Crossfade

Author's note: This is one of my older creations that I created before I could 'properly' write. I'm sure there will be mistakes somewhere, (everywhere) but I'm quite sure that most of it is at least acceptable. The writing does get better as the chapters progress, I promise. Feedback is appreciated. I know about my comma problem.

Chapter 1 – Undelivered

Derpy sat at the front of the coach, talking to the stallions pulling the large wheeled contraption when I woke up. The overly noisy mare was chatting about her youthful connection with muffins and how she once won a competition for baking the most muffins on one day, beating out a jealous Pinkie Pie. Yawning and pulling the warm duvet over my muzzle I noticed Twilight had stolen one of my pillows. Annoyed at being unable to return to my sleep without the proper head support, I rose to greet Luna's night, carefully stepping over Twilight's sleeping body and silently trotting past the discarded food wrappers that had been full of sugary deliciousness just a few hours before. clearing the minefield, I made my way over to the front of the huge carriage to be next to Derpy.

“Derpy? don't you ever sleep?” I interrogated with a raised eyebrow.

Turning around, Derpy smiled and bit into a muffin that seemed to come from a closed pink box, she swallowed loudly before responding.

“Sure, I slept yesterday and I don’t want the stallions to be bored.” Derpy hesitated before speaking, wiping chocolate crumbs away from her muzzle.

“Okay then... So are you going to stay on this coach forever?” I continued, my tiredness conveying an irritated tone to my speech. A tour with Derpy had been more exhausting that I expected.

“Um sure I guess, I don't see why I shouldn’t enjoy an all expenses paid trip around Equestria” Derpy flashed the VIP pass she wore proudly around her neck. Doing this only made me groan.

Derpy turned away from my hard look and returned to her conversation with the Coach pullers, deciding she had no need to continue our 'chat'. The coach pullers looked happy to be talking to Derpy, despite their attention still firmly focused on pulling us to our next stop. Princess Luna's moon was generous to the working stallions, lighting their long trail towards Canterlot with a pleasant glow and giving them and Derpy a clear view of all the sky's stars.

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

Octavia handed me a small envelope with a blue seal holding in the contents. Sighing she went to comfort Vinyl who was gently sobbing into her tail. Octavia spoke calmly as she wrapped her hoof around Vinyl's head, offering her support. Inside of the envelope was a cheque for a little over a thousand bits and a piece of parchment. The parchment was again sealed with a smaller blue wax seal. Putting the cheque carefully down on the kitchen's table I proceeded to open the tan envelope.

To The Stallion known as Skye Shell,

Following your recent success of the song “Hydra Sleeps” we at Canterlot Recording have deduced that you in all probability have more content at your disposal, for this reason we would like to formally invite you to be a guest in the upcoming DJ and Producer circuit: 'Electrohoof' Your payment will be estimated according to your performance and content and paid on a daily basis. We would also prefer if you would create a stage name for yourself for Advertising reasons.

Your participation would be greatly appreciated at our annual event, so please take the time to consider joining us, as well as many of your musical peers in making this year’s Electrohoof circuit festival the best one yet.

Also enclosed are 2 Full-tour VIP passes for guests and an enchanted signature strip.

By signing the signature trip you are legally bound to perform at the Electrohoof circuit and take full responsibility for any guests that you invite. By signing you also have no obligations to sign with us however we will take any of your songs, of our choosing, for the official Album after the circuit is complete.

Yours,

Canterlot Recording.

Placing the typed document beside the hand written cheque, I motioned for Octavia to leave Vinyl to speak with me. Octavia pecked Vinyl on the cheek before pulling her hoof away, only for Vinyl to collapse into the foetal position back on the sofa. I could have squee’d at seeing such cuteness. I shook my head of the stupid thought aside, I prepared to speak with Octavia about what exactly was going on.

The letter I had received was most irregular. When would a company take a risk on an assumption? The mental image of having television cameras watching me and a pony jumping out to confirm a prank plagued my mind as Octavia drew closer to my position.

“what's wrong with her?” I asked with a worried expression, glancing over at vinyl.

“She hasn't got the letter yet.” Octavia replied with a disheartened frown.

“The tour doesn’t start for a month, why is she being so dramatic?” I continued, sill skeptical.

“Dramatic?” Octavia said with a scowl “This is Vinyl's... how dare you accuse her of such.” Octavia trailed off, turning away to return to her mare-friend. Slightly overreacting.

“sorry.” I spoke honestly, my tone speaking more apology than my actual response.

So maybe It is real.

I turned back to my rather generous cheque and examined it, on the reverse i found that there was a short handwritten and quite personalised message.

Vinyl asked me personally to give you the full earnings for your track along with a small cut from her album sales.

Reading the appendix, i felt ill. I had been asked to go on a tour that I didn't even have hopes of being a part of while Vinyl had been severed from this year's biggest party. Vinyl lived for her music and an unknown meddler had taken what I believed to be her spot on the tour. Oh the cliche. Walking over to my fridge I noticed that it was literally empty, and now was no time to be opening a bottle of Cherry wine, even though i craved it. I closed the fridge door and reached on top of my cupboard, retrieving three cans of room temperature Manticore Energy before returning to all fours, slightly disappointed with myself for forgetting to put the drinks in a cooler place.

Vinyls eyes were no longer hidden by her trademark glasses but were instead obscured by tears breaking through her reddened eyelids, she was pitifully huddled up against the arm of the sofa clenching a soaking wet record shaped plush cushion like a foal. Vinyl's streaked tail along with her mane lay limp and lifeless, a result of her stressed condition. Octavia was kindly comforting the heap of blue and white, offering her hoof to hold as well as gently stroking her coat. Octavia's voice softly spoke to Vinyl, trying to offer her own happiness to cheer her partner up, with seemingly little success.

“Vinyl? Would you like to stay here for the night?” I started. “I can stay with someone, i’m sure somepony won't mind it if it is just for the night.”

