“Hmmm.” I groaned as the sun streamed through my window and hit my closed eyes. I rolled over in an attempt to escape the painful rays, as I did I felt my hand on something soft, and it wasn’t my pillow. I cracked my eyes to meet a wall of white and blue.

What the… Oh Shit!

“Vinyl!?” I yelled as I tried to jump back, only to get caught on my sheets. I clutched my head as it slammed into the ground. “Oww~”

Vinyl stretched as she yawned, “Good morning~.” She said drowsily, still not fully awake, before looking down at me. Thankfully she had on a short white tank-top and blue running shorts, so it wasn’t worst case trouble.

“God damnit Vinyl. I’ve only been here for two weeks and this is the fifth time you’ve sneaked into my room, this week!” I groaned as I stood, rubbing my still sore head. As I did, the door flew open to reveal a very peeved Octavia.

“I swear, I leave you alone for one minuet to start breakfast and what do you do? Go back to bed, in our roommate’s bed, while he’s still in it.” Octavia lectured as she grabbed Vinyl by the ear and proceeded to drag her out of my room.

“Oww~ Careful Octy, I need that.”

“Thanks Octavia, breakfast almost ready?” I asked as I walked over to my dresser to grab my clothes for the day.

“Almost, it should be ready by the time you’re done changing. By the way, what do you think an appropriate punishment is this time?” Octavia asked, giving Vinyl’s ear a slight tug eliciting another ouch.

“Hmm? Ah, I think I know just the thing.” I replied, as I gave Vinyl an evil grin. She gasped as she no doubt could guess my choice of punishment, it was my favorite after all.

“No, you wouldn’t. Where’s your humanity~?” Vinyl broke down as I gave the sentence.

“Octavia, make Wubs disappear for a while.” I said, grinning with triumph.

Octavia smirked at our antics, knowing it was nothing but harmless fun… for me and her anyway. “Right away Andrew. Now get dressed so we can eat breakfast.” She answered as she walked out of my room, Vinyl closely behind desperately begging for Octavia to spare her poor turntable.

I chucked as I slipped out of my night clothes into my day ones before walking out of my room and over to the kitchen. I sat down to a plate of waffles and scrambled eggs with a glass of OJ as Octavia sat across from me with a depressed Vinyl by her side. Octavia was wearing her normal black vest and suit pants that she wore most days, unless she had a concert, and Vinyl had thrown on a high top jacket over her tank-top and changed her running shorts out for a pair of jeans. Seeing Vinyl’s current state only meant one thing, Octavia had already managed to hide Wubs. It was almost scary how quickly she could make things disappear, but I pushed the thought aside as I continued with my breakfast before I heard Octavia clear her throat.

“Hey Andrew, are you busy today?” She asked.

I went through my mental schedule, trying to think of anything I had to do, finding nothing I replied, “Not really. Why, have something you want to do?”

“Oh nothing much, I was just wondering if you’d like to stop by the symphony hall and watch one of my practices. I’ve heard you practicing and I thought you might enjoy it.”

“Hmm, sounds nice. Vinyl want to join us?” I asked, Vinyl’s ears perked up at the mention of her name.

“Uh~ I guess. Not like I can do anything else since someone took my precious Wubs.” Vinyl sulked as she went back to her breakfast.

I shrugged, “Well then when do we need to leave?” I asked. Octavia looked over at the clock on the wall and gasped.

“That would be, now!” Octavia said as she grabbed up our plates, ran them through the sink, and ran to her room.

She returned with her cello case on her back as Vinyl and I waited at the door. I opened it as Octavia rushed out and grabbed Vinyl and me by the wrist and drug us through the streets towards the symphony hall. As we arrived Octavia went around towards the back as she waved back at us. We waved and walked inside and sat down, as we did we heard as the rest of the orchestra proceeded to warm up. As we listened I noticed a tone that didn’t quite fit, Vinyl seemed to as well since her ears were spade back in discomfort. Since I couldn’t notice anyone doing anything about it I stood up and walked towards the stage. As I approached the direction of the ill tone became clearer, I saw a young stallion as he played a trombone. I walked over to the stallion, as I got closer he stopped and gave me a nervous stare.

