Crossfade

by Turtlz

Rating: teen
Tags: Comedy, Adventure, Slice of Life, Dark
Length: 42461

Skye is a mail-stallion chosen to go on a musical adventure with a group of his closest 'friends'.

Being one of the only stallions to actually live in Ponyville, Skye should be living the dream. Instead, Skye chooses to shut himself indoors and work on his music. Through his close friend Vinyl Scratch, Skye eventually becomes noticed by the industry. Invited to perform in one of the most prestigious tours of the year, the mail-stallion leaves behind normality to pursue a journey to change his life. The only problem is… Some ponies really don't like Skye.

(Moving to smaller chapters because 10k is difficult to manage. Smaller chapters mean a faster pace.)

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2012-08-30 18:33:24 UTC

Undelivered

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.

Luck

Chapter 2: Luck

“Just about... done.” I spoke to myself as I finished my latest track. For the last three weeks I had been working around the clock to complete an acceptable array of ‘fine quality’ music in preparation for the ‘Electro Hoof festival’. My exposure to the sun, let alone any other pony besides those who came knocking on my door had been increasingly absent. During this short three week period I had already developed a Caffeine addiction, became nocturnal and lost feeling in my wings from lack of use. For a few songs that all in all I felt quite proud of, I wouldn’t say that these small sacrifices have completely been in vain.

The latest record stopped spinning as the ‘burning’ enchantment scroll finished its job, severing its connection to the large black disk and recoiling itself into a tight roll of a rough parchment. The record itself was another secret from my ‘competitor’ as Vinyl now called herself. To be honest I had only seen Vinyl once since she herself received her invitation to the tour, and that was only because she claimed that the local convenience store had ran out of energy drink crates. Turning back to the record, I placed the bulky disk inside of a large but thin gloss white sleeve. The sleeve was self decorated, my cutie mark covering the center with a black marker pen label in the top right corner stating “SCP-17-3”. Pleased with my finished work, I placed the record among the others in a large, green, protective box before sealing it with the silver latch that hung freely on the lid.

The box remained quiet and maintained its sturdiness as I lifted it to be amongst the other luggage that contained various wires, formal attire and my extensive collection of headphones. In addition to the record case, there were two small wheeled suitcases and large metal storage crate typical of those seen on behind the scenes footage of movies and music concerts. The main crate was happily borrowed from Octavia in exchange for my rather embarrassing set of limited edition Princess Luna teacups. Octavia remained smug in the transaction as though she thought I was getting the lower end of the trade, clearly Vinyl was having her effect on her yet again.

I turned to greet what had been dormant for much of the time I had been in my house. After the studio had become my sleeping place, eating place and workspace, the rest of my home seemed much larger. The majority of everywhere appeared more like a mansion than the modest wooden cabin that I had become so used to seeing, which begged the question of why I had not made the most of the space I already had.

The first silence in days was experienced and welcomed as the beeping and groaning noises from my overworked ‘HydraNoiseMaker’ faded from my buzzing ears. My hooves fell forward when I entered the center of the living room, landing me onto the welcoming sofa and creating a thump as the soft cushions absorbed my impact.

“Urgh...I forgot something, I know it.” I spoke to the sofa, somewhat hoping that it would reply. “Yeah sofa, you’re right, I should go outside.” Even if the sofa couldn’t physically speak, the company it gave me helped me to organise my thoughts.

*******

Lyra was sitting with Bonbon outside and across from the table where myself, a solitary green stallion was trying to get over the urge to drown himself in a vat of Zecora’s homemade instant coffee. The noise from the loud turquoise mare was helping me to get over my second priority, breaking my nocturnal sleep pattern. The information I had learned about the difference in Lyres should have sent me to sleep, but the way in which Lyra weaved her words was fascinating, as if she was speaking in a subtle poem. The same could not be said for Bonbon, who was head between hooves, trying to sleep.

“Can I take your order sir?” A Pink pony bounced up to me, holding a notepad and quill and putting on a clearly fake straight face.

“Can I have a Pinkie-Shake and a Cranberry Muffin.” I managed to get my vocal chords working but the main problem was remembering words. I was quite impressed with myself for recalling the Sugarcube menu without aid, although rather disappointed that I promised the sofa I wouldn’t order an Extra Strong Zecora brew.

“Coming right up.” The element of laughter broke a smile at the mention of her own creation and disappeared back into the shop, almost ripping away the parasol in her wake.

“Hello Skye.” A Purple Unicorn pony approached me, taking the seat directly across from my position. The librarian allowed her levitated bags to slowly touch the ground whilst straightening herself up and eventually releasing her telekinetic hold.

“Hello Miss Sparkle.” I returned the greeting, treating the element of magic with a greater deal of respect than I would a usual pony, taking into consideration her status as Princess Celestia’s star pupil.

“Did the enchantments you bought earlier work?” Miss Sparkle looked genuinely intrigued, as if she was somehow expecting them to fail.

“Yeah, I mean yes, they worked perfectly.” I corrected myself, trying to imitate Miss Sparkle’s usual speech. “Thank you.”

“Great!” The increased volume startled me. “The Princess will want to hear of this, it could make the production of records ten, no.. twenty times faster.” The element of magic trailed off, causing me to wonder as to if she was even still talking to me.

“So....” Miss Sparkle rejoined reality. “I heard you were going to Canterlot the day after tomorrow.” A tone of interest flowed with her words, making me think that she almost wanted something. Immediately I purged the from my head. If she needed anything, she had priority service from the royal stores.

“Yeah, i’m supposed to be performing there” Feeling slightly awkward taking on the role of a musician, I explained my situation to the intently listening mare. Sparing no detail I also explained how Vinyl reacted when I told her that she was invited as well, earning a few laughs in the process.

“Well I think it’s great.” My one mare audience spoke after a small silence. “But can I ask one question?”

“Sure.” I gave up on thinking what words were appropriate to say to a pony like Miss Sparkle.

“It’s just that you said you had two VIP guest passes. From what you’ve told me, you haven’t given them to anypony yet.” The unicorn finished her words with a smug albeit disappointed look on her face. Obviously irritated by my lack of organisation.

“Here you go! One Pinkie-Shake and one Cranberry Muffin! That will be six bits please.” The always ecstatic party pony beamed. My hooves made contact with Pinkie as I passed her the golden coins.

“Oh heya Twilight” Pinkie carried her high spirits over to her friend. “Did ya need anything?”

“Um, no. Thank You, Pinkie.” Twilight returned a false smile when her friend kept moving closer in on Miss Sparkle, prompting the rather interesting character to jump to the next table.

“Do you think Princess Luna would accept my Guest pass Miss Sparkle?” I joked. The look on Miss Sparkle’s face appeared as though she took me seriously, it was rather cute if I had to be honest.

“I don’t think so Skye. Princess Luna is already attending.” My own interest in the night princess caused my ears to twitch. “Also, please call me Twilight.” I didn’t know whether to be intimidated or pleased that I was now on a first name basis.

“OHMY...oh, great.. I hope I get to meet her.” My excitement was only paralleled by my immediate embarrassment.

“I’ll be sure to tell her of your interest.” The scheming mare crossed her hooves and bore a mischievous grin.

Twilight levitated a book onto the table and began reading, clearly content with her ‘finished’ conversation. I was also happy to finish the conversation, not to be rude but my drink was getting warm and my stomach was grumbling at me to hurry up and eat the muffin.

The Pinkie-Shake was unsurprisingly pink, but tasted of a fine milk chocolate that I would expect Miss Rarity would take pleasure in eating, or drinking. The Pinkie-Shake also had a slight fizz to it, but I assumed that this was another addition to Pinkie’s ever experimental recipes. Given that I did not immediately feel ill after finishing the actually delicious milkshake, I assumed that I was not poisoned by the strange concoction and picked up my muffin. The muffin was held in a plain brown paper ‘cup’ and decorated with many small red cranberry dots. This time I was sure that nothing bad could come of this as Derpy was the only pony who bakes muffins and Pinkie only bakes cupcakes, not that I didn’t trust Pinkie, I just can’t afford another ‘surprise onion cupcake’ drama.

“Um Skye.” Twilight looked up from her book. “It’s just that, when you go to Canterlot and wherever after that” Her deep purple eyes grew. “Would you mind if Spike used your house for a while? He’s been saying that I wouldn’t last a single day without him and you leaving is just the opp...Sorry, but would you mind?” Twilight’s gaze remained fixed, forcing me to stare back.

“Yeah, sure” I didn’t have a chance.

“Great.” Twilight spoke to nopony in particular before returning to her book.

The feeling of dread washed through me as I remembered the commotion that had happened when Spike almost destroyed the whole of Ponyville, and the damage that could be caused  to my home, but a greater feeling that I had been used crossed my mind. Twilight seemed a nice enough Pony, but since she apparently learned the stare from Miss Shy, she had abused her new ‘power’ quite a lot and earned herself a few rumours that I could now confirm to be true.

“Well then, that’s me done.” Twilight closed her book and levitated it above her head, trapping it and the others in a purple glow.

“Wait.” I demanded, butterfly’s forming in my stomach as I was about to confront Twilight. “Did you use the stare on me?”

“.....eep” Was all that Twilight could make out before she began hurtling past the tables and away from my immediate view.

“Guilty” I smiled as the other Ponies turned around, looking for the source of the dust cloud being left behind.

“Skye, that was not very nice.” Said a mysterious, although familiar voice.

“I agree dear, we cannot let this go unpunished.” Now creeped out I turned around to locate where the voices were coming from. Nothing.

“GET HIM!” a flash of green and white struck me, knocking me on the floor. followed by a blue and purple mane pony pinning me down.

“Lyra? Bon-Bon?” I spoke as the shock of being hit to the floor blurred my vision.

“That’s right Mister.” The voice was not joking and was definitely from Lyra. “Now, someone has to learn not to scare mares.”

Oh Celestia, help me. I thought to myself.

“But, she just ran when i.. hey! don’t do that!” I tried to explain myself when the Curly haired beige pony pulled out a lipstick from her bag.

“She used the...HEY NO!” I pleaded as the beige pony leaned in. Lyra took over the role of pinning me down.

By now almost everyone who was in Sugarcube Corner had now come to the outside tables to witness my ‘torture’, including a Pink pony who was holding a large tub of popcorn and eating it furiously with an insane grin on her face. Other ponies going about their business and ponies who were supposed to be tending to their stalls gathered around, including another element of harmony Miss Applejack. Two elements and neither would help me, they beat Discord but wouldn't beat two ponies with the wrong idea, great.

The red slippery substance dragged across my lips, leaving a warm residue as it completed its motions. The mares were not done there, by a long shot. Eyeliner was next, to the amusement of the crowd, as well as a healthy amount of something powdery that caused my fur to itch madly. The itching did not subside as I could not move my forehooves to alleviate the serious unpleasant sensation that was now covering the entirety of my body, as expected the crowd was in hysterics as my squirming self tried to break free of my pinned down state.

I weakly crawled up in a tiny corner of my mind, trying to resist the burning desire to carve my fur off. The Pinkie-Shake had already caused any ability to relax to be absent as the sugars within it now made me want to bounce off the walls. Abandoning my feeble attempts to resist without making a scene, I turned to my special talent, disappearing from my body as my turtle-shell cutie mark suggests.

“Now you’ve done it.” I spoke as I felt myself leaving my groaning body. The ‘corpse’ becoming pale as an invisible self detached from it.

Admittedly I did feel guilty as the ponies rushed around my limp, lifeless ‘shell’ but the quiet laughter from a white mare standing in the audience cheered me up a bit. Vinyl already knew my talent, but was greeted with stern looks from the disapproving and horrified crowd. Octavia was standing next to Vinyl, questioning why the mare was laughing with a serious face but also produced a small smile and sigh of relief as her marefriend whispered in her ear.

I stood there for a few minutes, taking in the ‘naked’ sensation of not having a physical body to drag me down. Lyra and Bon-Bon stood shocked in the presence of what they believed to be their murder victim whilst being comforted by the still cheerful Pinkie Pie and the strong hearted element of honesty. The crowd also seemed in a state of shock, to my amusement. None of them helped me so I chose not to return to my pitiful and rather uncomfortable self for now.

The senses of being a spirit change quite dramatically from those of being ‘alive’. For one my body had quite weak hearing compared to a ‘ghost’. In addition I became much more sensitive to light, the feeling of it passing through me unlike any feeling imaginable. Most of all I enjoyed the ability to pass through solid matter, although the ground was only around five hooves deep in the ‘spirit world’. At least the term ‘Six hooves under’ was explained. If I ever did get buried alive, I don’t think I would be able to escape. Pondering my current thought, I imagined that I should return to my body before anything was done to secure my ‘death’.

By now the hospital cart was carrying my body away to Ponyville General while the red-faced Nurse Redheart performed futile CPR on the defiled mess of green fur. In my body’s absence I decided to make the most of my invisible freedom, ‘ghosting’ myself in a light shade of green next to Vinyl when I was sure that nopony was watching.

“Hi.” Was all I said, acting casually even though I was technically dead.

“WHATTHE” Said an unsuspecting Octavia before Vinyl covered the Grey mare’s spitting muzzle with her hoof.

Maybe Vinyl thought it would be funny for Octavia to see a ghost. I thought, re-evaluating Vinyls capacity for cruel jokes prior to evaluating my own. What was she laughing at then? I imagined Vinyl left out the part where I re-appear.

“What are you doing?” A shaking Octavia was a rarity indeed, although the sight of such terror was justified as I found myself sinking though the ground.

Pulling myself up I stood the best that I could on the liquid floor, opting not to speak as I let the cellist slowly examine me. Vinyl stood and watched as her partner circled around and observed the green mist that made my form visible.

“So,” I broke the silence “How are you?” my ‘brain’ facehooved as I realised how stupid my question was.

“Alive” Vinyl interjected.

“You mean he’s actually dead?” Octavia regained her shocked expression as she returned to her marefriend with a shocked gaze.

“Well yeah” The white pony said with a patronising tone, causing Octavia to push her slightly.

“Then, how, what, WHY?” I had planned for this. Octavia would use her ability to make me feel guilty whenever possible, she really needed two cutie marks.

“Because nobody was helping me.” I returned the guilt right back at her, scoring.

“But Skye, it was a joke.” The feeble reply did not phase me. In fact it made me quite angry.

“Sure, while I was pinned down, being painted on and being laughed at, you didn’t help me because a good friend knows when it is a joke? I died Octavia.” I spat back at her, proud of myself for being so assertive.

Vinyl was now comforting a teary eyed Octavia, glaring at me to leave. I realised that what I said was a little over the top but in all fairness it was deserved, and the fact that she felt bad now proved it, after all, I did die. Watching Vinyl’s eyes change to red yet again I backed away, floating higher and losing my ghost as I located something to do or someone else to see. I felt quite a bit like I imagined discord would feel, minus the chaotic powers.

*******

The day was coming to a close as I watched over my deceased form, pondering whether I had taken things too far and thinking of ways in which I could return without arousing suspicion. The fact that I had no visitors made me feel unsure whether I should return or not, ghosting into the everfree was certainly a viable option. If I did want to come back after I had been buried I would have to find a new host and this was completely off limits to me.

My magically preserved self showed no signs of life as it just lay there, eyes closed and face showing the familiar uncomfortable expression I had just before I left the ‘real’ world. The fur had been cleaned and was slightly damp to touch as I ran my supernatural and still invisible forehoof across the chest area of the corpse, at least if I did decide to return, I wouldn’t have to worry about cleaning myself up. The thought of the Nurse cleaning a corpse, my corpse made me shudder. It must have been quite unpleasant for her to hoof clean all of a full grown stallion, let alone a dead one.

“But Princess, it’s my fault, if I hadn’t have..” I heard Twilights voice outside of the door.

Princess? my thoughts ran wild, i’m done for. I panicked and hid under the bed.

The door opened and closed shortly after. From under the bed I could only see four hooves, all white. Twilight was nowhere to be seen so the Princess was alone. Definately done for. I spoke to myself without making a sound. The sound of footsteps made their way over to the seat that I had just been using, pausing before moving to the side of the bed. Behind me.

“Skye Shell I know you are under the bed.” Princess Celestia spoke, shooting fear though my non existent spine. The formality of her voice stabbing through me.

I slowly emerged from under the bed, drifting into a worryingly solid corner and refusing to let my ghost show through. If I could breath I would have held my breath. I searched for a way to leave the room but everywhere was solid, trapping me with a feeling of no control in the same corner. Petrified I saw that celestia was staring at me, which means she was watching me try to evade her.

“I hope you have a good reason for scaring my pupil.” The Princess gave me a hard look, silently judging me with what appeared to be disgust. I was now hated by the Princess, things did not look good for me.

“Princess, look, can’t you see that he’s dead.” Twilight entered the room with teary eyes, accompanied by Miss Shy who was quietly providing support for her friend.

Oh. Well this just gets better. I attempted to leave through the open door but it slammed shut just before I could make an escape. A taste of the Princesses power surged through me as I touched the door handle, sending me to the floor in a heap of ethereal pain. The Princess meant business and I was the target of her anger, she hated Discord less than me and I was only a pegasus.

“Explain yourself Skye Shell.” I wished she would just go away or at least call me Skye. The seriousness was killing me a second time.

“Princess?” A confused Twilight looked at the angry alicorn with a face full of confusion.

I turned to my body, I knew one way to conceal my current state was to return to my shell.

“Don’t even try it.” A magical aura surrounded my corpse as I tried to enter it, ripping at me as I fought my way out of the magic’s clutches.

Possession? I wonder if Princess Celestia would banish me if? I have no choice. I pondered my actions for a moment before crawling my way into a small empty part of Miss Shy’s brain. Her mind was warm and flowing with her elemental power. I wondered if she was aware that despite being a pegasus she had a lot of magical energy. Whilst inside of her, i felt her body stiffen, i hoped the princess did not notice.

Now seeing though Miss Shy’s eyes I saw that the alicorns  jaw was dropped, darting her eyes around the room as she tried to locate me. I was rather disappointed actually, had she been truly able to see me she would have known that if was now inside another.

I felt like I had violated Miss Shy even though she was unaware of my presence. Even though she was my only salvation between being sent to the moon I felt that I had wronged her. If I returned to the living world I would apologize. Hopefully she wouldn’t feel too bad about it.

“Where are you? How?” Princess Celestia’s face dropped. Defeated too quickly, her magic faded from the room as she sat herself down on the cold floor.

With the magic gone and the Princess no longer searching for me I took my chances. I separated myself from the yellow pony and was immediately hit with a cold breeze. Shivering I silently moved over to my limp body, attaching myself to each and every part. Filling the empty spaces with energy and warmth, the sensation overwhelmed me. Sure enough my heart started beating and my lungs filled with air. It was the perfect escape until the heart monitor started. Horse apples.

Apart from Twilight blacking out and Miss Shy sprinting out of the hospital screaming “Zompony”, everything seemed just terrible. Princess Celestia was now standing over me, her mane furiously darting about, threatening to tear out my heart.

“I assume that was supposed to be a Joke?” Whatever the Princess was thinking, it was not good.

“No, but it does look that way I guess.” I saw that Twilight was still passed out on the hospital floor.

“Explain.” the alicorn almost reached the royal canterlot voice.

“Well, I was at Sugar..” I was cut off by the Princess.

“I know that.” Princess Celestia began. “Explain why you thought it would be a good idea to abuse such a horrible gift.” The angered royal regained her calm, making her even more terrifying.

“I wouldn’t say it is horrible.” I defended myself the best I could.

“There are many terrible talents that ponies have used to hurt other ponies, but making yourself seem dead to make another pony feel bad is unacceptable.” The monarch said in a judging tone.

“And torture is?” I immediately regretted standing up to the Princess of Equestria.

“It was barely torture.” She retaliated.

“Are you serious Celestia.” I stripped her of her title as she angered me, my outburst obviously shocking her. “Even though it looked funny, I was still pinned down, unable to move, my body was shouting at me to escape and to top it all off everypony in Ponyville was laughing at me.” Half expecting to be banished on the spot I looked away from the Princess.

“I see.” Was all that could be heard.

“Mister Shell” She began.

