"Well, your last day has arrived."

"That is has Hail, that it has."

Vinyl chuckled to herself as she slammed her last suitcase shut. Hail Toss walked over and flopped backwards onto Vinyl's bed.

"Can't believe your mare-friend got you out four days early. Such piss."

"Ah whatever, at least you're gonna be out in a little while too right?"

"Nine weeks."

"Hm, well, it's a start."

"Better than poor ol' Stone Gate, he's here for another three years."

"Damn, that's gotta suck."

"I'm sure it does."

Vinyl put her final suitcase on top of the others and stacked them onto a small cart. As she turned to her roommate, she sighed.

"Well, it was really cool meeting you Hail Toss."

"Ditto Vinyl. I just really hope my new roommate isn't some crazy ass."

Hail Toss smiled at Vinyl and they both chuckled a little. Hail Toss stood up and started towards Vinyl.

"Know what, come, come here."

"What?"

"Gimme a hug, you know you wanna."

"Oh for fucks sakes."

Vinyl backed up slightly as the other mare held out a hoof.

"Oh come on, don't make me cry."

Hail Toss put a mocked sad face on and stared at Vinyl. Vinyl rolled her eyes again and sighed.

"You're weird. Come here."

The two mares hugged for a moment, and then Vinyl backed off.

"Well, good luck in here Hail."

"Thank Vinyl, good luck out there."

The two nodded to each other, and Vinyl pushed the cart outside the room. Down the hall she walked, Healthy Living at her side, up to the reception desk. There waiting for her was Octavia, who upon seeing her ran over and hugged her.

"Vinyl, so good to see you!"

"You too Tav."

The couple started kissing deeply, closing their eyes and tuning out the world. Healthy Living rolled his eyes slightly and smiled as he raised a hoof and cleared his throat into it.

"Vinyl, I have something to ask of you."

Vinyl turned around and looked at Healthy Living. Healthy Living held out what looked like a small square of plastic to Vinyl. Upon closer inspection, she could see herself looking down, surrounded by notes, keys, and other music related items.

"My album!"

"Could you sign it for me please? It's my favourite one."

"No problem."

When Healthy Living levitated a pen, Vinly took it in her magic and signed her name on the front. She looked up to see a wide grin on Healthy Livings face.

"Well, can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm gonna miss you Vinyl. Hope to see you around."

"Yeah, I'm sure we'll see each other again, I'm gonna miss you too."

Vinyl raised her hoof and it was met by Healthy Livings.

"Take good care of Hail Toss for me."

"Will do. Good luck Vinyl."

"Thanks, you too."

As Healthy Living nodded and turned away, Vinyl looked back at a smiling Octavia.

"Well then Vinyl, if you're ready to go."

"Hell yeah, I'm outta here."

The two chuckled as they turned and started towards the exit. Octavia held the door open for Vinyl, bit Vinyl fire for a moment. As she took a deep breath, she turned around. Still holding the breath in her cheeks, she looked around. She let the air out and smile as she turned back to Octavia.

"Well. Here we go."

Vinyl walked past her mare-friend and out into the fresh summer air. She breathed in deeply as she levitated her bags past the doorway. Octavia walked beside her and looked at her with a slightly questioning look.

"Vinyl, what's all this for? We haven't even left the gates, you've probably been in this spot like a day ago."

"Yeah, the difference is freedom sweetie. Now like jet before some crazy ass comes and talks to us."

"Alright, but you were in here too, you crazy ass."

"Hey."

Vinyl glared at Octavia, who was giggling slightly. Vinyl rolled her eyes and continued walking, Octavia following. Shortly after they left the front gates, they could hear music.

"You here that Tav?"

"I do. Guitar, Drums, Bass. Don't really hear a singer, do you?"

"Not really. Where you think it's coming from?"

Octavia looked up and around, mainly up towards a nearby apartment complex.

"Seems to be coming from there."

Vinyl looked as Octavia pointed a hoof to the building. She leaned her head in slightly towards the building, as if trying to hear exactly what was happening.

"Hmm, you know, that song sounds familiar."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Sometimes when Hail Toss and I would walk around the yard and rant to each other we'd hear them playing. It's weird though, they usually have a singer."

Just at that moment, a blue pegasus with a silver and brown mane ran by and into the apartment building. After about a minute, the music stopped.

"I think it's safe to say that they found their singer."

"Yeah."

The two chuckled and continued walking down the street towards their apartment. After they arrived at the apartment, Octavia turned and looked at the T.V that she had left on. A pony was levitating a microphone to another pony on the street.

"Yeah, I mean, about an hour after I watched the news report on the prison break I went out and saw a dude who was just locked up like a month ago-"

"Prison break?"

"What's that?"

Vinyl walked into the living room beside Octavia and stared at the two ponies on the television.

"And I mean, he looked like somepony that would be in a prison, I think he got in there for stabbing someone or something. By the time the cops got to where I was at, the guy had left."

"Well, we'll have to keep a sharp eye out for him and any of the other convicts. Police are advising ponies to stay indoors as much as possible and-"

"You don't think..."

"O-Open Mind? No, th-there's no way."

Vinyl forced a chuckle and sat down on the couch. Octavia uneasily followed and sat down beside her. Vinyl wrapped her one hoof around Octavia and moved closer to her.

"There's nothing to worry about sweetie."

Vinyl planted a small kiss on Octavias cheek, making her blush slightly as she did so.

