The staff and barrs of life .by WarrAinjalChaptersChap. 1 Gathering of the bandChap 2 The string of the stringsChap 3 Finding there cordChap4 The discordant harmony of lifechap5 A false crescendoChap. 1 Gathering of the bandIn a stage dressing room sat Harmonic Melody a subdued blue unicorn ,with a black mane . Sat removing her stage make up . When a knock the door came. Mr. Back Stage ( The shows manager and her secret stallion-friend.) " Melody may I come in." Her horn lit up opening the door. There stood a gray earth pony with a dark blue mane in a tuxedo. Bending low he held out a small black box . Back Stage " Miss. Harmonic Melody will you do me the honor of marrying me." She said "Yes!'" As the box opened in her aura a horn ring with there cutey marks came in to view his crank and rope and her cello and notes . It levitated till it fond is new home on her horn. Melody " I love it all most as much as I love you but you need to go before we are caught ." After he had left she finished cleaning her self up . And went to find her frends and band mate Vinyl 45. Vinyl 45 a female white unicorn with light blue hare sat on the now vacant stage strumming her guitar. Melody was bursting to tell her the news. But vinyl stopped her. Vinyl 45 "Hay glad you came . I want you to her a song I just wrote . "Then Vinyl 45 payed on the acoustic guitar. " ~ I have a friend . But I want to be her lover. She is kind to me like no other . She understands my ways. With out judging me. I hope one day she will want to merry me.~ ." Melody listened to the wondrously played but terribly sung song . She picked up that in fact was a wedding proposal . Her hart just blurted out "Yes". Back un her bedroom her mind had caught up to her hart. It asked what are you doing. We all reedy have a fiance! Why did you just set us up with a pony we hadn't even been dating. Not like Back stage. A stolen moment overlooking the stage hear . Sneaking off to the closest park for a picnic there. The hiding made it all the more exciting . Tossing about in her bed she began to think once more about Vinyl 45. Had she been dating her all this time? The two had gone to varying party's to gather. Tho Melody had thought of it as two friends blowing off steam. Sure she had held Vinyl upright when ever she had to much to drink. Wile enduring her drunken passes. None of which seamed to endure the day .... light? " O no " She gasped. Clearly Vinyl had saw it as much more. As Celestia arose the sun. She had finally came up with a plan. After the the 12 members of the Ponyhime Steamroller finished there morning rehearsal. She invited both of them to lunch. In a both. Tucked in the back of the restaurant sat the three pony's. Melody " I have been giving this a lot of thought. There is something I want to tell you both." Back and Vinyl hoped it wold be the announcement of there engagement. " I want to marry you both." Vinyl sprawling out a bit " I'm cool with it . Mom will finally get off my back. And stage you not the worst looking stallion I have seen." Back stage was taken aback by what he had herd rose up in the seat . " I need some time to think about it. " As he was going for his bits. Melody sliding her hoof on his. " Take all the time you need. And remember I was picking up the check , darling. Letting go of the check he slid out of booth. " I will see you both at the show to night. " Before trotting to the door. <<>> Melody and Vinyl where siting in the girls dressing room after the show . Vinyl" I'm not sure Back stage is onboard with your plan." Melody " Its to be expected. He is the slow deliberate tripe. Who never sines any thing at the first meeting. " Vinyl slowly dropped her blouse of her shoulder. " So I just have to charm him a little to open him up? On our next date? " Batting her eyes. Melody blushed " Just as long as you don't get to much of your charm from a bottle. Yule be fine. Vinyl " before biting her one lip. 45 " I promise to go easy on the drink . But how do I get him there ? " Melody with a playful wink " Don't worry I have a plan ." leaning over to kiss her love . The next day. Harmony asked back stage on a date. But as he walked in to the matinee movie. Expecting to see Melody. Instead Vinyl quietly motioned for him to join her. ( Ha ha good 1. ) Back stage thought to him self. After finding there seats. He let his hoof rest on the arm of the chair . Seizing the opportunity Vinyl slipped her for-hoof under his. Followed by her head pressing in to his shoulder. This felt slightly uncomfortable for Back stage. Though she was rather cute like this. After all he did ask her out shortly before the band formed. But she said she was already seeing some pony at the time. In the end the two just sat there awhile feeling each other out. Though Vinyl was a bit more physical in how she did it. As the Rom Com, Ended. Back stage " I would to go some place more privet to talk ." Vinyl 45. "I know just the place ." In the back of a dimly lit rock&roll bar. Back stage " Come her often? " Vinyl 45 " No, but little places like this are every ware. Just keep your eyes open and you find them." The waitress strolled over. " Can I take your order?" Back stage "A glass of 105 vodka." Vinyl 45 " Same , and bring the bottle." The waitress " You sure abut that Sweety .The stuff is not cheap. " Vinyl 45 " Just bring me the bottle. " Back stage held a annoyed look ." So what are your feelings toward me? " Sipping on his glass. The truth was she was more in to mare's then stallion's. Tho she did want a foal ,and would be happy married to both of them. Vinyl pounding down her second shot . " I do like you. Just let me down another glass and I will love you. " As she poured her 3ed glass. With a glaring look Back stage spoke ." Next time we date. I think it should be all three of us. " Vinyl sliding closer with a affectionate look in her eye ." That would be fine but for now it just th-ee." With a thunk her head hit the table, out cold. Back Stage "Well this is rather embarrassing" having to chary her out of the club. Still sleeping threw the cab ride Vinyl woke up as the carriage jolted to a stop. Back stage "We are at the hotel lets get you in to bead." Melody who was chatting with another band mate in the lobby helped Vinyl to her room. Vinyl slurred out " That stage what a guy. lets go to his room together." Melody " I know you love every 1 when your drunk . Come on off to bed with you." Vinyl fell fast asleep the moment she hit the mattress. Melody " O 45 what am I to do with you. " Before tuning and walking out in to the hall way. Just as back stage walked by. Melody " Well how much did she drink this time? " back stage " Just three. " Melody " Is that all she usually needs 8 to get that drunk. " Back stage "This might have something to do with it . Its a lot stronger then most. " Back stage holding up the bottle . " I was mad at her drunkenness. But now get what happened. We can all try it a gen next week. Perhaps in a more sober venue." Before sauntering off to his hotel room. It took two months of far more stirring and sober dates. But in the end the trio decided to marry. So when the the show moved on to Los. Pegasus the 3 packed the rest of Ponyhime Steamroller and the roadies on to a bus. The driver took his time getting them to the wedding chapel. As thy filed in at the alter stood Back Stage decked out in a fine tuxedo. Mr. Stage " My friends please sit down. In the fount row in formal attire sat the 3 betrothed's parent's. Just as confused as the rest of them. Then the organ played as two doors opened. In unison Melody and Vinyl walked the aisle. Melody in a traditional long flowing gown befitting a princess. And matching veil. Vinyl 45 wore a much more modern. Short skirt with black underpinnings showing at the edge. Instead of a full veil she wore a black lady's hat with a bit of lace dangling over her left eye. The two meet at the center isle. With There steps in unison waked forward. Upon reaching the alter. The deacon started " Dearly beloved we are gathered her to day..." Author's Note Harmonic Melody is a uincorn base chello palyer . Swave and lady like in all things . Vinyl 45 a hard rocking gitarist . Fond of late night partying . When drunk she starts hiting on any pony. In love with Melody eaven when sober . Back stage The rock in a storm that is Ponyhime Steamroller. He keeps the show rolling with his un flaging stoicism. Chap 2 The string of the stringsFor hearts and hooves day Back Stage went all out. After a lovely lunch at The Smoked Oat and a matinee showing of A Midsummer Night's Dream, the love birds returned home for a candlelight dinner. As Melody finished her rose petal salad, she felt it was a bit of an anticlimactic end to a very romantic day. She softly asked, “What's for desert?