It was everything Steam gear had ever imagined it would be. Canterlot University the biggest most prestigious University in all of Equestria. It's ground covered half of the richer district of Canterlot. That was only half of it. The rest was for the Pegasus, there were huge cloud constructs in the sky hovering over the grounds. A few fourth year unicorns could probably get up there to their magic but earth ponies were stuck aground.
Although making it hard on earth ponies to reach the aerial levels of the facilities, they did have balloons for the purpose. Steam Gear himself was a Pegasus, he had no problem getting to his dorm room in the clouds. He was glad to find that he didn't have a room mate yet. His room was alright but he had to say it's simple decorations were nothing compared to the grounded University.
The courtyard was riddled with art projects of the more talented students. They ranged from golden Celestia statues to some more intricate pieces that Steam couldn't possibly describe. He absorbed it all as he walked into the main hall. The first thing he noticed was the sheer number of ponies. He couldn't take to steps without running into somepony.
It was in situations like this that his smaller stature and rippled brown coat came in handy. Steam edged his way around the cloud hardly being noticed thanking his lucky goggles for keeping his usually wild mane in check. He was wearing a leather jacket that complemented his coat rather nicely. His mark on his flank was what had given him his name. It was a gear spinning with a cloud of steam in the bottom right corner.
He was halfway around when he saw a pony in the crowd that drew his attention. She was a snowy white unicorn with a frazzled spiky blue mane. She had a grin on her face as her gaze washed over the ponies in the room. She was wearing a pair of headphones with purple trim and purple tinted silver shades. She had a double quarter note on her flank. There was something about her that stuck out from the rest like her very presence dominated the area around her attracting all attention.
Her gaze fell on Steam Gear and she stopped. The unicorn murmured something to the group of ponies around her and began to trot towards him. At first Steam was a little nervous but as he watched her getting closer he relaxed. Although she dominated her area she was pretty down to earth. Those brave enough to approach received a “What's sup” or a Hoof bump those that didn't got flashed a smile or heared a “Wub Wub” come from her headphones.
As she finally broke from the crowd she waved at Steam and said “Hey you”
“Hello” said Steam nervously kneading the floor under his hoof
“Wow dude no reason to freak or anything” replied the unicorn putting on a obviously fake frown “Only came to say hello”
“Oh” replied Steam Gear rubbing the back of his neck with a hoof in embarrassment “Sorry”
“No prob man” replied the unicorn extending a hoof “Names Vinyl Scratch, also known as DJ- PON3”
“My names Steam Gear” he replied bumping her hoof “Did you say you were a DJ? I've never heard of you”
“Well I'm not recorded or anything” said Vinyl admittedly putting a chink in her smile “But I'd beat you're not one to visit many clubs anyways”
“Yeah that's true” replied Steam with a chuckle There was something about Vinyl's laid back attitude that just made him feel relaxed “Sorry but I'm not much of a social pony”
“I could fix that if you want” said Vinyl her expression changing to a mischievous grin “I have a gig at a club later this week. I could sneak you a VIP pass if you want.”
“I won't decline an offer like that” said Steam thinking it over “But why me? I mean we just met?”
“So..” said Vinyl playing with her hair innocently “Does that bother you?”
“Not really” replied Steam raising a hoof to adjust his goggles “You seem like a nice enough pony”
“I should hope so” replied Vinyl with a laugh “I am a DJ after all. My job is to get pony's to have a good time” Steam sat back and thought about that for awhile before asking
“Hey who else will be in the VIP section with me?” he asked
“Well I haven't decided yet” admitted Vinyl blushing a bit this time “It's my first year here actually. Your the first one invited. I guess that makes you special dude.”
Steam smiled at that thought. Him special. Well there's a first time for everything. Vinyl turned as someone called her name from inside the mass of ponies.
“Well that's my cue” replied Vinyl with a wave goodbye “See you again Steam” with that she walked away to be lot in the surge of ponies
Steam walked along his confidence raised by meeting what he hoped to be a new friend in this wondrous place. This last until he took his first step out of the door into the main grounds. It was huge with walking paths crossing intersecting and weaving through the grass. Steam fumbled through his saddle bags for the map of the grounds he picked up on his way in. He couldn't find it.