"Well, I hope you're right. We certainly don't want anything bad happening considering neither of us are in the hospital or rehab."

"Yeah, see? Everything's fine right now."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WaveMaker paced back and forth in the hospital waiting room, his hoofsteps echoing slightly as he did so. It was around one in the morning, so nopony else was around. Until the moment a mare in a lab coat walked into the room, he had never taken his eyes off the floor.

"She has completed her chemo for today."

"Thank you."

WaveMaker walked past the mare and down to Skyline Breezers room. As he walked down the hallway, he took multiple deep breaths. When he got to the door of Skyline Breezers room, he sniffed slightly and walked in. Skyline Breezer was sitting on the edge of the hospital bed looking at a magazine. When WaveMaker walked in, she looked up and smiled.

"There you are."

"Yep. Ready to go?"

"Yeah, I'm hungry as hell."

WaveMaker chuckled to himself as Skyline Brerzer threw a jacket around her back.

"Well, we can worry about that when we get back."

The two smiled at each other and shared a quick kiss before walking out of the room. They proceeded towards the door and started on their way home. About a block to their house, they passed an alleyway and could hear talking. They looked down the alley and could make out three figures. One was standing with it's back to them, and one was standing on front of the third, who was bloodied and lying on the ground.

"It's that easy sweetie, now just give me the money nice and slow."

"Fuck you!"

"Hey now, hey now. We wouldn't want you endin' up like your mute brother over there. Hey, how you doin' over there champ?"

The one figure looked towards the bloody pony on the ground. All the pony could do was raise it's head and it's look at the other figure.

"Wait a minute, I think I know them."

"What?"

WaveMaker leaned a little to get a closer view. The bloody figure was familiar looking, orange coat, tan and blue mane, it was definitely Critical Acclaim, which meant that the other was BrickLayer.

"Yeah. I for sure know them."

WaveMaker started walking down the alleyway, making sure to be quiet. He approached the pony that hads it back turned and cleared his throat.

"There a problem here?"

The pony in front of WaveMaker turned around a immediately received a hoof across the face. WaveMaker looked up at BrickLayer and Critical Acclaim.

"Run!"

BrickLayer hoisted her brother up and the two stumbled out of the alley, WaveMaker at their side. Skyline Breezer saw the mugger standing up and quickly threw a trash can down behind them. The group continued to run until they were three blocks away. They all stopped and panted for a little while.

"Thanks."

"Ah, no problem."

"Hey, I remember you. You were that stallion in the waiting room. And you must be his wife."

"I am. Skyline Breezer, pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise. This is my brother, Critical Acclaim. Mute. Don't expect a howdy or nothin' from him, unless you got a pen."

BrickLayer started laughing at her own joke, and Critical Acclaim rolled his eyes and hit BrickLayer in the side with his hoof.

"Ah, you fucker."

"Anyways, We should probably get going. Was that something personal?"

"That street creep? Nah, he was just some asshole. Thanks a ton though."

"No problem. I'll see you guys later."

"Ditto."

The two pairs waved to each other and walked away from where they were. Skyline Breezer whipped the hair out of her eyes and turned to WaveMaker.

"Hey, just a question, how did you know them?"

"Some ponies I met in the waiting room while you were getting chemo."

"Ah. I see."

The couple continued down the street until they got to their house. As WaveMaker pulled out his keys, he looked to his left, at Octavia and Vinyls house. He could see that lights were on in the house, but he didn't see any figures moving.

"What do you thinks going on over there?"

"I don't know. Party of some kind?"

"Hmm. Maybe."

The two entered their house and Skyline Breezer flopped onto the couch.

"Fuck that chemo stuff sucks."

WaveMaker was staring out the window at the nearby house. Skyline Breezer looked up when she received no response, and walked over.

"Honey?"

"What? Sorry. I, I just got a really bad feeling right now."

"Like, upset stomach bad feeling or shits going down bad feeling?"

"The second one."

"Hmm. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about."

"Yeah, hopefully not. Well, we should probably be off to bed."

"Hey, I'm still hungry."

The two chuckled and walked from the window to the kitchen. WaveMaker couldn't help but peek behind him at the window. The bad feeling remained.

"Welcome to Ponyville Inn, How may I help you?"

"We just need a room. One night. We're only in town for the music festival."

"Oh, that's what's keeping me in business right now dearie."

"I bet it is."

"Well, here are your keys, room 4B, second floor."

"Thanks."

"Enjoy your stay."

A couple walked away from the desk as the receptionist wrote down a few things in a book. She hummed quietly as she worked, and she turned around to open up a file cabinet, not seeing the black maned stallion that walked up to the desk. He slammed a few bits onto the wooden surface, startling the receptionist and making her spin around.

"I'd like a room please."

"Oh, yes, any room will do?"

"First floor preferred."

"Oh, sorry dearie, the first floor is all full up. Three rooms left on the second floor though, will that work?"

"Yes, that's fine."

The stallions grim demeanor and slow speech pace gave the receptionist chills. She disregarded any bad feeling and smiled as she gave the pony his keys.

"Room 5B, second floor."

"Excellent. Oh, and one more thing."

"What's that?"

"I plan on meeting someone, do you know of a Lyra Heartstrings?"

"Actually, yes I do. Her and her mare-friend have stayed here a few times. Wonderful guests really, left the room in perfect condition. Tipped nicely too."

"Good, good. Would you happen to have her phone number?"

"Actually, I think she left something here with her address on it. Wait, how do you know her?"