“ Stage, feeling her mood, replied, “I see you wished to go back out for dinner. But what I have planned for desert is not on any menu.” Pulling the lid of the serving tray he revealed whipped cream, chocolate frosting, and strawberries. 45, noting the lack of any thing to place them onto, sprayed a dollop of whipped cream onto her hoof, then offered it to Harmony. With a soft tone and bedroom eyes she whispered, “Go on, have a taste.” Wondering what to do, Harmony looked toward Stage, only to find him frosting his one hoof with a loving look in his eye. She mentally prepared herself for what would come next. “Oh, you mean that sort of desert.” 11 months later, Back Stage paced in the waiting room. In two adjoining hospital beds laid Melody and Vinyl, both heavy with foals. With the aid of Nurse CaringHart, Vinyl 45's foal came first. A new unicorn whom she named Vinyl Scratch sat in her hooves. Soon thereafter came the cries from a newborn earth pony named Octavia. Back in the waiting room, Nurse CaringHart entered. "Is there a Mr. Stage here?" "How are they doing? Am I father yet? When can I see them?" replied a jittering Mr. Stage. At this point he was cut off by Nurse CaringHart. "Both mothers are doing well. And if you will follow me, you can see your two daughters right now." Upon reaching the glass his eyes shot to two pink blankets and his new daughters happily sleeping in them. Subconsciously he tried to tap on the glass with his hoof, only to have it stopped by a magic field. "I guess it is best to let them sleep after all." He spent most of the next hour happily gazing through the window at the pair. Several months had passed, and Octavia was a chatter box of foalish babblings, easily walking around the playroom. Young Vinyl, however , stumbled about tripping over the carpet. She bore the pain of skinned knees and bruises without a word. Sure, she cried when she was hungry, but things clearly weren’t right with her, so the family took her to the Doctor’s office. "Mr. Stage, I am afraid that your daughter Vinyl Scratch is deaf," Dr. Strange-hoof said. “Her balance problems may even be related. Possibly some sort of inner ear problem causing both. I will need to run a CT-scan a week from tuesday.” All three parents were in shock. Back and Melody soon resolved to help their daughter, but Vinyl 45 shook uncontrollably, blaming herself over it. She only became more agitated whenever she saw Scratch fall or bump in to the walls. She was unable to cope with her own despair. A week later in the family's kitchen, Harmony said in a soft tone. "I need your help, 45. Scratch needs her mom to care about her.” "Why? Haven't I made her life bad enough? She has you, miss perfect. Why would she need an ex blackout drunk party mare like me?" she said, slamming the kitchen door as she galloped down the hallway. "I wish you would remember the ex part. Vinyl, that's not how you are now. You gave all that up before the wedding day. Please remember that." replied Harmony, trying to go after her. Stepping in front of her, Back Stage said, "Stop. When she is this upset, nothing we say will get through to her. It’s only her blaming herself. When she sees that, we will be family again." Behind a locked door. The photos on the wall vibrated as her favorite song played. Crumpled up in a corner of the bedroom, Vinyl 45 thought on her past hard partying days. "It’s all my fault. Why did I have to drink so much? And would it have killed me to choke down the vitamin pills like Harmony wanted?" As Vinyl 45's self torture continued, in the next room little Vinyl Scratch was playing with her blocks. Try as she might to build a tower past the fourth block, it just fell over. Until the waves of sound shook her, and to her enjoyment she could see the music. It cleared her triple vision and made everything she looked at seem happier. Euphorically she pressed herself up against the wall. Still wishing to be closer to this new feeling, she teleported through it. "Scratch, where did you come from?” said Vinyl 45, quickly holding her aloft in her own forehooves. Scratch finally saw the beauty of her mother for the first time. Vinyl 45 focused her attention on Scratch, as her horn glowed to turn off the music. Scratch wondered why the feeling had suddenly stopped, letting out a loud wail at its absence. 45 gently rocked her daughter, trying to get her to stop. "Might as well turn it back on. Not like you can hear it." With a click the waves roared back. Scratch immediately stopped crying, looking into her mother’s eyes. She mouthed her approval and began to curl up in her arms. Looking down, Vinyl 45 was overjoyed at the thought of her daughter hearing. In this she had found she needed to be her daughter's champion. "Back, Harmony, get in here and look at this!" Back at Dr. Strange-hoof's, Vinyl 45 excitedly exclaimed, "Dr. she can hear, please run the tests over again!" 45 then turned on a portable radio with the volume turned all the way up. "Turn it off! My ears! Ow ow ow," cried Dr. Strange-hoof. But out of the corner of his eye he noticed Scratch swaying to the beat, her eyes as big as saucers. As Vinyl 45 clicked off the radio, Dr. Strange-hoof said, "All right, hopefully the Ct-scan I already ordered will tell me something I don't know." "Thank you, Doctor." replied Vinyl 45. As 45 held a sleepy Scratch in the waiting room, Dr. Strange-hoof stood staring at the results. He had never seen anything like this. Looking through his lab books he found the diagnosis of synesthesia, but he wished to run some further tests and confer with his colleague Dr. Quackingbrush before talking to Vinyl 45. He decided to hold off on telling her just yet. After walking back to the waiting room, Dr. Strange-hoof said, "There are some further tests I would like to run, but I need some time to set them up. Please come back tomorrow morning, and please bring in whatever toys she likes to play with." "Of course Dr., but why the toys?" asked Vinyl 45. "My dear, I need to study how she interacts with the world, and familiar things are less frightening to her." "Yes Dr. We will be here bright and early." The next day, in a play room at the Dr.’s office sat Vinyl Scratch, trying to stack her blocks. As Vinyl 45 and Dr. Strange-hoof sat behind her just watching. Scratch grabbed one of the blocks in her aura. It was sat atop a twisted stack, before it tilted and fell. Then a knock at the door came and Dr. Quackingbrush, a griffin of optometry, walked in and joined them. "I have looked over your prognosis of synesthesia,” he said to Dr. Strange-hoof, “And though there is no way to know just how much she hallucinates, this experiment will tell us if it’s a good thing." "Mrs. 45, we are ready to begin. Please turn on the radio." said Dr. Strange-hoof. As she turned to do so the doctors donned earmuffs. The blaring volume washed over Vinyl Scratch. Her eyes focused and the three images folded into a slightly shaking block. Quickly she began straightening the stack before placing the last block. For Vinyl Scratch the music blocked out all the background noise with a steady tone, allowing a constantly flickering view of the world to stabilize. "You can turn it off now!" said Quackingbrush. Clicking the radio off, Vinyl 45 asked, "I am sorry, what was that?" "Thank you for turning it off!" Vinyl 45, somewhat confused, asked, "Well doctors, where do we stand?" Scratch