“Thanks.” Octavia began “That would be great, i’m not sure that Vinyl should be up and about in her condition.” Octavia was exaggerating in my opinion. “but you don’t have to leave. If you don’t mind I would prefer it if you stayed here, maybe you could talk to Vinyl later if she is feeling slightly better.” Octavia finished her words with a short smile. “now, kindly pass me one of those energy drinks or I will fall asleep right here and now on top of vinyl. I don’t want to tell you how awkward that would look if someone came through the door.” Octavia finished with a chuckle that was meant to add some optimism to the stale air.

After I passed Octavia one of the remaining cans of drink, I realised why I hadn’t really seen Vinyl or Octavia these past days, she must have been so excited and getting prepared for the tour that she neglected to visit anypony, or was celebrating already. Packing suitcases and getting her records together must have occupied another large section of her time and the feeling of her seeing me getting the tour letter before she did must have been utterly heartbreaking.

Bringing the black can to my lips and taking a sip, I brought my hoof down on the wooden table hard. It wasn't fair. Why did I have to be chosen over her? I couldn’t go if she didn’t go, what was i supposed to do? I bit my lip, trying to go through every possible scenario in my head, finding all the negative and positives of all outcomes. I stayed quiet when I sat myself down on the floor next to Vinyl and Octavia, unsure what to do or what to say. I just stared at them both until i found something worth speaking up about.

“Honestly Vinyl, do you really think they won't let you go on tour?” I questioned Vinyl with a calm voice, giving her kind intonation as I lifted my hoof to her face, wiping away her fresh tears.

“YES!” Vinyl shouted back, her eyes now glaring hatefully at me “if it wasn't for you I would have been on this tour, if it wasn't for you.” Vinyl burst into a fresh barrage of tears, burying her head into Octavia's hoof.

Vinyls tears were stopped only by her falling asleep, to which Octavia sighed in relief slowly turning to glance in my direction. Octavia kept her composure as she left Vinyls side and trotted over to me, and she passed me as she advanced to the kitchen table, picking up the Letter and studying it carefully.

“There is still time for Vinyl to get her letter right?” I said with a worried tone.

“Not any more, Skye” She began “The deadline was today, you are lucky you got yours.”

“I'm so sorry Tavi, I want to make it up to Vinyl but I don't know how, please, tell me what I can do.” My outburst startled Octavia who then showed a small infectious smile.

“Skye, please don't blame yourself but there is nothing that you can do. Vinyl will get over it in time, she just needs some room to calm down.” Octavia looked back over to the peaceful Vinyl, thankful of her mare friend’s short respite from the pain of rejection. “Skye, If you don't mind I would appreciate if if you could carry Vinyl to the bedroom... again.”

“Hey, that was one time and Vinyl drugged me, It's not my fault!” I defensively returned with a hushed tone as I picked Vinyl up, wary of waking her.

“I know and I have forgiven all, I just like to torture you.” Octavia laughed with a grin not dissimilar to one of Discord, however I decided not to mention that to her as I did not want to live with the consequences of insulting a mare as proud as Tavi.

Walking on my hind legs with Vinyl, I looked down on her Sleeping face, her fur matted with dried tears but her lips smiling with what I hoped was happy dreams of her doing what she loves. I smiled back at her making my way into the bedroom, Octavia followed close behind me, quietly humming a tune from her own orchestra's composition. I laid Vinyl down on the bed carefully as not to wake her and let Octavia tuck her into the warm sheets. Octavia gave Vinyl a gentle peck on the cheek and took herself into the adjoined en-suite. The sound of Octavia brushing her teeth echoed into the bedroom, the light also providing me with the ability to see Vinyl more stressed than before, possibly imagining a future without her on stage.

It occurred to me that Octavia was experiencing more of a hard time than I expected, Vinyl was barely able to look after herself, let alone be a good partner to Octavia. The Cellist, in all probability had no time at all to practice her beloved instrument, let alone brush her currently unruly mane. Vinyl now had a full time carer and didn't realise the obvious emotional cost to her partner. Octavia should embody all the elements of Kindness, Generosity and Loyalty at this time. Celestia herself would be struggling in this position.

Octavia returned from preparing herself to 'sleep', she had a pleasant minty smell trailing behind her as she passed by to the other side of the bed, opposite the sleeping DJ. The mare climbed into the bed, fidgeting into a comfortable position beside Vinyl, with a free hoof softly stroking her fur, tracing the lines which tears had travelled, creating new tears of her own. Octavia gathered her strength and took a deep breath before closing her own eyes, creating a blank, sleep deprived expression.

“Do you mind?” Octavia whispered, her voice hiding deep emotion and half cracking as she spoke softly.

“Oh, Okay. Good Night.” I whispered back, mentally kicking myself for not offering any support.

“Goodnight Octavia, sleep well.” With that I turned out the bedroom light.

I drifted back over to the half damp sofa, blowing out passing candles as I entered the Living room. With only the light of the fireplace to guide me I found the Coffee table turn cabinet and opened the facing draw. I pulled out the contents of the wooden container into a small pile on the floor. replacing the wet plush record with a dry mint green pillow, an age old birthday present from Lyra that i couldn’t bring myself to throw away. In addition I retrieved a small brightly coloured patchwork blanket I had purchased from Granny Smith a year back. The Blanket snugly wrapped around me and gave me warmth through last winter's freeze so I imagined that tonight the thick blanket would be better served covering the damp patches that decorated my sofa.

I laid myself down onto the blanket mattress, slightly curling up and facing toward the fire. I let the warmth of the flames act as an invisible duvet, the heat perfect for a summers night and the flickering light of the dancing fire perfect for an alternative to counting Parasprites. The calm snoring from Octavia resonated throughout the cabin as I began to sink into a much needed slumber, my mind full of thoughts of performing in front of crowds of thousands, yet having to leave behind my best friend. My mind uneasy I slipped away, forgetting my worries and accepting whatever my dreams had planned for me.

*******

I had a rough night, much more than once I found myself lying on the floor on top of my blanket, after the fourth time I stayed down there. Half wrapped around me was the patchwork blanket, still retaining its warmth. My pillow was half hanging from the sofa and providing me little comfort against the flat carpet floor. I turned to face the mantelpiece that hung over the dying fire and examined the maple clock that was perched upon it, the clock read five in the morning and clicked with a slow rhythm that could madden any pony that would wait for the time to pass. The ticking was indeed aggravating so I tried to make up dream scenarios in my head to pass the time, all of which were interrupted by visions of a friend’s sorrow.

