reigned as the ponies enjoyed their food immensely, with Peppermill dividing his time between his own plate and that of the others. Why does this seem so familiar to me? Why do I feel as if I am experiencing some sort of déjà vu? pondered the cellist as she continued to enjoy the meal. “Would you care for…some wine Miss Octavia? Or perhaps…some of Sweet Apple Acre’s best…cider?” Peppermill had sidled noiselessly to the mare’s side, carefully balancing a dark bottle on a tray on his back. Octavia, so enamoured by her food, momentarily forgot herself and responded almost automatically. “I’d much rather have a nice bit of five-year-old brandy luv.” “Brandy? Wuts that?” questioned Applebloom. “Huh, ah reckon I wouldn’t mind a sip of that myself on occasion. Might pricy though…” commented Granny Smith. “Brandy ain’t anything a filly should be thinking about. It’s just fer adults.” explained Applejack firmly. “Of course it is…” muttered the filly in response. As this conversation took place, a look of surprise and puzzlement came across Peppermill’s face. He carefully set the bottle of wine onto the table, and then took on a peculiar pose. He sat on his haunches, one foreleg wrapped around his barrel and the other tapping a steady beat on his temple, eyes closed and his head cocked ever so slightly. Those who knew the colt had dubbed this his ‘heavy thinking pose’, and knew that the colt was searching his memory for something from his past. “Peppermill?” This query came from Big Macintosh, noticing the colt in his pose. The rest of the assembled diners had turned to the colt in question, just in time to see Peppermill suddenly stop tapping his head, inhale and speak. “And please dear, some of your best brandy…preferably no younger than five years aged…in oak, a proper glass…and a bucket of ice…and leave the bottle…” Pleased at recalling the phrasing that had been itching to come out of his memories, the colt looked up to find every pony in the room gaping in surprise at him. The silence was finally broken when Vinyl Scratch broke into a roaring laugh. “Bwa ha ha! Oh that’s good! Oh that’s rich! Leave the bottle, that sounds exactly like the kind of thing you would say Octy. Bwa ha ha!” The unicorn’s head was down on the tabletop, banging a forehoof on the table and shaking with mirth. The Apple ponies and Rainbow Dash all gazed at one another in complete confusion. Octavia, who had thankfully swallowed before this comment from the colt, sat there with her mouth hanging open and her mind reeling. “Now I remember…why you actually seemed…familiar to me.” smiled the colt shyly. “Aperitif/Digestif…” managed Octavia after a moment. “We…well, me and the others of my quartet and a lot of the other top musicians in Canterlot would go there all the time. It was…it was one of the best restaurants in the city.” Vinyl’s laughter was silenced by the surprising amount of emotion in her friend’s words as she stared hard into the colt’s eyes. “If they didn’t talk about how wonderful the food or the service was, they were all talking about the owner. He was smart, kind, compassionate and…quite handsome.” “I understand Father had…quite a few admirers.” grinned Peppermill. “And then there was his sons. The eldest was quite a catch, as far as I had heard. But the youngest, they said that particular colt was going to follow in his father’s horseshoes.” continued Octavia. “What are you trying to say Octy?” asked Vinyl. The mare in question gave a swallow and chewed her bottom lip as she spoke again. “Do you remember me telling you about that restaurant back in Canterlot that burned down a while back Vinyl?” “Sure I do. Everypony was upset about it. They said the owners and one of…their…” The sudden understanding had the same effect as a punch to the gut of the mare (which was something she had experienced in her time, not that she ever mentioned it to Octavia), who gasped so hard her sunglasses actually slipped a bit down her face revealing shocked crimson eyes. “I…I remember one of the last time me and the others had gone there after a performance. The owner had been showing off his young son. Everypony was so taken by him…” “I remember Father…personally gathering the brandy and…the ice for you. All the other servers thought…he was being strange after being…ordered around like that. But he insisted that…it was better to serve the demands…of the customer no matter…how they might have sounded.” sighed Peppermill. “I…actually have a confession…to make.” “A confession sugarcube?” prompted Applejack. “I…wasn’t all that keen…of making this meal today. When I learned that…Rainbow Dash’s friends were…musicians all I could…think about was just how much…er…” faltered Peppermill. “Demanding and rude we can sometime be?” offered Octavia, allowing herself a small smile. “Yes…” mumbled the colt. “And on top of that…around the time I learned…about Miss Scratch and her concert…I had some…choice words with my friends…about the kinds of music we liked. It turned out…my tastes differed quite a bit…from my friends…” “I think I get it now…” nodded Vinyl, back to her easy-going self. “I won’t deny…that I was really, really tempted to…do a lackluster job on this meal…as some sort of protest or…karmic retribution for all…of the complaints I heard from…the restaurant workers. But in the end…I simply couldn’t bring myself…to do so. All I could think of…was how disappointed Father would have been…” “I’m not sure I’d want to know what you could do if you were trying to make a bad meal.” admitted Rainbow. “So, are ya sayin’ you have met Miss Octavia in the past?” questioned Big Macintosh. “Well, not so much…met as saw while standing...beside Father the night…he decided he wanted…to show me off a little.” conceded the colt. “For some reason her…very specific request for…the brandy stuck with me.” “I do remember you now. I felt as though I had seen you before, and now I understand why I felt that way.” responded Octavia. “Huh. It’s a small world huh? Who would have guessed that Octy and the kid knew one another…” laughed Vinyl. “And just for the record kid neither me nor Octy are the types to freak out if you don’t like our jams. Believe me, I learned a long time a go I wasn’t going to please every pony.” “And I know the music I play isn’t something younger ponies tend to enjoy. But all that really matters that I enjoy playing it, that it is something I love to do.” agreed Octavia. “I don’t suppose you’d…be willing to explain…. that to the guys?” asked Peppermill with a wan smile. “Who the hay cares what they think kid. If you like that classical, fancy stuff then go ahead and like it.” announced Rainbow Dash firmly. “And this coming from the gal who spent the last few days fretting over the opinions of another pony…” snorted Applejack. “Dash is one of those ‘do as I say, not as I do’ type of gals.” grinned Vinyl. “Which is pretty much why the two of you get along so well.” cooed Octavia. “Hey, I am totally dynamic, take charge mare and don’t you forget it.” retorted the unicorn. This casual back and forth eased whatever tension had been left in the room as the gathered diners finished off their meal. Chapter TenAs the evening wore on and the gathered ponies made small talk, Applebloom gave her little brother a nudge and murmured in his ear. “Vinyl Scratch said she wanted to talk to ya in private up in the guest bedroom.” Intrigued by this request, the colt excused himself and headed to the second floor of the farmhouse. Inside the guest bedroom where two single beds had been arranged, one was occupied by the white unicorn as she flipped through a large book-style holder of various vinyl records. “You wanted…to see me Miss Scratch?” greeted the colt. “Ok, first thing is first kid. If you going to keep insisting on calling me ‘miss’, then I might have to start calling you ‘mister’.” “I wouldn’t…have an issue with that.” smiled Peppermill. A few beats of silence followed this, then Vinyl broke into laughter again. “You are something else kid. I can see why Dash likes you so much.” “I try…” Peppermill’s attention was drawn to various records the mare was looking through. He chewed on his lip anxiously for a moment, and almost bit it when the mare spoke again. “So just for the record kid, what do you think of my music?” Peppermill winced, his mind debating just how to answer the mare. Despite having grown to genuinely like her, she was still a musician who could have a considerably high opinion of her genre of music. In the end, the colt’s honest nature over-rode whatever white lies he might have tried to ply. “I…don’t really care for it…” The grey chef braced himself for just about anything, but ended up getting a dismissive wave of a hoof. “Whatever floats your boat kid. Like I told you at dinner, I learned pretty quick that I wasn’t going to impress every pony with my stuff.” Apparently finding what she was looking for, Vinyl levitated one particular record from the stack and placed on a portable turntable she had set up on her side of the