Con Sordina, an Octavia & Vinyl Story

Chapters

Chapter one, a new story
Chapter three, first day of work
chapter 4, this is home?
Chapter 5, The Rave
chapter 6, Royalties
Chapter two; welcome to Ponyville

Chapter one, a new story

She ran, just to make it to the train on time.

For the most part, everything had worked out as planned. She had her violin, a suitcase packed with what little else she cherished, and even a fair amount of bits she had saved up. Granted, while she had all these things, her ‘plan’ had only had two problems. The first being the nerve to even do this; Hop onto a train, get away from her controlled life, and live the way she wanted to. Which, at one point, she had asked herself if her life really was ‘that bad.’ She knew a lot of ponies in Trottingham who had it much worse. Poor and rich alike.

However, what had proven to finally do her in, was when she suggested to play her violin—the one thing she loved most, what was her ‘worthless’ cutie mark for as her mother put it—at her wedding. She’d done everything she was told to do, and she was no longer a foal, so surely, she had earned that right. Of course, when she suggested this, her mother laughed. No, she roared with laughter, and told her that she had no more need for such ‘foalish’ things. Even her normal threats against her mother that had allowed her to keep her prized instrument did no good this time. Now that the marriage was secured, it no longer mattered. Instead, even as they picked out a dress, her mother talked about smashing it into firewood and focused more on how to please her husband so she could pop out an heir. Thinking that she had won.

How wrong her mother had been this time.

The second problem, the escape, came much easier. Her family was rich, so she owned a lot of jewelry that could get her by. Affording a train ticket wasn't a problem for her. Hopefully, she also had enough to start over somewhere far from Trottingham. At least until that ran out and she needed to get a job, but that didn’t seem too bad. Anything sounded better than her mother’s laid out plans.

The only reasons she was doing this on the day of the wedding, instead of before, was because she was being watched like a hawk. Plus, she didn’t want to leave without her violin.

Thankfully, with a little bribing and clever wording, she was able to get her prized instrument transported to the vendor hall where the wedding was set to take place. Saying it needed to get there by order of her mother for the reception along with her suitcase, stuffed with the bits.

After that, nopony asked any questions.

Once at the wedding hall, she got into her gown, then said she wanted some private time in her changing room. Nopony even gave her a second glance. Nopony thought she would undress, slip into her favorite bowtie she was never allowed to wear, dye her mane a new color, climb out the window, retrieve her belongings, and then trot towards the nearest train station.

That had all been simple. What wasn’t, was realizing she hadn’t figured out the train schedule. And with the next one leaving only minutes once she bought her ticket, and unwilling to risk being caught as she waited for the next one, she ran. She ran faster than she ever thought she could, violin case and bag of bits. Panting, eyes widened as the train blew its whistle.

She almost didn’t make it. The conductor almost didn’t even let her on as it was ‘protocol’ as the train started up.

“Sorry, miss, no—OHP!”

Not caring, she slammed into him with full force as the train started to forward.

“Sorry,” she sighed with relief once on board. “I really needed to catch this train.”

“No kidding.” The conductor grunted.

She gave the stallion a generous tip to let it slide. Then, free at last, she took her seat and relaxed for the first time in her life. This was actually happening, she was actually doing this. She was about to go and live her own life the way she wanted to.

She started to think about, some rather nasty thoughts.

She hated to stoop to her mother's level and think nasty thoughts about ponies. However, after everything she had been through, it felt earned. So, she began to think about what was likely happening at the wedding now. At best, no one would suspect anything just yet. Perhaps some would think she was in her dressing room, getting ready for the big day. Maybe by now they were thinking about her having cold feet, but that be all for a awhile. Sooner or later, somepony would knock on the door. When she wouldn’t answer back, her mother would come along and buck the door down, only to find she wasn’t there.

Oh, how she would pay to see the look on her mother's’ face as the reality hit her. Though, being far away from what came next made up for it. Ponies being fired left and right as her mother ranted, all while trying to stall the wedding for as long as possible.

She started to feel a little bad for the wedding guests. She was sure most of them would begin to suspect what had happened shortly once her mother said the wedding would be in ‘just a bit.’ How long would it take before the first ponies realized there would be no wedding? She was sure most of them would figure it out within an hour, followed by the first few leaving to hit the bars within two.

The closer family members of the ex- groom would hold on a little longer. At least she didn’t have to feel bad for that little snob. Unlike other mares, she hung out with him often. Sadly, he was every bit of a snob a high-born noble could be. Not that she couldn’t feel bad for him. If it weren’t for that one time, she’d be no better than all those snooty ponies her mother made her hang out with to gain ‘influence’ from.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the conductor.

“I presume you do have a ticket at least, miss?”

She smirked, then presented her ticket. As the conductor glanced it over, Octavia held her breath. What if she got the wrong ticket? What if they had to send her back? She couldn’t, she wouldn’t! She’d rather—

The conductor punched a hole into her ticket and tipped his hat upon giving it back to her. “Have a nice day.”

With that, it was over. She wasn’t sure where she was going, as long as it was far from Trottingham. Now being a good time to find out, she looked at her ticket and noticed, ‘Manehattan,’ was written in bold lettering on the ticket. Wherever that was, it didn’t matter. .She knew it was across the way in Equestria, but she had other things to think about

She wouldn’t settle in Manehattan. No. Her mother would pay for private investigators to track her down. The first thing they do would be to consult with trains to narrow down where she had went. Ask anyone who worked there if they recognized her. And while she had been smart in dyeing her mane. Which had taken some time to dry, but the risk was worth the reward now that she was safe. But they could also ask if they had seen a mare in a hurry with a violin case. Then it would be only a matter of time before they found her.

The safest bet she had would be to board a different train once she reached Manehattan. From there, while she knew it wouldn’t be impossible, it would be much harder for them to track her. Not that she would let them find her that easily. Because even if they did, she was never going back.

Looking out the window, she happened to see her family manor pass by in the distance. The tall walls, the spikey gates, the cold silver paint, and those horrible tulips in the gardens. If things went as they should, she would never see any of those flowers again.

She grinned, as her hoof made circles on her violin case.

*****

“Are you alone?” A voice jolted her out of her trance.

She had been staring at the countryside. Each passing second taking her further and further away from her old life to a better one. Having been still a bit on guard, she jumped and glanced at the pony who had spoken to her, and tensed up.

“Um… Yes. I mean, sorry.

It was a cream colored earth pony with a pink and purple mane along with three candies for a cutie mark, staring right at her, tilting her head at the response.

Talking and interacting with ponies had never been her strong area. Part of which came from her fear of saying the wrong things and hearing about it later. The other part, was just a part of who she was that her mother tried to change.

“No problem. This spot free then?”

She took in a deep breath. She had gotten plenty of lectures from her mother not to talk to strangers, among other things. Which was one of the few things she had happily agreed with. What’s more, she had known her mother to spy on her with servants who said they were her friends, and just wanted to get along. Only to turn on her whenever she spoke of plans to escape in her pre-teen years.

On the other hoof, it didn’t matter. This mare had seen her, so if she was in allegiance with her mother, there was no point in avoiding her. Besides, she knew she had to get over some of her insecurity fears if she was going to survive. This seemed like a good place to get some practice in.

“Yes. You…” she motioned to the seat adjacent to herself. “Would you like to have a seat?”

“Yes, I would. Thank you.” With that, the earth pony moved into the compartment. “So, where are you heading?”

“Um… Nowhere special. Where are you going?”

The mare chuckled. “What? You just hopped on a train not knowing where you were going?”

“You could say that. I… I’d rather not talk about it.” She looked away.

The mare titled her head. “Oh dear. I mean…. You know, it’s not my business. My name is Bon Bon.”

She blinked "Oh, um… Octavia.”

The ponies remained silent for a moment, not sure of what to say. Until Octavia boldly spoke, “You think it’s that strange? I mean, starting over? Hopping on a train, getting away from the life you’ve known, hoping for a better tomorrow?”

Bon Bon bit her lip. “ Well, was your life, or whatever you’re trying to run from, that—”

“Yes!”

Bon Bon flinched.

Octavia sighed. “Sorry… I know ponies on your end would say ‘I’m sure it wasn’t that bad’ or maybe, ‘I’m sure your mother had her reasons…” A tear ran down Octavia’s chin. “But… But it was. Dear Celestia it was!” She then threw her hooves onto her face and cried. At long last, she could let loose her tears. Maybe it would cost her this friend opportunity, but if—

She stiffened as Bon Bon took a seat next to her, wrapping a hoof around her back. “Oh, honey, I’m sorry.”

Octavia wiped a tear. “It’s… It’s fine.” Normally, she didn’t like ponies touching her. However, as she continued to cry, the hug allowed her to feel much better far sooner.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Octavia thought for a moment. Then remembered that she hadn’t known this mare for that long. “No. I could just… Just use a friend if that’s alright.”

