Blood. Blood was all she smelled. It was all she ever smelled. For countless years, that smell welcomed her. And now, it was most prominent. The wail of sirens and flashing lights were the only thing in motion, as Vinyl Scratch wiped the blood from her mouth. What laid at her hooves was the blood-soaked body of her roommate, still clinging to life. It would only be a matter of time before the door would be bucked in, and Vinyl would be forced to live with her choice. She wasn't going to run from them. Not anymore. Her eyes remained fixed on Octavia, who met her eyes. Octavia wore a saddened look. Not because her closest friend brought her to this condition, but because Vinyl didn't feel that she could trust her with the truth.
The heavy trotts of armed ponies echoed as they made their way into the apartment complex and towards their apartment. Octavia motioned Vinyl to lean in close. She whispered something into her ear, bringing Vinyl to tears. Loud shrieks of agony were heard shortly before the apartment for door flew open, followed quickly by the shattering of a window and the trotting of hooves.
The officers who came in were greeted by the remains of the late Octavia Melody. Her cause of death was ruled to multiple puncture wounds to the neck and upper torso, leading to a quick loss of blood, and death. The only strange part about how Octavia looked, was the fact that, despite her numerous fatal wounds, she seemed to bare a slight smile across her face. With no apparent suspect, the officers were now on the lookout for her roommate, Vinyl Scratch. A witness confirmed to have seen her fleeing the scene only moments before the officers broke down the door. How she survived a fall from a fourth story window was unknown. Whether or not she is the murderer, she was the only pony who knew what happened.
Morning light peered in through the cracks in the blinds, striking their rays into the shut eyes of Vinyl, who responded in kind with a swift yank of the covers over her head. Last night's gig ended much later than expected, and she was in no mood to wake up yet. On the other hoof, the morning light welcomed Octavia. She rose out from under her covers as easily as most of her performances. Her night had ended earlier than expected and she got to pass out before Vinyl got home, sparing her from hearing the unicorn rant about being unable to take two steps without being mobbed by ponies. She didn't mind all the attention, but even the famous need to get home to sleep.
Octavia readied herself for the day to come before checking on her most likely still asleep roommate. “Vinyl. You awake in there?” An annoyed groan made it clear that she was; one, awake. Two, very irritated about being woken up so early. Geez, with a coat as white as Vinyl’s, she could use a little sunlight. “Well, I'm going to be heading out to get breakfast. So you have two choices. You can either get out here and come along, or you can find whatever is left in the fridge.” Another groan sounded from the other side. “You think I'm joking? I'm not going to pick you up anything if you don't tag along.” The silence grew between the two of them, lasting a few moments. Octavia heard some form of mumbling coming from Vinyl. “Say again.” There was an obvious explosion of bed covers and trotting of hooves over to the door. She opened it slightly, poking her head out.
“Fine! Just give me thirty minutes to get ready. Do not leave without me. Please?”
Octavia smirked and nodded. “I’ll be waiting in the living room.” Vinyl closed the door and went to go get ready. Octavia took a seat on the couch, glancing out at the slightly lit city of Manehattan. It was still early and the sun hadn't yet breached over the distant horizon. Getting bored of waiting for the sun to rise, her eyes fell to the stack of sheet music that would her next concert performance. Feeling like she hadn't yet read it enough times, Octavia started skimming through them all.
A half hour passed, and Vinyl emerged from the bathroom, a towel around her neck. She walked into the living room, meeting eyes with Octavia, and giving off the very obvious, ‘we are really just friends who happen to live together’ vibes. “You ready to go Vinyl?”
Vinyl nodded, dropping the towel in the laundry with her magic and grabbing one of her hoodies. It was dark blue, much like her mane. It bore the logo for the Manehattan Tribals, the city’s sports team. She claimed it helped keep herself from being easily recognized wherever they walked around town during the day, only during the day for whatever reason. Octavia had noticed that detail but believed her roommate’s tale. If there were any secrets, they both knew about each of theirs’. One of the benefits of being close friends and living together for so long. At least she didn't think Vinyl would hide anything from her. Would she? Vinyl pulled the hoodie over her head, zipping it up. With a quick flick of the hood, she turned to Octavia. “Yeah. Good to go.” Well if anything, Vinyl was safe from getting noticed by fans, or even approached by pony on the street. The hoodie she picked up still had bits of ketchup and other sorts of residue from the freak volatile hotdog vendor. That and the apparent Manehattan Tribals logo on it, somehow void of any dirt or grime, Vinyl looked like a hobo pony. A hobo pony with very bad tastes in sports, and clothing hygiene.
The sun shined into the city. If it wasn't for the numerous windows, the temperature would have been bearable. Octavia ducked in and out of shadows, trying to limit her exposure in the sun. Vinyl, on the other hoof, didn't seem at all bothered by the heat, even with her hoodie on. “Aren't you hot in that hoodie?” Octavia took her eyes off of where she was going for a second to glance over at Vinyl, almost running into a street sign. “Woah. That was close.”
Vinyl couldn't help but laugh at her friend’s close call. “Nah, Octavia. I'm good. I naturally have a lighter coat, so I don't hot as easily as you do.” Her logic was solid. “I should be able to reach the diner before I start overheating. Just try and survive until then, okay Miss Hot Hoof?” Her choice of name-calling brought a glare from Octavia, which was responded by a prompt outward tongue from Vinyl. She huffed, rolling her eyes at the childish mare.
After a few more minutes of travel, they arrived at the Sunny Mare Café. It was just a small corner side café, so not many ponies knew about it. It looked just like most of the other shops and such in the area, a black outline of the sun with a pony standing on their hind hooves in the center acting as the café’s logo. Octavia opened the door, taking in the wonderful cold air. “Well. If it isn't the wonderful Octavia Melody” A teal unicorn in a floral apron looked over, giving her a pleasant smile. “It's good to see you again sweetie. Take a seat. I’ll be with you in a moment.” Octavia got to her hooves and trotted over to a booth, taking a seat. Vinyl arrived seconds later and joined her. The waitress who spoke to Octavia before approached the booth. “Welcome to the Sunny Mare. My name is Lila, and I will be taking care of you today. Could I start you both off with something to drink?” Lila glanced over at the hoodie pony across from Octavia. Though she couldn't see the ponies face, something about their tense appearance told it had to be Vinyl. And judging from the hoodie, she wouldn't enjoy being called out. Lila cleared her throat, helping bring herself back to her question.
Octavia raised a hoof. “I’ll take a café au lait. And my friend will take a…?” She glanced up at Vinyl, snapping her back to the current situation.