guest bedroom. “I got a feeling this might be a bit more your thing…” Peppermill watched as the mare used her magic to turn on the player. After a few moments, the sounds of a string quartet began to waft through the room. Peppermill was quite impressed, both by the quality of the music coming from such a small device and that DJ P0N3 of all ponies would have something like that among her collection. “Yes…I admit if I had…the choice I would choose this…over any other option.” “I kind of figured. You know, this is actually Octy and her band…excuse me, quartet doing a gig at some fancy party in Canterlot. The rest of her pals know about this recording but she doesn’t. It was when she dragged me to one of her things after I convinced her to come to one of mine…” “You mean…you actually attended an event that…had a string quartet…willingly?” Peppermill was unable to hide a laugh. The idea of such a down-to-earth disc jockey going to what was most likely a high society event was astonishing to him. “Kid, if I had tried to talk my way out of it Octy would never speak to me again…” The colt slowly nodded, acknowledging the clearly strong bond between the mare. “Anyways, I figured I would give this to you as a kind of ‘thanks for the grub’ gift. You’ve got some serious cooking chops kid, and don’t let any pony tell you otherwise.” “Vinyl, are you in here?” came the familiar Trottingham accent of Octavia as she poked her head into the room. Peppermill turned to face the mare as Vinyl quickly turned the turntable off. “Yeah. I’m just hanging with Peppermill.” “I hope Vinyl hasn’t been offending her with her crude stories. I swear she seems to get into the most bizarre situations sometimes…” “Geeze, you make it sound like I try to get into trouble.” playfully pouted the unicorn. Octavia simply shook her head as she addressed the colt once more. “I would like to thank you for the wonderful meal. And may I say that if your parents were here they would be very proud of you. I think…no, I know you have a very bright future ahead of you.” “Yeah. When it reaches the point where you and I can get senior’s discounts we can get some grub at the kid’s place. Hopefully we will have enough teeth between the two of us to gum whatever you cook up.” quipped Vinyl. “Vinyl!” gasped the shocked grey mare. “I can assure you folks…that should the day come…that I try to follow…in my father’s hoofsteps…you both, as well as any other musicians…will be welcome to enjoy my cuisine. “ smiled Peppermill. “I have one more thing I would like to say to you dear.” insisted Octavia, peering down at the colt. “There is absolutely nothing wrong with a colt enjoying classical music…or any types of music for that matter. Do not let what your friends might say or think change that.” “Yes, I know…that now.” nodded the colt. “And maybe I will…make an effort to…change my opinion of musicians…as well.” “Well, that much you might be right about kid…” smirked Vinyl. “I can’t believe I am about to say this…but I can’t really disagree with that.” laughed Octavia. “I knew you’d see it my way Octy.” “Honestly…”
Chapter OneCome sail away…come sail away…come sail away with me… The warble of the grey Earth colt’s voice filled the kitchen of Sweet Apple Acres as he busily chopped up a cutting board full of root vegetables. He was in a spectacular mood this day, and he was in the mindset that he really didn’t care who may have found out this fact. …come sail away with me… This was a good thing, for as Peppermill perched on top of the stool bobbing his head to a beat only he could hear, he didn’t notice the arrival of a two pony audience. His elder sister Applejack and her close friend Rarity stood in the entryway to the room, bemused smiles on their faces. Neither of them said a word as the colt continued to prepare the food. …come sail…away…? Somehow, the colt’s sharp hearing noticed the presence behind him and his song faltered. He looked back over his withers at the two mares as they continued to grin at him. He hung his head momentarily, and then gave a rueful laugh. “I know, I know…I can’t…sing to save my life.” Peppermill hopped off of the stool and approached the mares. “Ah reckon it ain’t so much yer singin’ as it‘s yer song sugarcube.” a grinning Applejack drawled. “I agree.” admitted the glamourous unicorn. “That isn’t a song I would have ever expected you to like darling.” “Mother always said…I had a…eclectic taste in music. It came…from having met…so many different kinds…of ponies while…in the restaurant.” “I reckon there ain’t anything wrong with that sugarcube.” Applejack nodded. “Considering the clientele of your family’s business, I imagine you had a number of popular musicians eat there.” Rarity commented. “Yeah…musicians…” If the two mares had been inclined to notice, they might have registered the slightly pained note Peppermill had applied to that final word. As such, they were far too amused at learning a new little quirk in their favorite chef… *** Meanwhile somewhere above Ponyville… Dash, Totally stoked to come and hang with you. Can’t wait for this awesome grub you’ve been promising. Hope it’s cool if I bring a friend. Lates. VS Rainbow Dash re-read the brief letter for the third time with growing trepidation. On one hoof she was going to get to spend a solid week with one the most awesome ponies in Equestria, one she considered as cool as her and a good friend. On the other hoof she was mentally bucking herself for what was beginning to look like another case of her bravado getting the better of her. Of all the things she had to remember, she had to remember that Rainbow grumbled. The blue mare tossed the paper onto the cloud table in front her cloud sofa and rubbed her temples with her forehooves. She gave a fleeting glance towards her sparse kitchen, a far cry from her sumptuous cloud living room of her literal castle in the sky. All doing that served was to bring back memories of how she had gotten herself into this mess in the first place. She had been making small talk with the famous disc jockey while chilling in the local watering hole and the talk had turned to the musically inclined mare’s popularity among the young fillies and colts of Equestria. Not wanting to be outshone, Rainbow Dash had told Vinyl of her number one fan Scootaloo and her friends in Ponyville. One thing led to another, and the Element of Harmony’s thoughts went to a particular grey colt among her circle of friends. The knowledge of Peppermill’s considerable culinary skills, and the overwhelming need to one-up the white unicorn had to led to a statement that, in hindsight, she knew would come back to bite her. “I’ve been taking some cooking lessons, and my teacher says I’m doing pretty well. I am one of his best students, in fact.” It had seemed like an innocent white lie. Peppermill had shown her a few things, mostly because he felt Rainbow had to stop relying on frozen foods and quick take-out meals for her nutrition. She was nowhere near his level, and didn’t expect to be so. But the words came out as fast as the plan formed in her mind. “I bet I can whip up a meal you’d sell your turntables to get another bite of!” Vinyl hadn’t really responded to this boast other than to nod with that easy grin of hers. Having made Equestria’s capital city of Canterlot her home base, Rainbow hoped the unicorn would be genuinely impressed. And if Vinyl by chance tried to call her bluff, she had a perfect counter. She would simply explain that she couldn’t just do it at a drop of a hat, on account she would want to get some advice from her ‘teacher’ not to mention ingredients. The fact that said teacher was a colt was an important point Dash decided not to bring up. But Vinyl simply nodded, and Rainbow assumed that would be the end of it. And then that darn letter had to show up, along with a flyer promoting a big one mare show Vinyl had decided to hold in Ponyville to coincide with her visit. “What in the heck am I supposed to do?” lamented the rainbow-maned mare. There was no way that Peppermill, as good of a teacher in the kitchen as he was, could help her make a major meal on that short of notice. If it had just been Vinyl it probably would have been okay. But if this ‘friend’ that the unicorn was bringing along was who Rainbow suspected, that was going to make things a lot more difficult. The knowledge that she would lose face in front of a pony like her sat like a lump in Rainbow’s belly. … …unless. A stupid, crazy, desperate plan began to creep into the mare’s mind. It was a tremendous longshot, especially given what she would have to do to pull it off. Begging was considerably not cool, but her pride demanded that she at least try. She had very little time to implement it, but as many ponies knew flying by the seat of her non-existent pants tended to be the style that suited Rainbow Dash. After all, the hardest part is to get them to go along with it… Author's Note Mr Merritt Sez: Yes, that is the chorus for Come Sail Away by Styx...don't judge me!
