Vintavia Scralody Season 3

Chapters

Episode 1: Cello Out
Episode 2: Minotaurs Union
Episode 3: University Women
Episode 4: FrienDesperate
Episode 6: Understandings
Episode 7: Be Starlight My Heart
Episode 5: Pinkfulness

Episode 1: Cello Out

Vinyl and Octavia were at their house admiring a plaque for Octavia. The grey mare earned that reward for attending every day for cello practice. They admire the plaque hanging in their bedroom wall.

“Wow, Tavi! Perfect attendance since the beginning of your career? That's really impressive.” Said Vinyl looking amazed.

“Thanks, Vinyl. But it's not that big of a deal.” Octavia smiled at her marefriends compliment.

“Are you kidding? You're the first mare in ponyville to get this award in 30 years!” Exclaimed Vinyl.

“You're right! It is a big deal! I gotta document it in my journal.” Octavia exclaimed as she grabbed her journal from her bed.

“You write in that every day?”

“Yup, every day since the beginning. Great way to preserve important memories...Here.” Octavia patted a spot next to her.

Vinyl sat next to Octavia on their bed as the grey mare flipped through her journal to see her memories.

Octavia started to read over them. [7/13] “First time playing the cello, felt really nervous.” [7/14] “Had a chat with Frederick Horseshoepin, he was great with the piano.” [4/5] “Accidentally made a wrong note on my song, felt guilty for the rest of the day.” [4/6] “Didn’t go to cello practice.” [3/6] “Aced a music test.” Octavia realized something. “Wait What?!” She goes back to the previous page. “DIDN’T GO TO CELLO PRACTICE?!?! NOOOO!!!!!” Octavia screamed Super frantic.

“I can't believe it! I'm a fraud! I'm gonna have to return this.” Octavia panicked as she tried to grab the reward but Vinyl stopped her.

“Octy, don’t you dare!”

“But I don’t deserve it!”

“Are you kidding?! So you missed a day out of, what, 1,000? That's still pretty awesome, Tavi.” Vinyl said as she tried to comfort her friend.

Octavia goes back to her award gesturing it. “Perfect attendance Vinyl, what do you think that means?”

Vinyl looks at the plaque and thought about it. “That's fair buddy, you've got my support, do what you need to do.” She said as she gave Octavia a kiss on the cheek.

“Thanks, Vinyl.” Octavia sighed as she starts a new entry in her journal for the next day. “Took back plaque. Devastating blow, but the right thing to do.” She wrote.

********

Next day, Octavia went to grand galloping Gala to meet with her boss. She walks towards his office. It’s revealed to be filthy rich. An earth pony with a brown coat and a black mans with shiny highlights. His cutie mark is 3 bags of money and he wears a red tie with a dollar sign on it.

“Mr. Rich, got a second?” Octavia asked as she popped her head through the door.

“I always have time for a V.I.P. like you, Mrs. Perfect attendance.” Filthy said enthusiastically with a smile.

“You shouldn't call me that, sir.” Octavia said with a frown as she took a seat in front of him.

“Don't be so modest, kid. I know what a big deal this award is, you know the last mare to win it thirty years ago, this good looking guy right here.”

Octavia stuttered for a moment while looking at her unzipped duffle bag containing the plaque.

Filthy cut the gray mare off. “I’d like to make you my partner, It's a lot of responsibility. You’ll get to tell others what to do, play huge concerts for mares, creating your own music, and getting twice the fame you already have.”

“T-t-twice the fame?” Octavia said looking stunned.

“Well, if you're going to stutter like that you can't do it, and if all goes well, who knows, Melody? Who knows? Maybe someday you'll be the one replacing me.” Said filthy pointing at himself.

Octavia gasps loudly.

“So, what do you say, Melody?”

Octavia takes a look at her plaque, thinks, and tosses the bag away. “I accept sir!” She said as she shakes his hoof, Octavia has happy tears coming out of her eyes in excitement.

********

The next day at the grand galloping gala. Octavia and Filthy appear to be in a golf cart as they arrive at the location. Octavia hops out but filthy stays in.

“Later, Mrs. Junior administrator.” Said The male earth pony as he drove off.

Vinyl is walking towards the building when she notices Octavia.

“Wow, Tavi! Junior administrator? So, Mr. Rich didn't care that you missed one day of practice?”

“Actually, I didn't tell him, he offered me this job and said he thinks I could be leader someday, it's the dream I never knew I had. Do you think less of me for not being honest?”

“Not at all, and I’m sure you’d make a great leader.” Said the unicorn putter hoof around Octavia’s neck as they walk off.

“Thanks Vinyl.” Octavia Said chuckling happily.

********

Montage time. Starting with Octavia organizing the cellos in their cases and putting them on a shelf. Next, she is organizing the seats and stools just so the player can not feel crowded. Next she is instructing the class how they can play a new song and they are doing well. Octavia has her hooves on her hips and smiles confidently. Montage ends.

********

Octavia is now in filthy rich’s office, this time with Spoiled Rich. A female earth pony with a Pale grayish pink coat and a purple mane. Her cutie mark is a diamond ring and she wears a yellow necklace.

“I’m so glad you’re here, Octavia. I need you to digitize all of the student files.”

“Student files? Does that include attendance records?” Octavia asked looking worried.

“Of course!”

Octavia passed out after her answer much to Mrs. Rich’s horror.

********

Octavia runs back to Her and Vinyls house as she went inside and upstairs and bursts through their bedroom door startling Vinyl.

“Don’t you know how to knock?” Exclaimed Vinyl.

“No time for that, Vinyl. I’ve got a big problem.”

“Rich is digitizing the records, and is going to find out that your attendance isn't perfect?!”

“Exactly, but I got a plan.”

“I’m in!”

“I'm going back to the grand galloping gala after Mr. and Mrs. Rich leave to remove my file.”

“I’m in!”

“I know it sounds risky, and I understand if you don't want to get involved.”

“I’m in!”

“But it would really mean a lot to me if- Wait, did you say you're in?” Asked Octavia finally noticing Vinyl.