began crying once more. 45 bent over, picked her up, and began rocking her. "It seems that Scratch's optic and auditory nerves are crossed. Casing her vision and hearing to become one." said Strange-hoof, pointing out how they weaved together in the brain scan. "Thankfully however, the stimulus of the music seems to help her focus." "Yes but for Celestia's sake, buy a set of earphones for her." said Dr. Quackingbrush, his ears still ringing. “We will need to monitor her for a time to make sure we are not hurting her long term." "Thank you both for your help understanding my daughter and the rest of the family. I'm sure we will thank you for the head phones idea." said Vinyl 45 as she packed up the blocks and walked out the door. “I am not sure what I did to help her. I’m feeling a bit of remorse at being able to do more. But I am glad I did what I did." said Dr. Strange-hoof. "We gave her the reason things are,” replied Dr. Quackingbrush, “And a hope of how to better them. Is it not what we are here for, Dr.?" Cheering up, Strange-hoof said, "Yes, it is indeed. Come, let us go celebrate with a cup of coffee." Chap 3 Finding there cordHarmonic Melody took the two fillies to Domino's Acoustic. First Melody and Octavia looked over the bows. Octavia's eyes were drawn to a deep red rosewood. A swishing sound came as Octavia strummed the air. "Mommy, can I have this one? I like the way it feels in my hoof." "It’s A fine choice." Melody said, turning to face Vinyl Scratch. " Vinyl, I know how much you love your headphones. But your sister and I need some quiet time. Can you do that for us?" With a slight frown her horn glowed and her earphones slid down her neck. Then with a smile she looked at Octavia and gave the pony equivalent to a thumbs up. At the counter sat a old stallion. "Mrs. Melody, how may I help you?" he asked. " We would like to see your bass cellos." responded Melody. Turning to point at Octavia, she saw the two at a double bass cello. Octavia's bow struck the chords. A low, slightly off string of notes came forth. Hitting Vinyl like a gentle wind. It felt to Vinyl that she was hearing her sister’s voice for the first time. Octavia continued to play. As Melody walked over a flash of light came. Octavia's cutie mark had appeared as Vinyl danced in the aisle. "Well, I did come here to buy a cello,” Melody said, turning to the owner, “ I just didn't think it would be that big." The owner laughed. "I will go get the case out of the back." Melody began writing down her home address." I think I will need it delivered. It appears I have a party to plan." It was already too late in the evening to have a party, so Octavia's Cutenceaneras was held the next day. Balloons and streamers hung over the gazebo in which sat the bass cello, still with the price tag on. Off to the side sat the happy parents serving out the cake as the foals played in the grass. After the line had waned, Octavia walked up to her father. " Can I play it now, father?" "Sure sweetheart, let me gather everyone's attention first." The creaking of stairs pulled everypony's attention as the pair ascended. Once at the platform, Back Stage started. "My friends and family, yesterday our Octavia on this very instrument received her cutie mark. Now she wishes to entertain you with her newfound talent. " He turned to her. "Go ahead." Octavia grabbed the price tag in her teeth and spat it to the floor. Holding her new bow she strummed the chords to a slightly off-key solo. To polite claps, Octavia started, "Thank you, and I promise to be better next time I play it for all of you." Placing the bow down on a stool, she continued. "But for now, please enjoy the songs from our fine music system. " With that Vinyl 45 began to DJ the party, when she noticed little Vinyl hugging one of the speakers. In a neon blue aura, young Vinyl floated over to sit on her mother's lap. "Watch mom work sweetheart." Looking up Scratch let out a soft squeak, which was her way of saying I'm listening. Mentally it still felt odd calling herself mom, but here she was. As one record finished she dragged a hoof on it before throwing a switch and turning on the next player. Looking into her daughter's eyes, she whispered, "That was a slow change over. There are other styles I will teach you. Like the Robot , Beatmatching, and the Double Scratch. That's where your name comes from, by the way." As a party goer momentarily distracted Vinyl 45, Vinyl Scratch grabbed her favorite record. She then hastily placed it on a empty turntable and seamlessly beat-matched the two songs. In a flash of light a single black note appeared upon her flanks. After the song ended Vinyl 45 stopped the players and spoke. "On this day of joyous news, we now have even more to celebrate. My Vinyl Scratch has just earned her cutie mark!" As the party guests gathered round to take a look, Octavia felt jealous that her party had been hijacked by her sister. At least until her sister came and hugged her. Happy they could share this day together, the party went on till the sun set. Author's Note And this chapter is dun . woot Chap4 The discordant harmony of lifeAs Octavia approached the door of Vinyl's class room in Canterlot middle school, she saw two Pegasi picking on her sister. "Stop staring at us, freak," said the one on the right, Pacific Foam. " Yeah, and why do you get to wear headphones when no one else does?" said the one the left, Wind Bracer, while plucking Vinyl’s headphones off. "What kind of garbage is she listening to? Turn it off!" said Pacific Foam, with more menace creeping into her tone. "Or better yet, just smash them!" It was then that Octavia's hoof slapped the back of her head. Pacific foam kicked backwards causing Octavia to fall onto her saddle bags with a crunching sound. Letting out grunts of displeasure Vinyl's magic fought for control of the headphones as Wind Bracer tried to fly off with them. It was then that Miss Winneypenny stepped in to break it up, holding the four fighting foals aloft in her aura. "There will be no fighting in this hallowed hall of learning." she said, letting go. "Sit down, all of you." With a scraping of the drawer, out came four disciplinary forms. "Now take this to your parents and don't come back to school without them." The four fillies sheepishly took the letters and slowly trotted home. Vinyl pushed the door open and standing at the sink was Melody. Vinyl held out the letters in her aura. "What is this?" Melody asked, looking at Octavia. '' Mom, some ponies were picking on Vinyl and I hoofed one of them. Now Miss Winneypenny wants to see you tomorrow." Octavia replied. "That's not how a proper lady handles this sort of thing. I'm disappointed in you, Octavia. You can start your punishment with a extra hour of cello practice. Now off with you." As Vinyl and Octavia brushed past her, Vinyl 45 said, "Don't be so hard on her. I remember a couple of scrapes I got in to at that age." While the discussion continued on in the kitchen, the sisters entered the parlor. Octavia reached in to her saddlebag and pulled out a bent box now containing a broken bow. "Oh no no no. Dad's going to kill me when he finds out!" Vinyl, seeing the bow, felt responsible for the fight. She dashed off with it, trying to fix it. Melody "45, we are trying too..." Then Little Vinyl stomped her hoof with a frantic look on her face. In her aura sat Octavia's rosewood bow split in two. She then pointed to the bottle of wood glue on the bench. Octavia rushed in holding a badly damaged case in her mouth.Looking little Vinyl in the eyes, Melody angrily stated. "That's it, both of you go to your rooms. Just wait there till your father comes home." A while later, Back Stage waited in the den as Scratch and Octavia plotted down the stairs. Upon their entering, Backstage said, "Octavia, your mother's and I have talked, and we have decided your punishment will be for you to pay for the new bow yourself. To this end, you will forgo your allowance until such time as it’s paid off. Now to bed with you. Octavia thought about defending herself, but instead just stated "Yes