Chapter TwoPeppermill and the rest of his friends were gathered eagerly by the community bulletin board near the center of Ponyville. One of city hall’s staff ponies was busily pasting up a large poster to the surface, and the colts all anxiously waited to see what it was all about. “It’s got to be something important. I mean, the poster is bleedin’ huge!” chirped Pipsqueak, rearing up on his hind legs and craning his neck to try and catch a glimpse of the poster’s contents. “Just because it’s big doesn’t mean that it is important.” remarked Featherweight. “Well, whatever this is about has got to be better than nothing. It’s been stupidly boring around here lately.” grumbled Snips. “The only reason…you are bored is because…we don’t want to do…the things you suggest we do.” Peppermill pointed out, which earned him a dark look and a snort from the tubby unicorn. “I think he’s finished.” exclaimed Rumble. The colts fell silent as the stallion in question looked over his work for a moment, nodded, and then went away. In seconds the spot he had been standing on was occupies by six pairs of eager eyes. “DJ P0N3 presents The Ponyville Jam…” recited Snails as he read out loud. “DJ P0N3 is coming here to Ponyville! Awesome!” crowed Rumble, performing a wing assisted backflip in triumph. “Finally, something cool comes here.” agreed Snips, perking up considerably at this news. “She is totally awesome. I hear she does these free concerts all the time, a lot more than any other musician in Equestria.” commented Featherweight. “Cor, she’s like…really famous!” squealed the tiny pinto pony. “Erm…” “…” The rather sudden silence at the uncertain noise made by Peppermill was punctuated by five young colts looking at the grey Apple pony in astonishment. “Please tell me you have heard of DJ P0N3…there is no way a colt from Canterlot could not have heard of her.” questioned Snips. “Of…of course I have heard…of her…” stammered Peppermill. “Her real name is Vinyl Scratch.” offered Snails cheerfully. “I know that!” exclaimed Peppermill indignantly. “Easy guys.” Rumble quickly inserted himself into the conversation. He peered at the grey colt for a moment, and then spoke again. “Just because he is from Canterlot doesn’t automatically mean he would have heard of DJ P0N3.” Peppermill began to give a sigh of relief until the tough Pegasus colt added “Besides, I’m not sure that would be the kind of music he would be into anyways.” “What exactly…is that supposed…to mean.” Peppermill’s voice was bathed in righteous indignation at what he felt was some sort of implied insult. “Yeah, I suppose being all fancy means you wouldn’t be into any of the good music out there. All he probably had to listen to was symphonies and that kind of stuff.” remarked Snips with a wave of a forehoof. “I always thought Peppermill would like those opera songs. I know some of me aunties love going to those back in Trotingham.” quipped Pip. “There is nothing wrong with that kind of music guys. “ Rumble’s attempts at regaining control of the conversation hid from him the fact that Peppermill was positively seething. “Just like there isn’t anything wrong with one pony liking one type of music over another.” “What pony wouldn’t like DJ P0N3’s stuff?” countered Snips. “Well, mostly just the older ponies. You know, grandmas and grandpas and ones like that.” Featherweight stated. “That’s…that’s not true at all!” exclaimed Peppermill with a shout. “And how…do you know this…Vinyl Scratch…is as nice as…you claim?” “I heard she is really nice. And she’s kinda cool looking…” mumbled Snails shyly. “What is your beef with her anyways?” demanded Snips. “I’m just saying…that you shouldn’t…believe everything you…read about other ponies. This mare could…be a really diva in…the flesh.” protested Peppermill. “It sounds more like you just don’t like her music and don’t want to come off as uncool.” Snips smirked. “It’s not a big deal if he doesn’t like her music.” intoned Rumble, placing himself in between Peppermill and Snips. He could tell the conversation was spiralling into a full blown argument, and intended to shut that down in a hurry. He was so busy dealing with Snips, who he believed was goading their friend intentionally that he never noticed Peppermill storm off. “Nice going Snips.” sighed Featherweight, rolling his eyes. “You did a great job of ticking off one of your best friends.” “What? You all know Peppermill is always trying to act like one of us.” snapped the unicorn colt. “Who says he isn’t one of us? What is your thing about reminding him about his past?” sighed Rumble. “Sometimes you really need to learn to shut yer gob Snips.” snorted Pipsqueak. “And you need to watch your mouth, unless you want me to tell your aunt and uncle the words you use outside of the house!” “I’d like to see you bloody well try!” Only Snails continued to gaze off where the grey pony had went, while the two Pegasus colts attempted to keep the little pinto colt and chubby grump of a unicorn from going at each other.
Chapter Three“I swear, sometimes I just don’t get boys…” This was the lament of Applebloom to her elder sister as the two Apple ponies washed up dishes from their lunch. “Ah mean, jus’ the other day Peppermill was all happy and singin’ and now he all grouchy.” “Ah reckon I have seen you do the same thing yerself sugarcube. When you were still lookin’ fer yer cutie mark, I reckon you ran hot an’ cold at the drop of a Stetson yerself.” commented Applejack as she wiped a plate clean. “Well at least everypony knew mah reason. Peppermill ain’t all that keen on talkin’ about stiff that bothers him. He’s one of those private types…” “Eeyup. And ah reckon when he is good an’ ready to tell us wut is botherin’ him he will.” The note of finality in the mare’s voice silenced any further comments from the filly. SMACK The two Apple girls jumped in surprise, Applejack managing to grab the plate she had been holding just before it hit the floor. They gazed in surprise at the closed window over the sink, to find Rainbow Dash’s snout pressed up against it, a frantic look on her face. “Where’s Peppermill?!” shouted the speedster through the glass. “Dang nab it Dash!” grumbled Applejack as she reached over to open the window. “Why can’t you use the door lahk a normal pony?” “Where is Peppermill?” shouted Dash again. “He’s in his loft!” shouted Applebloom. The Pegasus mare took off in the direction of the barn, and missed the filly’s other comment. “But he ain’t in the mood ta talk!” *** One of the few luxuries that Peppermill arranged for his little hidey-hole in the loft of Sweet Apple Acre’s barn was a small record player that he had borrowed from Big Macintosh. As long as he had plenty of batteries and access to his small box of specifically picked records, the colt was quite content. Many an hour had been spent simply writing out recipes and listening to his…unique collection of songs. But what had once given him pleasure and relaxation had turned into fuel for his bad mood. “How is any…of this stuff…fancy or old pony’s music? And so what…if I am…not cool?” muttered the grey pony as he sulked on his cushion. He was less upset about the former accusation and considerably more annoyed by the latter. Peppermill had discovered early in his life in Ponyville that the young ponies in town had definite opinions about ‘city ponies’ as oppose to ‘country ponies’. The reasoning went that being from a large cosmopolitan place like Canterlot meant that you acted in a certain fashion, usually being refined and proper. Given Peppermill’s careful speech, manners and considerable charm he was pretty much the poster foal for ‘fancy’. And while the colt didn’t have an issue with this, it did tend to make a lot of those same foals jump to the wrong conclusions about certain things. And of all of the misconceptions, the one that bothered the colt the most was the belief that he secretly felt superior to everypony else. Snips was especially bad for this, even though Peppermill had never done anything to validate this. Whether it was some sort of resentment or just the unicorn’s naturally sarcastic nature, he always treated the chef as if he was going to become haughty and demanding in a heartbeat. Usually Peppermill would shrug this off, but this whole DJ P0N3 thing had gotten under the colt’s skin. He needed to improve his mood, and he found that music was the balm to sooth his soul. Rifling through his collection Peppermill couldn’t deny that a lot of the songs and artists he preferred were not traditionally one’s that other colts and fillies did. And yes, there was some symphonic music in there, of which he was particularly fond. He plucked one out of the pile and