“Just Skye.” I interrupted

“Skye, I can see that you felt there was no other option but to use your talent.” The Princess addressed my ability with slight distaste. “However, you did upset my pupil.”

“Princess.” I began

“Just Celestia.” She interrupted. Amused.

“Celestia,” I started cautiously. “I am not sorry that I used my talent”. I stressed talent whilst copying the Princesses word structure. “However, It was not my intention to upset your student.”

The conversation was lifted from a negative experience to a quite positive one, well for me it was positive. Twilight still was laid out on the floor, hooves outstretched and twitching as though she was having a bad dream. I was about to make an addition to my small speech until a group of ponies led by Pinkie Pie approached from the darkened hallways.

“OHMYGOSH” A Rainbow maned mare screamed.

“FLUTTERSHY WAS RIGHT” Screeched another.

“HEGOTTWILIGHT” A small dragon roared, held back by a purple maned unicorn.

“It’s only me...” I spoke to the stunned crowd.

“Would you mind?” Celestia once again shut the door, waving her hoof for the ponies to leave.

“So?” I wanted to hear what Celestia had to say.

“So, I have decided that you must take Twilight along with you on your journey.” Celestia finished her words with a spark from her horn, bringing forth what looked like one of my VIP guest passes.

A sigh of relief passed through my lips as I let my head fall back onto the pillow. At least I didn’t get banished to the moon. A wave of relief passed through me as i let my hooves truly appreciate the Equestrian ground.

“And if you scare my pupil like that again, I will consider sending you to the moon.” Celestia grinned as she saw my worried expression.

*******

“Skye for the last time, no.” Derpy flew away as I chased after her.

“Come on Derpy, hey, HEY, Ditzy Doo.” I spoke her real name, still in pursuit. Derpy stopped, her hoof contacting my face and knocking me back a small distance.

“The name’s Derpy.” She said proudly, recoiling her hoof.

Derpy continued to fly away from me, she was still angry from yesterday’s events at Sugarcube Corner. The wind started to pick up at the same rate as our wing power, shaking Derpy slightly as she flew high above Ponyville. Undeterred I flew straight behind her, joining behind the jet stream that was now forming behind Derpy.

I pushed my wings to their limits as I broke free of the wind walls that Derpy was putting up around me. The sudden increase in speed from my escape sent me shooting up beside Derpy, slowly accelerating, my own jetstream overtook my ability to control my speed. Derpy turned around and away from me as I fought to control my speed. Stopping when she saw that my lack of control was sending me spiralling in all directions.

The wind was now forming a miniaturized tornado with me trapped inside of it. Spinning around and making me nauseous, the lack of control did not cease but only increase. Causing the twister to grow with every second that passed.

“When I get out of this, Derpy is going to get it.” My face was rippling, making my lips hard to move.

“Dude...This is so AWESOME!” The element of Loyalty Miss Dash flew beside me, watching as I kept accelerating.

“No, it really isn’t. What’s going on?” I fought past the inability to speak.

“You’re making the sweetest mid-air twister ever.” Rainbow dash was brimming with excitement as she watched me, unaware that I was dangerously out of control.

“Skye, that’s your name isn’t it? The one from the Radio.” Miss Dash pretended that yesterday did not happen, instead referencing my radio success. “You should totally join my flight team.”

“I hate to say it Miss Dash,” I took a long pause between finishing my reply, fighting the force that was threatening to snap me into smaller chunks of pony. “But, i.” I took another breath. “Help.” I quietly squeezed out my final word before my speed reached terminal velocity, the air ripping through me.

“I don’t get it.” The clueless blue pegasus watched as I became a blur in the impressive tornado.

The tornado collapsed when I came shooting out, still in the flying position. Fortunately the clouds were there to catch me, although the feeling of running into a brick wall was still fresh in my temporarily shattered joints. The soft clouds bounced me along their light surface until I came to a complete stop in which I just lay flat.

“Aww, you were doing so well.” The blue pegasus hovered behind me. “It was still pretty cool I guess.”

“Sure, it was, I meant to fly out anyway.” I lied, trying to return to my hooves.

“Really? it was more like a crash.”  Rainbow dash was persistent in talking about flying when all I wanted to do was try and find Derpy again.

“Nope, I was just practicing crash landings just in case I wipe out for real.” I lied again as I scanned the area below the clouds for Derpy.

“Whoa? deliberately crashing? that’s so... COOL.” The impressed speedster punched the air.

“Yeah, cool.” I continued to search for Derpy, catching sight of a golden mane on a silvery grey coat.

“Well, it’s been fun talking but I gotta dash.” I shot off down to Derpy, leaving Miss dash in the clouds.

“THAT’S MY LINE!” I heard the element of loyalty shout at me.

The air once again rushed passed me as I caught up to Derpy, the difference being that I was in control this time. I could still feel my heart pounding from the ‘slight’ delay but my wings would not allow me to give up on catching Derpy just yet. Growing larger in my view I leaned backwards as to land silently behind my ‘target’ who was buying apples from Miss Applejack. I let her finish before approaching her.

“Come on Derpy, you know I wouldn’t leave you.” I consoled the sullen mail-mare.

“You could have told me what your talent was, but no. Whe whole of Ponyville now knows it so why didn’t I before?” Derpy said her words accusingly, not even glancing at me.

“She only knows because she was there when I discovered it.” I reassured derpy, laying a hoof on her back.

Derpy immediately shrugged off my hoof and sulked, walking towards her home. As I followed Derpy, I could see many faces looking at me, not with hate for my special talent, but with sympathy. To the townsfolk it was like I had been cursed, to which I strongly disagreed with. It would have been great if nobody knew of my secret, but since Octavia could not keep her mouth shut, everybody in Ponyville knew. In a way, it was rather freeing.

“Yeah okay, how did you discover it?” Derpy tried to uphold her negative attitude.

I put on a narrator’s voice, still walking beside the blonde mare. “It was a fine summer’s evening.”

“Too long...” Derpy groaned with a very strong tone of boredom and irritation.

“I got hurt at a halloween party in trottingham and before I knew it I was out of my body; chasing the pony that knocked me over.” I spoke faster than normal, trying to show as little embarrassment as I could.

“Whoa..” Derpy made out, regaining her smile.

“The look on everyone’s faces when there was a green apparition over a dead pony was...interesting.” I gave a little more detail, hoping to win back the happier Derpy.

“Where does Vinyl fit in?” Derpy resumed her interrogation.

“She tried to pick a fight with me while I was a ghost.” I began. “you see, it was her who was playing the music at the party. She was not pleased when I was scaring away everypony on the dancefloor.”

To this Derpy started to chuckle, her laughter relieving me of the worry that she was going to hit me again.

“That’s a great one there.” Said a brown stallion with an hourglass cutie mark, his accent was clearly one from Trotland and he appeared from out of nowhere. “Sorry, i’m The Doctor.” The mysterious earth pony noticed the confusion on mine and Derpy’s faces. “But you can call me Doctor Whooves.” He finished with a friendly tone.

“Are you okay?” I asked the new addition, who was apparently joining us the walk back to Derpy’s home.

“Of course I am, i’m The Doctor, have you ever seen a sick doctor? come to think of it neither have i. Don’t you think that’s strange? A sick doctor. Whatever next? A cyberpony. Wait, forget I said that, wrong universe.” The stallion spoke quite quickly, as if he had just discovered something brilliant. The ‘Doctor’, if he even was a doctor, trailed off away from Derpy and I, still talking to himself.

The sudden appearance of such an oddity created an awkward aura around the mail-mare and I, neither of us sure what to say. I let the hoofsteps continue, as long as Derpy allowed me to walk alongside her, I was content with the silence. The sun was shining bright through the sparse cloud layer, warming the path we were walking on. Although it was still morning, the chill in the air was now completely gone, allowing me to wholly enjoy the walk.

“So, when are you leaving?” Derpy broke the silence.

“Tomorrow.”  I sent back a one word answer, still affected by the silence.

“Oh yeah.” Derpy responded.

“Celestia is making me bring Miss Sparkle.” I started a new topic.

“You mean Princess Celestia.”  Derpy corrected me, frowning at me for failing to add the princesses title.

“Yeah, Princess Celestia was pretty mad at me for a while.” I admitted to the listening pony.

“At least she didn’t banish you.” Derpy tried to lighten the mood.

“She threatened to.” I smiled, gaining a look of horror from the mare beside me.

Derpy and I stopped outside her house. The house was similar to the ones surrounding it. It had yellow walls on the exterior, large wooden beams as supports and a large thatched roof. The area that made Derpy’s house stand out amongst the crowd was that on the right side of the building the windows were all circular, forming the shape of her cutie mark.

The door opened grudgingly as the pegasus pushed it, giving a slight creak. The door needed oil badly but the store was never in stock for some reason. The familiar sound of Plot radio escaped from the confines of Derpy’s house, filling my ears with the most aggravating sounds of mass produced Vinyl Scratch wannabees.

“Derpy, I can’t believe you listen to this rubbish.” I stood outside the door as the pony rushed to stop the source of the offending noise.

“That’s funny.” Derpy called back. “You were on it the other day.”

“Seriously, I had one song and it was pretty awful, looking back at it.” I began, annoyed that the radio was still playing the same old tunes.

“You coming in?” The mares voice called me.

“Okay, sure.” I accepted the offer and stepped inside, closing the door behind me, glad that I was actually wanted after all that happened.

“Do you reckon i’ll hear any more of your ‘awful’ tunes?” Derpy spoke with a degree of sarcasm.

“Doubt it.” I began. “Unless the label decides broadcast some nobody on national radio, I doubt i'll get more than a good experience and a nice paycheck at the end of it.” I finished with a saddened voice, pondering the possibility that the tour was actually a waste of time.

“Too bad. Skye, you want some Coffee?” Derpy peered her head through the kitchen entrance, watching as I sat myself down on her sofa.

“No thanks. I promised my sofa.” I came to a sudden realisation that I was in dire need of Coffee. “Yes please Derpy, black.” I fixed my previous reply.

“You’re a bit odd, you know that right?” Derpy smiled as she returned to her kitchen.

“Look who’s talking.” I retorted. Immediately regretting it.

“What was that?” Derpy said, honestly not hearing my potentially hurtful statement, thank Luna.

“I know, sorry.” I once again mended yet another stupid sentence, although adding ‘sorry’ to the end was not particularly needed.

“Okay, apology accepted.” Derpy used a higher pitch to respond, leaving me wondering if I had said anything else that would have required an apology.

“So, what have you been up to while I was working? Oh, and sorry for not coming out.” I started up a new conversation.

“Nothing much, we already have your replacement. and another delivery-mare just in case.” Derpy spoke cheerfully.

“Replacement? I am not going forever.” Worried, I sat up straight on the sofa.

“Don’t worry, she’s only on work placement, ” The silver-grey pegasus reassured me.

“Phew.” I made myself heard. “Where from?” I questioned.

“Some college in Fillydelphia. She said it was part of her business course to get hooves on experience.” Derpy spoke in a happy mocking tone, mimicking ‘hooves on experience’ with a new accent.

“Miss me?” I sang, noticing that Derpy didn’t think much of her new colleague.

“Kinda. The rookie never talks.” Derpy admitted. “She was like you yesterday, but every day.”

“That bad?” I winced, hoping that Derpy was not mentioning yesterday in an effort to make me feel bad.

“Yeah, hate to say it.” Derpy paused “Especially as I am still mad at you.”

“Oh, sorry.” I genuinely apologised once more as the discourse continued between the kitchen and the living room.

A pegasus walked into the living room on all fours. In her mouth she carried a small brazen tray with two glossy black mugs. The steaming drinks beared a strong aroma that I had become well accustomed to over the weeks I had spent working away from my job as mail-stallion. With a small tap, the tray touched the table, barely allowing the black liquid inside to sway. Derpy pulled away from the table, lifting a drink of her own and sitting herself beside me. I in turn picked up one of the black mugs before returning to find that Derpy had spread herself across the sofa, causing me to prop myself up against its cushioned front and lean my head on her rear hooves.

“I spoke to Octavia yesterday.” Derpy began, taking a sip of her coffee.

“And?” I hid my face with my mane after drinking almost half of the un-equestrianly good drink at once.

“She was pretty upset. Vinyl was too.” I listened with intent.

“So, I am not being hunted?” I joked but was met with a look of disapproval.

“They looked more upset that angry.” Derpy took another sip. “What happened with them anyway?”

“I sort of blamed her for what happened...and kinda called her a bad friend.” I admitted with a not too innocent smile.

“You blamed her for your...death.” The words pushed their way into my head as i finished my coffee, derpy only a quarter into hers.

“Sure, if you want to put it that way.” The smile faded.

“I don’t think anypony would react very well to that kind of an accusation.” Derpy spoke in a wise voice, forcing another grin upon an otherwise frowning face. I felt undeserving of a friend like Derpy.

The only sounds in the room was of Derpy’s gentle consumption of her pleasant scented drink, and of her light breathing as her chest raised and lowered. Although still resting on the floor, i let my head lie back on on its side, using derpy’s warm fur as a pillow i shut my eyes. I intended not to sleep but to enjoy the time i had with somepony that isn’t too upset with me let alone one that could make coffee at what i thought must be royal standards. I could still taste the rich, powerful blend that had graced my unworthy tastebuds.

Derpy, in turn proceeded to make herself more comfortable, trying not to move her rear hooves as she fidgeted her way onto her back. Sighing, Derpy found her comfortable spot, setting her mug down on the floor behind her and letting another short silence create a relaxed setting for the two of us.

The minutes passed by, allowing me to empty my mind and just rest without new, creative thoughts and painful realisations of another unfinished track tearing through my head like a party cannon. More time passed, the light that was shining through the open circular window not allowing me to have a true sleep, only a short ‘nap’ in a semi-conscious state.

“Skye,” Derpy, clearly was not in the relaxing mood, snapping me out of a half decent daydream.

“Yeah.” I replied, half breathing out my word as i ‘woke up’.

“Do you think you’ll meet any famous ponies?” Derpy said, uncomfortably.

“I dunno. Princess Luna is at my first gig, does she count?” I replied. I knew that the night princess did count, and i was ecstatic about the possibility of meeting her, but i wanted to hear Derpy’s reaction.

“Yeah, she counts.” The pegasus said with a depressed voice.

“What’s up?” I asked, concerned but still with eyes shut.

“I am going to be so bored.” Derpy repeated her tone, dragging out her words.

“Why? We don’t really do much besides work together and hang out a bit.” I replied.

“But that takes up most of the day anyway.” Derpy was right. Usually she and i would deliver the mail together, despite it taking longer than it would if we were to take separate routes.

“I guess.” I couldn’t think of anything to say at the time.

“At least i know Twilight is going to be bugging you.” Derpy nudged me playfully with her hoof.

“And Princess Celestia will be watching my every move.” I joked, adding a push to Derpy with my head.

“It could be good for you though.” Derpy began. “The tour that is.” She corrected.

“How so?” I asked Derpy, slanting my head and facing towards where i imagined her face was.

“Well, you could get quite a lot of bits.” The mare paused in thought. “And buy me a house next to you in Canterlot.” Derpy laughed. “Of course you wouldn’t expect me to work, so you would pay for my extravagant lifestyle.” She finished her spoken daydream with a short chuckle.

“Derpy, if i do become that rich.” I hesitated to build tension. “That would only be the beginning.” I put on a Sean Cloppery accent, earning a squee from Derpy.

“Shame that i am going to have to wait.” Derpy was now sporting a more positive attitude.

“You aren’t coming?” I replied, with another large smile.

“Not fair.” Derpy replied.

My ear had become very useful during my studio time for holding various objects. The mane covering my ear also useful for solid storage, due to its thickness and ability to pin things down. even with wind bursting though i imagined this was the only part of my head safe enough to ‘store’ just about anything that would fit, this was proved by the morning’s incident with the twister.

“Oh well. I really wanted you to come.” I played around.

“You’re mean.” Derpy kicked me gently.

“It’s my fault really.” I continued.

“What?” Derpy looked confused.

“I should have invited you earlier.” I produced the pass from the tight confines of my mane prior to opening one eye to catch the silver mares

“Yeah, you should have.” Derpy’s eyes grew as she leaned into my hoof, grabbing the pass and clutching it to her chest. Not taking notice to what she was saying.

“IM GOING ON A FREE HOLIDAY!” That was not the reaction i was expecting but nonetheless was priceless.

Derpy immediately bounced up from the sofa, letting my head hit the warm cushion with a soft thud. The relaxed conversation was no longer existent as the pegasus was both flying around her house and talking to herself with such a speed that i could barely understand half the words. I suppose i did make a meal of it so i just climbed up onto where Derpy had been laying and ignored the noise.

“I gotta tell boss.” Derpy shouted, full of cheer.

“No need.” I said acting ‘cool’ like Vinyl would. “Just sign the pass, wait a few minutes and open the package.” I finished, trying not to sound arrogant, closing my eyes again and placing my hooves in a crossed position behind my head.

“Are you sure?” the pegasus was fly above me with a suspicious face.

“Yeah, now do it before i change my mind.” I moved my front hooves in the direction of the pass.

Derpy flew off into the kitchen in search of a pen, still in mid air but masterfully weaving between furniture. Her great flight ability although commonly overshadowed by her weakness for sugar, had earned her second place in flight camp, right next to Rainbow Dash; a fact that she never let anyone forget. The only instances where Derpy truly was ‘derpy’ were in large social gatherings and when exposed to the sweeter treats that in some instances like halloween and winter wrap up where things may have gone slightly askew. It really was unfortunate that due to these events, and some others, that Derpy had gained a label of being clumsy and not too clever, when the opposite was certainly the truth.

A flash of light escaped the kitchen doorway after a few seconds of derpy rushing for a pen. A second escape of bright light was followed by a small thump upon a wooden surface and a quiet cheer from an excited pony. Along with the parcel’s arrival a frantic ripping of the imagined packaging was audible from my place on the sofa, followed by hoofsteps that appeared to stop behind me.

“What do you think?” A mares voice asked for a positive opinion.

Derpy’s question prompted me to open my eyes and glance directly upwards. Derpy was upside down from my view but a Laminated card hanging onto a lanyard was visible around her neck. Printed on the card was a large and intimidating ‘VIP’ along with a hologram on a watermark of Derpy’s cutie mark. Once again i wondered how they got hold of her cutie mark but for a second time i just let it go, allowing myself enough time to form my response.

“It suits you?” I tried.

“I know! Skye, i was born for stardom.” Derpy made an exaggerated ‘celebrity’ pose.

“VIP...” I spelled out.

“It’s almost stardom, close enough for me.” Her voice still carried positive emotions.

“You don’t mind me asking you this late then?” I asked the still posing pegasus.

“Please change the subject Skye. I honestly don’t care as long as i get away from the same job for a few weeks.” Derpy spoke like Octavia, making the most of her situation.

“So you did miss me.” I spoke with my hand on my hips; an uncomfortable position for lying down.

“I have to go pack.” Derpy looked at the clock above her fireplace. “Oh my gosh there’s simply not much time.”

With her words, a strange deja-vu hit me. Flapping of wings could be heard going up the staircase, along with a trailing blonde tail as Derpy disappeared from sight. Crashes as well as some light cursing were also heard, Derpy not exactly taking her time with finding what she needed to take with her.

“Skye!” Derpy shouted at me. “Help a filly out.”

“Um?” I hesitated, wondering what horrors she would need help with. “What with?” I stalled.

“The wardrobe fell on me, i’m trapped under it.” Derpy shouted again in a monotone voice.

“Seriously?” I laughed.

“Yeah.” an embarrassed voice spoke quieter but was still audible as i slowly ascended the staircase.

Sounds of the banging and pushing of the wood caused me to quicken my pace, not because of worry but of concern for the poor wardrobe Derpy was torturing.

“Coming Ditzy.” I dared.

“HEY! THE NAME’S DERPY.” The mare growled.

Derpy would have punched me if she had the chance and was not trapped in a wooden tomb. Taking the opportunity to exact some more torture, i sat down the fallen wardrobe, picking up a scattered magazine about who knows what and began to have a quick read. The banging of the mare underneath me was not that unpleasant, the beat from her angry hooves making me follow the rhythm with a nodding head.