father." Before trotting of to her room. Vinyl wanted to tell what had happened but all she could muster was a sad look. Backstage stared into Scratch's eyes. "Come here." Scratch sat next to him. "Now Vinyl, if it happens again you runaway and tell the teacher." Vinyl clapped her hooves twice to voice her understanding. "Good, now off to bed with you." Back in the pair’s bedroom Octavia sat with her head firmly planted on her desk. With a slight grind several bits started sliding over next to her. When she looked up, she saw Vinyl’s pained face staring back at her. "It’s ok, you don't have to share your allowance with me." said Octavia, pushing the bits back. Before they reached her, however, Vinyl turned away and went to bed. Octavia thought to herself "How do you argue with someone who can’t even hear you?" Instead out came "Thank you Vinyl" even though Octavia knew she never heard it. The family arrived at school early that morning and sat in the office of Principal Lumince. "Come in and let us sort this out." Lumince said. In the office sat the two bullies and their mothers. " Now Pacific Foam, why did you start picking on Vinyl Scratch?" "It’s not fair, she gets to have headphones and I don't." "Like we don't, Foam. Don't be so selfish. And we like totally hate how she stares at us." said Wind Bracer. " Don't interrupt sweetheart, it’s rude." countered her mother, Cloud Bracer. " Like, sorry Pacific foam." Principal Lumince, gesturing at Harmony and 45, said " Would either of you like to explain it?" Vinyl 45 took off her dark sunglasses, revealing the same blood red eyes of Scratch. Tinged with a bit of malice, she began " My beautiful daughter needs them to see straight. And since she is deaf, she can only understand you if she reads your lips!" She placed her sunglasses on Scratch's head. In a more loving tone, she said "Maybe this will help." Pacific Breeze, replied "Well it helps, I guess." "Is that a fix though?” asked Pacific Foam pouting “I mean, it’ll just look like more favoritism." "Perhaps if I make a P.A. announcement explaining Vinyl's needs. Will that suffice?" Then the school bell rang. Principal Lumince looked at the foals. "Go to class and I will see each of you at lunch." As the two bullies left and Octavia signaled for Vinyl to follow, shutting the door behind them. Once the door was closed, Principal Lumince said "There still is the matter of punishment. I am not opposed to letting you handle it. Provided they apologize to each other and to Miss. Winneypenny." "She hit my daughter." said Pacific Breeze. Vinyl harshly interrupted her with "While yours was mugging mine." Harmony more calmly stated "I think you have a little more to gain by this." Cloud Bracer, leaning over to her friend, said "Perhaps we should handle this ourselves, quietly." Upon each of the four mares finally ageing to the terms, they left their separate ways. Both Vinyl 45 and Harmonic Melody were waiting at the door when school let out. " So how did your day go?" asked Melody. "We had to apologize to them and when I get home I have to right a letter to Miss Winneypenny." replied Octavia. "It as it should be. But before that, we need to buy you a new bow. You still owe me 2 hours practice." "Yes mother." replied Octavia in a low tone. Vinyl 45 stopped Scratch. Then, after taking her shades back, said "Come on, let’s get you your own pair." Beckoning all to follow, the four made their way down to the shopping district. The Vinyls broke off to the optometrist as Melody and Octavia entered back in to Domino's Acoustic.“Now, look around and see if there’s anything you like.” said Vinyl 45. “But behave yourself while I talk to this nice stallion.” She started to run off but stopped herself and walked to the displays. Vinyl 45 "I'm going to need a pair of tinted glasses made.” she said to the stallion at the register. “Here is her latest eye exam results.” Then came a tug on her bag. As two frames floated on to the counter, she looked down. "Did you find something you like? Cool." Scratch, levitating the first pair up, held just the brushed silver frames. Then the second pair floated up held by the pink glass. "So you want the silver frames with pink glass?" asked Vinyl 45. Scratch clapped her hoofs twice in agreement. Over the counter came "They will be ready in about a hour." "Thank you ." said Vinyl 45, turning back to Scratch. "Come along, we need to pick up dinner. " Scratch clapped again in agreement before the two walked out the door. Meanwhile, back at Domino's Acoustic Melody and Octavia were picking out a new bow. "Now Octavia, you may have any of them you wish, but there is a catch. The more it costs, the longer you will go without your allowance." At first she held a new rosewood bow. After looking at the price she remembered that her sister would be paying for half, even if no one else knew. She sorrowfully placed it back on the rack. She felt it was to much to ask of her. In the end she picked a modestly priced model with a plan black coat and the same style of the old one. Melody was glad Octavia thought things through. "Come now, we have to meet the others at the grocery store." Even at that price it still took a month to pay it off. Octavia learned two lessons from this; her actions have consequences, and that her sister would be there to help her through them. chap5 A false crescendoAt their graduation / going away party. Mr. Backstage sat down two envelopes in front of Vinyl and Octavia. "Vinyl ,Octavia, your mothers and I are very proud of you and we want you to have this. It’s just enough to get by on for a few months." Vinyl took off her glasses and clapped. "Thank you father. This means a lot to both of us." Octavia spoke. "This is, however, a one time thing. As you go out on your own we know you will do great things." As the party wore on Octavia took Vinyl aside. "If we take the bits and move in together we can afford to buy a house instead of rent. And with my new chair on the Ponyville Strings we should get along just fine." Vinyl stopped her hooves, enraptured with the idea. She quickly ran to their room, retrieving two flyers and a small box. First Vinyl handed the box to Octavia. Inside was a now mended rose wood bow. "You saved it for me. And even fixed it. Thank you." Octavia said, hugging Vinyl's neck. Then came the flyers. The first was a help wanted flyer for a music store with the wanted written over by the word “taken”. Octavia "Good for you. With that we should be on our own hooves quite nicely." Then Vinyl held up a hoof-made flyer with the name D.J. Pon3 on it. "Why are yo..u..." Then she noticed the cutie mark on the flyer. As she read it Vinyl pulled her over to a table . Up from under it emerged two turntables . Holding up a microphone to Octavia's mouth she tapped the flyer. "Friends, family, I give you for your listening pleasure D.J. Pon3!" While most of the crowd did not know what to make of it at first. Melody walked over to her beloved " You two planned this all along, didn't you? " "Maybe?" Vinyl 45 said with a playful wink. Back Stage rolled his eyes. "Whatever do you mean dearest?" She just closed her eyes and wrapped them both in a hug. A song or two later, Octavia with her now mended bow in hand, played a shrill set of notes from her bass cello. Vinyl resounded with a Scratch jump to a beat with a higher tempo. As the song went on the two siblings seemed to be in conflict with each other. Melody began to walk toward Octavia to stop it . But Mr. Stage held her firm, whispering in her ear. "Let it go and listen. They know what they’re doing." As she gave in , the two stiles stopped fighting but began blending into each other, until after a reining crescendo, both performers took a bow to a stomping crowd. "Why do they have to grow up and leave us?" asked Vinyl 45. Mr. Stage comforting his teary eyed loves, replied " Thy have each other. Our daughters will be just fine out there in Ponyville." Epilogue No matter what you’re facing in life, play your song. Whether it’s a muted mic like Vinyl, or if life cracked your amp’s case and left it with a broken wheel. Play on because … The Song Of Life Is Never Finished. The Song Life Is Never Finished .