“I should go out and get some breakfast, I wonder if the convenience store is open?” I talked quietly to myself, as to break the silence and somehow drown out the repetitious clock. “My fridge is empty and I won't go back to sleep any time soon. Maybe I will see Luna's moon for a while” I convinced myself to stand, replacing my blanket and pillow back into the cabinet I got them from, being careful not to make any unnecessary noise. Using my poor night vision I fumbled over to the kitchen table to take my saddle-pack from the chair beside it, checking that my bits were secure inside and that I hadn't by mistake put my saddle-pack on backwards or that by chance I had taken Octavias. With no time for vanity I passed the mirror and sleepily made my way over to the door on my tip-hooves, opening the door and closing it behind me with barely a sound made.

The air was warm with a cool breeze blowing through it, perfect for an Equestrian morning in Ponyville. There was also a distinct smell of burning wood emanating from the chimney behind me and slowly fading as I kept moving down the cobblestone path. My stomach ached for a meal as I had not eaten since yesterday lunchtime, and even then I only had a Small slice of Victoria Sponge from Mrs Cake. I tried my best not to create any undue hoof-step noises, but at this distance I decided just to trot normally. Octavia and Vinyl couldn’t possibly hear everything. Looking up at the sky I saw a brilliant gleaming moon surrounded by glittering stars, its light however was not enough to guide my way and I found myself almost tripping on loose stones.

There was a deep red glow on the horizon that told of the night's cycle coming to a close, bringing forth what I hoped would be another blue day. Vinyl would need a blue sky today, being that she is now overdue her letter and in all probability will not be going on the tour, anything to help her would be appreciated. “Come on Princess.” I spoke in a quiet voice, hoping for the message to be received by Celestia. Continuing my journey along the peaceful path my thoughts lingered on that undelivered letter that Vinyl should have gotten, asking myself why and how this occurrence could have happened. “maybe it got lost, maybe it is just late?” I once again begun talking to myself to keep occupied. I made it a personal note to come by the Office later on in the day to check for undelivered mail from the record company that was mentioned in my invitation.

“Hey Skye.” Ember greeted me with a half smile, her eyes were partially closed due to the time of my arrival and the long hours she works to earn money for her tuition at Manehattan University. The past few months Ember had been on a break from her studies, but this break had been consumed by work.

“How's it going Ember?” I asked Ember with a concerned tone, noticing her obvious lack of sleep.

“Tired....What can I do for you?” Ember spoke with a humorous monotone voice, sarcastically mocking her position as a sales pony.

“I’m just picking up some supplies, Vinyl and Octavia are staying around and I have nothing for breakfast.” Grabbing an antibacterial hoofwipe and wiping the shopping basket before picking it up between my jaws, I Proceeded to browse the shelves. the many aisles sported a variety of different foodstuffs that would suit the appetite of anypony from Trottingham to Stalliongrad, regardless of social class. Picking out the basic essentials and a large selection of pancakes as well as a hefty crate of Manticore energy I turned back towards Ember to pay for the goods. As I trotted over I came across a certain new Vinyl Scratch record in the short distance. My hooves took me on my way down the aisle, stopping at the music rack. I decided to place the record in the basket, feeling quite guilty for not already doing so.

“Will this be all?” Ember repeated her sarcastic tone, skipping past where I was meant to answer and clumsily pointed towards the items and made note of the cost of all that I had presented to her.

“The total comes to eleven bits.”

“Sure.” I muttered, fumbling about in my pouch grabbing all eleven bits and placing them in Ember's hoof as well as placing another handful into the Orphanage collection pot and the crudely marked tip jar.

“Thanks Skye, have a nice day I guess.” The exhausted mare was now face first on the counter, her regal blue hooves wrapped around her red streaked copper mane.

“See you around.” I waved my hoof behind me as I took my recently bagged purchase and placed the products in my Saddlebags, with a slight heavier weight in the left.

The temperature was beginning to warm up and the first of the Weather Patrol were beginning to clear the clouds. Luna's Moonset was slowly coming to an end as a first glimpse of the Sun was barely visible on the horizon, carrying a faint terracotta glow as it grew in size, spreading its rays to cast stretched shadows across the sleeping buildings. The faint buzzing of the Convenience store's magic powered refrigerators was no longer audible, replaced with the sound of my own Hoof-steps as I travelled to the Post-Office.

A lyre was signalling the start of the day. Lyra without fail would always play a new melody to greet her waking Bon-Bon, what Lyra did not know is that this 'tradition' had become a constant occurrence for the rest of Ponyville. Almost Nopony minded this, in-fact Lyra's music was the best alarm clock a working pony could ask for. Twilight, much to Ponyville's appreciation, had even put a spell on Fluttershy's roosters so that they would not interfere with the morning 'concert'. The amount of times Lyra had turned down joining the Orchestra was astonishing, from what Tavi had sai,. but to be fair a lot of the professional ponies in this town need her more than Canterlot does.

I tried not to raise my hopes as I steadily increased my pace to meet with the front doors of the office a little quicker, convincing myself that I was saving the orange juice from becoming too warm despite the enchanted container that was designed to keep it fresh.

My thoughts came to how I would react if I found Vinyls letter or not, but I mostly prepared for the worst, would I really leave without her? Pondering this, my right hoof made contact with the large ornate door being the entrance to the Post-Office. I made my way inside the large building ignoring the sleeping administrator and continuing along to the sorting room, more specifically to the shelf marked 'Wrong Address'.

I picked through each individual letter, reading the truly poor spellings of people who I have come know quite well in Ponyville, cursing whoever was supposed to sort this shelf out for being so careless, my guilty mind silently forgiving Derpy should it turn out to be her.

“Cold Gate, Applesack, Berry Lunch, Cloud Snicker.” I read the names out loud, each one providing me with more chuckles before I broke out into outright hysterics when I read a letter that provided more of a description rather than a name, “That Filly-Fooler that has the silly Rainbow mane”. Regaining my composure I flicked through another stack at a greater pace than before, growing anxious at the diminishing bundles of undelivered letters and parcels.

