Just the Three of Usby LynkedChaptersChapter 1: You and Me and HerChapter 2: A Little Fuzzy...Chapter 3: Too Close for ComfortChapter 4: Hide and SeekChapter 5: Deep into the DarkChapter 1: You and Me and HerEvery so often, the long, slim train car bounced on the rails. Vinyl sighed and leaned back in her chair, staring out the window. The soft hum of a cello filled the warm air, mixing with the rhythm of the metal wheels running over the bolts in the track. She took in a deep breath, inhaling the scent of rose air freshener. She snorted, then sneezed. Her horn lit up, levitating a napkin off of the table before her and wiping her nose. At the end of the car, a grey mare, her mane and tail well groomed, was playing her glossy cello. She was propped up on her hind legs, the bow held in her hoof as she played. Vinyl rolled her eyes, and cast them down the rest of the car. Beds lined one half, and the other half were tables and chairs for lounging. Vinyl, sitting in one of these chairs, turned behind her to see Rarity laid back on her bed, a book levitating before her. After a moment, she turned back to the frosted window to watch the twilight snowscape pass by, one whitebark tree at a time. She sighed and sank further down into her chair. “I’m b-ored!” she whined. The music came to a stop, and Octavia huffed. “Vinyl, for the last time, I don’t care.” “Well I say you should pick up a book. I have another if you’d like,” Rarity said, setting the book down. She floated her saddlebags up from the floor and began rummaging through them. “Yeah, no, I’m fine,” Vinyl said, waving her hoof. “I just... really hate trains.” Rarity gasped. “Vinyl, dear, this is a state of the art train privately reserved for nobles!” “It’s a crayon on wheels.” Octavia rolled her eyes and began packing her cello away. “The engineers of this marvel found a way to refine magic into fuel. What have you done recently?” Vinyl sighed and slowly blinked. “Your sister.” “W-what?!” Octavia stood tall and glared. Rarity sat up. “Now girls, let’s not get snippy. We’re with each other for a week.” She turned to Vinyl. “But honestly Vinyl, do grow up.” “Again,” Octavia said, climbing on her bed, “The pay had better be worth it for putting up with her.” Vinyl sneered. “Well excuse me for having a sense of humor. You’re both boring cardboard cut-outs.” “So the plan, then, for the fashion show,” Rarity said, cutting Octavia off. “Obviously Vinyl, you’ll be playing at the show, and Octavia, you shall play the party after. Then, Hoity Toity has invited us to his home for dinner. You’re both going to be paid handsomely so long as you can get along.” “I’d expect so,” Octavia said, holding her nose high. She hopped up onto the bed and laid her head down on the pillows behind her, crossing her forelegs. “That was oddly rude of you,” Vinyl noted. “I’ll keep that in mind,” she said with a snort. Rarity gave an awkward smile, and Vinyl’s eyebrow shot up. “So Vinyl, Octavia, what did you think of my newest dress line? I modeled it after the weather.” Vinyl smiled back. “Oh, yeah, it’s cool.” “It is wearable,” Octavia said, not looking at either of them. There was silence in the car. Vinyl bit her lip and shrugged, turning back to the window and mumbling to herself. “I’m still bored.” Suddenly, a door at the end of the cabin was flung open. All three mares looked forward to see a tall tan stallion in greasy overalls. He darted through the car, nodding to them before tossing the next door aside and charging into the next car. “Oh my,” Rarity said, frowning. “He better not touch my dresses.” “He didn’t even have the decency to shut the doors,” Octavia said, standing up. She shivered as her hooves touched the cold metal, pushing it closed. “Vinyl, get off your lazy plot and shut that one.” She muttered a curse as her horn lit up. The door glowed a light pink, then latched shut. “Happy?” “So long as you’re here, no,” Octavia replied, resting back on the bed. Vinyl huffed. “You know, I never did figure out why you hate me.” Octavia only made a face and looked away. Rarity shrugged to Vinyl, who grinned in return. The sound of a bell ringing echoed through the cabin. Vinyl and Rarity looked around for the sound, though Octavia only frowned and covered her ears with a pillow, stomping her hooves down on the bed. Bells on the wall were all strung together with a thin wire that was being pulled. They chimed loudly, ominously. “What’s up with that?” Vinyl shouted. “I don’t know,” Rarity replied. “I doubt it is good though. Oh dear, my clothes...” Octavia scowled. “Somepony had better shut that off!” The train jerked, smashing Vinyl’s face on the table with a thud. She yelped, snapping up and rubbing her nose. “What the buck?” “I’m not sure, but this is getting completely out of hoof,” Octavia said, pushing herself off the floor. Rarity watched them. “Indeed. I have half a mind to walk up to the conductor right now and demand an explanation.” The door behind them opened with a screech, and the tan stallion raced through the car, tossing the forward door open and disappearing again. Vinyl watched him carefully, then turned to Rarity. “Rarity,” she said, “What type of train did you say this was?” She blinked. “Well, it’s a new train, running on fuel derived from unicorn magic that is stored in tanks. It’s science or something. You know Vinyl, reading is useful.” “These bells won’t stop!” Octavia snapped. She leapt from her bed and gripped the wire above her, biting down on it so hard that it snapped. The bells stopped jingling quickly, and she breathed out a sigh. “Finally. Thank Celestia.” Then she coughed. “Oh my, what is that awful smell?” Rarity stood and sniffed the air. “That is terrible...” Vinyl inhaled deeply. A musky smell was filling the air. She writhed and waved it away with her hoof. “It’s not me this time, I swear! By Luna’s moon!” The vents above were glowing. A pink mist began to flow through them, sparkling like glitter. “What’s going on?” Octavia asked, watching as the cloud rolled in like perfumed fog. The train jerked again, knocking them all to the carpets below. Vinyl grumbled and pushed herself up, only to be knocked back down by yet another harsh tug. She watched as Octavia and Rarity did the same. The pink mist continued to flow through the vents. It was spreading, sinking down, and landing on the ponies. Coughs echoed through the car. Vinyl got to her hooves and stumbled down the aisle to Rarity, who was pushing herself up on her bed. “Hey,” she said with another cough, “is everypony all right?” “No! I’m being tossed around like a garden salad!” Rarity said. “These ruffians had better get things straight, and soon.” A sudden screeching bellowed through the cabin, and Octavia gasped. She fumbled with her hooves as she worked her way down to the others. The doors on either side let freezing air in, along with flakes of ice. The pink gas seemed to sink to the bottom and vent through them, though all three of them had breathed so much in that their lungs were aflame. “Alright, we just...” Vinyl paused to cough. “...need to get into another car.” “Oh you’re a genius!” Octavia shouted. The train jerked again, roughly tossing them all into the aisle. She slammed her hooves against Vinyl’s back. “Get off me! You smell like rum!” Vinyl rolled off of her and scowled. “Better than smelling like a stallion!” “You truly are a twit,” she muttered, pushing herself up with one of the chairs. Rarity coughed into her hoof as she leaned on a table. “Girls, we have much larger problems than what we smell like!” Another loud screech rang through the cabin, thrusting them to the front of the car. The wheels were obviously grinding on the rails. The pink mist was quickly being flushed out through the doors, but what replaced it was the thick smell of melting metal. Vinyl stood again, looking around frantically. “What the buck is this?” The train jerked again, throwing Octavia forward, she was slung out of the doorway and to the side of the tracks. Both Vinyl and Rarity rushed to the window, just in time to see her rolling in a cloud of snow. The train quickly left her behind. Vinyl laughed, then was tossed to the ground. “Hey! The train’s doing that enough!” Rarity rolled her eyes and set her hooves down. The train gave the car a hard tug forward, speeding up. Rarity was slung backwards, flying out the back door. Vinyl gawked as she watched her bounce in the snow before disappearing behind the train. Now her heart was pounding. She darted up and down the car, breathing rapidly as the situation sank in. Again the train threw her to the floor as it sped up. She landed with a thud, her face smashing into the carpet. There was another jerk of the car, dragging her cheek down the aisle. She groaned. When she stood, she swayed and trembled. Her breathing was shallow, and her lungs still burned. As she stumbled down the car, finally deciding to escape into the one ahead, she stumbled and fell. Her eyelids were heavy, falling, then snapping back open. She put a hoof ahead of her, pressed it firmly on the carpet and pulled with all her might, but she did not budge. One last jerk of the train threw her into a set of chairs, and then everything was dark. “Miss?” she heard. The voice echoed in her ears. “Miss, are you alright?” Her eyes slowly opened, and for a moment, the world was green. Then the pony above her turned away and nodded to somepony. “Miss,” he said, “can you see?” Vinyl nodded. Yes, she could see, though not clearly. A sharp pain was slicing through her mind, making her wince as light flooded her sight. She groaned, trying to roll to her stomach. The stallion above her assisted her, and when she tried to stand, he let her lean on him. Once she was up, she shook her head and looked around. Things were foggy still, but she could clearly see that she was in the train car. A pile of shattered chairs lay behind her and her employer was nowhere to be found. In her place, a green stallion stood next to a pony in a bright white coat. “This,” the stallion said, “is doctor Stable of Trottingham.” “Pleasure to meet you,” he said with a wan smile. “You may know me from Ponyville. Just transfered.” Vinyl blinked. “Yeah, uh, sure. Hi.” She looked out the windows to see that they were in a station, surrounded by houses and a forest. “What happened? Where are we?” “We,” Doctor Stable said, “are in Trottingham. And Mister Mint here can explain what happened. As for me, I must be off. I have other patients to attend to. You are fine, right? No nausea, you remember your name, how you got here, etcetera etcetera?” Vinyl nodded. “Vinyl Scratch, at your service.” She extended her hoof, and Doctor Stable shook it curtly before bidding her ado. “Well Miss Scratch,” Mint said, sitting on one of the still-standing chairs. “Before I answer your questions, I’d like you to answer mine. I am the conductor of this fine engine, you see.” The shook hooves. “Now, from the looks of things, you had some company in here. Do you know where they are?” Vinyl closed her eyes and thought. “Yeah. They’re about twenty miles in the middle of nowhere. Flew right off the train.” His eyes widened. “W-what? Oh Celestia, this is bad.” “Yeah, I know,” Vinyl said, sitting on the bed. “Now your turn. What happened?” He sighed. “We had a magic leak in the tanks. Turns out the tracks shot a rock right through the tanks below, causing a leak. It started spreading through the gears and shut us down. We were lucky to make it here.” “Right, and when will we be leaving?” “After we find our missing passengers and fix the tanks. Now I really must go. Feel free to sleep and dine on the train.” With that, he stood and cantered into the next car. Vinyl sighed and rubbed her head, closing her eyes and relaxing. Everything was quiet in the car for the first time on the trip. None of Rarity rambling on about fashion, and none of Octavia’s awful music choice. “My taste in music is not ‘awful’.” Vinyl’s eyes flew open. “Who said that?” She looked around, her eyes flashing left and right. The car was empty. “I said that you nitwit.” “Indeed, and I do not ‘rant’ about fashion. I hold reasonable discussions.” She blinked and shook her head. She was alone, right? “Alright, who’s there?” “We are,” Octavia said. Well, Octavia’s voice said it. Vinyl tilted her head and patted at her ear, but nothing came out. “Well where are you?” “I don’t know,” Octavia said, “but it is empty, and I do not like it. A pony of my status should not be forced into someplace like this. It’s--it’s a void.” “Oh I don’t know,” Rarity said. “It’s actually rather airy. Quite nice, if you ask me. Could use my designer skills to touch it up, though.” Octavia humphed. “Agreed. I can’t feel my body. It’s disturbing. I want out.” “Good,” Octavia said. “While you’re there, see if he has anything for your teeth. Honestly, brush them some time. I taste your pizza from last night.” “Hey, I forgot my toothbrush. Now shush. Just shush,” she hissed. She stepped across the gap, a blast of icy wind hitting her side. The new car was in better condition than the previous, with the tables still standing and the sheets still on the beds. A few ponies were chatting, ignoring her as she walked through. “Yes, I think I taste green onions. Honestly Vinyl, onions on a pizza?” Rarity asked. “In fact, I don’t even know how you can eat that stuff.” “Hey,” Vinyl said, “according to the Lunar Court, it’s a vegetable, so shut up. Now... shut up!” The ponies around her fell silent, turning to stare at her. She offered them a sheepish smile. “Uh, sorry. Y’know, vegetables... stuff...” She darted into the next car. This one opened up to the snowy train platform. The doctor stood at the door, talking to the conductor. Vinyl tapped him on the shoulder. “Hey doc.” He turned around. “Hello. Is everything alright?” “Yeah,” she said. “So is it normal for people who survive a train crash to hear voices?” He blinked. “I’m sorry?” “Just wondering if a concussion can cause voices, is all.” She shrugged and smiled. “Hmm, no, I don’t think so. Why? Are you hearing them?” “Yeah, I--” Vinyl stopped and felt her heart skip a beat. What was she doing? She’d be sent straight to Luna’s asylum! “N-no. Nope. No. Never. Um, listen, I gotta go.” She turned and stumbled down the icy ramp. “You two are going to get me in trouble. How’d you get in here anyway? Get out,” she asked, stepping onto the station. Snow fell from the sky and ice drifted on the wind as she pushed her way off the platform. “I haven’t a clue,” Rarity said. “The last thing I remember is being sucked out of the train. I’m just glad I haven’t died.” Octavia sighed. “I am clueless as well. Even still, I blame you.” “What? Me? Why me? If I had it my way, you’d still still be in the forest!” Vinyl said, stomping her hoof down. She trotted down a ramp, into the snowy mainstreet. Ponies were crowded around the station talking to the engineers, conductors, and police ponies. Houses and businesses branched off in all directions, with a thick forest surrounding the town. “Because you have a tendency to get into trouble! Now fix this! I don’t want to be stuck in your head!” she said. Vinyl rolled her eyes and looked to the sky. The moon was high, just cresting into existence as a tiny sliver. Rarity chimed in. “So Vinyl, where are you--er, we--going?” “You know, you’re very calm to be stuck in my freaking head!” “Eh, Twilight... she’s such a dear, but she’s put me in much worse situations. I suppose I’m used to these types of things. And besides, in here, I can’t get filthy. Oh, but I do hope my body landed in clean snow,” Rarity said. “Yeah, I wonder where your bodies are. How are we going to get you out of me and into them. I’m starting to feel sick,” Vinyl said, frowning. “Um, hello?” Octavia asked. “Where are we going?” Vinyl swallowed dryly and trotted through the snow, looking at the houses. Lamplight filled the streets, setting the snow aglow with a light orange sheen. “I have a friend who might be able to help. She knows a lot about stuff like this. She’s... weird. But if we can put up with Octavia, she’ll be a breeze.” “Excuse me?” Rarity chuckled. “Indeed. And what is her name?” Vinyl turned and trotted up to a house. Only one window was alight, though the porch light was on and burning bright. She walked up the snowy path and stopped at the door. The house was very cottage-like, similar to the rest of the quaint town. “We used to work together. I think you know her. Her name’s Trixie. ” Chapter 2: A Little Fuzzy...