"Friends."

"Alright."

The receptionist was weary as she held up a small piece of paper with Lyra and Bon-Bons address on it.

"Here."

Open Mind smiled as he took the paper.

"Excellent. Thank you very much. I'll be taking my keys now."

Open Minds words were edgy and grim, giving the receptionist chills every time he spoke.

"Al-alright. Here you go. Enjoy your stay."

"I'm sure I will."

Open Mind chuckled slightly and took the keys. As he walked off towards his room, the receptionist shook her head quickly.

"Ugh, that dude was creepy as hell."

Returning to the small amount of paperwork she had left, the receptionist looked back down at her desk.

"I hope he's not up to anything bad."

"Well, tomorrow's the big day Lyra."

"Sure is Bonnie. You excited?"

"Yeah I'm excited, this kind of stuff never happens here."

"True. The last big event that happened was Donut Joe coming out with a new flavour."

Bon-Bon giggled at Lyras joke and laid down on their bed. Lyra flopped down next to her and pressed the tip of her muzzle against Bon-Bons.

"You know, I'm actually really looking forward to catching up with Octavia after so long."

"Yeah, it'll be nice. Well, we should probably get to sleep. Goodnight Lyra."

"Goodnight Bonnie."

The two were just about to lay the blanket down on themselves, but a knock at the door stopped them.

"Who could that be?"

"I'll get it."

Lyra sighed as she got up from the bed and started towards the door. As she opened up the door, she saw a figure she had never seen before. It was a pony with a brown coat and a black mane.

"Hello."

"Uh, hello. Who are you?"

"Who is it?"

"I don't know!"

Bon-Bon hopped off the bed and walked up to see who was at the door. Her pupils dilated slightly upon seeing Open Mind standing in the doorway. She remembered what Octavia had told her over the phone the day before.

"But, I don't know, just the thought of him still being around is terrifying me."

"Aw, I'm sure it'll be alright Octavia. How many did you say they got back in so far?"

"Uh, last I checked they had eight out of eleven, so they're on a good track."

"That's good. I'll be sure to report anything I see."

"Thanks Bonnie."

"No problem, what exactly did he look like again?"

"The one we're particularly worried about has a brown coat and black mane. Unicorn stallion. Open Mind if you can get his name."

"Alright, Lyra and I will keep our eyes peeled. Bye Octavia."

"Later Octavia!"

"Bye you two. I'll see you soon."

"May I come in?"

"Actually, we were just about to go to bed. See, we kinda have something going on in the morning."

"This'll only take a moment."

Lyra looked at Bon-Bon, sensing the terror eminating from her. Lyra stood firmly and barred Open Minds entrance.

"Sorry man, you can't come in, we really have to get to sleep."

"Really?"

Open Mind smiled grimly as he set his briefcase down and opened it up. When he levitated a pistol out and aimed it at the mares, they both jumped back in fright.

"No screaming now."

Using his magic, Open Mind closed the door behind him as he walked inside. He put the gun back in his briefcase and smiled less grimly.

"There we go."

Open Mind moved towards the mares, both of them matching his distance backwards until they were pressed up against the kitchen wall.

"Don't worry, don't worry. I don't want to hurt either of you."

"They why the hell are you here?"

Lyra stepped forward, defending her mare-friend with as much courage as she could muster.

"I just wish to talk."

"What about?"

"Somepony you know. Sit."

Open Mind took a seat at the kitchen table and motioned for the mares to sit as well. Frightened, they obeyed his silent order.

"Good. Now, down to business. Somepony you know has something of mine, and I need to know where to find them."

"Wait, who has your thing and what is it?"

"Do either of you know of Octavia Melody?"

Lyra nodded, but Bon-Bon was frozen in fear still. She couldn't talk, and moving took every once of strengh in her body. Suddenly, a thought entered her mind.

"I, I-I-I'm going to get us some t-tea. You drink tea mister Open Mind?"

"Yes actually, one cream, two sugars."

"Certainly, Lyra?"

"Eh, I'm fine."

"Alright."

Bon-Bon walked over to the stove an put the kettle on. She looked over for a quick second to see if the conversation was continuing, and it was. She quickly took this opportunity to pick up the phone and dial Octavias number.

"Hello?"

"Octavia!"

"Oh, hey Bon-Bon, wha-"

"Open Mind, he's here! And yes got a gun! I need tou to call the cops or something! Quick!"

Before Octavia could respond, Bon-Bon hung up the phone, and turned to the kettle. She took the whistling pot and turned towards the other two ponies. As she took in the full scene, her heart sank into her stomach. Open Mind was holding Lyra at gunpoint and facing Bon-Bon.

"Well, it seems you've seen through me. By the way, I never said my name when I walked in, so I know you've been told to look out for me. You know Bon-Bon, when a robber asks for your wallet, ponies say you'll be better off giving them the wallet."

Open Mind cocked the gun with his magic, and tears started falling down both Lyra and Bon-Bons faces.

"Please! Don't hurt her!"

"Well, I guess I only have so much time before some sort of law enforcement arrives, so Ill make this quick. Tomorrow, I need you to keep them as far away from that festival as possible. Got it?"

Bon-Bon frantically nodded and Open Mind looked down at Lyra. She nodded as much as she could, and Open Mind let her go. Lyra collapsed to the floor and coughed repeatedly. Bon-Bon dropped down and held her, gently stroking her mane in an attempt to relax her. Open Mind stood in the doorway and whistled, prompting the mare to look at him.