“Three times.”

Octavia gave Vinyl a hug and kissed her on the lips. “I love you, Vinyl.”

“I love you too, Octy.” Replied the unicorn returning the hug and kiss.

Octavia grabbed Vinyl by the hoof and they took off.

********

It was night time at the grand galloping gala. Vinyl and Octavia sneak inside the building like ninjas as they finally reached Filthy Rich’s office. They find the closet full of records and realize how big they are.

“Woah, this could take a while.” Said Vinyl looking surprised.

Luckily Octavia found the file. “There it is!” She exclaimed as she took the file from one of the shelves. They head out the office while walking.

“We did it, and with my file safely in my possession, my little secret is perfectly safe. Now no one will ever know I lied about my perfect attendance.” Octavia said confidently.

“Up high!” Vinyl said holding a hoof. Octavia joined it and made an explosion with their mouths.

They continued walking through the halls until they stop to notice Parish Nandermane walking back outside of the building. a male earth pony with a purple coat and a blue mane. He has a cutie mark of a lyre and wears a red bow tie. Vinyl and Octavia panic and run back into the office.

“What is Parish doing here this late, do you think he heard what we said?” Octavia said looking worried.

“Probably not.” Replied Vinyl with a calm tone.

Octavia started to panic. “He must have! This hall has echoes just like any other hall, Now he's gonna tell Mr. Rich, he'll interrogate me, and I'll crumble like a cookie, it's what I do! There goes the dream I just discovered I had.”

“Okay, take it easy, Octavia." Said Vinyl holding her marefriend sympathetically.

“We have to make sure Parish stays quiet, and I know how to do it.” Said Octavia holding Vinyl’s hooves.

Vinyl and Octavia are cleaning up Parish’s property. Vinyl is polishing his lyre while Octavia is cleaning his seat and stool.

“How’s everything over there?” Asked Octavia already finished with her part.

“Pretty good. though there will be a few grease stains once his hooves are on it” Replied Vinyl.

Parish comes back into the building and he notices the two mares cleaning up his stuff. “Vinyl? Octavia? Are you guys...cleaning my stuff?” He asked looking a bit confused.

The two mares glanced at each other before Octavia could speak.

“Yup, just thought you could use a little help.” Octavia said with a smile.

“Wow, thanks, I don’t know how I can replay you.” Said Parish with a smile.

“Well, you know what they say, Parish. We scratch your back, you scratch ours.” Octavia said with a wink at the male pony.

Parish looked confused at Octavia’s statement as he walked away.

The girls were walking outside the building looking happy.

“We did it! Now no one will ever know I lied about my attendance record.” Octavia said as she and Vinyl noticed Cranky Doodle Donkey. He has a brown coat with a black mane.

Vinyl and Octavia jumped in the bushes hiding.

“Do you think Cranky Doodle Donkey heard what we just said?” Octavia said looking worried again.

“Probably not.”

“He must have! Outside here is so quiet, and half of Equestria is asleep. We have to make sure he stays quiet, and I know how to do it.”

********

Vinyl and Octavia are inside Cranky and Matilda's house cleaning every room. Cranky then opens the door and suddenly notices the two mares.

“Scratch? Melody? What are you doing in my house?” Asked Cranky looking confused.

“Just making sure that when your wife comes home, you guys would do your little business.” Octavia said with a smile.

“Why would you do that?”

“Well, you know what they say, sir. We scratch your back, you scratch ours.” The gray mare winks.

“I don’t think we’re on the same page here, Melody.”

Vinyl and Octavia exit Cranky’s house as they both sigh in relief.

“Phew, that was a close one, if Mr. Doodle told Mr. Rich that I lied about my attendance record, whew, I'd be done for.” Octavia said in relief.

The two mares heard hoof steps walk past behind them. They turn around to see that it was nurse redheart. She is an earth pony with a white coat, pink mane and tail, blue eyes, and a varying cutie mark at least of a medical cross with a heart in each corner. She wears a nurse's cap that bears an emblem with the same design as her cutie mark.

“Do you think nurse redheart heard what we just said?” Octavia said looking worried for the third time.

“Do I even need to answer that question?” Said Vinyl looking deadpan.

“Of course she did, We have to make sure Nurse stays quiet, and I know just how to do it.”

********

Vinyl and Octavia are at Ponyville hospital as they are outside the nurses office. Octavia having just finished combing through Sweetie Belle's hair.

“Okay, Sweetie, you seem to be all clear, don't forget your lollipop.” Said Octavia as The filly walks over to Vinyl who is holding a jar of lollipops, she looks back at Octavia, and instead of taking just one, she takes all but two and leaves. Right at that moment, Nurse Redheart comes in confused to see Sweetie Belle walking out of her office, and then surprised to see Vinyl and Octavia in her office.

“Hey, Nurse Redheart.” Greeted Vinyl and Octavia with grins.

“Oh, uh, what are you girls doing in my office?” Asked the nurse scratching her head.

“We just checked all the school age ponies for head lice.” Replied Octavia.

“Okay, I'm a little confused here.” Said the nurse still scratching her head.

“Are you? I think it's pretty clear, We scratch your back, you scratch ours.” Said Octavia Winking at Nurse R, who goes from a little confused, to just confused. “Now that we have an understanding, we’ll just take a lollipop and be on our way.” She and Vinyl Pop the lollipops into their mouths as they leave, past a very confused nurse. Walking down the hall. “Yes! That was the last loose end, now no one will ever know that I-

Vinyl promptly throws her hoof around Octavia’s mouth. “This is the part, where you get into trouble, so I'm gonna stop you right here.” Said Vinyl as Octavia put her hoof around Vinyl in response.

********

Next morning Octavia is walking towards the grand galloping gala for her next class. But Mr. Rich’s golf carts up to her and honks.

“Melody, I got you something, your very own golf cart, here's the key.” Said Filthy rich as he threw the item at Octavia’s hoof.

“Wow, she's beautiful, but, why are you doing this?” Asked the gray mare.