“Trixie?!” Rarity stammered. Vinyl huffed and rolled her eyes. “What’s the big deal?” “She turned my mane green! Green!” Octavia snickered. “Well it’s not worse than being stuck in here. And besides, how bad can she be?” “Bad,” Rarity said. “Very, very bad.” “She’s not too bad, she’s just... odd,” Vinyl said, scuffing at the snow. “Whatever. We’re good friends, she’ll help.” She raised her hoof and knocked it against the door. Her fur stood on end as another gust of freezing wind blasted against her. There were shuffling sounds from inside, then silence. “Leave! The great and powerful Trixie will not take visitors at this hour!” a rough voice called out. “Must’ve woken her up,” Octavia said. Vinyl raised an eyebrow. “Trixie, it’s me! Vinyl! Open the door, I need some help!” “Vinyl?” Trixie asked. Vinyl listened carefully as the door made a little click. It swung inward, and a blue head popped out. Trixie’s mane was frazzled, and there were creases beneath her eyes. “Ah, Vinyl. Trixie is pleased to see you again. What are you doing here?” “Train broke down,” she said, nodding to the station. “Listen, I’ve got a little... problem, and I really need your help. Can I come in?” Trixie eyed her over, sighed, and opened the door fully. A warm gust of air blasted Vinyl, making her shudder. “Yes, come in,” Trixie said. Vinyl stepped past her, stepping into the small home. It was cozy, quaint, and inviting. Trixie led her down the hall and into a dim room that held a couch and a coffee table. Vinyl sat on the couch, and so did Trixie. Her hat and cape sat atop a rack in the corner. “So Trix, what’cha been up to?” “Trixie has been busy. The show business is beneath her now, especially after that petty squabble with the ponies of Ponyville. Trixie would have thought that they would know what show business is in the first place. She supposes she was wrong.” “You were wrong about many of things, you self absorbed psycho unfashionable--” “Quit screaming,” Octavia said. “You’re giving me a headache, and I don’t even have a head.” “Anyway,” Trixie continued. Vinyl smirked and listened. “How does the DJing fare?” Vinyl chuckled. “Eh, it’s got its ups and downs. Right now, I think it’s a down. Trixie, when the train crashed, it blew a magic gasket.” Trixie’s eyebrow shot up. “You came to the right magician. If it’s magic advice you seek, the great and powerful Trixie will know what to do!” She struck a pose, held it, then sat down again. “Right, I knew you were my mare!” Vinyl exclaimed, bouncing. She smirked and nudged Trixie on the shoulder. Rarity scoffed. “You actually think she knows anything about magic? I’d be surprised if she knew how to cook.” “You’re so ignorant,” Vinyl whined. When Trixie gave her a look, she sighed. “There was a magic leak, and the two other ponies who were with me, Rarity and Octavia, got tossed off the train. Err, well their bodies did, anyway.” “Let Trixie guess. Their minds were put into yours, and you don’t like either of them. Trixie does not blame you. That Rarity mare has a stick up her plot.” “What did she just say!?” “Nah, that’s Octavia,” Vinyl said, leaning back. “What did you just say!?” “Well either way, Trixie does not think she wants either of them in her home, and she can only assume that you do not want them in your head,” she said. Her horn lit up, and she floated a coffee mug up from the table, taking a sip. “Trixie knows a little about this, but not much unfortunately. Lately, Trixie has been turning her attention to... other matters.” “Like what?” Vinyl asked, licking her lips as Trixie took another sip. “Would you like some? Trixie can whip something up quickly.” Rarity hummed. “Is she being hospitable? This is odd...” “Nah, thanks though. Um, so what ‘other matters’ are you talking about?” she asked. Trixie grinned, setting her coffee down. She stood and gestured for Vinyl to follow her. They walked to the window and took a seat. “Trottingham is having problems recently, and it is up to Trixie to stop them. She is respected by the townsfolk for her... achievements. You see, Trottingham, nestled in these Celestia-forgotten woods, has problems that they would not like the world to hear of. Everypony here is also a coward.” “Vinyl,” Octavia said, “We don’t care. We just don’t care. Get us out of your head so that we can get back on the train.” “I’m trying,” she said with a frown. “Continue.” Trixie nodded, watching as one or two ponies scurried down the snowy road, looking over their shoulder frequently. “Trixie is surprised that so many ponies went out tonight to see the train. She supposes that some family members were on it. You see, Vinyl, this town is is plagued by... wait...” Trixie looked around, squinting. Her ears flicked up and down, left and right. “Do you hear that?” she asked. Vinyl held her breath, but everything was silent. “Uh, no...” Trixie pressed her hoof to Vinyl’s mouth, causing Octavia to gasp. “She tastes so strange...” “It’s a hoof, what’d you expect,” Vinyl muttered. “Shh!” Trixie commanded. She was staring at the room’s doorway intensely. “You don’t hear that? Trixie hears it clearly...” “Trix, all I hear is--” There was a loud bang. “Huh.” “Vinyl, get out of Trixie’s house, now.” Trixie got behind her and pressed her hooves to Vinyl’s flank. Her cheeks turned a bright red. “Trixie, i-it’s a bit early for this, isn’t it?” “Trixie does not have time for this, you must go!” She pushed harder, but Vinyl did not budge. “Alright, you’ve got some answering to do.” Vinyl sighed, but stepped forward, sending Trixie’s face right into the darkness. Vinyl’s eyes flew wide, and she jerked away. “Way too early.” “Ooh, I felt that,” Octavia said with a gasp. “Indeed,” Rarity said, “I never thought I’d let Trixie into my home, much less my--” “Okay, first of all, it’s mine. Secondly,” Vinyl said, turning to Trixie. She was a deep red, but frantically pushing Vinyl onward. “I still need these freaks out of my head.” “Well Trixie has a bigger problem right now, so if you will please get out--” A shadow flashed in front of the doorway, and Trixie froze. Vinyl blinked, turning back to the hall. “What?” “Shh! Shut it! Vinyl, you’ve gotten dumber over the years, Trixie swears!” she whispered with a scowl. She pushed Vinyl aside and trotted up to the doorway, peering into the hall. She looked both ways, then carefully turned and motioned for Vinyl to step back. Vinyl sat by the window and shrugged. “What’s happening?” Rarity asked. Vinyl thought. “Can you see?” “I can,” Octavia said. “Now why is your friend being... weird.” “I dunno. I told you she was strange.” Suddenly, the glass shattered, sending shards into her side. Vinyl flew to the ground, coughing and squirming beneath a heavy figure. She swung her hooves, landing only a few blows. Whatever was above her was heavy, pressing down on her chest. When she looked up, a pair of bright red beads locked with her own ruby eyes. A huge, furry paw was on her chest, pushing the air out of her. “Hey! Get off you freak!” Trixie scrambled into the hall, yelling, “Stay there! Trixie will be back!” Rarity screamed. Octavia huffed. “Well she’s helpful--ouch!” Vinyl felt it too, wincing as sharp claws dug into her fur. She flailed her hooves, but was pinned in seconds. This figure bent low, breathing on her. Its wet, black nose pressed to her own, and she could hear it growl. “You smell like dog!” Vinyl screamed, tucking her hind legs up and bucking the wolf-pony in the gut. It yelped and stumbled back, giving her just enough time to push herself off the glass. She coughed again, gripping her chest as it bled. “Well you smell like meat!” it growled in return. She blinked, looking it over. “W-what?” It leapt, pinning her down again and sinking massive canines into her shoulder. All three of them screamed. Vinyl thrashed and winced as tears formed in her eyes. “Trixie!” she screamed. “Now would be a great time to help!” “Trixie commands you to back away!” Trixie shouted as she galloped into the room. The monster clenched on Vinyl’s shoulder, tearing a chunk out of her. Vinyl screamed, her eyes rolling up. She saw Trixie running in with a torch, waving it in the thing’s face. It snarled and growled, its fangs dripping red, but it leapt from the window and darted away through the snow. One or two screams echoed outside. Trixie, the torch still in her magic, bent down and nuzzled Vinyl. “Alright you, hold on. Trixie has just the thing for this.” She tossed the torch out the window, and it died with a fizz. She then darted into the kitchen, and returned cursing, a roll of gauss in her mouth. “Trixie has run out of her potions. The best she has is this,” she said, using her magic to unravel the gauss. “How are the others?” “Tell her to shut up and fix the wound!” Octavia said. Rarity groaned. “Just tell her to shut up!” “They’re fine,” Vinyl croaked. She watched as Trixie came down from above, carefully wrapping the bandages around her shoulder. Vinyl sighed, limp in Trixie’s hooves. “You still owe me dinner.” Trixie grinned, ripping the gauss. “Trixie did not expect your sense of humor to hold up.” “Humor? Nah,” she said, weak. “I’m just... hungry...” Trixie froze. She blinked, taking in a deep breath. “Vinyl, lay on Trixie’s couch.” She helped Vinyl up, slinging her foreleg over her neck and aiding her limp across the room. Vinyl slowly laid down on the couch, putting her hind legs up and leaning back. “Were you hungry before?” Trixie asked, putting a pillow behind Vinyl’s head. She shrugged and gave a weak laugh. “I dunno. I’m always hungry.” Trixie swallowed. “Yes, well, Trixie... will be back.” She turned and left the room. Moments later, she re-entered with a long strip of red meat in her magic. “Aw, what is that?” Vinyl asked, coughing. Trixie rolled her eyes. “Trixie finds plenty of stuff on the tracks, do not blame her. She is the town’s sole werepony hunter, she needs this.” She brought it up to Vinyl’s nose, and the sweet smell of fried bacon wafted through her nose. Vinyl’s mouth watered, and her stomach growled louder than the wolf. “Well, maybe one bite...” “Vinyl...” Octavia said, “don’t you eat that. Don’t.” “I agree,” Rarity said. “That’s disgusting.” Vinyl bit her lip. “Ah, whatever,” she said, leaning up and tearing a small bit off of the strip. Trixie scowled, looking away as Vinyl munched on the meat. “Hey, y’know, it’s not bad!” “Trixie... she will go get a painkiller. Just eat,” she said, setting the meat down and leaving. “Aw yeah, ‘bout time we got food.” Octavia sighed. “I bet his name was Rob.” “Mmm, I don’t know why you guys hate this stuff!” she said, sucking in the long, slender piece of dry meat into her mouth. “I don’t know, Octavia... it isn’t awful,” Rarity said. She paused, then added, “But perhaps you should have asked her just what piece of meat you’re eating...” Vinyl stopped, her eyes wide. Her eyes fell, inspecting the slim meat in her mouth. Then, she shrugged and continued eating. “Eh, it tastes good,” she said, finishing it. Trixie entered with a glass of water and a bottle of pills. She aided Vinyl in swallowing one of the little red capsules and chugging the water. “Trixie thinks that you need sleep. This pill should take care of that.” “What’re you gonna do about the window?” Vinyl asked, inspecting the damage. Glass littered the floor, letting snow blow in. “Ah, yes. Do not worry about that, Trixie will be back.” She turned and left yet again. Minutes passed, and she entered again with a strained face. Her magic dragged in a large window into the room, levitated it up, and stuck it right in the frame. She sat, panting. “Trixie... has spares...” “Huh. Cool,” Vinyl said, breathing out. She laid back and closed her eyes, and was out in moments. Vinyl’s eyes slowly opened, letting light sting them. She squinted, blinking the light away. Trixie had successfully cleaned the window, and was nowhere to be found. Vinyl was still on the couch, sunken into the soft, plush comforts. She yawned, stretching her paws out either way. Wait... paws... Her heart missed a beat as she saw her white paws. She brought them to her face, looking them over. They looked like the paws of that monster the night before. Her eyes widened as she licked her teeth, running her tongue across her sharp, elongated teeth. She looked down, and found her body bulked by excess fur. Her tail was firm, with a mix of blue and black fur. Her heart was pounding. “H-hey guys?” “Mmm, Vinyl, hush,” Rarity said sleepily. Vinyl paled. Rarity sounded too real. Vinyl’s ears flicked, and she began to pick up on a soft snore. But Trixie wasn’t in the room... She looked left, where another head, fur white and blue-black mane neatly swirled, snored away beside her. Her eyes traced it down, and found it attached to her body. Vinyl’s head snapped left, where, dangling off the couch, another head, this one white as well, snored lightly with her tongue limp in her nose. Octavia, her mane styled as it always was, was snoozing. “Aw man,” she muttered, biting her lip. “It was bad enough when they were in my head... Now I gotta actually listen to them!” “Vinyl...” Octavia muttered, “Stick a hoof in it...” “By Celestia...” Then, she grinned. An idea struck her. Stifling a chuckle with a paw, she reached over and poked Rarity with a claw. “Huh, that’s what I thought...” she said. Her grin grew as she leaned over, stuck her long, flat tongue out and licked Rarity on the cheek. It was fun and tasty. She chuckled and rubbed her cheek. “Aw man, that feels amazing.” Octavia groaned. “Did somepony just lick me?” Vinyl snickered. “This is awesome.” Chapter 3: Too Close for ComfortOctavia snorted. “I swear, whoever is licking me is going to be slapped... to Tartarus...” She continued her light snore. Vinyl grinned and licked Rarity again. This time, Rarity swatted her loosely with a hoof and giggled. “No no, not yet... not ready...” Snickering, Vinyl turned to see Trixie saunter down the hallway, a coffee mug in her magic. Sipping on it, she turned and slipped into the room, then froze. Her eyes went wide. “What? How? This is...” Vinyl pressed a paw to her lips and shushed Trixie, but it was too late. Rarity rolled and stirred, groaning as she opened her eyes. “Oh... oh my, my head...” She turned and faced Vinyl, blinking and squinting. “Here, let me get that for ya,” Vinyl said, rubbing Rarity’s eyes with a paw. “Better?” “Yes, I think so,” she