carefully put it onto the player, and soon the soft sounds of a string quartet began to fill the room. The colt began to relax for the first time in a few days, grateful for the alone time until… “Peppermill?” The bellow of a frantic Pegasus mare made the colt jump, and the impact of said mare entering the barn made the needle of his record player jump with a teeth-grinding scratch. “Rainbow Dash?” exclaimed the colt, astonished and irate peering down over the edge of the loft. “Look kid, I really…” began the mare, but she went silent at the furious look on the colt’s face. “This is really…not a good time…to talk Dash.” growled the colt tightly. “Yeah, look I…” “No…” “But…” “No!” “Kid, I really, really need your help…” “Rainbow? Wut in tarnation is going on here?” This comment came from Applejack as she entered the barn after cringing at the sounds coming from inside. “Whatever it is…you need you can…do it yourself Dash!” snapped the colt from high in the loft. “That’s just it. I can’t do it. I need your help!” exclaimed Dash, hovering a few feet off the floor, her rose-colored eyes imploring. “Fer cryin’ out loud. Get over here Dash.” Applejack leapt up and snagged the end of the flying pony’s tail in her mouth and pulled her to the ground and out the door in a matter of a few seconds. “AJ!” cried out Dash in desperation as she spun around with flared wings. “Dash, wutever you need to talk to Peppermill about is gonna hafta wait. Ah reckon he ain`t in any mood fer doing anything fer anypony right now.” “But I need his help!” “Why?” “…b-because.” “Dash, please tell me ya didn’t go shootin’ yer mouth off again.” “But this is really, really important.” “It’s always really important with you, ain’t it? And usually it’s cause ya cain’t stop yerself from braggin’.” “…” “And ah reckon ya had to go and wait til the last minute to ask fer help with yer tail inna knot, right?” “…” “Dash, ah reckon it might do ya a world of good to take yer lumps fer once. Maybe then you will think twice before you make promises ya can’t keep.” “Nnggrrr…” The speedster stood still long enough to throw her friend a furious look before launching herself skyward. Applejack stood there, dividing her gaze between the disappearing speck in the sky and the grumbling voice from the barn. “Ah swear when it rains it pours…”
Chapter Four“Rainbow Dash was back here again this mornin’. AJ says she ain’t never seen her wake up this early this often for as long as she’s known her.” Applebloom commented as she and Peppermill made their way into Ponyville. The colt gave a sigh and shook his head. “I’m beginning to think…I should just give in…and see what she wants. It must…be important if she…has been coming this often.” “You know wut AJ would say ifin she heard you say that.” “Yes, yes…she has already…told me that Dash…has to get herself out of…the hole she has…dug for herself. But she must have…a good reason for…needing my…specific help that badly.” “Yeah, maybe…” sniffed the filly. “But then again ya ain’t exactly been the best of company lately…” “I thought I had…already explained myself about…that.” “Peppermill, ya ain’t stuck-up or full of yerself and you know it. And ah reckon you’ve been an Apple long enough fer us to work the fancy right out of ya.” “And yet when…I asked you to give me…your honest opinion about that song…I played for you…you didn’t exact mince your words.” “What the hay has got you so hung up about music anyways?” “It’s not so much music…as it is musicians…” Applebloom frowned at this puzzling remark, and was about to pry further when the two foals spotted a familiar figure standing in the middle of the path. Neither of them had ever seen such a tired look on Rainbow Dash’s face before, and they remained silent but wary as they continued to advance forward until they were only a few feet in front of her. “Applebloom, I need to talk to your brother right now.” Rainbow’s exhausted rasp made both young ponies wince, as did the deep circles around her eyes. Clearly this was a mare at her wits end, and Peppermill realized that he only had one option available. “Bloom?” was all Peppermill had to say. Applebloom didn’t say a word, but simply nodded and continued on her way. “Rainbow, you…look awful.” said Peppermill after a few minutes of silence. “I don’t want to hear it kid. I haven’t slept in three days and I am in as bad of a mood as you are.” “I’m not…in that bad of…a mood anymore. I…was just a little…angry with the guys…” “Friend trouble? Boy, I know what that is like.” sighed Rainbow, rubbing her eyes with her forehooves. “I guess you could say that is the reason why I am so desperate right now…” “What exactly…is going on Dash?” Having finally put the mare on the spot, she suddenly went quiet. It took a tremendous effort of will to admit her mistake, but she realized she had no choice. If she was going to get Peppermill on board with her plan she needed his full support, and that would require the honest truth. “I might have promised a friend of mine, not from here in town mind you, that I could make her an awesome meal…” “Well, what is…stopping you? I’ve shown you…enough that you…should be able to…do a decent enough job…on your own.” “That isn’t it. I mean, she’s cool enough that she’d be okay with anything I could try to make. But she’s bringing a friend.” “A friend…” “Yeah, and if this is who I think it is I would have to really step up my game to impress her. She is like Rarity-level classy…” “Oh my…” Peppermill was beginning to understand the severity of the situation Rainbow had gotten herself into. He knew as well as any pony that Dash’s sizable yet fragile ego meant she hated looking like a fool for even a single second. Even if she never saw this friend of a friend ever again, the pain of her bruised dignity would linger long afterwards. “Dash you know…I would love to…help you. Can I assume…this meal is supposed to happen…really soon?” “Three days…” sighed the mare, beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. “That’s it? Pshh…” snorted the colt with a wave and a grin. “I thought…you were going to…make this hard. I can…whip up a high end meal…that would impress a princess…with time to spare…” “Yeah, about that…” “You mean…there is more?” “Vinyl and this friend of hers are city ponies. I kind of promised something a bit more…what is the word, rustic?” “Rustic?” Peppermill was so focused on that term he completely overlooked the name that Dash had dropped. “You know, country cooking…home cooking, whatever you call it. And I might have promised to do it on an actual farm.” “You want…to hold this dinner at…Sweet Apple Acres.” chuckled the colt, the other horseshoe dropping. “Yeah, I figured having a real country meal in a real country setting would knock their horseshoes off. I was hoping you could convince Applejack to go along with this. I would talk to her myself, but I’ve been so busy trying to get you on board with my plan that I haven’t had time.” “Hmmm…” “Kid, AJ would go along with anything you asked her to do. We both know that.” “Dash…you also know she…would go to any lengths…to help one of…her best friends…” “Sure she would…right until she finds out we both got together despite all her efforts to keep us separated for the last few days. AJ doesn’t like stuff happening she isn’t aware of. I bet we will both be in the doghouse assuming she even goes along with this.” “She’ll go along with it alright! I reckon I’ll put in a good word fer ya!” this shout came from Applebloom, who was only a few feet behind the other two ponies. “Have I ever…told you how much…of a snoop you are Bloom?” remarked Peppermill with a small laugh. “Ah reckon ah have heard ya mention that from tahm to tahm…” The banter between the two young ponies proved to be what Rainbow needed. The tension in her wings and withers loosened and she let loose a laugh. “Thanks you two, I owe you both big.” “You don’t owe us…anything Dash. But now…I have to go and…start coming up with a dinner…plan.” Already growing excited over the possibilities and the challenge itself, Peppermill turned on his heel and made his way back to Sweet Apple Acres. As he did this, Applebloom sidled up beside Rainbow with an excited expression. “Did ah hear you right back there Dash? You did mention Vinyl, as in Vinyl Scratch right?” “Yeah” “So wut yer sayin’ is Vinyl Scratch is commin’ to our house fer dinner!” “That’s the plan…” “Yeehaw! This is gonna be so cool!” squealed the filly, bouncing up and down jubilantly. “Cooler than cool!” crowed Rainbow Dash, unable to resist the urge to bounce around herself, the tremendous weight of her potential humiliation lifted from her “DJ P0N3 is coming to Sweet Apple Acres!”