"Disobey my words and I'll find you again."

Open Mind shot out the door and off into the night, leaving the two dumbstruck mares to wait for the police.

"Hey, you're up early."

Octavia was looking out the living room window, towards Ponyville. Vinyl had just woken up and walked out to see her.

"I haven't slept Vinyl. Bon-Bon called last night."

"Really? What'd she want?"

"Open Mind is in Ponyville, and he was in their house."

"Wait, what?"

Octavia took a sip of her coffee and turned back to Vinyl.

"Sometime after you went to sleep, Bon-Bon called me, and she said that Open Mind was in their house, and to call the police."

"Well?"

"I did, obviously. But she called back and said that he left before they arrived."

"Damn."

Octavia sighed as she sat down on the couch and put a hoof to her head, closing her eyes. Vinyl sat down beside her and leaned against her.

"I'm sure they're fine. I don't think he'd hurt either of them, he doesn't exactly have a motive."

"But he does! He has us, that's what he wants."

Octavia stood up and walked over to the kitchen, eyeing the phone.

"I should call her, I really need to know what happened."

Vinyl nodded as she approached the other side of the counter and leaned against it. Octavia picked up the phone and dialed Bon-Bons number. After a few rings, Octavia perked up after hearing Lyra.

"Hello?"

"Lyra, hello, how are you?"

"Uh, I mean, you know what happened right?"

"Yes, but has anything happened since?"

"Not really. Cops left, Bon-Bon and I kinda sat around after that."

"Is she home?"

"No, she actually went out to talk to Derpy and Doctor Whooves. Apparently they're considering entering the festival too."

"Oh, cool, cool. Alright, well, tell her I said hello. I'll see you guys later?"

"Yep. Same place same time."

"Alright. See you then Lyra."

"Yep."

Both mares hung up their phones and Octavia sighed again.

"I really hope they catch that crazy arse sometime soon."

"Hopefully the festival will be a bit of a buffer."

"Well, I'm sure security will be pretty tight. Ah, what am I worrying about, there's no way hed pull a stunt like that in the middle of a huge show."

"Exactly."

Vinyl leaned across the counter and rubbed her muzzle against Octavias in a display of comforting.

"It'll be ok."

"You know, eventually we're gonna have to get moving sweetie!"

"Just a second!"

Skyline Breezer looked over the side of her head in the mirror in slight disgust. She could see the hair falling out of her head. The chemotherapy was taking a toll on her appearance. She grabbed the hat laying on the counter and put it on.

"Whatever."

She sighed and looked down before taking in a deep breath and smiling. Another knock on the door prompted her to open it.

"Finally, jeez."

"How do I look?"

"Just as beautiful as you always did honey."

"Really? Or are you just saying that?"

"Well, the hat is covering any hair that's falling out, and the rest just looks like plain old you."

"Plain old me?"

"Well, I meant, you know, like.."

Skyline Breezer smiled and cocked her head to the side, giving WaveMaker a playful look. As WaveMaker looked at his wife's face, he squinted.

"You're just fucking with me aren't you?"

After a few seconds of trying to hold it back, Skyline Breezer started laughing. WaveMaker rolled his eyes hugged her.

"C'mon then, let's get going. We gotta get on that train."

"Yep."

WaveMaker put his right front leg around Skyline Breezer and they started towards their door.

"Life will beat you down if you let it Breezy."

"Yeah, well, life's hitting pretty fucking hard as of late."

"Just gotta push through it."

"Thanks mister philosophy."

Skyline Breezer smiled at WaveMaker again and he rolled his eyes in response.

"I'm just saying you know."

"Yeah yeah, I'm just playin' with ya."

As they exited their house and locked the door, Skyline Breezer stepped off the porch and looked around. She turned her attention to Vinyl and Octavias house and stared at it for a good minute before WaveMaker said anything.

"Sweetie? You alright?"

"I...I got that feeling."

"What feeling?"

"The one you were talking about last night. Like something's really isn't right."

"Skyline. There's no need to be psyching yourself out before the show. Let's just get on that train, go to Ponyville, and enjoy the festival."

Her vision still deadlocked on the house down the street, Skyline Breezer took in a deep breath. She closed her eyes, exhaled, and shook off any bad feelings.

"Yeah, you're right. Let's get going then."

The two continued their walk down to the train station, and upon arriving sat down on the benches.

"The train should only be a minute or so, so don't be falling asleep on me like last time."

"Hey, I was tired and the train was taking like three hours."

"Right, but it was also about two in the afternoon."

WaveMaker leaned closer to Skyline Breezer and grinned. She rolled her eyes and pushed him away with a hoof.

"Whatever."

"Aww, I'm just joking with ya sweetie."

WaveMaker warmly embraced his wife with a hug and rubbed his muzzle against hers.

"I know."

Skyline Breezer turned and kisses WaveMaker quickly on the lips, prompting a smile from both of them. They both leaned back and sighed almost simultaneously.

"What do you think Octavia and Vinyl are up to?"

"No idea. I would imagine they're probably up to roughly the same thing we are."

"You just had to hit the snooze?"

"I like sleeping!"

Octavia rolled her eyes as her and Vinyl continued their sprint towards the train station. Octavia could see the train, just about to leave.

"C'mon Vinyl! We're almost there!"

"I'm running!"

Just as the couple reached the train station doors and jumped through them, the train blew it's whistle and started moving. Both mares stood and painted for several seconds before regaining their breath and looking around.