“ Vinyl Philharmonic? Seriously? Celestia, Tavi, Vinyl is going to....” I cut myself off realising what I had found and half smiling thinking what Vinyl's face would look like if she saw the name. The envelope had the same Waxed seal as my letter did, as well as the same scruffy handwriting. Checking around me for any early-birds I stuffed the thin envelope into my lighter right saddle-pack and lightly stepped back down the poorly lit corridor, the sun now higher and shooting new beams of luminescence through the dew stained windows. I shivered from the sudden change in temperature as I passed the still dozing administrator, ringing the bell on the counter as I left through the door.

Taking my time walking down the well worn path I passed by Nurse Redheart who was humming this year's Winter Wrap Up tune. Without even a side glance Redheart passed by, too absorbed in her tune to even watch where she was going, which in effect pushed me to sidestep past her, causing me to almost lose my grip on the path. The infectious tune forced its way past my lips, making my journey alone more enjoyable as I bounced to the rhythm and altered the tune to a form which would be more welcome in a dance floor environment. I made a mental note to record my alterations at a later date. Apart from the Nurse, the road was completely empty and the building lights were only beginning to slowly switch on while I made the decision to take the back-track back to my homely log-built shack.

Right as I was coming to the porch to my home I noticed that my Cerulean curtains were open, this meant that Octavia was certainly awake. There was little chance Vinyl be up at this hour, let alone Vinyl opening curtains, Princesses forbid.

Rarity was the mare that felt compelled to choose the décor that adorned my now stylish cabin. She felt that a Stallion of my colours ‘Could not possibly have anything less than the Rarity home improvement treatment.' It was a mutual gain on both parties as I gained some Octavia approved decoration, and Rarity earned some much needed bits after a certain Cutie Mark Crusader fire fighting activity had the adverse effect on Carousel Boutique.

In addition to the opened curtains, the milk bottle that should be next to my 'Sweet Apple Acres' doormat was nowhere to be seen, further supporting my theory that the grey mare was already awoken. What should have notified me first that I was not alone in my awoken state was that I could heat a soft faint melody through an open window, a melody that I could not possibly have been caught playing while Octavia was around. What worried me was not that Octavia would be picking through my already depleted food supply, it worried me that she had already found my private music collection, a collection that I would be having to painfully explain to a very amused and judging Cellist.

I didn’t buy her solo record did I?

I pressed on the gilded handle on my otherwise unremarkable door and pushed forward to allow a small gush of warmth to escape from the cabin before I let my whole body pass though into my living room. I closed the door behind me quietly as to not draw any attention from both the sleeping Vinyl and Octavia, the latter who was no doubt searching everywhere for a bite to eat. The effort to remain hidden from the 'grey hawk' was to no success as the mare immediately stopped the music and from what I heard, and imagined, was rushing to hide my copy of Beethooven’s Cello Sonata. I gave her a few seconds to hide the dusty record before making my way into the 'music studio', the name in which I had come to call my guest room.

“Enjoying the morning Octavia?” I laughed in a hushed voice.

“Um..Yes quite a delightful morning if you ask me.” Octavia replied, hiding the box of my 'hidden' records behind her upright body and speaking anxiously.

“you can put the box down, I heard the music from outside.” I sighed, watching Octavia's grin turn into a devious full grown smile.

“I'm telling Vinyl.” Octavia smirked as she returned to all fours, grabbing my saddle-pack and sauntering over to the kitchen.

“Octavia, I know it would pain you just as much too see those records fly, as it would I.” I spoke in a mockingly upper-class Trottingham accent, which earned me a foul look as she rummaged through my shopping bags.

“Passion fruit pancakes? My favourite.” Octavia gleefully groaned as she placed two in the toaster. “And raspberry for Vinyl?” Octavia was going to interrogate my choice in pancakes before remembering why Vinyl would need special treatment. “Thank you Skye.” Octavia regained her usual attitude, adjusting her posture to match.

“Could you pass the milk Octy.” I whined, shaking an empty glass in her direction.

“Could you keep the noise to a bare minimum, and my name for the hundredth time is Octavia, only Vinyl bears the privilege of calling me 'Octy'.” Octavia, easily irritated, threw the half empty bottle of milk in my direction, landing fortunately upright on the counter.

“What? You think I would spill perfectly good milk?” Octavia chuckled at my stunned expression and turned back to her cooking pancakes.

“Don't worry about Vinyl, Skye. It's almost impossible to wake her until about an hour from now, unless you know how.” Octavia glanced at me looking over the unopened letter intended for her mare-friend and turned back to the toaster, retrieving her strong smelling breakfast after another minutes cooking. Octavia then prior to seating herself at the kitchen table, gathered a knife, a fork, glass of recently bought orange juice as well as a teapot with an empty cup and a small jug of milk. With everything perfectly laid out Octavia bit into her pancakes with table manners to match royalty.

“I don't run a bed and breakfast you know.” I said assessing the situation of which Vinyl and Octavia would vacate from their home to my home whenever they felt like it.

“Yes you do, and it's lovely may I say.” Octavia winked and proceeded to pour herself a cup of tea, savouring the smell of the tea-leaves as she poured the milk and stirred with a polished teaspoon that was supposed to be locked in the cabinet adjacent to the table.

“Hey, I didn't give you the key for that cabinet.” I remarked, noticing that every item of crockery and silverware were from the same cabinet. “Is nothing in my home sacred? Celestia I am glad I have nothing of a personal nature to hide.”

“Skye, do you honestly expect that I would be caught dead with the usual wooden slabs you call plates? No. Your cabinet key is on the keyring you gave to Vinyl and I anyway.” Octavia gloated her control over me by jingling the keyring in my direction whilst continuing to sip a cup on her half full cup of tea.

“Shall I top-up your tea as well your majesty?” I said with more than a hint of sarcasm in my tone. “And maybe I can grant you an invitation to a musical tour I will be performing at.” I added.

“Skye” Octavia glared daggers at me, obviously angered by my previous statement. “How dare you even joke about that, if anything you should not be even going to that 'music' festival let alone performing.” Without raising her voice Octavia filled me with sympathy for Vinyl. “And another thing, you are not going either!” Octavia was now half shouting at me, defending her sleeping mare-friend.