“W-who are you, and w-what do you want?” He stuttered nervously, he was a pegasus with a dark blue coat with a black and silver tipped mane and tail, and grey eyes. He wore a pair of black jeans and a black button down shirt with a silver tipped black wing cutie mark on the front pocket.

“I couldn’t help but notice you appear to be out of tune my good stallion. Mind if I help you?”

“What would a balding ape know about music?” He retorted, glaring at me viciously.

I sighed at his racism, even in another universe haters still love to hate. I took a step closer and grabbed his trombone from his hands, I wiped off the mouthpiece and blew a few notes. Everyone’s had stopped what they were doing when I stepped on the stage and Octavia had made it on stage with her cello. After I was done tuning I played a little improv that sounded something like this.

(1:11-3:00)

As I played I took a glance around, everyone was enthralled as I continued to play. I looked back to where Vinyl was to see her listening on the edge of her seat, then I looked over at Octavia. I nearly lost it as I saw her staring, wide-eyed and slack-jawed, at my playing. Hear I thought she had heard me play, apparently she only did in passing.

I finished my solo and handed the stallion back his instrument, his jaw hung as low as it physically could. “That’s what I know about music. You should learn how to tune that instrument, it’s a good one.” I said before I walked off the stage to thunderous applause. As I stepped down I got stopped by a hand on my shoulder, I looked back to see it was Octavia.

“Ok I knew you could play, but where the hell did that come from!?” She asked as she shook me by the collar.

“Yeah, if you’re that good why haven’t you pursued something in music?” I looked over my shoulder to see Vinyl had walked over from where I’d left her.

“Music’s just a hobby of mine, I never really felt like doing it for a career.” I answered simply.

“Well would you like to start?” Another voice said from on stage. I looked up to see a white stallion with a jet black mane, wearing a black dress shirt under a white sports coat with matching white dress pants. On the lapel of the coat was an embroidered pair of crossed conductor’s batons over a music score. As I looked him over he continued, “Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Maestro and I am the conductor of the Canterlot Grand Orchestra. I must say young sir, you have an impressive ability for music. Azure Shadow is our first chair and I must say you outplayed him many times over just now. If you’d be willing, I’d be honored if you’d consider joining our group.” Maestro explained, causing everyone around me to drop their jaws.

I looked around before turning back to Maesto. “My name is Andrew Duron, and as for your offer sir, I’m afraid I have to decline.” I replied, causing Octavia and Vinyl’s shock to be shifted to me. “I do enjoy playing, but it so happens that I can’t read music.” I explained, causing everyone eyes including Maestro’s to bug out. “If you ever need me to fill in for one of your trombonist I’d be happy to, but as for a full time occupation I’m afraid I must say no.”

Maestro nodded his head in understanding. “If that is what you want I suppose I must respect your choice. I which case can I offer an alternative?” I nodded as I eyed him curiously. “Are you familiar with instruments other than brass?” I nodded. “Excellent, in which case Mr. Duron how would you like to act as a music consultant for the orchestra. Someone the members can come and visit that can help them improve their ability to play. Even though for most of us music is our special talent. That by no means declares that we are perfect with our instruments. If that was so we’d never have the need to practice. So what do you say, would you like to become a consultant for the Canterlot Grand Orchestra?”

I stroked my beard in though before stopping to reply, “I believe that could be quite interesting. You have yourself a deal Maestro.” I said reaching up, we shook hands to seal the deal before he replied.

“Wonderful, we’ll work out the details later as for now. Everyone back to practice we’ve wasted enough time as it is, chop chop.” Maestro proclaimed with a couple claps for emphasis.

Vinyl and I walked back to our seats as Octavia rejoined to band. We listened for a couple hours before Vinyl fell asleep on my shoulder. I continued to listen, making note of some players that seemed to have need of improvement. After the practice concluded I woke Vinyl from where she fell asleep on my shoulder and we waited outside for Octavia, as she walked up I noticed she didn’t have her cello, we I asked she simply replied.