"Well, we made it. Shall we sit down?"

"Yeah."

Vinyl craned her neck to get a better view of something, but Octavia couldn't see.

"What are you looking at?"

"Aren't our neighbors right there?"

Octavia looked at where Vinyl had raised a hoof and pointed to. Seeing a familiar red, white, and blue mane. With the presence of the red mane that typically accompanied it, Vinyl and Octavias assumed it was them and walked over. To her surprise, WaveMaker noticed her and Vinyl before they were even at the table.

"Hey! It's you two! Come, sit down."

"Where the hell were you two? We didn't see ya."

"Yes, well, this one decided to take a cat-nap before we left, but it turned into more of a fraternity drunken passout-esque sleep."

Vinyl rolled her eyes as the other three ponies chuckled.

"Yeah yeah, anyways. How are you two?"

"Well, alive and kicking. That's the main part."

"Good to hear. Chemotherapy going well Skyline?"

"Well, it's kicking just as much as I am, but it's slowly getting easier."

"Well, at least you got this weekend."

"Yeah. Yeah! And may we fucking enjoy it! Waiter! A round for the table."

A pony in a fancy getup walked over and put four glasses down on the table, along with a bottle of champagne. Skyline Breezer smiled and took the bottle, pouring some of the alcohol into each glass. She picked up hers and held it up.

"A toast. To friends, and the future wellness of hopefully all of us."

"Cheers."

The ponies around the table clicked their glasses together and each took long drinks. Octavia looked to her right, out the window. A big part of her was still worried about a certain pony.

"Thanks for visiting Ponyville Inn, have a great day."

"Likewise."

Open Mind walked out of Ponyville Inn, carrying his suitcase in his magic beside him. From the inn he continued on towards the centre of town, where the show was being held. He found his way to a lone tree stop a hill, overlooking where the stage was being set up and sat down. Slowly leaning his back against the tree, he closed his eyes and exhaled.

"Just a matter of time now Vinyl and Octavia."

Open Mind opened the briefcase with his magic and levitated a shiny pistol into his lap. He opened his eyes and pulled the receiver of the gun back, then letting it spring back into place with a satisfying click. He grinned maliciously and looked off to the stage area.

"Just a matter of time."

"Ugh, my back, that was a rough wake up call."

"Well, that's what you get for falling asleep again. I'm starting to think that that's a habit of yours."

"I could say the same thing for Vinyl. Maybe we should have an intervention for them, what do you say WaveMaker?"

"Hey, that's a great idea!"

"Oh knock it off you two."

"Yeah. Besides, we need to sleep in order to be able to talk to you two.'

"Speak for yourself Skyline, I was just tired as all hell."

The ponies in the group collectively burst into laughter at Vinyls comment as they walked through Ponyville train station. The reached the edge of the far side of the station when they ceased their laughter and stopped walking.

"Well, Vinyl and I have to meet another couple I know. We'll see you at the festival!"

"Yep, take care till then gals."

"We'll try."

The couple's waved to each other and parted, Vinyl and Octavia walking towards Lyra and Bonbons house.

"So, tell me a little bit about your friends."

"Well, Bon-Bon, she's actually sort of like me, but with a much different voice. And Lyra, well, how do I put this, she's Lyra. She's pretty quirky, but she's still fun to have around."

"Sounds like somepony I'd be fine hanging out with."

"Yes, I think we're all actually going to hit it off."

"Lets hope. Just there, the festival, then we're back home."

Octavia stayed silent after Vinyl's last sentence, as something had just come back to her. Open Mind was still in Ponyville, as far as they knew.

"Something wrong Tavi?"

"I still have that feeling."

"You think it's-"

"I know it is, it has to be. There's no way he isn't here, and no way he's not up to something bad."

"You really think he'd be stupid enough to try and pull something at the festival? You'd think security would be pretty high, and he's already got a bad name out there, along with a photo. Anypony who sees him will turn him in for sure."

Octavia stopped for a moment and thought about what Vinyl had said. She was right, but there was still a nagging feeling tearing at Octavias mind.

"Well, I guess..."

"C'mon, it'll be fine. We'll go hang out with your friends, go watch the festival, and go back home perfectly fine."

"But what if-"

"Tavi."

Vinyl put a hoof on Octavias face and pulled her head closer to her own. Her eyes gazed deeply into Octavias.

"Stop worrying. You'll only stress yourself out."

Octavia didn't speak, she just looked down, eyes closed, and sighed. Vinyl was right, she was only freaking herself out.

"You're right."

Octavia looked up and smiled at Vinyl, who returned the smile.

"Thank you Vinyl."

Octavia leaned in and softly kissed Vinyl on the lips. Vinyl matched Octavias movement and the two enjoyed the moment. They pulled their heads away from each other and continued walking.

"You're right Vinyl. It's a beautiful day, we have something big to look forward to, and we haven't seen anything this far that we should be worried about."

"See, I told ya."

"So, everything's ready? You don't have any last minute indiscretions?"

"Nope."

"Are you sure? Everytime we do something like this you have some sort of thing that you bring up right before we do whatever it is we're doing."

"Ok, be that as it may, in good this time."

WaveMaker rolled his eyes and turned towards the stage. He could see that the whole setup was almost fully put together, save the metal barriers they had to arrange. Past the area designated for the show, he could see a hill with a lone oak tree upon it. He squinted for a moment and leaned forwards. He could swear he saw somepony move.