“I heard about everything you did, including cleaning Cranky Doodle Donkey’s house for his wife to come home, You've earned it, kid.”

“Well, I don't know about that.”

“There's that winning Melody humility. You know what, you've got more than perfect attendance, you've got perfect character.” He said as he heads inside the building.

Octavia feels ashamed of herself and decides she can't live a lie anymore.

********

Octavia is instructing the class, but she is looking depressed.

“Alright everyone, let me give you a recap. A Cello has 4 strings and they are usually tuned in perfect fifths: from low to high, C₂, G₂, D₃ and A₃, an octave lower than the viola. Make sure your left back leg is on the stool while you play and keep the instrumental standing at all times. Oh and one more thing: Octavia Melody is a big fat liar.” She says as Mrs. Rich yelps in surprise and faints. “My attendance isn't perfect at all, and neither is my character, I don't deserve to be a junior administrator, or a future leader, and because of all that, I hereby resign my post effective immediately.” Octavia said as Spoiled gets up, yelps in surprise and faints again. “Oh, and report cards are due today.”

“Octavia!” Called a Familiar voice. It was Vinyl as she was standing behind the stage curtains the whole time as she went up to Octavia. “What are you doing?!”

“I decided I can't live a lie anymore, Vinyl.”

“Well, I wish you had realized that before we did all of those chores, but I get it.”

Filthy Rich rushed towards Octavia. “Melody, I heard someone from outside trying to impersonating you!”

“No, sir, that was me. I haven't been honest with you, I actually missed a day. I'm sorry about everything.” Said Octavia looking guilty.

“Now hold on Octavia, you didn’t miss a day of cello practice.” Said Spoiled.

“Yes i did. April 5th, 2015. It’s in my music journal.”

“Well nobody was there at that day, honey. That was the great flood of 2015.” Replied Spoiled.

“So, my attendance record is perfect after all?” Asked Octavia as Mr. and Mrs. Rich nod in response.

“Well, now that we've cleared this up, Melody, you wanna join us on our lunch break?” Requested Filthy.

“Of course.” Replied the grey mare.

Vinyl steps in. “Can I come too.”

“Go home, Scratch!” Said the male pony with a stern look.

“Dang it!” Vinyl said Defeated walking away as Octavia gave her a concerned look.

Episode 2: Minotaurs Union

The students were at Canterlot high. They are now taking gym class. Meanwhile Minuette screams and gets nailed in the face by a dodgeball, and collapsing. Bonbon runs by Vinyl and Octavia and gets nailed too, followed by Frederic, then Carrot Top, then Lyra.

“Man, I hate gym class.” Said Vinyl glancing at Octavia before getting nailed.

“And the worst part is, class hasn't even started yet. Oof!” Agreed Octavia before nailed into her bowtie, and winds up lying on the floor with her fellow classmates.

Just then a whistle blows who is being blown by Iron Will, A male minotaur with a Dark blue mane and a Grayish blue coat. He is the coach of Canterlot high.

“Okay, now that you're warmed up, let's begin.” Said the minotaur.

“Coach, any chance we can play with the parachute today?” Asked Frederic before Iron Will nails him with another dodgeball for that statement.

“I don't think he heard you, Frederic. Ask him again.” Said Quibble slyly before getting nailed as well.

Iron Will blows his whistle “Line up!” He Ordered as Everyone followed his command. “Today you'll be running the obstacle course.” He said as he gestures to an army style obstacle course.

“Is it legal to have barbed wire in school?” Said Minuette nervously.

“You’re First, Miss Mouthy.” Said Iron Will blowing his whistle again, and everyone starts. Everyone finds themselves in a really painful situation.

“Rope burn!” Cried Quibble falling down the rope.

“Suck it up, Pants! No one leaves until each and every one of you runts finishes this course!” Exclaimed Iron Will before Ms. Cheerilee appears in the doorway.

“Good morning, Coach Pacowski.” The teacher greeted.

Iron Will stops and turns to Ms. Cherilee. “Uh, why-uh, he-, hello, Ms. Cheerilee.” He said, He Slips over a dodgeball, tries to pick himself back up using the cart, but it rolls out from under his arm and he falls over again. He sits up, watches Ms. Cheerilee leave, and is now in a trance, the students approach him.

“Coach, can we stop?” Said Minuette Looking tired.

Iron Will still is in a trance. “Huh? Yeah, sure, class dismissed, you all get A's.”

********

Later, after gym class, Lyra, Minuette, Vinyl, Octavia, Quibble, and Frederic are at their lockers.

Quibble appears to have bandages on his hooves. “Can someone open my locker? My rope burn is serious.” He asked before Octavia opened it for him.

“Man! Gym class was brutal today.” Said Frederic.

“Yeah, good thing Ms. Cheerilee came by before we got to the barbed wire.” Said Minuette shuddering in fear.

“Coach sure is sweet on her hiney.” Said Lyra.

“Can you imagine if Iron Will and Ms. Cheerilee were a couple, gym class would be way less painful.” Said Octavia

“It'd be non-stop parachute time!” Said Frederic, Giving Vinyl an idea.

“Hmm, I think you guys are onto something, what if we could make them a couple?” Said Vinyl grinning.

“Now how in the world are we gonna do that?” Asked Lyra with an eyebrow raised.

“Leave it to me.” Said Vinyl with determination in her eyes.

********

Vinyl is walking towards Carousel Boutique, where Rarity lives. She knocks on the door and Rarity answers it.

“Hey Rarity, So my friend really likes this girl-“ Said Vinyl before getting interrupted.

Rarity gasps in excitement as she grabs Vinyl by the hooves and into the house.

“You're talking about yourself, aren't you? Who's the girl?!” Asked Rarity in excitement.

“No, no, it's not me. So, he likes her, but I'm not sure if she's into him.”

“Oh, have Octavia ask her for you.”

“It's not me! Can you focus, please?” Said Vinyl looking annoyed. “Now, how do I get her to be interested in him, too?”

“I'm sure she'll be interested in you, Vinyl, you're so great!” Said Rarity not focusing.