“Oh I usually keep it here so I don’t have to carry it around everywhere. I’ve just been bringing it home to have some extra practice” Satisfied I nodded as we turned to start our walk home, just before our three stomachs growled in sync. We all chuckled as I spoke up, “How about we grab something while we’re out? It’s getting close to dinner anyway.” Vinyl and Octavia nodded in agreement, and with that we trekked over to a nearby bar that happened to serve all kinds of patrons. Vinyl and Octavia had been aware of my dietary needs since I started living with them, though the latter was still uneasy about it. We sat in a round booth with me in the middle with Octavia and Vinyl on my left and right respectively. After we ordered our food and drinks once we sat down and after the waitress left Vinyl was the first to speak up as she leaned against me.

“So Andrew, what other instruments do you know how to play, other than sing of course.” Vinyl asked causing Octavia’s ears to twitch when she mentioned singing.

“Wait, you can sing?” She asked me, her mulberry eyes sparkling with interest.

“You betcha this guy can sing. I remember we went to a bar one time and they were having a karaoke night, I nearly jumped the guy after he sang to me.” Vinyl explained as I groaned at the memory.

“Only because I thought you were drunk and I happened to like that song.” I explained as I hit my head on the table.

Octavia stopped me before I gave myself a headache before asking, “So what song did you sing? If you don’t mind my asking.”

I sighed, “It was ‘You’re The Inspiration’ by Chicago. A band from back on earth. It’s a very beautiful song, and way too sentimental for this one over here.” I said pointing a thumb over at Vinyl as she chugged down her drink that had arrived while we had been talking. Vinyl froze as she heard her name, she smiled sheepishly as Octavia stared her down. Octavia focused back on me before replying.

“Well I for one would love to hear you sing sometime. I have no doubt you sing wonderfully if you’re even half as good as you are on trombone.” Her voice held a heartwarming sincerity that gave me a nice warmth in my chest.

Soon after our food arrive and we dug in. Vinyl had a salad with hay fries, Octavia had a fruit salad, and I had a hamburger and fries. As we ate we continued to talk until I excused myself to the bathroom. As I walked out I saw a group of three earth pony stallions over at our table talking to the mares, who looked very uncomfortable. I walked over and put my hand on the shoulder of the one in the middle he looked over it and saw me before speaking.

“What do you want ape, can’t you see we’re busy.” He spat, he had an orange coat, yellow mane and eyes, and was wearing jeans and a no sleeve white t-shirt. His friends wore similar clothing, the one on the right had a dark green coat and blue mane, while the one on the left had the opposite coloring, possibly brothers. All three were easily six feet tall.

“They’re with me, so if you don’t mind. Beat it.” I said pointing my thumb towards the exit. The stallion laughed then turned back to the mares.

“You’re with guy? You’ve got to be kidding me, come on how about you mares come with a real stallion.” He said grabbing Octavia by the wrist.

My hand flashed to his shoulder. “Wrong move,” I said as I squeezed my grip, causing him to release his hold. As he did I pulled back as my right leg crashed into the back of his knees causing him to slam into the ground, hard. His friends stood there shocked as they registered what just happened. The one on the right was the first to move, he threw a wide right hook aimed for my head. I deflected it pass me with my right as I grabbed his wrist and using the momentum of the punch I rotated his arm in a circle until he flipped over himself and landed with a thud. I turned just in time to see his brother throw another hook at me this time from the left. This time I used my right hand to deflect it away as I grabbed his wrist, as I did I turned into him and caught his bicep in the crook of my left elbow. I pulled as I continued to turn and threw the stallion across the room. A scream pierced the air, I turned to see the first stallion I had beaten up and had a knife to Octavia’s neck. No. I thought as I fell to my knees.