said, yawning. “Vinyl, you’re head is significantly airy this morning.” “Aw, how sweet,” Vinyl said, rolling her eyes. Trixie set her mug down and stood above them, staring with an open mouth. “T-Trixie does not understand... three heads...” Rarity blinked and gave Trixie a questioning look. She then looked down herself, at her neck, and gasped. “W-what is this? I’m... stuck!” She jerked away, winced, and rested back down. “Mmm, what are you two doing...” Octavia muttered. She blinked, shaking her head and rolling back up onto the couch, pressing Vinyl and Rarity into the cushion. “Hey, Octapus, get off,” Vinyl said, pushing her head down. “Trixie thinks you look like an octopus,” she said, shifting on her hooves. “She was not prepared for this...” Rarity bit her lip. “O-okay, the bright side is that I have my own head, so...” She forced a laugh. “It’s fine, Rarity, it’s fine...” Octavia snorted and held her head up, looking at the other two. “What are you having a fit--by Celestia what is this?!” She gasped. “This is what I’m having a fit about!” Rarity said. Octavia sputtered. “N-no! This is not okay!” “I kinda like it,” Vinyl said with a shrug. She stretched her hooves out and yawned, snapping her ferocious teeth. She then rolled off the couch, to her paws and stood up tall. Rarity and Octavia gave each other wary glances. “This is awful,” Rarity muttered. “Just awful. How am I supposed to pull a fashion show like this? It’s the. Worst. Possible. Thing!” She let out an exasperated sigh and let her head hang limp. Vinyl rolled her eyes and looked to Trixie. “So... this is pretty awesome...” Trixie swallowed dryly and sat on the couch. “No Vinyl, Trixie does not think it is as good as you think.” She sat as well, and opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off by Octavia. “So how do we get out of... this,” she asked with a grimace. Trixie bit her lip and took another sip of coffee. “Trixie will help you, but first, you will help Trixie.” Vinyl grinned. “Trixie, there’s nopony in the world that can help you.” “Oh ha-ha Vinyl, quite funny,” Octavia said, rolling her eyes. “Continue Miss Trixie.” She scratched her neck. “Trixie used to be able to handle the wolves, but... well, as you can see, Trixie is... we shall say, outnumbered. There is nopony else who can tame these beasts like Trixie, but she is but one mare. You on the other hoof are three, and in a powerful body...” “Powerful body?” Vinyl asked, raising an eyebrow. “Somehow I don’t think you’re talking about my striking looks.” Trixie sighed. “No, Trixie is not. She is referring to your condition. You are stronger, faster, sharper, and if possible, dumber. Trixie wants to make it clear that you are a dog. If it is shiny, it is a toy. If it is meat, you will most likely want to eat it. Normally wereponies have behavioral shifts as well, but Trixie does not know how it will affect... you three.” Vinyl shrugged and smirked. “Well whatever, it’s cool!” Octavia bumped her head to Vinyl, then turned to Trixie. “What do you need us to do? I want to get out of this body, especially now that she smells like a mutt.” Rarity looked over to Trixie now. “And I swear to Celestia, Trixie, if you so much as think of pulling something on me, I shall show you just how generous my hoof can be.” “Uh, actually Rarity, it’s mine. And I think it’s a paw,” Vinyl said, bopping her on the nose. All three of them winced, and she smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, claws.” “Trixie needs you to listen to every word she says, to the letter. Now is not the time for jokes,” she said, glaring at Vinyl. “Help me, and I shall help you. First, though, Trixie thinks you should test your new legs.” “Test our legs?” Octavia asked, eyeing her over. She nodded firmly. “Trixie is worried for your bodies. She fears that we have waited too long. We must retrieve them so that she can get them to a fire. If she is correct, you are both still breathing,” she said, looking to Octavia and Rarity. “And any longer, you may not have a body to return to.” Rarity and Octavia exchanged glances, speechless. Vinyl, on the other hoof, felt her heart leap. “Yeah, let’s go! I’m ready to get movin’!” She dropped from the couch and bounced from hoof to hoof. “Yes, but we need a plan,” Trixie said. She stood as well, setting her mug down. “The police here are on Trixie’s side only when she has the upper hoof already. As she said, cowards. You must be swift, as Trixie--and eventually the police--will be on your tail. Once out of town, you are safe. Stick to the tracks, and don’t get lost.” She sighed. “And Vinyl, for the love of Celestia, don’t be... yourself.” Vinyl grinned and trotted around the coffee table. “Yeah, whatever. Let’s go, I’ve got helpless mares to save!” Octavia nipped her cheek, causing Vinyl to jerk. “My teeth are a bit sharper than yours, mind you,” Octavia said. Rarity swallowed dryly. “Please girls, we need to focus. I fear for our bodies if we don’t.” “She’s right,” Vinyl said. “Octavia, quit your squabbling. Onward!” Octavia squinted, licking her lips. “I’ll bite harder next time.” “Your problem too,” she said with a shrug. “Now c’mon ponies, we need to go.” Her stomach let loose a long, low growl. Trixie’s soon mimicked it, causing her to grip her sides and frown. “Trixie thinks we should wait until we eat breakfast,” she said, heading for the hall doorway. Vinyl, Octavia, and Rarity looked to each other and nodded, Vinyl’s with significantly more vigor than the other two. Octavia and Rarity were doing their best to keep their breathing calm and their heads up. Vinyl smiled and trotted after Trixie with a bounce to her step. “What’s for breakfast?” she asked herself, turning down the hall and heading into the kitchen. Trixie was digging in her freezer, shifting things around as a pale mist flowed out. She pulled out a slab of red meat and levitated it to a plate on the counter. Vinyl took a seat at the table in the center, watching with wide eyes and a watering mouth. Octavia and Rarity too began to water at the sight, though grimacing still. “Rabbit,” Trixie said, putting the plate in front of them. “I think only one of you needs to eat it. Now do so, you will need the energy. Trixie has some mean calves.” Chapter 4: Hide and SeekVinyl shifted in the doorway, her hoof on the handle. “Alright Trixie, one more time... what?” Trixie sighed. They were in position, just behind the closed door. Vinyl looked to Octavia and Rarity, receiving weak nods from either of them. Trixie looked them over. “You know,” she said, “Trixie is getting annoyed. How can you not understand this?” “Yes, Vinyl, tell us how your simple mind works,” Octavia said with a snort. Rarity simply sighed and watched as Trixie got between them and the door. “You shall run from Trixie, all the way to the station, where you will get on the tracks and retrace the train until you find the bodies. Make sure you three don’t get in the way of the others, and watch out for changes in behavioral patterns. There’s three heads on your shoulders, and Trixie thinks that this may cause some... odd effects. Now are you ready?” Vinyl bit her lip, but was quickly knocked by Octavia. “Yeah, I guess. And you promise I won’t get get blasted. Cuz at the wedding, Pinkie picked up Twilight and... it hurt.” “You will not get blasted, now get out of Trixie’s house!” She yanked the door open, and bucked Vinyl on the flank, booting her out into the cold. She stumbled forward, kicking the snow around. With a glance over her shoulder, and a glare from Trixie, she planted her paws down and charged forward. She darted out of the yard, and Trixie was quick to leap from her home, shouting, “Run you beast! The great and powerful Trixie shall turn you into a rug!” “She’s pleasant,” Rarity muttered as they sped down the street. Ponies on either side screamed, gasped, and leapt out of the way. Mothers clung to their foals and others scrambled into houses on either side. Vinyl smirked and galloped onward, a white cloud trailing behind her. Trixie was fast. Very fast. Octavia glanced behind them to see that she was right behind them. “By Celestia, how strong is this mare? We’re flying, how is she keeping up?” “Get out before Trixie cooks you!” she shouted. Vinyl could see the station ahead, with the train still docked and still. She sucked in deeply, pushing off and leaping forward. She turned at the station, darting towards the woods and running ahead. Suddenly, a blue streak grazed her side. All three mares gasped and scowled as the forest grew close. Behind them, Trixie, her voice fading, yelled, “Trixie will not hold back next time! Do not return!” Vinyl slowed down as the sound of the panicked town was left behind. The screams faded, and so did Trixie’s shouting. They panted as she slowed to a trot, and eventually a brisk walk. The track was the only think to slice through the treeline, and they stuck to it carefully as they continued. The woods around them stretched on forever, Vinyl noted. “What a flank,” Vinyl said with a frown. She stopped and inspected her side, running a hoof over a small strip of cut fur. Rarity grinned. “Indeed she is.” Vinyl turned back around and started walking again, the snow crunching with every step. “We wouldn’t even be here if you two hadn’t flown off the train.” “Oh, well excuse me for being poisoned and fainting while we were crashing!” Octavia said, shaking her head at Vinyl. “Okay, okay, chill out.” Rarity sighed and looked to the sky. Grey clouds blotted out the sun as soft flakes of snow slowly drifted down. The wind was hard, tossing their manes as it pleased, and the ground was cold on Vinyl’s paws. “It’s rather easy to ‘chill’ out here,” she said, breathing out a plume of steam. Vinyl sidestepped onto the tracks and nodded. “Yep, it’s cold. But hey, this fur helps,” she said with a smirk, holding her head high. Octavia rolled her eyes. “I was perfectly happy on the train.” They walked on in silence for a while. “So,” Vinyl said, “what kind of ‘behavioral changes’ was she talking about?” “I’m not sure,” Rarity said, licking her lips and thinking. “Maybe we’ll get angry or something? We are a dog, right? And she did say that the changes were belated, so...” Octavia gasped, and both Vinyl and Rarity faced her. “What?” “M-my body! Thank Celestia!” She jerked forward, but Vinyl kept her slow pace. “Chill Octy--” “Not the nicknames,” she hissed. “Not again.” “Fine, fine,” Vinyl said, stepping off the tracks and heading to the lump of snow. The mound was raising and lowering slowly, and was surrounded by indents in the snow. As Vinyl approached, the three mares bent down and inspected the tracks. “Wolf tracks,” Vinyl mumbled. “My body had better be alright! I swear on Vinyl’s life, if they’ve done something to it--” “Would you hush!” Rarity said, glaring. Then she blinked slowly and paused. “I-I’m sorry for that. I must be tired.” Octavia sneered and looked back down to her body. “Vinyl, get digging.” Vinyl’s tongue flopped out and she pounced on the lump, chunking away the snow. The others gasped as their faces planted in the snow, but Vinyl paid them no mind. She was panting with a smile, carving out Octavia’s body from the snow. Soon, the limp, grey body was uncovered, though it was pale and barely breathing. When Octavia and Rarity finally plucked their faces from the ground, they saw the body’s condition, and after a curse from Rarity, they focused on it. “Hey, Octavia,” Vinyl said, nudging her. “You’re kinda cute when you’re sleeping.” Octavia didn’t push her away, but she did frown. “Vinyl, that’s me that you just said that about. Now use your paws and get me up.” Vinyl smirked. Her horn lit up, and Octavia’s body floated up from the snow. Vinyl brought it in front of her and ran her hoof over it, then placed it on her back. “You’re really cold,” she said. “Oh really? I didn’t know snow could do such a thing,” Octavia said. “So where are we off to? Trixie said to put the body somewhere,” Rarity said, looking behind them. Vinyl scuffed the snow. “Yeah, I forgot. Hey, you guys hungry? I saw a squirrel over there.” She pointed off into the forest. Octavia leaned over and bit her ear, and the three of them yelped. Vinyl huffed. “Won’t be doing that again, will you?” “Stop bickering!” Rarity snapped with a scowl. “Oh, um, oh my...” Vinyl and Octavia exchanged glances. “So where to?” Vinyl asked. “I’m not sure. I suppose we could just run it back to town. I’m sure your friend is home. Just... be careful. I’ve taken too much damage already,” Octavia said. “Maybe we should warm it up,” Vinyl said, lifting Octavia’s body off her back. “Vinyl, no. No, bad Vinyl,” Octavia said, giving her a harsh stare. Vinyl whimpered and lowered the body again. “Now let’s go. We can run back there and drop it by her house, then run back here and get Rarity.” “Now hold on, why shouldn’t we get my body as well? Why make two return trips?” she asked. “Because it’s important to get my body to safety,” Octavia said, frowning. “Oh, and I’m not important? Vinyl, go get my body.” Vinyl blinked and stepped forward. Octavia’s jaw dropped. “No, Vinyl, take my body back to Trixie!” She shrugged and turned around, heading back down the tracks. “Vinyl!” Rarity said. “Go find my body!” Vinyl frowned and turned around again. The arguing continued for minutes, and Vinyl began to get dizzy. Soon, though, something caught Rarity’s eye. While Octavia was scolding Vinyl yet again, Rarity bent down at picked up a short stick in her muzzle. “Hey, Vinyl,” she said, whistling. “Fetch!” She snapped her head and tossed the stick ahead of them. Vinyl’s eyes locked onto it. She panted and wagged her tail, spinning around and dashing off after the stick. Octavia screamed. “No! Bad Vinyl! Don’t scare me!” Vinyl rolled her eyes as she closed in on the stick. The snow was cold beneath her paws, and the wind was hard against her fur. She threw her hooves forward and skid to a stop, bending down to get the stick. Just before she bit into it, it lit up and flew forward. Rarity grinned as they were off again. ~~~ As Vinyl growled and gnawed on the stick, swatting it with her paws and laying on the ground, Octavia and Rarity inspected the indent in the snow that outlined Rarity’s body, right down to her curly mane and horn. “I-I don’t understand, my body should be right here...” she said with quivering lips. Octavia’s eyes were following a set of wolf tracks. “They were here too... “ “Mmm, hey guys,” Vinyl said, still chewing on the stick, “have you noticed how weird it is to feel three heads? Like, I can feel your mane blowing. It’s really weird.” “Vinyl dear,” Octavia said with a sarcastic smile, “You’re adorable as a pet, but it’d be much better if you just bit the stick.” She shrugged. “Okay.” Rarity whined loudly. “This is terrible. We have to go find me! I won’t be in the hooves of such ruffians!” Octavia looked deep into the forest, scanning it intensely. “I don’t know... what will we do with my body?” “It can wait!” Rarity snapped, baring her sharp teeth. “Whoa, Rarity, calm down,” Vinyl said, snapping the stick in two. Rarity growled. “I cannot, and will not, calm down until we find where my body has been taken,” she said. “Well we still gotta get her off my back,” Vinyl said, looking between her and Rarity to Octavia’s body. It was sprawled on her back, still breathing slowly. “I agree, let’s take me home. I’m sure I’m cold,” Octavia said. “As if I am