“Having a problem” asked a accented voice from his right
He turned to see a ash gray mare trotting in his direction. Her black mane perfectly falling over her shoulders. A pink bow tie around her neck. Her eyes were purple jewels. She had a treble cleft adorned on her flank. She stepped gracefully every step precise and elegant. She was obviously from a wealthy house and probably a Canterian herself.
“Yeah I seem to have lost my map of the grounds” replied Steam a little embarrassed
“Well then Greetings” said the pony with a elegant bow “My name is Octavia, and I would be glad to help you out”
There was something about this pony. It was different from Vinyl. She was graceful and elegant obviously more mature than any other pony her age. That being said she had certain qualities that made her more approachable. She was nice and willing to help another pony out.
“Alright” said Steam “My name is Steam Gear”
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Mr. Gear” replied Octavia warmly “What is it you are trying to find exactly?”
“Um let me check” replied Steam rummaging through his saddle bag Pulling out his schedule for this semester he said “I need to find the Sociology room”
“What a coincidence” said Octavia giving him a smile “That's where I was heading myself”
“Well if you know where it is then..” started Steam hoping Octavia could guess his intentions
Thankfully Octavia lifted a eyebrow and then replied “I could let you accompany me there if you would like”
“I would be very grateful for your help” replied Steam extending a hoof in thanks
“Octavia looked at it and carefully took it in hers and shook it lightly saying “Your welcome” she then began trotting in the direction of a building on the other side of the grounds taking the straightest path. “This way please”
Silence descended on the walk to the room. It ended when they walked inside. The room was abuzz with chatter from ponies either seated in groups or standing in the isles. Steam took a seat and said goodbye to Octavia as she trotted to hers. He didn't get a chance to look around as a black stallion with silver hair and a luxurious beard walked out to the podium center of the room.
“Everyone take there seats” he said clearing his throat Once everyone was seated he continued “My name is Silver. I know ironic thanks to my hair color” He laughed at his own joke a few of the students in the front row gave a chuckle “I will be your Sociology teacher for this semester. I would like to start of with an exercise for us to get to know each other a little better”
The class let out a tired moan. A pony Steam recognized as Octavia stood up and said “Is this really necessary professor ? What if we don't wish to associate with these ponies outside of class”
A second pony stood up which Steam recognized as Vinyl and yelled “Hey some of us have lives out of class Miss Priss” some of the class Ohhhh'd at the burn as she continued “And we would like to figure out who's great at party's and who can do our homework”
Octavia let out a Hmph and sat down obviously flustered at Vinyl's manner.
“Wow seems we have some drama already” said Silver smiling “I think we should have you two ladies introduce yourselves first. Since you both seem so excited about this exercise”
Octavia stood up and said “I'll go first then” she shot a glare at Vinyl before continuing “My name is Octavia. I was born in Filydelphia. I like music and I play Cello professionally and hope to make it into the Canterlot Royal Orchestra”
“Oh so your that kind of Musician” said Vinyl rather loudly starting to laugh
“What does that mean?” yelled Octavia blushing in embarrassment
“It means your an upper class mare who had everything planted into her hooves.” said Vinyl mockingly “It also means that you believe that your high class music is better than everything else”
“What makes you think you can say such slanderous things like that?” yelled Octavia furiously
Vinyl stood up and raised her hooves and said proudly “My name is Vinyl Scratch. I was born in the Slums of Manehatten. I live music and I am a rising DJ pushing for an album.”
“Oh I see” said Octavia taking a minute to think before replying “So your a low class pony who beats rocks with sticks to generate loud obnoxious sounds that nopony with even a bit of sense would find even remotely interesting”
“THE BUCK DID YOU JUST SAY!!!?” screamed Vinyl slamming both her hooves into her desk cracking it in the process This had the desired effect on her adversary. She cringed at the barbaric display and swallowed the lump in her throat.