The stallion laughed in triumph before he pointed the knife at me. “I remember you now. You’re that bastard ape that threw me out of that club a couple months ago. Oh the irony, now I finally get my payback.” He said before turning to Vinyl. “And if I see that horn spark at all I’ll slit this slut’s throat before anyone one can blink.” He threatened before putting the knife back to Octavia’s throat, causing her to whimper.

No. No no no, I am not letting this happen to someone I care about, not again! I screamed in my head. Then do something. I heard a voice say to me, but I couldn’t tell from where. I felt my left hand begin to burn as I felt my rage boil over. I noticed a thin black aura surround the knife the stallion was holding, his eyes darting around the room at the mass of eyes that had gathered from the commotion, the staff frozen in place, at a loss for what to do. I saw the blade start to glow with heat before the stallions hand started to smoke. He apparently felt the change too as he looked down at his hand, before he screamed and dropped the knife as his hand burned with pain. Seeing my opening, I moved my left foot up so I was kneeling before I launched myself at the stallion and threw a jab with my right arm to his jaw. He stumbled back, releasing Octavia as he did, but I didn’t stop there. I threw another jab, then a hook with my left to his gut, as he leaned over from the punch I brought my knee up to his jaw. I took a step back as he leaned shakily against the wall, I spun and delivered a kick straight to his gut. I heard a sickening crack as my kick connected and the stallion collapsed, passed out from the pain. I retracted my kick and started towards the passed out stallion with fire in my eyes, my mind clouded with a thirst for blood.

“Andrew! Stop!” I heard someone yell before my arms were restrained on both sides. My head snapped back with anger to see who dared to stop me, all hatred fled me as I saw Octavia and Vinyl were each holding one of my wrist. I collapsed to my knees as each of the mares hugged me from each side. We stayed like that for a bit as the guard arrived to collect the thugs, the leader of which was carried out on a stretcher as he moaned in pain and coughed up some blood. As we stood I turned to see Shining Armor, Captain of the Royal Guard and Prince of the Crystal Empire, walking towards us.

“Captain Armor.” I greeted, exhausted from the events of the day.

“Please Andrew, no need for titles among friends.” He said with a smile before he turned more serious. “I heard about the fight, is everyone alright?” He asked.

“We are, you should probably be more worried about our assailants. I’m pretty sure the orange one will be in need of surgery.” I replied, deadpanned.

“Yeah he didn’t look too good. I have to ask, was that really necessary?” Shining said eying me carefully, ready to gauge my reply.

“Probably not, I more of just reacted when I saw him let go of the knife. I barely realized what I was doing until Vinyl and Octavia stopped me.” I answered. Shining closed his eyes and gave a nod, my answer apparently satisfactory.

“Alright, you don’t need to stay around. I’ve got your testimony and we have enough witnesses that confirm what you said, other than going a little overboard on the leader, but even so only a few thought that.” Shining explained. I nodded as me and the mares started towards the door. “Oh and Andrew.” I peered over my shoulder. “Keep up the good work.” Shining said. I smiled turning back towards the exit as I gave a thumbs up and walked out with the mares at my sides for support.

The walk back to the house felt like forever, when we finally arrived I walked to my room closed the door and flopped on my bed. I rolled onto my back as I felt tiredness overwhelm me. I felt sleep begin to overtake me before I heard a knock at the door. “It’s open.” I called out. The door opened and to my surprise it was Octavia, she was dressed in a slightly see-through black nightgown that came only halfway down her thighs, revealing the bottom part of her treble cleft cutie mark. She looked like a succubus, about to suck out my soul. She sauntered slowly into my room as she closed the door with her tail.

“O-octavia what’s going on? W-why are you dressed like that?” I stuttered, my cheeks flushed completely red.

As she made it over to me, she pushed me down onto the bed and with her hand still on my chest slid her right knee in between my legs. “I was so moved when you saved me, I felt I needed to repay you somehow.” She said, her voice sultry and filled with lust as she leaned in closer.