“Rarity, I swear I will walk out of this house and go ask Applejack!” Said Vinyl as her face started turning red over anger.

“Fine, I'll help you with your 'friend'. All you have to do is talk him up when you know this girl is listening, make him seem like a real catch.”

“That's great advice! Thanks!” Said Vinyl as she leaves the house and calls Octavia on her phone. “Tavi, do you read me?”

“Loud and clear, Vinyl. How'd it go with Rarity?”

“It went great. I knew she'd have the answer, but I could really use your help.”

“I'm here for you, love.”

********

The next day at school, Vinyl and Octavia entered the Gymnasium suspiciously glancing at opposite directions.

“So, Rarity says the first step is to talk up Iron Will's good points.” Vinyl recapped.

“Got it.” Said Octavia before questioning something. “Wait, what good points?”

“That's what we're here to find out.”

They both tip hoofed in the gym, hid behind the dodgeball cart, and Vinyl unlocks the lock to it letting loose the balls. From the office, Iron Will witnesses it.

“What the heck, I just stacked these!” Exclaimed the Minotaur as he runs after the balls while Vinyl and Octavia snuck into his office. Vinyl saw something on the desk.

“A medical book? Wow! Coach must be studying to become a doctor.” Said the unicorn looking impressed.

“That'll be helpful since he injures so many of us in class.” Said Octavia remembering what happened yesterday.

“More importantly, it's really going to impress Ms. C.”

Just then, Vinyl and Octavia looked up to see pictures of Iron Will.

“Check out the world traveler. Ms. C's gonna love that.” Said Octavia grinning.

Suddenly, Coach's cell phone rings and the pair quickly hide under the desk. Iron Will answers it.

“Go for Iron Will.” Said the Minotaur hearing inaudible gibberish on phone. “Hey, hey thanks for calling me back. I need to talk to you about a part for my boat.”

“He has a boat?” Said Vinyl and Octavia from under the desk.

Iron Will leaves his office and the two mares pop themselves out of his desk.

Later, during lunch, Ms. Cheerilee is eating a salad, Octavia and Vinyl sit at the table behind her as they began to start Acting.

“Tavi, you'll never believe what I found out today. Did you know Coach Iron Will. is studying to be a doctor?” Said Vinyl.

“No way Vinyl, I'm surprised he has the time, what with all the world traveling he does on his boat.” Said Octavia.

“A boat you say?”

“Yeah, I heard he just ordered a new part for it.”

“Wow, I never realized what a catch Coach is. How has he managed to stay single all these years?”

“I guess he's too modest to toot his own horn.”

“You mean the one on his boat?”

They both chuckle and wink at each other as Ms. Cheerilee looked surprised by their conversation.

********

Back at Carousel Boutique, Vinyl is talking to Rarity while she’s sewing a dress.

“Okay, so I followed your advice, and now the girl seems interested in my friend. What's the next step?” Asked Vinyl.

“Uhh, duh, you ask her out. You literally have the greenlight, Darling.” Said Rarity excitedly.

Vinyl facepalms and groans. “Rarity, it's not me!”

“Fine, tell your 'friend' he literally has the greenlight. How long do you want to play this game, Vinyl?” Said Rarity with a smug face.

Vinyl sighs in annoyance.

********

Back at school, in Iron Will’s office, Vinyl and Octavia are at the side of the door putting their next phase of the plan into action. They both bounce back and forth with a basketball, acting out.

“Man, I feel really bad for Ms. Cheerilee, National 'Ask A Teacher Out' Day, and no one has asked her out.” Said Octavia.

“Huh, I wonder why Dr. Whooves hasn't made a move?”

“Eh, she'd never go for a humanities teacher. She's more into the athletic type. You know, guys who are tough on kid and stern authoritarians, and if they like to blow whistles, even better”

Iron Will hears their conversation and smiles at this and walks out of the room, passed between Vinyl and Octavia.

“Yes! He took the bait.” Smiled Vinyl.

“Yeah, but he can't ask her out looking like that.” Said Octavia.

The two look at each other in agreement. Outside the principal's office Vinyl swipes a bouquet of flowers off the secretary's desk, meanwhile, Octavia is in the auditorium and grabs a costume off the rack. They meet up outside Ms. Cheerilee’s class and see Iron Will approaching, they nod at each other noting that it's go time. Octavia leans up against the lockers while Vinyl pretends to take a drink from the fountain, and "accidentally" sprays Iron Will.

“Oopsie, here, let me neatly comb that for you.” Said Vinyl as she Starts combing, meanwhile, Octavia sneaks behind Coach with a box of apple juice, and sprays it all over Coach's chest.

“Sorry, here, I happen to have a fresh shirt with no pit stains.” Said Octavia as she spins Iron Will into the costume he took from the auditorium.

“Gosh, what am I going to do with this romantic bouquet of flowers? I’m allergic.” Said Vinyl as she’s holding the flowers she stole from the secretary's desk.

“Give me those!” Snapped Iron Will as she swipes the flowers from the unicorn.

Coach walks off in his new look and he enters Ms. Cheerilee’s classroom. She notices him.

“Oh, well, hello, Coach.” Greeted the teacher before noticing the flowers. “Oh, are those for me?”

“Uhh, th-they, they are indeed.” Iron Will chuckled as he gives the flowers to her. “C-Cheerilee, I was wondering if you would like to have dinner with me tonight?” He asked nervously.

“Well, I guess I could skip my hot yoga class. You're on!” Cheerilee accepted.

Iron Will suddenly notices the class staring at them. “WHAT'RE YOU ALL LOOKING AT?! BACK TO WORK!” He yelled before turning back to Cheerilee. “I uh, I can't help when I'm just a stern authoritarian kind of guy.” He blows his whistle. Vinyl and Octavia saw the whole thing and gave each other a hoof bump.

********

Later on, the two mares stood behind the gymnasium doors.

“Well, Clyde, if everything went according to plan last night, today's gym class should be all about...” Vinyl stopped.