Chapter Five“DJ P0N3…is coming here?!” The exclamation from Peppermill had been preceded by the sound of his jaw hitting the table top at the sudden news from Applejack. The grey colt had been finishing writing his final ‘to-do’ list for the busy day he was going to have tomorrow. He would have never of guessed that what would have been deemed a ‘rustic, home-cooked’ meal could require as much planning as an elegant one. It didn’t help that Rainbow Dash would show up almost every other hour to add or change a detail or three. “Well, as ah recall she prefers to be called Vinyl Scratch when she ain’t workin’ a concert. But yeah, ah reckon she’s the one Rainbow Dash has coming here.” The apple mare had been taking a break from apple bucking to come inside the farmhouse for a drink, and had started a conversation with the busy colt. “Hrmmm…” grumbled the colt, already beginning to hear the mocking words of Snips swirl in his head. “And while she didn’t exactly say, ah reckon that she’s bringing along that Octavia gal. Ah reckon you’d lahk her sugarcube. She mighty prim and proper, jus’ lahk you. “Octavia…” The name didn’t mean a thing to the chef, but at that moment he wasn’t thinking about anything other than some vivid memories of the life he had left behind in a literal flash of flames and envy… ”I don’t care what they say. They get plenty of bits doing their invite-only concerts. You’d think they would at least be able to spare a few coins for a tip…” “She‘s in the bathroom crying…one of those divas from the concert hall really ripped into her, and all because…” “Are you bucking kidding me? This is the third time he sent this back! What’s wrong with it now?” “There are only four of them, and they want the entire banquet room for themselves? Are you sure there is enough room for them and their egos in there?” “Those aren’t even in season!” “Those aren’t even on the menu!” “Argh…I hate those snotty ponies so much!” “Peppermill? Sugarcube?” The colt in question shook himself, to find his eldest sister looking down at him with a look of concern. “Are you day dreamin’ or something? Have ya heard wut I’ve been saying to ya?” “Er…yes. I’m…I’m fine. I was just…lost in thought, that’s all.” “Well, ah hope you ain’t frettin’ about this meal yer planning. From what ah have seen this Vinyl is a decent gal. A might strange but decent.” “Strange…yeah…I bet.” murmered the colt under his breath. “Well, ahll leave ya to it sugarcube. And dont let Dash getcha nervous about this whole thing. Ah reckon that girl worries too much about wut other ponies think of her sometimes.” “Well, it can…be hard to…change your opinions…sometimes.” Applejack was already to the door as the colt made this statement, which might have been a good thing if she had taken the time to notice the…ominous note in Peppermill’s voice. *** “Forget it Tavi, you aren’t going to talk yourself out of this.” “I am not trying to talk myself out of anything. I am just getting rather tired of you making decisions for me.” Inside a stylish apartment in downtown Canterlot two mares were having one of their usual discussions-slash-arguments, all the while packing their respective bags for the small trip they were going to take. “It’s free room and board Tavi. And I bet whatever Dash has cooked up is going to be killer.” “That is what worries me. I know she is your friend Vinyl, but she didn’t exactly strike me as the cooking type.” “Duh, of course she isn’t.” “Wait, what?” “Dash is a lot of cool things, but a cook ain’t one of them. She would be the type to try and get some chef friend to make something up for her, and them claim she did it herself.” “Vinyl, that’s terrible!” “Chill Tavi. I intend to rag on her till she confesses, but not before I get some good grub. I’ve never had farm food before…” “I don’t think it’s called ‘farm food’ dear.” “Whatever…either way it’s going to be sweet. It’ll be” “Maybe or maybe not. But I still want to know why you are insisting on bringing me along. I am very busy…” “Are you kidding me? Tavi, you’ve spent a solid week moping around the apartment complaining about being bored.” “It’s…it’s the slow season for quartets…” “Which makes this the perfect time to get out of the city for a bit. You can’t tell me you aren’t even a little bit excited for this? Aren’t you the one that told me how much you would have liked to check out that apple farm outside of Ponyville? The one we didn’t have time to check out because of that wedding? I’d bet my turntable that is where Dash is setting this whole thing up.” “Hmm…” “Pretty please?” “Ugh…couldn’t you at least try to show a little dignity?” “Heh…nope…” “Fine, I suppose I can’t help but dragged along into these messes…” “Was that some sort of dig at my table manners?” “I have seen you eat dear…”
Chapter Six“I really owe you for this AJ” “Considering how often I’ve pulled yer flank out of the fire you’ve set fer yerself, ah reckon you’d be working at Sweet Apple Acres till the end of tahm.” Applejack shook her head as she launched a precision kick at the trunk of an apple tree. “Besides, ah reckon this here Vinyl Scratch is the last gal ya need to impress.” “It’s not so much Vinyl that I want to impress, not that I’m trying to impress anypony…” admitted Rainbow as she hovered over the recently bucked tree, looking for any apples that might have not been shaken loose. While it was highly unlikely that Applejack would have missed one, the Earth mare would admit it still paid to have a second set of eyes just in case. There was nothing that annoyed the farmer more than a single fruit getting left behind to rot. “It’s this Octavia gal, ain’t it?” “Yeah, sort of…” “Sort of?” “Look, as far as I can tell from seeing her once and from what Vinyl has told me, Octavia could probably match Rarity for style and grace. I can handle Rarity so I can probably handle Octavia. I know this is going to sound crazy, but I was doing this more for Peppermill than anypony else.” “Fer Peppermill?” Applejack gazed up at her friend in surprise at this confession. “You know how a few days ago he was in such a bad mood?” “Ah reckon that boy can sulk with the best of them.” “Well, I didn’t a little digging and I think I found out what was bothering him.” Dash proceeded to tell Applejack about the discussions and hurt feelings that had developed between Peppermill and his friends in regards to the topic of music. “It was just a happy coincidence that I found out that Vinyl and Octavia were coming to town when this went down. I figured maybe they could cheer him up a bit, you know, show him that it’s cool to like different kinds of music.” “Huh, that’s down-right impressive thinking commin’ from you Dash. Ah seem to recall you giving me a hard time about me liking country tunes and not that racket you listen to.” “Hey! Rock music isn’t racket!” “Just simmer down sugarcube. The point is that it is mighty nice of you to want to do something good fer Peppermill. Ah reckon getting a chance to entertain some folks and cook up a big meal will make him feel a whole lot better…” “I get a good meal, get to listen to DJ P0N3 rock out and help a friend. It’s a good thing I’m so humble…” “Humble? That sounds a whole more lahk the Dash I know…” *** As the mare’s discussed the virtue of humility, another similar discussion was taking place inside the kitchen of Sweet Apple Acres. Or, to be more accurate, an inner monologue. Okay…as far as I can tell…I have one of two…options available to me: Peppermill sat at the kitchen table, staring at what was the finalized menu for the big meal that he had been planning for Rainbow Dash. One, I make the greatest meal ever prepared…and make this Vinyl and Octavia regret…ever acting snobby or…rude to another…restaurant employee ever again. Peppermill nudged the sheet of paper with a forehoof, chewing on his bottom lip. Or two, I make the worst meal in Equestrian history…and tell them this…is retribution for all the trouble…they have ever caused…for hard working ponies… The colt’s stomach churned as he pondered his options. “Howdy Peppermill!” called out a happy voice as Applebloom bounced into the room. The colt stifled a yelp and grabbed the paper, clutching it to his chest as if the document might reveal his dark thoughts. “Applebloom…” croaked the colt, trying to still his heart. “Ah don’t think I’ve been this excited since I got mah cutie mark! We are gonna have DJ P0N3 right here in our own house!” “Yes…it’s very…exciting…” “The girls are gonna be beggin’ fer details of hanging out with her!” “I am sure…they will want to know…everything that will…happen that night…” “And ah just know you will knock their horseshoes off with whatever ya got planned to make. The whole family is lookin’ forward to it.” “Everypony…” “Well, ah best leave ya to it then. Ah know ya won’t disappoint us.” And with that the filly bound out of the farmhouse, leaving the colt to sit there sick to his stomach. “I guess my…decision was…just made for me.” sighed the chef. “As much as…I might want to…get a bit of…retribution I simply…can’t let my friends and family down.” “…” “But I swear so…much as a single…word that sounds like…an unjustified complaint…”