“Oh. Yeah. I’ll take just take a café mocha. Please.” She spoke with a shy tone, trying to keep up with her disguise. “And could I get a newspaper. I like to stay informed.” Lila nodded, jotting down their orders and trotted away.
“Newspaper? Since when are you interested in the daily news?”
“I have my reasons. And my own interests. Am I not allowed to have interests?” Lila returned with their drinks and a rolled up newspaper. Vinyl unrolled the paper, taking a small sip of her coffee. She didn't need to read beyond the front page to find what she was looking for. “You see? Right here.” She folded back the newspaper, flipping around for Octavia to read. “Halfway down the page.”
Octavia began reading, finding it hard to believe what she was reading.
Another Bloody Body Found
Just this morning, the body of one Violet Glow was found dead. This death makes the fifth one in the last two months. The body was found in a similar fashion as the rest. The body of Violet Glow was found lying in her own blood, several puncture wounds around the lower neck and upper torso. As no eyewitnesses have come forth, the police have no clue who could be behind these murders.
The paper went on with more detail, but Octavia was done reading. “What about this interests you so much? I know you're a big horror fanatic and all but…” Vinyl cut her off abruptly.
“Think about it Tavi. All of the victims were said to have been killed late at night. How do you know I won't be the next victim? I feel it's best to stay informed.” There was another reason for her interest, but now was not the time.”
“Umm. Excuse me. Did the two of you like to order anything else?” Lila had returned to the table to take their orders, only to be overlooked by the previous conversation.
“Sorry dear. I’ll take some pancakes and a blueberry muffin.” Octavia gave Lila a small smile.
“Make that two.” Vinyl said, keeping up her shy tone and pulling her hood over her face more.
“Very well. I’ll get that out to you two in a bit.” Lila took the menus and trotted off again.
As soon as Lila left, Vinyl fell into her own thoughts. Five victims. Five mares that were killed. If she wasn't careful, things were going to get out of hoof. She worked too hard to keep things under wrap. Too hard to keep her secret hidden.
“Vinyl? Hey Vinyl.” Octavia nudged her, bringing her out of her thoughts. “Being an airhead I see. I was trying to tell you that you've got the apartment for today. I have concert practice this afternoon and I won't be back until ten tonight. Now I don't want you having any wild parties while I'm gone. Okay?” The childish look of a mother telling her foals to behave stared down Vinyl.
“Don't see what you all of the mares need to practice on. You're already the best cellist in Equestria. If anything you should stay home. Give the rest of the group some time to breathe outside your glory.” Vinyl wasn't even going to comment on the wild party part.
“What's the matter? You sound like you don't want the entire apartment to yourself. Afraid of being alone with a psycho pony on the loose?” Octavia smirked, seeing her tease hit Vinyl hard.
“That… That wasn't what I meant. You know what, enjoy your practice. I’ll make sure I enjoy myself without you.” She stuck her tongue out at Octavia. They seemed childish, but this was how they acted around each other. A perk of being friends for so long. Almost on cue, Lila came back, carrying their breakfast with her magic.
“Here you go. Two orders of pancakes and blueberry muffins. I hope the two of you enjoy your meal. Musicians can't perform on an empty stomach.” Octavia couldn't help but notice Lila glance at Vinyl went she mentioned musicians. “If you need anything else, just give me a holler.”
“Actually. I think both of us could use another coffee. Please dear.” Octavia raised her cup off the table slightly, eying the little bit swirling around at the bottom.
“Okay. I’ll be right back with that.” She trotted off again, heading to the back counter. The café may have been a corner side one, but it did seem a little empty, even for that time of day. Though it was unnerving, it granted a calm breakfast to the two mares.
Silence surrounded them as they ate. As close as the two of them were, it was rare that they ever ate breakfast together. Mostly because Vinyl overslept and didn't wake up until after Octavia already left. That being said, they never had much to talk about until later in the day.
The walk back to the apartment wasn't as taxing Octavia and it was a wonderful feeling to see Vinyl take off that lousy hoodie of her’s. She watched as she plopped down on across the couch and flipped the TV on. Octavia joined her on the second couch. Vinyl skimmed through the channels, keeping her eyes on the screen. “So what time are you leaving for practice?”
“I have to be there for eleven, so I’ll be leaving around ten. Hopefully, traffic stays clear today. You going to be okay without me dear?”
“Uh-huh. Shouldn't be too hard to live without you constantly hovering over me for a day.”
“Oh, hush. You know you like me hanging around you. Even if I still don't understand your choice of music. Or why you haven't bothered to pick up an instrument. And don't say your DJ table is an instrument.”
Not even breaking eye contact with the TV, Vinyl spoke, pretty much destroying Octavia’s argument. “Instrument: Noun. An object or device for producing musical sounds.” She smirked at the fact she finally got to throw the argument out. “So as long as ponies enjoy and listen to my work, it will be music. Therefore, my DJ table is an instrument.” Octavia didn't know what to be more startled by; the fact Vinyl actually did research, on her own mind you. Or the fact that it was a solid argument. Vinyl’s words left her sitting there with her hoof up, trying to find some form of retort.
She sighed, defeated by her roommate. Her attention went to what she was watching. A movie whose name escaped Octavia’s mind was playing at that moment. Some sort of vampire flick Vinyl had grown to enjoy over the years. Well, it was getting to that time of the year. Nightmare Night was only a month away, and horror fanatics, much like Vinyl, were already starting to binge horror. This one, in particular, was about some teenage vampire trying to live a normal life while trying to keep their secret from getting out. Sounded stupid to Octavia. “If you have such a big secret, wouldn't it be more painful to keep it to yourself. Seriously. She has a mare friend that she's known for… For a long time. Does she not think her friend would understand?” Octavia glanced over at Vinyl, who was staring at her. Her thoughts had apparently made it out in words, catching Vinyl off guard.
She cleared her throat, trying in vain not to choke on her laughter. “She must have a reason. Think about it Tavi. If you've lived as long as she has, imagine the number of friends she's lost over the countless centuries. The number of lovers she's watched die in front of her. The pain she must have felt for so long. She doesn't want to tell her friend because she doesn't want her to worry. The path she walks isn't for a faint of heart. If she told her, she’d want to share the pain, and that's the last thing she wants for her. A life of darkness. Of loneliness. It's unbearable just thinking about it.” Vinyl blinked a few times, realizing her inner horror fanatic just came out. And there she was, sympathizing with a fictional character going through fictional problems.
“But don't you think her friend would understand her pain? They've been friends for years. Wouldn't she be bound to find out at some point? Especially since her friend hasn't seemed to age. Wouldn't it be better she was told, rather than finding out herself? ARG! And now you've got me going on this. It's just a movie. Why are we getting so hypothetical right now?” Octavia laughed, feeling stupid for getting so involved in the movie. Vinyl, however, sat quietly, staring at her rear hooves. A long stretch of silence consumed the room, interrupted only by the TV. Vinyl broke the silence, keeping her eyes fixed on her hooves.