not?” Rarity said, staring daggers. “Guys, I’m getting hungry. Can we, like, run back to Trixie’s house and get something to eat?” Rarity scoffed. “You’re always hungry.” “Yeah, so?” Octavia sighed. “Rarity, you’re outvoted.” “I can’t believe I’m stuck with you two selfish ponies! Vinyl, don’t be a tool! Go get my body!” Rarity said. Octavia brushed her cheek to Vinyl. “Hey now, don’t yell at her for caring about a pony.” Vinyl smiled and nuzzled her. “Aw, thanks. You stuck up for me.” She backed up and raised her eyebrow, saying, “Don’t get used to it.” “Since when are you two friends?” Rarity asked, frowning. Octavia sneered. “We aren’t ‘friends’, but she’s certainly the lesser of two evils.” “She’s a practical dog right now!” Rarity said. “Yes,” Octavia said, nuzzling Vinyl lightly, “But she’s my dog. Isn’t that right? Yes it is. Yes it is.” Vinyl closed her eyes as a smile grew on her lips and heat filled her cheeks. “Oh, I see what you’re doing. Dearie, two can play at that game. Vinyl,” Rarity said, whistling. Vinyl looked at her blankly. “Want a treat? I bet there’s a tasty...” She shuddered. “...squirrel, in there. Big and juicy, and all you have to do is go get my body. Sounds good, doesn’t it?” Vinyl slowly nodded. “Fabulous.” Vinyl stood and threw her paws forward, ducking low and stretching. All three of them yawned widely. She looked into the forest as she came back up, looking deep into the snowy, misty rows of trees that stretched on into a vast whiteness. Snow had begun to fall harder now, and the wind was picking up. The grey clouds above grew thicker and thicker, and darker and darker. “Vinyl! Vinyl, listen to me,” Octavia said, stopping her just before she entered the forest. She leaned over and put her muzzle just behind Vinyl’s ear, nipping lightly. Vinyl’s eyes rolled up and her tongue lolled out. “I’ll do it again if you get back to town,” she said, pulling away. “Besides, you think catching a squirrel is going to be easier than just getting food from Trixie? Hardly.” “But, you, Vinyl!” Rarity whined. But it was too late, and Vinyl had turned around and was darting back down the tracks towards Trottingham. ~~~ “So,” Rarity said as they sat on the edge of town, hidden away behind a tree. The body laid next to them. “That blunderous mare didn’t even tell us how to get back into town. This is perfect, if you ask me. Just perfect.” “Oh quit it,” Octavia said, “We’ll figure something out. Vinyl?” “Huh?” She looked away from squirrel that was running up the tree. “Yeah?” “Can you howl?” Octavia asked. When Rarity gave her a questioning look, she simply grinned. Vinyl shrugged. “I dunno.” “Well try it,” she said. Vinyl shrugged and tilted her head up. She sucked in a deep breath, and forced it out. A successful howl echoed out, scattering the birds from their nests and eliciting a few light gasps from the town. “And what will this accomplish?” Rarity asked as Vinyl’s head lowered and the howl died. Octavia ignored her, peering past the tree at the station. It was silent, and she could see nothing through the train’s windows. The town seemed empty as well, and the shutters of the small, quaint cottages were closed. Then, in the distance, the clop of hooves grew close. Octavia grinned wryly, turning back to Rarity and winking. Vinyl’s ears perked up, and she jumped to her paws, baring her teeth and growling. Her nose shot up, sniffing rapidly. “Bite it. I’m gonna bite it,” she said, shuffling in the snow. Octavia glared at her. “No, Vinyl, you’re not.” Rarity rolled her eyes. “I say we let her. Especially if it’s--” Vinyl gasped. “I know her. Trixie. I know her smell.” She leapt forward, fumbling in the snow as she ran around the tree and pounced the approaching mare. Trixie grunted, kicking her roughly and sending her to the tree. She rolled onto her stomach and stood, brushing the snow out of her fur and picking up a long, slim blade that had been knocked from her mouth. She then slammed her hooves onto Vinyl’s shoulders, pressing their noses together. She paused there for a moment, then slowly backed off. “Vinyl? Octavia and stuck-up? You three gave the town a heart attack. Trixie almost skewed you with silver!” Vinyl was panting. She leaned forward and licked Trixie’s cheek, causing her to grimace and back away. “Don’t mind her,” Octavia said. “She’s docile. Though watch out for Rarity, she bites.” “Excuse me? I’ll show you biting,” Rarity said. She leaned over and clamped down on Vinyl’s ear. She and Octavia yelped, and Rarity simply turned red. Releasing Vinyl’s ear, she huffed. “Do not insult a lady.” Octavia coughed. “Tramp.” “I’ll do it again...” Vinyl growled at her. “I can bite too.” Trixie sighed and sat down. She glanced over her shoulder, and after finding the streets still calm and empty, turned back around. “Where are the bodies of Rarity and Octavia? Trixie needs to get them to a fire.” Octavia bit her lip. “Well, we found my body. It’s behind the tree.” Trixie’s eyebrow shot up. “And what about hers?” “My body has been stolen,” Rarity said, frowning. Vinyl chuckled, but was quickly knocked for it. Trixie closed her eyes and rubbed her head. “By wolves?” Rarity nodded. “Trixie thought as much. She is surprised that you found Octavia’s body. Come, you’ve scared everypony in town senseless. A howl so close is normally followed by an attack.” Vinyl stood and went behind the tree, coming back with the body on her back. “They promised me food.” Trixie couldn’t help but give a little laugh. “Yes, Trixie has food. Now come, quickly. Trixie has yet to announce that the town is safe.” Vinyl, with a bounce to her step, followed swiftly as Trixie lead them back to her home. It was a tedious venture, as Trixie had to keep Vinyl hidden by taking her around the town, but they made it to her back door eventually. When they were there, Trixie stopped them. The snow was getting heavy, and the wind blew hard. The three mares looked to each other, then to Trixie, whose hoof was on the door handle. She was chewing on her lip and staring blankly at the snow. “While you were gone, Trixie found the whereabouts of a friend.” She opened the door, and let them slip into the warmth of the house. Vinyl took the body down the hall and into the living room. Trixie stepped ahead and nodded to the far wall, where a fire was roaring in a brick fireplace. She nodded to it, and Vinyl levitated the body to the hearth. “So, food? I’m hungry.” “Wait Vinyl,” Rarity said. She turned to Trixie, who walked to the hearth and began tending to Octavia’s body. “What about my body?” Trixie sat and rolled Octavia’s body onto its back. “Trixie thinks that your body is fine.” “Really?” she asked, her face alight with a smile and starry eyes. Trixie flushed red. “No. Trixie lied to make you feel better, but she realizes that that was wrong. Trixie thinks you have been eaten.” Rarity coughed. “W-what?! I’m going to devour you if we can’t get my body back! These two are so... so... uncouth! I shall not be stuck with them forever!” “Trixie can do nothing for you if it is gone already! And if it is not, then you will help Trixie for Trixie to help you. It is late, and this is good. Trixie wants you to leave at dark,” she said, standing up. “Her name is Colegate, and she has the supplies that Trixie needs. And she may help you with the... head issue.” There was a pause. “I’m hungry~!” Vinyl whined, stomping her paws. Chapter 5: Deep into the DarkVinyl scratched her ear with a wide grin as she sat before the door. Trixie had given up on her and was talking to Octavia and Rarity. “Trixie knows where she is. Colegate is north of the town, in the woods. Trixie wants you to be careful, and keep Vinyl on a leash or something.” Vinyl perked up, shooting Trixie a glare. “Hey, I don’t need a leash--ah! Paw. Itchy.” She nipped away at her paw. Trixie sighed and shook her head. “So do you understand where to go? Past the stream, around the large tree, and down the dirt path.” Octavia nodded. Rarity was busy frowning at Vinyl. “Vinyl, quit. It may itch, but that is why you have two hooves--paws. Do not be so uncouth.” “Uncouth this, uncouth that,” Vinyl muttered, lowering her paw. “So,” Octavia said, “What are we getting?” “Trixie needs two things; silver-root, and night-nettle.” She put her hoof on the door handle. “It is late, so the ponies of Trottingham should not be in the streets. This town is quiet, and has none of those nightclubs of Ponyville and Manehattan. Everypony should be sound asleep. Even still, you must hurry out of the town.” Octavia nodded, and looked to Rarity. Rarity looked up from Vinyl, who was licking her paw and rubbing her face with it, to nod back. “We’re ready to go, then,” Octavia said, looking back to Trixie. “Good. Make haste! The sooner you return, the sooner we can begin the search for Rarity’s body,” she said. She thrust the door open, letting the freezing night air in. Rarity rolled her eyes when Vinyl did not move. “Vinyl! Get going! The longer my body is out there, the less chance I have of getting it back!” Vinyl growled at her, sitting up tall and planting her hooves down firmly. Octavia bent down and looked at Rarity, raising her eyebrow and grinning. “Vinyl,” she said as she raised her head. Vinyl looked her over with a blunt expression. Octavia smiled at her and nuzzled her gently. “Vinyl, be a good girl and get going. You’re a good girl, right?” There was a still pause. Vinyl’s cheeks were turning red as she stared out into the night. She stood and stretched, yawning deeply before darting out of the house. Her hooves pounded on the snow as she curved onto the road and ran through the town. The town truly was empty, with only the glow of the street lamps to fill the cold air. The clouds were still thick, and the snow was still drifting down. Vinyl galloped towards the dark, snowy forest ahead. The distance between her and the trees closed quickly, and soon, she passed the last, dark cottage and was in the thick treeline. The woods were silent, misty, and the occasional beam of moonlight that pierced the clouds was fractured by the leaves. Vinyl sniffed the air as she stepped over a root. Frozen leaves and twigs snapped beneath her paws. Octavia and Rarity looked their respective ways, deep into the woods. They stretched on into an eternal darkness. Octavia bit her lip and threw her ears forward, listening to the light chirping of the birds in the distance. Rarity swallowed dryly, her ear twitching at each crunch of the snow. “Guys,” Vinyl whispered, “I gotta find a tree.” “A tree?” Rarity whispered. She shot Vinyl a look. “Vinyl, we’re surrounded by trees.” Octavia scanned the treeline. “Do you think there are more of those things in there?” “Probably,” Rarity said.” “Guys,” Vinyl whined, “I gotta go...” “Oh...” Rarity blinked slowly. “This is going to be strange.” “Oh my,” Octavia said. “No Vinyl. No, just keep going. We are not making stops.” Her ears flattened and her tail fell. “B-but--” “Shh!” Rarity looked forward, her ears alert and her eyes squinting. “Do you hear that?” Vinyl leaned forward. In the distance there was the light sound of rushing water. She bit her lip and tensed up. “Aww man...” Octavia brushed her cheek against Vinyl’s. “Just don’t think about it. Just keep going. You know, I bet Colegate has some tasty treats in her house...” Vinyl let out a high, long whine. “Alright...” she said, picking up her pace. They trekked on for a while, and the sound of rushing water grew nearer and nearer. Soon, they were upon the stream. Clear, pristine water rushed down a small crevice. Chunks of ice rushed down with it, shattering on the rocks. Vinyl began shifting on her hooves and biting down on her lip hard. The stream flowed freely, delicately, sauntering down the ravine. Vinyl kicked a rock into the water, and the splash made her wince. “Vinyl, get going!” Rarity said. Vinyl turned to her and bared her teeth in a scowl. Octavia nuzzled her again. “Come on, come on...” Vinyl sighed and nuzzled her back, placing her paw gently into the stream. She swallowed a yelp. The stream was freezing. Still, she put her other paw in, then her hind paws, and soon, she was wading through it. A smile grew on her lips. It took only moments for her to begin leaping and jumping in the water, splashing it onto her fur. Octavia gasped, and Rarity squealed as they were taken for a ride. They were dripping wet as they pushed onward. “Vinyl...” Octavia hissed. Vinyl whimpered and looked at her, holding her head down and keeping her ears flat. Octavia glared at her, keeping her under her eye. Rarity shook her mane again, flinging small drops of water onto the others. “That was awful. Just awful. Vinyl, don’t you ever do that again. Bad Vinyl.” Vinyl gave a small whimper and looked up to Octavia. Octavia sighed and shook her head. “Alright, don’t give her too hard of a time. She’s just having fun.” Vinyl’s face immediately lit up with a smile. She stuck her tongue out and licked Octavia sloppily. Octavia’s face scrunched up and she turned away, but Vinyl got the lick in and was charging down the forest again. “Uh... good girl?” “Where is this tree?” Rarity asked. “I’d like to get to Colgate’s before Vinyl gets the opportunity to get us dirty again.” They continued through the forest, when, ahead of them a clearing opened up. They stepped into the glowing area, looking up at a tall, thick tree that shut up in its center. The tree was dead and rotted, letting the snow drift down. Vinyl froze. Her nose shot up into the air and she began sniffing. Octavia watched carefully. “What? Do you smell something?” Rarity looked around. “There’s nothing here. Can we get going?” Vinyl’s eyes flicked to her, then her whole head snapped around. Her teeth bared and she let out a low growl. There was a light crunch of the snow, coming from around the tree, and Vinyl got low, ready to pounce. Then, a large, black wolf-pony stepped out from behind the tree with a grin. When he saw them, though, he stopped. He looked them over slowly as Vinyl growled. Octavia and Rarity exchanged glances, then joined Vinyl in growling. “Well, excuse me,” he said. “A stallion tries to be friendly and he is cursed at by his brethren.” He huffed and sat in the snow. Vinyl did not move, keeping her head low and paws ready to pounce. Octavia, however, backed up. “Who are you?” He laughed. “Me? I should be asking the same to you. Three heads, that’s new.” He stood and began to circle the three mares. Rarity watched him closely. “Who we are is none of your business,” she said. “Oh? I think it is. A wolf--wolves, my apology--in these parts without the master knowing... well it’s strange, to say the least. And you... you are special. Come, follow me. The master will be interested in meeting you,” he said. He stood in front of them and began to walk into the woods. “Uh... no.” Vinyl turned around and began walking in the opposite direction. However, just before she could make it into the forest, two wereponies jumped out, snarling and pushing her back. Her heart leapt as she stepped back, eyeing them over. “I think you’ll be coming with us,” he said. Vinyl yelped and spun around. His deep green eyes dug into Vinyl’s, making her shudder. “Vinyl, just go with him,” Octavia whispered. “But--” “Don’t question me!” Vinyl whimpered and stepped forward. The stallion wolf winked to her and said, “Good puppy. Come come, ponies, we have to get back soon!” The wereponies behind her gave Vinyl a good push, starting her off after the stallion. Vinyl groaned. “Aww, I still gotta go!”