“And its your decision?” I openly mocked Octavia's heated tone.

“No, but I know you won't go without her.” Truth resonated from Octavia's lips as I shrunk back into my shell. Octavia relaxed in her seat knowing she had beaten me and started on her second pancake. I poured some tea from the teapot into Octavia's empty teacup along with some milk prior to unpacking the last of my shopping bags.

“Says you!” I quickly retaliate, hoping to fool Octavia into believing my faked strength. “Maybe I already sent the reply whilst I was out.”

“You didn't.” Octavia spoke calmly and produced a white sheet of paper from seemingly out of nowhere, waving it in front of my muzzle before returning it to oblivion.

“For Luna's sake Octavia, you are not my mare-friend, I can do what the hay I want.” I suddenly became angry, Octavia’s controlling personality getting the better of me.

Octavia became quiet and finished eating the last of her pancake, wiping her muzzle using a white handkerchief with a silver 'O' embroidered upon it. After adjusting her posture Octavia rose from her seat and gathered together all of her used breakfast objects in a small huddle prior to moving over to the open cabinet and taking out a relatively small silver tray. Content with her choice of expensive silver, they grey mare proceeded to take the previously huddled items over to the kitchen sink with a slight sway in her step, bags below her eyes becoming more noticeable.

After Octavia was finished cleaning her used dishes and placing them on the draining board, the musician made her way out of the kitchen and back into the bedroom, sitting on an empty space on the bed in which Vinyl was sleeping soundly. With a small grunt Vinyl fidgeted whilst Tavi moved to wrap her body around her marefriend. Octavia, finally pulled the sheets back onto her and Vinyl. With their breathing in perfect synchronisation Octavia shut her eyes and relaxed, both electric blue and jet black manes became intertwined as Vinyl turned, Unconsciously giving the cellist more room to find comfort on. Before long Octavia was asleep with her tell-tale light snoring filling the room, something more than just a crackling log fire could now be heard.

*******

I clutched the small envelope and found myself walking across and into the bedroom. The bed on Vinyl's side was a war zone of sky blue sheets and a mountain being the shiny turquoise duvet. The bedside cabinet was now at a crooked angle with the draw containing painkillers, sleeping pills and a few magazines fully open. Hopefully Vinyl did not take one too many of both, mixing medicine this strong is never a good thing, as I had come to find out with Nurse Redheart giving me a full lecture in Ponyville general. Magical stomach pumps can get banished to the moon for all I care. Octavia was perfectly covered and facing Vinyl, her right hoof fully outstretched but no longer meeting the body of the DJ.

My now tip-hoofing self approached the left side of the bed where Vinyl was closest and began my task of placing the unopened letter between Vinyls white hooves, somehow hoping that this Physical letter would bring Vinyl's dreams to a happier place than what chaos seemed to have occurred throughout the night. “This room needed cleaning anyway” I reassured myself, looking at the rest of the room with my eyes now adjusting to the darkness of the pitch black bedroom. Celestia knows how vinyl was able to topple the wardrobe.

Vinyl noticed that her hooves were now holding something other than her own fur. She twitched and rolled over on top of the letter, covering her face and began to leave a small puddle of drool as she dug her face deeper into the pillow, making unintelligible noises as if she was trying to say something. No doubt about Vinyl being asleep asleep but still worried I slowly backed away from Vinyl and returned to the bottom end of the Princess sized bed. Princess sized was such a terrible name to call a bed owned by a Stallion.

I lay horizontally along the bottom of the bed, face down as i feigned sleepiness for boredom. I imagined Octavia pushing me off the bed for another one of her ‘privacy concerns’. As much as i convince myself that Octy is annoying, i do find our conversations and arguments quite amusing. My fur was in need of a wash, my forelegs beginning to become slightly greasy. I figured that the time ‘alone’ before the two dozing mares woke should be best spent tending to my personal hygene, a trait that Rarity had instilled in me after she decided to drag me along to the Spa on a number of times. Rarity seemed to have no time for ‘old’ friends anymore so we became distant after her and five other mares became ‘BFF’s’.

Unwillingly my hooves finally gave into my demands, lifting my form as i wandered into the adjoined bathroom. I took the matchbox sitting next to the candle and struck one of the red tipped wooden sticks. The small flame provided little effect on its own, partially removing my night vision but proved useful when was met with the large candle. The room immediately lit up revealing a wide marble bathtub, A large cabinet with a modest sink below, and a regular toilet. All items were relatively cheap in the bathroom, but i found that they had been reliable so i decided not to replace them over the past few years that i had owned the place. I moved around the room to light a few more candles, but only to augment the dim light shining through the window. The final wick made a small crackle and sparked as it caught alight, revealing the last of the room’s darkness and reflecting off of the bathrooms shiny surfaces, creating a flickering effect as it burned.

The lever below the shower head gave way as i applied pressure to it, turning left and allowing the cool water to come forth and wet the inside of the bath. I kept my forehoof outstretched and allowed the water to flow over me, the normally pale green fur becoming darker as the water reached every inch of my hoof, slowily increasing in temperature in a relatively short period of time. I let myself hang there for a moment, before climbing into the tub and allowing the warm liquid to find the rest of my fur. My mane became flat as the shower head found my teal streaked forest green mess on top of my head. I also took the time to remove my blue iris contact lenses that i usually wore almost all the time when around other ponies. I decided not to overthink my past regarding my ‘surprising’ eyes and allowed my thoughts to drift back to actually getting myself clean, grabbing some shower gel and hair products and applying both thoroughly.

Last remnants of the pleasantly fragranced ‘Fluttershy’s Stallion Mane Conditioner’ washed away into the plughole of the bathtub, slowly swirling into the black that even the candles could not reach. My hoof once again found the shower lever, lingering for a moment as i took in the warmth. Finally turning off the shower, i stood out of the bath, my form steaming from the fading heat. I took a towel from the rack and draped it over my soaked through body, roughly drying myself and ignoring my mane for now.

I took another clean towel and applied it over the majority of my mane performing the same ritual of drying as i would for my fur, but over a longer time considering the extent to which the towel was actually being effective. I couldn’t exactly use the fur-dryer without Octavia storming in the room and reducing it to diamond dust. Octavia is not usually one that enjoys being woken up from anypony but herself or Vinyl.