They both opened the doors and gasped in surprise. Their gym classmates are playing with…

“THE PARACHUTE!” Vinyl and Octavia squealed In excitement.

“We did it, Sweetie!” Exclaimed Octavia before she and Vinyl locked their hooves around their shoulders.

“Remember this moment.” Said Vinyl looking touched.

The students cheered them on.

“Vinyl, you're a hero!” Squealed a gym class student.

“It wasn't just me, it was a team effort by Vintavia Scralody.” Said Vinyl confidently as she and Octavia leaned on each other’s backs and folded their arms to look cool.

“VINTAVIA SCRALODY! VINTAVIA SCRALODY! VINTAVIA SCRALODY!” Chanted the class while raising the parachute up and down. The girls get under the parachute, feeling happy.

“So, where's Coach?” Asked Octavia with an eyebrow raised.

“Probably on the phone planning his wedding.” Vinyl replied winking at her marefriend.

Vinyl and Octavia popped their heads in from the parachute to take a look, instead of Iron Will planning, he bangs his head on the desk in disappointment and sorrow.

“Wow, all the best venues must be booked.” Commented Octavia.

“I think it's worse than that, Octavia.” Said Vinyl.

“You're right, he looks like my Nana after she loses Bingo, Bingo's her dog, not the game.” Said Octavia glancing at Vinyl.

They popped out and approached the Coach, he is still banging his head.

“Hey, Coach. How ya doin'?” Asked Vinyl.

“Just great. My love life is in the toilet and I'm gonna be alone forever!” Sobbed Iron Will sarcastically.

“How could that be? We saw you ask out Ms. Cheerilee the other day, she seemed thrilled.” Said Vinyl looking a little confused.

“Well, that didn't last long, everything about me seemed a disappointer.” Sighed the Minotaur.

“Uhh, what do you mean?” Asked Octavia in curiosity.

“Well, for some reason, she thought I had a yacht, and when I told her I just live on a houseboat with my Mom, she looked like my Uncle, when he loses checkers. That's his cat, not the game.” Said Iron Will as Vinyl and Octavia glanced at each other confusingly. “And she was less than enthused when she found out I'm not some 'big world traveler'.”

“You're not?” Vinyl realized what she said and Corrected her blurt and looks at the pictures. “Urr, uh, I was just looking at those pictures on your wall.”

“Those were from that new mini-golf course by the airport, Hole-In-Wonders Of The World. I've never left Michigan in my life.” Iron Will explained.

“She must have perked up when she found out you're in Med School.” Said Octavia, though she is Stunned when she was about to reveal the real reason. “I, ur, I-I just, I saw that book on your desk.”

“This? I checked it out at the library. I'm trying to figure out what the heck is going on here!” Said the coach before showing his nasty foot infection and Vinyl and Octavia gasped in disgust while holding each other. “Yeah, it's the same reaction Cheerilee had at dinner.” She sighed sadly. “Girls, I need to be alone. Go play with the parachute for the rest of the school year, okay?”

Vinyl and Octavia look at each other, guiltily.

“Uhh, Coach, there's something we need to tell you.” Said Vinyl nervously.

Time has passed and The two mares told Iron Will later on.

“So you see, because of us, Ms. Cheerilee had all the wrong ideas about you. That's the reason you're date bombed. It wasn't anything you did.” Vinyl confessed.

“Though, the foot rash didn't help.” Said Octavia as Vinyl glared at her, She shrugs.

“We're sorry. We never should've meddled in your personal life.” Said Vinyl.

“But please don't give up on love because of us. As my parents always say, 'there's a lid for every jar', and I know there's one out there for you. Or a jar. I'm not sure which one you are in this situation.” Said Octavia.

“Well, thank you for coming clean, Girls. I appreciate your honesty.” Said the coach calmly.

“You do? So, you're not gonna punish us?” Questioned Vinyl.

“Oh, I'm not gonna punish you.” Iron Will admitted. Viny and Octavia smiled at each other slyly, but suddenly, the Minotaur gets furious as he gets off his chair."I AM GONNA TEAR YOU LIMB FROM LIMB!!” He screamed.

Vinyl and Octavia run in horror while Iron Will gives them a chase. They run towards the other students playing with the parachute and still chanting ‘Vintavia Scralody’ and are propelled into the air by the parachute, the same happens to the Minotaur, they then run through the obstacle course, very proficiently, with Coach in hot pursuit, as they run through the tires, they see the crusher, they manage to dodge it and grab the ropes, Iron Will lunges at them but seemingly gets flattened, Vinyl and Octavia are relieved when suddenly Iron Will lifts the crusher right up, the girls scream in terror and climb the rope, the Minotaur following them, they switch from the rope to the monkey bars and drop down onto the launch pad, they are launched over the barrier, front flipping before landing, the Coach drops down on to the pad, but gets launched head first into the wooden barrier, giving himself a concussion, Vinyl and Octavia run over to him.

“Iron Will, are you okay?” Asked Octavia With concern.

“I already scraped the barnacles, Ma.” Iron Will said looking dazed.

Vinyl and Octavia look at each other with concern.

********

At the Ponyville Hospital, Iron Will comes to wearing bandages on his head, laying on the bed. Vinyl, Octavia, and Nurse Redheart are with him.

“Oh, well, now that's quite a goose egg, Sir. Geez, how'd you do that?” Asked Nurse Redheart.

Iron Will stutters to think of a response and Vinyl decided to answer for him.

“He was just showing us the best way to run the obstacle course.” Vinyl lied as Iron Will smiled at the girls.

“Maybe you should stick to something a little less strenuous, eh, like um, mini-golf? Now that's my game.” Nurse suggested, gesturing to an array of photos on her wall of herself at 'Hole in Wonders of the World', resembling Iron Will’s.

“Wait, you, you like mini-golf, Nurse Redheart?” Said Iron Will looking surprised.

“Like it? You're talking to the Canterlot mini-golf queen.” The nurse smirked.

“Well, you're talking to the Canterlot mini-golf king.” Iron Will chuckled.