Chapter 1: You and Me and HerEvery so often, the long, slim train car bounced on the rails. Vinyl sighed and leaned back in her chair, staring out the window. The soft hum of a cello filled the warm air, mixing with the rhythm of the metal wheels running over the bolts in the track. She took in a deep breath, inhaling the scent of rose air freshener. She snorted, then sneezed. Her horn lit up, levitating a napkin off of the table before her and wiping her nose. At the end of the car, a grey mare, her mane and tail well groomed, was playing her glossy cello. She was propped up on her hind legs, the bow held in her hoof as she played. Vinyl rolled her eyes, and cast them down the rest of the car. Beds lined one half, and the other half were tables and chairs for lounging. Vinyl, sitting in one of these chairs, turned behind her to see Rarity laid back on her bed, a book levitating before her. After a moment, she turned back to the frosted window to watch the twilight snowscape pass by, one whitebark tree at a time. She sighed and sank further down into her chair. “I’m b-ored!” she whined. The music came to a stop, and Octavia huffed. “Vinyl, for the last time, I don’t care.” “Well I say you should pick up a book. I have another if you’d like,” Rarity said, setting the book down. She floated her saddlebags up from the floor and began rummaging through them. “Yeah, no, I’m fine,” Vinyl said, waving her hoof. “I just... really hate trains.” Rarity gasped. “Vinyl, dear, this is a state of the art train privately reserved for nobles!” “It’s a crayon on wheels.” Octavia rolled her eyes and began packing her cello away. “The engineers of this marvel found a way to refine magic into fuel. What have you done recently?” Vinyl sighed and slowly blinked. “Your sister.” “W-what?!” Octavia stood tall and glared. Rarity sat up. “Now girls, let’s not get snippy. We’re with each other for a week.” She turned to Vinyl. “But honestly Vinyl, do grow up.” “Again,” Octavia said, climbing on her bed, “The pay had better be worth it for putting up with her.” Vinyl sneered. “Well excuse me for having a sense of humor. You’re both boring cardboard cut-outs.” “So the plan, then, for the fashion show,” Rarity said, cutting Octavia off. “Obviously Vinyl, you’ll be playing at the show, and Octavia, you shall play the party after. Then, Hoity Toity has invited us to his home for dinner. You’re both going to be paid handsomely so long as you can get along.” “I’d expect so,” Octavia said, holding her nose high. She hopped up onto the bed and laid her head down on the pillows behind her, crossing her forelegs. “That was oddly rude of you,” Vinyl noted. “I’ll keep that in mind,” she said with a snort. Rarity gave an awkward smile, and Vinyl’s eyebrow shot up. “So Vinyl, Octavia, what did you think of my newest dress line? I modeled it after the weather.” Vinyl smiled back. “Oh, yeah, it’s cool.” “It is wearable,” Octavia said, not looking at either of them. There was silence in the car. Vinyl bit her lip and shrugged, turning back to the window and mumbling to herself. “I’m still bored.” Suddenly, a door at the end of the cabin was flung open. All three mares looked forward to see a tall tan stallion in greasy overalls. He darted through the car, nodding to them before tossing the next door aside and charging into the next car. “Oh my,” Rarity said, frowning. “He better not touch my dresses.” “He didn’t even have the decency to shut the doors,” Octavia said, standing up. She shivered as her hooves touched the cold metal, pushing it closed. “Vinyl, get off your lazy plot and shut that one.” She muttered a curse as her horn lit up. The door glowed a light pink, then latched shut. “Happy?” “So long as you’re here, no,” Octavia replied, resting back on the bed. Vinyl huffed. “You know, I never did figure out why you hate me.” Octavia only made a face and looked away. Rarity shrugged to Vinyl, who grinned in return. The sound of a bell ringing echoed through the cabin. Vinyl and Rarity looked around for the sound, though Octavia only frowned and covered her ears with a pillow, stomping her hooves down on the bed. Bells on the wall were all strung together with a thin wire that was being pulled. They chimed loudly, ominously. “What’s up with that?” Vinyl shouted. “I don’t know,” Rarity replied. “I doubt it is good though. Oh dear, my clothes...” Octavia scowled. “Somepony had better shut that off!” The train jerked, smashing Vinyl’s face on the table with a thud. She yelped, snapping up and rubbing her nose. “What the buck?” “I’m not sure, but this is getting completely out of hoof,” Octavia said, pushing herself off the floor. Rarity watched them. “Indeed. I have half a mind to walk up to the conductor right now and demand an explanation.” The door behind them opened with a screech, and the tan stallion raced through the car, tossing the forward door open and disappearing again. Vinyl watched him carefully, then turned to Rarity. “Rarity,” she said, “What type of train did you say this was?” She blinked. “Well, it’s a new train, running on fuel derived from unicorn magic that is stored in tanks. It’s science or something. You know Vinyl, reading is useful.” “These bells won’t stop!” Octavia snapped. She leapt from her bed and gripped the wire above her, biting down on it so hard that it snapped. The bells stopped jingling quickly, and she breathed out a sigh. “Finally. Thank Celestia.” Then she coughed. “Oh my, what is that awful smell?” Rarity stood and sniffed the air. “That is terrible...” Vinyl inhaled deeply. A musky smell was filling the air. She writhed and waved it away with her hoof. “It’s not me this time, I swear! By Luna’s moon!” The vents above were glowing. A pink mist began to flow through them, sparkling like glitter. “What’s going on?” Octavia asked, watching as the cloud rolled in like perfumed fog. The train jerked again, knocking them all to the carpets below. Vinyl grumbled and pushed herself up, only to be knocked back down by yet another harsh tug. She watched as Octavia and Rarity did the same. The pink mist continued to flow through the vents. It was spreading, sinking down, and landing on the ponies. Coughs echoed through the car. Vinyl got to her hooves and stumbled down the aisle to Rarity, who was pushing herself up on her bed. “Hey,” she said with another cough, “is everypony all right?” “No! I’m being tossed around like a garden salad!” Rarity said. “These ruffians had better get things straight, and soon.” A sudden screeching bellowed through the cabin, and Octavia gasped. She fumbled with her hooves as she worked her way down to the others. The doors on either side let freezing air in, along with flakes of ice. The pink gas seemed to sink to the bottom and vent through them, though all three of them had breathed so much in that their lungs were aflame. “Alright, we just...” Vinyl paused to cough. “...need to get into another car.” “Oh you’re a genius!” Octavia shouted. The train jerked again, roughly tossing them all into the aisle. She slammed her hooves against Vinyl’s back. “Get off me! You smell like rum!” Vinyl rolled off of her and scowled. “Better than smelling like a stallion!” “You truly are a twit,” she muttered, pushing herself up with one of the chairs. Rarity coughed into her hoof as she leaned on a table. “Girls, we have much larger problems than what we smell like!” Another loud screech rang through the cabin, thrusting them to the front of the car. The wheels were obviously grinding on the rails. The pink mist was quickly being flushed out through the doors, but what replaced it was the thick smell of melting metal. Vinyl stood again, looking around frantically. “What the buck is this?” The train jerked again, throwing Octavia forward, she was slung out of the doorway and to the side of the tracks. Both Vinyl and Rarity rushed to the window, just in time to see her rolling in a cloud of snow. The train quickly left her behind. Vinyl laughed, then was tossed to the ground. “Hey! The train’s doing that enough!” Rarity rolled her eyes and set her hooves down. The train gave the car a hard tug forward, speeding up. Rarity was slung backwards, flying out the back door. Vinyl gawked as she watched her bounce in the snow before disappearing behind the train. Now her heart was pounding. She darted up and down the car, breathing rapidly as the situation sank in. Again the train threw her to the floor as it sped up. She landed with a thud, her face smashing into the carpet. There was another jerk of the car, dragging her cheek down the aisle. She groaned. When she stood, she swayed and trembled. Her breathing was shallow, and her lungs still burned. As she stumbled down the car, finally deciding to escape into the one ahead, she stumbled and fell. Her eyelids were heavy, falling, then snapping back open. She put a hoof ahead of her, pressed it firmly on the carpet and pulled with all her might, but she did not budge. One last jerk of the train threw her into a set of chairs, and then everything was dark. “Miss?” she heard. The voice echoed in her ears. “Miss, are you alright?” Her eyes slowly opened, and for a moment, the world was green. Then the pony above her turned away and nodded to somepony. “Miss,” he said, “can you see?” Vinyl nodded. Yes, she could see, though not clearly. A sharp pain was slicing through her mind, making her wince as light flooded her sight. She groaned, trying to roll to her stomach. The stallion above her assisted her, and when she tried to stand, he let her lean on him. Once she was up, she shook her head and looked around. Things were foggy still, but she could clearly see that she was in the train car. A pile of shattered chairs lay behind her and her employer was nowhere to be found. In her place, a green stallion stood next to a pony in a bright white coat. “This,” the stallion said, “is doctor Stable of Trottingham.” “Pleasure to meet you,” he said with a wan smile. “You may know me from Ponyville. Just transfered.” Vinyl blinked. “Yeah, uh, sure. Hi.” She looked out the windows to see that they were in a station, surrounded by houses and a forest. “What happened? Where are we?” “We,” Doctor Stable said, “are in Trottingham. And Mister Mint here can explain what happened. As for me, I must be off. I have other patients to attend to. You are fine, right? No nausea, you remember your name, how you got here, etcetera etcetera?” Vinyl nodded. “Vinyl Scratch, at your service.” She extended her hoof, and Doctor Stable shook it curtly before bidding her ado. “Well Miss Scratch,” Mint said, sitting on one of the still-standing chairs. “Before I answer your questions, I’d like you to answer mine. I am the conductor of this fine engine, you see.” The shook hooves. “Now, from the looks of things, you had some company in here. Do you know where they are?” Vinyl closed her eyes and thought. “Yeah. They’re about twenty miles in the middle of nowhere. Flew right off the train.” His eyes widened. “W-what? Oh Celestia, this is bad.” “Yeah, I know,” Vinyl said, sitting on the bed. “Now your turn. What happened?” He sighed. “We had a magic leak in the tanks. Turns out the tracks shot a rock right through the tanks below, causing a leak. It started spreading through the gears and shut us down. We were lucky to make it here.” “Right, and when will we be leaving?” “After we find our missing passengers and fix the tanks. Now I really must go. Feel free to sleep and dine on the train.” With that, he stood and cantered into the next car. Vinyl sighed and rubbed her head, closing her eyes and relaxing. Everything was quiet in the car for the first time on the trip. None of Rarity rambling on about fashion, and none of Octavia’s awful music choice. “My taste in music is not ‘awful’.” Vinyl’s eyes flew open. “Who said that?” She looked around, her eyes flashing left and right. The car was empty. “I said that you nitwit.” “Indeed, and I do not ‘rant’ about fashion. I hold reasonable discussions.” She blinked and shook her head. She was alone, right? “Alright, who’s there?” “We are,” Octavia said. Well, Octavia’s voice said it. Vinyl tilted her head and patted at her ear, but nothing came out. “Well where are you?” “I don’t know,” Octavia said, “but it is empty, and I do not like it. A pony of my status should not be forced into someplace like this. It’s--it’s a void.” “Oh I don’t know,” Rarity said. “It’s actually rather airy. Quite nice, if you ask me. Could use my designer skills to touch it up, though.” Octavia humphed. “Agreed. I can’t feel my body. It’s disturbing. I want out.” “Good,” Octavia said. “While you’re there, see if he has anything for your teeth. Honestly, brush them some time. I taste your pizza from last night.” “Hey, I forgot my toothbrush. Now shush. Just shush,” she hissed. She stepped across the gap, a blast of icy wind hitting her side. The new car was in better condition than the previous, with the tables still standing and the sheets still on the beds. A few ponies were chatting, ignoring her as she walked through. “Yes, I think I taste green onions. Honestly Vinyl, onions on a pizza?” Rarity asked. “In fact, I don’t even know how you can eat that stuff.” “Hey,” Vinyl said, “according to the Lunar Court, it’s a vegetable, so shut up. Now... shut up!” The ponies around her fell silent, turning to stare at her. She offered them a sheepish smile. “Uh, sorry. Y’know, vegetables... stuff...” She darted into the next car. This one opened up to the snowy train platform. The doctor stood at the door, talking to the conductor. Vinyl tapped him on the shoulder. “Hey doc.” He turned around. “Hello. Is everything alright?” “Yeah,” she said. “So is it normal for people who survive a train crash to hear voices?” He blinked. “I’m sorry?” “Just wondering if a concussion can cause voices, is all.” She shrugged and smiled. “Hmm, no, I don’t think so. Why? Are you hearing them?” “Yeah, I--” Vinyl stopped and felt her heart skip a beat. What was she doing? She’d be sent straight to Luna’s asylum! “N-no. Nope. No. Never. Um, listen, I gotta go.” She turned and stumbled down the icy ramp. “You two are going to get me in trouble. How’d you get in here anyway? Get out,” she asked, stepping onto the station. Snow fell from the sky and ice drifted on the wind as she pushed her way off the platform. “I haven’t a clue,” Rarity said. “The last thing I remember is being sucked out of the train. I’m just glad I haven’t died.” Octavia sighed. “I am clueless as well. Even still, I blame you.” “What? Me? Why me? If I had it my way, you’d still still be in the forest!” Vinyl said, stomping her hoof down. She trotted down a ramp, into the snowy mainstreet. Ponies were crowded around the station talking to the engineers, conductors, and police ponies. Houses and businesses branched off in all directions, with a thick forest surrounding the town. “Because you have a tendency to get into trouble! Now fix this! I don’t want to be stuck in your head!” she said. Vinyl rolled her eyes and looked to the sky. The moon was high, just cresting into existence as a tiny sliver. Rarity chimed in. “So Vinyl, where are you--er, we--going?” “You know, you’re very calm to be stuck in my freaking head!” “Eh, Twilight... she’s such a dear, but she’s put me in much worse situations. I suppose I’m used to these types of things. And besides, in here, I can’t get filthy. Oh, but I do hope my body landed in clean snow,” Rarity said. “Yeah, I wonder where your bodies are. How are we going to get you out of me and into them. I’m starting to feel sick,” Vinyl said, frowning. “Um, hello?” Octavia asked. “Where are we going?” Vinyl swallowed dryly and trotted through the snow, looking at the houses. Lamplight filled the streets, setting the snow aglow with a light orange sheen. “I have a friend who might be able to help. She knows a lot about stuff like this. She’s... weird. But if we can put up with Octavia, she’ll be a breeze.” “Excuse me?” Rarity chuckled. “Indeed. And what is her name?” Vinyl turned and trotted up to a house. Only one window was alight, though the porch light was on and burning bright. She walked up the snowy path and stopped at the door. The house was very cottage-like, similar to the rest of the quaint town. “We used to work together. I think you know her. Her name’s Trixie. ”