Sighing, Bon Bon nodded, “Of course.”

For a minute, there was just silence. Which was fine with Octavia. Until Bon Bon said, “Ponyville.”

Octavia looked up. “Huh?”

“That’s um, where I’m from.” Bon Bon bit her lip. “I, er, took this train because… The next train to Ponyville wasn’t going to run till tomorrow, and I wanted to get home sooner. So I figured, Manehattan's station would be… sooner.” She then looked around nervously. “If you don’t know where to go, that might be a good place to start out. Good community, countryside setting, it’s everything you could want.”

Chuckling, Octavia sat herself back up. “Well, I suppose I could hear my mother now going, ‘Octavia, don’t trust strangers.’”

Bon Bon raised an eyebrow. “Sounds like a smart mother.”

“And of course,” Octavia continued, not having heard Bon Bon’s remark, “‘Because they are the scum of the earth. If you don’t treat the peasants like the garbage they are, you’ll look weak and pathetic and I’ll serve you tulips for dinner again.’”

Bon Bon raised an eyebrow. “Tulips?”

Octavia frowned. “Yes. I’m… horribly allergic… Mother would find serving them for my supper a fitting punishment if I stepped out of line.” Her head shrank. “Or she would just sneak in enough to cause me headaches at night.”

Bon Bon’s eyes widened. “Oh my…”

Sighing, Octavia leaned back into her seat. “But that’s all behind me now. I got my violin, a new friend, and some idea of where I’m going. What more could a runaway rich girl want?”

Bon Bon didn’t respond, supposedly deep in thought, which Octavia didn’t mind as the train continued onward towards her new home.

******

They arrived at Manehattan station around seven o’clock that night. While most of the ride had been in silence—which was fine with Octavia—the two had gotten to know each other a little more. Octavia would rant about her love of music, while Bon Bon explained that she ran a candy store. There wasn’t much more to it than that, but despite the two having different interests, Octavia slowly worked up the nerve to speak more clearly. Which seemed to make Bon Bon happier the closer they got to Manehattan station.

After ensuring all their luggage was accounted for, the two mares went to see when the next train to Ponyville would be departing.

“Looks like we have to wait for an hour,” Bon Bon noted after they bought their tickets. “Not enough time for sightseeing, but we could get some dinner if you want.”

Octavia’s stomach rumbled. “Sure thing. Anything you’re in the mood for?”

“I’d say some hayburgers would be a good, quick, cheap choice.”

Octavia raised a hoof forward. “Then lead the way, your grace.”

They laughed as Bon Bon lead the way to the nearest burger stand. Octavia saved them a table while Bon Bon ordered. When the food was brought forward, Octavia’s jaw dropped when Bon Bon lugged their meal forward. “All… all of this?”

Bon Bon backup. “Yeah…”

Octavia blinked. “I hope this didn’t cost too much.”

Bon Bon tilted her head. “Not really. Only about five bits.”

“Each?”

“No, the whole…” Her eyes widened as Octavia dove into her meal.

Hunger driving her primal, she gorged herself. Never having tasted something so greasy, she gulped down most of the food in seconds. She was so lost in the meal, she paused only once when she was halfway through her fries to look up at the dumbstruck mare.

“Hungry?” Bon Bon chuckled.

“Sorry.” Octavia wiped her chin. “I’ve always been on a diet.” A starving one, recently. She thought to herself. “In any case,” Octavia pulled out her bit bag.

Bon Bon waved a hoof. “Nah, it’s on me.”

Octavia looked up from her bag. “Are you sure? I’d hate to intrude.”

Bon Bon chuckled nervously. “Just think of it as a gift from a new friend.”

The word made Octavia feel warm inside. “Thank you.” She then noticed the ketchup on her chin. “Though, I guess I better clean myself up. Excuse me.” She then carried her violin case to the restroom, leaving Bon Bon to her thoughts.

Looking back and forth throughout the station, Bon Bon pulled out a piece of parchment, reading the orders if she was to find the mare in question. Bon Bon had known who Octavia was. Not right away, but her training told her that she was the one. However, after everything she had heard from ‘her’, she boldly crumpled up the parchment and threw it into the nearest trash can.

“Hey,” Octavia said upon her return. Going back to her meal, this time eating much slower. “Is something wrong?”

Bon Bon slowly chewed on her burger. “Absolutely nothing. Don’t you worry about a thing, Octavia.”

Author's Note

A new Octavia X Scrath adenvture begins....
Firstly, yes I realize a lot of things I did don't make the most since right now or flow with what's considered 'cannon.' Was that or have no story flow...
....
But this is my fic, I'll do what I want! >.< It's going to be hard enough to write Vinyl barely speaking, if not mute, so a few risks are going to have to be made.
Anyways, got a bet with my pre-readers on which you will comment the most on. Winner will be announced (and told what they betted on) in the next AN ;)
On a serious note, I hope this first chapter was enough to make you want to stay. Next chapter, Octavia meets Vinyl for the first time! :D

Chapter three, first day of work

“Are you sure you got this, Octavia?” Bon Bon asked as they rang up a customer.

“Of course I do!” Octavia scolded, then blinked at the wide-eyed customer. “I mean…” she shrank behind the counter and whispered, “Please come again…”

The stallion shrugged and made his exit.

Octavia turned and glanced sheepishly at Bon Bon. “Sorry. But honestly, I think I’m getting the hang of this.”

Indeed, Octavia’s first day as a store clerk was going by rather well. It was only eleven o’clock in the morning, but so far it didn’t seem too hard. With the most complex part being the cash register. After that, all she had to learn where the various prices of the goods, what to do in case of an emergency, and
a few other chores they did when they had free time.

It took a few more tries than Octavia cared to admit, but after a full morning of being taught the prices and how to weigh and measure. Most of which came easy to her, since math was always one of her strong subjects.

Bon Bon bit her lips and sighed. “Well… Alright then.” She looked around at the empty store after the most recent customer left. “I suppose so.” She pulled her saddle bag onto her back. “Right. I’ll be back in an hour, after I get this order delivered. Hopefully before the foal rush. Just… Just try to keep up a bright smile whenever dealing with a customer—”

“Because they’re always right.”

Bon Bon’s lip twitched a bit. “Huh. Well, good, just don’t forget—”

“Chocolate toffees are on sale this week. Buy one half pound, get one half free.”

Bon Bon smiled. “You sure are getting the hang of this.”

Octavia’s lifted her chin. “I just really don’t want to fail.” She smiled. “Thank you for giving me this chance. It means the world to me.”

Bon Bon looked at the floor. “I bet…” she shot back up and smiled. “Anyways, you just take care of the shop and—”

“Actually!” Octavia raise a hoof, only to slowly lower it.

It had been something on her mind for awhile now. She had a feeling other places wouldn’t be too keen on such a request, but she trusted Bon Bon enough to at least ask. “I… I know I’ve just started, and I want to do a good job. Really, I do. But… I don’t suppose, when the stores empty, I could… play my violin? I won’t let it get in the way of business. It’s just how I relax.”

Bon Bon ran a hoof under her chin.

While Octavia had done amazingly with prices and numbers, she did lack a certain charm in the customer service area. She was never rude, but she did seem to have problems making her customers feel welcomed at times. She would only mumble answers to all of their questions, seemed tense when they handed her their bits, and she had almost gone into a panic attack over a rude patron. So if playing a little music helped, who was to say no if it kept her business together?

‘Eh… Why not?” she gave Octavia a firm, but kind stare. “But I better not hear that it affected any sales.”

Octavia beamed. “Oh it will… I mean it won’t!”

Bon Bon chuckled. “Alright, don’t stress yourself.” She smiled. “Why don’t you run up and fetch it? Then I’ll head out.”

With that, Octavia raced upstairs, and came down with her precious case.

“Alright,” Bon Bon waved off, “take care.”

“You too!” Octavia waved.

And with that, she was in charge… She was in charge, and alone.

“Breath, Octavia,” she commanded. “Breath, damn it.” She did just that. “Alright now.” She swallowed hard. “No reason to get worked up.” She started to clop her front hooves together. “Control yourself or…”

Closing her eyes, she thought back onto a moment in her young life and started to sweat…

****

“Now really, Octavia,” her mother had said, “was it so hard to just to keep your mouth shut during dinner?”

“But… But,” the filly stammered, “if I didn’t try to make conversation, you would have gotten mad.”

“Don’t back-sass me, young lady!”

Whimpering, Octavia responded, “How… How was I supposed to know the Duke of York didn’t even like to hear the mentioning of violins?” She hadn’t even wanted to say anything, but when the Duke had asked Octavia more about herself, she just didn’t have anything better to say.