Chapter SevenIt never ceased to amaze Octavia how calm Vinyl seemed to be when everything around her seemed to be on the verge of collapse. She just seemed to take in stride all the little details about arranging a concert, meeting her fans afterwards and then heading out for a meal with a group of ponies she had never really met before that night. If she had been in Vinyl’s horseshoes, she (almost) legendary poise would have been frayed to nothingness. But there was Vinyl, in the middle of a throng of eager young foals all begging for her attention after her afternoon concert. She seemed completely at ease, and gave each and every one of the young fillies and colts a bit of her attention. As Octavia watched from underneath a nearby tree, she marveled at just how comfortable the white unicorn seemed to be around all of the attention. In fact, she couldn’t help but feel a bit envious. It wasn’t as though the musician had never been complemented on her music before. Celestia only knew how many admirers the grey mare had, of both her talent and her appearance. But young foals didn’t traditionally fall under the category of enjoying the type of music Octavia excelled at. As a result, she had absolutely no idea of how to act around them, to the point where she would freeze up and come off as somewhat cold and aloof. “And on top of this I have to share a meal with complete strangers who I have no knowledge about or anything in common with…” sighed Octavia. “The things you drag me into Vinyl…” The mare was so lost in thought she never noticed that not that far away under a tree of his own was a lone Earth colt, his coat a similar shade of grey watching the mass of young ponies swarming the disc jockey. All that sounded like…was a bunch or…random sounds. How could…anypony call…that music? Peppermill had decided he had to see and hear for himself what supposedly made this Vinyl Scratch so great in the eyes of his friends. To say he was underwhelmed would have been an understatement. But she sure doesn’t…seem to be like…a diva. Indeed, the colt’s dislike of the music he had heard was tempered by just how happy the musician seemed to be talking and laughing with all the fillies and colts around her. Maybe…this won’t be so…bad. But then again…I don’t see anypony that…looks like an ‘Octavia’ around… *** “That was the coolest concert ever!” crowed Rumble. “That was so awesome!” agreed Snips, clutching his recently autographed picture to his chest. “Heh, thanks guys. I’m glad you all liked it.” chuckled Vinyl. The white unicorn grinned down at the young ponies, pleased that the concert had been received so well. She was also glad that putting on such a major show built up a tremendous appetite. There were more than a few times as she performed that images of whatever goodies she could look forward to at Sweet Apple Acres floated into her vision. She found herself reluctantly wanting to excuse herself before her stomach let loose a timberwolf-like growl when a somewhat familiar drawl caught her attention. “Ah reckon that wuz one of the most amazin’ concert ahv heard in along tahm!” Vinyl peered down at the bright yellow filly with the bright red mane beaming up at her. Vinyl made a habit of being able to recognize as many of her young fans as she could, but she didn’t need any reminders about this one. Applebloom had become the mare’s self-appointed chaperone to lead her and Octavia to Sweet Apple Acres immediately after the concert. “Hey, when you got some serious motivation like I did today you can lay out some serious jams. I can’t wait to see what Dash and your family has in store tonight for me and my pal.” “Ah reckon you’ll be mighty pleased. My brother has got a huge feast ready and cookin’ as we speak!” Brother…? Cool… The image of a big, buff red workhouse popped into Vinyl’s mind, not without a certain measure of approval. A good meal and something nice to look at, assuming Octy doesn’t rag on me…heh. “Ah reckon we best get movin’. Ah was told the food would be ready right after the concert finished.” “Cool. Hey Octy, we gotta bounce!” shouted the mare to the grey mare under the tree. The shout alerted both Octavia and Peppermill, sending the mare over to her friend and the colt to scurry away towards the farm. “Honestly Vinyl, couldn’t you use a better phrase than ‘gotta bounce’? It’s so…undignified.” “I know you love it Octy.” teased the unicorn. “Ah reckon ya don’t have ta worry none Miss Octavia. You’ll get plenty o’ dignity when we get ta Sweet Apple Acres. Ya won’t get much politer than my brother.” “Your brother…” Octavia allowed herself to relax a moment at this, remembering a brief glimpse of a certain red stallion from the wedding reception. Perhaps this might be a bit more enjoyable than I thought…
Chapter EightWhen Peppermill had asked Big Macintosh to start the initial prep of the evening meal while he attended the DJ P0N3 concert in town, the stallion had been quite eager to help. He had always held a fascination with the skills his adopted brother had, and he knew just how important this meal was to the colt. Fortunately, Peppermill had already done the majority of the hard stuff, leaving final touches and keeping the food at a proper serving temperature to the stallion. The biggest problem was trying to resist the temptation to sample the upcoming meal. “And ah know if so much as a crumb wuz missin’ he’d be fit to be tied…” sighed Big Mac as he longingly gazed at two small pots full of wonderfully scented sauces. He found himself slyly looking around, and began to inch a massive hoof towards the closest pot when… “Oh crumbs…that was…close…” wheezed a sweaty grey colt as he burst through the door from outside the kitchen. Big Mac snapped to attention, grateful that his naturally red coat often hid blushes of embarrassment. Peppermill was thankfully too busy catching his breath to notice or comment, as he gazed up at his elder brother. “They are…right behind me…” he panted. “Ah reckon so…” agreed the stallion, gazing out the window of the door to see the filly and two mares in the distance. “I…need to clean up…” “You go on ahead, and ah’ll welcome our guests.” “You could…probably consider…getting the table…ready too, if possible.” “Eeyup.” The colt gave a tired nod, and trudged into the house proper towards the second story bathroom. Big Mac, thankful for the minor distraction from his protesting stomach, began to gather a crisply starched tablecloth that had been picked out by the colt for the occasion. As he began to carefully set the table, he could hear the sounds of a conversation approaching the house. “I must admit your farmland is beautiful Applebloom.” Big Mac’s ears twitched at the rather pleasant Trottingham accent he assumed must have came from Vinyl Scratch’s friend, the one Rainbow Dash seemed to think would get along with Peppermill. She does sound mighty fancy…and as ah recall she ain’t all that hard on the eyes either… “Usually the most scenery I see are skyscrapers. But trees can be cool too.” agreed Vinyl. “Vinyl, I think you were a bit more interested in the apples rather than the scenery.” smiled Octavia. “Hey, I have every right to be drooling over all that fruit. I’m starved…” “Well, ah reckon ya won’t hafta wait too much longer.” This statement was from Applebloom as she held the door open for her guests. Big Mac had just finished setting the tablecloth in the dining room, and returned to the kitchen to greet the mares. “Howdy ladies, an’ welcome to Sweet Apple Acres.” “Ah reckon ya’ll remember my big brother Big Macintosh?” “Of course, and may I say it is very kind of you to make these arrangements for us.” smiled Octavia. “Yeah. Rainbow Dash has some cool friends, willing to bail her out like this.” agreed Vinyl. “Well, ah reckon sometimes Miss Dash don’t always think her braggin’ all the way through. But at least this time around we can get a good meal from it.” “Ah reckon sis and Dash’ll be around mighty quick, so we can dish up. Ahm famished!” piped up the filly. “You ladies can wash up in the bathroom, just on the right down the hall. Applebloom, ah reckon you can go and get AJ an’ Rainbow Dash over here before we all starve.” The filly turned around back outside to find the last of their dinner guests while the mares headed to wash up. Amazingly, as they walked off the chef of their impeding banquet returned from the other direction where the stairwell was. “I wuz just about to start setting the table.” explained the stallion. “In that case…I’ll starting plating the food. Can you…make sure to seat…everypony?” “Eeyup…” And with that the two Apple boys went their separate ways, little realizing they were about to partake in one of the more interesting dinners in Sweet Apple Acres history.