Chapter 2: A Little Fuzzy...“Trixie?!” Rarity stammered. Vinyl huffed and rolled her eyes. “What’s the big deal?” “She turned my mane green! Green!” Octavia snickered. “Well it’s not worse than being stuck in here. And besides, how bad can she be?” “Bad,” Rarity said. “Very, very bad.” “She’s not too bad, she’s just... odd,” Vinyl said, scuffing at the snow. “Whatever. We’re good friends, she’ll help.” She raised her hoof and knocked it against the door. Her fur stood on end as another gust of freezing wind blasted against her. There were shuffling sounds from inside, then silence. “Leave! The great and powerful Trixie will not take visitors at this hour!” a rough voice called out. “Must’ve woken her up,” Octavia said. Vinyl raised an eyebrow. “Trixie, it’s me! Vinyl! Open the door, I need some help!” “Vinyl?” Trixie asked. Vinyl listened carefully as the door made a little click. It swung inward, and a blue head popped out. Trixie’s mane was frazzled, and there were creases beneath her eyes. “Ah, Vinyl. Trixie is pleased to see you again. What are you doing here?” “Train broke down,” she said, nodding to the station. “Listen, I’ve got a little... problem, and I really need your help. Can I come in?” Trixie eyed her over, sighed, and opened the door fully. A warm gust of air blasted Vinyl, making her shudder. “Yes, come in,” Trixie said. Vinyl stepped past her, stepping into the small home. It was cozy, quaint, and inviting. Trixie led her down the hall and into a dim room that held a couch and a coffee table. Vinyl sat on the couch, and so did Trixie. Her hat and cape sat atop a rack in the corner. “So Trix, what’cha been up to?” “Trixie has been busy. The show business is beneath her now, especially after that petty squabble with the ponies of Ponyville. Trixie would have thought that they would know what show business is in the first place. She supposes she was wrong.” “You were wrong about many of things, you self absorbed psycho unfashionable--” “Quit screaming,” Octavia said. “You’re giving me a headache, and I don’t even have a head.” “Anyway,” Trixie continued. Vinyl smirked and listened. “How does the DJing fare?” Vinyl chuckled. “Eh, it’s got its ups and downs. Right now, I think it’s a down. Trixie, when the train crashed, it blew a magic gasket.” Trixie’s eyebrow shot up. “You came to the right magician. If it’s magic advice you seek, the great and powerful Trixie will know what to do!” She struck a pose, held it, then sat down again. “Right, I knew you were my mare!” Vinyl exclaimed, bouncing. She smirked and nudged Trixie on the shoulder. Rarity scoffed. “You actually think she knows anything about magic? I’d be surprised if she knew how to cook.” “You’re so ignorant,” Vinyl whined. When Trixie gave her a look, she sighed. “There was a magic leak, and the two other ponies who were with me, Rarity and Octavia, got tossed off the train. Err, well their bodies did, anyway.” “Let Trixie guess. Their minds were put into yours, and you don’t like either of them. Trixie does not blame you. That Rarity mare has a stick up her plot.” “What did she just say!?” “Nah, that’s Octavia,” Vinyl said, leaning back. “What did you just say!?” “Well either way, Trixie does not think she wants either of them in her home, and she can only assume that you do not want them in your head,” she said. Her horn lit up, and she floated a coffee mug up from the table, taking a sip. “Trixie knows a little about this, but not much unfortunately. Lately, Trixie has been turning her attention to... other matters.” “Like what?” Vinyl asked, licking her lips as Trixie took another sip. “Would you like some? Trixie can whip something up quickly.” Rarity hummed. “Is she being hospitable? This is odd...” “Nah, thanks though. Um, so what ‘other matters’ are you talking about?” she asked. Trixie grinned, setting her coffee down. She stood and gestured for Vinyl to follow her. They walked to the window and took a seat. “Trottingham is having problems recently, and it is up to Trixie to stop them. She is respected by the townsfolk for her... achievements. You see, Trottingham, nestled in these Celestia-forgotten woods, has problems that they would not like the world to hear of. Everypony here is also a coward.” “Vinyl,” Octavia said, “We don’t care. We just don’t care. Get us out of your head so that we can get back on the train.” “I’m trying,” she said with a frown. “Continue.” Trixie nodded, watching as one or two ponies scurried down the snowy road, looking over their shoulder frequently. “Trixie is surprised that so many ponies went out tonight to see the train. She supposes that some family members were on it. You see, Vinyl, this town is is plagued by... wait...” Trixie looked around, squinting. Her ears flicked up and down, left and right. “Do you hear that?” she asked. Vinyl held her breath, but everything was silent. “Uh, no...” Trixie pressed her hoof to Vinyl’s mouth, causing Octavia to gasp. “She tastes so strange...” “It’s a hoof, what’d you expect,” Vinyl muttered. “Shh!” Trixie commanded. She was staring at the room’s doorway intensely. “You don’t hear that? Trixie hears it clearly...” “Trix, all I hear is--” There was a loud bang. “Huh.” “Vinyl, get out of Trixie’s house, now.” Trixie got behind her and pressed her hooves to Vinyl’s flank. Her cheeks turned a bright red. “Trixie, i-it’s a bit early for this, isn’t it?” “Trixie does not have time for this, you must go!” She pushed harder, but Vinyl did not budge. “Alright, you’ve got some answering to do.” Vinyl sighed, but stepped forward, sending Trixie’s face right into the darkness. Vinyl’s eyes flew wide, and she jerked away. “Way too early.” “Ooh, I felt that,” Octavia said with a gasp. “Indeed,” Rarity said, “I never thought I’d let Trixie into my home, much less my--” “Okay, first of all, it’s mine. Secondly,” Vinyl said, turning to Trixie. She was a deep red, but frantically pushing Vinyl onward. “I still need these freaks out of my head.” “Well Trixie has a bigger problem right now, so if you will please get out--” A shadow flashed in front of the doorway, and Trixie froze. Vinyl blinked, turning back to the hall. “What?” “Shh! Shut it! Vinyl, you’ve gotten dumber over the years, Trixie swears!” she whispered with a scowl. She pushed Vinyl aside and trotted up to the doorway, peering into the hall. She looked both ways, then carefully turned and motioned for Vinyl to step back. Vinyl sat by the window and shrugged. “What’s happening?” Rarity asked. Vinyl thought. “Can you see?” “I can,” Octavia said. “Now why is your friend being... weird.” “I dunno. I told you she was strange.” Suddenly, the glass shattered, sending shards into her side. Vinyl flew to the ground, coughing and squirming beneath a heavy figure. She swung her hooves, landing only a few blows. Whatever was above her was heavy, pressing down on her chest. When she looked up, a pair of bright red beads locked with her own ruby eyes. A huge, furry paw was on her chest, pushing the air out of her. “Hey! Get off you freak!” Trixie scrambled into the hall, yelling, “Stay there! Trixie will be back!” Rarity screamed. Octavia huffed. “Well she’s helpful--ouch!” Vinyl felt it too, wincing as sharp claws dug into her fur. She flailed her hooves, but was pinned in seconds. This figure bent low, breathing on her. Its wet, black nose pressed to her own, and she could hear it growl. “You smell like dog!” Vinyl screamed, tucking her hind legs up and bucking the wolf-pony in the gut. It yelped and stumbled back, giving her just enough time to push herself off the glass. She coughed again, gripping her chest as it bled. “Well you smell like meat!” it growled in return. She blinked, looking it over. “W-what?” It leapt, pinning her down again and sinking massive canines into her shoulder. All three of them screamed. Vinyl thrashed and winced as tears formed in her eyes. “Trixie!” she screamed. “Now would be a great time to help!” “Trixie commands you to back away!” Trixie shouted as she galloped into the room. The monster clenched on Vinyl’s shoulder, tearing a chunk out of her. Vinyl screamed, her eyes rolling up. She saw Trixie running in with a torch, waving it in the thing’s face. It snarled and growled, its fangs dripping red, but it leapt from the window and darted away through the snow. One or two screams echoed outside. Trixie, the torch still in her magic, bent down and nuzzled Vinyl. “Alright you, hold on. Trixie has just the thing for this.” She tossed the torch out the window, and it died with a fizz. She then darted into the kitchen, and returned cursing, a roll of gauss in her mouth. “Trixie has run out of her potions. The best she has is this,” she said, using her magic to unravel the gauss. “How are the others?” “Tell her to shut up and fix the wound!” Octavia said. Rarity groaned. “Just tell her to shut up!” “They’re fine,” Vinyl croaked. She watched as Trixie came down from above, carefully wrapping the bandages around her shoulder. Vinyl sighed, limp in Trixie’s hooves. “You still owe me dinner.” Trixie grinned, ripping the gauss. “Trixie did not expect your sense of humor to hold up.” “Humor? Nah,” she said, weak. “I’m just... hungry...” Trixie froze. She blinked, taking in a deep breath. “Vinyl, lay on Trixie’s couch.” She helped Vinyl up, slinging her foreleg over her neck and aiding her limp across the room. Vinyl slowly laid down on the couch, putting her hind legs up and leaning back. “Were you hungry before?” Trixie asked, putting a pillow behind Vinyl’s head. She shrugged and gave a weak laugh. “I dunno. I’m always hungry.” Trixie swallowed. “Yes, well, Trixie... will be back.” She turned and left the room. Moments later, she re-entered with a long strip of red meat in her magic. “Aw, what is that?” Vinyl asked, coughing. Trixie rolled her eyes. “Trixie finds plenty of stuff on the tracks, do not blame her. She is the town’s sole werepony hunter, she needs this.” She brought it up to Vinyl’s nose, and the sweet smell of fried bacon wafted through her nose. Vinyl’s mouth watered, and her stomach growled louder than the wolf. “Well, maybe one bite...” “Vinyl...” Octavia said, “don’t you eat that. Don’t.” “I agree,” Rarity said. “That’s disgusting.” Vinyl bit her lip. “Ah, whatever,” she said, leaning up and tearing a small bit off of the strip. Trixie scowled, looking away as Vinyl munched on the meat. “Hey, y’know, it’s not bad!” “Trixie... she will go get a painkiller. Just eat,” she said, setting the meat down and leaving. “Aw yeah, ‘bout time we got food.” Octavia sighed. “I bet his name was Rob.” “Mmm, I don’t know why you guys hate this stuff!” she said, sucking in the long, slender piece of dry meat into her mouth. “I don’t know, Octavia... it isn’t awful,” Rarity said. She paused, then added, “But perhaps you should have asked her just what piece of meat you’re eating...” Vinyl stopped, her eyes wide. Her eyes fell, inspecting the slim meat in her mouth. Then, she shrugged and continued eating. “Eh, it tastes good,” she said, finishing it. Trixie entered with a glass of water and a bottle of pills. She aided Vinyl in swallowing one of the little red capsules and chugging the water. “Trixie thinks that you need sleep. This pill should take care of that.” “What’re you gonna do about the window?” Vinyl asked, inspecting the damage. Glass littered the floor, letting snow blow in. “Ah, yes. Do not worry about that, Trixie will be back.” She turned and left yet again. Minutes passed, and she entered again with a strained face. Her magic dragged in a large window into the room, levitated it up, and stuck it right in the frame. She sat, panting. “Trixie... has spares...” “Huh. Cool,” Vinyl said, breathing out. She laid back and closed her eyes, and was out in moments. Vinyl’s eyes slowly opened, letting light sting them. She squinted, blinking the light away. Trixie had successfully cleaned the window, and was nowhere to be found. Vinyl was still on the couch, sunken into the soft, plush comforts. She yawned, stretching her paws out either way. Wait... paws... Her heart missed a beat as she saw her white paws. She brought them to her face, looking them over. They looked like the paws of that monster the night before. Her eyes widened as she licked her teeth, running her tongue across her sharp, elongated teeth. She looked down, and found her body bulked by excess fur. Her tail was firm, with a mix of blue and black fur. Her heart was pounding. “H-hey guys?” “Mmm, Vinyl, hush,” Rarity said sleepily. Vinyl paled. Rarity sounded too real. Vinyl’s ears flicked, and she began to pick up on a soft snore. But Trixie wasn’t in the room... She looked left, where another head, fur white and blue-black mane neatly swirled, snored away beside her. Her eyes traced it down, and found it attached to her body. Vinyl’s head snapped left, where, dangling off the couch, another head, this one white as well, snored lightly with her tongue limp in her nose. Octavia, her mane styled as it always was, was snoozing. “Aw man,” she muttered, biting her lip. “It was bad enough when they were in my head... Now I gotta actually listen to them!” “Vinyl...” Octavia muttered, “Stick a hoof in it...” “By Celestia...” Then, she grinned. An idea struck her. Stifling a chuckle with a paw, she reached over and poked Rarity with a claw. “Huh, that’s what I thought...” she said. Her grin grew as she leaned over, stuck her long, flat tongue out and licked Rarity on the cheek. It was fun and tasty. She chuckled and rubbed her cheek. “Aw man, that feels amazing.” Octavia groaned. “Did somepony just lick me?” Vinyl snickered. “This is awesome.”