“Well you should have.” Her mother scolded. “You have a lot to live up to. So I’m having you do research on all the lords of the past twenty years. And if you don’t, I’ll take that blasted away for a week, and feed you tulips. Do I make myself clear?”

Afraid more than enraged at her mother’s request, Octavia lightly answered, “Yes, mom.”

“Oh, speak up, get your posture right, and it’s ‘yes, madam’. Seriously, do I have to do everything for you?”

*****
Well she didn’t anymore. “I can do it, mother.” She pulled out her violin, positioned herself, and began to play. “Just need a little stimulation.”

****

Five minutes later, the door’s bell rang.

“Oh, um,” Octavia snapped out of her trance. She quickly put her instrument out of the way and addressed the new customer, “Welcome to…” She trailed off when she saw who it was. The same white unicorn from the day before. Staring at her with those large purple glasses and a neutral expression on her face.

Octavia glupped. “Um… Vinyl, right? What can I do for you?” She began to fidget with her hooves as Vinyl continued to stare. “Would you… like some candy?”

Vinyl didn’t say anything. Instead, she walked forward, put on a smile, and pointed at Octavia’s violin.

“Oh! I mean, yes,” she nodded, “that’s mine.”

Vinyl continued to smile and point.

Octavia blinked. “I’m terribly sorry, I’m afraid it’s not for sale.” She chuckled.

Vinyl frowned, pointed to the violin, then back to Octavia.

Octavia’s eyes widened. “Oh, you want me to play?”

Vinyl smiled and nodded.

“Well…” she looked around the room. “Maybe some other time.” She nervously began to smile. Aside from what Bon Bon had said about not getting distracted while a customer was in the shop, there was also the fact that she’d never played for anyone before. “I… I mean. I’m working now, so I really can’t—”

While she was speaking, Vinyl placed a hoof on her lips.

As Octavia’s eyes widened, Vinyl applied some magic, lifted a few bits out of a purse she was carrying, and placed them in the tip jar next to the cash register.

When Vinyl’s hoof moved away, Octavia said, “Oh, um… Well…”

Vinyl let out what sounded like a sigh. She then lowered her head and raised a hoof. Shortly after, she began to walk out of the store.

“I’m terribly sorry,” Octavia whispered, eyeing the bits. She rubbed her hooves together, then shouted, “Wait! … wouldn’t you like your money back?”

Vinyl turned around, and simply shrugged and waved a hoof off at her. As if to say, ‘it’s okay.’

Just as Vinyl opened the door, Octavia picked up her violin, and played a few notes

Vinyl didn’t respond at first. Mostly, she just stayed at the door, holding it open for no apparent reason.

“I’ve… Never actually played for anypony. At least, anypony who’s actually wanted me to play.” She could see Vinyl turning around. “Honestly, it’s just something I do to calm my nerves. I doubt I’m any good at it, you know.”

Unfazed, Vinyl walked forward, took a seat, smiled, and gestured for Octavia to play anyways.

As she did, Octavia felt a warm fire building within her. “You sure?”

Vinyl nodded eagerly.

Octavia tested out a few notes, and then looked at Vinyl. She was still sitting there and smiling.

Feeling more confident, Octavia started to play an entire number, not caring if it was bad. Having won the positive reception from the mare in front of her, Octavia gave her all into the piece. For some reason, playing at that moment felt much more fulfilling than when she was alone.

Perhaps it was because she wasn’t just playing for herself, perhaps it was because she didn’t have to worry about her mother coming home and interrupting and threatening her, or maybe it was just because someone seemed to like her talent But either way, she was loving it. The music filled, propelled, and relaxed her. She was filled with pride, energy, and she didn’t want to stop.

The door’s bell rang once again, and she did just that. “Good afternoon!” She ducked her violin under the counter and cleared her throat. “Wh… what can I get for you today?

“Actually,” the blue stallion said, “I couldn’t help but notice this place has a musician in charge.”

Octavia stopped abruptly and shrank behind the counter. “Oh! I… I didn’t mean—”

“By all means, don’t stop on my part.” He smiled.

Octavia’s face reddened. “Well, you see—”

She was cut off as a hoof touched her own. Alarmed, she looked up to see Vinyl giving her a reassuring nod of confidence.

Taking a deep breath, Octavia held her violin and looked back at the stallion. “Okay.” She looked between him and Vinyl. “Not that I haven’t been enjoying this, but I’m suppose to be—”

Vinyl gave a salute, and raced behind the counter to the register.

Octavia’s eyes widened. “I really shouldn’t—”

In another flash, Vinyl levitated a bag of chocolate toffee, placed it on the counter, showed it, weighed a pound, tapped on the register, and then levitated the right amount of bits into the register. She then glanced at the blue stallion glaring through her glass, and pointed back between her shades and him.

Octavia sighed. “You’re not going to leave, are you?”

Vinyl smiled and shook her head.

“Yes, well… What if I call—” she was cut off as the bell rang again, ushering in more ponies.

She looked at Vinyl, who continued smile. Vinyl then levitated her headphones off—a pretty expensive pair, Octavia realized—and handed them to Octavia as collateral.

Octavia moaned. “I’ll either be promoted or fired when this is over.” She looked at a few more ponies who were entering the shop, whispering about a talented new artist playing at the store.

Smiling boldly, Octavia held her bow. “Might as well go out with a smile.” The music returned to the store. More radiant than she ever thought possible.

*****

“Thanks a lot, dearie!” Mrs. Cake shouted out at Bon Bon after their business was done. “I’ll see you next week?”

“Of course, see you then!” With a smile, Bon Bon beamed at her bag of bits. While she still wasn’t sure about what she was doing with ‘her’, but having somepony to get more business done was turning into a much needed plus.

“Bonnie!” A familiar voice shouted.

“Lyra?” Bon Bon raised an eyebrow at her friend. “Is something wrong?”

Lyra paused, taking a moment to breath. “No… No.” She inhaled deeply. “I don’t think… But the shop has a large crowd of ponies outside of it!”

Bon Bon’s eyes widened. “What?!”

“Yeah. I didn’t find out why. I just heard Octavia’s name and that you weren’t there—Hey!”

“Take care of these!” Bon Bon commanded, handing Lyra the rest of her candy orders and the addresses to each. Already, she was imagining all the things that could be going wrong. “I knew I shouldn’t have left the shop alone to a…”

Lyra titled her head. “A what?”

Bon Bon looked away from her friend. “Never mind. Just take care of it!” She then raced off.

“Bonnie!” Lyra shouted out. “Bonnie!” she gritted through her teeth as she looked at the delivery list. “Well, I guess complaining won’t get this done. Now let’s see… some grape jaw breakers to one Berry Punch—“

******

“Excuse me!” Bon Bon commanded as she pushed her way through the crowd. “Pardon me. That’s my shop! I’m the owner!”

“Bon Bon?”

Bon Bon halted to look above her head. “Oh, hello Derpy. What’s going on?”

The pegasus known as Derpy smiled as she munched on some toffees. “Oh, didn’t you know? A new mare was hired in the shop to play some music.” She munched on some more candy. “A really talented girl. You should check her out and buy some sweets.”

Bon Bon frowned. “I know, it’s my store!” It was then that she noticed the music that filled the air. Indeed, it was rather good. Full of energy and passion. Perhaps not the best version done by a solo instrument, but she could see why there was a crowd for it.

“Wait, if Octavia is playing her violin…” her eyes widened. “Who’s keeping an eye on my cash register!?”

“Oh, that mute unicorn DJ.” Derpy casually answered. “What was her name again?”

Bon Bon’s eyes narrowed. “Octavia!”

Derpy rubbed her chin. “No, that’s the name of the one playing the music."

Bon Bon shook her head and started to push through the crowd. “Move! Out of the way! You better have paid for that!”

“Hey, watch it, lady!”

“I own the place, so move!”

After a bit of a struggle, she made it inside. Only to see most of the walls barren. With half the ponies in a line at the register, while the other half watched Octavia playing.

Bon Bon stared at the scene in bewilderment. “Well I’ll be…” she then recognized who was working the register.

“Hey, hey!” she shouted, pushing her way to behind the counter towards Vinyl. “What do you think—?”

A white hoof pressed itself against her muzzle.

“Mph%*#&@!” Bon Bon protested, eyes firey.

Vinyl lifted her other front hoof to her own lip and blew. Then, she pointed to Octavia, who was in a trance, entering the climax of her number.

Bon Bon swatted the hoof away. “I could have you—”

Vinyl then tapped lightly on the register, and the bits that had been crammed inside fell into a large box—threatening to overflow with bit’s itself—Vinyl had placed on the floor just for that purpose. Next, she pointed to the tip jar next to Octavia, already quite full. Then, as an act of goodwill, she held the purse she had been carrying upside down and turned it inside out.