“I don't believe I stuttered” said Octavia folding her arms in front of her chest in defiance feeling more than a little scared
Vinyl knocked her chair over standing up and marching in the direction of the source of her fury her horn glowing “Oh I believe a spoiled brat like you doesn't know a thing about music” said Vinyl practically spitting out the words “Or at least you wouldn't if daddy and mommy hadn't taught you from birth”
Octavia stood up and trotted at her adversary not wanting to be outdone in this confrontation. “Oh how very mature of you to keep insulting my heritage” she said venom in her voice she glared at Vinyl as she added “At least I had parents who cared about me enough, not to abandon me”
At this comment the entire classroom went silent. Steam Gear felt this had gone on long enough. He looked to the teacher seeing him jaw dropped speechless. He was about to break it up when Vinyl screamed in rage bringing her hoof back for a full out punch. He took to the air using his wings for a extra burst of speed. He rushed into the path of the punch taking it in his stomach.
The force of the punch was amazing. “I guess it is true what they say” Steam thought as he plummeted into the desk behind him breaking it in two “Hell hath no fury like that of a mare scorned” All of the air was knocked out of his lungs when he hit the desk and his vision blurred. He could make out a white and gray blur in front of him.
As for Vinyl and Octavia all the rage drained out of both of them. Vinyl instant realized the stallion she had just sacked to be her friend Steam. As for Octavia she recognized the gentlecolt she had escorted to this very classroom. They looked at each other with expressions of horror printed on their faces.
Steam coughed ,a little blood escaping his lips, as the professor regained control of his nerves.
“Ladies” he screamed with authority “Control yourselves now!” both Vinyl and Octavia sat on their haunches in shame their ears drooping
“Now if you want any chance for the both of you not to be expelled immediately” said Silver harshly his gaze burning holes through the ashamed duo “I suggest you carry this injured stallion to the infirmary now”
Vinyl wrapped Steam's hoof around her neck and Octavia did the same with his other. They then helped him stand and walk out of the room into the courtyard. They were silent halfway till Steam opened his mouth.
“Why did you two just do that?” asked Steam coughing
“You heard what she said” replied Octavia indignantly
“You weren't exactly perfect either sunshine” replied Vinyl
“What I heard” said Steam shrugging off the assisting mares and turning to face them swaying a bit at the sudden change in direction. Man that punch had been a doosy. “Was a couple of whiny fillies bickering about biased opinions and old stereotypes. I dare either of you to say differently?”
When neither mare dared object to his announcement he continued “I know neither of you meant for this to happen. I chose to fly into that punch myself, and I'll stick to that. You two however are both wonderful mares in your own right and are letting stereotypes get in the way.”
“You just met me how do you know I'm wonderful?” asked Vinyl trying to poke a hole in this barrage of sheer logic
“So.. does that bother you” replied Steam playing with his goggles “besides it takes a pretty wonderful mare to punch that hard”
“Oh” said Vinyl blushing at first because of the irony of what Steam just said and once more at the joke of her punching him
“What about me Mr. Gear?” asked Octavia “Why am I so wonderful”
“Because Octavia, when I first met you I thought you were a true Canterian” said Steam admittedly “It takes a pretty wonderful mare to live up to the strict rules and graceful conduct of Canterlot's elite”
“Oh” said Octavia blushing at the complement Never before had someone said she was as graceful as a Canterian.
“I think you both could be really good friends if you tried” continued Steam “All you need to do is try”
“How do you know so much about this kind of stuff Steam?” asked Vinyl scratching her head
“There is a reason I was in a Sociology class Vinyl” replied Steam losing his balance falling onto his haunches “by the way I may actually need the infirmary” The mares picked him up and continued their way to the infirmary. None of them noticed the spectator leaning against the wall in the shadows.
All Steam was sure of as he looked at the two mares carrying him along, was that this was going to be a very long year.
When they arrived at the infirmary Steam was relieved to find the nurse was a unicorn. With her magic to aid his recovery this shouldn't take long at all. Vinyl and Octavia were asked to wait outside while the nurse looked him over. They took seats opposite each other in the small waiting room. After several minutes of waiting and Vinyl skimming through at least half a dozen boring magazines she decided to break the silence.
“I cannot believe we did this.” said Vinyl loud enough for Octavia to hear her
Octavia's ears pricked up and she looked over her magazine at Vinyl as she replied “We?” she shook her said “Your the one who punched him”
“The way I remember it Steam wasn't the one I was aiming at” replied Vinyl glaring at Octavia from behind her shades “Or do I need to remind you”
“I didn't forget” said Octavia with a sigh folding up her magazine and laying it on the table to her right “I just can't believe something like this happened to me”
“What ain't you never been in trouble before?” asked Vinyl amused at Octavia's unease
“No I haven't” replied Octavia coldly “I've never been in trouble before ever”
“Well never say never miss perfect” said Vinyl with a smile
“Oh I'll bet getting in trouble is a walk in the park for you” replied Octavia harshly “You don't really care what happens to you do you?”