Chapter 3: Too Close for ComfortOctavia snorted. “I swear, whoever is licking me is going to be slapped... to Tartarus...” She continued her light snore. Vinyl grinned and licked Rarity again. This time, Rarity swatted her loosely with a hoof and giggled. “No no, not yet... not ready...” Snickering, Vinyl turned to see Trixie saunter down the hallway, a coffee mug in her magic. Sipping on it, she turned and slipped into the room, then froze. Her eyes went wide. “What? How? This is...” Vinyl pressed a paw to her lips and shushed Trixie, but it was too late. Rarity rolled and stirred, groaning as she opened her eyes. “Oh... oh my, my head...” She turned and faced Vinyl, blinking and squinting. “Here, let me get that for ya,” Vinyl said, rubbing Rarity’s eyes with a paw. “Better?” “Yes, I think so,” she said, yawning. “Vinyl, you’re head is significantly airy this morning.” “Aw, how sweet,” Vinyl said, rolling her eyes. Trixie set her mug down and stood above them, staring with an open mouth. “T-Trixie does not understand... three heads...” Rarity blinked and gave Trixie a questioning look. She then looked down herself, at her neck, and gasped. “W-what is this? I’m... stuck!” She jerked away, winced, and rested back down. “Mmm, what are you two doing...” Octavia muttered. She blinked, shaking her head and rolling back up onto the couch, pressing Vinyl and Rarity into the cushion. “Hey, Octapus, get off,” Vinyl said, pushing her head down. “Trixie thinks you look like an octopus,” she said, shifting on her hooves. “She was not prepared for this...” Rarity bit her lip. “O-okay, the bright side is that I have my own head, so...” She forced a laugh. “It’s fine, Rarity, it’s fine...” Octavia snorted and held her head up, looking at the other two. “What are you having a fit--by Celestia what is this?!” She gasped. “This is what I’m having a fit about!” Rarity said. Octavia sputtered. “N-no! This is not okay!” “I kinda like it,” Vinyl said with a shrug. She stretched her hooves out and yawned, snapping her ferocious teeth. She then rolled off the couch, to her paws and stood up tall. Rarity and Octavia gave each other wary glances. “This is awful,” Rarity muttered. “Just awful. How am I supposed to pull a fashion show like this? It’s the. Worst. Possible. Thing!” She let out an exasperated sigh and let her head hang limp. Vinyl rolled her eyes and looked to Trixie. “So... this is pretty awesome...” Trixie swallowed dryly and sat on the couch. “No Vinyl, Trixie does not think it is as good as you think.” She sat as well, and opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off by Octavia. “So how do we get out of... this,” she asked with a grimace. Trixie bit her lip and took another sip of coffee. “Trixie will help you, but first, you will help Trixie.” Vinyl grinned. “Trixie, there’s nopony in the world that can help you.” “Oh ha-ha Vinyl, quite funny,” Octavia said, rolling her eyes. “Continue Miss Trixie.” She scratched her neck. “Trixie used to be able to handle the wolves, but... well, as you can see, Trixie is... we shall say, outnumbered. There is nopony else who can tame these beasts like Trixie, but she is but one mare. You on the other hoof are three, and in a powerful body...” “Powerful body?” Vinyl asked, raising an eyebrow. “Somehow I don’t think you’re talking about my striking looks.” Trixie sighed. “No, Trixie is not. She is referring to your condition. You are stronger, faster, sharper, and if possible, dumber. Trixie wants to make it clear that you are a dog. If it is shiny, it is a toy. If it is meat, you will most likely want to eat it. Normally wereponies have behavioral shifts as well, but Trixie does not know how it will affect... you three.” Vinyl shrugged and smirked. “Well whatever, it’s cool!” Octavia bumped her head to Vinyl, then turned to Trixie. “What do you need us to do? I want to get out of this body, especially now that she smells like a mutt.” Rarity looked over to Trixie now. “And I swear to Celestia, Trixie, if you so much as think of pulling something on me, I shall show you just how generous my hoof can be.” “Uh, actually Rarity, it’s mine. And I think it’s a paw,” Vinyl said, bopping her on the nose. All three of them winced, and she smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, claws.” “Trixie needs you to listen to every word she says, to the letter. Now is not the time for jokes,” she said, glaring at Vinyl. “Help me, and I shall help you. First, though, Trixie thinks you should test your new legs.” “Test our legs?” Octavia asked, eyeing her over. She nodded firmly. “Trixie is worried for your bodies. She fears that we have waited too long. We must retrieve them so that she can get them to a fire. If she is correct, you are both still breathing,” she said, looking to Octavia and Rarity. “And any longer, you may not have a body to return to.” Rarity and Octavia exchanged glances, speechless. Vinyl, on the other hoof, felt her heart leap. “Yeah, let’s go! I’m ready to get movin’!” She dropped from the couch and bounced from hoof to hoof. “Yes, but we need a plan,” Trixie said. She stood as well, setting her mug down. “The police here are on Trixie’s side only when she has the upper hoof already. As she said, cowards. You must be swift, as Trixie--and eventually the police--will be on your tail. Once out of town, you are safe. Stick to the tracks, and don’t get lost.” She sighed. “And Vinyl, for the love of Celestia, don’t be... yourself.” Vinyl grinned and trotted around the coffee table. “Yeah, whatever. Let’s go, I’ve got helpless mares to save!” Octavia nipped her cheek, causing Vinyl to jerk. “My teeth are a bit sharper than yours, mind you,” Octavia said. Rarity swallowed dryly. “Please girls, we need to focus. I fear for our bodies if we don’t.” “She’s right,” Vinyl said. “Octavia, quit your squabbling. Onward!” Octavia squinted, licking her lips. “I’ll bite harder next time.” “Your problem too,” she said with a shrug. “Now c’mon ponies, we need to go.” Her stomach let loose a long, low growl. Trixie’s soon mimicked it, causing her to grip her sides and frown. “Trixie thinks we should wait until we eat breakfast,” she said, heading for the hall doorway. Vinyl, Octavia, and Rarity looked to each other and nodded, Vinyl’s with significantly more vigor than the other two. Octavia and Rarity were doing their best to keep their breathing calm and their heads up. Vinyl smiled and trotted after Trixie with a bounce to her step. “What’s for breakfast?” she asked herself, turning down the hall and heading into the kitchen. Trixie was digging in her freezer, shifting things around as a pale mist flowed out. She pulled out a slab of red meat and levitated it to a plate on the counter. Vinyl took a seat at the table in the center, watching with wide eyes and a watering mouth. Octavia and Rarity too began to water at the sight, though grimacing still. “Rabbit,” Trixie said, putting the plate in front of them. “I think only one of you needs to eat it. Now do so, you will need the energy. Trixie has some mean calves.”
Chapter 4: Hide and SeekVinyl shifted in the doorway, her hoof on the handle. “Alright Trixie, one more time... what?” Trixie sighed. They were in position, just behind the closed door. Vinyl looked to Octavia and Rarity, receiving weak nods from either of them. Trixie looked them over. “You know,” she said, “Trixie is getting annoyed. How can you not understand this?” “Yes, Vinyl, tell us how your simple mind works,” Octavia said with a snort. Rarity simply sighed and watched as Trixie got between them and the door. “You shall run from Trixie, all the way to the station, where you will get on the tracks and retrace the train until you find the bodies. Make sure you three don’t get in the way of the others, and watch out for changes in behavioral patterns. There’s three heads on your shoulders, and Trixie thinks that this may cause some... odd effects. Now are you ready?” Vinyl bit her lip, but was quickly knocked by Octavia. “Yeah, I guess. And you promise I won’t get get blasted. Cuz at the wedding, Pinkie picked up Twilight and... it hurt.” “You will not get blasted, now get out of Trixie’s house!” She yanked the door open, and bucked Vinyl on the flank, booting her out into the cold. She stumbled forward, kicking the snow around. With a glance over her shoulder, and a glare from Trixie, she planted her paws down and charged forward. She darted out of the yard, and Trixie was quick to leap from her home, shouting, “Run you beast! The great and powerful Trixie shall turn you into a rug!” “She’s pleasant,” Rarity muttered as they sped down the street. Ponies on either side screamed, gasped, and leapt out of the way. Mothers clung to their foals and others scrambled into houses on either side. Vinyl smirked and galloped onward, a white cloud trailing behind her. Trixie was fast. Very fast. Octavia glanced behind them to see that she was right behind them. “By Celestia, how strong is this mare? We’re flying, how is she keeping up?” “Get out before Trixie cooks you!” she shouted. Vinyl could see the station ahead, with the train still docked and still. She sucked in deeply, pushing off and leaping forward. She turned at the station, darting towards the woods and running ahead. Suddenly, a blue streak grazed her side. All three mares gasped and scowled as the forest grew close. Behind them, Trixie, her voice fading, yelled, “Trixie will not hold back next time! Do not return!” Vinyl slowed down as the sound of the panicked town was left behind. The screams faded, and so did Trixie’s shouting. They panted as she slowed to a trot, and eventually a brisk walk. The track was the only think to slice through the treeline, and they stuck to it carefully as they continued. The woods around them stretched on forever, Vinyl noted. “What a flank,” Vinyl said with a frown. She stopped and inspected her side, running a hoof over a small strip of cut fur. Rarity grinned. “Indeed she is.” Vinyl turned back around and started walking again, the snow crunching with every step. “We wouldn’t even be here if you two hadn’t flown off the train.” “Oh, well excuse me for being poisoned and fainting while we were crashing!” Octavia said, shaking her head at Vinyl. “Okay, okay, chill out.” Rarity sighed and looked to the sky. Grey clouds blotted out the sun as soft flakes of snow slowly drifted down. The wind was hard, tossing their manes as it pleased, and the ground was cold on Vinyl’s paws. “It’s rather easy to ‘chill’ out here,” she said, breathing out a plume of steam. Vinyl sidestepped onto the tracks and nodded. “Yep, it’s cold. But hey, this fur helps,” she said with a smirk, holding her head high. Octavia rolled her eyes. “I was perfectly happy on the train.” They walked on in silence for a while. “So,” Vinyl said, “what kind of ‘behavioral changes’ was she talking about?” “I’m not sure,” Rarity said, licking her lips and thinking. “Maybe we’ll get angry or something? We are a dog, right? And she did say that the changes were belated, so...” Octavia gasped, and both Vinyl and Rarity faced her. “What?” “M-my body! Thank Celestia!” She jerked forward, but Vinyl kept her slow pace. “Chill Octy--” “Not the nicknames,” she hissed. “Not again.” “Fine, fine,” Vinyl said, stepping off the tracks and heading to the lump of snow. The mound was raising and lowering slowly, and was surrounded by indents in the snow. As Vinyl approached, the three mares bent down and inspected the tracks. “Wolf tracks,” Vinyl mumbled. “My body had better be alright! I swear on Vinyl’s life, if they’ve done something to it--” “Would you hush!” Rarity said, glaring. Then she blinked slowly and paused. “I-I’m sorry for that. I must be tired.” Octavia sneered and looked back down to her body. “Vinyl, get digging.” Vinyl’s tongue flopped out and she pounced on the lump, chunking away the snow. The others gasped as their faces planted in the snow, but Vinyl paid them no mind. She was panting with a smile, carving out Octavia’s body from the snow. Soon, the limp, grey body was uncovered, though it was pale and barely breathing. When Octavia and Rarity finally plucked their faces from the ground, they saw the body’s condition, and after a curse from Rarity, they focused on it. “Hey, Octavia,” Vinyl said, nudging her. “You’re kinda cute when you’re sleeping.” Octavia didn’t push her away, but she did frown. “Vinyl, that’s me that you just said that about. Now use your paws and get me up.” Vinyl smirked. Her horn lit up, and Octavia’s body floated up from the snow. Vinyl brought it in front of her and ran her hoof over it, then placed it on her back. “You’re really cold,” she said. “Oh really? I didn’t know snow could do such a thing,” Octavia said. “So where are we off to? Trixie said to put the body somewhere,” Rarity said, looking behind them. Vinyl scuffed the snow. “Yeah, I forgot. Hey, you guys hungry? I saw a squirrel over there.” She pointed off into the forest. Octavia leaned over and bit her ear, and the three of them yelped. Vinyl huffed. “Won’t be doing that again, will you?” “Stop bickering!” Rarity snapped with a scowl. “Oh, um, oh my...” Vinyl and Octavia exchanged glances. “So where to?” Vinyl asked. “I’m not sure. I suppose we could just run it back to town. I’m sure your friend is home. Just... be careful. I’ve taken too much damage already,” Octavia said. “Maybe we should warm it up,” Vinyl said, lifting Octavia’s body off her back. “Vinyl, no. No, bad Vinyl,” Octavia said, giving her a harsh stare. Vinyl whimpered and lowered the body again. “Now let’s go. We can run back there and drop it by her house, then run back here and get Rarity.” “Now hold on, why shouldn’t we get my body as well? Why make two return trips?” she asked. “Because it’s important to get my body to safety,” Octavia said, frowning. “Oh, and I’m not important? Vinyl, go get my body.” Vinyl blinked and stepped forward. Octavia’s jaw dropped. “No, Vinyl, take my body back to Trixie!” She shrugged and turned around, heading back down the tracks. “Vinyl!” Rarity said. “Go find my body!” Vinyl frowned and turned around again. The arguing continued for minutes, and Vinyl began to get dizzy. Soon, though, something caught Rarity’s eye. While Octavia was scolding Vinyl yet again, Rarity bent down at picked up a short stick in her muzzle. “Hey, Vinyl,” she said, whistling. “Fetch!” She snapped her head and tossed the stick ahead of them. Vinyl’s eyes locked onto it. She panted and wagged her tail, spinning around and dashing off after the stick. Octavia screamed. “No! Bad Vinyl! Don’t scare me!” Vinyl rolled her eyes as she closed in on the stick. The snow was cold beneath her paws, and the wind was hard against her fur. She threw her hooves forward and skid to a stop, bending down to get the stick. Just before she bit into it, it lit up and flew forward. Rarity grinned as they were off again. ~~~ As Vinyl growled and gnawed on the stick, swatting it with her paws and laying on the ground, Octavia and Rarity inspected the indent in the snow that outlined Rarity’s body, right down to her curly mane and horn. “I-I don’t understand, my body should be right here...” she said with quivering lips. Octavia’s eyes were following a set of wolf tracks. “They were here too... “ “Mmm, hey guys,” Vinyl said, still chewing on the stick, “have you noticed how weird it is to feel three heads? Like, I can feel your mane blowing. It’s really weird.” “Vinyl dear,” Octavia said with a sarcastic smile, “You’re adorable as a pet, but it’d be much better if you just bit the stick.” She shrugged. “Okay.” Rarity whined loudly. “This is terrible. We have to go find me! I won’t be in the hooves of such ruffians!” Octavia looked deep into the forest, scanning it intensely. “I don’t know... what will we do with my body?” “It can wait!” Rarity snapped, baring her sharp teeth. “Whoa, Rarity, calm down,” Vinyl said, snapping the stick in two. Rarity growled. “I cannot, and will not, calm down until we find where my body has been taken,” she said. “Well we still gotta get her off my back,” Vinyl said, looking between her and Rarity to Octavia’s body. It was sprawled on her back, still breathing slowly. “I agree, let’s take me home. I’m sure I’m cold,” Octavia said. “As if I am not?” Rarity said, staring daggers. “Guys, I’m getting hungry. Can we, like, run back to