“You still shouldn’t have—”

Vinyl then made a salute, and walked away from the register into the crowd. Leaving Bon Bon baffled as Octavia reached the end of her number.

*****

Octavia gave it her all in the final notes. She stroked her violin a few more times, going so far as to even stand on the counter, just to give everypony (herself included) the ending they all deserved. She finished her final note, and allowed herself to breath.

As blood began to return to the rest of her brain, she brought her chin up to see all the ponies cheering and smiling at her. She was on top of the world. That was until she turned to look for Vinyl, only to see Bon Bon giving her a stink eye.

“Oh.” She said coming down from the counter to greet her boss.

Bon Bon crossed her hooves. “‘Oh’ is right.”

Octavia shuffled her hooves. “To be fair, she wouldn’t take no for an answer, and she left these as collateral.” Octavia held up the headphones.

“Hey, can I pay for another show?” The next stallion at the register asked.

“Yeah, and play something by Countess Coloratura next!”

Bon Bon gave Octavia a reassuring smile as she eyed the bits on the ground. “We’ll talk about it later. For now, hurry on back and get some more candy. Bring all you can, and I’ll decide what piece you play next.”

Octavia blinked. “You mean it?”

Bon Bon chuckled. “Yes. Now get moving! We got customers to please.”

Eager to please, Octavia raced off, but not without wondering where Vinyl had run off to.

*****

“Okay,” Bon Bon said as they closed the candy shop. “It looks like all the candy were paid for.”

Octavia exhaled. “Oh, I’m glad.”

“Although,” Bon Bon said, “ it seems as if we have more bits here than we should.”

Octavia’s ears fell back. “Oh.”

Bon Bon grinned. “Well, I’m sure it just leaked out of your tip jar, so I’ll just add it to your pay.”

Octavia’s head shot up. “You really don’t—”

“Oh come on. Have you seen this place?” Bon Bon cheered, pointing to all the empty shelves that had candy on them less than an hour ago. “You just sold out the entire stock I had expected would last a month in only a few hours!” Her face then flattened. “Letting some random pony run the register would get you fired at most places. But since she was a well known local and didn’t steal anything, I’ll let you off with a warning.”

Octavia’s eyes closed. “Oh thank you.”

“Yeah, well, from now on, you can play during hours. Just make sure Lyra or I are here.”

Octavia relaxed at her friend's warm smile. “Sounds like a plan.”

“Okay then.” Bon Bon then pulled out a bag of bits and the headphones. “One last thing, would you mind taking these to your new friend?”

“Friend? I…” she blinked a few times. “You mean Vinyl?”

“No, I mean Princess Celestia.”

Octavia scratched her chin. “But I haven’t met the princess yet.”

Bon Bon laughed, and Octavia quickly caught on to the sarcasm. “Oh, um, right, hehe. Although, I don’t know where she lives. And why are you giving me her money? I thought you said not to trust her.”

“No,” Bon Bon shook her head. “I said that you should not let random ponies run the register.” She jingled the bag, “Besides, aside from the headphones, I calculated that she worked here for an hour, so by law, I’m required to give her an hour’s pay.”

“Alright.” Octavia took the bag. “But I still don’t know where she lives.”

“I happen to,” she handed Octavia a small card with an address written on it. “After that, you can have the rest of the day off. Go do whatever you want.”

Octavia tiltedher head. “Really? It’s not even three.”

“Oh, I insist. You’ve earned it. Besides, it’s going to take awhile to restock the shelves.” She placed a hoof on Octavia’s back. “Just be home by eight.”

Octavia flinched.

Bon Bon reeled back. “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean—”

“No! You were just being funny. No harm done, mom.” She stuck out her tongue.

Bon Bon laughed along. “Alright. Oh, and here,” she handed Octavia a larger bag of bits. “A whole day’s pay to have fun with.”

Octavia’s eyes widened. This was what most ponies made in one day?

“Oh, that’s your day’s pay with your tips. Now get going.”

Octavia nodded. “Alright.” But not before she sorted through the money and only took what she thought she would need.

“Maybe you can take that white mare out on a date.” Bon Bon smirked

Octavia’s narrowed her eyes. “Oh please.” She then held her head up and walked outside.

Even though Bon Bon was starting to worry about what she had just implied, she had other things to deal with. The bell rang, and a bruised and huffing Lyra walked in.

“Oh, um… Lyra… what happened?”

Lyra’s eye twitched. “One of your customers who lives in the Everfree happened!” She then noticed the store. “What happened to all the candy?”

Author's Note

So while I have a few ideas of what song Octavia played, I like to think she did attack on titian. But what do you think would have been a better choice?

chapter 4, this is home?

“How did I miss that?” Octavia squeaked as she looked at the place the silent unicorn called ‘home’.

It was a one story cottage, painted half in a normal house brown color, while the other, was a bright purple. Going right down the middle, ending at the door.

“Huh,” she approached the front door and lightly tapped on it. After about ten seconds of no response, she knocked again and the door opened immediately.

Vinyl answered, her face inexpressive as always. When she saw Octavia outside her door, she gave her an unusually wide smile.

Octavia gulped. “Um, hi. Vinyl Scratch, right?”

Vinyl nodded.

“Yes, well,” she pulled out the headphones. “You left these at the store.”

Beaming, Vinyl levitated them out of Octavia’s hoof and placed them around her neck.

“Bon Bon also wanted me to pay you for the time you worked in the shop.” She searched through her bag till she pulled out the bag of bits and held it out. “Here.”

Vinyl’s face fell flat as she looked at the bag. She reached forward, touched the bag, and pushed it back.

Octavia’s eyes widened. “No, please, you’ve earned it.” She pushed the pouch forward.

Vinyl pushed it back towards Octavia.

“Oh please take it.” Octavia shoved it forward.

Vinyl pushed it back.

Octavia pushed the pouch forward and glared. “You know you could have gotten me into trouble today?”

Vinyl smirked and pushed the pouch back.

“So just take it and we can leave this behind us!” Octavia put more force into the push.

Grinning, Vinyl pushed back with more force.

Octavia's eyes narrowed. “Why, you…” She closed her eyes. “Fine.” With that she pulled back the pouch. “You win.”

Vinyl frowned and raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, clearly there is nothing I can do—” Bag in her mouth, she then flung the pouch over Vinyl’s head and into her house. Victory, until Vinyl caught it with her magic, and levitated it back into Octavia’s hoof.

Octavia fell on her hunches and screamed in anger.

Vinyl, meanwhile, was laughing as loud as she could at the spectacle. Banging her hoof on the doorframe while wiping away a tear.

Octavia looked up and shook her head. “Oh you insufferable—”

Vinyl placed a hoof on Octavia’s chin. Then, with a smile, she levitated the pouch onto a nearby table in her house.

Rubbing her eyes a few times, Octavia tried to maintain an annoyed posture. But as frustrating as it was, she had found their little act amusing.

“In any case,” Octavia said, clearing her throat, “I never got a chance to thank you.” She turned her head away. “I’ve never played in front of anypony before.I did not realize it could feel so… so…” she looked t Vinyl, who only smiled . “Yes, I suppose just that.”

Vinyl then scooted aside, gesturing to the inside of her home

octavia realized she had say, and a whole day to do whatever she wanted, and nothing else she really wanted to do as she looked past Vinyl. “Oh! Um… I’ve never done this before, but…” Her breathing started to become irregular.

Vinyl frowned, before Octavia answered. “You sure? Wouldn’t want to intrude if you were in the middle of something.”

Vinyl smiled and shook her head, gesturing towards her home again.

“Well… Alright then.”

Vinyl beamed as Octavia made her way inside.

Just as the outside was split down the middle, the inside seemed much more so. Apart from one half of the house being painted grey while the other was purple, it seemed as if half the house was fighting to be neat and organized, while the other half wanted nothing more than chaos.

Pizza boxes, socks, hayburger bags and music sheets littered the floor and counters. Although, if one looked closely, one could see the order in the mess. It seemed as if each of the piles of trash had its reason to why it should have been somewhere. As when Octavia leaned in, she saw a few of the trash had scribbles and music notes on them.

Curious, Octavia reached out a hoof to touch them. Before she could, Vinyl rushed in and pushed her hoof away.

“Sorry!” Octavia shrieked, backing away.

Vinyl’s glare turned into a frown and she lowered her head.

Octavia sighed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb.”

Vinyl held up a hoof, raised her head and smiled. She then lit up her horn and cleared a large spot in the grey portion of the house.

“Why… Thank you.” Octavia took a seat. “I must say, you have a nice place.”

Vinyl shrugged and made her way to the fridge.