Ok it's too soon for her heat, that apparently happened while I was in my coma, so that leaves... Oh God, hero worship syndrome. Damn it, I didn’t want this to happen. There’s only one way out of this, I’m sorry Octavia this is for your own good. I thought as a plan came to mind. “Octavia stop this, this isn’t right. What you’re feeling isn’t real!” I said as I tried to push her off of me. Sadly her earth pony strength quickly prevented that attempt.

“Of course this is real, I love you Andrew. Please don’t push me away.” Octavia cooed as she leaned in and lightly kissed my neck and nibbled slightly causing my breath to hitch.

Damn it, it’s not working. I’ve got to find a way out of this before I lose the will to resist. I thought as I started to panic, racking my brain as I tried to make a plan. Move her. I heard, the same voice from back in the restaurant resound in my mind. I felt my left hand begin to burn again as I felt a lightness come over me, my entire body screaming at me to move. “Octavia, I’m sorry.” I whispered in her ear.

“Why are you apologi-” Octavia began, her breath quickly expelled as I put both my hands on her stomach and pushed with all my might. I felt the lightness increase to the point I felt weightless, as the feeling came over me I felt Octavia move off of me, however it didn’t stop there. I threw her off of me with such force that she flew through the open door to my room (Wait, when did that happen!?), and landed outside of it by a couple feet. As I felt my body return from its high I rushed to my door and slammed my door as fast as I could and locked it before I collapsed against the door completely exhausted.

Octavia shook herself from the daze of being thrown, as she sat up she looked down at herself and what she was wearing before looking up at the door in front of her. Realization dawned on her as she remembered what she just tried to do. Tears started to roll freely as she rushed to the door and started to pound on it crying, “Andrew open the door! Please, I’m sorry! I don’t know what came over me! Please!!!” She sobbed before she broke down completely.

Vinyl rushed out of her room to see the commotion. She was greeted with a sobbing Octavia as she pounded weakly on my door, all while wearing some very risqué lingerie. Vinyl slowly walked over to her friend and put her hand on Octavia’s shoulder. Octavia’s snapped to look at the owner of the hand to see her friend, her best friend. “V-vinyl, I m-messed up.” She sobbed before she threw herself at her friend and broke down into another mess of tears. Vinyl just stroked Octavia’s raven mane as she processed the situation. She might have only seen the result, but she had a pretty good idea of what happened. She walked Octavia back to her room, laid her on the bed and allowed the mare to use up all the emotion that had welled up as she flicked the light off with her magic and held her sobbing friend as she cried herself to sleep.

I leaned against my door as I brought my knees to my chest before folding my arms over them and buried my head as I began to sob softly. This isn’t what I wanted. Why do I always hurt those I care about? It was necessary. No, I should have found a better way. She wouldn’t have listened. That’s not an excuse. Then listen, do you have feelings for either of these mares? Of course I do, I care for both of them, but there’s no way they could love someone like me if they knew my past. So you feel unworthy. If you are what I’m beginning to think you are, you know the answer. Oh? And what is it you think I am? You’re me, or more clearly, my subconscious. Close, but wrong. Then what are you? I am something that has always been a part of you, but I am not you. That doesn’t make any sense. What are you!? All in good time, just remember… you’ve never been alone. With that the voice faded. I called out in my mind, but there was no reply. I slowly stood up, walked to my bed, laid down and let the dark tiredness that was sleep consume me as I vowed to make things right.

Author's Note

Wow... mystery, drama, music, a fight. That's a lot for only just over 4k works.
I can honestly say I think I might have rushed the plot a bit in this chapter, but that observation remains to be seen.
I think those that like this story will be happy to know I have already started chapter 5 and hopefully that should clear up how rushed this chapter feels. I have a feeling after I get to the one of the relationships the chapters will start to grow in length. Cause right now... I'm dieing of boredom, I have some great plot points I really want to use but they require a relationship status between the charaters. This being the case I'm having trouble finding a way to introduce the relationships without them feeling rushed. I'm hoping to have figured this out by chapter 6 so stayed tuned, and if you have any ideas or comments it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks everyone, stay awesome! Lyruil out.