Chapter NineAs the Apple Clan and Octavia made small talk around the table, Rainbow Dash found herself being playfully grilled by Vinyl Scratch in the corner of the room. “It’s pretty impressive you can whip up a massive dinner while not even being in the same building Dash…” “Ugh…okay, okay. You got me. I’ve gotten a bit better in cooking for myself, but not to this degree. I just…” protested Rainbow. The Pegasus’ lament was cut off by a kind forehoof placed on her chest. “Dash, you don’t have to constantly try and prove yourself to me. You are one of the coolest gals I know. I think it’s cool that we are friends, and nothing you can say or do is going to make me not like you.” “Yeah, I know. It’s just…well…” “Attention ladies…and gentlecolts. If you would…all take your seats…for dinner is…served.” The young raspy voice caused a number of differing reactions from the assembled herd. The Apple ponies and Rainbow Dash all perked up at the sound, while their guests look at each other in surprise. “Who the heck is that?” asked Vinyl of Dash. “The little brother…” explained the Pegasus mare as she headed for her seat. “Wait, a little brother? I know about the big guy, but you never mentioned anything about another one…” “I was under the impression there was just one brother in this family as well.” agreed Octavia. “Huh, ah reckon ya’ll ain’t had a chance to properly meet our adopted kin.” remarked Applejack. As she took her seat the other two mares turned to the doorway of the kitchen in time to see a young Earth colt with a grey coat and dark mane enter, carefully carrying a large serving dish to the table. As he began to dish up the main course Vinyl and Octavia, whom were seated side by side, where fiercely whispering to one another. “You haven’t been holding out on me Octy? I mean, this kid looks an awful lot like you…” “It isn’t unheard of for ponies to share the same coloration. I’m…I’m sure it is just a coincidence. Do you recall being told anything about these ponies adopting a colt?” “No, but this might explain what Rainbow seemed to be holding back on…” “Ahem…” The hushed conversation was silenced as Peppermill stood before the two mares, still holding the serving dish. “I hope you two…will enjoy this. I put…a lot of effort into making…this meal today.” “Oh…of course. I’m…sure it will be quite lovely. Did you…erm…make this all yourself?” Octavia mentally kicked herself at how awkward she sounded. It didn’t help matters that she was still trying to get her mind around the double whammy of learning that there was another member of their host’s family she didn’t know about, and that somepony so young had apparently made the night’s meal… …and that she could swear she had seen this colt before. And of course she had to deal with Vinyl’s total lack of tact… “So what’s your story kid? I don’t remember seeing you around the last time I was in town.” Vinyl studied the colt intently through her sunglasses, brow furrowed. “Ah reckon he wuz here at Sweet Apple Acres when the weddin’ wuz going on.” explained Applebloom. “Cranky had asked him ta make sure the food fer the reception was ready…” “Which meant…I couldn’t attend the actual ceremony. Mind you…I understand there was…some excitement in town…when it was going on. I suspect Applejack…would have preferred I…stayed safely at home.” “Eeyup.” remarked Applejack. “You mentioned this kid was adopted?” pressed the white unicorn. “Yes, I am not…related by blood to these ponies.” admitted Peppermill evenly, a little taken back by how intense the disc jockey had become. “Hey, these are my friends Vinyl. They’re cool.” exclaimed Rainbow Dash from across the table. “I know how you get about that…uh topic…” “If you truly feel…that strongly about…this topic Miss Scratch I would…be happy to talk with you…after dinner. It doesn’t help…the digestion to eat…when angry…” Octavia was quite struck by the calmness and poise of the colt, given what she knew about Vinyl and her personality. She was even more surprised when Vinyl, while not the type to start a fight was also not the type to back away from one, seemed genuinely subdued by his words. “I wasn’t angry…” muttered the unicorn sullenly. She turned to the full plate of food now before her, and her mood lightened considerably. Silence reigned as the ponies enjoyed their food immensely, with Peppermill dividing his time between his own plate and that of the others. Why does this seem so familiar to me? Why do I feel as if I am experiencing some sort of déjà vu? pondered the cellist as she continued to enjoy the meal. “Would you care for…some wine Miss Octavia? Or perhaps…some of Sweet Apple Acre’s best…cider?” Peppermill had sidled noiselessly to the mare’s side, carefully balancing a dark bottle on a tray on his back. Octavia, so enamoured by her food, momentarily forgot herself and responded almost automatically. “I’d much rather have a nice bit of five-year-old brandy luv.” “Brandy? Wuts that?” questioned Applebloom. “Huh, ah reckon I wouldn’t mind a sip of that myself on occasion. Might pricy though…” commented Granny Smith. “Brandy ain’t anything a filly should be thinking about. It’s just fer adults.” explained Applejack firmly. “Of course it is…” muttered the filly in response. As this conversation took place, a look of surprise and puzzlement came across Peppermill’s face. He carefully set the bottle of wine onto the table, and then took on a peculiar pose. He sat on his haunches, one foreleg wrapped around his barrel and the other tapping a steady beat on his temple, eyes closed and his head cocked ever so slightly. Those who knew the colt had dubbed this his ‘heavy thinking pose’, and knew that the colt was searching his memory for something from his past. “Peppermill?” This query came from Big Macintosh, noticing the colt in his pose. The rest of the assembled diners had turned to the colt in question, just in time to see Peppermill suddenly stop tapping his head, inhale and speak. “And please dear, some of your best brandy…preferably no younger than five years aged…in oak, a proper glass…and a bucket of ice…and leave the bottle…” Pleased at recalling the phrasing that had been itching to come out of his memories, the colt looked up to find every pony in the room gaping in surprise at him. The silence was finally broken when Vinyl Scratch broke into a roaring laugh. “Bwa ha ha! Oh that’s good! Oh that’s rich! Leave the bottle, that sounds exactly like the kind of thing you would say Octy. Bwa ha ha!” The unicorn’s head was down on the tabletop, banging a forehoof on the table and shaking with mirth. The Apple ponies and Rainbow Dash all gazed at one another in complete confusion. Octavia, who had thankfully swallowed before this comment from the colt, sat there with her mouth hanging open and her mind reeling. “Now I remember…why you actually seemed…familiar to me.” smiled the colt shyly. “Aperitif/Digestif…” managed Octavia after a moment. “We…well, me and the others of my quartet and a lot of the other top musicians in Canterlot would go there all the time. It was…it was one of the best restaurants in the city.” Vinyl’s laughter was silenced by the surprising amount of emotion in her friend’s words as she stared hard into the colt’s eyes. “If they didn’t talk about how wonderful the food or the service was, they were all talking about the owner. He was smart, kind, compassionate and…quite handsome.” “I understand Father had…quite a few admirers.” grinned Peppermill. “And then there was his sons. The eldest was quite a catch, as far as I had heard. But the youngest, they said that particular colt was going to follow in his father’s horseshoes.” continued Octavia. “What are you trying to say Octy?” asked Vinyl. The mare in question gave a swallow and chewed her bottom lip as she spoke again. “Do you remember me telling you about that restaurant back in Canterlot that burned down a while back Vinyl?” “Sure I do. Everypony was upset about it. They said the owners and one of…their…” The sudden understanding had the same effect as a punch to the gut of the mare (which was something she had experienced in her time, not that she ever mentioned it to Octavia), who gasped so hard her