“Tavi?”
She looked over at Vinyl. “Hmm?”
“What would you do? If you were the girl’s friend.”
“If I found out you were some angsty vampire pony? Or if you told me you were?”
“Either or.” None of them made eye contact. It was hard to tell from Vinyl’s tone what she was getting at.
“Well, I don't know what I'd do if I found out myself. I'd probably be upset you hid something like that was me. I'd probably not believe you if you told me. Everypony knows vampires and such aren't real.” Octavia laughed again, but it quickly died out. “But if it ended up being true. If you really ended up being a vampire, I don't think anything would change between us. You're already a strange mare Vinyl. What's one more thing on the list?” Her eyes trailed over to the wall clock. “Bollocks! I should go get ready to go.” She got to her hooves and went over to kiss Vinyl on the forehead. “Now you behave, my want-to-be vampire friend.” The kiss sent a cold chill down Vinyl, but before she could react, Octavia trotted off towards the bathroom to shower.
Her words continued to echo in Vinyl’s head, even after she left the apartment. She almost wanted to tell her at that moment. To tell her the truth. Her little secret. Her unconscious thoughts brought her in front of the bathroom mirror. She stared blankly at the mirror, and Vinyl Scratch, the DJ pony from Manehattan stared back. Her purple shades reflected the ceiling light, giving the mirror a tinted glow. Vinyl closed her eyes, slowly removing her shades, placing them on the sink. She opened her eyes, locking eyes with her own reflection again. Pinkish red eyes brought back long-repressed memories. Those eyes in the mirror didn't belong to Vinyl, but to a mare who died long, long ago. The innocent eyes of the forgotten Serenade Symphony peered onward from behind the mirror’s walls. How long had it been since she had seen those eyes? Since she lived a, peaceful life? How many centuries had she now hid herself, afraid of what the world would think? And how long had she lied to the pony she loved, afraid of losing another.
Vinyl sighed, taking her eyes off the mirror. When she turned back, the image of Symphony was gone. In her place was Vinyl’s ruby eyes, and an ever so slight glint of a protruding fang. This is what she had become. The very secret that continued to haunt her. Her vampiric senses were heightened, easily picking up on the argument from the apartments across the street. It disgusted Vinyl that she could smell her roommate's blood and hear her heartbeat every time she was home and had to fight the primal instincts to feed on her. It disgusted her more that, instead of giving in and feeding on Octavia, she chose to feed on other mares. “Curse that bastard stallion. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be like this. I would have died in that alleyway to that unicorn. I should have died. I… I would rather have died. Than to live as I am.” Her words left a knot in her throat. How could she think she would have been better off dead in some alley, rather than living in an apartment with Octavia. The time she spent with her almost made up for the centuries of loneliness Vinyl felt.
She must have been staring at her reflection for a while because when she left the bathroom, the sun had already started to dip behind the far city buildings. The night wouldn't be too far behind, and a familiar feeling swelled up inside Vinyl. “Really?! Tonight of all nights?” Her vampiric hunger intensified, bringing the rest of her senses to the max. The sound of idle chatter two floors down. The swear mutter under breath from a pony who cut themselves in the apartment below her. She could hear it all. All the potential victims for her hunger. She fell onto the couch, fighting the growing hunger. Out of instinct, she bit down on her foreleg, letting her blood drip down. It wasn't enough to sate her hunger, but the shock of pain helped reseed it. Vinyl let go, breathing heavily. Her leg ached from the bite, only for it steadily heal. One mild perk of being a freak at least. The only thing it didn't help with, was the blood stain that was now on the couch. “Son of…!” She rushed off the couch and into the kitchen for a towel, returning to try and soak up as much of it as she could. Octavia was never going to let her live it down if she found out she bled that much on the couch. With most of it cleaned up, there was still a dark red stain on the couch. If it wasn't so big, Vinyl could have slid it under the rug and said it was from something else. Just the sight of the stain made her insides squirm. The hunger was growing, and it wouldn't be long before she would need to leave. The blood stain would have to wait. For now at least.
Nightfall came upon the city. Vinyl wandered through the bustling crowds, shielding her eyes from the blinding lights around her. Her throat was dry and her body ached. With everypony that passed her, her hunger grew more vicious, pounding at the front of her mind. It took every ounce of Vinyl’s will power not to jump some pony in an alley and feast. It was bad enough she was out to find a pony to drink, but it was all she could do to evade an even more serious scenario. Vinyl didn't plan on draining the unfortunate pony, just a little bit of their blood would do. It was enough to sate the hunger, for a while at least. Her ears perked up as a figure approached her from behind. “Hey. This is going to sound very weird, but… You wouldn't happen to be DJ Pon3?” Vinyl turned towards the voice. A mare stood a foot or two behind her. A fan from the looks of her, and the steadily accelerating heart rate. She didn't seem right doing it, but fans were always an easy pick. Innocent, and a little too trusting. Vinyl gave her a smile, making the mare’s heart rate almost go into cardiac. “It is you!”
“Yes. But please, I'm not on stage. You can call me Vinyl. So what brings you out in the city at this time? Don't you know there’s a psycho killer on the loose?”
The mare’s expression grew sour. “I don't believe there's a killer in Manehattan. Probably just the newspaper companies pulling some Nightmare Night prank this year. You know, to get everypony in the mood.” Guess you could add naive on the list as well. “And I was just heading towards the local club to meet up with some friends.” The mare pondered something for a moment. “Hey. You should join us. You can hang out with some fans instead of performing. It'd be a great way to relax.” She didn't like that idea. If she lost control in a public place, it was not going to be nice. However, before Vinyl could object, she found her hoof being taken, and she was being dragged to the club.
It was loud and crowded, too no surprise to Vinyl. It did feel weird looking up at the music instead of looking down at the crowd. “Girls. You are not going to believe who I ran into on my way here.” Her friends turned and almost had a heart attack each as Vinyl was pulled out between them. She looked over the three mares that were now playing multiple different scenarios in their heads.
“Umm. Hello girls. It's a, lovely night. Isn't it?” Three fans girls gawking over a famous pony who is trying not to eat them. Didn't help that they were so close to her. Vinyl could actually feel their heart beating with how close they were. “Could. Could you three give me someplace? I'm not very used to such up-close attention.” She tried to save herself, but it fell just as quickly as it was said.
“What are you talking about? We know you love this attention. You’re just being modest Vinyl.” The mare’s friends grew even more excited when they heard their friend speak her name so casually.
“So we can call her Vinyl?!”