“WHAT THE BUCKING CELESTIA’S PLOT IS THIS” I heard a scream emanating from the space outside the bathroom door.

“SKYE I AM GOING TO KICK YOUR PLOT!” The scream continued, worrying me as my name was mentioned with violence attached.

“I know where you are and when i find you, you will never touch me in my sleep again.” I was unsure whether Vinyl had found the letter or whether she realised that it was just that had ‘interfered’ with her sleeping. How did Vinyl know it was me anyway, and why would i ‘touch her’ without good reason

“I never sleep face down, never. Octavia knows this so it must be you Skye.” Now i was sure that Vinyl had not found the letter. I was also sure that it was her banging on my only line of defence from a one mare army and a half drenched pegasus with too much fear to fight back.

In a risky act of self preservation i opened the shaking door, only to be greeted by a hoof flailing white DJ with red fire in her what was supposed to be magenta eyes. Vinyl stopped short of knocking me out cold and just stood on all fours, tilting her head from side to side in a curious manner. Vinyl’s cheeks blushed along with her lower lip being bitten by her upper teeth as if she was going to burst out laughing. Vinyl covered her muzzle with her right hoof, further suppressing her laughter, badly.

“Pink” Vinyl said before a tear of laughter rolled down her cheek

“Buck” I spoke back, realising that i had not taken the time to put my contact lenses back on. Cursing under my breath i tried to find them, but was beaten by Vinyl who immediately hid them in her mane.

“Hey Octy you gotta see this!” Vinyl raised her voice, suppressing another barrage of laughter.

“What the hey Vinyl, be cool.” Now quite anxious i hid my whole head with a cold damp towel, just standing there as i took in Vinyls taunts.

“Hey Pinkie, want some pie?” Vinyl managed to ‘speak’ despite her girlish giggling that i thought impossible of this tomboyish mare.

“Yeah yeah very funny, now give me back my lenses.” I half pleaded but did not let my tone show any more emotion that wanted.

“Oh my they are quite peculiar.” Octavia wearily walked in, shaking away her tiredness with a flick of her mane. “Pink eyes, i would never have guessed” Her grey fur started to copy Vinyls blushing as she too held back laughter.

“They are not pink, just light red, that’s all.” I tried to regain a small fraction of dignity with even the worst attempt at defending myself.

“Vinyl, it’s rude to stare. Why don’t you give Skye back his glass armour and i’ll make you some pancakes that skye most generously bought for you.” Octavia broke the torture and Vinyl seemed to follow Octavia’s words like a small foal. Vinyl gave me back the contacts after washing them under a cold tap.

“Here Pinkie” Vinyl muttered as she passed me the dripping glass before she followed Octavia to the kitchen.

Neither Vinyl nor Octavia noticed that there was still a letter, although heavily crumpled still resting on the wrinkled sheets, the blue seal noticeably cracked under the pressure of a fully grown pony tossing and turning above it. The duvet was now in complete disarray, piled up at the foot of the bed with no real effort put into making it look somewhat tidy. It was surprising knowing that the ponies that made such a mess were capable of not finding something so obvious to throw amongst the rest of the bed linen.

Sparing no hesitation now that the mares were awake i stepped backwards to find the fur-dryer. Picking up the enchantment powered machine i turned it upon my mane, blasting the individual strands with a blue coloured drying magic and making it devoid of dampness in a matter of seconds, although creating a noise that was greeted by a shouting from another room. I placed the fur-dryer back in its original position and began the new task of brushing the knotted strands of mane into their own distinct lines of colour as well as away from my face. I finished my self grooming by opening the cabinet above the sink and replacing the washed blue contacts with purple contacts, if Octavia and Vinyl knew about the real colours of my eyes now, why just wear blue lenses.

Then again other ponies.

I immediately put the blue contact lenses back over my eyes. Taking the purple ones off first.

Pleased with my appearance i closed the cabinet and went into the bedroom. I took the letter and placed upon the bedside table prior to stripping the sheets on the mattress, removing the pillowcases and duvet cover. The ‘dirty’ sheets still bearing Vinyl’s drool stain were now piled up beside the bed whilst i took some new clean ones from the bottom of the large oak wardrobe. The rather ornate wardrobe was built by Applebloom and was auctioned at a ‘Cutie Mark Crusader Auctioneer’ event, i honestly paid more than i would from a professional but with all the other bidders gone by the last item, plus the disappointment on the Apple family filly when nobody was bidding was unbearable, so i had to bid.

I placed the new sheets on the bed, these ones smelling a lot cleaner than the others as well as  a brighter coloured duvet cover and matching pillowcases. I pulled the sheets so that they were much more presentable before opening a nearby window, lifting the glass pane so that the cool air could reach me along with the smell of the morning dew evaporating into an airborne perfume that found its way into my nostrils.

“Hey Skye, you want some breakfast?” I heard Vinyl call my name and instantly turned my head.

“Yeah sure, is there any Pancakes left?” I replied quickly and proceeded to blow out the now redundant candles in the bathroom quickly, followed by opening the bathroom window as well. “Maple if there is any.” I raised my voice to make myself heard.

“No pancakes left Skye, you should have bought some more” Vinyl judgingly responded. I accepted this as the closest thing possible to apologising for eating all of the pancakes.

“I’ll have an Iron WIll breakfast bar then, top shelf in the cupboard on the left” I laughed as i heard Vinyl whine to Octavia, the Cellist unbreakable on the topic of allowing Vinyl to eat anymore than she already had.

“Hate you Skye” Vinyl sang as i heard a still wrapped breakfast bar hitting the bedroom door and bouncing to my feet.

The wrapper on the small ‘meal’ was easily torn away, leaving a pretty generic food with a few colourful fruits mixed in for good measure. I took a bite into the oily preservative soaked bar and felt it crunch between by jaw, tasting the rich and sweet flavour as it mixed with my saliva.

“It’s so good” I made myself heard, smiling as i heard another plea from the DJ to her mare-friend.