“I know where I want to go” replied Vinyl with a smile shrugging off Octavia's insult “I just have to get there”
“Well if you know where you want to go then why not leave now?” asked Octavia a tad bit interested
“They have age limits on being a full time DJ” said Vinyl with a visible frown “Otherwise I probably would”
“I see” said Octavia with a sigh “Well looks like we're stuck with you for now”
“Kinda looks that way huh?” said Vinyl with a laugh
“Hey...” said Octavia fiddling with her hooves
“What is it?” asked Vinyl putting on her headphones
“Did you really mean what you said back there?” asked Octavia “Never before has somepony said such hurtful things to me”
“Is that so?” replied Vinyl taking a moment to think “Well in all honesty I have to say that I don't exactly hate classical music.”
“Oh really?” asked Octavia “Then why say all those mean things”
“You've never been in a fake argument before have you?” replied Vinyl face hoofing herself
“What are you talking about?” asked Octavia confused
“I was only saying all that crud because I wanted to make you angry” said Vinyl explaining her actions “It was a way of attracting attention to myself and a major popularity boost”
“That's why you were saying all those slanderous thing to me?” cried Octavia not wanting to believe it “Popularity?”
“Yeah” said Vinyl looking away from the enraged cellist “I didn't really mean any of it”
“That's no reason to do it though” stated Octavia matter of factly “It's rude and hurtful”
“Honestly I thought you were playing along” said Vinyl running a hoof through her hair embarrassed “That is until you made the comment about my parents..”
“Oh yes that...” said Octavia blushing a little “I'm very sorry about that”
“Nah I was the one that lost her cool” replied Vinyl waiving her hoof “Besides there was no way you could have known about my parents”
“Alright” said Octavia giving Vinyl a apologetic look “I really am sorry. I didn't know it was a show”
“Well I didn't exactly plan on it either” said Vinyl shrugging “but what's done is done”
“So does this mean we're still fighting?” asked Octavia straightening her bowtie
“Nah the fight was over as soon as Steam got sacked” replied Vinyl with a laugh
“I doubt he finds it very funny” said Octavia worry in her voice
“Ah We'll just have to make it up to him is all” said Vinyl smiling “and I have a plan”
“Please tell me that this doesn't involve clubs” asked Octavia with a long sigh
“Of course it does” said Vinyl throwing her hooves up in the air “I'm gonna take us out to the club I work at”
“Well the way I see it” thought Octavia out loud “Alcohol has a 50-50 chance of either making you alright or unbearable. I'm willing to take that risk”
“Well then all we need to do now is get Steam to agree” finished Vinyl rubbing her hooves together
“Get me to agree to what?” asked Steam walking into the waiting room looking between the DJ and Cellist “Are you two still fighting?”
“Nah” said Vinyl smiling “I guess you were right Steam”
“I told you I was in Sociology for a reason” replied Steam with a wave of his hoof “I know ponies”
“Alright Gear,” said Octavia looking at Vinyl “We were thinking about taking you to her club as payment for injuring you”
“Sounds like fun” replied Steam thinking it over “But don't you think we should get back to class?”
“Nah you heard the teacher we about got expelled already” said Vinyl getting up out of her chair “I think we should let him cool of first”
“I couldn't possibly ditch class” said Octavia shocked Vinyl cast her a knowing look and replied
“And you couldn't possibly get into a fight either” she put her hoof around Octavia's shoulders and mocking her jokingly “Trust me on this one alright”
“Well if getting punched in the chest is gonna happen every time I walk in that classroom with you two” said Steam with a laugh “I think I agree with Vinyl on this one”
“Alright!” yelled Vinyl throwing her hooves up “Off we go. I'll lead the way”
They walked out of the waiting room and into the courtyard. It was empty at the moment all the students in class. They walked across the grounds and out the main exit. Vinyl's club wasn't far away, two blocks and they were there.