“Can I call her Vinyl too?!” At least the third pony asked. Their excitement and rapid heart rates were getting to Vinyl. She could feel her instincts crawling to the front of her mind, fighting against every ounce of her will. She took a breath, quickly collecting her thoughts.
“Girls. Could you excuse me for a moment? Need to use the restroom.” Her three fans were upset to see her slowly break off from their ‘mare cage’, but weren't given much time to fight as Vinyl vanished into the rest of the club crowd.
She rushed into an empty stall and locked it. Leaning against the wall, she relaxed, letting herself fall to the floor. “Why does it have to be me? Why does it have to be me that has this curse?” Thankfully the bathroom was void of other mares who'd think she was crazy just talking to herself. Vinyl was also thankful that the three mares hadn't tried to follow her into the bathroom. The seclusion was not going to end well. Not with how her insides felt after fighting her need for blood for this long.
Several minutes passed and Vinyl finally emerged from the stall. “Okay now. We are good. We are not going to ruin this night. We are the ones in control. Yes.” It would have been strange for her to talk to herself like that, but it helped. No matter how far her curse took her, she was still the same pony she always was, for the most part at least. With a deep breath, she rejoined the club’s crowds. The beat was starting to pick up and ponies were enjoying it. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her fans waving at her. She didn't want to rejoin them but felt it was only right that she at least give them at least another hour before she left them.
As Vinyl approached them, she felt the unnerving feeling that somepony was watching her. Though it wasn't out of the question that somepony else recognized her in the crowd and was gawking over her with their friends, but it didn't feel that way. The feeling she was getting was that of a pony with malicious intent. As soon as she reached the fangirls though, the feeling vanished. “Sorry to keep you waiting. Say. Where did your one friend go? The one who brought me over.” The two mares looked at each other, then back to Vinyl.
“Don't worry about her. She just stepped out to get some air. She should be back soon.”
Several minutes went by and Vinyl was starting to relax. The hunger she was feeling was being washed away by the DJ’s music. She was even starting to enjoy herself. All the way up to a strong feeling of exhaustion washed over her as she felt something prick her flank. The third friend, the one who had been outside for air, had returned and tranqed Vinyl. The crazed fans most likely wanted to keep her for themselves and cooked up this plan. Before she could resist, her body fell limp and her mind went black. Everything else was consumed in darkness, only to be pierced by a mare calling her name. It was Octavia.
“Vinyl? Vinyl wake up. Wake up Vinyl.” Her eyes opened, seeing her roommate laying in front of her, shaking her. “Oh good. You're awake.” Vinyl groaned, stretching out on the floor. Her vision was still fairly fuzzy and her head ached.
“Howdy Tavi. When did you get home?” The sluggish look on her face did not amuse Octavia.
“I just got home. Well, technically I'm not even home yet. As I found you passed out in front of the door.” That news shook away Vinyl’s former expression.
“Wait. I was passed out in front of the door? But I was just…” Then the memories came back to her. “I was at the local club. Hanging out with some fans… Who ended up drugging me, I think. Either that or I just lost consciousness.”
“Doubtful, but not out of the question.” Octavia quickly chimed in, helping her roommate to her feet. “Either way, I got home to find you out cold on our doormat.” She opened the door, letting Vinyl enter first. None of them seemed to notice, or remember the deep red stain on the couch. They just took a seat on the couch and stared up at the ceiling.
“So. How did practice go?” Vinyl spoke, jumpstarting the discussion.
“Oh, you know. Same as it always goes. A large group of ponies who swear up and down that they practice and know what they are doing, just to prove that a few of them still have no talent. Why they even keeping showing up, I don't know anymore. You? How did it feel getting drugged?” The tease, in any other situation, would have been uncalled for. But it was Vinyl. It was only a matter of time before it happened. At least they didn't do anything bad to her, judging from the lack of any injuries on her coat or mane.
“Very funny Tavi. Even if I don't remember exactly what happened, doesn't mean this is any less terrible.”
“I know. I know. Sorry dear. I didn't mean to offend you. Celestia only knows what they did to you. Or even why they chose to drop you off in front of own apartment. Like just how far does a pony need to go to worship a pony enough to know where she lives?” Further silence enveloped the room, being shattered by a sudden knock at the door. Before either of them could move to answer the door, whoever was on the other side slid something under the door and trotted off.
“What do think that was all about?”
“I don't know.” Both of them kept their eyes on the door, seeing if anything else happened. “Hey. Maybe it's one of your stalkers from tonight leaving a love letter for you.” Octavia chuckled, only to get beamed down by Vinyl. “Sorry. Too soon.” Reluctantly, she got up and retrieved whatever had been slipped under the door. To her surprise, it was a small envelope addressed to Vinyl. “I know I was joking, but you seem to have a letter.” She trotted over to Vinyl, handing over the envelope. She opened the envelope, and a knot tightened in her stomach. Inside was only one thing. A picture of the three mares she was with tonight. Their bodies had been badly mutilated, leaving them to bleed out. Amongst their wounds were obvious punctures near the neck and upper torso. Vinyl was on the verge of breaking down when she read what was written on the wall behind them, not so creatively written in blood.
“Look what you've done. This could have been avoided. Now I’ll be seeing you soon Vinyl.”
The taste of blood returned to her mouth. She wanted to vomit. Wanted to crawl into her bed. To wake up tomorrow, only to find out all of this was a dream. But she knew better. No nightmare in Equestria could be this bad. Did she really do this? When those mares knocked her out, did she really mutilate all of them? Only for this pony to wander in and instantly name her the suspect? This couldn't be happening, but it was. And it wasn't going to get any better.
Octavia circled around the back of the couch to glance at what had consumed her friend in sheer terror, but Vinyl folded up the picture before she could get a look at it. Her look of dread washed away. “Everything okay? You looked like you saw a ghost.”
She put the picture in her pocket. “Y-yeah. I'm okay. Just still a bit shook up from being drugged is all. I'm heading to bed. A little sleep should be enough.” Vinyl got up and trotted towards her room, locking the door behind her. Her tone and actions made it obvious that she was hiding something. Octavia wanted to know, but judging from how pale she got looking at whatever was in the envelope, she was afraid to find out. For now, she’d let her sleep. Maybe in the morning, she’ll be more willing to talk.
However, tomorrow morning would have to wait. Along with the picture, Vinyl also received a magical message. The pony responsible had some detailed instructions for her to follow unless she wanted evidence of her murdering the three mares getting out. She was to meet with the pony at a private location in two days time. Any attempts to inform anypony of the meeting, or if Vinyl didn't show up, would lead to the evidence getting out. “Just who could be doing this? And for what reason?” Answers to those questions would have to wait. For now, she needed to lay down and clear her head. Otherwise, she was likely to attack the pony before she could question them herself.