“Whoa, didn’t know you were into this.” I read a random advertisement, playing it up to be something else as to antagonise the prisoner.

“WHAT?” Derpy fell for the bait “WHAT ARE YOU READING? STOP, LET ME OUT!”

Derpy bashed with all four hooves much harder but was nowhere near the breaking point of the solid oak.

Maybe if she used her plot instead of her hooves she would be able to escape quicker.

“Skye....Pleeeeeaaaaasseeee let me out.” Derpy whined.

“Why should i?” I turned the page.

“Because if you don’t, i will give you a real reason to leave your body.” A trapped pegasus threatened.

“Not good enough.” I remained seated.

“But i really gotta pack!” Derpy complained.

Giving up my position on the fallen wardrobe i placed the boring magazine on Derpy’s bed and stood up. My front hooves found the head of the large oak mountain and gained a grip on the underside. With my wings i provided the lifting force necessary to lift such a weight, keeping my spine straight as the wardrobe continued to tilt back to its rightful place.

As soon as there was enough room for a pony to escape the evil wooden villain, Derpy rolled out from underneath and sat down as i did the actual work. The wardrobe made a satisfying sound as all four of its small legs connected with the carpeted ground and shook a little as it regained its balance.

“How Did you man..” I started before i was jumped.

“Time to die, Skye.” Derpy proudly rhymed.

“What do you have in mind? I can still escape.” I retaliated, rolling onto my front with a smile.

“Not the wings.” Derpy observed as i began to unfurl my folded feathers.

“Rethinking your attack?” My smile grew bigger with every move.

“Nope.” The mare refused to surrender.

Instead of doing whatever it was that Derpy was going to do, she grabbed my left wing, her body still on top of me, and held it in a locked position before i had the chance to evade.

“You’re mine.” Derpy grinned.

“Ouch, hey.” I protested.

“Since this invitation is so...recent.” Derpy began, hooves still locked around my trapped wing. “I didn’t have enough time to save any bits.” my torturer continued. “I could use my rainy day fund, but as a...Gentlecolt,” Derpy exaggerated my title. “You wouldn’t want me, a lady,” Her hooves pulled harder. “To pay for everything myself.” The mare finished.

“But...ow...It’s a free trip.” I winced in pain.

“I know.” A happy voice said. “But there is shopping to be done.”

“Oh no...” My face turned to horror thinking of all the expensive things she would buy.

“I think the answer is.” Derpy yanked, causing my wing-shoulder to make a clicking noise.

“Yes, fine, okay.” I gave in, hoping that the pulling would stop.

Derpy pulled away, letting me clutch my hurt wing.

“Oh, and another thing.” Derpy gave a sadistic laugh.

“This mare is called Derpy...not” The horrifying mare paused. “Ditzy.” She whispered into my ear.

Stepping back, Derpy used her free space to buck let right rear hoof between my outstretched rear legs. The pain felt by my entire body caused me to curl up into a ball. Unable to even leave my wriggling form, my ghost would not budge, instead letting me experience what no stallion should.

“BUCK!” I screamed at Derpy, wincing again as a tear formed in my eye.

“Oh, i’m sorry i didn’t realise.” the sarcastic tone scared me more than Celestia did.

“Not...cool.” I managed to groan.

“Stop whining.” Derpy commanded. “Get up and hold my suitcase.”

I would have ran if i could, but being only able to just about stand on my hind legs i held the suitcase that was roughly forced onto me. I did find this ‘assertive’ Derpy quite endearing, even if she was brutal in methodology.

“A gala dress? really?” I questioned.

“Well yeah....The princesses will be there so i need to look my best?” Derpy responded with ‘derped’ eyes.

“Why?” I asked flatly.

“Why?” A silver pegasus repeated. “Because...I don’t know, i just need the dress.”

“Do you even know the schedule?” I acted smart.

“No. Do you?” Derpy joked, knowing that neither would I.

“Nope.” I admitted, looking at the floor.

“We can ask Octavia.” The mare said as she placed another pointless item of clothing into the suitcase.

“You can.” I started “She might not want to see me.”

“Oh yeah.” Derpy chuckled.

Finished, the excited mail-mare zipped the first suitcase up and placed it on the floor, pulling over another empty bag to take its place. Derpy continued to pack her bag on the floor, paying no attention to my direction. I found my way over to Derpy’s bed and lay down on it, looking at the ceiling and acting like i didn’t need to help. I was halfway through replaying a song in my mind when a loud, interrupting, noise broke through my perfectly timed beat.

“Aren’t you going to get that?” Preoccupied, the packing pony did not look away while speaking.

“Fine.” I followed orders and got up.

I paced my way around the minefield of miscellaneous objects and colourful hats, careful not to break or crease anything. The bedroom door shut behind me as i found the staircase, followed by a musical humming coming from the just-left room. Descending down the stairs, i tried to view who it was who was at the door, but with no view, i continued at a faster pace; trying not to be rude and let the waiting pony stand on the doormat as i found my way to the front door.

“Hel...oh” I stammered as i saw both Vinyl and her marefriend at the door.

“Hello Skye.” Vinyl was the first to speak. unsurprised by me being at Derpy’s house.

“I had a feeling you would be here.” she spoke calmly, too calmly.

“Erm....” was all i was able to make out.

Octavia leaped into a bear hug, a smiling Vinyl watching behind her. Octavia then even more tightly gripped me, starting to crush my chest to the point where i was having second thoughts about the sincerity of such a hug and whether or not it was meant to kill me. The hug carried on, sustained as the grey mare buried her muzzle into her mane.

“I can’t stay mad at you!” The cellist spoke in a way that a pony would speak to a young foal.

“Um...” I was still unable to make sense of the situation.

“What Octavia is trying to say....Is that we’re sorry.” Vinyl had trouble forming her last word.

“And that.” I was shocked that Octavia was not her usual, formal, self.

“What have you done to Octavia?” I glanced at Vinyl.

“She is just a little upset.” Vinyl explained.

“Oh.” I couldn’t form the sentence as another wave of squeezing emptied my lungs of air.

“Im sorry for not helping you, Skye.” Octavia remained rather joyous despite the negative implications of what she just said.

“Uh, Okay.” I spoke with no air present, half using my ghost so that i did not suffocate.

“Skye, your heart.” Octavia backed away.

I let the cool air return to my chest as i pushed my ghost to the corner of my mind.

“Yeah, i did it again. Sorry.” I admitted my foul.

“It’s fine...I’m just not used to it.” Octavia tried not to be a little saddened.

After all, my heart stopped.

“I’ll try and make sure you don’t have to.” I said with honesty, still regaining my earthly balance even though i was only out for a few seconds.

“Can i be the enforcer?” Vinyl interjected.

“Suuuure.” I half heartedly formed.

“Sweet.” The DJ punched the air with after she finished her word.

“So what are you doing with Derpy.” Octavia said in a flirtatious manner, leaning on Vinyl as she aimed her question at me.

“Oh nothing.” I lied.

“Liar.” The mares said in unison, causing a short giggle between them.

“I invited Derpy as my second guest.” I confessed.

“Aww, aren’t you precious. Inviting your marefriend.” Vinyl poked fun.

“She’s not my marefriend.” I spoke coldly.

“Ok sure,” Vinyl put aside her mocking. “Where is she?”

“Packing.” My tone turned positive.

“Oooh, let me help!” The two mares spoke at the same time again, very unlike Octavia but still quite funny.

“She’s upstairs.” I answered.

Vinyl pushed me aside, allowing her partner to enter before she herself walked through the doorway.

“Thanks Pinkie.” Chuckling, Vinyl once again joked about my ‘light red’ eyes.

The partners in music, once fully inside, sprinted up the staircase to meet Derpy and probably cause more chaos than good. With the house shaking the two mares were intent on making the most amount of noise possible as they found Derpy’s room. Derpy must have felt that her house was being burgled with the incredible volume that carried through all of the rooms.

Closing the front door and moving through the living room, I too followed the mares up the stairs but at a much slower and less disruptive, boring, pace. The door was already wide open as i re-entered Derpy’s room, observing the increased pace of how things were now getting done. It was as if the three mares knew exactly what should be taken on the trip, and what should be left behind. Furthermore, the mess since i had left to tend to the ‘guests’ had been cleaned as if by magic, probably Vinyl’s magic. The full black suitcases also amounted to three and were neatly placed together on top of Derpy’s bed.

The three mares were on the fourth suitcase when i walked into the bedroom, making me question whether the amount of things that i had packed, besides my equipment, was enough for the amount of time i was leaving for. If i was short of anything though, i could probably buy what i needed with whatever i earn after a days performance, given that Derpy does not spend everything first.

“Skye, you ready to leave tomorrow?” Vinyl questioned as i leaned against my new wardrobe friend.

“All packed.” I responded with a military voice.

“That’s what i like to hear private.” Vinyl saluted.

“And you?” I returned the question

“Yeah, just about.” Vinyl turned her head to Octavia as she spoke.

“Skye,” Vinyl started. “You have any spare headphones?”

Journey

Chapter 3

“That's the last of this one” The large carriage stallion yelled to his colleague.

“Move it along!” Another working stallion replied.

“We gotta get this convoy going.” Another large pony made himself heard.

“Sure thing Boss.” The worker strapped into my carriage raised his voice.

The convoy was made up of many carriages, most of them with the festival’s lights, rigging and colossal speaker systems. The carriages that were closer to the front of the convoy were those that temporarily ‘housed’ the performers as well as some of the more ‘higher up’ guests. Stallions, all strapped into their wooden contraptions were showing no signs of fatigue, despite an almost non stop journey from Seaddle.

“HEY VINYL, YOU’RE NEXT!” I shouted towards the house about a hundred metres ahead of me.

“Skye, could you keep it down.” Twilight spoke, looking above her latest Daring Do novel.

“Come on Twilight, you’re going to a whole circuit of the loudest concerts in Equestria.” I protested.

“Only because the Princess threatened to send you to the moon.” Derpy interrupted.

“Shut up Derpy, I would have invited her anyway.” I protected my pride.

“Suuuure...” Derpy sneaked back into the front of the carriage.

“The Princess can be a little threatening.” Twilight admitted.

“She almost beat the fur off me.”

“Really?” The purple unicorn smiled.

“Why the smile?” My voice showed irritation.

“I suppose that you have to look after me then.”

“No. I just have to bring you. Derpy already called the bits anyway.” I frowned.

“What bu...”

“You know that everything is already paid for?” I shot an intrigued grin.

“Um...yeah! I did my resea.” Twilight tried to meet my gaze. “Hey don't close your eyes.” The controlling stare failed. “OK I didn’t learn anything, I was too busy!” The mare gave up.

“What would your mentor say.” I joked, spacing out my words.

“Don’t tell Princess Celestia!” Twilight slammed her book down, pleading for my silence.

“I was only teasing.” I opened my eyes and placed a hoof on the worried mare’s shoulder.

Twilight, still bearing a worried face returned to her book, quietly reading out loud to herself.

“Forward to....Miss Vinyl Scratch!” A workforce coordinator commanded.

“AYE!” Most of the convoy bellowed.

The carriage shook gently as the suspension took effect in keeping a level floor. The reason for the tour managers using such expensive and modern carriage modifications (From what Octavia said.) was that the year before, Princess Luna was heard complaining in her coach, this lead to most of the tour’s funding almost being stripped away if nothing was immediately done about the carriages. Of course Princess Luna was not in her coach yet, but when she does, the organisers better hope they got it right if the moon bringer is anything like her sister.

About a minute into the convoy’s short journey we stopped again in front of DJ-Pon3 and Octavia Philharmonic’s house. Octavia was exempt from having to use a VIP pass, as per Vinyl’s demands so Vinyl had two passes to spare. The Guest admissions had to be none other than a beige and mint green couple, the same two that had assaulted me two days ago.

A few stallions repeated the task of loading the passenger’s luggage into the rear of the coach behind my one, the four mares outside having considerably more luggage than I decided was necessary for me to take. While the bags were being carefully stacked on top and beside each other, two earth ponies and two unicorns stepped onto the carriage one by one, quietly talking to themselves. The workers continued their shouting to each other before finally, the carriages began to move once more.

“Eugh...Why did she have to bring them two along.” I spoke to nobody.

“Who?” Twilight entered into a conversation.

“Lyra and Bonbon.” My tone was sour.

“Oh...You’re doomed.” Twilight happily said.

“Why are you smiling?” I demanded.

“You want revenge.” Twilight began. “The Princess will be looking for that.”

“Why do you think I want revenge?” I played innocence.

“Because stallions hate being beaten,” Her voice was happy. “Dash too.”

“You read too much.” A weak retaliation left my lips.

“Thanks, but if I need terrible comebacks, I’ll ask Spike.” The arrogance infuriated me.

“Do you have to come?” I whined.

“The Princess said I have to.” Twilight spoke flatly.

“Do you want to?” Curiosity carried my words.

“No, and yes.” Twilight started. “I want to win my bet with spike, and wouldn't mind going on holiday. But I will miss my library, and of course there is you.

“Oh.” I became disinterested.

“Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful, but to the Princess, not you.”

“Why don’t you like me?” I questioned, looking out of the open window.

“It’s not that I don’t like you...Well it is, but you are not my type.”

“I’m not trying anything on.” Annoyed, my response came through my teeth, almost whispering but just loud enough to make myself heard.

“What is your type.” I coldly demanded.

“Readers, intellectuals, interesting characters.” Twilight listed

“I did get top of my class in reading.”

“Do you read now?” Twilight persisted in her condescending tone.

“I just read Lord of the Hayflies.”

“You’re into Goldhoof?” Twilight looked shocked.

“It’s the only Goldhoof I have read, I prefer non-fiction anyway.” I admitted.

“Me too, the non-fiction that is, I’ve read all of Goldhoof’s works, you should come by the li...” Twilight stopped and returned to her novel.

“What were you going to say?” A mischievous grin grew on my face.

“Oh nothing.” Twilight lied.

“You know, I have a signed copy of that book you’re reading.”

“It’s a novel, Skye. And if you did, I would know.” Twilight became defensive

“Vinyl gave it to me, she got it from the author herself.” I childishly held something against her. “I might give it to the Orphanage to be honest, Vinyl would want it to be appreciated.” my words probed for a reaction.

“You can’t!” Twilight stood up.

Gotcha.

“Ha. Anyway, do you know Princess Luna.” I quickly changed topics.

“Um..Yeah.” Twilight sat down. “Why?”

“Is she like her sister?” my red-glassed pink eyes grew.

“Not really”

“In a good way?” Regretfully, the only experience with royalty has been negative for me.

“What do you mean a good way? Luna’s really nice I guess but...” Twilight froze mid sentence.

“But?”

“Princess Luna. She’s not as... Forward as her sister. A little introverted actually.” Relief hit me.

“Phew.”

“What do you mean ‘phew’.” Twilight slammed her novel on the table, clearly offended.

“Princess Celestia isn’t exactly my favourite Alicorn.” I said with sarcasm.

“She couldn’t have been that bad.”

“Try having her rig the door to send a magic feedback.” I paused, thinking of ways to exaggerate. “Or having her trap you outside your body with dark, painful spell casting”

“From what I heard, you were already outside of your body.” Twilight raised an eyebrow.

“That’s not the point.”

“It is, your talent carries very dangerous magic.”

I’ve heard this before.

“I am pretty sick of my skill being treated as negative.” A protest escaped with a scowl.

“It’s not positive.” Twilight Objected.

“It is comfortable though.” I laughed.

“You shouldn’t have it.” The purple mare looked at the floor.

“Why?” I responded, interested.

“Necromancy is outlawed in Equestria. The Princess won’t even let me read about it.”

“It’s hardly necromancy when it is just me.” I challenged.

“Sure it is...You can...” Twilight stopped. “What can you do?”

“Can’t tell you.” I smiled.

“The Princess won’t mind. I could....I could say I was spying on you. That’s if she caught me somehow. I wonder if she is watching me now...” Cautiously, Twilight cast a spell.

“Hey, not in the carriage.” Derpy poked her head out.

“Thanks Derpy...”

“OK, but don’t do it again!” Derpy spoke with an authoritative voice.

“She isn’t watching us.” Twilight whispered.

“So...?”

“Tell me about it!” The unicorns eyes grew wide with anticipation.

“Erm...I can leave my body.”

“I know that already.” Her eyes persisted.

“I can enter another.”

Twilight began to take notes.

The last sentence caused Twilight to look up in annoyance, remembering what I had (unfortunately) had done to Miss Fluttershy. Still, she continued to take notes, occasionally glancing up from her furious writing.

“The Princess will want to hear of this.” Twilight muttered.

“No big deal though...Right?” I searched for an answer.

“Potentially dangerous.” Her words sounded like a sentencing.

“Oh.”

“Skye, would you mind showing me yourself. Without yourself.” Twilight tried for the right words to use.

“Later.”

“Why?” Disappointment was clear on her face

“I’m starving.”

“But this is important! The Princess is counting on me!” Twilight covered her muzzle with a hoof.

“So, you’re a spy now?” My interest peaked.

“....eep.” The book became her shield.

“After breakfast.”

“That would be great.” Twilight stammered, lifting herself above the paper wall. unaware at how far away breakfast would be.

*******

The service station was now packed with empty carriages outside, and chatting stallions within.

Everypony who chose to come into the station was now either devouring a large breakfast or shopping in the small gift shops. I however, opted to fill my quite empty stomach, accompanied by a watchful unicorn and an equally hungry Pegasus.

“I wanna eat at La Fancy's” Derpy bounced along, almost shouting into my ear

“Go ahead.” I spoke as I eyed the salad selection at another, unbranded and unpacked cafeteria.

“You coming Twilight?” Derpy looked towards Twilight.

“Um..no, I fancy some unsalted-salad right now.”

“Sure you do.” I led the way, Derpy going in the opposite direction.

I stood upright against the cafeteria’s self service rail and picked up a tray along with a large, white porcelain bowl. Carrying the tray in my hands I moved over to where the large colourful blend of leaves and vegetables were resting. Twilight was closely mimicking my movements as if she had never been to a service station canteen before, although I did not mind having company, the looks from the working stallions were quite off-putting.

“Skye, are we supposed to do that?” Princess Celestia’s pupil asked with caution.

“Sure, it’s self service, take what you like.”

“Okay.” Twilight hesitated as she filled her bowl.

As soon as both trays were filled with equally appetizing selections of food and drink, the purple mare and I edged across the guide rail to the cash machine.

“That will be seven bits sir.” A bored cashier said in a monotone voice.

“Skye.”

“And hers please.” I sighed.

“fourteen bits.” The attendant corrected.

“Thank You.”

I handed over four bits prior to taking my full tray between my teeth and carefully returning to all fours. There were quite a few empty tables to choose from, but Twilight seemed intent on finding a table close to the large window that spanned the whole of the cafeteria. Following Twilight to the table with six chairs, I internally questioned her table choice before placing my tray down and sitting across from her.

“You had to get the largest table.” I criticized.

“It has the best view.” Twilight responded

“Of what?”

“Equestria!” hooves waved in the air as if Twilight had told a joke.

“Kay.”

We both began to devour our morning meal, not paying any attention to each other except for the occasional look at how far through the meal the other was. I took my time eating, allowing the time to pass as Twilight slowed down and allowed herself to enjoy the food. In the near distance I could see Vinyl, Octavia, Lyra and Bonbon as well as Derpy sitting down in the La Fancy’s seating area. Seeing the mares laugh together was depressing for me, but having Twilight slightly lifted my spirits, even if she was only a spy.

“Finished?” I gained Twilight’s attention.

“Yes.” She smiled back.

“Shall we go back to the carriage?”

“No. I’m going to go sit with the girls.” Twilight got up.

“Oh. Okay.”

“Want to come?” Twilight poked her hoof at me.

“Um...yeah, go on then.”

“Go on what?” Twilight looked confused.

“Lead the way...”

We took our empty trays to a large rack with ‘used’ displayed above it. Immediately after, the two of us crossed the large hallway and into the La Fancy’s seating area, taking in the smell of processed food as we approached our destination. Work stallions were beginning to leave the restaurants and gift shops to return from their much needed break, alleviating the feeling of being constantly watched.