“Oh, well I'll believe that when I see it.”

“Hey, how 'bout a round of golf with me tonight?”

“I'm in. Loser buys corn dogs and pop at the snack shack.”

“Deal!”

“Looks like Coach found his lid, or his jar, still not sure.” Said Octavia putting her hoof on her chin.

“Which means a whole lot of parachute time for us.” Grinned Vinyl as she and Octavia locked their hooves around their shoulders.

“Remember this moment.” Said Octavia looking touched.

********

Soon after the bell rings, and class starts, Ms. Cheerilee storms inside, very upset.

“Alright class, I'm gonna break it down for you. I had a lousy date last night and I'm not in a good mood, so it's pop quiz time!” The kids groan. “Pull out a sheet of paper and number it one to ten. Question 1: Your Mom's houseboat counts as a boat, true or false?”

After angrily explaining the question, she notices Big Macintosh at the door. Big Mac tips up his hat while Ms. Cheerilee falls in love with him. That gives Vinyl and Octavia another plan as Vinyl ducks down under the desk to call Rarity on his cellphone.

“Hey, Rarity! Listen, I've got another friend who needs my dating help.” Rarity speaks in inaudible gibberish thinking that it's still Vinyl who needs help, she's annoyed and angry by her assumption. “No, it's not me!”

Episode 3: University Women

Vinyl and Octavia are at their house, baking cookies in the kitchen. Rainbow Dash walks towards their house and smells something.

“Do I smell cookies.” Dash said to herself as she burst open the door and walked towards the kitchen where the two mares were baking. “Hey guys, think fast.” She said she throws a basketball towards them.

Vinyl and Octavia dodge the basketball while Dash grabs a cookie when they were not looking. Then, the ball bounces off the fridge and aims at Vinyl and Octavia as they dodge again.

“Rainbow Dash!” Exclaimed Vinyl.

“That’s okay, we needed a taste tester. I'm worried the bottoms are soggy.” Said Octavia with concern.

“Nope, nice crunch. What are they for?” Asked Dash with the Cookie in her mouth.

“Tavi and I have University orientation tomorrow.” Said Vinyl.

Rainbow spits the cookie crumbs on the duos faces. “You guys are coming to University?” She Exclaimed in shock.

Octavia wipes the crumbs off her face before answering. “Yeah, we got assigned a buddy who's gonna take us around, and show us what the next couple years of our lives would be like.” Octavia explained.

“And we wanna make a good impression, so we're coming prepared.” Said Vinyl as she Pulls out a picture then moves her hooves as if she had sprinkles. “Designed these ourselves.” She said Giving Dash the card.

Dash grabs the picture and reads it. “Vintavia Scralody-Musicians of Ponyville.” She looks back at Vinyl and Octavia. “Cookies and business cards? That's your plan?” She asks with an eyebrow raised.

“I'm also planning to use word association, to learn everyone's names.” Said Vinyl as she moves hooves by the opposite directions. “Like Dash; moves like a flash.”

“Whoa, Whoa, Whoa, wait a minute, time out. This stuff might fly in High School, okay? But University is different. It's the jungle. If you walk in their looking like a couple of weak chumps, you'll get eaten alive.” Said Dash Dramatically.

“Eaten alive?” Said The pair looking at each other with horror in their eyes.

“Does that mean we should reconsider wearing matching turtlenecks?” Octavia asked.

Rainbow Dash Groans and calls up the principal. “Don't worry, RD’s got your back. Ahem, yo, Principal? Rainbow Dash. Hey listen, who can I talk to about becoming an orientation buddy?” She said as she Winks at Vinyl and Octavia.

“Psst, don't throw out those business cards, they might still work for our future jobs.” Said Octavia whispering to Vinyl.

********

Everypony is walking towards Canterlot University, as they began to admire its beauty. Vinyl and Octavia locked arms around their shoulders as they looked impressed.

“Vinyl, check out those columns! You think they're real marble?” Asked Octavia.

“Probably, this place is so much bigger than our school. Good thing they gave us maps.” Said Vinyl as she and Octavia pull out maps from their backpacks and look at them.

Rainbow Dash is seen behind an older student and notices the two mares. She runs up to them and tosses their maps away.

“Guys, guys, guys, ditch the maps! First rule of survival: Don't act like a total noob.” Dash instructed.

“But, we are noobs.” Octavia corrected.

“Yeah, When some upperclassmen realizes that, you'll be a prime target for pranks!” Exclaimed Dash before looking back to see if anyone hears what she's gonna say. “Like the mare who asked an older mare for directions on the first day of University." Said Dash mysteriously.

Vinyl and Octavia grow shocked to hear that. Flashback to that time.

“That poor fool got sent on a wild goose chase on the tunnels in school, then she didn't make it out until the day was over.” Rainbow Dash narrated.

Vinyl and Octavia gasps and writes down the rule. “Don't... be... noobs.” They wrote.

********

Later, the bell rings as students went to their classes.

“Okay, Class Time. There's no assigned seats, so it's time for rule number two: Don't get stuck with a crummy desk.” Said Dash calmly before losing her patience. “MOVE OUT!” She yelled as Vinyl and Octavia flee in panic.

Octavia walks to a desk where at the same time, a girl with pigtails approaches the same one.

“Oh, sorry, please, it's all yours. I'd pull out the chair for you, but it's attached.” Said Octavia kindly.

Rainbow Dash facehoofs at this. “Wrong.” She runs up to where Octavia and the girl are standing. “Hey! Back off, pigtail. My buddy saw this first!” She yelled as she takes the desk, and places it near Octavia and Vinyl. “Huaghh! Boom! Dominant! Nobody's messing with that. Ha!”

“Uh, wasn't that a little aggressive?” Octavia asked.

“Mmm... not if you don't wanna end up with the mare who got stuck with the worst desk in the room.” Said Dash annoyed.

Vinyl and Octavia grow shocked again. Flashback to that time.

“This one kid thought she had the perfect desk, but ended up getting stuck in it so tight, that they had to call the school cook.” Dash Narrated.