Chap. 1 Gathering of the bandIn a stage dressing room sat Harmonic Melody a subdued blue unicorn ,with a black mane . Sat removing her stage make up . When a knock the door came. Mr. Back Stage ( The shows manager and her secret stallion-friend.) " Melody may I come in." Her horn lit up opening the door. There stood a gray earth pony with a dark blue mane in a tuxedo. Bending low he held out a small black box . Back Stage " Miss. Harmonic Melody will you do me the honor of marrying me." She said "Yes!'" As the box opened in her aura a horn ring with there cutey marks came in to view his crank and rope and her cello and notes . It levitated till it fond is new home on her horn. Melody " I love it all most as much as I love you but you need to go before we are caught ." After he had left she finished cleaning her self up . And went to find her frends and band mate Vinyl 45. Vinyl 45 a female white unicorn with light blue hare sat on the now vacant stage strumming her guitar. Melody was bursting to tell her the news. But vinyl stopped her. Vinyl 45 "Hay glad you came . I want you to her a song I just wrote . "Then Vinyl 45 payed on the acoustic guitar. " ~ I have a friend . But I want to be her lover. She is kind to me like no other . She understands my ways. With out judging me. I hope one day she will want to merry me.~ ." Melody listened to the wondrously played but terribly sung song . She picked up that in fact was a wedding proposal . Her hart just blurted out "Yes". Back un her bedroom her mind had caught up to her hart. It asked what are you doing. We all reedy have a fiance! Why did you just set us up with a pony we hadn't even been dating. Not like Back stage. A stolen moment overlooking the stage hear . Sneaking off to the closest park for a picnic there. The hiding made it all the more exciting . Tossing about in her bed she began to think once more about Vinyl 45. Had she been dating her all this time? The two had gone to varying party's to gather. Tho Melody had thought of it as two friends blowing off steam. Sure she had held Vinyl upright when ever she had to much to drink. Wile enduring her drunken passes. None of which seamed to endure the day .... light? " O no " She gasped. Clearly Vinyl had saw it as much more. As Celestia arose the sun. She had finally came up with a plan. After the the 12 members of the Ponyhime Steamroller finished there morning rehearsal. She invited both of them to lunch. In a both. Tucked in the back of the restaurant sat the three pony's. Melody " I have been giving this a lot of thought. There is something I want to tell you both." Back and Vinyl hoped it wold be the announcement of there engagement. " I want to marry you both." Vinyl sprawling out a bit " I'm cool with it . Mom will finally get off my back. And stage you not the worst looking stallion I have seen." Back stage was taken aback by what he had herd rose up in the seat . " I need some time to think about it. " As he was going for his bits. Melody sliding her hoof on his. " Take all the time you need. And remember I was picking up the check , darling. Letting go of the check he slid out of booth. " I will see you both at the show to night. " Before trotting to the door. <<>> Melody and Vinyl where siting in the girls dressing room after the show . Vinyl" I'm not sure Back stage is onboard with your plan." Melody " Its to be expected. He is the slow deliberate tripe. Who never sines any thing at the first meeting. " Vinyl slowly dropped her blouse of her shoulder. " So I just have to charm him a little to open him up? On our next date? " Batting her eyes. Melody blushed " Just as long as you don't get to much of your charm from a bottle. Yule be fine. Vinyl " before biting her one lip. 45 " I promise to go easy on the drink . But how do I get him there ? " Melody with a playful wink " Don't worry I have a plan ." leaning over to kiss her love . The next day. Harmony asked back stage on a date. But as he walked in to the matinee movie. Expecting to see Melody. Instead Vinyl quietly motioned for him to join her. ( Ha ha good 1. ) Back stage thought to him self. After finding there seats. He let his hoof rest on the arm of the chair . Seizing the opportunity Vinyl slipped her for-hoof under his. Followed by her head pressing in to his shoulder. This felt slightly uncomfortable for Back stage. Though she was rather cute like this. After all he did ask her out shortly before the band formed. But she said she was already seeing some pony at the time. In the end the two just sat there awhile feeling each other out. Though Vinyl was a bit more physical in how she did it. As the Rom Com, Ended. Back stage " I would to go some place more privet to talk ." Vinyl 45. "I know just the place ." In the back of a dimly lit rock&roll bar. Back stage " Come her often? " Vinyl 45 " No, but little places like this are every ware. Just keep your eyes open and you find them." The waitress strolled over. " Can I take your order?" Back stage "A glass of 105 vodka." Vinyl 45 " Same , and bring the bottle." The waitress " You sure abut that Sweety .The stuff is not cheap. " Vinyl 45 " Just bring me the bottle. " Back stage held a annoyed look ." So what are your feelings toward me? " Sipping on his glass. The truth was she was more in to mare's then stallion's. Tho she did want a foal ,and would be happy married to both of them. Vinyl pounding down her second shot . " I do like you. Just let me down another glass and I will love you. " As she poured her 3ed glass. With a glaring look Back stage spoke ." Next time we date. I think it should be all three of us. " Vinyl sliding closer with a affectionate look in her eye ." That would be fine but for now it just th-ee." With a thunk her head hit the table, out cold. Back Stage "Well this is rather embarrassing" having to chary her out of the club. Still sleeping threw the cab ride Vinyl woke up as the carriage jolted to a stop. Back stage "We are at the hotel lets get you in to bead." Melody who was chatting with another band mate in the lobby helped Vinyl to her room. Vinyl slurred out " That stage what a guy. lets go to his room together." Melody " I know you love every 1 when your drunk . Come on off to bed with you." Vinyl fell fast asleep the moment she hit the mattress. Melody " O 45 what am I to do with you. " Before tuning and walking out in to the hall way. Just as back stage walked by. Melody " Well how much did she drink this time? " back stage " Just three. " Melody " Is that all she usually needs 8 to get that drunk. " Back stage "This might have something to do with it . Its a lot stronger then most. " Back stage holding up the bottle . " I was mad at her drunkenness. But now get what happened. We can all try it a gen next week. Perhaps in a more sober venue." Before sauntering off to his hotel room. It took two months of far more stirring and sober dates. But in the end the trio decided to marry. So when the the show moved on to Los. Pegasus the 3 packed the rest of Ponyhime Steamroller and the roadies on to a bus. The driver took his time getting them to the wedding chapel. As thy filed in at the alter stood Back Stage decked out in a fine tuxedo. Mr. Stage " My friends please sit down. In the fount row in formal attire sat the 3 betrothed's parent's. Just as confused as the rest of them. Then the organ played as two doors opened. In unison Melody and Vinyl walked the aisle. Melody in a traditional long flowing gown befitting a princess. And matching veil. Vinyl 45 wore a much more modern. Short skirt with black underpinnings showing at the edge. Instead of a full veil she wore a black lady's hat with a bit of lace dangling over her left eye. The two meet at the center isle. With There steps in unison waked forward. Upon reaching the alter. The deacon started " Dearly beloved we are gathered her to day..." Author's Note Harmonic Melody is a uincorn base chello palyer . Swave and lady like in all things . Vinyl 45 a hard rocking gitarist . Fond of late night partying . When drunk she starts hiting on any pony. In love with Melody eaven when sober . Back stage The rock in a storm that is Ponyhime Steamroller. He keeps the show rolling with his un flaging stoicism.