Truthfully after the first bite the taste of the breakfast bar was a little bland. I quickly finished the disappointing food and tossed the wrapper into the closest bin, beside the bedroom door. Taking a deep breath i grabbed the white envelope from the bedside table and placed it between the fold of my left wing, carrying things in your mouth was a surefire way to get sick, especially when you don’t know where these things have been.

*******

Vinyl’s plate was littered with crumbs and stained with streaks of evertree syrup. The four pancakes that she had impressively already eaten were already gone, leaving just a half full glass of orange juice and a scrunched up napkin with a golden ‘V’ embroidered. Octavia Sat across from the talkative DJ, offering the occasional nod and responses as she gently adjusted vinyl’s posture from an arched slouch to a straight spine.

“Hey Octy, hey Vinyl. Having a good morning?”  I rubbed my forehead with my hoof as i cam into the kitchen for the second time this morning.

“It’s Octavia.” Octavia growled with a smirk.

“Better than yesterday.” Vinyl’s smile disappeared into an apathetic frown. “Still sucks apples.”

“Vinyl, I have something to tell you, it’s pretty important.” Both Octavia and Vinyl looked up from the table and stared intently in my direction. When someone says that they have something to say so bluntly, it is either bad news or good news.

Vinyl’s eyes already drained from tears showed little happiness apart from the glimmer that they had whenever she was around friends, they also showed for the first time since i saw her both hope and hesitation. Octavia showed only anxiety for her partner as she glanced constantly between me and Vinyl, placing a single comforting hoof over DJ-Pon3’s outstretched forelegs.

“Well the thing is, i went out this morning to go get some breakfast and some other things to eat.” I started to introduce my morning, building tension in the air. The two mares listened with about the same level of concentration as they did before i started.

“While i was out i decided, what the hay, why not go to the Post Office and check the ‘Wrong address’ pile because i thought it was strange that the best DJ i know did not get invited to the best festival i know. So i did go to the Post Office and well there was a few odd letters and then after a while i found this.” I pulled the wax sealed envelope from behind my wing and held it out in front of me, my arm shook a little from the initial shock of telling Vinyl what was supposed to be good news.

“I tried to give it to you while you were sleeping but you woke up and didn’t noticed it.” I walked slowly over to the kitchen table and placed the letter down seal up. The letter scratched the table and through the contrast of the brown and white, the crumpled areas were more easily visible.

“Buck yeah, i knew it.” Vinyl was clearly taking the news well, dancing around the kitchen without even taking a second glance at the letter. Octavia simply face hooved as Vinyl was busy embarrassing herself. The DJ’s mood swing was outstanding, from a deep melancholy to a generic sadness and finally an extreme high. “I am going to tear that stage up Octy!”

“Sure you are Vinyl” Octavia looked upon her with a loving smile, happy for the change in her mare friend’s mood and quite possibly even more pleased that she may be able to relax for once.

“That was strange.” I observed out loud. Taking a deep breath after Vinyl nearly knocked over the refrigerator.

“What was strange Skye?” Octavia looked concerned and confused at my statement, whilst at the same time keeping an eye on Vinyl who was still looking quite dangerous.

“That happened faster than i expected” I began. “Well, i expected Vinyl to be mad at me for not looking for the letter earlier, or even waking her up so that i could give it to her when i got back.” I spoke with just enough volume to catch the bouncing white unicorn’s attention.

“You could have checked the Post Office earlier, like yesterday.” Vinyl’s magenta eyes once again regained the fiery red pigment. “Why didn’t you?” Vinyl spoke coldly through her teeth as though she was holding back her own unicorn rage form.  Vinyl’s rage form is incredibly scary, it would make an ursa minor cry. Long story short, nobody touches her signature glasses when she is in a bad mood, unless you want to spend a few weeks in ponyville hospital like me.

“I didn’t think to, but you got it now at least.” I gave a nervous chuckle as i backed away from the now steaming mare, not wanting to have to miss yet more work for another long stay with Nurse Redheart. Unfortunately i backed into a corner.

“Did you see me yesterday Skye, a good friend would have helped out straight away.” Vinyl stepped closer until her head was parallel with mine and i could smell the pancakes in her breath, along with a hint of burning rubber. Vinyl also carried a blanket of fear with her, which climbed on top of me with every centimeter closer that she got. Despite the appalling cliche I managed to keep a straight face, still scared of the heating up DJ.

“You ate all my pancakes!” The only comeback i thought of ended up being the weakest comeback. “Hey, Vinyl. That hurt.” I staggered as Vinyl muzzlebutted me into the wall. A feeling of a warm trickling came down my face as i regained my balance.

“VINYL!” Octavia shouted at the backing off pony. “How many times, your head is not a weapon.”

I looked at Octavia, stunned and dazed from the shock. “Many times.” I repeated the grey pony’s words. Vinyl stood still, not saying anything as i spoke.

“Vinyl, a few times at the club when she wasn’t performing and was drunk.” Octavia stopped as i got the picture, stepping over and handing me a paper towel from the kitchen counter. “Better wash that off quick before it stains your coat.” The cellist spoke with a smile.

“I’m not sorry Skye.” Vinyl spoke up. “But, we really have to get this sorted.” DJ Pon3’s rare formality shone though her words as she read over her letter again. “Octavia, do you mind passing me Skye’s letter please?” The use of manners shocked me.

“Manners? wait, what?” I realised that Vinyl knew that Octavia would have my letter. “How did you know Octavia had it?” Vinyl went from a serious expression to a mischievous grin, returning me to my previous state of fear, this just made me angry but i did not show it, much.

“Here Vin.” Octavia copied the grin as she passed the folded parchment. I felt something was up.

“Well, well, well. Looks like i have an extra letter but i only need one.” Vinyl Held the envelope unfolded between her hoof and teeth, adopting a position that would seem like she was about to rip the paper.

“Erm...Why?” I acted unbothered, hoping to fool Vinyl.

Vinyl stopped and placed her hoof back down, falling for my bluff. “Wha..” Vinyl tilted her head. “Why aren’t you trying to stop me? The interrogation began. “Why are you not angry?” She continued “Don’t you care?” Vinyl shot an angry glance. “WHY ARE YOU LAUGHING!” The angry glance transformed into a death glare.