“Hello Twilight” An elegant voice greeted the lavender unicorn

“Hi Twi” Her mare friend grinned behind her glasses.

“Yeah, hello Twi.” Two voices spoke in time with each other. “And you...Skye.”

Vinyl and Octavia’s guests were less than happy to see me, and I would have it no other way.

“You two are looking lovely today.” I addressed Lyra and Bonbon, gaining the upper hand.

“What, and I don’t?” Vinyl searched for attention.

“Nope, the glasses don’t do it for me.”

“Buck you.” The white pony laughed.

“Was there anything you wanted? Twilight? Skye?” Octavia turned to the new arrivals.

“Since I am coming on this trip.” Twilight skipped past usual conversational norms. “I would like to know how much free time I will have.”

I didn't expect that.

“You’re a guest, do what you like.” Vinyl interrupted.

“I could...yes, I could visit historic...”

“Wait, wait, wait. This is a festival.” Twilight was stopped in her tracks.

“but you said I cou..”

“Have fun, the buck is wrong with you?” Once again the librarian was cut off.

“Vinyl, language.” Octavia jumped onto her partners ‘bad’ language.

“History is fun.” Twilight sulked.

“It really isn’t” Lyra butted in.

“Who asked you?” I gave Lyra an uninterested frown.

“Shut up Skye.” Bonbon defended her partner.

Ignoring Lyra and Bonbon, I sat down next to Octavia.

“You really need to get over yourself Skye.” Lyra finally thought of something to say.

“Cool.”

“Would you stop this?” Octavia spoke up. “This argument has gone on for too long.”

I could laugh at the cliché.

“What argument?” I played along.

“How was I supposed to know that it wouldn’t work.” The mint green pony leaned in.

“The fact is, you shouldn’t try to change a pony’s gender with a half baked spell.”

“Oh my.” Twilight chuckled.

“It would have worked.” Bonbon started. “But you kept squirming.”

“Squirming?” Twilight questioned.

“They tied him up, tried to turn him into a mare and failed.” Derpy explained.

“So...What’s the problem?”

“The problem is.” I began. “I was knocked unconscious, then woke up in a basement.”

“Sounds like the first time you came to one of my shows.” The white pony joined in. “What actually happened anyway?”

“At the show?”

“No, with Lyra.”

I took in a short moment of silence before removing my left contact lens. Sparking a few laughs from the grey and lavender mares, as well as a smug grin from another crème pony, I revealed a ‘pink’ eye.

“That’s all folks.” I said, replacing the lens.

“It’s so pretty.” Derpy laughed.

“Most befitting.” Twilight added.

“Is that it.”

“The nurse managed to fix the rest.” I responded to Vinyl with a positive tone, trying to not become the depressing pony of the group.

“Like what?”

“Most of my skeleton.” I now caught onto the humour of my misfortune.

“How in Equestria did they manage that?” Twilight stared at my muzzle, awaiting every word.

“With some pretty risky surgery, a lot of nasty medicine, and a cart load of bits.”

“How much out were you?” Octavia hadn’t gotten this far before. She hadn’t lived in Ponyville as long as I.

“Downsized my house.” I laughed it off.

“I can see why you would be mad.”

“Yeah, but looking back on it.” I planned my next sentence. “I did get to know lots of ponies better, them helping me move in and all.”

“Like Rarity?” Octavia was quite a fan of how my home looked.

“Yeah, after I had saved up enough bits.”

“So, you furnished your own home?” A shock-horror look formed on Octavia’s face.

“Yeah....”

“I helped!” Derpy added.

Octavia looked as though she was going to faint.

“So what happened to your old home?” the question came from Vinyl, who was still drinking her milk shake.

“They moved in.” I gestured in the direction of Lyra and Bonbon, both of them backing off slightly.

“Ouch.”

“Yeah, but I guess it’s in the past.” I once again made the situation feel like a joke.

“That’s the spirit Skye.” Octavia nodded.

“This would make a great letter to the Princess.” The purple mare beamed.

Twilight ejected from the table and began to rush to the carriage in search of some parchment and a pen.

“Spirit Skye?” Vinyl repeated. “Fitting.” she mumbled.

Lyra and Bonbon couldn’t help but smirk

“Stage name?” My eyes fixed on Vinyl.

“Not exactly creative.” Vinyl said bluntly, remembering that she was the mare that said it.

“At least people would be able to say it.” I remarked.

“What is so hard about DJ PON3? I still can get over ponies pronouncing the three.” Vinyl groaned, collapsing her hooves onto the table.

“We should really get back to the carriages.” The interruption came from Bonbon.

“Yeah, I can’t wait to blow up Canterlot!” Vinyl shouted.

Some security stallions eyed Vinyl, tensing their rear legs and about to pounce at any sudden move. Tumble weed from out of nowhere crossed the tiled floor.

“Don’t mind her, she’s just very special!” Octavia addressed the alerted staff. “Just look at her mane.”

“What about my mane?” Vinyl clutched her blue strands, making sure nothing was wrong.

“We’re going to be late.” Lyra sang nervously.

“Lets go.” I commanded. “Octavia, cover your mare friend’s mouth, I don’t want an incident.”

So that’s what a Canterlot guard feels like.

“Vinyl?” I addressed the white unicorn as we made our way out of the station’s interior.

“Yeah?”

“How did you manage to get three passes?” I enquired.

“You gotta know these things to be queen.”

“Octavia did it.” I disregarded Vinyl’s words.

“Yup.”

“So...” Lyra spoke up, although in an anxious voice.

“What?” Vinyl assumed she was the target.

“No, Skye.” Lyra started. “What music are you going to play.”

Breaking down tensions already?

“Actually, I am also quite interested in this.” Octavia didn't spare a glance.

“Erm..I did some french barn, progressive barn, some smooth dubclop, glitch, aaaand a bit more that I can’t tell you about.” I teased hesitantly.

“Why?” Lyra was more forward.

“It’s kind of a surprise.”

“How much did you make?” Vinyl walked alongside me. “You never left your house.”

“Too much...” I moaned.

“you must have been burnin’ on empty.” Vinyl copied a farm-pony accent.

“Vinyl, please speak properly.” Octavia lifted her muzzle proudly.

“Too long.” I spoke with a feigned tiredness.

“I for one, cannot wait.” Bonbon tried, with difficulty, to be pleasant.

We stepped up to the entrances of our respective carriages, still in speaking distance.

“Hey Stallion dude!” Vinyl’s energy in everything shone.

“Yes Miss Scratch.”

“Vinyl.” The electric blue maned pony corrected.

“OK, Miss Vinyl Scratch.”

“How long till Canterlot?”

“About seven hours if we make good pace.” The work stallion showed off.

With that, we entered our coaches and took out seats. Derpy was immediately at the front of the carriage, standing over the Stallions and engaging in conversation with them once again. Twilight was busy writing her letter to the Princess, already a page into her essay despite having minimal knowledge of the events that transpired between Lyra, Bonbon and I. My backside found its place next to a pre-installed mini-record player with a pair of Bosaddle headphones.

Putting the headphones on, I searched for a mini-record that I would want to listen to, only to find a goldmine of Daft Pony. I felt that Celestia, or more likely, Luna had blessed me with such brilliant entertainment for my journey. The black disk fit perfectly into the small player, even operating itself without the aid of magic or manual trickery. The disk began to spin and the music began to play as I sat next to Twilight, slouching back on the comfortable seat.

Hopefully nopony trips on my wire.

*******

“Huh, what? where am I?” I clung onto my soft pillow. My soft breathing pillow.

“Hello Skye, were here.” A mares voice rang kindly in my ears.

This is just like my dream.

I could hear more mares laughing.

It was at this point when I became semi-aware of my surroundings, and of a purple unicorn that my hooves were wrapped around.

“Oh buck.” My voice was clearly heard despite my whispering.

“So, you gunna let go?” Vinyl, yes that was her name. Vinyl was already poking fun.

“She’s actually really comfortable.” I was still disconnected from the real world.

“Yes, and Princess Celestia would be ve...” Derpy stopped as I fell of the chair, hard.

“Um..sorry Twi.” I rubbed my eyes. My hooves remained locked around her.

The headphones that I had been wearing were thankfully placed neatly on the table and were not crushed underneath me. The long cord had also been taken care of, wrapped around the headphones in a neat coil.

The carriage had stopped moving, the flickering light from the window now turned to darkness. Instead of yellow, filtering sunlight, a dimmer and more beautiful source of luminescence had taken it’s place. Luna’s moon was still trying to get as much sleep out of me as possible, feeding off my slumber as if it were food, almost like a changeling.

five more minutes...

“You can stop now.” Twilight seemed vaguely irritated, peeling my fur away from hers.

“Hey...stop...that.” I groaned with tiredness after being awoken prematurely.

three more minutes?

A blurred vision of a white pony became more clear as it closed in on me, half obscured by shadows.

“Get up now.” The same pony instructed with a stern voice.

“Gimme a minute.” I mumbled. “Hey...what? HEY THAT HURTS.” Vinyl began to twist my mane.

“Now that you’re up.” Octavia eerily emerged.

“What time is it?”

“Eight. But now you are up.” Octavia repeated herself. “We have to get to the hotel.”

“You woke me up to go to sleep somewhere else?” Aggravated, I let myself fall on the table in front of me.

“Come on Skye...” The grey musician grabbed my hoof and began to drag me out of the carriage.

“Everybody’s still in theirs!” I protested, looking at all of the lights present in the convoy.

“You don’t expect us to sleep in them do you?” Octavia criticised my words. “Besides, the night is young...Lightweights”

What has Vinyl done to her?

“What do you have in mind?” A mint green pony and her mare friend emerged from the darkness.

“Pub?” the white DJ suggested

I want to go home.

“Can you just tell me where the hotel is?” My pleading came across quite clearly.

“Actually, I wouldn’t mind an early night.” Twilight spoke out, standing beside me.

“I wanna get drunk!” Derpy bounced over to Vinyl, hoof-bumping her on arrival.

From where we were standing, it looked like an enlarged carriage-park, the floor tarmacked and marked with white painted lines, of which all were ignored. Signs above the ground displayed images of turntables and portraits of the more well known performers. Everywhere was poorly lit with half-working enchanted lamps, providing no other purpose than lighting up the directional signs that made no sense whatsoever. Behind us was a crescent of yellow that made up the long convoy, the stallions who were pulling them, gathered around a single coach.

“It seems I will be catching up.” Octavia spoke to the less tired ponies. “And for the love of Celestia, don’t do anything stupid while I am gone.”

“Okay Tavi.” Vinyl spoke sweetly.

“Lyra, tie her up if you have to.” Bonbon joked.

“Don’t drink too much Derpy.” Grey mother stared at the Pegasus.

“Stop talking. Hotel. Now. Tired.” I halted the dragged out goodbye.

The leading earth pony waved her head as to motion for us to follow, one of her suitcases already in tow.

“The bags will be taken to your rooms.”

Other ponies handling my luggage is quite an off put.

“Erm..sure, lets just go.” I was too tired to argue that I didn’t want everything done for me.

Under the yellow lit lamp, I followed Octavia, trotting on recently laid paving slabs and taking in the city air. The ripe scent of fast food, alcohol, and greed fuelled indulgence was hanging in the neon streets, already inviting mares and stallions alike to a night that most would probably forget the day after. Music escaped from the enticing bars and clubs, sending out wave after wave of bass driven ear destruction, which was all too familiar when you have a friend that drags you along to such ‘fun’ places. The temperature was already starting to drop.

Continuing past the roads that looked almost identical was, to say the least, confusing. I was quite relieved that I had a guide, even if it was Tavi.

“How do you know where to go?” I yawned.

Seriously, how am I tired? it’s eight.

“This doesn’t even look like Canterlot.” Twilight remarked.

“We’re in the under city, the sky is just a spell.” Octavia explained to Twilight’s surprise.

“Really? The Princess never mentioned this place.”

“There is not much to say about it.” the cellist remained in the lead.

“The building are so...huge.” Twilight continued to survey the surroundings.

“When you think about Canterlot, you think it being upper class with beautiful architecture and of course the Princesses. The under city is the less talked about home for the...Average pony and the party type.” Octavia kept her pace as she spoke. “Nopony speaks about it because why would you?”

We approached a large, triangular, glass building with a very formal red carpet. Golden rails and dressed up unicorns tended to arriving guests as we advanced without attracting attention. The sudden change from the loud city to an Octavia style scene was quite welcome as I was quite sure that it meant a warm bed soon. The hotel looked quite expensive, making me question whether this hotel was the one included in my contract.

“This is our stop.” Octavia proudly paced down the soft carpet, passing the large guards and stopping at the entrance of the hotel.

“Are you considering staying?” I spoke to the leader, now suspicious of why she was dragging a suitcase.

“Not exactly, I need to prepare though.” Octavia passed through the open doors, thanking the greeter.

“Prepare for what?” Twilight ended her silence.

“Drunk mares.” The musician frowned.

The hotel reception was minimalistic with modern design furniture sparingly covering the interior, and the ceiling almost too high. Greys, golds and blues made up the front desk where two ponies sat behind, waiting for Octavia to make the first move.

“Good evening.” Tavi stepped towards the desk.

“Can I help you madam?” One of the ponies behind the desk, a tall and slender burgundy earth pony began, correcting her rosewood mane.

“Reservations for Octavia Philharmonic and Vinyl Scratch.” Octavia politely replied.

“Perfect, That will be room one-hundred and forty-four. I will have somepony take you to your room.”

“Thank You.” The grey mare moved away, allowing me to walk forward.

“Erm. Hi.” I started, rubbing my eye and almost losing a lens.

“Good evening sir. Can I help you?” The receptionist looked a little wary at a sudden change of character.

“Yeah, um, I’m Skye.” Formality was making me anxious.

“Yes...Here we are, mister Shell is it?”

“Skye please.” I corrected.

“Okay mister Skye, Room one hundred and forty-five. I will have somepony take you to your room.” I took note of how close I was to Octavia, by extension, how close to a room full of drunk mares I was.

Is this a dream come true or a nightmare?

“Thanks.”

I stood back and allowed Twilight to take her turn, watching as she followed the same procedure. The lobby was beginning to fill up with new arrivals, each forming an addition to the growing queue. The quiet ambience of the room had turned into a static chattering, hotel staff rushing everywhere to tend to their guests. Some of the ponies entering the hall were, by any ponies standards huge celebrities. All manner of the rich and famous entered the hotel. They were all arriving, and at the same hotel as me as luck would have it.

I better not say anything dumb.

“Skye, stop staring at the cat.” Octavia noticed me following a certain cat sitting upright on a famous ponies head.

“Where’s the attendant?” Twilight returned to the trio looking confused.

“With the famous ponies.” My eyes remained glued to the strange cat.

“Shall we just go?” Octavia nudged my ribs.

“Um, yeah, sure.”

“I’m in room one hundred and forty-” The unicorn attempted to spark up a conversation.

“Six” I interrupted.

“Yeah....” Twilight frowned. “I wonder if they have any stationary.”

I facehooved.

“Why would you need stationery?” I followed Octavia to the elevator on the left hoof side of the check in desk, speaking without much enthusiasm.

“I promised the girls I would write to them.” Twilight spoke with an exhausted expression.

“All of them?”

“Uh-huh.” The purple mare nodded.

The elevator opened opened as we approached it, revealing an attendant standing next to the buttons. Octavia was the first to step forward.

“Room 145.” The Cellist spoke confidently to the straight faced mare.

“Certainly Madam.” The attendant calmly pressed the gilded panel, her hoof making contact with the number seven button.

The elevator ascended, slightly throwing me off balance, the handrail kept me from colliding with Twilight. With a quiet buzz, the large, ascending contraption climbed the levels of the hotel, lighting up the different numbers on a large panel that rested above the doors and giving a small tap of a bell sound as each floor was reached. Octavia was clutching the handrail for dear life, clearly not happy about being in this closed in space despite her choosing to use it.

The elevator came to a steady halt, once again shaking at the sudden change in motion. Twilight waited patiently as the doors slowly opened, but only to be shoved out of the way by a claustrophobic grey pony.

“Thanks.” I addressed the attendant as the lift door closed, the mare smiling in return.

“That was rude...” Twilight looked at the recovering musician.

“Sorry Twilight, I forgot that I didn’t like lifts.” Explaining her position, Octavia regained her composure.

“Can we just go to the rooms? Please?” I begged the mares.

My room was lit with light energy spheres that were dotted around on the ceiling like stars. The glowing orbs granted view of a large carved and polished oak bed frame, supporting an equally massive mattress and set of regal blue sheets. Upon the over sized pillows there was a small button shaped object wrapped in green tinfoil. Beside the bed was a desk with a chair, a long corner sofa and a huge speaker system. The hotel room resembled a flat more than anything else.

Upon walking further into my new home for the night, I found that on the right there was an enormous bathroom that would come in useful following a long sleep. if I got any. The bathroom contained a bath the size of a hot tub, a sink that was transparent as well as some very stylised mirrors and a hidden away toilet. Unlike the rest of the main hotel room, the bathroom was painted a deep purple opposed to a matte cerulean.

I found my way over to the sofas that had an amazing view of the under city through a glass window that formed a wall. The corner seat was just how I expected it to be, if not better, its plush cushions and velvet-soft material felt just like there was another pony underneath me. The Sofa would have felt awkward and a bit perverted if it was not so unbelievably warm and comforting, I decided I would leave the bed be.

My body made little effort to find the one comfortable position to sleep in, instead spreading out to make the most of the divine cosiness. With nothing to think about beside tomorrow's concert, which on its own should be enough, I made an effort to imagine what life would be like if I had the bits to live like this every night. Content with my imagination’s findings, I let myself fall asleep.

“Hhhey, Wakee uupps.” A drunken voice disturbed my slumber.

“Yesh! Wakey Wakey!” Another intoxicated mare slurred her speech.

“Where ish Octy? Hider!” The first mare shook my still collapsed head.

Feeling disgruntled from a rude awakening, yet surprisingly more alert than last time, I lifted myself into a sitting position. Vinyl was obviously drunk, as was Derpy. Lyra and Bonbon were worryingly nowhere to be seen.

“Wheresh my Octy?” Vinyl laughed, swaying like a cliché.

“Vineey you are crazy!” A hyperactive mail mare bounced around the room.

“Octavia’s next door.” I nervously looked at Vinyl walking into the bathroom.

“I fell icky.” Vinyl’s tone changed to discomfort.

“Oh buck no.” I muttered to myself as I followed the white inebriated pony.

“WHERESH OCTY?” her voice became that of anger.

“NEXT DOOR!” Meeting her volume, I hoped to get the message across.

“I feel icky.” Vinyl repeated herself.

“You said.”

“I want Octy.” The DJ threw up mostly fluids into the toilet bowl.

“As much as I’d love for you to get out.” I thought on the spot.

“OCTY!” Vinyl wailed.

“You aren’t going anywhere, Octavia would kill me if I sent you over there.” I regretted my necessary decision, giving into survival instincts.

“I wanna go in the tub!” Derpy was falling about the bathroom.

“Buck no, you’ll drown.” With an authoritative stare, Derpy backed down.

“Awww....I’m not that drunk.” The grey pony tried.

“I’m not taking any chances.”

“OCTY!” The persistent DJ wailed.

“I’m sleepy.” Derpy complained

I bet Celestia did this.

“Go sleep on the bed.” I waved the standing mare away.

“Good idea, you so smart Skye! You coming?”

“I’ll pass.” I turned to comfort Vinyl, trying to stop the noise more than anything else.

“You know where to find me.” Derpy winked before stumbling away, making me feel guilty for considering her offer for a moment.

“Vinyl, come on. Get it out.” I awkwardly spoke to the heaving mare.

“I need a drink.” Vinyl attacked the toilet seat with more vomit.

“I think not....” Replying to Vinyl, I took a bath towel and wiped her face.

“You real nice Shkye, but I want OCTY!” Groaning, Vinyl hung her head in the toilet.

“Yeah and I’m pretty sure she wants you too.” My sarcasm went undetected on the drunk pony.

“VINYL?” A voice echoed from outside the bathroom.“WHERE ARE YOU?”