Chap 2 The string of the stringsFor hearts and hooves day Back Stage went all out. After a lovely lunch at The Smoked Oat and a matinee showing of A Midsummer Night's Dream, the love birds returned home for a candlelight dinner. As Melody finished her rose petal salad, she felt it was a bit of an anticlimactic end to a very romantic day. She softly asked, “What's for desert?“ Stage, feeling her mood, replied, “I see you wished to go back out for dinner. But what I have planned for desert is not on any menu.” Pulling the lid of the serving tray he revealed whipped cream, chocolate frosting, and strawberries. 45, noting the lack of any thing to place them onto, sprayed a dollop of whipped cream onto her hoof, then offered it to Harmony. With a soft tone and bedroom eyes she whispered, “Go on, have a taste.” Wondering what to do, Harmony looked toward Stage, only to find him frosting his one hoof with a loving look in his eye. She mentally prepared herself for what would come next. “Oh, you mean that sort of desert.” 11 months later, Back Stage paced in the waiting room. In two adjoining hospital beds laid Melody and Vinyl, both heavy with foals. With the aid of Nurse CaringHart, Vinyl 45's foal came first. A new unicorn whom she named Vinyl Scratch sat in her hooves. Soon thereafter came the cries from a newborn earth pony named Octavia. Back in the waiting room, Nurse CaringHart entered. "Is there a Mr. Stage here?" "How are they doing? Am I father yet? When can I see them?" replied a jittering Mr. Stage. At this point he was cut off by Nurse CaringHart. "Both mothers are doing well. And if you will follow me, you can see your two daughters right now." Upon reaching the glass his eyes shot to two pink blankets and his new daughters happily sleeping in them. Subconsciously he tried to tap on the glass with his hoof, only to have it stopped by a magic field. "I guess it is best to let them sleep after all." He spent most of the next hour happily gazing through the window at the pair. Several months had passed, and Octavia was a chatter box of foalish babblings, easily walking around the playroom. Young Vinyl, however , stumbled about tripping over the carpet. She bore the pain of skinned knees and bruises without a word. Sure, she cried when she was hungry, but things clearly weren’t right with her, so the family took her to the Doctor’s office. "Mr. Stage, I am afraid that your daughter Vinyl Scratch is deaf," Dr. Strange-hoof said. “Her balance problems may even be related. Possibly some sort of inner ear problem causing both. I will need to run a CT-scan a week from tuesday.” All three parents were in shock. Back and Melody soon resolved to help their daughter, but Vinyl 45 shook uncontrollably, blaming herself over it. She only became more agitated whenever she saw Scratch fall or bump in to the walls. She was unable to cope with her own despair. A week later in the family's kitchen, Harmony said in a soft tone. "I need your help, 45. Scratch needs her mom to care about her.” "Why? Haven't I made her life bad enough? She has you, miss perfect. Why would she need an ex blackout drunk party mare like me?" she said, slamming the kitchen door as she galloped down the hallway. "I wish you would remember the ex part. Vinyl, that's not how you are now. You gave all that up before the wedding day. Please remember that." replied Harmony, trying to go after her. Stepping in front of her, Back Stage said, "Stop. When she is this upset, nothing we say will get through to her. It’s only her blaming herself. When she sees that, we will be family again." Behind a locked door. The photos on the wall vibrated as her favorite song played. Crumpled up in a corner of the bedroom, Vinyl 45 thought on her past hard partying days. "It’s all my fault. Why did I have to drink so much? And would it have killed me to choke down the vitamin pills like Harmony wanted?" As Vinyl 45's self torture continued, in the next room little Vinyl Scratch was playing with her blocks. Try as she might to build a tower past the fourth block, it just fell over. Until the waves of sound shook her, and to her enjoyment she could see the music. It cleared her triple vision and made everything she looked at seem happier. Euphorically she pressed herself up against the wall. Still wishing to be closer to this new feeling, she teleported through it. "Scratch, where did you come from?” said Vinyl 45, quickly holding her aloft in her own forehooves. Scratch finally saw the beauty of her mother for the first time. Vinyl 45 focused her attention on Scratch, as her horn glowed to turn off the music. Scratch wondered why the feeling had suddenly stopped, letting out a loud wail at its absence. 45 gently rocked her daughter, trying to get her to stop. "Might as well turn it back on. Not like you can hear it." With a click the waves roared back. Scratch immediately stopped crying, looking into her mother’s eyes. She mouthed her approval and began to curl up in her arms. Looking down, Vinyl 45 was overjoyed at the thought of her daughter hearing. In this she had found she needed to be her daughter's champion. "Back, Harmony, get in here and look at this!" Back at Dr. Strange-hoof's, Vinyl 45 excitedly exclaimed, "Dr. she can hear, please run the tests over again!" 45 then turned on a portable radio with the volume turned all the way up. "Turn it off! My ears! Ow ow ow," cried Dr. Strange-hoof. But out of the corner of his eye he noticed Scratch swaying to the beat, her eyes as big as saucers. As Vinyl 45 clicked off the radio, Dr. Strange-hoof said, "All right, hopefully the Ct-scan I already ordered will tell me something I don't know." "Thank you, Doctor." replied Vinyl 45. As 45 held a sleepy Scratch in the waiting room, Dr. Strange-hoof stood staring at the results. He had never seen anything like this. Looking through his lab books he found the diagnosis of synesthesia, but he wished to run some further tests and confer with his colleague Dr. Quackingbrush before talking to Vinyl 45. He decided to hold off on telling her just yet. After walking back to the waiting room, Dr. Strange-hoof said, "There are some further tests I would like to run, but I need some time to set them up. Please come back tomorrow morning, and please bring in whatever toys she likes to play with." "Of course Dr., but why the toys?" asked Vinyl 45. "My dear, I need to study how she interacts with the world, and familiar things are less frightening to her." "Yes Dr. We will be here bright and early." The next day, in a play room at the Dr.’s office sat Vinyl Scratch, trying to stack her blocks. As Vinyl 45 and Dr. Strange-hoof sat behind her just watching. Scratch grabbed one of the blocks in her aura. It was sat atop a twisted stack, before it tilted and fell. Then a knock at the door came and Dr. Quackingbrush, a griffin of optometry, walked in and joined them. "I have looked over your prognosis of synesthesia,” he said to Dr. Strange-hoof, “And though there is no way to know just how much she hallucinates, this experiment will tell us if it’s a good thing." "Mrs. 45, we are ready to begin. Please turn on the radio." said Dr. Strange-hoof. As she turned to do so the doctors donned earmuffs. The blaring volume washed over Vinyl Scratch. Her eyes focused and the three images folded into a slightly shaking block. Quickly she began straightening the stack before placing the last block. For Vinyl Scratch the music blocked out all the background noise with a steady tone, allowing a constantly flickering view of the world to stabilize. "You can turn it off now!" said Quackingbrush. Clicking the radio off, Vinyl 45 asked, "I am sorry, what was that?" "Thank you for turning it off!" Vinyl 45, somewhat confused, asked, "Well doctors, where do we stand?" Scratch began crying once more. 45 bent over, picked her up, and began rocking her. "It seems that Scratch's optic and auditory nerves are crossed. Casing her vision and hearing to become one." said Strange-hoof, pointing out how they weaved together in the brain scan. "Thankfully however, the stimulus of the music seems to help her focus." "Yes but for Celestia's sake, buy a set of earphones for her." said Dr. Quackingbrush, his ears still ringing. “We will need to monitor her for a time to make sure we are not hurting her long term." "Thank you both for your help understanding my daughter and the rest of the family. I'm sure we will thank you for the head phones idea." said Vinyl 45 as she packed up the blocks and walked out the door. “I am not sure what I did to help her. I’m feeling a bit of remorse at being able to do more. But I am glad I did what I did." said Dr. Strange-hoof. "We gave her the reason things are,” replied Dr. Quackingbrush, “And a hope of how to better them. Is it not what we are here for, Dr.?" Cheering up, Strange-hoof said, "Yes, it is indeed. Come, let us go celebrate with a cup of coffee."