Truthfully i was laughing more at the mimicking Octavia behind Vinyl. Octavia was waving her hoof and mouthing Vinyl’s words as Vinyl continued to shout at me, quite unlike her usual ‘posh’ self. Noticing that Vinyl was now watching her, Octavia stopped and looked away, blushing slightly from deserved embarrassment.

Before i could explain myself to Vinyl, Octavia spoke up. “Vinyl, that’s enough. Skye has already ruined the fun now let's get back to business.” The formality grew.

The morning had gone from bearable to painful to quite terrifying in less time that seemed possible, and now that Octavia mentioned business i was considering just running from my spot straight out of the door. Thinking it over, I doubt that i would get far knowing how well Vinyl gets along with Miss Dash, i would probably get more than a bloody nose after being caught by her.

“What business?” I tensed my rear legs, ready to get out, hoping that Miss Dash would put me in a coma if i jumped up in front of her before she could put her hooves around me.

“The Tour.” Octavia stated.

“Already, Octavia it is still morning.” I put on a tired groan as i replied, slightly relieved that i was not becoming part of a horror story.

“There are plenty of mornings Skye, but only one major tour a year. This is where Vinyl makes the most bits.” Octavia still sat on her seat at the kitchen table, looking over my letter.

“Skye can you sign here.” Octavia said flatly. “Your job absence will be dealt with by the record label.”

“What makes you think i am going?” I started. “I have a job you know, and even if i was interested, I don’t want a label to own me when i sign that paper.”

“There is no selling out necessary Skye. You sign on with the tour, the label makes their money from ticket sales and you go home at the end with a cut depending on how well you are received.” Octavia finished her explanation with a smile.

“And there’s free food and VIP passes for performers.” Vinyl butted in.

“I’m not convinced, i earn a decent wage here, about five thousand bits a year with taxes taken off.” My disinterest becoming apparent to the mares was greeted with a frown.

“five thousand bits....I made that in, a few days? It was a really good concert.” Vinyl interrupted as i was about to delve deeper into my finances.

“How much will i make?” I suddenly became curious.

“Well, its your first time so i would expect five hundred bits at least.” Vinyl added up in her head as she wandered to the fridge, spotting new foods to graze upon.

Instead of going for food, Vinyl tore an energy drink from the cardboard crate, ignoring a disapproving stare from her mare-friend. Vinyl took the can and closed the fridge door, ending the cold air being produced by it. The DJ pulled the metal tab on the top of the can before taking a large gulp. Octavia watched Vinyl through a crack between her now crossed hooves, hiding from embarrassment as i began to speak again.

“Didn’t Octavia teach you anything?” I mimicked Octavia’s accent as i spoke in Vinyls direction.

Octavia hid further, closing the crack and burying herself in her mane. Again overreacting as usual.

“I tried!” Octavia squeaked as Vinyl remained oblivious to anypony but herself.

“So Skye.” Vinyl put the opened drink on the kitchen table, splashing some liquid out and creating a soft fizz as the drink made contact with the polished wood. “You coming or what?”

“I have two guest passes, VIP access, free food and guaranteed pay right?” I questioned, forming a slight grin as i came to the realisation that this tour was a pretty awesome deal considering that i had only officially released one song. No doubt having Vinyl as a friend helped my consideration for the ‘job’.

“And i don’t have to worry about scheduling time off?” I became more serious, still looking in Vinyl’s direction.

“Once you sign the contract, everything will be taken care of.” Octavia interjected, pushing the paper across the table in my direction along with a pen that Vinyl materialised with her magic.

“Just my signature here?” I asked the two mares, anxious not to get anything wrong.

“Sign it or don’t Skye, just do it before Vinyl’s spell wears off.” Octavia groaned, pointing to the magically glowing signature strip at the bottom of the page.

I took the pen in my left hoof and signed my name as instructed, being careful not to write outside the box outline. Finishing my signature, i passed the pen onto Vinyl, who in turn copied my actions on her own letter. Immediately after Vinyl signed her name on her enchanted strip, my letter began to dissolve with the signature disappearing last, leaving a faint green mist in place of the vanished parchment. Vinyl’s letter followed suit but with a sky blue mist instead of green.

“Great, now what?” I asked as the room fell silent. Surprised about how fast the signing process just happened.

“Give it a second Skye, less impatience please.” Octavia lifted her voice into a higher pitch.

“Give what a...Oh” My voice was stopped by a spell being cast above the kitchen table.

The foreign spell spat out two new envelopes bearing red wax seals. The sparking spell then collapsed on itself, causing a smell of burning to be easily recognised along with a cool breeze that, from what Miss Sparkle had told me, was the temperature of the air on the other side of the spell. With the spell now gone, i turned my attention to picking up the new envelope and tearing it open indignantly like a foal would on Hearth’s Warming Eve.

Enclosed within the beige envelope was a new letter which i set aside for now. Also included were two enchanted smaller pieces of parchment with ‘Guest’ printed at the top and a Laminate ‘VIP’ ID card bearing my Cutie Mark on a long logo filled lanyard.  Not willing to question how the Label knew what my Cutie Mark was, i simply set everything down in a small pile and moved to sit beside Octavia.

“What do i do now?” I asked Octavia, clearly the expert as Vinyl’s organisational skills were famed for being non existent.

“Well, you do whatever you need to do with your ‘music’ then you Pack your ‘gear’” Octavia copied Vinyl’s language perfectly. “And wait for the Coach to pick you up”. Clearly the informality and simplicity was killing Octavia, this was noticed by a smiling Vinyl prior to her leaping on Octavia with a loving hug, almost toppling the chair the grey cellist was sitting on.

“So we have a month then. I better get started.” My comment went unnoticed, unable to break Vinyl and Octavia’s current ‘moment’.

My thoughts became a torrent of new ideas for remixes and whole new tracks entirely, as well as of worry about whether the record label i signed with would actually deal with my boss. I do not want an awkward conversation with the stallion in control of my only form of income. Throwing the negativity aside, i moved my hooves in the direction of the ‘studio’ and placed my headphones over my ears, ready to work despite the fact that i really did not have enough to eat yet. Coffee really seemed like a good idea.