That night ran on forever. Vinyl just couldn't find it in her to close her eyes. Whenever her eyes were on the verge of giving in to sleep, an uneasy feeling always crept over her. Somepony was close by. They seemed to possess the same malicious intent she felt at the club. Vinyl had checked outside the apartments multiple times that night and came up empty. Just the normal bustle of late night ponies, getting home late from work or from the club. Nothing that would give off the uneasy presence. “Oh great. Now I'm jumping at shadows. Come on Vinyl. It's almost Nightmare Night. Just because there's some psycho pony murdering mares in Manehattan and they happen to have ‘evidence’ on you, doesn't mean you need to worry about it. Just get some sleep.” Vinyl climbed back into her bed, laying her head down. “They aren't going to pull anything before the meet.” Her eyes slowly closed, letting the darkness of the room now surround her. “I hope.”
The morning wasn't any easier. It was bad enough that the damn sun was blinding her, along with adding a rather terrible looking dark circle around one of them. Thank Celestia for that one. It was even worse now that Octavia was up and in a very interrogative mood. She wanted to know what was with the envelope last night, and by her glorious cello skill, she was going to find out. “I'm telling you Tavi. It was nothing. Now can I please be allowed to enter the bathroom to shower?”
“Yeah. Because showering has always been such a high priority to you Vinyl. You're just trying to get away from me so you can avoid this conversation. You're hiding something from me Vinyl. And it doesn't take an expert to tell that it's bothering you. So please. Tell me what's wrong.” Vinyl tried to push through the doorway again, groaning at Octavia to move. Her actions were even more evident that she was hiding something from her.
“Octavia. Please. I don't want to talk about it. And before you say it, it's not because I don't think you’ll understand. I'm not trying to say that. I just really don't want to talk about it.” Vinyl ceased her failed advances into the bathroom, taking her eyes off of Octavia.
“So when do you plan on talking to me about it? Something is bothering you, and I just want to try and help you. If you won't tell me, how am I supposed to help?” The question bounced around in Vinyl’s head. She wanted to tell her the truth. To tell her the pain she's felt all these years. But now was not the time, nor was the place. “Well, Vinyl. Are you going to give me an answer? Or should I take your silence as ‘Never’?”
“Tomorrow night.” Her sudden response caught Octavia off guard.
“Excuse me.”
Vinyl took a deep breathe, calming her nerves. “I’ll explain everything tomorrow night. I've got something I have to take care of before that so you'll have to wait until late. Could you wait until then? I promise I’ll explain everything.”
Even behind her shades, Octavia could see the pain in her eyes. Whatever this secret was, it pained Vinyl more to keep it to herself than to tell her. She relaxed her tensed body, stepping out of the doorway to the bathroom. “Okay. I can wait until then. But you better not leave out anything, or I’ll beat you with my cello bow.” An empty threat, but Vinyl got the point. She stepped in, giving Octavia a silent thank you before closing the door. With her now in the shower, Octavia was given a long half-hour period to let her thoughts run rampant. She plopped down across the couch, letting her eyes glue to the ceiling. “What could she be hiding? What could pain her so much, that she had to keep it to herself? Even though it hurt her?” She groaned as her head began to hurt. “Whatever’s going on, I’ll find out tomorrow. I just hope Vinyl hasn't gotten herself into something dangerous. Oh please don't be anything dangerous.”
All of Octavia’s thoughts fell to the back of her mind as the shower head fell quiet. Vinyl emerged from the bathroom, still drying her mane with a towel. She trotted from the doorway to the laundry room without even a glimpse towards Octavia. “Hey, Tavi. You got any practice today?” Vinyl’s voice sounded through the laundry room wall.
“No. I'm sure my schedule is free all day. Though I might do some at home practice.” Vinyl stuck her head out into the hallway, giving Octavia a lopsided look of annoyance before returning into the laundry room. “Why do you ask?” Vinyl responded, but it was muffled out by the running washing machine. “What did you say?” She pulled her head into the hallway again.
“I said; if that's the case, would you like to go see a movie? I know you don't like the gory horror flicks that I watch, so why we watch what you want. Least I could do after all the times you were forced to watch my stuff. What do you say Tavi?” Okay. Now she was scaring her. It was one thing for Vinyl to let her emotions get the better of her. It was another for her to go out of her way to ask what she wanted to do.
“Well, there has always been one movie I wanted to see. Kind of a historical recount of how classical music came into the light.”Octavia glanced over at Vinyl, seeing if she would react in any way to how boring that sounded. There was no such response.
“Do you know when it's showing?” The idea was an extreme bore, but Vinyl didn't care at this point. She wanted one last good memory with Octavia. Something to help remember her. And if watching some crumby classical music movie was going to be the last thing she did with her, she would endure it for her. Also didn't help that, thanks to her vampiric life, she sort of already knew exactly how classical music got started. Seeing a movie about it wasn't going to be too hard. Heck. Vinyl might actually see herself somewhere in the background, violin in hoof.
“Really? You have no problem sitting down to watch an almost three-hour movie about classical music?” The look of dumbfounded confusion winkled Octavia’s face. She tried to understand Vinyl’s intentions, but that only helped to cause more confusion in her head.
“I asked what you wanted to watch. I see no problem with your choice.”
“But you hate this kind of stuff. Straight up despise it. Why do you seem so, content about it? I literally named something that even I would find boring.”
“Like I said Tavi. It is the least I can do for all the time I dragged you to see the new horror movie. So I’ll ask again, what would you like to see?” Vinyl’s lack of annoyance only annoyed Octavia. What the hell could be going on?
“You know what. We’re going to see the birth of classical music. So I hope you're happy!” Vinyl simply nodded in approval and stepped out of the laundry room.
“As soon as the clothes are moved to the dryer, we can go see it. Shouldn't be much longer.” Aside from the rustle of the washer machine, the apartment had fallen silent. It wouldn't until Vinyl moved the wet clothes into the dryer that the silence would be broken.
“Oh yeah. You still haven't told me when the movie was Tavi.” Vinyl came over behind Octavia, wrapping her hooves around in a hug. “It's okay. I just want to enjoy a lovely day with you. Trust me on this at least. Please.” The sound of her heartbeat wasn't helping. Octavia wasn't relaxed with the idea, but Vinyl needed this. One last good thing to hold onto.
Octavia groaned with irritation before settling. “I heard it's playing later today. You’re going to need to wear something decent. It's showing in the more classy part of Manehattan. You should probably go find something to wear now so we can make sure you look nice.” A small grin formed on Octavia’s face. “On second thought. Go take a look in my closet. I don't trust your choice of wardrobe.” Vinyl was not ready for that level of fashion assault.