"Something wrong?"

WaveMaker turned back to see his wife with a concerned look on her face.

"Uh, no. I just, thought I saw something. I'm sure it's nothing."

"Well, let's hope it is. I really don't think we-"

Skyline Breezers sentence was cut off by a sudden coughing fit. She put a hoof to her mouth and tried to cover it up as best as she could. Alarms were going off in WaveMakers head, and he turned to her.

"Sweetie?"

"It's fine. I'm just feeling a little sick. It'll pass. Anyways, as I was saying, I really don't think we need anything else to go wrong."

"Well, let's just hope that what just happened isn't something that'll cause troubles."

"Like I said, it'll pass."

"Hopefully."

Wavemakers response was reluctant, but he did so nonetheless. A small rumbling sound came from his stomach, and he looked over at Skyline Breezer.

"I heard that."

"We'll I'm hungry."

"Well, I don't know where to go. Wanna just wander aimlessly and see if we find something?"

"Yep."

The two chuckled mildly and stood up, walking down the side of the hill opposite to the stage. WaveMaker gave the adjacent hill one more look. The figure was still there, but he thought he could see it's eyes staring back at him.

"I'll get it!"

Lyra got off the couch and ran to the door. She pulled it open with her magic and smiled at the ponies standing on the other side of the doorway.

"Octavia! Good to see you!"

"Hey Lyra, you too."

The two mares embraced slightly before Bon-Bon appeared in the doorway.

"Octavia, glad you could make it!"

"Wouldn't miss it."

Octavia put a hoof around Bon-Bon and hugged her softly. When they pulled away from each other, Octavia could see Lyra smirking at her.

"So, you gonna introduce us to your friend?"

"Oh, yes. Lyra, Bon-Bon, this is Vinyl Scratch, my mare-friend."

"Yo."

"Hey."

"Pleasure to meet you Vinyl."

Bon-Bon extended a hoof to Vinyl, who met it with her own. They both smiled at each other before Bon-Bon started turning towards the inside of the house.

"Come in. We have a bit of time before the festival starts, so why don't we catch up a bit?"

"Yeah, come sit down you two."

Octavia started walking inside, but noticed that Vinyl was hesitating.

"Vinyl, it'll be fine, I promise. Just relax, they're good ponies."

Vinyl closed her eyes and drew a long breath. She exhaled and nodded to her mare-friend as she opened her eyes. They walked inside and sat down on the side of the table opposite to Lyra and Bon-Bon.

"So, Vinyl, tell us about yourself a little."

"Um, alright. I used to be a DJ by the name of DJ Pon-3, I've been living in ManeHatten for roughly five years, and now I'm just out of rehab and living with Octavia."

Vinyl smiled and put a hoof around Octavia, pulling her a little closer. Bon-Bon giggled and looked at Lyra, who was smiling.

"Well, I'm sure you too are happy together. But, I wanna point this out, or ask this I guess."

"Sure, what is it?"

"What happens when you want to listen to music? I mean, what happens then?"

Octavia and Vinyl simultaneously looked at each other in question. They hadn't listened to music at the same time, usually it was Octavia practicing while Vinyl was at rehab or Vinyl listening to music with her headphones on.

"Well, um, actually, we haven't listened to music together before."

"Yeah, usually I've been away with rehab or using headphones."

"Huh. Well, I guess you'll find out what happens when the time comes."

"Yeah, I guess so."

Bon-Bon stood up and started towards the kitchen, looking over her shoulder at the other mares.

"Tea anypony?"

"Yes please."

"Coffee if you have any, please."

"Sure. Lyra, could you come help me with the drinks please?"

"Sure thing sweetie."

Lyra stood up and trotted over to the kitchen to help Bon-Bon. Octavia turned to Vinyl and smiled.

"Well?"

"They seem nice."

"See? I told you nothing was wrong with them. They're perfectly normal. Or rather, normal enough, due to Lyra."

The two mares at the table laughed while the ones in the kitchen were having their own conversation.

"I don't know how I feel about her."

"I don't know Bonnie, she seems alright."

"Lyra, she just got out of rehab."

"So? Celebrities have to go there all the time, why is it any different if she does?"

Bon-Bon turned around and gave Lyra a wide frown. Lyra shrugged and levitated the now whistling kettle off of the stovetop. She levitated it and a tray of cups to the table they were sitting at and placed the items down in the centre. She opened the lid of the kettle and poured the water into all of the cups.

"Here you go, I hope it's to your liking."

Everypony nodded to Lyra and took a cup. Octavia looked at Vinyl, who was showing a face of comfort, and relief. She smiled to herself and held her cup at eye level in the middle of the table.

"I prepose a toast. To friends, and to the comfort found in them."

They all clicked their cups together and each took a sip. Octavia looked at the clock. The show wasn't on for another hour, and nothing was going wrong.

Without you!
I can't fly any faster
I'm holding on to you
Never forget about about me
I can't go on without you
Dont let me go

As the instruments faded, the crowd started roaring. The singer smiled and approached the microphone stand.

"Thank you very much Ponyville, you've been great! We are Unholy Intentions, goodnight!"

The crowd cheered again as the band members stood up and walked off stage. As a red coated pony with a bright blue mane walked onto the stage, the crowd members settled.

"Alright alright, that was Unholy Intentions with Your Shadow. Now, let's hear it for our next act, a band from ManeHatten called Mirror Realm, so make some noise for them!"