“Alright” said Vinyl stopping in front of a rather grungy looking building It was brick and mortar. It had vines growing up the left wall and it had a glowing neon sign that read The Tattered Page. “Here we are”
“This is it?” asked Octavia confused “This is were you work?”
“Yeah” said Vinyl with a proud smile “Not much to look at right now but it's a beauty when I'm rocking it”
“Well I hope it's cleaner on the inside” said Octavia raising a hoof
“It'll be fine” said Steam smoothly “Vinyl take us in. Remember you said you'd give me a VIP pass”
“I'm glad you reminded me Steam” said Vinyl opening the door and walking in “But let's save that for later alright. I want to show you two how to party Vinyl Scratch style!” She lead them through a dimly lit hallway into a rather large room filled with ponies. She waded through the crowd Steam and Octavia on her tail. She stopped next to a bar, and said “Hey”
The stallion behind the bar turned around and upon seeing who had called for him gave a huge smile. He was a dark green with a light brown mane. He walked up and high hoofed the grinning DJ and asked “Scratch what you doing here? You ain't gotta work tonight”
“I know Cider,” replied Vinyl gesturing to her companions “But brought some ponies with me”
“I told you all you had to do was give out the VIP passes and you would find some party goers” said Cider with a smile “Gonna show them a good time huh?”
“Yeah your idea of VIP passes didn't exactly work out as planned...” said Vinyl fixing her shades on her face “but I did manage to get some ponies after all. I was wondering if you had anything to help us you know get in the mood?”
“For you Scratch I have something special” replied Cider with a wink He reached under the table and brought out a large smoky glass bottle. The label was in a language Octavia could not understand. “It's called Firewater, but trust me it only sizzles.”
“Vinyl what is that exactly?” asked Octavia questioningly
“I have no idea” replied Vinyl taking the offered glass from Cider “But as long as it's alcohol I'm in” She lifted the glass to her lips and downed it in one gulp “Besides” she added wiping her mouth with her hoof setting down her glass for another shot “I trust Cider”
“Good to hear Scratch” replied Cider refilling her glass “How long did it take 2 years?”
“What are you talking about?” asked Steam confused “We're her friends and we've not even known her for a day.”
“Ah don't get me wrong dude” said Cider explaining himself “You are “friends” but not really Friends.” He put more emphasis on the second one
“What does that mean exactly?” asked Steam kind of understanding it
“It means that Cider should shut his trap before I shut it for him” said Vinyl shooting the stallion a warning glance
“I'm just giving them fair warning Scratch.” he said raising his hooves defensively “Not everypony likes secrets you know”
“Yet you seem to like spreading them” muttered Vinyl under her breath
“What just happened?” asked Octavia totally confused
“Cider was explaining what exactly our relationship is with Vinyl and he just got silenced” answered Steam understanding the situation now “Vinyl what's up why the sudden change in attitude?”
“It's none of your business alright?” replied Vinyl turning on her stool away from him “I brought you here to party that's it”
“Well then let's get partying shall we?” said Steam wanting to get the non grumpy Vinyl back as soon as possible
“Yes I think that's best” quickly agreed Octavia getting the hint from Steam's tone
“Alright then” said Scratch getting off of her stool and wading into the crowd She waited for Steam and Octavia to join her and then she said “Alright the music will start any second” she eyed the clock to confirm it before continuing “When it does just try and feel the beat and move your hooves to it alright? It's easy.”
“Sounds easy enough” replied Steam preparing himself
“Um I have a question?” asked Octavia blushing slightly from embarrassment
“What?” asked Vinyl
“I've never danced before” admitted Octavia looking at the floor “Could you show me how?”
Vinyl facehoofed as Steam laughed and said “It's easy don't worry. I'll stick with you until you have the hang of it. Just watch me and then do what I do.”
“Alright” said Octavia a little relieved “Thanks”
The lights dimmed as a voice screamed over the PA system “Get ready to party!” The music boomed as the ponies in the room started dancing wildly. The music was bad enough it felt like a drum was being slammed into the side of Octavia's head, but the ponies were even worse. They were bouncing around banging their heads and stomping their hooves in a pattern she couldn't even begin to guess.
Octavia turned as a hoof landed on her shoulder. She looked and saw Steam smiling at her.