“Woah. Woah. No need to be dissing my wardrobe Tavi.” She was laughing too hard to be angry at Octavia. “It's not my fault if I like to stay with modern ponies. Seriously. Just how many ponies do you see out there wearing dark suits and ties every day?” Both sides had now taken shots upon the other, leaving them to just stare at each other.
“Those are fighting words darling.” The coffee table slowly moved out of the way with magic, as both of them smirked at each.
“But what are you going to…” Before Vinyl could finish her sentence, she found herself hoisted over the couch and onto the floor, being pinned down by Octavia.
“That. That is what I'm going to do. Now go find something to wear.” Vinyl just stared aimlessly at Octavia. “Vinyl? Vinyl? Did I flip you too hard?” To answer her question, Vinyl simply rolled her over, pinning her down.
“Nah. I'm good.” She got off of Octavia, brushing the bits of dust off her coat before heading off to Octavia’s room. After several catwalk manner clothing displays, they found an outfit that Vinyl kind of liked, and that Octavia didn't facehoof looking at on Vinyl. The clothing shoot took longer than expected, which meant they would have to either make a run for it, getting sweaty and not very classy or hope the tram hadn't left. Thankfully they made it just before the tram left. “Octavia. Why do you have so many terrible outfits? Why can't you lose some of them?” Vinyl took a seat, slowly regaining her lost breath. Octavia joined her, wiping a bit of sweat off her forehead.
“Well if you didn't have such terrible tastes for my clothes, we wouldn't have needed to take that long trying to find you something. And I for one like my wardrobe. It all still fits.” She raised her head up in a weakened triumph. How ever long it took didn't matter. They made it on the tram and would make it to the movie. And after several minutes of being cramped, their spot came up. With great effort, the two ponies emerged back into the Manehattan streets. The theater would only be a block or so away.
The late evening had set in by the time Vinyl and Octavia left the theater. Strangely enough, it was Octavia who looked exhausted after remaining seated for three hours, twenty-seven minutes. “That was fairly enjoyable. What do you think…” Vinyl’s words fell silent as she noticed the annoyed glare from her friend. “You told me it was going to be long, granted not as long as it really was. But no pony said you had to watch the entire thing straight.” Octavia’s glare intensified, causing Vinyl to take a step back. She groaned, shaking her head.
“I just want to go home. It's almost time to make dinner and I am starving.” Octavia was already moving by the time Vinyl reacted, catching up with her.
The tram system was out of commission due to an accident, making the two mare have to walk home on hoof. Thankfully no ponies riding the tram at the moment of the accident were injured too much. The night sky was setting in as they walked next to each other. Despite the events of the day, the night was looking lovely. The streets were fairly devoid of ponies and the air left a rather pleasant chill. If Octavia wasn't in such a rush to get home, this would have been a great night to just lay out on the apartment rooftop and gaze at the stars. Perhaps another night.
Nightfall would fully set in by the time they reached their apartment. “Home sweet apartment home. Am I right Tavi?” Vinyl glanced over at Octavia who had already buried her face into the couch cushion, giving some sort of complaint, muffled by the couch. The rest of the night went on uneventful, quickly giving in to the morning sun. Today was the day. Or at least the day prior to the night Vinyl worried about. Neither her or Octavia were out of bed until noon. Under normal circumstances, Vinyl would have found an oversleeping Octavia a troubling sign. But with the level of suspense hooked onto the night to come, none of them were eager to wait for it to come. Today was the last stretch of time Vinyl had to spend with her roommate before she would tell her the truth. Her last moments of normalcy before everything would fall apart.
The alternative thoughts did cross Vinyl’s mind. What if she doesn't care? She did say nothing would change between us. But would that really be the case? Her fears and worries followed her into the setting of the sun. Octavia was watching TV, apparently feeling less bothered by tonight being here than Vinyl. “Tavi. I'm heading out for a bit. I’ll be back a bit late, so don't wait up for me.” She was halfway out the door before she turned and glanced over her shoulder. “And Octavia. Just to be safe, don't answer the door tonight.” Octavia looked over confused and was going to ask what she meant, but Vinyl was already gone. The sound of her hooves echoing down the hallway.
Head to the street where you ran into that fan of yours.The message Vinyl received played back in her head. There you’ll find some alleyways. Down there is an abandoned business building. Come to the fourth floor so we can finally talk. Face to face. Vinyl made it to the base of the building. The outer walls were caked with mold, dirt, and even stray vines. Why such a building was still standing was beyond Vinyl. The rain had begun falling around her, blanketing the sky in a misery of shadow-like clouds. “Well, at least the mood is set.” A small chuckle escaped Vinyl’s lips. “Let's go see who this is. And what they want from me.”
With a small light burning from her horn, Vinyl got an idea of the interior. The inside was just as bad as the outside. Graffiti littered the walls and broken floor from the floors above covered the ground. Nothing could be heard outside of the rain now rattling outside the building. It was at that moment Vinyl picked up on the familiar scent of blood, and the line of it leading away from the entrance. “Looks like somepony got hungry. At least I won't have to deal with a crazed and starving idiot.” She followed the blood, leading up to the next floor. The trail was an obvious trap. It didn't take much of a pony biology expert to know no pony could bleed this much. This trail was most likely from many ponies. All of this to get Vinyl’s attention. And it was working. The level of senseless murdering of ponies made her angry. It didn't take her long to find her way to the fourth floor, and into a large room. Her light couldn't illuminate the much room, leaving a lot of it in darkness. “I'm here! I followed your stupid trail! Now come out here so I can beat the fuck out of you.” Her voice echoed off the walls unanswered. “I know you're here. That blood trail was fresh. Just come out already!”
“Serenade Symphony.” A voice from the darkness said. One that shattered Vinyl’s anger. “Or would you rather I address you as Vinyl Scratch, the alias you so rudely took to hide yourself. It's been awhile. Hasn't it?” A pair of deep red eyes glowed in the dark, piercing straight into Vinyl’s thoughts. Slow, steady clops of hooves made their way towards the light. A pale white stallion stepped into the light, the tips of his black mane, as well as his coat, stained with the scent of blood. Vinyl found herself shaking in fear, losing control of her magic enough for her light to dim.
“Alistair. H-how d-did you f-find me?” Alistair just smiled back at Vinyl.
“Find you? You never left my sight. I've been keeping an eye on you ever since you first woke up. I'm surprised you kept yourself a secret for so long. Even with the number of bite mark victims, there's been. Got to say, I'm impressed. However, I didn't kill those three mares so I could compliment you myself. I got you here so I could ask you to join me again.” By this point Vinyl had shaken the fear from her, now glaring at Alistair. She flared her nostrils, taking several steps towards him.