The band members took their places and the crowd was fired up again. The red stallion talked with the singer for a second, then ran off stage. The singer walked up to the microphone and took a breath.

"Hello everypony, we are Mirror Realm, and here's a little number called False Crown."

He looked over his shoulder at the guitarist, bassist, and drummer. They all nodded and started grinning, then the singer repeated. Stinger started playing a riff on guitar, then all the others joined in.

I sit upon this thrown
And though I sit alone
Just know that I am Prince of hearts
YOU'RE BUT A PRINCE OF LIARS
No one can bring me down
This head that holds my crown
I have been royal from the start
YOU WILL NEVER BE MASTER
OF
THIS
HOUSE!

I'm alright
IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT
I'm ok
LIAR LIAR
Dreaming of
IT'S ALL BROKEN
Better days

I'm know that I'm a fraud
That I'm not meant to be
They see a shell of who I am
What would they say if they knew me?
I know that I'm a fake
Imitation royalty
I was a moth and you a flame
But now it's all on me

Its been this way for years
Kept smiling through the tears
I'll be a regal prince someday
YOUR LIFE IS AN ILLUSION
They talk behind my back
Of the bloodline that I lack
Its will not always be this way
YOU'LL ALWAYS BE A LIAR

I know that I'm a fraud
This is my final plea
They see a shell of who I was
What would you think if you saw me
I know that I'm fake
Not really royalty
I touched the flames and I got burned
Is this the way I'm meant to be

I'm know that I'm a fraud
That I'm not meant to be
They see a shell of who I am
What would they say if they knew me?
I know that I'm a fake
Imitation royalty
I was a moth and you a flame
But now it's all on me

Now it's all on me
Brother can't you see
You were my inspiration
Everything I was to be
Brother can't you see
I did this to me
Without you I became a shell of
Who I meant to be

The instruments stopped, and the drummer did a quick fill before the song ended. The audience cheered as the singer approached the microphone.

"That's all for us tonight. Enjoy the rest of the show, we love you Ponyville!"

The members of the band walked offstage as the host walked back on. From backstage Skyline Breezer was looking at the crowd.

"Shit, lotta them out there."

"Yep. Don't stress though, I'm sure it'll be fine."

"Hopefully. I just don't wanna fuck up in front of everypony."

"Aw, you'll do fine sweetie."

WaveMaker gave his wife a reassuring hug, and she closed her eyes and tuned out the world for just a moment. She suddenly started coughing, and pulled away from the hug to cover her mouth.

"Skyline? You alright?"

Skyline Breezer looked up. Her vision of Wavemaker was foggy, and she started wobbling a bit on the spot. A nasty feeling coming to her stomach, she lurched a bit and started stumbling away from the stage.

"Skyline!"

WaveMaker ran over to where his wife was vomiting behind a bush just a few feet from the backstage area. Skyline Breezer groaned as she looked up at WaveMaker.

"I..I don't think-"

Skyline Breezer turned back to the Bush and spilled the contents of her stomach again. WaveMaker walked over and put a hoof on his wife's back. No more than ten seconds later, he felt one on his own.

"Excuse me?"

WaveMaker turned around to see who had spoken, and was met by a white mare in a nurse outfit.

"Hello. Who are you?"

"Nurse Redheart, I work at Ponyville General. But, I'm doing a little work here today. If you'd be okay with it, I can take care of your wife for you. Is she just nervous?"

"No, she, um, it's probably her chemotherapy."

"Ooh, I'm so sorry."

"Its fine, we're getting throuone gh it. It's just a rough patch. Um, yes, I'd be fine with that, thank you very much."

"No problem, I assure you that she's in good care."

Nurse Readheart nodded and smiled at WaveMaker before walking over to Skyline Breezer. WaveMaker turned to the stage and sighed heavily before perking up and running towards the front gates.

"Yeah, those were the ones from the apartments across from the rehab place."

"Huh. Well, they really are good live."

"Yeah, I got to listen to them all the time."

Lyra and Vinyl were sitting on the hill facing the stage, odd bits of conversations popping up every now and then. Bon-Bon and Octavia had gone to get drinks, leaving the other two in a bit of an awkward situation. Just as Vinyl opened her mouth to say something, a tired and panting WaveMaker walked up.

"Vinyl, where's Octavia?"

"She went to get drinks. Why, what's up?"

"I have a question for her. It's a little urgent."

"O-ok, I'll go get her."

Vinyl got up off the grass and started galloping towards the concession stand. She only got halfway to it when she saw Octavia and Bon-Bon walking towards her.

"Tavi!"

"Vinyl? What's going on?"

"Its WaveMaker, he has a question for you."

Octavia looked at her mare-friend with question, but started walking a little faster. As the three mares approached where Lyra and WaveMaker were sitting, WaveMaker looked over and stood up.

"Wavemaker, what's wrong?"

"Um, Skylines a little sick at the moment, I'm not sure she's able to do this anymore."

"Oh dear."

"Yeah. So, I was kinda wondering, would you be up to singing her part?"

"Me? Sing? I'm a cellist, I don't sing."

Wavemaker sighed and looked down. Vinyl stood beside Octavia and whispered something in her ear.

"What?"

"C'mon, we can do it."

Octavia sighed and closed her eyes for a moment before looking back to WaveMaker and walking forwards slightly.

"You owe me Vinyl. WaveMaker, I can sing with you.

"You will?"

"Yes. But, Vinyl also has to help."