sunglasses actually slipped a bit down her face revealing shocked crimson eyes. “I…I remember one of the last time me and the others had gone there after a performance. The owner had been showing off his young son. Everypony was so taken by him…” “I remember Father…personally gathering the brandy and…the ice for you. All the other servers thought…he was being strange after being…ordered around like that. But he insisted that…it was better to serve the demands…of the customer no matter…how they might have sounded.” sighed Peppermill. “I…actually have a confession…to make.” “A confession sugarcube?” prompted Applejack. “I…wasn’t all that keen…of making this meal today. When I learned that…Rainbow Dash’s friends were…musicians all I could…think about was just how much…er…” faltered Peppermill. “Demanding and rude we can sometime be?” offered Octavia, allowing herself a small smile. “Yes…” mumbled the colt. “And on top of that…around the time I learned…about Miss Scratch and her concert…I had some…choice words with my friends…about the kinds of music we liked. It turned out…my tastes differed quite a bit…from my friends…” “I think I get it now…” nodded Vinyl, back to her easy-going self. “I won’t deny…that I was really, really tempted to…do a lackluster job on this meal…as some sort of protest or…karmic retribution for all…of the complaints I heard from…the restaurant workers. But in the end…I simply couldn’t bring myself…to do so. All I could think of…was how disappointed Father would have been…” “I’m not sure I’d want to know what you could do if you were trying to make a bad meal.” admitted Rainbow. “So, are ya sayin’ you have met Miss Octavia in the past?” questioned Big Macintosh. “Well, not so much…met as saw while standing...beside Father the night…he decided he wanted…to show me off a little.” conceded the colt. “For some reason her…very specific request for…the brandy stuck with me.” “I do remember you now. I felt as though I had seen you before, and now I understand why I felt that way.” responded Octavia. “Huh. It’s a small world huh? Who would have guessed that Octy and the kid knew one another…” laughed Vinyl. “And just for the record kid neither me nor Octy are the types to freak out if you don’t like our jams. Believe me, I learned a long time a go I wasn’t going to please every pony.” “And I know the music I play isn’t something younger ponies tend to enjoy. But all that really matters that I enjoy playing it, that it is something I love to do.” agreed Octavia. “I don’t suppose you’d…be willing to explain…. that to the guys?” asked Peppermill with a wan smile. “Who the hay cares what they think kid. If you like that classical, fancy stuff then go ahead and like it.” announced Rainbow Dash firmly. “And this coming from the gal who spent the last few days fretting over the opinions of another pony…” snorted Applejack. “Dash is one of those ‘do as I say, not as I do’ type of gals.” grinned Vinyl. “Which is pretty much why the two of you get along so well.” cooed Octavia. “Hey, I am totally dynamic, take charge mare and don’t you forget it.” retorted the unicorn. This casual back and forth eased whatever tension had been left in the room as the gathered diners finished off their meal.
Chapter TenAs the evening wore on and the gathered ponies made small talk, Applebloom gave her little brother a nudge and murmured in his ear. “Vinyl Scratch said she wanted to talk to ya in private up in the guest bedroom.” Intrigued by this request, the colt excused himself and headed to the second floor of the farmhouse. Inside the guest bedroom where two single beds had been arranged, one was occupied by the white unicorn as she flipped through a large book-style holder of various vinyl records. “You wanted…to see me Miss Scratch?” greeted the colt. “Ok, first thing is first kid. If you going to keep insisting on calling me ‘miss’, then I might have to start calling you ‘mister’.” “I wouldn’t…have an issue with that.” smiled Peppermill. A few beats of silence followed this, then Vinyl broke into laughter again. “You are something else kid. I can see why Dash likes you so much.” “I try…” Peppermill’s attention was drawn to various records the mare was looking through. He chewed on his lip anxiously for a moment, and almost bit it when the mare spoke again. “So just for the record kid, what do you think of my music?” Peppermill winced, his mind debating just how to answer the mare. Despite having grown to genuinely like her, she was still a musician who could have a considerably high opinion of her genre of music. In the end, the colt’s honest nature over-rode whatever white lies he might have tried to ply. “I…don’t really care for it…” The grey chef braced himself for just about anything, but ended up getting a dismissive wave of a hoof. “Whatever floats your boat kid. Like I told you at dinner, I learned pretty quick that I wasn’t going to impress every pony with my stuff.” Apparently finding what she was looking for, Vinyl levitated one particular record from the stack and placed on a portable turntable she had set up on her side of the guest bedroom. “I got a feeling this might be a bit more your thing…” Peppermill watched as the mare used her magic to turn on the player. After a few moments, the sounds of a string quartet began to waft through the room. Peppermill was quite impressed, both by the quality of the music coming from such a small device and that DJ P0N3 of all ponies would have something like that among her collection. “Yes…I admit if I had…the choice I would choose this…over any other option.” “I kind of figured. You know, this is actually Octy and her band…excuse me, quartet doing a gig at some fancy party in Canterlot. The rest of her pals know about this recording but she doesn’t. It was when she dragged me to one of her things after I convinced her to come to one of mine…” “You mean…you actually attended an event that…had a string quartet…willingly?” Peppermill was unable to hide a laugh. The idea of such a down-to-earth disc jockey going to what was most likely a high society event was astonishing to him. “Kid, if I had tried to talk my way out of it Octy would never speak to me again…” The colt slowly nodded, acknowledging the clearly strong bond between the mare. “Anyways, I figured I would give this to you as a kind of ‘thanks for the grub’ gift. You’ve got some serious cooking chops kid, and don’t let any pony tell you otherwise.” “Vinyl, are you in here?” came the familiar Trottingham accent of Octavia as she poked her head into the room. Peppermill turned to face the mare as Vinyl quickly turned the turntable off. “Yeah. I’m just hanging with Peppermill.” “I hope Vinyl hasn’t been offending her with her crude stories. I swear she seems to get into the most bizarre situations sometimes…” “Geeze, you make it sound like I try to get into trouble.” playfully pouted the unicorn. Octavia simply shook her head as she addressed the colt once more. “I would like to thank you for the wonderful meal. And may I say that if your parents were here they would be very proud of you. I think…no, I know you have a very bright future ahead of you.” “Yeah. When it reaches the point where you and I can get senior’s discounts we can get some grub at the kid’s place. Hopefully we will have enough teeth between the two of us to gum whatever you cook up.” quipped Vinyl. “Vinyl!” gasped the shocked grey mare. “I can assure you folks…that should the day come…that I try to follow…in my father’s hoofsteps…you both, as well as any other musicians…will be welcome to enjoy my cuisine. “ smiled Peppermill. “I have one more thing I would like to say to you dear.” insisted Octavia, peering down at the colt. “There is absolutely nothing wrong with a colt enjoying classical music…or any types of music for that matter. Do not let what your friends might say or think change that.” “Yes, I know…that now.” nodded the colt. “And maybe I will…make an effort to…change my opinion of musicians…as well.” “Well, that much you might be right about kid…” smirked Vinyl. “I can’t believe I am about to say this…but I can’t really disagree with that.” laughed Octavia. “I knew you’d see it my way Octy.” “Honestly…”