“Sorry, kid. We're gonna have to grease you out. Got any nut allergies?” Said the School cook, laughing evilly.

Flashback ends.

“Don't get stuck with crummy desks…” The two mares wrote down.

********

The three mares are now at a science lab.

“Okay, next is Bio. Suit up!” Said Dash throwing lab coats at Vinyl & Octavia.

“Cool, I've always wanted to wear a lab coat!” Said Vinyl wearing her lab coat.

“Welcome, 12th Graders, we are continuing with live mealworms today. So everyone grab a case from the back of the class.” The University teacher instructed.

Vinyl grabs a case and runs into Octavia. All the worms fell out and went on the fan and onto the students. They all try to get them off screaming. “Sorry guys, that was my fault. I was oddly making business-” Vinyl said, Blushing before Dash pushes her behind the counter. “Dash, what the heck?” She yelled.

“Rule Number Three: never own up to making a mistake.” Said Rainbow.

“But I spilled the worms!” Said the DJ still looking mad.

“So!? Do you wanna be like the student who- wait, hang on. Octavia needs to hear this too.” Said the Pegasus as she grabs Octavia. “Do you wanna be like the student who owned up to stepping on a Whoopee Cushion during a standardized test?”

Vinyl and Octavia grow shocked once again. Flashback to that time.

Flashbacks to a hooded going to her university room in humiliation.

“Hey look, it’s Whoopee McCushion.” Said a bully.

Flashbacks.

“Own up to nothing.” The two mares wrote down.

********

Later at lunch at the cafeteria, Rainbow Dash gives double meatball subs with extra sriracha to Vinyl and Octavia as they are growling.

“I love that angry body language!” Dash giggled as she set down the food. “Here you go, double meatball subs with extra sriracha.”

“Thanks, I'm normally not a hot sauce kind of pony, but after this morning, I'm feeling dangerous.” Said Octavia confidently as she and Vinyl take a bite of their sandwiches.

“Great, so my rules are sinking in?” Asked Dash.

“Yeah, some dude just came over to ask if she can borrow a chair, and guess what Octavia said.” Said Vinyl ponting at Her marefriend.

“I don't think so, mate!” Exclaimed Octavia pretending to be mad as she slams the table with her hooves.

“Boom, Melody for the win!” Said The Pegasus giving Octavia a hoof bump.

“So, what are we doing after lunch?” Asked Vinyl.

“Oh, actually, we orientation buddies are supposed to let you guys fly solo for the rest of the day. See how you do on your own.” Said Dash confidently.

“Really?” Said Vinyl nervously looking at Octavia

“Already?” Said Octavia nervously looking back at Vinyl.

“Don't worry, you guys totally got this. Now hooves in!" Said Rainbow as the three put their hooves together. “Three, two, one…”

“DOMINATE!” Cried the three mares happily.

“Wow, Octavia, your hooves are so soft.” Said Dash realizing that she put her hoof on Octavia’s hoof.

“Oh, thank you.” Said Octavia thinking that it was a compliment.

“We'll work on that.” Said Dash walking away stating that it wasn’t a compliment.

Vinyl and Octavia stare at each other In confusion.

********

Later, Vinyl and Octavia are in the hallway.

“First class of the afternoon: The Wonders of Watercolors.” Vinyl said

“To the art department!” Cried Octavia before the two mares are about to head off, but they realize they have no idea where the art department is. “Uh, which way is that again?” She asked scratching her head.

Vinyl opens her backpack and pulls out the map. “Maybe if we just take a quick peek at the map.”

Octavia saw what Vinyl is doing and snatching the map away from her. “No! Dash’s first rule, remember? Don't look like a noob.” Octavia recapped.

“Right.” Vinyl remembered.

This time, they head off when suddenly, the bell rings. The two mares gasp and all the classroom doors close.

“Oh no! We're gonna be tardy!” Said Octavia holding Vinyl.

A random college student walks by them and realizes that they have nowhere to go.

“Hey, you guys lost?” He asked.

Octavia glares and marches up to him. “Nice try, bucko, but we're not falling for one of your upperclassmen pranks!” She exclaimed as she and Vinyl walk off while the student walks away, confused. She takes a breather.

“Way to dominate, Tavi, 'bucko' was a nice touch.” Said Vinyl putter her hoof around the Cellist

“Thanks. I was watching a cop show last night.” Said The gray mare as Vinyl is mixed up by it.

Later, the two walk down a corridor decorated with art projects.

“This looks like the art department. Maybe this is the watercolor room.” Said Vinyl as she opens the door, which is actually the film development lab, and everyone inside starts yelling at them. “Heh, heh, is this The Wonders of Watercolors?” The DJ asked nervously.

“No, this is Fun with Photography and you two just ruined a whole month's work! I'll see you jerks after school, meet me on blacktop at 3:00.” Said the photography mare before she shuts the door.

“You think she's inviting us to play a game of tetherball?” Octavia asked nervously to Vinyl.

The photographer mare opens the door. “No, that's where we fight.” She growled as she shuts the door again.

The two mares glanced at each other as they get scared and gulp.

********

The duo go back in the middle of the hallway as they approach a classroom.

“Okay, so we ticked off one photo student, but I'm sure we can smooth everything over after school.” Said Vinyl calmly.

“I'm already writing an apology letter in my head.” Said Octavia looking guilty.

“Come on, let's grab a seat.” Said Vinyl as she drags Octavia inside the classroom.

“Remember rule number two!” Octavia reminded Vinyl.

The two mares find two empty desks as they sit down on them.

“These look nice and sturdy.” Vinyl commented.

“Plus, we can make great eye contact with the teacher from here.” Octavia agreed.

They look confident. Just then, two students approach them. Revealing one of the Young 6, Gallus and Silverstream.

“Oh, hey, guys, those are actually our seats.” Said Gallus.

Octavia shoots a confident look at Vinyl and clears her throat. “We saw them first, bud.”

The two griffins look at each other confused before one of them could respond.