"Well, I'm not.."

WaveMaker put a hoof to his chin in thought for a moment before smiling at his realization.

"You know how to play drums?"

"Sorta, an old colt-friend of mine taught me a little bit. How simple is it?"

"Simple enough."

"Alright, let's hear it again for Riot Society!"

As the crowd cheered, WaveMaker was talking to Vinyl and Octavia.

"Alright, you both listened to the song? Know the lyrics Octavia?"

"Yep."

"Yes."

"Alright, I guess we're ready."

"This next entry has had some difficulties getting together, but it's all figured out, so let's hear it for Overdose!"

Octavia, Vinyl, and WaveMaker took to their places on stage, and WaveMaker tapped on the mic. Before speaking, WaveMaker set up his keyboard behind him, along with a small metal folding chair.

"Hello everypony. We are Overdose, or rather a pieced together version of Overdose, but we're gonna play this song none the less."

He looked down and blew out a breathe before looking at Octavia. She nodded, and gulped when he looked away. He looked down at the keyboard and sighed again. A few seconds passed before he started playing a soft, melodic tune on the instrument. Vinyl sighed and looked around, still listening for her cue. She almost missed it when she thought she saw a hauntingly familiar black mane in the crowd, coming towards the stage. After about five seconds, a familiar voice was heard.

"You!"

All the music stopped when Open Mind staggered onto the stage and towards Octavia.

"I finally got you!"

He aimed the gun on between Octavias eyes and pulled the trigger.

The suspect has been apprehended, and the victim is in hospital in critical condition. No names are being released at this time.

"Turn it off please."

WaveMaker grabbed the remote and obeyed the weak command his wife had given. Tears in his eyes, he nuzzled his face up against his wife's.

"Sweetie... just stay calm ok?"

"Skyline, I can't. I mean, you got shot today, and all I did was freeze up."

"Baby, it isn't your fault. I took the shot for Octavia, it was my choice."

"How the hell did that even happen?"

Skyline Breezer looked towards the slightly open window and sighed. The numbness in her abdomen was a very new feeling to her, and the adjustment was strange.

"Well...."

"Is there anything you need?"

"I could use some water."

"Right away."

Nurse Redheart nodded to Skyline Breezer and trotted off to go get what she had requested. Skyline Breezer could see where Octavia, Vinyl, and WaveMaker were standing just before they went on.

Wait, did he drag them into performing?

Skyline Breezer chuckled a bit and forced herself out of her chair. She walked over and stood behind and pole as the ponies got in position. Off to her left, she could hear some sort of fight or loud indesgression going on, but she ignored it. She bobbed her head along with the song, mouthing the words slightly.

Just a damn shame Ican't be up there to sing it with him.

She sighed and looked to the left again, where a figure was quickly moving towards the stage. When she saw the face poke out from the crowd, she remembered the newscast.

"Oh shit."

Skyline Breezer started stumbling towards the stage to warn the performers, but when she got to the stage, he was already yelling at Octavia.

"I finally got you!"

Skyline Breezer had now entered Open Minds line of fire, and the bullet went straight onto her abdomen. She landed in the hard stage floor, and a nurse immediately ran over. As she slowly opened her eyes, she saw three security guards taking Open Mind down, then her eyes closed again.

"And, that's pretty much what happened."

"I just can't even believe that this all happened. I just hope to Celestia that they'll be able to-"

"Honey?"

"Yes?"

"They can't."

WaveMaker staggered back a little bit at his wife's statement.

"But..."

"Sweetie. We both know I'm fucked anyways. I'm just glad I could go out and save a friend."

Up until this point, WaveMaker had been forcing back his tears. But Skyline Breezers words cut deep into his heart, and he threw his hooves around her, crying deeply into her mane. Outside the room, Vinyl and Octavia were sitting on chairs just beside the door. Octavia had her head against Vinyls shoulder, and Vinyl was gently stroking her mane to try and comfort her.

"Vinyl?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you think that's it?"

"What?"

"Do you think that that's where it ends with Open Mind?"

Vinyl sighed heavily and rubbed her marefriends back. She looked at her reflection in the shiny metal floor label across the hall.

"I sure as hell hope so."

"So, they're getting her transferred to ManeHatten general and keeping her on life support."

"Well, at least your back home, and you can see her again soon."

"Yeah, I'm going as soon as ManeHatten general calls back."

"Well, I wish you both the best."

"Thanks, ditto for you two. Bye Octavia."

"Bye WaveMaker."

Octavia hung up the phone and walked back into the bedroom. She flopped down on the bed, burying her face in the pillow.

"Rough day."

Vinyl smiled slightly and sighed as she put the magazine she was reading down.

"Yeah, it has been. But, I got a little surprise for you."

Octavia lifted her face off the pillow and looked at Vinyl with a confused expression.

"What?"

"So, before we left, I did a little research, and I ordered something online. And I figure, the way things are going, we can't afford to not do this."

"Vinyl, where are you going with this?"

Vinyl smiled widely and levitated a small velvet lined box out of her nightstand. She hovered it in front of Octavia, and upon opening it, saw her mouth drop.

"Octavia Melody, will you marry me?"

Author's Note

Songs
Your Shadow by DivinumX
False Crown by Princewhatever
Fimfictions rules dictate that songs have to be songs from My Little Pony or the fandom, so the list was changed slightly more than the original. The last song was going to be Hurricane by Theory Of A Deadman, but you know...