Octavia ran a hoof behind her mane. “I mean, it’s not bad. It’s just…” she looked around the house, trying to find the right word.

“Different?”

Octavia shot up at the voice. She looked around a bit, then figured it came from Vinyl. “Oh, um why yes—” It didn’t sound at all how she had imagined it for some reason. It sounded much softer for one, and didn’t seem to have as much enthusiasm as Vinyl showcased most of the time.

Vinyl walked over and smiled, carrying a bowl of carrots.

Octavia blinked as the carrots were placed in front of her. Expecting Vinyl to say something else, she just sat there in silence. After a bit of no responses, as Vinyl began to frown, Octavia gave a weak smile and reached for a few carrots.

Vinyl grinned and Octavia smiled.

“So… Um—” Octavia started.

“Not mare?”

Octavia choked on a carrot. “Excuse me?”

Vinyl’s eyes widened through her shades.

Octavia began to feel her stomach tense as her breathing returned to normal. “I’m… I’m okay. But what was that about?

Giving a worried look, Vinyl pointed towards Octavia’s neck. Or more accurately, her bowtie. “Not mare?”

Octavia looked down at her bow. “Oh, why yes.” She chuckled. “It… It is. Not a lot of mares wear bow ties, I suppose.” She rubbed her neck and looked up at Vinyl. “You’re one to talk, with your set up.”

Octavia was worried for a second that she might have been rude with that. However, a reassuring smile allowed her mind to be at ease.

Grinning, Vinyl rubbed her glasses, then said, “Personal.”

Looking down to smile, Octavia held onto her bowtie. “Yes. Both this tie and my violin do have strong bonds with me.”

She looked up to see Vinyl tilting her head.

Octavia looked away. “Of course, it’s a rather boring story.”

Somehow, Vinyl could read her mind. “Another time?”

Octavia turned to face her and blinked. “I… Yes, if that is alright.”

Vinyl pointed to her glasses. “E… Emotional too.”

Octavia chuckled. “We do seem to have a lot in common, don’t we?”

Vinyl looked down, then muttered, “Different too?”

Octavia didn’t respond right away. Mostly because it took her awhile to figure out that Vinyl meant it as a question, directed at herself. Which at first, greatly offended her.

She was going to say something, when she noticed how fearful the pony in front of her looked.

*****

The little filly sat outside a doctor’s office in an empty waiting room—a special request of her mother—humming to the music playing on the speakers as her hooves tapped in rhythm on the table.

“What do you mean by her being different?” Her mother’s voice took her out of her musical trance for a moment, before her naive-self continued to hum, tap, and now rock to the music. She would learn some more details of their conversation in the years to come, but for now, all she cared about was the lovely music.

She could never understand why her mother seemed to dislike it when she tried to enjoy it. Music was fun, it made her happy. Was that so wrong?

“Well, I will do whatever I please,” her mother’s shouting started to amplify, “and if any of this gets out to the public, I promise, you will not even be able to find a job cleaning out gutters when I am through with you.” The mare then stormed out of the room and glared at Octavia. “It must have been that stupid mule’s fault. Come on,” she ushered her daughter away.

Octavia protested as the song was only half done.

“You stop that right now! You are not going to ruin my life by being a freak after all I had to do to get where I am. Do you hear that, young lady?”

Octavia winced in her mother’s grasp, but continued to fuss.

Irritated, the older mare noticed a vase of tulips nearby. “Hm, perhaps the allergies could be more of a blessing out of this trip…”

*****

Octavia hadn’t even noticed that she was crying. But somewhere through her flashback, Vinyl had walked over to her and wrapped a foreleg around her back.

She flinched at the touch, but as Vinyl’s hoof began to move, she allowed herself to cry onto Vinyl’s coat. All the while, Vinyl didn’t say a word.

*****

Sometime later, Octavia pulled away and hiccuped. “Sor… Sorry.” She wiped a tear. “Didn’t mean to go off like that.” She breathed through her nose. “I must have looked rather silly.”

Vinyl pulled away and shook her head. “No.”

Octavia smiled widely.

“You happy? Happy now?”

Octavia blinked. “Um… I guess I am.” She rubbed her elbow. “Haven’t really felt this good in a while.” She chuckled. “The only thing that comes close is playing my violin.”

Vinyl nodded. “Music’s good.”

Octavia rubbed her head. “Yes, it’s a magical thing.” She looked around and frowned. “Didn’t think I needed bring it though.” She looked at Vinyl and reddened. “I could’ve played you something. I mean, only if you wanted me to.”

Vinyl rubbed her chin, then suddenly threw her hoof into the air and raced into the depths of the house.

Octavia started to wonder where Vinyl had run off to, until she heard the mare start to huff.

Vinyl then slowly returned to the room, dragging a rather dusty, but otherwise new looking cello.

Octavia blinked as Vinyl turned to face her.

“Not violin.” Vinyl smirked. “But…Close, right?”

Octavia titled her head. “Well…” she blinked. “Wait, why do you have a rather new looking cello?”

Vinyl shrugged. “Discount sales.”

“Ah.” Octavia nodded. “You still haven’t explained why you have one.” She slumped in her seat. “Not that I think you wouldn't be into more classical stuff.” She looked at Vinyl’s mixing board on the other side of the house and her headphones. “I mean, I like pop stuff as well, you know.”

Vinyl levitated the cello over to Octavia, then levitated a dusty book on learning how to play new instruments and smiled. “Try new things.”

“Um,” her stomach started to settle as Vinyl smiled warmly at her.

Vinyl levitated the cello and flipped the book open to the part on the cello. “Not Violin, but try?”

Octavia blinked and looked at the Cello in her hooves. “Huh, well, I’ve only had a chance to try one of these once.” Could never get one past my mother. “Still, as much as I've wanted to, I could never—”

Vinyl waved her hoof, and gestured for Octavia to try.

With a sigh, Octavia looked at the book a few times. Which didn’t seem too different from the one she had to acquire to self-teach herself to play the violin, and with that, tested out a few notes. For a first try, it wasn’t half bad, but it wasn’t half horrible either. While different, it did just feel like a larger Violin. Sure, her lack of actually playing one left her first few tries sounding rather cringey.

“Ugh,” she moaned after several more minutes of her and Vinyl trying to work it out. “Never had this much trouble with my violin.” even though it took her months to sound decent when she first played. Octavia then slouched in her seat as Vinyl looked at her worriedly. “Maybe we should just give up?”

Vinyl gave a cheeky grin, then pointed to the book again.

Octavia rubbed her chin and flipped a few pages over. “Huh,” she strummed a few more strings and cringed. “Any better?”

Vinyl widely grinned and lowered her shoulders.

Octavia huffed. “You don’t need to lie, you know.”

Vinyl frowned and rubbed her shoulder. She then snapped her hooves and stood behind Octavia.

“What are you—” she squeaked as Vinyl began to touch and move around her arms around.

After a bit, she found herself holding the cello in a different position. Vinyl backed away, and gestured for Octavia to try again.

Blushing a bit, and finding herself holding the cello in a more comfortable position. Sure enough, the notes sounded a lot clear.

That’s more like it!” she smiled and experimented more. Each time, Vinyl cringed less and smile brightened.

*****

For the next couple of hour, the two just tried to find out how much Octavia could learn to play with the cello instead of violin. It could have sounded like dying cats, yet both would have thought it be a piece by Neighthoveen.

Even if she sounded like a pony just learning to play, Octavia was feeling on top of the world. laying in front of a crowd was one thing, but this new experience was on a level she was sure only a place like heaven could match. Time and space no longer mattered to her. Each beat allowed her to soar higher, each smile of improvement from Vinyl caused Octavia—

Vinyl frowned and cut her off.

Octavia blinked several time. “Wha…” her ears lowered back. “Why did you—”

Vinyl pointed out the window.

Octavia turned to see that it had become night outside.

“Oh my… Have we really been trying to play this thing for that long?” A rumble, followed by a twinge of pain in her groin confirmed this. “Right.” She looked pleadingly to Vinyl. “May I—”

Vinyl pointed down one of her hallways.

However, as Octavia’s stress melted away, her eyes couldn’t help but notice a carving on the side of the mirror, with the letters: V.S. & L. Z., circled with a heart.

Some hoofbeats outside the door told her Vinyl was on the other side, just as eager to go as she was. “Terribly sorry!” she shouted as Vinyl rushed in.

Breathing in slowly, she trotted back into the house, eyes locked on the cello. She made her way towards it, and smiled.

A flush later, Vinyl emerged from the bathroom and made her way over to Octavia, glancing back and forth between her and the cello.

“Well,” Octavia muttered, “that was… Very pleasant. Thank you.”

Vinyl smiled back.

Both mare stood there.

After a small while, both felt like a hug was in order, though neither mare seemed eager to close that distance.