Octavia somehow had gotten into the room. And was not happy.

“I TOLD YOU!” Her voice bellowed.

“Sorry Octy, gimme a kish.” Vinyl was just about loud enough to attract the grey mare.

Octavia stormed into the bathroom, holding her small suitcase like a weapon. Her eyes showed anger and frustration towards her drunk partner as she continued to advance with a hostile stance. Octavia’s lip curled into a bite with every step forward that she took, her fur also starting to show signs of stress.

“Hey, calm it!” I stepped away. Octavia changed her direction to intercept me.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH VINYL?” The angry Octavia swung her suitcase but missed.

“What are you doing?” I desperately avoided another lunge, speaking between movements.

“ONCE I CAN FORGIVE!” Octavia took a diving shot and missed.

“Here let me help.” My hoof met Octavias, only to have her pull me down whilst she recovered from the fall.

“BUT A SECOND!” Octavia smashed the suitcase into my skull a first time.

A warm liquid escaped from a gash in my fur. The red substance stained my hoof as I wiped it away.

“Hold on!” My voice was distorted from the shock of another blow.

I tried to stand but was met with another blow to the face, and another. It wasn’t too painful, the blows did rather little damage other than making me bite my tongue and gaining a few odd scratches. It was the bigger gash on my cheek I was worried about.

“Octavia, what in the name of Equestria are you doing?” A purple unicorn mare entered the bathroom.

“Beating the living parasprites out of Skye.” Octavia spoke with satisfaction.

“Could you stop?” Twilight rolled her eyes.

“Give me a moment.” Octavia replied calmly, yet violently, stamping on my chest.

“The buck?” I groaned out, Octavia being the second mare in less than a week to kick my ‘weak spot’

“Hey Octy, whash you doing to Skye?” Vinyl lifted her damp mane out of the toilet.

“Skye was taking advantage of you dear.” The grey pony spoke kindly to her partner.

“Oh, Okay.” The toilet was once again greeted by a barrage of Vinyl’s vomit.

“No...ow...I wasn’t, she came in my room.” I protested Octavia’s accusation.

“Then what is Derpy doing on your bed.?” Her suspicion was valid, her methods of dealing with it however, were a bit drastic.

“I told her she could sleep there...Bucking hell. I was doing the right thing.” My extremities were on fire.

“It does look kinda weird Skye.” Twilight was now in Octavia’s mindset. “But really? Octavia’s mare friend?”

“You wanted me to let them wander into some other Stallion’s room?” Octavia stopped.

“At least I know you’re clean....” My attacker aired a condescending tone. “it is still not okay.”

“Neither is assault.” I curled up, regretting my words.

“ASSUALT?”

Oh Alicorns no.

“I’LL SHOW YOU ASSUALT.”

OHSWEETCELESTIA’SPLOT

“Wait no, NOOO!” Octavia gripped my mane and dragged me over to the over sized bathtub.

“Let’s wash that blood off.” An evil voice from behind crawled up my spine.

“Please let me go.” My pathetic words made Octavia laugh.

My head was forced under before I had a chance to breath. The aqua blue water forced itself into my mouth and down towards my lungs. Unable to escape, I let myself go limp, attempting to pretend to be dead. Before I could call myself an idiot, I remembered I didn’t need to breath. I yet again curled up, but inside my head as a ghost, waiting for Octavia to release me. Expecting another beating after I returned to my living form, I decided I would wait a bit.

“Get the buck back in your body, you lowlife pony scum.” If nightmare moon could be an earth pony, she would be Octavia right now.

“NO!” I shouted without moving my lips.

“I will break every bone in your Pegasus body, one by one, until you do.” Octavia’s voice was still as high class as ever, which made it even more terrifying. Twilight, also petrified, sat shaking in the bathroom doorway.

“Um...Octavia....Don’t you think it’s time to....stop?” Twilight’s eyes shrunk in horror of my beaten corpse.

“Dear, I'm not finished.” The sadistic cellist gave Twilight a kind look.

“I think im going to call security.” I said from inside my bodies head.

“I’ll cut your wings off Skye, I swear I will. Nobody touches my Vinyl...Let alone take advantage of her.”

“What do you want from me?” I saw Octavia pulling out one of my feathers.

“Tell you what.” Octavia stopped. “Give me your body for an hour or two.”

“What? Why?” I ghosted outside of my limp self.

“No reason. I think Twilight would be interested too.” The musician looked at a pondering Twilight.

“Yes.” Twilight nodded. “Skye promised me anyway...”

“Don’t bake me into cupcakes or anything...and no funny business.” I set out the rules even though I was in no position to bargain.

“Your body will be in full working order.” Octavia brought another Discordian grin.

“I don’t really have a choice.”

“Can you start your heart again by the way.” The lighter voice displayed that Octavia was calming down.

“Why?” I wasn’t sure if I could. “It would be so much easier not to.”

“Just do it Skye.” Octavia interrupted.

“I’ll try, don’t break anything.”

I recollected a movie in which a ‘chosen-pony’ brought another character back to life by reaching into her chest and ‘squeezing’ her heart. What could be so hard about that? Imitating the character’s actions, I over dramatically placed my hoof into the cooling corpse and began to squeeze the rubbery organ, manually pumping blood through my lifeless form. As if by a god-like creature’s magic, the process worked. My eyelids remained closed as my chest started to rise and fall without my intervention. I felt like Doctor Frankenhoof.

“Splendid.” Octavia gripped my ‘living’ body’s hoof and dragged it towards Twilight.

“Wow, that was actually amazing. And illegal!” Twilight showed a mixture of delight and wariness.

“Please. Don’t tell the Princess.” I begged the librarian.

“I’m sorry Skye, she’s my teacher, so...I have to.” Twilight looked too happy.

“Come along Twilight, Vinyl. Derpy can stay.” Octavia stared death, warning me not to go anywhere near the sleeping Pegasus.

“But Octy...I wansh to shtay!” Vinyl whined like a foal.

“Vinyl, this is going to be fun.”

“Please don’t do anything horrible.” My eyes grew, pleading.

“Okays, but I gets to choosh the beats.” The DJ was embarrassingly cute, even with a vomit stain on her white coat. I wish I had a camera.

“Of course Vinyl. But do hurry.”

*******

Again as a ghost, I found myself in much more comfortable form than my weighty body. I tried to keep everything the same, my movement, my senses, and my apparition to a certain extent. My translucent self was obviously ghostly, but it kept the green colours and cutie mark that I had become so fond of. I however did change my eyes to a crimson, just because I could. My ghost still had the ability to physically interact with anything a live pony would, so I got to work on making sure none of the Vinyl’s vomit would leave a nasty smell.

Once I had finished up cleaning what was a bigger job than I had anticipated, I heard a knocking at the door. I washed my spectral hooves for no reason other than a good routine and drifted over to the door, forgetting that I really shouldn’t open the door in my ethereal state. Neglecting to even bother walking normally any more, I rested my hoof on the door handle and pressed down, allowing me to pull the door to reveal a surprised mare carting a luggage trolley. Her fur was of a light cream tone, overshadowed by her mixture of a deep red and royal blue mane.

“So you’re the one the night Princess was shouting about.” The staff member tilted her head for a better view.

“Don’t tell me....Sorry.” I apologised, realising what I had done. “Wait, Princess Luna?”

“Yeah, she started yelling about the day Princess being, forgive me, a big-plotted-scaredy-pony.” The attendant laughed at her repetition of Princess Luna’s words.

“Anyway...” I smiled back, happy that Princess Luna and I were on good terms before meeting. “This is my luggage right?”

“Yeah, thanks for keeping it light by the way.” This mare was quite refreshing, leaving all the Sirs and madams out of her vocabulary.

“No worries, want to bring them in?” I floated aside.

“Okay.” The mare dragged the cart into the room, closing the door behind her. “Your first victim?” she looked towards the sleeping Derpy.

“Nothing happened.” My monotone voice caused a smile on the staff member’s face.

“Right.” She smirked. “I wouldn’t supp...” I cut her off with an unimpressed look.

“Oh, right. Sorry sir.” The mare lost her grin.

“Just drop the formalities, and the sleeping Pegasus subject.” The voice that came from my ghost spoke with authority.

“Um...Fine. So, what do you do anyway?”

“I’m a performer.” I said dryly.

“Do you know DJPon3?”

“Sure, you just missed her.”

“So....Could you introduce me? I’m Ruby by the way.” Ruby pushed herself towards me.

“She’s not available right now.” I ‘stepped’ back.

“Awwww...”

“You don’t work here do you?” Who would hire her in such an upper class hotel?

“No.” Ruby spoke cheerfully “Mind if I go watch TV?”

“Um. I don’t know you.” I was wary of letting a stranger invade my room.

“I’m Ruby, my special talent is royal archaeology and I am a HUGE fan of DJPon3. Can I sit down now?”

“Why?” The reasoning didn’t help. “I’m sure as hay not letting a random unicorn in my room...despite what Octavia would say.”

“You know Octavia?” Ruby’s eyes glistened.

“Of course, how would I know not?” I felt quite down at my lack of stature.

“So you guys are pretty close?” Ruby carried on.

“I’m not answering any more questions.”

“Fine, see you tomorrow?” the unicorn turned to leave, the golden trolley in tow.

“Hopefully not.” I said bitterly, angered at myself for thinking this pony was okay.

I shut the door behind the unusually gleeful pony and stepped towards my luggage. With some effort, I heaved the heaviest suitcase onto my back whilst dragging the large crate. The peculiar sensation of not feeling pain where pain is due helped me to reorganise my bags and boxes into a convenient position in a more rapid pace. The first things I needed were a decent pair of headphones and some mixing equipment. I had to practice, unpacking everything else would have to wait.

*******

My day started with a thump on my door. The desk that I had been using was cluttered with last minute refinements to some of my more dated work, as well as a tangle of black wires that were mostly unnecessary. My apparition had fortunately not fallen through the floor, instead my head was pressed against a turntable that was still trying to move. Unsurprisingly Derpy was still visibly asleep on the almost pristine bed, breathing lightly with a gentle snore. I still couldn’t get used to sleeping without a body, it’s just a huge headache.

The music on the second deck was still playing through the headphones that lay by my side, at this volume I couldn’t tell what it even was. From my large window my half shut eyes could already see a sleepy mass of people waiting and waking to see the famous ponies, holding banners and cos-playing in honour of some of the more distinguished musicians.

I drifted away from my chair, thankful that I did not have to physically get up to go answer the door. This time, remembering the almost-disaster yesterday, I looked through the spyglass to ascertain the identity of the one who would wake me from my peaceful sleep. Being careful not to phase any part of my visible self through the hotel room door, I made myself almost physical in nature, touching the floor with my transparent hooves.

The ponies on the other side were looking impatient. Octavia, Vinyl and Twilight carried my real form with them, trying their best to make it stay upright. It was still alive at least. Conveying mild panic in their looks, Octavia took her hooves and stated banging on the door whilst Twilight searched the area for anypony looking to spy on them. Vinyl was particularly calm, bobbing her head to a non-existent tune. I opened the door.

“Quick, get in.” Octavia slung the green body over her back and staggered inside. The other ponies followed, shutting off their entrance.

“Hey Skye, you are going to love this.” Vinyl commented with a snigger, looking at my physical body.

“It’s...so clean.” I was quite surprised at how different I looked with a treatment.

“Thank-you Skye, It did take quite a long time to fix your mane.” Octavia proudly displayed the unconscious corpse.

“It’s shorter.” The green mess was barely covering my muzzle.

“You are not a mare, Skye. The audience expect you to look your best.” My new stylist showed off the new tail.

“The colours were a challenge.” Twilight spoke out. “I thought brightening the blue streaks would look much better.”

“The mane looks much shorter.” I was still fixed on how much time growing my mane had gone to waste.

“You already said that.” Twilight was unamused at my lack of praise.

“Try it out, I helped with the coat.” Vinyl attempted to nudge my ghost, only to have her hoof pass through it, almost causing her to fall to the carpet below.

“Um...okay.” I drifted towards my real head and allowed myself to enter. Feeling the warmth take me, I opened my eyes to meet the overlooking mares.

“I know you did something.” Something felt different, not too noticeable but definitely there. “What did you do?”

Twilight blushed. Octavia returned an evil grin. Vinyl sneezed.

“Look in the mirror.” The grey mare pointed to a large glass frame behind me.

“Motherclopper. What the hay Octy.” Frustrated, I turned back with a frown. Across my left flank, ‘I love Princess Luna’ was scribbled in permanent marker.

“That’s enchanted to last twenty-four hours.” Octavia looked at the lavender unicorn. “Twilight took care of that.” The purple pony displayed a proud look, mocking my defiled body.

“But im going on stage tonight, Princess LUNA WILL BE THERE!” I overreacted, slightly smoking from almost entering a pony-rage.

“Serves you right.” Octavia huffed.

“Yeah Skye, what the hay? I was drunk.” Vinyl glared.

“I was trying to help you!” There was no way of hiding the mess on my flank.

“I don’t believe you” The grey earth pony remained absolute.

“Well I don’t need you to believe me, I know what I did and didn’t do.”

“What’s for breakfast?” The DJ changed topic.

“You haven’t eaten?” I looked at the mares.

“There’s a buffet downstairs.” Octavia replied to the dramatic Vinyl who was pretending to starve.

“I’ll get Bon and Lyra.” Twilight left the room.

The two remaining ponies and myself exited the hotel room, flicking the light switch and forcefully shutting the door behind, forgetting Derpy. My eyes were darting, searching for anypony that could see the graffiti on my side. The halls seemed long and torturous, deliberately making my way to the buffet seem so much worse than it need be.

Why does everything have to be so difficult?

The elevator ahead was looking more like an oasis, with every noise of movement from inside the hotel rooms threatening to be someone I looked up to. I didn’t need a bad reputation before I even had the chance to give myself a good one. Octavia clearly was an evil mastermind. I just had to find a way to hide my side for a whole day and above all find a way to remove this ink.

“Someone’s already on it.” Vinyl growled. “They better not touch my pancakes.”

You can do it Skye, it’s probably only a staff member.

The elevator made a mechanical bell ringing tune as it came to a slow halt. The inner workings hissed, opening both doors simultaneously and revealing the expected high quality interior.

“Soarin!” Octavia offered her hoof. Vinyl did the same.

“Oh.” I froze. If my life had a narrator, he or she hates me. I know next to nothing about flying and the most distinguished Pegasi were in an elevator with me.

“Skye, this is Soarin.” The cellist whispered.

“Oh right.” I stood my ground, a mixture of worry and feigned overt masculinity took over.

“How’s it going?.” Soarin extended his hoof.“Skye I presume.”

How does he know my name?

“Yeah, I’ve seen you fly, not bad.” I kept my cool.

“Thanks... but it’s me you should be praising.” A fiery maned Pegasus wearing a blue jumpsuit stepped out from behind the stallion.

“Hey Spit.” Vinyl moved to meet the Wonderbolt.

“Who’s your friend?” Spitfire, I knew it was Spitfire.

“This is Skye.” The DJ pushed me forwards.

“Oh, Ghost boy.” Spitfire joked, making Soarin chuckle under his breath.

“How did you know?” I was concerned at how far-spread my secret was.

“Vinyl told me.” Spitfire stepped back to let Soarin speak.

“Vinyl, that’s a secret.” I scowled the white unicorn.

“What’s it like flying without a body?” Spitfire pushed Soarin out of the way.

“It like, really easy I guess.” I hate social situations.

“Like when you made that hurricane?” Soarin interjected.

“No, I had a body. That was an accident. How did you know?” My ‘alpha-ness’ was ignored by the mares.

“One of our fans told us.” It must have been that tomcolt Rainbow.

I pushed the button on the elevator, forgetting to wait for the others.

“When are you on?” Spitfire spoke to Vinyl.

“This afternoon. I’m running a little late.” The unicorn placed her purple lenses over her eyes.

“Indoors? Really?” Octavia criticized.

“There could be fans down there.” Her arrogance was obvious.“Hey Skye, maybe you could win a few fans turning invisible.”

“Not going to happen.” An echo of ‘aww’ came from the two Wonderbolts.

“You’d do it for me.” Spitfire seductively brushed her hoof through her mane, making Soarin feel uncomfortable.

“Sorry, the answer is no.”

I hate myself.

“Aww, that always works with Soarin.” The yellow Wonderbolt huffed.

“Clearly he has a thing for you.” I inadvertently made Soarin go the brightest shade of pink I had ever seen. Pinkie Pie pink.

“Oh Soarin, kiss me.” Spitfire laughed with Vinyl. Octavia glared at me. Soarin backed into the corner, crestfallen.

“I like you Skye.” Spitfire stopped laughing. “Don’t mess with Soarin.” The elevator fell silent. Spitfire gave Soarin a peck on the cheek, to which he immediately rose from his slump.

“What’s the plan today anyway?” My speech was aimed at Octavia but Vinyl wanted to speak.

“Eat breakfast, meet VIPs, and go play some music.” This simplistic explanation was probably better.

“I like your flank.” In any other situation this would be a compliment.

“That, was not me.” I met Spitfire’s gaze. “Octavia thought it would be funny.”

The elevator doors opened to display a large open area, laden with tables and chairs. The sides of the room were home to a large buffet, attended by dressed up staff members and ‘snooty’ looking Gryffon chefs. The smell of the food was unmatched by any other scent I had experienced. Soarin was already eyeing up the pie section, I didn’t even know there were breakfast pies. Our group almost ran to meet the fine selection, walking only to keep up appearances. I could have ran, nobody knew me.

“Looks like we’re not first.” Soarin lead the group.

“Lets go sit with her.” Spitfire met Soarin's side.

“No thanks.” my mark remained hidden form the Wonderbolts.

“Come on. Your sitting with us.” Octavia dragged my mane, I didn’t have much of a choice.

Stay calm.

“Princess, good morning, do you mind?” Soarin greeted Princess Luna.

“Not at all, and good morning to all of you.” Princess Luna nodded in our direction.

“You ready for the concert.” Vinyl spoke to the royal like a friend.

“Can’t wait. What have you got planned?” Princess Luna returned the same tone.

“Head-spload-bass-death.” The DJ excitedly hoof bumped the air.

“Want to get the guards drunk again?” The night bringer was not as I expected her to be.

“They’ll get hammered anyway.”

“True.” Princess Luna seemed concerned.

“Skye, why does my sister hate you?” The Princess was very forward.

“I wouldn’t say hate.”

“She hates you.”

“I only ghosted for a few hours, Princess.” I began. “I promise I did not know it was illegal.” I pretty much spilled my guts.

“Necromancy, nice. Call me Luna.” Luna paused. “How does it work with you?” Luna already had a reputation for Nightmare Moon’s spectral abilities.

A few other guest ponies had gathered around the table, making me feel uncomfortable explaining myself in front of the Princess. It seemed like I was being judged.

“I just leave my body and, well, ghost.” I dumbed it down as much as I could.

“Must me useful.” I still couldn’t get my head around Luna’s loss of her royal Canterlot voice.

“From time to time.” I slouched as more ponies listened in.

“I haven’t seen you here before, you new?” A green maned stallion with a similar hair-style to Vinyl spoke across the table.

“That’s right. It’s Vinyl’s fault really.”

“I’m pretty much his inspiration.” Vinyl spoke to the musical pony.

“You used my song.” my voice was flat with disinterest.

“And here you are.” I couldn’t disagree with her.

“Oh you’re that new one. It was okay I guess.” The green stallion sat back down.

Thanks.

“As you said, I’m new.” I was feeling quite hostile towards the blatant criticism, especially in front of Princess Luna.

“So when do we eat?” I slowly got up from my seat, only to be dragged back down by Octavia.

“The waiters will take our order.”

“But the buffet is right there.” This upper-class stuff was getting on my nerves.

“Just be patient.”

Twilight entered the room with a tired couple and a fuming Derpy. Lyra and Bonbon were almost falling over from, what I imagined, was a killer hangover from last night. Derpy must have just been mad at me for leaving her behind, which was understandable. The purple unicorn was the most cheerful of the four mares, smiling at the Princess and taking a seat next to her.