“I thought I made myself clear the night I left. I despise your methods. And your reason. I did then and I still do. So what makes you think I would join you now?! And give me one reason I shouldn't just smear your vampiric ass across the floor!” Vinyl’s red eyes blazed from behind her shades.
“Relax dear. I'm not going to try and force you to join. I was merely asking. One vampire to another. And as to you smearing my ass across the floor. I am sorry to inform you, but you cannot lay a hoof on me. I made you what you are, and no vampire can harm their maker. Try as you want though, it’ll be lovely to watch you squirm.” Alistair stood there as Vinyl tried to prove him wrong. She tried to hit him with her hoof, only for her body to freeze stiff. She even tried to use magic on him, but everything she used bounded off in a random direction.
“No! No! No! NO!” Vinyl fell to her knees, lost in her own dread. Alistair stepped forward, lifting her head up with his hoof.
“You see dear. You can't harm me. It's pointless to fight me. Just give up and join me.” He raised her head to meet eyes with her. “I can give you what you've been lacking all this time. I can give you somepony to love. One who won't die on you. One who understands you. Wouldn't you like that?” His tone was sincere. The malice in his eyes was gone, replaced with empty loneliness. Was it possible that Alistair just wanted Vinyl to be with him? Has he really been as lonely as she had been? Vinyl rose to her hooves, grabbing ahold of Alistair’s hoof.
“I had no idea why you turned me. Was it really to sate your hunger? Your desire to have a countess by your side?” Alistair broke eye contact, staring off to the side.
“When I saw you dying there, in that alleyway, I couldn't help but kill that unicorn that stabbed you. After that, it was already too late to save you. The only way you were going to live, was for me to turn you. I know I had no right to do it, but I couldn't just let a beauty such as yourself perish in an alley.” His words were getting to Vinyl, who couldn't hold her anger towards him.
“So what? You think by telling me this, I’ll change my mind and join you? Is that it?” Her expression may have faded, but her tone held up. He turned her so he could save her? Don't make her laugh. She saw his face the night she woke up, and she saw no sincerity in his smile.
“Can't you see what I'm trying to do for you now? I understand your pain. Your loneliness. With me, you won't need to explain things to anypony. I can literally give you anything you ever wanted. Dear…” Vinyl slammed her hoof down, cutting Alistair off.
“Stop calling me dear! You've seen me as nothing more than a tool since the moment I woke up. And if you were so eager to give me what I wanted, you would have given me my freedom. You would take away this curse! And let me live my life with the pony… The mare that I love!” The words just slipped out, surprising both of them. It wasn't news to her that she harbored strong feelings for Octavia. It was just that she never openly expressed them. Saying it out loud kind of felt nice. “If you truly want to make me happy, or give me what I want, then remove the curse. Let me live a normal life again. That will make me happy.” Vinyl’s pained eyes met Alistair’s.
“Why can't you see the gift I've given you? Why did you always have to find everything wrong with what I've done?!” Alistair’s anger relaxed into a calm smile. “Very well. I'll give you the freedom you ask. But not right now.” He held up his hoof, stopping Vinyl’s immediate complaint. “I will need to take care of a few things before I can do it. But I can do it. Just for you.” Vinyl was too ecstatic to pick up on the venom in his last words. She would finally be able to live a life without having to drink another pony’s blood. Granted, she’d miss the boundless energy. But soon she’ll be able to express her feelings for Octavia, without having to watch in vain as she grew old and died.
“I don't know what to say, Alistair. Well, I guess thanks would work. How... How long will it take before I get my freedom?!” Vinyl was almost bouncing out of her horseshoes over the news. Alistair simply chuckled over his comrade’s excitement.
“Settle down dear. You’ll have your much-needed freedom come dawn. I do hope you’ll enjoy it. Now. I must be off. The night is still young for me. Much still needs to be done before it's over.” Alistair reseeded into the shadow of the room, vanishing. Vinyl was once again alone within her small area of light, the only evidence of time moving on being the rain outside. Then the other promise she made came back to her.
“Oh crap. I still need to get back home. And now I've got better news to tell her.” Vinyl bounded out of the abandoned building, making great time down the drenched sidewalk. At this speed, she’d be back at the apartments in minutes. Soon she’ll be home. Soon she’ll be able to be free. Soon she’ll be able to tell Octavia how she really felt. Soon everything would be okay again…
Vinyl’s hooves came to a stop in front of the apartment building. Looking up, she noticed the street-side window was open, letting in some rain. Vinyl sighed, shaking her head with a laugh. “Tavi must have left it open to let some air in and just passed out on the couch watching TV.” She grew closer to the apartment and froze a few feet from the main entrance. With how heavy the rain was, it was hard to pick up on the scent, but what she could pick up was unmistakable. Blood. And it wasn't just anypony’s blood. Vinyl smelled Octavia’s blood. And the fact that it could be smelled from outside, meant it was more than just some hoof cut.
Vinyl raced into the building. The receptionist and many of the patrons who liked to hang out in the front lobby were gone. This wasn't good. She rushed up the stairs, fearing the elevator would take too long. In a matter of moments, she reached the front door. After messing with the key, she got the door open. The sight of what awaited her could register in her head.
The apartment was trashed, a clear sign of the struggle. The street-side window was broken into. And laying where the couch once was, in clear view of the doorway, was Octavia. Her body was badly beaten. Several deep gashes covered her torso, soaking her coat in blood. The only sign of life from her was the faint beat of her heart and the slow movement of her chest as she breathed. “Octavia!” Vinyl dropped to her side. “Stay with me, Octavia. Please.” Tears were already falling from her eyes. “What happened? Who did this to you?” There was no response from Octavia. At that moment, something drew Vinyl’s attention over to the wall where the TV once hung. Written in blood, from the only pony she knew could have done it, was a simple message.
“Enjoy your freedom Melody. I hope it's all you even wanted.”
That sniveling bastard. Was this some kind of joke to him? Vinyl’s anger and attention were drawn back to Octavia as she felt her hoof grab her’s. “I'm sorry Octavia. This. This is all my fault.” Octavia’s weakened gaze met Vinyl’s. Her shades had been lost on the way up the stairs, revealing her deep red eyes. And with everything that was going on, Vinyl forgot to hide her fangs. Her roommate was staring up at Vinyl, seeing her as she truly was. Octavia’s expression, weak as it may be, bore no anger towards Vinyl. Only sadness. Not because she blamed her for what happened, but because Vinyl never told her.