“Hey don't worry” said Steam beginning to dance slowly “Just watch me. I'll take it slow till your comfortable”
Octavia watched him move his hooves and bang his head slowly seemingly in synch with the music. He would occasional swing side to side as the rhythm changed and jump to the beat. She began to mimic his movements slowly recognizing the dips and rises in tempo of the music and finding her rhythm. Seeing that Octavia had joined him in the fun he changed to a more complicated dance and sped up his pace.
While this was going on Vinyl snuck away from the group and made her way back over to the bar. “Cider” she called to the stallion behind the bar as she took a seat on a stool “We need to talk”
“About what?” asked Cider innocently “Have I done something wrong?”
“You know what you did Cider” said Vinyl angrily “What I want to know is why?”
“As I said before Scratch” replied Cider wiping off a dish and putting it on the bar “Some ponies don't like secrets. You should let them know that they're just party buddy's now and spare the drama later”
“You know it's not like that..” started Vinyl
“No,” interrupted Cider “I do know and it is like that. You always find new ponies to hang around with, but they never last. Your always ready to party but as soon as your out of the club it's like you don't exist to them right?”
“Cider...” said Vinyl kind of hurt
“It's the truth isn't it?” he continued shaking his head “Honestly I think the entire thing is ridiculous. You are more than just a party animal Scratch. You know that I know that. You need to stop using pony's as “friends” and get some real friends. Trust me there are ponies out there that won't ditch you”
“Yeah you've said that before” replied Vinyl having heard enough She stood up and turned around lashing her tail at Cider as she walked away. She edged around the dancing ponies until she spotted Steam and Octavia. They were laughing and dancing and looked to be having a great time. Without her. Vinyl hung her head down her ears drooping a bit.
Vinyl nearly fell as a pony bumped into her side.
“Hey watch it” said Vinyl angrily she was in no mood for this
“Oh hey there” said the stallion obviously drunk noticing her for the first time He burped and then said “Your cute”
“Thanks for the compliment” said Vinyl trying to walk away
“Hey where you going?” asked the stallion grabbing her with a hoof stopping her retreat
“Anywhere but here” replied Vinyl trying to pull away For being drunk off his rock he had a surprisingly strong grip
“But I thought you were gonna buy me a drink?” said the stallion with a smile pulling Vinyl away from the crowd
“Sorry but I'm flat broke” said Vinyl trying to aim a punch at the stallion
“Oh no you don't” said the stallion flipping Vinyl around and pinning her to the wall “You'll just have to pay me another way” Vinyl could feel his hot alcoholic breath on her muzzle.
Two things occurred to Vinyl at this moment. One if she had been out having a fun time with Steam and Octavia this probably would never have happened. The second thing shocked her. She wished Steam and Octavia were here. She turned her head to the left as the stallion tried to give her a kiss on the lips.
“Get the buck off her” screamed a voice from her left Vinyl felt a gust of wind in front of her face. She closed her eyes and fell forward onto all four hooves. Vinyl opened her eyes to see the stallion assaulting her knocked out on the floor drooling. She looked in the direction of the wind to see Steam pulling back his right forehoof, a picture of rage plastered on his face.
“Are you all right?” he asked looking her over the rage on his face turning to concern “Did he hurt you?”
“No no I'm fine” replied Vinyl releasing the breath she didn't know she had been holding “Thanks”
“It's what friends do” replied Steam seemingly calm given the current situation “We are friends right?”
“Yeah after that” said Vinyl calming herself down “We are definitely friends”
“Good to know that we're all friends here” said Octavia joining her friends
“How did you know I needed help?” asked Vinyl
“I kept an eye on you when you walked off to go pester Cider” Steam replied
“But when he saw that awful stallion trying to have his way with you,” added Octavia “We decided on of us should intervene”
“Truth be told I probably hit him harder than I should have” said Steam kicking the unconscious stallion
“I think he got what was coming to him” said Octavia with a giggle
“Now that the worst part of the night is over,” said Steam looking at Vinyl and Octavia with a smile “What do you say we party together this time?”
“I hear that!” yelled Vinyl happy to get out of this uncomfortable situation The three friends trotted off into the crowd leaving the unconscious stallion to be forgotten face down on the floor.