“Um,” Octavia broke the silence, “I should get going.”

“No dinner?” Vinyl muttered.

Octavia blinked. “Oh, um… I mean,” she shook her head, “No, I should get going. I promised Bon Bon I would be home before eight.” she stopped halfway out the door. “Don’t suppose you’d be free to do this again.” she eyed the instrument. “I’m now determined to get that one note right.

Vinyl nodded, “Okay.”

Octavia warmly smiled. Starting to trot off again, Octavia sighed and quickly embraced her new friend.

Vinyl flinched, but eagerly returned it.

They broke apart, seeing each other’s faces had reddened, Octavia sputtered, “Well, I’ll see you around.”

As Octavia headed out the door, the sound of magic echoed throughout the house, as a pamphlet was levitated to her side.

She looked at the pamphlet that read, ‘The rave,’ then back to Vinyl who spoke, “Free tomorrow?”

“Um… do you want to,” her hooves began to shuffle, “hang out at this… Rave?”

Vinyl shook her head.

“Oh, um…” she looked at the pamphlet again, and noticed what looked like disco balls. “Oh, that’s when you,” she looked at the mixing board, “Play?”

Vinyl rapidly nodded.

“And you want me to come watch you play?”

Vinyl’s beamed as her head nodded faster.

“Well,” she tried to act posed on it, “I’d love to.” She gave Vinyl a warm smile before her eyes widened. “I really have to go. But I mean it, I had a great time. I’ll see you around.” She then trotted off, but couldn’t stop herself from looking back to Vinyl’s house, and kept seeing Vinyl smiling at her the whole time she walked off.

The best part was, she didn’t feel weirder out by it. If anything, Octavia felt saddened once Vinyl was no longer in view.

****

Meanwhile, back in Trottingham.

A dark yellow mare levitated another bottle of wine to her lips as she laid sprawled of the studies arm chair while the fire place burned brightly.

“That… that arrogant *hiccup* brat.” She guzzled down a good portion of the bottle. “To think, after all I have *hiccup* done for her, she would make a fool of me! *Hiccup*.” With the bottle a quarter empty, she threw it towards the fire. “Well… no dam *hiccup* mud pony will make me a fool. I *hiccup* could do without that other *hiccup* mud pony of a husband to get where I am. I’m… I’m sure I can find a way *hiccup* to make it go all away. I’ll… I will show Mo.. Mother, I can be a—”

There was a knock on the door.

“Oh for the love of,” she flared her horn and applied a sober spell to herself as stumbled to the door looking somewhat professional. She then inhaled and exhaled before she saw the detective outside.

The stallion bowed. “Your—”

“Spare me and say that you actually have found my dear daughter by now.” She rubbed her nose and tried to put a little more magic while being discreet about it into her body. “She is not intelligent enough to outsmart the entire Trottingham yard!”

The detective resisted the urge to roll his eyes as he smelled the alcohol, and knew all too well how to tell when a pony tried to apply a sober spell. “Not yet.” He rose up to face her. “But we believe to have a solid lead.”

Octavia’s mother flashed the ponies in front of her one of the most villainous grins they could never have dreamed of.

[/b.

Author's Note

so yes, this took way longer than i'd like (originally was going to be where i had a short hiatus for this fic, but a few internal conflicts across that required my attention) along with some disagreements with my pre-readers on a few choices, including having Octavia originally just know how to play the cello. In fact, may edit this chapter later, but i'll see what i can't do for a few more chapters in a week or two.
ANYWAYS, on another quick note, for those of you who fallowed me for awhile, then yes, I am going the route. However, if i’ll be saying this out loud or just be left to interpret is up in the air.
Either way, sorry for the delays, but thanks for the support these past two months.
Also, switching to teen theme just to be safe, maybe add somewhat a dark tag? Not sure yet, but things are about to get crazy with Octavia's mother.

Chapter 5, The Rave

Author's Note

Better late than never. Going to try to crank out a lot of stuff for national writing month. May not make a new chapter everyday, but i'll do my best. also, unless anyone steps forward, these are without pre-readers, may come back to this later, so sorry if these next few chapters are a little sloppy. I'll still do what i can to make it worth your time.

Chapter 5, The Rave

“She still at it?” Lyra asked the next morning as she made her way to the dining room, speaking over Octavia’s violin.

Bon Bon sighed. “Yup. Least it was a soothing way to wake up to.” As she said it, the tempo began to pick up.

Lyra chuckled while the house jiggled at the tune. “She sure sounds like she’s in a good mood.”

Bon Bon set her breakfest onto the table. “Yeah…”

“Guess she had a good time with Vinyl yesterday?”

Bon Bon raised an eyebrow, then shook her head. “Well, I—” the music stopped playing. “I was worried she’d be late for work.”

Lyra shook her head. “Oh, Bon Bon.”

“What’s that suppose to mean?”

Before Lyra could answer, Octavia walked into the kitchen, humming the song she had just played. “Oh…” she blinked upon seeing her friends looking at her. “Sorry, was my music troublesome?”

“Not at all.” Lyra beamed. “Seems to put you into a great mood.”

Octavia sighed happily. “Yes indeed.”

Lyra smirked. “Your date with Vinyl go well?”

Octavia nodded and smiled. “Yes…” Her eyes shot open. “Wait, what?!”

Lyra burst out laughing while Bon Bon slapped her head. “Relax, just messing with ya.” When Octavia didn’t respond and look away, Lyra caught a hint of red on her cheeks. “Oh my…” She beamed. “Oh!” she squeed. “do you—”

“That’s enough, Lyra!” Bon Bon cut off as she nudged her friend away from the table. “She doesn’t need to talk about it if she doesn't’ want to! So why don’t you go… Do something! I forgot to get the paper, go get it!”

“But I hadn’t—” she was cut off when Bon Bon pushed her out of the room.

Once done, she let out a heavy sigh, then addressed a wide eyed Octavia. “Sorry about her.”

Having been giving a second to breath, Octavia regained her composure. “It is alright. Though, I am surprised that you two are such close friends.”

“Um…” she shook her head. “Childhood friend thing.” She fidgeted with her coffee mug. “Having her stick up for me when I first got braces as a filly doesn’t hurt either.”

Octavia shot her a sympotic look. “Oh.”

Bon Bon put on a half smile. “So what did you and Vinyl do yesterday?”

“No kissing then?” Lyra butted in as she walked in with the paper. “What? Hadn’t had breakfast.” She was slid a plate. “Of course, who could forget that one time that spoiled colt ask me on a date, and you comforted me after the set up.”

Bon Bon blushed. “Yes, we all have our tragic foalhoods.”

If only you know. Octavia shook her head. “Well… We learned how to play the cello. Oh!” She then pulled out the flyer Vinyl had given her. “she invited me to this tonight.”

The mares looked at the flyer.

“The Rave?” Bon Bon questioned. “Have you ever been in a club?”

Octavia crossed her hooves. “Well I—”

“What makes you think she hasn’t?” Lyra asked.

Octavia looked up and began to work on her own breakfast.

Bon Bon began to nervously look away. “Well, I…” she blinked. “Nevermind. Though, it is going to be very loud and crowded.”

Octavia gulped. “Crowded?”

Lyra chuckled. “Seriously, you her mom or something?”

Bon Bon held up her chin. “It was only a question.”

Bon Bon finished her bite and wiped her face. “Well… Okay, saying it out loud, I am a little, uneasy, with crowds.” She went back to her meal. “I don’t suppose you two would want to accommodate me?” before she could answer, she noticed Lyra staring at her hooves. “Something wrong, Lyra?”

Lyra jolted up. “Wha… I mean…” She scratched her neck. “ Sorry, I’ve just never seen anypony eat that way.”

Octavia’s eyes shot open as she looked down at the eggs she had been cutting. “O… Oh?” she felt sweat start to form. “How… how so?”

Lyra shrugged. “I mean, it’s not a problem. Though, it’s just a—”

“Aren’t you late?” Bon Bon inquired?

Lyra glanced at the clock. “geez, I am!” she leapt from the table. “But sure, I’ll join ya for a little clubbing tonight. Later!”

Bon Bon shock her head, then nervously looked to Octavia. “So what times the show? Maybe getting out wouldn’t hurt.”

Octavia placed another bit of food into her mouth while smiling.

*****

Octavia looked into the mirror and frowned.

What was she thinking? Sure she could socialize, but the thought of ‘hanging out’ brought forth some unpleasant memories. Most of which involved her when she just wanted some alone time. However, as she twiddled with the brush, there was that one time as a foal…

*****

“...Um, okay.” filly Octavia said as she backed away from the uninterested foals at the playground. Not that she minded since they were the typical stuck upper class you’d expect from her private school.

What she did mind, was when a familiar voice shouted at her, “Octavia!”