Chap 3 Finding there cordHarmonic Melody took the two fillies to Domino's Acoustic. First Melody and Octavia looked over the bows. Octavia's eyes were drawn to a deep red rosewood. A swishing sound came as Octavia strummed the air. "Mommy, can I have this one? I like the way it feels in my hoof." "It’s A fine choice." Melody said, turning to face Vinyl Scratch. " Vinyl, I know how much you love your headphones. But your sister and I need some quiet time. Can you do that for us?" With a slight frown her horn glowed and her earphones slid down her neck. Then with a smile she looked at Octavia and gave the pony equivalent to a thumbs up. At the counter sat a old stallion. "Mrs. Melody, how may I help you?" he asked. " We would like to see your bass cellos." responded Melody. Turning to point at Octavia, she saw the two at a double bass cello. Octavia's bow struck the chords. A low, slightly off string of notes came forth. Hitting Vinyl like a gentle wind. It felt to Vinyl that she was hearing her sister’s voice for the first time. Octavia continued to play. As Melody walked over a flash of light came. Octavia's cutie mark had appeared as Vinyl danced in the aisle. "Well, I did come here to buy a cello,” Melody said, turning to the owner, “ I just didn't think it would be that big." The owner laughed. "I will go get the case out of the back." Melody began writing down her home address." I think I will need it delivered. It appears I have a party to plan." It was already too late in the evening to have a party, so Octavia's Cutenceaneras was held the next day. Balloons and streamers hung over the gazebo in which sat the bass cello, still with the price tag on. Off to the side sat the happy parents serving out the cake as the foals played in the grass. After the line had waned, Octavia walked up to her father. " Can I play it now, father?" "Sure sweetheart, let me gather everyone's attention first." The creaking of stairs pulled everypony's attention as the pair ascended. Once at the platform, Back Stage started. "My friends and family, yesterday our Octavia on this very instrument received her cutie mark. Now she wishes to entertain you with her newfound talent. " He turned to her. "Go ahead." Octavia grabbed the price tag in her teeth and spat it to the floor. Holding her new bow she strummed the chords to a slightly off-key solo. To polite claps, Octavia started, "Thank you, and I promise to be better next time I play it for all of you." Placing the bow down on a stool, she continued. "But for now, please enjoy the songs from our fine music system. " With that Vinyl 45 began to DJ the party, when she noticed little Vinyl hugging one of the speakers. In a neon blue aura, young Vinyl floated over to sit on her mother's lap. "Watch mom work sweetheart." Looking up Scratch let out a soft squeak, which was her way of saying I'm listening. Mentally it still felt odd calling herself mom, but here she was. As one record finished she dragged a hoof on it before throwing a switch and turning on the next player. Looking into her daughter's eyes, she whispered, "That was a slow change over. There are other styles I will teach you. Like the Robot , Beatmatching, and the Double Scratch. That's where your name comes from, by the way." As a party goer momentarily distracted Vinyl 45, Vinyl Scratch grabbed her favorite record. She then hastily placed it on a empty turntable and seamlessly beat-matched the two songs. In a flash of light a single black note appeared upon her flanks. After the song ended Vinyl 45 stopped the players and spoke. "On this day of joyous news, we now have even more to celebrate. My Vinyl Scratch has just earned her cutie mark!" As the party guests gathered round to take a look, Octavia felt jealous that her party had been hijacked by her sister. At least until her sister came and hugged her. Happy they could share this day together, the party went on till the sun set. Author's Note And this chapter is dun . woot
Chap4 The discordant harmony of lifeAs Octavia approached the door of Vinyl's class room in Canterlot middle school, she saw two Pegasi picking on her sister. "Stop staring at us, freak," said the one on the right, Pacific Foam. " Yeah, and why do you get to wear headphones when no one else does?" said the one the left, Wind Bracer, while plucking Vinyl’s headphones off. "What kind of garbage is she listening to? Turn it off!" said Pacific Foam, with more menace creeping into her tone. "Or better yet, just smash them!" It was then that Octavia's hoof slapped the back of her head. Pacific foam kicked backwards causing Octavia to fall onto her saddle bags with a crunching sound. Letting out grunts of displeasure Vinyl's magic fought for control of the headphones as Wind Bracer tried to fly off with them. It was then that Miss Winneypenny stepped in to break it up, holding the four fighting foals aloft in her aura. "There will be no fighting in this hallowed hall of learning." she said, letting go. "Sit down, all of you." With a scraping of the drawer, out came four disciplinary forms. "Now take this to your parents and don't come back to school without them." The four fillies sheepishly took the letters and slowly trotted home. Vinyl pushed the door open and standing at the sink was Melody. Vinyl held out the letters in her aura. "What is this?" Melody asked, looking at Octavia. '' Mom, some ponies were picking on Vinyl and I hoofed one of them. Now Miss Winneypenny wants to see you tomorrow." Octavia replied. "That's not how a proper lady handles this sort of thing. I'm disappointed in you, Octavia. You can start your punishment with a extra hour of cello practice. Now off with you." As Vinyl and Octavia brushed past her, Vinyl 45 said, "Don't be so hard on her. I remember a couple of scrapes I got in to at that age." While the discussion continued on in the kitchen, the sisters entered the parlor. Octavia reached in to her saddlebag and pulled out a bent box now containing a broken bow. "Oh no no no. Dad's going to kill me when he finds out!" Vinyl, seeing the bow, felt responsible for the fight. She dashed off with it, trying to fix it. Melody "45, we are trying too..." Then Little Vinyl stomped her hoof with a frantic look on her face. In her aura sat Octavia's rosewood bow split in two. She then pointed to the bottle of wood glue on the bench. Octavia rushed in holding a badly damaged case in her mouth.Looking little Vinyl in the eyes, Melody angrily stated. "That's it, both of you go to your rooms. Just wait there till your father comes home." A while later, Back Stage waited in the den as Scratch and Octavia plotted down the stairs. Upon their entering, Backstage said, "Octavia, your mother's and I have talked, and we have decided your punishment will be for you to pay for the new bow yourself. To this end, you will forgo your allowance until such time as it’s paid off. Now to bed with you. Octavia thought about defending herself, but instead just stated "Yes father." Before trotting of to her room. Vinyl wanted to tell what had happened but all she could muster