Trixie’s house and get something to eat?” Rarity scoffed. “You’re always hungry.” “Yeah, so?” Octavia sighed. “Rarity, you’re outvoted.” “I can’t believe I’m stuck with you two selfish ponies! Vinyl, don’t be a tool! Go get my body!” Rarity said. Octavia brushed her cheek to Vinyl. “Hey now, don’t yell at her for caring about a pony.” Vinyl smiled and nuzzled her. “Aw, thanks. You stuck up for me.” She backed up and raised her eyebrow, saying, “Don’t get used to it.” “Since when are you two friends?” Rarity asked, frowning. Octavia sneered. “We aren’t ‘friends’, but she’s certainly the lesser of two evils.” “She’s a practical dog right now!” Rarity said. “Yes,” Octavia said, nuzzling Vinyl lightly, “But she’s my dog. Isn’t that right? Yes it is. Yes it is.” Vinyl closed her eyes as a smile grew on her lips and heat filled her cheeks. “Oh, I see what you’re doing. Dearie, two can play at that game. Vinyl,” Rarity said, whistling. Vinyl looked at her blankly. “Want a treat? I bet there’s a tasty...” She shuddered. “...squirrel, in there. Big and juicy, and all you have to do is go get my body. Sounds good, doesn’t it?” Vinyl slowly nodded. “Fabulous.” Vinyl stood and threw her paws forward, ducking low and stretching. All three of them yawned widely. She looked into the forest as she came back up, looking deep into the snowy, misty rows of trees that stretched on into a vast whiteness. Snow had begun to fall harder now, and the wind was picking up. The grey clouds above grew thicker and thicker, and darker and darker. “Vinyl! Vinyl, listen to me,” Octavia said, stopping her just before she entered the forest. She leaned over and put her muzzle just behind Vinyl’s ear, nipping lightly. Vinyl’s eyes rolled up and her tongue lolled out. “I’ll do it again if you get back to town,” she said, pulling away. “Besides, you think catching a squirrel is going to be easier than just getting food from Trixie? Hardly.” “But, you, Vinyl!” Rarity whined. But it was too late, and Vinyl had turned around and was darting back down the tracks towards Trottingham. ~~~ “So,” Rarity said as they sat on the edge of town, hidden away behind a tree. The body laid next to them. “That blunderous mare didn’t even tell us how to get back into town. This is perfect, if you ask me. Just perfect.” “Oh quit it,” Octavia said, “We’ll figure something out. Vinyl?” “Huh?” She looked away from squirrel that was running up the tree. “Yeah?” “Can you howl?” Octavia asked. When Rarity gave her a questioning look, she simply grinned. Vinyl shrugged. “I dunno.” “Well try it,” she said. Vinyl shrugged and tilted her head up. She sucked in a deep breath, and forced it out. A successful howl echoed out, scattering the birds from their nests and eliciting a few light gasps from the town. “And what will this accomplish?” Rarity asked as Vinyl’s head lowered and the howl died. Octavia ignored her, peering past the tree at the station. It was silent, and she could see nothing through the train’s windows. The town seemed empty as well, and the shutters of the small, quaint cottages were closed. Then, in the distance, the clop of hooves grew close. Octavia grinned wryly, turning back to Rarity and winking. Vinyl’s ears perked up, and she jumped to her paws, baring her teeth and growling. Her nose shot up, sniffing rapidly. “Bite it. I’m gonna bite it,” she said, shuffling in the snow. Octavia glared at her. “No, Vinyl, you’re not.” Rarity rolled her eyes. “I say we let her. Especially if it’s--” Vinyl gasped. “I know her. Trixie. I know her smell.” She leapt forward, fumbling in the snow as she ran around the tree and pounced the approaching mare. Trixie grunted, kicking her roughly and sending her to the tree. She rolled onto her stomach and stood, brushing the snow out of her fur and picking up a long, slim blade that had been knocked from her mouth. She then slammed her hooves onto Vinyl’s shoulders, pressing their noses together. She paused there for a moment, then slowly backed off. “Vinyl? Octavia and stuck-up? You three gave the town a heart attack. Trixie almost skewed you with silver!” Vinyl was panting. She leaned forward and licked Trixie’s cheek, causing her to grimace and back away. “Don’t mind her,” Octavia said. “She’s docile. Though watch out for Rarity, she bites.” “Excuse me? I’ll show you biting,” Rarity said. She leaned over and clamped down on Vinyl’s ear. She and Octavia yelped, and Rarity simply turned red. Releasing Vinyl’s ear, she huffed. “Do not insult a lady.” Octavia coughed. “Tramp.” “I’ll do it again...” Vinyl growled at her. “I can bite too.” Trixie sighed and sat down. She glanced over her shoulder, and after finding the streets still calm and empty, turned back around. “Where are the bodies of Rarity and Octavia? Trixie needs to get them to a fire.” Octavia bit her lip. “Well, we found my body. It’s behind the tree.” Trixie’s eyebrow shot up. “And what about hers?” “My body has been stolen,” Rarity said, frowning. Vinyl chuckled, but was quickly knocked for it. Trixie closed her eyes and rubbed her head. “By wolves?” Rarity nodded. “Trixie thought as much. She is surprised that you found Octavia’s body. Come, you’ve scared everypony in town senseless. A howl so close is normally followed by an attack.” Vinyl stood and went behind the tree, coming back with the body on her back. “They promised me food.” Trixie couldn’t help but give a little laugh. “Yes, Trixie has food. Now come, quickly. Trixie has yet to announce that the town is safe.” Vinyl, with a bounce to her step, followed swiftly as Trixie lead them back to her home. It was a tedious venture, as Trixie had to keep Vinyl hidden by taking her around the town, but they made it to her back door eventually. When they were there, Trixie stopped them. The snow was getting heavy, and the wind blew hard. The three mares looked to each other, then to Trixie, whose hoof was on the door handle. She was chewing on her lip and staring blankly at the snow. “While you were gone, Trixie found the whereabouts of a friend.” She opened the door, and let them slip into the warmth of the house. Vinyl took the body down the hall and into the living room. Trixie stepped ahead and nodded to the far wall, where a fire was roaring in a brick fireplace. She nodded to it, and Vinyl levitated the body to the hearth. “So, food? I’m hungry.” “Wait Vinyl,” Rarity said. She turned to Trixie, who walked to the hearth and began tending to Octavia’s body. “What about my body?” Trixie sat and rolled Octavia’s body onto its back. “Trixie thinks that your body is fine.” “Really?” she asked, her face alight with a smile and starry eyes. Trixie flushed red. “No. Trixie lied to make you feel better, but she realizes that that was wrong. Trixie thinks you have been eaten.” Rarity coughed. “W-what?! I’m going to devour you if we can’t get my body back! These two are so... so... uncouth! I shall not be stuck with them forever!” “Trixie can do nothing for you if it is gone already! And if it is not, then you will help Trixie for Trixie to help you. It is late, and this is good. Trixie wants you to leave at dark,” she said, standing up. “Her name is Colegate, and she has the supplies that Trixie needs. And she may help you with the... head issue.” There was a pause. “I’m hungry~!” Vinyl whined, stomping her paws.
Chapter 5: Deep into the DarkVinyl scratched her ear with a wide grin as she sat before the door. Trixie had given up on her and was talking to Octavia and Rarity. “Trixie knows where she is. Colegate is north of the town, in the woods. Trixie wants you to be careful, and keep Vinyl on a leash or something.” Vinyl perked up, shooting Trixie a glare. “Hey, I don’t need a leash--ah! Paw. Itchy.” She nipped away at her paw. Trixie sighed and shook her head. “So do you understand where to go? Past the stream, around the large tree, and down the dirt path.” Octavia nodded. Rarity was busy frowning at Vinyl. “Vinyl, quit. It may itch, but that is why you have two hooves--paws. Do not be so uncouth.” “Uncouth this, uncouth that,” Vinyl muttered, lowering her paw. “So,” Octavia said, “What are we getting?” “Trixie needs two things; silver-root, and night-nettle.” She put her hoof on the door handle. “It is late, so the ponies of Trottingham should not be in the streets. This town is quiet, and has none of those nightclubs of Ponyville and Manehattan. Everypony should be sound asleep. Even still, you must hurry out of the town.” Octavia nodded, and looked to Rarity. Rarity looked up from Vinyl, who was licking her paw and rubbing her face with it, to nod back. “We’re ready to go, then,” Octavia said, looking back to Trixie. “Good. Make haste! The sooner you return, the sooner we can begin the search for Rarity’s body,” she said. She thrust the door open, letting the freezing night air in. Rarity rolled her eyes when Vinyl did not move. “Vinyl! Get going! The longer my body is out there, the less chance I have of getting it back!” Vinyl growled at her, sitting up tall and planting her hooves down firmly. Octavia bent down and looked at Rarity, raising her eyebrow and grinning. “Vinyl,” she said as she raised her head. Vinyl looked her over with a blunt expression. Octavia smiled at her and nuzzled her gently. “Vinyl, be a good girl and get going. You’re a good girl, right?” There was a still pause. Vinyl’s cheeks were turning red as she stared out into the night. She stood and stretched, yawning deeply before darting out of the house. Her hooves pounded on the snow as she curved onto the road and ran through the town. The town truly was empty, with only the glow of the street lamps to fill the cold air. The clouds were still thick, and the snow was still drifting down. Vinyl galloped towards the dark, snowy forest ahead. The distance between her and the trees closed quickly, and soon, she passed the last, dark cottage and was in the thick treeline. The woods were silent, misty, and the occasional beam of moonlight that pierced the clouds was fractured by the leaves. Vinyl sniffed the air as she stepped over a root. Frozen leaves and twigs snapped beneath her paws. Octavia and Rarity looked their respective ways, deep into the woods. They stretched on into an eternal darkness. Octavia bit her lip and threw her ears forward, listening to the light chirping of the birds in the distance. Rarity swallowed dryly, her ear twitching at each crunch of the snow. “Guys,” Vinyl whispered, “I gotta find a tree.” “A tree?” Rarity whispered. She shot Vinyl a look. “Vinyl, we’re surrounded by trees.” Octavia scanned the treeline. “Do you think there are more of those things in there?” “Probably,” Rarity said.” “Guys,” Vinyl whined, “I gotta go...” “Oh...” Rarity blinked slowly. “This is going to be strange.” “Oh my,” Octavia said. “No Vinyl. No, just keep going. We are not making stops.” Her ears flattened and her tail fell. “B-but--” “Shh!” Rarity looked forward, her ears alert and her eyes squinting. “Do you hear that?” Vinyl leaned forward. In the distance there was the light sound of rushing water. She bit her lip and tensed up. “Aww man...” Octavia brushed her cheek against Vinyl’s. “Just don’t think about it. Just keep going. You know, I bet Colegate has some tasty treats in her house...” Vinyl let out a high, long whine. “Alright...” she said, picking up her pace. They trekked on for a while, and the sound of rushing water grew nearer and nearer. Soon, they were upon the stream. Clear, pristine water rushed down a small crevice. Chunks of ice rushed down with it, shattering on the rocks. Vinyl began shifting on her hooves and biting down on her lip hard. The stream flowed freely, delicately, sauntering down the ravine. Vinyl kicked a rock into the water, and the splash made her wince. “Vinyl, get going!” Rarity said. Vinyl turned to her and bared her teeth in a scowl. Octavia nuzzled her again. “Come on, come on...” Vinyl sighed and nuzzled her back, placing her paw gently into the stream. She swallowed a yelp. The stream was freezing. Still, she put her other paw in, then her hind paws, and soon, she was wading through it. A smile grew on her lips. It took only moments for her to begin leaping and jumping in the water, splashing it onto her fur. Octavia gasped, and Rarity squealed as they were taken for a ride. They were dripping wet as they pushed onward. “Vinyl...” Octavia hissed. Vinyl whimpered and looked at her, holding her head down and keeping her ears flat. Octavia glared at her, keeping her under her eye. Rarity shook her mane again, flinging small drops of water onto the others. “That was awful. Just awful. Vinyl, don’t you ever do that again. Bad Vinyl.” Vinyl gave a small whimper and looked up to Octavia. Octavia sighed and shook her head. “Alright, don’t give her too hard of a time. She’s just having fun.” Vinyl’s face immediately lit up with a smile. She stuck her tongue out and licked Octavia sloppily. Octavia’s face scrunched up and she turned away, but Vinyl got the lick in and was charging down the forest again. “Uh... good girl?” “Where is this tree?” Rarity asked. “I’d like to get to Colgate’s before Vinyl gets the opportunity to get us dirty again.” They continued through the forest, when, ahead of them a clearing opened up. They stepped into the glowing area, looking up at a tall, thick tree that shut up in its center. The tree was dead and rotted, letting the snow drift down. Vinyl froze. Her nose shot up into the air and she began sniffing. Octavia watched carefully. “What? Do you smell something?” Rarity looked around. “There’s nothing here. Can we get going?” Vinyl’s eyes flicked to her, then her whole head snapped around. Her teeth bared and she let out a low growl. There was a light crunch of the snow, coming from around the tree, and Vinyl got low, ready to pounce. Then, a large, black wolf-pony stepped out from behind the tree with a grin. When he saw them, though, he stopped. He looked them over slowly as Vinyl growled. Octavia and Rarity exchanged glances, then joined Vinyl in growling. “Well, excuse me,” he said. “A stallion tries to be friendly and he is cursed at by his brethren.” He huffed and sat in the snow. Vinyl did not move, keeping her head low and paws ready to pounce. Octavia, however, backed up. “Who are you?” He laughed. “Me? I should be asking the same to you. Three heads, that’s new.” He stood and began to circle the three mares. Rarity watched him closely. “Who we are is none of your business,” she said. “Oh? I think it is. A wolf--wolves, my apology--in these parts without the master knowing... well it’s strange, to say the least. And you... you are special. Come, follow me. The master will be interested in meeting you,” he said. He stood in front of them and began to walk into the woods. “Uh... no.” Vinyl turned around and began walking in the opposite direction. However, just before she could make it into the forest, two wereponies jumped out, snarling and pushing her back. Her heart leapt as she stepped back, eyeing them over. “I think you’ll be coming with us,” he said. Vinyl yelped and spun around. His deep green eyes dug into Vinyl’s, making her shudder. “Vinyl, just go with him,” Octavia whispered. “But--” “Don’t question me!” Vinyl whimpered and stepped forward. The stallion wolf winked to her and said, “Good puppy. Come come, ponies, we have to get back soon!” The wereponies behind her gave Vinyl a good push, starting her off after the stallion. Vinyl groaned. “Aww, I still gotta go!”