Octavia flinched, and saw her mother near the edge of the playground.

Sulking, Octavia made her way towards her. “Y… Yes, mum.”

“Stand up, young lady.”

Octavia obeyed.

“Now, did i just see you reject by those foals.”

Her mother had lead her a distance away where they couldn’t be heard by most of the school. “Ye… Yes, but… I tried to befriend them like you’d wan—”

“It is, you had! A proper lady can spend the time saying full words.”

Octavia glupped. “Yes of course… mother.”

Her mother groaned and rubbed her head. “That on colt in particular had such strong influence.” She grabbed octavia’s hoof and pulled her away. “We will have to spend hours to make sure you don’t mess up and win their favor next time. He may have a birthday party–”

“But I don’t wanna!” Octavia shrieked over the hard grip.

Her mother let go of her hoof, only to bring it to her face. “It is, do not, DO NOT! You are a real embarrassment to my name, you know!”

*****

Octavia found herself chuckling all of the sudden. “Embarrassment, huh? Well, mom, how embarrassed must you feel now?” As wrong as it felt, it brought her the confidence she needed when Lyra shouted up,

“Hey, Octie, you about ready?”

Breathing a sigh, Octavia set hairbrush down. “Be right there!” She looked to the mirror. “Well, mom, at least I… didn’t, screw up with these friends.”

*****

“Sure you’re okay?” Bon Bon asked again as they took another step forward in the line.

Between breaths, Octavia answered. “Course I am.”

“Same here, mom.” Lyra added.

Truth be told, it had become more of the wait that was making Octavia nervous rather than the tumbling music that echoed off the walls they were lined against. That still didn’t make the crowds any less intimidating. It was made all the unpleasant when she was sure a stallion had purposely bumped his rear into her’s.

‘Think of it like this.’ Octavia would tell herself. ‘At least this is an event you actually chose to go to.’ She glanced back at Bon Bon anxiously looking around. “You sure you want to be here, Bon Bon?”

“Of course. I mean,” she pulled Lyra into a hug, “always looking for fun with my best friend.”

“Speaking of,” Lyra looked forward.

Octavia followed her gaze to where Vinyl looking up and down the lines, till her own gazed fixed on her own.

In a flash, Vinyl wrapped her hooves around octavia, causing the hugged mare to squeak.

“Came!” Vinyl giggled.

Lyra’s eyes widened. “Whoa. You made her speak. Nice.”

Vinyl pulled away and started to frown.

“Oh, I mean,” Lyra’s ears feel back, “sorry. Didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

Vinyl waved it off and motioned toward the club.

Octavia took in a deep breath. “Well, ladies, shall we.”

Bon Bon gave a slight nod. “sure thing.”

“Lead the way!”

Vinyl grinned.

*****

It was only 7:10 when they entered, twenty minutes before Vinyle went on stage. Although, the place was already rather crowded and loud with ponies on the dance floor. However, most had made themselves comfortable at the bar or tables as they waited for the real show to begin.

Octavia, had never felt so nervous and yet as excited as she had in that moment. She’d always dream of going out on the town, have some fun with friends—real fun—but she had underestimated just how chaotic such and establishment she had wanted to go to could be.

Luckily for her, Vinyl seemed to catch on and gently placed a hoof on Octavia’s back. She smiled, and nodded to a more closed off area near the DJ stand guarded by a rope. She walked over, levitated the rope up, and curtsied the mares inside.

“Why thank you.” Octavia bowed.

Bon Bon shook her head as she and Lyra followed behind. As soon as they took their seats at the private booth, a waiter levitated some menus.

“Hey, Vinyl, see you brought some friends tonight.” He showed his teeth towards octavia. “A rather attractive bunch if I might add.”

Vinyl glared through her glasses.

The stallion backed up. “Right, right, sorry. Anyways, can I get you your usually?”

Vinyl smile and nodded.

“Excellent. And your friends?”

“Whatever your special is.” Lyra said.

“Long island.” Bon Bon replied.

Hesitantly, sure this place didn’t have the fancy stuff she had had, Octavia muttered, “Um… Whatever is good, I guess.”

The stallion raised an eyebrow.

“Just give her an island too!” Bon Bon cut it.

He shrugged. “coming up. He was about to head off, before Vinyl caught him in her magic and gestured towards Octavia. “Ah, sure thing.” He then trotted off.

Octavia raised an eyebrow. “what did you order me.”

Vinyl placed a hoof on Octavia’s shoulder. “Relax.” She smiled. “Fun time.”

Octavia took in a deep breath. “But of course.” She slowly smiled. “This is suppose to be a—“ The music changed to a loud sound. “Fun!” Her eyes twitched, she felt Bon Bon Put her hooves behind her back.

“Easy there,” Bon Bon said. “W e haven’t even gotten our drinks yet.”

Octavia nodded as her ears adjusted to the music. “Of course.”

They then sat there at the table, with only Lyra speaking a word or two, asking how Vinyl was, only to have Vinyl nod or shake her head. Octavia, merely sat in place as she used her hooves to draw circles onto the table until their drinks arrived.

“Thank you.” Lyra nodded as she chugged half her drink down.

Octavia nervously chuckled as she took her first sips. While it wasn’t the first time she had a drink, the lower quality from what was served at all the parties her mother forced her to go to made her gag.

Bon Bon’s eyes widened. “You—”

Octavia held up a hoof. “Tis’s fine.” She breathed. “Just different from…” She bite her lip. “From non-alcoholic drinks.”

Lyra and Vinyl gave her a confused look as Bon Bon lowered her eyes. “Right.”

Licking her lips, and taking another drink, Octavia muttered, “But it does have a good after taste.”

She smiled and drank the rest of the drink.

Lyra nervously chuckled. “So, Octavia, why don’t you tell us more about yourself?

Octavia turned her head. “Well… Can I get another drink?” another beer was placed besides her.” Thank you.” She drank down more than half of it.

“I thought you said you never drank before?” Lyra questioned.

Octavia wiped her muzzle. “Oh, I meant… Not as causal.” She hiccuped and smiled.

Vinyl gave a half smile, and was about to say something when a tall stallion tapped her shoulder. “You're needed for some check ups.”

Vinyl frowned. “Now?”

“Sorry, there was a complication.” He looked to her friends. “It shouldn’t take long.”

Vinyl sighed. She then got up and looked to her friends and saluted. Then headed upstage as octavia began to fidget in her seat. Her ease was lifted when she asked for another drink.

*****

Five minutes and drinks later, any fears Octavia had were long gone out the window. Watching Vinyl play her music on the soundboard, having Lyra to laugh with while Bon Bon, while reluctant to, was slowly starting to ease up. That was until, three more drinks, Octavia suggested they hit the dance floor.

“Huh?” Bon Bon blinked, sure they were just talking about different music styles.

“Why yes,” Octavia said, a little giggly, “I mean,” her body rocked, “They look like they’re having fun, we’re having fun, let’s, um… how do they say?... Boogie it up? Think Vinyl is going to be a bit.”

Bon Bon reached a hoof out. “Maybe we should let the drinks settle—”

Octavia slapped a hoof away. “I… I don’t need you to tell me what to do, mom!” Octavia blinked and pedaled back as her words worked on Bon Bon’s face. “I didn’t…” she shook her head. “maybe, but…” she glanced up at Vinyl jamming it up and blushed. “Maybe I will wait until I can glance with Vinyl.”

Lyra giggled. “So you do like her?”

With the alcohol in her blood, she started to sob as locked up emotions were starting to surface. “Oh who am I kidding!” she banged her hoof on the table and swiped another drink. “I do like mares!” She raised said hoof into the air. “I’m not going to marry that poor excuse of a stallion, you hear!”

“Okay…” Bon Bon as she pulled Octavia down. “How about we get some air.”

Lyra sank in her seat. “What did I do?”

“Don’t worry about it, Lyra, Octavia!” she grunted as tried to pull Octavia.

“Oh… stop, I don’t… *hiccup*, Need—”

Frowning, Bon Bon pulled octavia away faster than ponies could stare at them.

“What’s the idea!” Octavia scolded as Bon Bon lead her to a clear hallway where the music only echoed off the walls.. “You dare inter… Interrupting my one night of fun, you mer-peasant!” Her eyes widened as the woods left her mouth. “I mean…”

“Oh give it a rest, princess.”

chapter 6, Royalties

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter two; welcome to Ponyville

“Come on now,” Octavia felt somepony nudge her.

Octavia groaned. “Ugh, yes mother. Whatever you…” She shot open her eyes once she realized she had fallen asleep on the train. “On no, oh no, oh no!” she cried, and began to frantically search for her things.

“Relax,” Bon Bon assured, “We’re here. And I kept an eye on your stuff.”