The rainy silence was quickly broken by police sirens. Probably called while Alistair was attacking Octavia. They would be reaching the apartment in a matter of moments, to find Vinyl sitting in front of her dying roommate’s body. Every instinct in her body told her to run and hide. To not let them find her there. However, seeing the mare she loved dying in front of her broke what desire she had to go on. Her life had been stolen by Alistair, and now her heart had been shattered by him. What’s one more level of prison to her? Vinyl’s gaze dropped back down to Octavia. The bleeding was severe. She had no idea why Octavia wasn't dead, let alone unconscious from blood loss. She rose a shaking hoof to Vinyl’s head, drawing her closer. She whispered into her ear, words that brought Vinyl to more tears. “It's. Alright… A part of me. Always knew. Please. Go. I don't. Want you to. Pay for his crime…” Octavia broke off to cough up blood. “At the very least. I can die seeing you. You can cut it out. With the look of pity… I gave that bastard one hell of a fight. Go now. My angsty vampire roommate.” Octavia’s last few words were drowned out by the heavy rain and sirens. Whatever she said, broke Vinyl, causing her to wail out in agony. Her instincts kicked in hard as her head dropped. Before reality could set in, Vinyl bit down hard on Octavia’s neck. She was still crying out as she drank.
The armed ponies were now reaching the apartment door, ready to buck it down when they heard a window shatter. They broke in, seeing Octavia’s deceased body lying in its own blood, a sincere smile on her face. The condition of her body was identical to the other murder victims. With no sign of her roommate Vinyl Scratch, suspicion fell on her. Granted the chances of her surviving a jump out of a fourth story window.
Vinyl galloped away from the apartments, her sadness and despair giving way to anger and bloodlust. Alistair was going to pay for this. No matter what. Finding him wasn't too hard, as he made it easy for her to find him. He waited for her in a vacant construction yard, resting himself against a support beam. “Alistair! Get your vampiric bastard ass down here!” He laughed at her wonderful choice of words.
“There’s no need for such vulgar words. If you wanted me to come to you...” Alistair materialized next to Vinyl. “All you had to say was please.” Vinyl was neither fazed by his actions, nor finching.
“Why? Why did you attack Octavia?!”
“Octavia? Oh. You mean that earth pony mare you lived with. Quite the fighter she was. I see why you liked her. I don't see what you're so upset about. You wanted freedom. So I gave it to you. After living for so long, you all of ponies should know that nothing comes for free. And now at sunrise, you’ll no longer be a vampire. Shouldn't you be happy? Now you get to live like a sheep, unaware of the wolves among you.” Vinyl’s hoof swung, falling yet again short of Alistair. “Vinyl deary. Must we go through this dance again? You. Cannot. Harm me. I am your creator.” She didn't care. Every time she failed to connect, her anger grew, fueling the next swipe.
The police were still in the midst of investigating the apartment when the ponies in charge of safeguarding the deceased body made their way in. The members of the said group all looked at each other in confusion as they searched around for the purpose of their arrival. The large pool of blood where the body rested was still there, but the body was gone. Fresh hoofprints could be seen leaving the pool in a hurry, but those were suspected to belong to the suspect. Where had the victim gone?
Alistair was growing tired on Vinyl’s constant failed attempts to harm him. “How long are you going to keep flailing around? It has lost its hilarity. Now would you kindly, go away.” He pushed with his hoof, sending Vinyl spiraling backward. Her body slammed hard against a support beam, causing it to creak. “Did you really come here just to try and kill me? Why I feel so honored. But why don't we change this little game around? Since you can't kill me, let's see how long it takes for me to kill you.” He charged towards Vinyl, who rolled out of the way. Alistair’s body collided with the support beam, breaking it. The structure shook and swayed from the collision. From the cloud of dust, the broken piece of beam flew out towards Vinyl. “What's the matter Vinyl?! You were so adamant about killing me, and yet now you keep running away. Then again. Running really was all you were ever really good at. Wasn't it?”
Vinyl was putting her full focus trying to not get hit. Even if any initial damage couldn't kill her, once morning came, she was bound to die from it. Running and dodging was the most she could do. Her gaze broke away from Alistair, noticing quickly the small silhouette leaping at the top of the structure. However, within that short moment, Alistair was able to get a good swing on her with a beam, knocking her hard into a crane. Vinyl spat blood, getting back to her hooves. Her eyes were locked on him. An exhausted smile grew on Vinyl’s face. “You know what Alistair. You're right. Running always was my best trait. But you know what I was also great at?”
Alistair chuckled, amused by her sudden confidence. “What? Tell me what you were so great at?” His blind confidence stopped him from noticing somepony sneaking up on him. A voice spoke in his ear.
“Her choice of friends.” A stack of rebars impaled down through his back. He glanced back at the pony who attacked him, meeting eyes with a pair of violet eyes. “That and her quick thinking." Octavia drove the rebar deeper, breaking into the ground. “Now be a dear, and go the fuck back to hell.” She took a few steps back, watching Alistair try and push himself off the bar. Out of annoyance, Octavia drove several more rebars into him, pinning him in multiple places. “And to make sure you don't try and just faze into the shadows and run…” Her eyes moved up towards Vinyl, who was already in position. She flipped a switch and the spotlights flooded the area around Alistair and Octavia. “Here’s a little artificial light to keep you company until the real stuff gets here.” She trotted away, meeting Vinyl at the edge of the site.
“Took you long enough. Do you have any idea how hard it is to convey a message to you while running for my life?” Vinyl brushed the dirt off her coat, grinning like an idiot at Octavia.
“Give me a break. Do you know how hard it is to translate your messages while trying to avoid authorities?” They stared at each other for a few moments before laughing.
“We've both had a long night.”
“Home?”
“Umm Vinyl. It's still be investigated. It’ll be bad enough if they see you. What do you think they’ll do if they see me? You know, the pony who was dead on the floor.”
“Fair point. Well, there's an empty building several blocks down. Not exactly high class, but rent is cheap.” Vinyl comment got them to laugh again.
“I could go for ‘cheap’. But what are we going to about our apartment? I'm still kind of dead to them. It's not like you can just look at a normal pony and change their memories…” The look on Vinyl’s face scared Octavia. “You never used that on me did you?”
“No dear. I swear I have never used my wonderful vampiric power to alter your memory and get away with anything.”
“I can't tell if you're joking. Are you joking?”
“Yes, Tavi. I am joking. Now come on. Ponies are going to be interested in the loud noise and bright lights. We don't want to be seen right now.” They galloped off, reaching the abandoned building. As terrible as the inside looked, it was nice at least. And after a few mind tricks, they got their apartment back.
The Manhattan public still had no idea why there was a pile of ashes in the middle of several rebars sticking out of the ground.
Author's Note
Happy Nightmare Night everypony