“Forgot something.” Derpy was obviously referring to herself.

“Sorry.” Complications arose.

“You’re lucky I don’t get hangovers.” Derpy sat down not to far from me, leaning backwards to speak.

“Lucky? you stole my bed!” I had to give myself some ground. Luna looked quite amused at my constant arguing.

“At least I’m not a creep!” Derpy retorted.

“What does she mean?” Luna interrupted.

“Really, don’t worry. It’s all lies.” I panicked, forgetting how to address royalty.

“Me on the bed and you on the floor with Vinyl, and we’re the liars?”

“YES!” I shouted and gained the attention of many other ponies.

“Well excuuuuusee me.” Derpy sat back normally after being startles by my sudden increase in volume.

“That sounds quite bad.” The Princess’s voice judged me as guilty.

“Can we just let it go?” I slammed my head into the hard table.

“So you are guilty.” Twilight pointed the hoof.

“NO!”

The waiters, true to Octavia’s word, rolled out in waves, taking orders from the Princess and other more important ponies first, which apparently included Octavia but not Vinyl. Once the waiters had finished taking the important orders, one came and took my lesser order. My choice was simple; A cinnamon roll with a bowl of hay flakes, One mango muffin, Zebra tea, strong cockatrice coffee, unmagic'd orange juice, and a fruit salad with extra kiwi. Sorted, at least it would keep me going.

Time

Note: Not in the mood to do a second comma check. Exam day went bad.

Chapter 4: Time

With a roar, the audience began to fill the magnificent stadium. Some ponies galloping to be at the front whilst others headed straight for the toilets. The sight of so many ponies in one place was overwhelming. A sea of colours crashing through the green field ground brought smiles to every pony waiting to perform. Black cages held crazily expensive lighting systems and speakers in place. It shocked me that just enough money was put into this tour to buy Canterlot palace itself. Personally, I was terrified of living up to the standards of these producers.

The production crews were already at their stations and carrying out last minute checks and adjustments to the equipment that seemed like it would break if I just looked at it. There was a feeling of injustice considering the amount of skill that these ponies actually had but could not properly show individually, then again, they get paid to go to concerts. Wires were now out of hooves way, clearing paths for the newer cordless enchanted sound equipment that would, apparently, make the sound louder than the royal Canterlot voice without losing its quality. I thought about wearing earplugs.

The timetable on the wall I was studying showed Vinyl or DJ-Pon3 as the first performer. It was quite strange finding that the schedules were only arranged the night before, especially as I was up well after Vinyl. If only Twilight knew, she would be mortified, might even come out of the royal 'box' to shout at some pony. Of course, Celestia had to show up just before I thought I was free of her, I heard that she didn't even like anything besides Octavia's orchestra.

“You're on in two!” A Trottingham accent rang though the screen lit backstage, directed at the DJ who was unpleasantly stretching herself out in preparation for headlining the first concert of many to come.

“I'm ready” the white unicorn whispered to herself. “I'M READY!” She bellowed back at the stage manager.

“What do I do now?” I questioned the limbering-up mare, quite clueless on what was going on.

“Go with the others.” Vinyl pointed towards the royal box through a crack in the curtain.

“I'd rather not.”

“The princess?”

“My mark.” My eyes scanned over my 'I love Princess Luna' flank.

“It's a concert, people do dumb stuff all the time.”

“YOU'RE ON IN ONE, GET UP THERE!” The manager was visible and steaming.

“Gotta go, wish me luck.” Vinyl slipped on her glasses and ran up the staircase.

“Don't be a show-off.” I selfishly was worrying about being outshone by some pony who was definitely going to outshine me.

“See you in a bit.” The musician took her place behind the decks and other various and familiar equipment.

The checks were complete and the staff were now in front of their own monitoring stations, huddled in groups of five or six in some places. Vinyl was adjusting the different levers and switches that were slowly starting to make her music fade in from the gargantuan speakers right next to me. I definitely should have ran for earplugs but was too preoccupied listening to the smooth sounds that were unusual for a pony like her. Listening to her album before coming here would have been a good decision.

Having a celebrity friend like Vinyl was wasted on me. friends if you include Octavia. If somepony else were to look at how I treat her, they would say that I was not worthy or a bad friend. In my defence it is the fact that I admittedly treat her quite badly that we get along. Essentially she eats my food and I let her sleep over with Octavia, it's a simple relationship that works. I have never once asked for money, tickets or anything from her. I don't listen to her music. (I am forbidden for fear of fanboyism, I don't go out much.) If it were not for the random parties Scratch throws I would barely go outside other than to work.

With an intense flash of brilliant white light, the curtains fell just a meter to my front. Fortunately I had found a support beam to lean against that was out of the way of the staff and out of view from the audience. My position did not detract from the sheer awesomeness of the savage beats shook the stage and audience alike, instead making me more excited to be as close as I was to the action. Clear in my view, Vinyl was fist pumping, encouraging the already screaming audience whilst carefully making discrete changes to her fantastically vibrant music.

The urge to join the crowd was almost uncontrollable, they looked like they were having the time of their lives. Vinyl was not even a minute into her first track and the swarm was already bouncing like crazy. Her hour long set was destined to be great, there was no doubt of a renewed record deal with the way this crowd was welcoming the DJ. I could swear I heard a few of my old recording samples mixed in. The case of the missing records was now solved. Great work me?

“Sir, you've been requested in the royal box.” A worker ran up to me exhausted.

“Who by?” I silently prayed it be positive.

“Her majesty Princess Luna.” The awkwardly dressed runner straightened her spine.

That's a start

“Thanks but no.” Avoiding Celestia would be a good thing.

“I must insist, the princess was quite adamant I should not be taking 'no' for an answer.” The small pegasus was insistent, I’d give her that.

“What does the princess want?” I couldn't be any ruder, I was ashamed of myself.

“It is not my place to ask questions. Please follow me.” The mare's eyes were showing distaste at my arrogance.

“Pass.” my gaze returned to the strobe filled stage.

“There is a barbecue” I could smell desperation from the pony, and imagine grilled asparagus. My will was weak.

“Fine.” Food, my arch nemesis.

A relentless torrent of flashing lights, smoke machines and heart attack inducing bass cannons were sadly left behind, out of my view as I followed the slowly calming mare. Up the stairs and to the left, we found a room with the décor to indicate royalty. Still keeping the black colours and dim lighting, the stadium's upper interior was still outstandingly well constructed, a result of Canterlot's best engineers. Anything to keep my mind off a potentially angry goddess, even if she didn't want to see me.

There was no barbecue, she lied. Instead of the mouth-watering foods I was expecting, a large selection of sweet foods on the main table would just about work. Celestia stood on the balcony, talking quite loudly with Spitfire and Soarin. Twilight looked to be chatting with Octavia next to the white chocolate fountain, watching Derpy as she devoured a huge muffin. Bonbon and Lyra were hoof in hoof jumping in time with the beat with a crowd of other soon to be performing ponies in the dance floor area. The night princess sat alone at the bar gently nodding her head with Vinyl's music and watching the dynamic crowd.

I approached Princess Luna, cautiously hiding my flank.

“Good afternoon princess.” Definitely the wrong words for a concert of this nature.

“I'm Luna, don't be so stiff.” Luna took notice of my posture.

“So...You a fan of DJ-Pon-3?” These words seemed better.

“I prefer her older music, but her newer tracks are great.” Luna spoke to her drink.

“Why did you call me?” I got straight to the point.

“Bored of Celestia.” Simple and understandable.

“I know what you mean.” I hoped I didn't cause any offence.

“We haven't been getting along.” Luna's face was saddened.

“Oh?”

Vinyl's new track was a slow and sombre progression of simplistic pulses, making it easier for me to communicate with the princess. The song did nothing for Luna's mood.

“To be quite honest, my thoughts keep returning to the moon.” The princess became angry. “She could have locked me in the dungeon, found a way to cure me, not wait ONE THOUSAND YEARS!” Luna slammed her hoof on the bar, the room fell silent with only the long chords making a sound.

Why am I being told this?

“Luna, sister, Please don't start another argument. Not here.” Celestia's voice showed little sympathy.

“Or what? You'll send me to the moon? Seems you've been saying that a lot lately.” The princess of the night dragged me beside her. My flank graffiti was in clear view.

“That's not fair.” Celestia frowned. “HE is different.”

“You hate him!” Luna spat her words at Celestia “No difference between you and me then!”

That was just about the most uncomfortable thing I had ever experienced.

“I don't hate you Luna.” Princess Celestia's motherly tone was insulting.

“You stay there.” Luna prevented me from slipping away. “You can't even look me in the eye.” Luna stormed out of the room.

“Go team?” I whispered into Octavia's ear.

“No Skye. Not the time.” Octavia smiled and shook her head.

“I'm just going to leave.” I had no use for more enemies.

“See that the princess doesn't do anything.” A royal voice commanded from behind me.

“He will.” The cellist spared me from saying something I might come to regret.

The door was held open by the same dressed up pony that had come to retrieve my useless self. Without taking a second glance any anypony else in the 'party' I walked through the exit at a quick pace, my mind going over what exactly happened and how I was going to deal with the problems associated. I kept bringing myself back to the fact that the argument that I had just witnessed had no doubt been fuelled by my poor relations with the day bringer. My status with Celestia essentially made me Luna's scapegoat for justifying a fight. Having another Nightmare Moon situation, let alone one on my hooves would probably be a bad thing, if Luna lost.

Going on a whim I descended the stairs towards the backstage area, the darkest place in the stadium where one could be alone is the so wished. Still guarded by stallions, the lighting and sound monitors were flashing bright with the colours of Vinyl's pulsating music. For a moment I considered returning to my support beam and carry on enjoying the fine works of DJ-Pon-3, then my conscience hit and I purged the thought.

As expected I found Luna lurking in a darkened corner at the far end of the backstage area. Princess Luna sat apathetically on the trembling floor with anger in her royal eyes. Her shimmering star filled mane was replaced with a scruffy light blue, which suited her better in my opinion. As fas I I knew, this was not Nightmare Moon, just an Alicorn with a grudge who dragged me into her mess.

“Sister troubles?” I couldn't start too seriously.

“Here to tell me off?” Luna smiled at a friendly pony.

“I'm on your side.”

“Good to know. You can be my first minion.” The princess looked up at me.

“Sure, but that can wait.”

“I suppose we better go ba..”

“Watch the rest of Vinyl's set.” I interrupted, extending a hoof to help Luna get up.

“I really hope Celestia gets over it” Luna groaned, standing again.

“Over what.”

“Your death talent.”

“Well I wouldn't say it's a death talent par se.” Luna made my talent seem as bad as her sister had put it.

“She said you would abuse it and threaten Equestria.” The purple-blue guardian of the night flailed her hooves dramatically.

“I don't think I am up to that job.” I briefly thought about the extent of Celestia's paranoia and how it could have affected Luna's banishment.

Luna and I returned to my preferred place to watch the main stage from, passing bowing workers and section managers. The sound of the concert grew clearer as we approached the support beam I could see Vinyl from. This time, Vinyl had picked up from her slow, calm rhythm to a fast paced energetic music that had the crowd singing along to the repetitive lyrics. The princess herself was beginning to sing along to the song that I unfortunately did not have the 'pleasure' of listening to in the past, her singing just loud enough for Vinyl to swing her head around from the close stage. At least Luna was now enjoying herself.

“IT'S Princess Luna!” Vinyl screamed over the microphone, the crowd roaring in response.

The princess, as if planned, rushed onto the stage, creating an even louder noise from the audience. DJ-Pon3 greeted Luna with a quick and masterfully executed transition into a heavy dubclop and strobe light explosion. There was no doubt in my mind that princess Celestia would be hating this, that thought brought a smile to my muzzle. I did feel sorry for the security, the circle pit that had formed at the front of the crowd was getting out of hand with bottles being thrown in all directions. Luna was pretending to help Vinyl with her music, a clever way to increase her fan's opinion of her and possibly gain a few new ones in the process.

As the performance drew to a close, the light show only got better. In perfect sync with each individual aspect of Vinyl's songs, the lasers, spotlights and every other piece of lighting available for purchase (and some not) were doubling, if not tripling the experience that the DJ was providing. Smoke machines were in overdrive, shooting cannonballs of cooling gas into the sweating audience from all directions. Even some water cannons were already being used to keep some ponies from running onto the stage, an obvious extra-measure of security for the princess.

DJ-Pon3 Finished her set with a Vinyl Scratch from one of her decks.

“Hello Canterlot?” Vinyl provoked the audience into a shout-back.

“PON-3, PON-3, PON-3” The crowd chanted back at the unicorn.

“Enjoying the music princess?” Another attempt on the screaming ponies was successful.

The princess remained silent, pressing a button on a small 'beat-pad' that started a short drum sample.

“Thanks for having me guys!” Vinyl discretely unloaded her records from the players.

“I think you'll like our next one!” The DJ nodded to a tan unicorn stallion with a brown and red mane that had just appeared beside me.

Scratch and the new performer switched places in a blue and red flash using their unicorn magic as well as the cover of a darkened stage. Princess Luna lingered for a moment, waving the crowd goodbye in the pitch black darkness of the mixing tables. Vinyl removed her fogged purple-blue shades, wiping beads of sweat from her brow and pushing me away to sit herself in my place.

“Like what you heard?” The DJ panted.

“It was okay.”

“OKAY?” Vinyl excitedly joked.

“Can't have you getting full of yourself Vi.”

“Thanks Luna, i'm guaranteed a bonus now.” The unicorn hoof bumped the Alicorn.

“Anytime, but you have to perform at my birthday.” The 'any time' seemed redundant.

“Vinny?” Octavia emerged from the staircase with a white 'DJ-Pon3' towel, trotting over to Vinyl with a caring smile across her face.

“Octy!” Vinyl leaped onto Octavia.

“Lets go.” The princess tapped me on the shoulder for me to follow her.

“Why?”

“We have two hours till you're on.” Luna looked at the couple still on the floor. “And I think Octavia is a little drunk.”

Octavia was acting out of character, being a little more forward with Vinyl than what was considered appropriate social conduct in Equestria's eyes. As tempting as it was to stay, Octavia already was a deterrent for me not to be anywhere near a drunk pony. Vinyl, being the pony she is did not care in the slightest that some worker ponies were beginning to stare as the unicorn dragged Octavia into a storage closet.

“Yeah, lets go.” I followed the Alicorn. “Where are we going?”

“Joining the crowd.” Luna's body morphed into an earth pony, keeping her colours but changing her cutie mark to a single white circle.

“Oh, okay.” I truthfully was waiting for a chance to get out there.

“Are you going to change?” The princess questioned my hesitation to follow her actions.

“Nobody knows me, no point.”

“I could command you.” Luna smiled.

“I haven't tried it for more than a minute or so.” This new Luna was quite attractive, it must be the mane.

“Do it.” The command was given.

“No. I won't risk it.” I firmly disobeyed an order from a high monarch of Equestria.

“Be boring then.” Luna huffed and walked towards the stage side entrance to the crowd.

The crowd was visible and audible through a window to my front. Still packed but less dense than the front, the audience could be seen buying merchandise as well as purchasing large bottles of alcohol. The music was fainter from here although still at an incredible quality, the large screens served a much needed purpose at this distance from the stage. This artist was rapping while live-mixing an electronic backing-track, it was incredible the way in which the stallion managed to make it work so well. Another reason not to mess up later on.

“Are you sure you're a princess” I accidentally spoke my thoughts.

“Unfortunately. It is quite dull.”

“What is Celestia doing here anyway?” Speaking while walking, I asked the question that had plagued my thoughts.

“Building relatability between her and her subjects.” The princess aired a monotone voice.

“Oh. Stealing your thunder?” We came close to the security checkpoint.

“Exactly.” The guards paid little attention to the new Luna as we passed through the doors.

This area that I had walked into smelled heavily of fast food, sweat and drunken ponies. Luna was the first to get involved with the crowd, pushing towards one of the stalls selling hay fries by the cone. I followed the earth pony, wading through merchandise sellers, staying as close as I could to the Princess as to avoid losing her in the rabble. Piercing my ears, the screams of the speakers dulled my senses, attacking my thoughts and getting me into the entranced mood that infected the dancing audience. Closing in on the strong smelling vendor, Luna retreated to my side.

“I don't have any bits.” The Princess looked away in embarrassment. Should she be in an Alicorn form she could have magicked some bits to herself.

“What do you need?” I was not prepared to say no to the mare.

“four” Luna read from the sign.

Repeating my method of retrieving my coins from the thick mane that had become a second saddle-pack, I emptied a handful into my hoof. The coinage was watched by Luna whilst her stomach visibly groaned in want of nourishment. I poured out a few more coins to cover the cost of a drink for both myself and the shape-shifted monarch. At this point, I internally cursed Luna not having chosen a unicorn form, forcing me to stand on my hind legs to carry the unfriendly tender.

“One cone of hay fries and two ciders please.”

Luna's eyes widened as the seller produced the savoury smelling food.

“Sure, um..where do you want them?” The stall attendant was puzzled when I held out my right wing in his direction.

“The wing will be fine,” I pushed the money over to the stallion and returned to all fours.

Even Luna was looking confused at my unique way of making the most of my species.

Luna and I silently moved backwards. From the time I had looked away from the princess, she had subtly changed herself from an earth pony to a unicorn, a bit too late in my opinion. Her horn parted her perfect lighter mane, shining a dense magic and lifting her items in front of her face. In addition to attending to herself, the Princess levitated my cider ahead of my face, leading me to an empty area of the stadium's outside

“Thanks” Luna began to devour her hay fries.

“It's kay’.”I was disappointed at not being able to dance, or drink my cider that was still to high for me to reach.

“THERE YOU ARE!” A panting Twilight teleported into existence beside me, almost knocking me over.

“What?”

“Luna went missing!” Twilight hadn't noticed the adjacent mare.

“That's terrible!” My sarcastic tone went ignored.

Still glowing, the purple mare thrust her hoof into the grass, creating an imprint and an impressive thump. Her eyes were not amused with my response, forcing me to take her seriously. Her fur was vibrating to the sound of the blaring music, a mix of magic shock, the music itself and anxiety concerning a missing Alicorn. Luna was not helpful at all, changing her mane colour to a white with a 'DJ-Pon-3 style.

“Have you seen her?” It was tempting to give in, but Luna's smile overpowered my ability to tell the truth.

“Um...No” I avoided making eye contact. “She disappeared before I could find her.”

“URGHHH” Twilight immediately evaporated into a pink sparkling dust that was incinerated by its own magic.

The white jagged hairstyle returned to the pale blue, original style. Stepping forward, the Princess smiled once again and continued to eat her meal, lowering my cider to allow my muzzle to touch the sweet liquid. The bass from the violent speakers formed ripples in my drink, making it occasionally splash against the tip of my nose. The scent of the fried food played on my own hunger, lifting my hoof up to try and steal a bite to eat from the Princess, only to have it slapped down in failure.

The place where I was sitting suddenly became increasingly comfortable and the noise coming from all around turned itself down inside of my head, comforting me in my sudden need for rest. Magic enveloped me from the corner of my eye, forcing my mind into a shutdown of senses.

“Nope.” I jerked up, becoming aware that I was being controlled.

“Oh come on. I was sure that would work.” Luna was very calm. “Just a few more seconds.”

I did not resist as the unicorn placed a single hoof on my shoulder and attempted to reinstate her transformation magic.

My fur was a slightly darker shade than it was before. A small lump that had formed upon the place where my forehead should have remained flat, continued to grow into a long pointed horn. Wings that usually were of a modest size were now large and pointed like Celestia's. Most strange was that my hooves had elongated along with all four of my legs and gained a natural two toned armour plating. Princess Luna had modelled me into an Alicorn.

“Your talent is fun to control.”

“You did what?” I was impressed, looking over my new body.

“Lets show Celly!” The Princess's voice resembled a filly's but her eyes sought a higher agenda.

“Sure....”