Composing herself, Octavia looked at her precious violin case. Feeling to her side, her money was also softly nestled right where it had been before he fell asleep. “Oh...” She looked sheepishly at her new friend. “Um… Thank you.”

Bon Bon ran a reassuring hoof across her back. “I get it. But don’t worry, you’re in good hooves. Now come on, you don’t want to miss our stop.”

Octavia nodded. “Of course.” She then retrieved the rest of her luggage, and followed Bon Bon off the train. “Guess I shouldn’t have expected to stay awake the whole night.”

“I give you points for trying.”

Octavia shook her head and chuckled. “I’m lucky you didn’t turn out to be some vandal in disguise just waiting to rob me blind.”

Bon Bon nervously chuckled. “Yeah. Wouldn’t that have been unfortunate?”

Any suspicious activity Bon Bon might have been expressing was interrupted when a sea green unicorn slammed into the mare.

“Bonnie!” The green mare squeed, only giving Octavia enough time to avoid being tackled in the recoil Bon Bon faced.

“Geez, Lyra,” Bon Bon said, nuzzling back, “it’s as if I was gone for a month!”

Lyra pouted, “Anytime without your best friend is lonely.”

Bon Bon rolled her eyes and pulled away from the hug, her smile never faltering.

“Charming.” Octavia muttered

Lyra looked over Bon Bon to see Octavia. “You picked up a new bestie on your trip?”

Bon Bon’s eyes widened. “Oh, um, no! We just met on the train and realized we had the same destination. Lyra, this is Octavia. Octavia, Lyra.”

“Oh,” Lyra giggled, pulling Octavia into a tight hug, “I do like the presents Bonnie brings back for me.”

“Wha?!” Octavia squeaked as the train began to whistle, face flustered red. While the mare in question made Octavia nervous, seeing as how trusting Bon Bon was to Lyra, she allowed her the same amount of trust and hugged back.

“Ignore her,” Bon Bon assured, pulling her friends apart. “Anyways,” she said as they walked off the platform, “what are you going to do now?”

“Well… Um,” she had somewhat thought about it in her escape, but now that she knew a few locals she could ask for places with some good prices to start off with. “I don’t really have any place in mind.”

Lyra gasped. “What?! You’re just going to sleep on the street?”

“Of course not! I mean… I have a few bits to get by till I can figure some kind of career out. Until then, do you ladies know of any place where I can get a room for cheap?”

Bon Bon glanced back and forth between her two friends. “Well, actually, we have a spare room… and I was thinking about getting some more help for my sweet shop!”

Lyra blinked. “You are? What about me?!”

Octavia was just as perplexed. “What, I mean… I’d love the job offer, but I couldn’t possibly take up your space. I don’t have a lot of bits on me.”

Bon Bon held up a hoof to the both of them. “First off, Lyra, it’s my house—”

“That I pay rent on!”

“And I pay most of its expenses.” Bon Bon noted. “Besides, could you think of throwing out a pony in need?”

Octavia frowned. “I’m not—”

“Plus, I’ll start chargeing her once she gets settled in. It will lower what I charge you.”

“New Bestie!” Lyra cheered as she threw her forelegs around Octavia again.

“Not a… hugger!” Octavia protested.

Lyra pulled away, but continued to grin. “Sorry about that.” She then opened her eyes. “But seriously, I guess another pony to help Bonnie out would be a blessing. Heaven forbids how long she has to stay up.” She leaned onto Octavia. “Between you and me, she could use some more beauty sleep.”

“You know my sleep doesn’t affect my hearing!”

Lyra stuck out her tongue. “Yes it does.”

Bon Bon rolled her eyes in amusement.

While Octavia continued to stare, a bit overstimulated, yet intrigued by the new friends she had made within only a day. She liked them. They were odd, sure, but she wasn’t one to talk. If this was what having friends who didn’t judge or exploit you was like, she could get used to it.

That was when she started to feel another pony watching her. Sure enough, when she looked over her shoulder, a white unicorn with a large pair of purple sunglasses and headphones, playing some pop music Octavia was just able to make out, was looking right at her, only a hoof’s reach away.

Octavia jumped back and shrieked.

When Lyra and Bon Bon slowed down to see what was wrong, Lyra waved, “Oh, hey Vinyl. Listening to anything good?”

The unicorn named Vinyl didn’t even bat an eye towards Lyra. She only continued to stare at Octavia with a blank expression. Vinyl looked up and down at her for a while, mostly interested in the neck for some reason. Or rather, Octavia suspected, her bowtie. Then, without any change in her rather neutral expression, she gave a polite wave, and walked off with her head nodding in tune to her song.

Blinking a few times, Octavia eventually muttered, “Well… That was—”

“Oh don’t mind her.” Lyra assured as they watched Vinyl wander off. “She just our town’s DJ, Vinyl Scratch.”

Octavia titled her head. “You know her?”

Lyra shrugged. “From a few parties and musical events we’ve worked together on. I admit, she is a bit peculiar, even for a Ponyville pony. But otherwise, nice and harmless. You’d more likely see it rain chocolate milk than see her hurt anypony. Besides, she sure knows a thing or two about music.”

“I see…” They continued to walk, but Octavia kept her gaze at Vinyl till she was out of sight. “Though, she’s not much of a talker I suppose?”

Lyra puffed. “Not really. She speaks, but not often. The most she has even said to me was, ‘green wire, not red.’ As for the staring, she does that with all new ponies with music cutie marks.” Lyra then flashed her a cheeky grin. “Perhaps she already likes you!”

Octavia blushed. “What? N… No! I don’t’ even like mares!”

Lyra nervously giggled. “Hey, relax! I was just messing around and didn't mean it that way.” Lyra began to breath heavy. "Unless you do, which I'm sorry. I mean, I love all mares, no, not love! I mean, stallions too.... Wait, wait, I didn't mean—"

As se ranted, Bon Bon walked over to a stand, purchased a magazine, rolled it up, and swated it over Lyra's head.

"Thank you," Lyra muttered, "I needed that."

Octavia blinked, then let out a reassuring nod. “It's quite alright…Didn't offend me at all.” ‘Not that i’ve had much a chance to find out.’

Bon Bon shook her head and smiled. “Well, if we’re done,” they turned another corner, “welcome home.”

It was by no means a spectacular house. In fact, if it weren’t for the sign that read, ‘Bon Bon’s Sweets’ it would have looked much like the other houses in the town.

“Bought it myself.” Bon Bon beamed as she led them to the door. “Still needs a little work, but business so far has been good,” She sighed. “Always could be better. Anyways!” They walked inside.

Much like the outside, the shop itself didn’t stand out much aside from all the candy that lined the walls. To Octavia, it looked nice, even though she had never seen any other sweet shops to compare it to. The shelves were clean and stocked with every candy known to ponies, there were several barrels behind a counter with stools labeled anywhere from ‘root beer’ to ‘orange soda’.

Octavia twitched a little when she saw a glass jar labeled, ‘tulip surprise’ but paid it no mind as she was lead to the back where the home was.

“It’s lovely.” Octavia commented. “But are you sure I can stay and work here? I mean,” she placed her violin case on the floor, “I’m no candy expert.”

“You’ll do fine,” Lyra answered. “I’ve kept this place from burning down for the past week between jobs. I’m sure you’ll get the ropes soon enough. You seem like a smart mare.”

Octavia gulped. “Right… But once again, thank you ladies so much. This really means alot to me.”

Bon Bon looked at the floor. “Don’t mention it. Anyways!” She perked back up, “Why don’t you get settled in your new room? I'll deal with the crowds today. then I’ll get you trained on what you have to do tomorrow. Lyra could you show her the way?”

Lyra giggled. “With pleasure. Right this way, m’lady.”

Octavia’s chest puffed out at the words, but she didn’t hesitate and followed Lyra upstairs.

Meanwhile, Bon Bon continued to stare at her friends while she put on her uniform. A simple polka-dotted apron with a heart Lyra had sewn in. She sighed, and quietly said, “I sure hope I know what I’m doing. Not that I care what they think anymore… Mostly, but still…”

The front bell to the shop rang. “Coming!”

****

“And here is your room,” Lyra announced as they settled inside. “It’s got a bed and some drawers we usually just use in case of quests. But it should suit you nicely.”

Indeed, it looked miles below all the luxury she had known from her old life. The room was just about as large as one of her closets, and the bed wasn’t even a fraction as large as her old one. However, looking at the tiny space, a happy tear rolled down her muzzle. “It’s perfect.”

Author's Note

So far, so good. May do some editing later as well as notes from pre-readers. But while not the 100 like on day one like many a writer wants (we can dream) Still a good start with my first dislike at 20 likes and the biggest compliant when I got my pre-readers name wrong in the notes.
Otherwise... *nomes on a browine*