was a sad look. Backstage stared into Scratch's eyes. "Come here." Scratch sat next to him. "Now Vinyl, if it happens again you runaway and tell the teacher." Vinyl clapped her hooves twice to voice her understanding. "Good, now off to bed with you." Back in the pair’s bedroom Octavia sat with her head firmly planted on her desk. With a slight grind several bits started sliding over next to her. When she looked up, she saw Vinyl’s pained face staring back at her. "It’s ok, you don't have to share your allowance with me." said Octavia, pushing the bits back. Before they reached her, however, Vinyl turned away and went to bed. Octavia thought to herself "How do you argue with someone who can’t even hear you?" Instead out came "Thank you Vinyl" even though Octavia knew she never heard it. The family arrived at school early that morning and sat in the office of Principal Lumince. "Come in and let us sort this out." Lumince said. In the office sat the two bullies and their mothers. " Now Pacific Foam, why did you start picking on Vinyl Scratch?" "It’s not fair, she gets to have headphones and I don't." "Like we don't, Foam. Don't be so selfish. And we like totally hate how she stares at us." said Wind Bracer. " Don't interrupt sweetheart, it’s rude." countered her mother, Cloud Bracer. " Like, sorry Pacific foam." Principal Lumince, gesturing at Harmony and 45, said " Would either of you like to explain it?" Vinyl 45 took off her dark sunglasses, revealing the same blood red eyes of Scratch. Tinged with a bit of malice, she began " My beautiful daughter needs them to see straight. And since she is deaf, she can only understand you if she reads your lips!" She placed her sunglasses on Scratch's head. In a more loving tone, she said "Maybe this will help." Pacific Breeze, replied "Well it helps, I guess." "Is that a fix though?” asked Pacific Foam pouting “I mean, it’ll just look like more favoritism." "Perhaps if I make a P.A. announcement explaining Vinyl's needs. Will that suffice?" Then the school bell rang. Principal Lumince looked at the foals. "Go to class and I will see each of you at lunch." As the two bullies left and Octavia signaled for Vinyl to follow, shutting the door behind them. Once the door was closed, Principal Lumince said "There still is the matter of punishment. I am not opposed to letting you handle it. Provided they apologize to each other and to Miss. Winneypenny." "She hit my daughter." said Pacific Breeze. Vinyl harshly interrupted her with "While yours was mugging mine." Harmony more calmly stated "I think you have a little more to gain by this." Cloud Bracer, leaning over to her friend, said "Perhaps we should handle this ourselves, quietly." Upon each of the four mares finally ageing to the terms, they left their separate ways. Both Vinyl 45 and Harmonic Melody were waiting at the door when school let out. " So how did your day go?" asked Melody. "We had to apologize to them and when I get home I have to right a letter to Miss Winneypenny." replied Octavia. "It as it should be. But before that, we need to buy you a new bow. You still owe me 2 hours practice." "Yes mother." replied Octavia in a low tone. Vinyl 45 stopped Scratch. Then, after taking her shades back, said "Come on, let’s get you your own pair." Beckoning all to follow, the four made their way down to the shopping district. The Vinyls broke off to the optometrist as Melody and Octavia entered back in to Domino's Acoustic.“Now, look around and see if there’s anything you like.” said Vinyl 45. “But behave yourself while I talk to this nice stallion.” She started to run off but stopped herself and walked to the displays. Vinyl 45 "I'm going to need a pair of tinted glasses made.” she said to the stallion at the register. “Here is her latest eye exam results.” Then came a tug on her bag. As two frames floated on to the counter, she looked down. "Did you find something you like? Cool." Scratch, levitating the first pair up, held just the brushed silver frames. Then the second pair floated up held by the pink glass. "So you want the silver frames with pink glass?" asked Vinyl 45. Scratch clapped her hoofs twice in agreement. Over the counter came "They will be ready in about a hour." "Thank you ." said Vinyl 45, turning back to Scratch. "Come along, we need to pick up dinner. " Scratch clapped again in agreement before the two walked out the door. Meanwhile, back at Domino's Acoustic Melody and Octavia were picking out a new bow. "Now Octavia, you may have any of them you wish, but there is a catch. The more it costs, the longer you will go without your allowance." At first she held a new rosewood bow. After looking at the price she remembered that her sister would be paying for half, even if no one else knew. She sorrowfully placed it back on the rack. She felt it was to much to ask of her. In the end she picked a modestly priced model with a plan black coat and the same style of the old one. Melody was glad Octavia thought things through. "Come now, we have to meet the others at the grocery store." Even at that price it still took a month to pay it off. Octavia learned two lessons from this; her actions have consequences, and that her sister would be there to help her through them.
chap5 A false crescendoAt their graduation / going away party. Mr. Backstage sat down two envelopes in front of Vinyl and Octavia. "Vinyl ,Octavia, your mothers and I are very proud of you and we want you to have this. It’s just enough to get by on for a few months." Vinyl took off her glasses and clapped. "Thank you father. This means a lot to both of us." Octavia spoke. "This is, however, a one time thing. As you go out on your own we know you will do great things." As the party wore on Octavia took Vinyl aside. "If we take the bits and move in together we can afford to buy a house instead of rent. And with my new chair on the Ponyville Strings we should get along just fine." Vinyl stopped her hooves, enraptured with the idea. She quickly ran to their room, retrieving two flyers and a small box. First Vinyl handed the box to Octavia. Inside was a now mended rose wood bow. "You saved it for me. And even fixed it. Thank you." Octavia said, hugging Vinyl's neck. Then came the flyers. The first was a help wanted flyer for a music store with the wanted written over by the word “taken”. Octavia "Good for you. With that we should be on our own hooves quite nicely." Then Vinyl held up a hoof-made flyer with the name D.J. Pon3 on it. "Why are yo..u..." Then she noticed the cutie mark on the flyer. As she read it Vinyl pulled her over to a table . Up from under it emerged two turntables . Holding up a microphone to Octavia's mouth she tapped the flyer. "Friends, family, I give you for your listening pleasure D.J. Pon3!" While most of the crowd did not know what to make of it at first. Melody walked over to her beloved " You two planned this all along, didn't you? " "Maybe?" Vinyl 45 said with a playful wink. Back Stage rolled his eyes. "Whatever do you mean dearest?" She just closed her eyes and wrapped them both in a hug. A song or two later, Octavia with her now mended bow in hand, played a shrill set of notes from her bass cello. Vinyl resounded with a Scratch jump to a beat with a higher tempo. As the song went on the two siblings seemed to be in conflict with each other. Melody began to walk toward Octavia to stop it . But Mr. Stage held her firm, whispering in her ear. "Let it go and listen. They know what they’re doing." As she gave in , the two stiles stopped fighting but began blending into each other, until after a reining crescendo, both performers took a bow to a stomping crowd. "Why do they have to grow up and leave us?" asked Vinyl 45. Mr. Stage comforting his teary eyed loves, replied " Thy have each other. Our daughters will be just fine out there in Ponyville." Epilogue No matter what you’re facing in life, play your song. Whether it’s a muted mic like Vinyl, or if life cracked your amp’s case and left it with a broken wheel. Play on because … The Song Of Life Is Never Finished. The Song Life Is Never Finished .