I had no control anymore, my hooves moved by themselves as if they had been put under an enchantment. They had been put under an enchantment. My horn began to glow by itself, connected by a close to invisible link from the purple-blue mare across from me. Feeling quite scared, no, terrified from the new sensation coming from my head, I fought the link, trying to flap my wings or escape into a ghost. Nothing seemed to work. I was trapped inside the body of something that was foreign to me, unable to use my talent to save myself from this feeling of helplessness that terrified me,

Luna saw through my failures and continued with her personal mission, increasing the intensity of the bond and causing it to burn through the nerves that I still had left. The ability to speak was now gone. The only taste I had was my taste in the honestly great music that was still playing. Sight was the only thing left, comforting me with the unicorn's warm and slightly creepy grin. Strange magic poured all throughout my system, locking me in place whilst growing stronger in force. The same procedure that had allowed Twilight to disappear, appeared to be happening to me. In the short moments that occurred prior to my full evaporation into nothingness, I remembered all the horror stories told by newspapers and folklore about teleportation deformation and obliteration. Buck. A flash of light and the reassuring nod from the Princess was the last thing my eyes made out.

“Hello sister.” A warm voice spoke out loud, not from Luna.

“Uh..Yeah, hello.” The night Princess did not expect the calm reaction.

“Your magic is improving.”

“Thanks?” Confused, Luna tapped me on the horn, prompting me to open my eyes.

“Hello...Skye.” The tone was less positive.

“Hi.” My voice was more of a squeak.

Ponies pretended not to stare at my Alicorn-ified pony body, going about their normal conversations and bugging the hostesses for more drinks. Luna was aggressively facing the her white sister, suspicious of her calm attitude and slowly reforming into the Luna with magnificent wings and a starry flowing mane. Celestia was completely still, face still displaying the kind smile that looked to insult Luna.

“Twilight, take Skye next door.” Celestia nodded to the student standing beside the Princess's tall figure.

“Right.” Twilight's horn lit up and projected a string that grappled to my torso, infecting me all over like Luna's previous spell.

The spell was more pleasant this time, creating a gentle buzzing feeling and transporting me much quicker than the spell that Princess Luna had formed. Clearly a result of vigorous training, I was magicked into a dark room in the time it takes to stomp a hoof, without the disorientation. I couldn't blame Luna for her weak casting, she did just perform a powerful transfiguration and nerve-bonding enchantment. Twilight was just better at this particular spell.

“You're actually pretty good.”

“Shut up.” Twilight was firm in the still darkened space.

Celestia's student sat down at a single desk in the centre of the room. Her face was lit up by a bright glow emanating from the tip of the purple horn. I found myself sitting on a hard wooden stool opposite from the stern mare. Upon the brown desk lay a blank sheet of lined paper, a quill and a small glass of water, laid out in a neat fashion. Twilight had a little cake icing on her nose but I hadn't the heart to break her cute little set-up.

“Tell me everything.”

“Like what?” I crossed my hooves.

“Like why is Luna a unicorn?”

“We went into the crowd, she can't be seen as Luna there.”

“Luna, Princess Luna, changed into a unicorn? I was sure Celestia took that ability away from her.”

“Apparently not.”

“Why are you an Alicorn?”

“Luna did it.” I forced a smile.

“Princess Luna.” The mare corrected my rudeness.

“Yeah...She just, well, did it. I didn't ask her to if that's where you're going.” Defensively, I leaned closer to meet the purple unicorn.

“You still have the mark Octavia gave you.”

I looked around at my flank to see the graffiti was indeed still there, although written in a new handwriting. There was no way Luna had not seen it, I had been with her for long enough for it to have been noticed. She must have re-wrote it along with the transformation spell. A small wave of panic seared through my chest. I realised why the Princess was being so pleasant to me. She could have gotten the wrong idea. Why did nobody remind me? Celestia did this, it was her that told me to follow her sister, now I am an Alicorn under interrogation with no idea how to transform back to my normal form. Great.

Oh Buck, I am in serious trouble now.

“Did you try anything with..”

“NO!”

“What did you do then?” Twilight formed a smile, hitting a pressure point.

“We just went to get something to eat.”

“Romantic.”

“Ha, you want romantic? Check the storage room downstairs.” I laughed, actually hoping that Twilight did check on Vinyl and Octavia.

“Okay. Next question.” Twilight wrote some more notes on her quickly filling sheet of paper. Each spot of ink make me worry about what information the mare had gotten out of my short responses.

“Lets hear it.” I gulped, this mare was either a good interrogator or I was just growing anxious with every passing second wondering how I could go on stage like this.

“Is Princess Luna planning a resurgence?”

I couldn't stop a chuckle from escaping my lungs.

“No.”

“Are you sure?”

“Princess Luna wouldn't do that. She's a bit clueless if you ask me.” I stopped, creating drama.

“That's treason.” Twilight straightened up and glared into my pink eyes.

“Take me to the dungeon, I'll only escape.” My fake seriousness aggravated the purple pony.

“Urgh...” Twilight threw her muzzle onto the desk, permitting her horn to stop producing the light

“That is exactly what I was going to do.” A mysterious voice shattered the dark silence.

“Luna?”

“No, it's Discord.” The speaker was overly sarcastic. And Luna.

“Isn't that the one you have a crush on?” Princess Celestia was definitely in here too.

“I don't have a crush on him sister.” The night princess was bitter in speaking to her sister.

“That's not what he says.”

“Buck you.”

“Sister, please. It was a joke.” Celestia failed to amuse any pony in the room, as far as I could tell.

“Excuse me? But can somebody turn on the light?” I spoke into the blackness.

A brilliant white flashed the room, staining the walls with luminescence, letting brightness become more a part of the room's edges than the paintwork itself. Aged posters hung from pins telling of past festivals and fire-escape policies. A broken light bulb hung from the ceiling, its connected wire covered in grime and dirt. The desk now in full view had stab wounds and carved names, with used chewing gum on the underside.

“So..”

“Ah, yes. Skye.” Celestia spoke pleasantly. “Well you seem to be less of a threat than I initially imagined.”

I was unsure whether to be relieved or offended.

“Can I be turned back? My head is starting to hurt.” A throbbing pain from my horn was creating a dizzy feeling. Being an Alicorn, even for less than five minutes was too much for me to take in.

“Of course.”

“But Celly! He' looks better now.” Luna whined to her sister, proclaiming me as her masterpiece.

“Please Luna. I can't be seen like this, you know that.”

“you should know how to address a princess.” Twilight sparkle droned with an annoying voice.

Disappointed with the majority decision, the Princess that had changed me once before, skilfully returned me to my familiar form and relieved me of the unpleasantness of essentially having a nail protruding from my skull. I was now visibly shorter than the also changed long legged Alicorn, with no graffiti on my flank but still with two toned hooves as a signature to Princess Luna's handiwork. Torn, Luna drooped her head towards the floor of the messy room, as if what she just did was shameful.

An oval clock that had not been on the wall before (It was also glowing purple) showed the time to be about an hour before my performance. I still had time to gather my records, socialise, and check on Vinyl and Octavia. I could have, in theory done these things, but that would provide Celestia releasing me, Luna not arguing with her sister again, and not getting my neck broken by Vinyl if something is actually going on in the storage room. These tasks quickly ordered themselves and became the reason for my general ignoring of the 'ponies' around me.

First on my agenda was to check on the couple downstairs, the things that Octavia could get up to sober were terrifying enough, her drunk form would be a whole new level of hell. I instantly thought of needing help, preferably Derpy if she was still sober, which carried a high level of doubt. Another option would be having a stallion could have helped with lifting, self defence (if necessary) and some degree of not being a complete pervert. I sometimes wished there were more stallions living in Ponyville, most of them lived in Cloudsdale or the surrounding towns, only coming in to work the fields once in awhile.

I mean seriously, it's Ponyville, full of mares. Either these stallions are completely stupid, unbelievably shy or not of the female persuasion. Then again, the latter is probably the most likely considering what I have seen in those towns. Not that I was against it, I should be happy in my position. I was happy, I knew a few great mares, just no stallions at all. I was like an alien whose house became communal, food automatically shared and in some cases the pony who was constantly chased by the farm-mare's dog. Almost living the dream.

“Skye, are you listening?!?!” Twilight shook my head with her hooves, almost releasing the contents of my mane.

“Sorry, I wasn't listening.” A lack of sincerity went undetected.

“I was about to go next door, are you coming?”

The two Princesses had slipped out of the room before me, leaving just Twilight and myself in a quickly dimming in need of serious repair interrogation space.

“Yeah, but this time, I’ll use the door.”

Just as quick as I entered, I left, seeing a flash on the wall and a disappearing shadow to mark the Unicorn's teleportation spell. I increased my pace to near galloping and descended the stairs, stopping to take another look at my refurbished hooves. Unfortunately my sleek new wings had also gone. Booming into my perked up ears, the speakers caused my attention to drift from my high priority mission. I must have sat on the bottom stair for a good five minutes before I remembered what I was meant to be doing. The now vivid vision of what Vinyl and Octavia could be doing soiled my mind, drawing upon my memories of coming home from work early. I only heard noises those times or just lumps under still sheets but those were graphic enough images for me to learn to always knock first.

“Hello?!? Is anybody out there? Just bang if you can hear me. Is there anypony there?”

A faint voice from the room to my right, the storage room, cried out. The shouts were muffled by the closely placed gargantuan subwoofer. The bangs on the wooden walls could be easily mistaken for the pounding bass that the current DJ was producing. Thanking the ancients, I moved to press up against the thin material that was dividing me from the mares and banged hard against the smooth black surface.

“Who's there? Never mind. Let me out. I got locked in.”

I loitered for a moment before responding.

“It's Skye.”

“You tell nopony. NO-PONY.”

The door opened with a turn of the stiff latch, displaying a large open space with a few empty trolleys, a working light-bulb, and a passed out grey earth pony. Octavia was gurgling in what I hoped was simply drool. As far as my hope went, the chances were incredibly slim. Being locked in a room with Vinyl surely cannot end 'well'. The smell of sweat did not aid my strictly clean thoughts.

“Help me get Octy up.” Vinyl led me to her damp partner.

“No thanks. I am not touching that.”

“Stop looking at that!”

The unicorn in realisation of the state the earth pony was in quickly thrust her hoof into my face, as to cover my eyes. The hoof came upon me more like a punch, my own hind legs were felled in shock. DJ-Pon-3 raced to make her partner 'presentable', if that's the word that could describe dragging the unconscious pony out of the juices and mopping her with a detached curtain that now lay stained in the corner.

“You saw nothing.” Vinyl growled, getting onto my level and pushing face to face. I could smell her 'lunch'.

I was satisfied enough with the two mare's conditions. Octavia was alive at least, so I left the room like a pony out of Tartarus in seeing that Vinyl's eyes were now turning red. Embarrassment was more conspicuous than any ill-tempered behaviour coming from the pink cheeked pony. In her self inflicted humiliation Vinyl bucked the door closed behind me, stupidly locking herself in the room once more.

“THIS IS NOT MY DAY.”

I just carried on back upstairs, she wanted me to leave after all, more or less. The image of a passed out Octavia lingered in my mind as I trotted back down the long corridor to tell somebody of what happened. I didn't promise to keep what I saw a secret and I did intend on getting some revenge on Octavia, Vinyl was just a byproduct of my devious intentions. Hoping that some-pony was sober enough to comprehend what I was about to relay to them, I slipped into the bustling royal-box.

I expected intoxication, but not at this scale. The Wonderbolts were the centre of attention. Soarin in particular was almost eating the face off an equally alcohol saturated Spitfire whilst covered in the last remnants of the now empty chocolate fountain. Twilight, still sober (as expected) was pressed up against Princess Celestia, avoiding Derpy's wobbling advance. Lyra and Bonbon were dangerously close to falling over the balcony, cheering and spilling their drinks onto the electric crowd below. Even the bar staff were getting involved, giving in to the peer pressure of drinking games and ridiculous dares.

I could spare some time for a small drink.

“Hey You!” A random mare wearing half of her hostess uniform approached me.

“What.”

By Discord, living in a town of mares really has ruined my ability to communicate with them.

“Don't worry, I'm not like them.” The orange hostess with the brown mane reassured me.

“So...?”

“Do you think I can go?” Expecting a negative answer, the mare crossed her hooves awaiting my answer.

On second glance, the earth pony had a distressed look across her face. She was slightly shuffling towards myself, avoiding a flying slice of cake aimed directly at her head. I had no reason not to let the anxious hostess leave, everything was chaotic and nobody needed help any more, so I let her go, I had no idea I even carried authority here. With forty-five minutes until I was due to go on, 'socialising' was not going to work as I expected.

Avoiding puddles of spilled beverages and fallen food, I meandered through to the bar. Princess Luna was already surrounded by a few pint glasses, head rested upon a propped up hoof. I approached her with a liberal degree of caution. Princess Celestia still stood with Twilight sparkle, ignoring the surrounding madness and chatting with a smile. I was sure that in this amount of time, neither Alicorn could have consumed so much drink that I would not be able to communicate with them. There was nothing else to do besides this and last minute preparations, and I wasn't feeling overly productive.

“Luna?”

“humph.” The princess raised her muzzle.

“May I sit?” My voice box crackled.

Princess Luna again dismissed me, taking another drink from a large glass.

“I preferred you with a horn.”

“Well, I'm a pegasus, deal with it.”

“GAH, show some respect already! I am your Princess.” The Princess spoke with a drink held to her mouth.

“Sorry, but what?” I laughed at the Alicorn.

“You know what! Maybe I would like to be a performer for once.”

Completely unrelated to anything, the Princess began to blurt out how her status as a world leader forbids her from doing anything remotely fun. She whined about her duties, her stuck up counsellor and her constant lack of privacy. She also complained about being trapped in the castle with nobody but her advisers and controlling sister to keep her company. Luna told of a dull life of sentenced loneliness, immortality as an enemy and a cause to always stay detached. She also thought that turning another into an Alicorn would solve her problems, only to have her sister berate her on the moral (and political) implications of the younger sister's actions.

I understood most of what the Princess said, sitting down and offering myself as someone to listen to what she had to get off her chest. After the moon bringer had finished her confession, I saw a good half an hour had passed, leaving me with little time to gather my records for the show. I did feel quite guilty for the selfish thought, but even a little preparation was necessary if I wanted to perform.

“I have to go now.”

“Can I come?”

Yes, for a Princess, she was nothing like what I expected. If she wanted to come, she could have. Luna is royalty, she should be able to do what the hay she wants. I would have thought the years before Nightmare Moon would have crafted her into a mare like Celestia, instead the centuries of loneliness and confinement both on the Moon and in Equestria had crushed her ability to develop. It was heartbreaking to see such a sad excuse for an Alicorn.

“Of course.”

My favourite Princess downed the last of her pint glass and pushed it away, her total now amounted to five empty containers littering the bar. She got up, a few of her age old joints creaking from being in a cramped position. Her flickering mane flew behind her half drunk, half hopeful Alicorn skull.

The Princess and I escaped the calamity and entered the workspace of the audio staff. Ready to go, the staff had already allocated my records to 'external sources'. They also explained the intricacies of the newer model mixing table over the seemingly short five free minutes. Another five minutes were well spent making final adjustments to my playlist while Princess Luna incessantly looked over my fast moving hooves, occasionally offering her own input and fixing any errors I made.

Sirens went off in my head as i heard the current performer speaking to the crowd without music. My joints were locking up as ponies began to shout in my ear to go take the stage. I had to be physically grabbed hold of and shook before i finally came to my senses. With a shudder of my fur, I stepped towards the stage steps. Princess Luna by my side, I sent her a fake smile. Not that Princess Luna believed it. The large area that was backstage suddenly became a small cramped space and i could feel myself moving faster than i wanted to. I wished for there to be more steps as i ascended. Maybe for there to be an intermission. I was ready, but not in mind. I drew closer to the main-stage, lasting a few seconds before a single spotlight caught me. If it was not for the screams of encouragement from the crowd, I would have locked up.

“EQUESTRIA!” A loudspeaker bellowed at the crowd.

“Introducing a new talent to the Electrohoof Circuit!” The voice continued as the previous DJ stepped down from the stage, offering me an uncomfortable wink.

Please don’t make up a stupid name. Oh Luna why didn’t i think of anything.

“SKYE”

Not exactly creative but it will do.

I took a deep breath as I moved to be behind the turntables. Exactly as the staff ponies had explained, everything was in the right place. Lights were showing red so I hit the ‘Load Key’. The track name of my first song instantly appeared on a small display with a unicorn horn in the top corner. I remembered everything I prepared for and more, twisting the knobs to find the sweet spots that my track prefered. Even my prefered headphones were waiting for me. I slipped them on. Before the announcer was finished with his advertising, I had cleared the machines of previous settings and made them my own. Everything around me was it’s own instrument. Requiring a delicate and skillful touch for them to present the desired effect. I maintained that electronic equipment each had their own personalities. In less than a minute, everything was ready to go.

I hit play.

The first song was a slow melody of a number of instrumental sounds that progressed into a complex rhythm of deep bass and emotion stirring noises. The powerful feeling of being in control of these masses movements overwhelmed me, starting a prolonged adrenaline rush. I played each part individually, splitting up sections to that i could shape them into whatever i thought the crowd would enjoy more. What was supposed to be my first song become a new track entirely. The audience ate it up. I basked in the glory that was ponies actually dancing to my creation.

Heavier and hard hitting music followed the smoother music that had been playing for ten minutes or so. Wobbles and echoing synth filled the stadium. The speakers perfectly reproducing every slight movement of my hooves. I found myself dancing to the tunes. Reality was out of the window at this point. I could have been hallucinating and i wouldn't have cared. The sheer excitement and terror of having thousands watching you only inspired me to try harder. My mind became an evil genius, throwing tracks together that never should have worked. I made them work. I launched a barrage of brain-melting ‘pegasus magic’ into the eardrums of my minions.

Minutes stacked up and I could feel time around me speeding up. I didn’t want this to end, so I simply slowed down. I returned to my collection of light chord progressions and generic beats. Gently letting the crowd rest from the tiresome and repetitive bouncing. The turntables let the ponies feel what i felt. I was in their heads, bringing back past memories and forging new ones. A puppeteer. A general. Their religion was that of my sounds. The equipment around me was shouting to be used. Each device begging to be heard. It was perfect. A symphony of ecstacy, of orderly disorder. Like every good action movie ever made was being played at the same time.

My eyes met that of a small Unicorn in the audience. A black furred creature with a pale blue jagged mane. She was dancing in the masses alongside sweaty Equestrians that were too absorbed in the music to notice my overt waving. The transformed Alicorn pointed her hoof upwards towards a now open roof. My eyes followed. Stars that were usually a motionless tapestry of white dots were now my strobe lights. There were new beams of colourless luminescence from the bigger celestial objects that became moving spotlights. The moon itself had become a pulsating giant. Princess Luna had altered the night sky to accommodate my performance. Celestia must have been Pinkie-faced drunk to allow this.

To finish my set list, now that i had calmed down from the rush. I deviated from my initial plan of outright playing the song that had brought me here. Instead of just hitting play, in a wave of brilliance, the Trigger-Hoof beside me was about to be pushed to it’s limits. Working with what i had, I manually performed the final song. The pressure of getting it right was maddening. The crowd went crazy; my hooves burned. Minus one almost unnoticeable slip up with pulling out a power cord for a synthesiser, my final song was a success. The closing track invited a sea of smiling cheers from an exhausted mosh-pit of ponies. Princess Luna  was not among them anymore, bringing me down a little. Lyra Heartstrings however, could be seen dangling from the royal box. I would be lying if I said it was not quite funny watching Bonbon screaming at her.

The lights dimmed as the roof closed in. Again on the loudspeaker, the announcer spoke some kind words before introducing the next artist. This was my cue to leave the stage. Carefully maneuvering the wires and putting effort into not slipping on the polished surface, I passed a ‘young’ Gryffon. He paid no attention to me as i offered a hoof bump. Far too focused on his purpose. It was all over for now. I could let myself relax. If i could relax in a loud stadium.

Is that a knocking? Oh. OH BUCK.

I forgot to let the mares out. They were locked in for my whole performance. Octavia could have been dead in there and i wouldn’t have known any better. It would have been my fault. More importantly, they missed my show. The knocking persisted with a monotone, repeating, cry for help. I wished for the best as I drew closer to the door that held my prisoners.

“I am going to die.” I Could hear my bones breaking already.

“DAMN BUCKIN’ RIGHT YOU ARE!” Vinyl, obviously able to hear me, shouted with more venom than I was hoping for.

“Promise me something.” I leaned against the locked entrance.

“NO. I AM GOING TO BREAK YOUR NECK FIRST, YOU.WILL.BE.ALIVE.” The mare ignored me, pausing for a moment to catch her breath.

“And then i am going to pull each tooth out of your paralyzed, half-dead body while you watch. THEN I AM GOING TO REPLACE THEM WITH NAILS.”

That escalated quickly.

“I could just not open the door.” I played with the fiery temper of DJ-PON-3

With a crash, a white hoof emerged from the door. Spraying broken wood into my face before grabbing my neck. A hole was punched clean out of the otherwise unscathed entrance with unponylike strength. With a forceful tug, my form was pulled forward. I made contact with the door head first, bruising my cheekbone and almost dislocating my jaw. Each smash against the hard surface weakened the wood until i was face to face with the pony on the other side. It didn’t occur to me at the time to move away. The furious mare began with spitting in my eye. Quite disgusting. Next came a punch to the throat, knocking the air out of me. This time i tried to move backwards, only to be pulled even harder and all the way through.

I was almost impaled on a larger splinter that only succeeded to jab me in the stomach. It left no mark but caused some serious concerns about Vinyl’s intentions. My head met a soft landing on Octavia’s flank. This only made Scratch laugh maliciously and stop in her advance.

“Can’t get a mare of your own?” She spat again. “Pathetic. That’s what you are.”

“Pardon?” I was shocked by what Vinyl just said. A little hurt

“You deserve to be alone. You know you are a terrible person right?”

“Please enlighten me.” My sarcasm covered my emotions.

“It’s obvious no-pony likes you. You live in Ponyville for Celestia’s sake. If you can’t get a marefriend there you have no chance.” Still laughing at me, Vinyl kicked my head away from Octavia, slamming it upon the hard floor.

“Then why do you take the bucking time to come see me?” I flared a hoof to knock the attacking pony away. My outburst knocked Vinyl to the floor.

“Bastard. Touch me again. Go on, I dare you.” Vinyl picked herself off the floor, cradling her lips. From what i could see, her gums were bleeding.

“Maybe I will” I also pulled my hooves together, lifting myself to stand. My wings stretched out in a natural reaction to hostility.

The air was stale and tense, Vinyl was steaming with rage and hurt. It was my fault, no denying that. I wasn’t about to let myself be thrown around by Vinyl though. She didn’t have to overreact like she did. Today was my day and this mare was ruining it. I felt my blood boil.

“You won’t. You like being pushed around. You enjoy it. You’re sick.” Vinyl’s lies insulted me.

The unicorn charged with a raised hoof. Her magenta eyes had turned a deep red and her pupils had shrunk to pinpricks. Sweat beats from her brow formed a vapour trail behind. Held by her raised hoof was a sharpened fragment of the destroyed door. A malevolent grin appeared on Vinyl’s mouth, she wasn’t going to go easy on me. I leaned forward in preparation, internally readying myself for a strong defense.

The splinter came down upon me before i could dodge it. My reflexes, it seemed, were too slow. The razor point pierced my fur from underneath. Vinyl had gone for the chest.

“Are you trying to kill me?” My pupils mimicked my attacker’s. I got mad.

“Are you going to fall over?” Scratch’s eyes showed disbelief, returning to their normal size.

“But we are having such fun. Let’s continue.”

Another part of me took over. I saw my actions but felt little control anymore. In a blinding rage, I wanted to hurt her. I wanted to hurt Vinyl. My hoof found that the blow that Vinyl had given was laughably weak, barely producing any blood. With a strong buck from my hind legs, Vinyl took a seat. My hits were at her knees. She was not getting up. I walked over to the sleeping Octavia.

“DON’T TOUCH HER.” Vinyl screamed, trying to stand.

“How....Cute.” I knew what i was about to do could kill me in the end but i was willing to risk it.

Letting my body fall, i escaped into a semi transparent apparition. Still feeling cruel. Floating again, I drifted beside the sleeping earth pony. As a ‘ghost’ i wouldn't have to worry about the ‘residue’ on the floor. Perfect. Staring into Vinyl’s eyes, my urge to laugh almost broke my silence. The conscience that would usually drive my actions was gone. Free roam. I passed into the body next to me. The brain was a mess. She was not waking up anytime soon. The alcohol could be seen redirecting all of her ‘traffic’ into random pile ups that pooled everywhere. It did not look healthy at all. Taking control, i lingered for a moment. Letting the thoughts Vinyl were showing grow into emotional torture.

“Hello Vinyl.” I spoke with Octavia’s voice.

“Octy?” A mouse-like squeal passed through Vinyl’s open mouth.

“Nope.”

“GET OUT. GET OUT NOW.” The DJ was now in tears. I didn’t care.

“Not going to happen.”

Using Octavia’s body, I stepped towards the currently immobile Unicorn. I stopped for a moment to take in the unique feeling of controlling another. It felt good. The rage inside me was still hungry. I needed more.Vinyl was going to hurt.

You made me do this Vinyl. And quite frankly, I am going to enjoy it.

“Skye please. Not her.” Vinyl begged on the floor. She was beaten.

“What can i say with Octavia’s voice that could. Hurt you.” I stopped. “Like you hurt me.”

I saw a tear roll down the Unicorn’s eye. One of many that i hoped to see. Her mouth opened but nothing was spoken.

“Vinyl. Dear. I don’t think i love you.” I maintained seriousness.

“No.” Vinyl squirmed. Shedding another tear, she shook her head.

“Vinyl, I think we should break up.”

“STOP.” Vinyl broke down in tears.

I think. No. I am in the right.

The sound of Octavia’s voice was too much for the poor mare. I couldn’t make myself stop. It felt like i was trapped inside another’s personality. This wasn’t me. I was a relatively quiet Stallion. This broken pony on the floor was supposed to be one of my greatest friends. This new voice was ruining everything. I couldn’t make it stop. My mouth kept moving, spouting even more evil words. Causing even more torment. I knew that i had gone too far when Vinyl was physically pulling her mane out. She could escape no more than i could. If i could vomit, i would. For now, i had to watch. I prayed to every deity Equestrians worshiped that both Octavia and her bawling marefriend would forgive me. I didn’t mean for it to go this far.

“WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?” Vinyl moaned, stomping her hoof down.

“You started it.” I, or it, responded childishly. I was embarrassed for the both of us.

“I’M SORRY OKAY. STOP.” The DJ wiped the tears from her eyes.

“I CAN’T.” My voice finally broke through. It sounded sincere.

Vinyl Scratch adopted a puzzled, still broken look. She was not going to punch her partner. I knew that. I was relieved that i could speak again. Unfortunately, i was still trapped. The anger was fading fast.

“I promise you. That was not me.” It was a terrible attempt at an apology. I deserved anything Vinyl would say.

“Tavi?” Vinyl dragged herself forward.

“It’s still me. Skye.”

“Oh.” She stopped, panic in her face.

“I didn’t mean any of that.”

“Sure... You know Skye. If you were in your body, you’d be dead right now.” Another angry glare met my eyes.

“And i would deserve it. But I promise you. It. Was. Not. Me.” I was relieved at having the smallest degree of self control.

“Then who? Who else would say that. You’re a bucking bitter Stallion and I meant what i said before.”

“Sure. Fine. For now I really couldn’t care less. The problem is, Octy won’t let me go.” My apparition was well and truly stuck.

“Hilarious. Get out.”

“I mean it.”

“So do I.”

What Vinyl failed to grasp is that when I entered Octavia, she was drunk and unconscious. The poison that held Octavia in the grasp of sleep, also prevented myself from leaving. She was like glue. Sticky, dirty, smelly, glue. So, i sat down. Waited. All the while, the angry mare was waiting for me to attack her or say something else. I remained quiet, pondering what to do.

“Vinyl.”

“Yes?” Her words were sharp and venomous.

“Can you. Erm. Wake her up?” I was expecting Vinyl to give a laugh. It was depressing to see her like this.

“Why?”

“Stuck.”

“You’re serious?” This time she did laugh. Thank Celestia for her laugh.

“And incredibly sorry.”

“I am never going to let that go.” Vinyl picked herself up, her knee once again worked. “Can she feel anything?”

“No.”

The Unicorn drove a hoof into Octavia’s side. Not hard enough to be classed as truly painful but enough to cause some brain activity.

“Do it again.” It was not enough.

The second ‘attack’ saw Octavia’s brain light up with activity. I felt her headache, her excruciating headache. Now i had control, it was time to leave. The Cellist was awake long enough for me to escape. Her head collapsed to the floor with my departure. My ghost never felt better and i never worse. Banishment would be better than repeating those events.

“Now Leave.” The white furred pony looked up.

“Please Vi. I don’t want us to end like this.” I floated beside Octavia.

“We’ll talk. For now. Go.”

I was speechless.

I Don't Even

(Shorter chapters are easier to manage.)

Chapter 5: I Don't Even.

ARGH. What do I do now? I have seriously bucked everything up. I could throw myself out the window but that would do no good. I could drink myself stupid but I would only end up in a worse state. How am I going to fix this? Can I even fix it? Buck, I didn't mean for it to go that far, I just lost it, I may as well quit everything and go home. I'm probably going to get kicked off the tour anyway, my performance was not 'that' good. Shit, the concert is the least of my worries. Focus Skye.

I gathered what was left of my dignity and picked myself off the hotel room floor, my fur stinging from the glass bottle I had broken against myself earlier and proceeded to roll around in; not my best idea. Small droplets of crimson life seeped though the cracks in my skin, channelling themselves down recesses in my tattered coat. I could taste iron and guilt. Anxiety boiled in my brain, trying to escape in the form of a scream. I could only move in the way of a limp as a small shard had lodged itself below my right kneecap, served me right for kicking Vinyl's. I just felt utterly hopeless, pathetic and self destructive.

“Holy Shit.” Twilight burst through the door shouting.

“Knocking is always nice.” I choked on a suppressed emotion that I wished to be gone.

“Octavia is awake and she is pissed.” Again, the librarian spoke out of character, putting aside manners in exchange for full panic.

“Shit.” The thought of a never-ending night of pain depressed me more than anything.

“Vinyl is bawling her eyes out. Princess Celestia heard about what you did. She and Princess Luna  are on their way.” Breathing heavier and pausing between words, Twilight locked her eyes towards mine. “You have bucked up big time Skye.”

Carefully avoiding any remaining sharp objects, I rushed to the door, overcoming the limp my body ached for.

“You're running? You can't! The Princess is going to be furious already.” Miss Sparkle latched onto my shoulder, trying to hold me back.

“It's not her I’m particularly worried about.” My hoof collapsed under its own weight for a second, knocking me into the corridor wall and onto my side. I could swear I heard a crack.”

Time slowed as I took note of the situation around me, one clear corridor behind and one grey demon to the front. Scraping myself in the process of returning to my feet, the grey mare kicked me back down to the carpeted floor, adding a stamp on the head for good measure.

“Hello down there.” Octavia's irises were shrunk around her pinprick pupil, her intonation terrified me to the core.

“How's it going?” I shuddered.

Octavia produced an empty wine bottle waving it above her head as she circled my body, I was too frightened to move. Her hoof steps were but a fraction of the speed of my thumping heart. Adrenaline meant for flight remained unused, causing my for-hooves to shake uncontrollably. I could smell the hate resonating from the cellist, it poisoned the deepest recesses of my mind.

“Could be better.” Octavia's calmness was disturbing.

“Oh?” The floor around me shook as the pacing sped up.

“So you had a little fight with Vinyl? Tell me about it.” The musician ran her glass wine-bottle up my spine, forcing the hairs along my coat to stand up on end and a weak whimper to escape my lips.

“This is so uncomfortable.” I laughed in the face of death, expecting but a punch.

The glass bottle fell upon my head, shattering and concussing immediately upon impact. The force of the blow almost rendered me unconscious, fear was the only factor keeping me awake. Fragments tore though my ear and fell into my mane, the pain astonishingly minor, I felt no different than when I left the hotel room, maybe even better. I was in shock, obviously. Small spots of blood stained the wallpaper, painting a contrast of gold and red. More liquid drained into my eyes, I instinctively rubbed them.

“Defending yourself? Fine.” Octavia raised the broken glass handle, seeing my hooves raised against my head.

“Bloody hay Octavia, Calm down.” I mumbled past my dulled sense of everything, massaging my temples in another sudden bout of tiredness.

The second blow swiftly fell when I lowed my hands to catch my failing balance, the razor sharp spear points of the shattered handle plunged deep into my softened skull. From Octavia's immediate recoil, I could tell where she hit was not the intended location. Nevertheless, this time I struggled much less to remain awake, I could feel my body slipping away already. Everything was just so comfortable, I didn't want to ghost away, It felt like I was in my bed during a snowy day. The faint screaming in my ear was a little off-putting, I ignored it the best I could.

Time had passed, the air was different. It was cold here, smelling of alcohol and body odour. That sleep was the best I had experienced in years, the bed was comfortable too. A dream? Thank the goddesses, I knew that Octavia couldn't be that sadistic, to kill me. Although, I could feel a throbbing stinging sensation on my face, where my eyes were. I could smell perfectly, unfortunately nonce of the scents were pleasant. My hearing was still a bit off from the concert and my sense of taste was perfect. My eyes however, were refusing to cooperate.

“Octy, he's awake.” I heard the distinct voice of DJ-Pon-3 and a set of tapping hooves.

“I wasn't dreaming was I?” I strained my eyelids to move, they were complying, but something was wrong.

“No Skye.” The DJ wrapped her hooves around my chest, sniffling.

“What's going on?” My predicament was becoming a worry.

“Nothing.” Vinyl replied quickly and nervously.

“I can't bucking see can I? WHAT DID YOU DO?” I reached panic mode.

“IT WASN'T ME! I SWEAR!” The usually strong white mare broke down in tears for a second time this evening.

Insert

Chapter 6: Insert

“I'm going to be locked up.” Octavia was franticly running around the hotel room. “My career is over. How could I be so stupid? Why did he make me? ARGH. Stupid Octavia, you silly girl.”

My ruptured eyes had been blindfolded by a makeshift bandage. The pink irises that should have been there were replaced with crimson gore. Laying on a hotel bed instead a hospital bed where I should have been, I could honestly say that I expected to be tortured. To me, it felt like I had been foal napped and left to sit in my own blood. Octavia really does have anger issues when it comes to dealing with me.

“Octavia, we have to tell somepony, you're only going to make it worse.” Vinyl pleaded with the grey Earth pony.

“NO! No Vinyl dear, what is done is done. It cannot possibly get worse now. I STABBED HIM WITH A BOTTLE.” Octavia stood shaking in to doorway.

“Yeah, so, I stabbed him tonight too. I know where we are standing.” The DJ comforted her partner in a very morbid way.

“Standing in a very cramped prison cell.” I mumbled through my lips.

Vinyl Scratch returned to the bed, standing over me and dripping in sweaty tears.

“You're not going to press charges are you? You can't!”

“What do you think? First you try to kill me, then Octavia tries to kill me and blinds me, then you foal nap me. How could I possibly not press charges.” My voice was fuelled with hesitant anger.

“Skye, I thought we were friends.” The white furred musician backed off.

“So did I, when you weren’t trying to kill me every bucking day.” I let myself vent.

“We were just having fun before. Sure we lost it a bit back stage, but we're better than that. Octavia is better than that.” DJ-Pon-3 attempted a last ditch effort to appeal to my conscience.

“I lost it tonight too. I'll admit that. The thing is, I'm sick of this. I am sick of you, and her. I am through with everything. You know what? I don't even care any-more. Keep your precious mare friend, keep your career. Just don't EVER involve me with your shit EVER again.” With a controlled rage, I let my voice run free.

“So that's how it's going to be?” Octavia approached the opposite side of the bed.

Suddenly, I felt very vulnerable.

“Yes.” I tore the bandage off my head and faced toward where I though the grey cellist was standing.

*******

I left my body behind at the hotel, I didn't want it any more. My true self now drifted past the drunken mares and drugged up stallions without being noticed as anything more than a wayward shadow. My physical self could rot underground for all I cared, It was useless to me now. With no eyes I couldn't pretend any more, nothing was worth doing. The mare's could also rot in the Canterlot prison for eternity, there was no chance they could escape that fate now. I even made my death realistic, it even fooled the princesses as I watched them examine the corpse. Celestia got what she wanted all along and I got a short period of blissful satisfaction. I did have to write a will now though, the very idea of having my things carted away by the Canterlot 'tax-pony' disgusted me.

Streets were paved with gold and skyscrapers shimmering. You never truly appreciate the magical vision you have until somepony stabs you through the skull and rips it away. Goddesses, If I didn't have my talent I would have ended myself anyway, there is no way I am living that life. Work would be impossible, music would be far too challenging, things would be too hard to cope with.

Luna, why am I such a coward?

I knew where I was going; back to my place to write a will. Leaving a small note for Derpy would also be a good idea, I didn't want her to be upset, she doesn't take bad news too well. All my possessions would go to her, the only pony I could trust in this world.

Hay, she could donate my things to the orphanage if she wanted to, I'm not going to haunt her. After I finish what I need to do, who knows? Maybe I’ll go live somewhere hot, squatting in an empty apartment in Hosstralia or even go travelling in the mountainous Griffon cities.

It was nearing sunrise so I knew I couldn't have been unconscious in the hotel for too long. The sun on the east of the dawn sky told me I was going the right way; west towards Ponyville. Caught in the jet stream, it shouldn't take too long to reach my destination. Being weightless had it's benefits; no drag and lots of speed. I let my form feel for the first time after my escape, accepting the cool air and the cloud's moisture into my non-existent lungs, experiencing the wind through my ghostly mane, letting the subtle smells of the changing scenery fill me.

Translucent clouds became less corrupted from the influence of pony-made light and changed into a pure state as time wore on. The presence of the semi-physical ghost I had chosen to materialise created a very real vapour trail behind me, a small reminder of why I didn't need a real body to be what I am. The dew in the air was one drawback, It was either have my 'mane' soaked or not feel anything at all, the former was preferable, but none the less aggravating. It humoured me when I thought I would have to 'live with these drawbacks.

*******

[Private Message from Princess Celestia to Captain Armour]

(Open upon arrival)

Courtesy of Equestrian Telepaths LTD.

*My faithful Captain, We have a problem.

At 22:00 hours, as you may know, there was a murder in the hotel next to the concert in which my sister and I were attending. I would not contact you if this was a simple case of find the assailant and bring them to justice, as we already have the ones 'responsible'. The reason for my letter is to ask for your assistance in the capture or kill of the victim. I will not have my subjects framed and I need evidence to pardon them, you know how the council is.

The victim, who goes by the name of Skye, has a phantom class talent similar to Nightmare Moon's transformation magic. This 'Skye', although considered rather docile, should be treated as a high level hostile. He can and will possess another’s body if provoked. Furthermore, he is identifiable by bright pink eyes. If my predictions are correct, even if Skye has entered another, the eyes will remain pink. This knowledge, and the Telepaths I am sending you, will be your your greatest weapons.

I am deeply sorry to drag you into the mess that I should have sorted out long ago. I trust Princess Cadence will be furious with me, but you are somepony that I can trust, I need you. It is either your cooperation or the elements, and my student, your sister, has already refused. I can't make her change her mind, you know Twilight. She is doing well by the way, a few more years and she will be the finest Unicorn Equestria has seen since Starswirl. I am so very proud of her.

Your funds have been set to unlimited, travel to any location is authorised, and as of now, you are granted total control over military resources. Once again, I am sorry to drag you away from your family, with Cadence being pregnant, but I must ask you to leave for Ponyville immediately to rendezvous with the Telepaths and search for any evidence that may lead to the target. Leave no stone unturned and no hairs out of place, we don't want him to know we're on his tail. The last thing we need is another messy extradition from the Griffon lands, I still have nightmares about the threats made on both sides.

With regards to you and your wife,

Princess Celestia.

[END]

*******

Authors note: Phase one is complete.