“Um, okay, well, seats are assigned and those are legitimately ours.” Said Silverstream.

“Pssh, a likely story.” Said Vinyl not believing them.

The bell rings and Gallus and Silverstream get nervous.

“C’mon guys!” Exclaimed Gallus.

Just then a teacher named Buried Lede approaches them.

“Gallus! Silverstream! what are you doing out of your seats? I expect every student to be ready to work when the bell rings. You two just earned zeroes for participation.” The teacher said sternly as the two griffins gasp.

Silverstream approaches Vinyl and Octavia angrily. “Meet us on the blacktop at 3:00.” She said sternly before leaving.

Vinyl and Octavia exchanged scared looks again.

********

Later in the gym, some students grab basketballs from the rack that Vinyl and Octavia are hiding behind

“How can we have so many enemies? We don't even go here yet.” Said Octavia whispering to Vinyl.

“Relax, this is our last class of the day, let's just keep a low profile and try not to make anyone else hate us.” Vinyl said.

“Got it.” Octavia agreed.

Just then, Ms. Peachbottom is Wheeling in a TV.

“Okay Everpony, I spent all morning buffing the dumb floor for the PTA banquet so no dodgeball today, you're watching a movie instead.” The Coach said.

The students are pleased with this. Octavia moves the basketball rack away.

“Perfect! There's no way we can mess this up.” Said the cellist grinning.

The duo over to join the group but they accidentally slip on the buffed floor, and knock over the volleyballs, making the shelf of gym carts crash onto Ms. Peachbottom and some of the students.

The coach resurfaces from the pile. “Who's responsible for this?!” She asked angrily.

“Remember rule number three: Never own up to making a mistake.” Whispered Octavia to Vinyl.

“Well, since no one's fessing to the messing, you can forget that movie. You're all cleaning up instead.” Said Ms. Peachbottom as she pushes the TV away.

The students groan. Vinyl and Octavia exchange nervous looks. Coach leaves to get the floor waxer, angrily muttering to herself.

The students start cleaning up and Octavia put her hoof around her marefriend.

“Don't feel bad Sweetie, if we admitted it was us, we'd be the next Whoopee McCushions.” Said Octavia.

All the other kids, having heard that, surround the embraced Vinyl and Octavia and start yelling at them.

“It was you two?! You're making us clean?!” Yelled a female student.

“You meet us on the blacktop at-” Said a male student before getting interrupted.

“Yeah, yeah, we know, on the blacktop, 3:00.” Said Vinyl deadpan, having heard all this before.

********

At seven-to-three, the bell rings. Rainbow Dash is packing her stuff and looks out the window, where she sees Vinyl and Octavia holding hooves together and four angry university students, all headed toward the blacktop.

“Uh-oh.” The Pegasus said worriedly as she quickly finishes packing, runs outside, and tackles Vinyl and Octavia behind the dumpster. “Guys! What's going on?”

“Well, it's a long story, but I'm pretty sure it ends with those kids kicking our butts.” Said Vinyl nervously as she points to the blacktop, where Silverstream draws a picture of her and Octavia, and Gallus eats it.

“What the heck happened?” Dash exclaimed.

“We tried following your rules, but they didn't think we're tough.” Vinyl explained.

“They just think we're jerks, and I'm not sure I disagree.” Said Octavia putting her head down.

“Yeah, so thanks for the great advice.” Said Vinyl sarcastically as she glares at Rainbow Dash.

“I'm sorry. I was just trying to spare you guys from what happened to me.” Said Dash looking very guilty.

“Huh?” Said Vinyl and Octavia dumbfounded.

“Yeah, my first year of University was a real horror story.” Said Dash.

Flashback to the hooded girl revealing to be Rainbow Dash and approaches two upperclassmen.

“Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the gym?” Asked the Pegasus.

The upperclassmen looks at his friend and smiles before responding. “Oh sure, it's real easy.” He said leading Rainbow to the stairs. “Just head down those stairs over there.” He laughs.

Flashback ends.

“So, that story you told us...was about you?” Asked Vinyl looking surprised.

“Yup. They were all me.” Said Rainbow sighing.

Flashback to Dash being stuck in that desk with the cook greasing her out, and the bullies calling her "Whoopee McCushion." and Dash hides in her room. End flashbacks.

“I finally figured out that if I acted tough, ponies would stop messing with me, and since it worked for me, I thought it could help protect you guys too.” Said Rainbow looking sad.

“Wow, I had no idea you went through all that.” Said Vinyl with concern.

“Me neither, and it was nice of you to try and help us, even though it's gonna lead to a lot of pain.” Said Octavia as she falls forward in fear.

“No it's not, because I'm gonna take the heat for you guys.” Said Dash as she’s about to leave.

“No, no, no!” Exclaimed Vinyl and Octavia who grab Dash and pull her back.

“We have to go, some of those kids might still be here next year, they're gonna think we're wimps who let other ponies fight our battles.” Said Vinyl bravely.

“Though when you think about it, would that really be so bad?” Said Octavia before Vinyl gives her an unamused look, thinking that she’s being a coward. “Okay, okay.” She said In defeat.

The pair come out from behind the dumpster and walk onto the blacktop with looks showing no fear. The angry University students squint at them, Vinyl and Octavia squint right back, Rainbow Dash watches from behind the basketball post, nervous. Gallus checks his watch, it beeps as the hour turns to three, Vinyl and Octavia look at each other, and charge at the University students, flailing and screaming, when Octavia steps on Vinyl’s tail and they fall to the ground. The University students blankly look at this, and Dash facepalms herself, groaning.

“I guess you guys don't have to beat us up because apparently we can do it ourselves.” Said Vinyl chuckling nervously.

The University students look at each other for a second before laughing.

“Ah, we weren't really gonna beat you guys up, we just wanted to make you sweat a little.” Said Silverstream realizing that they were pranking Vinyl and Octavia the whole time.

“Well, it worked. My face is sweating like crazy.” Said Vinyl wiping her forehead.

They laugh some more and Gallus picks up Octavia’s backpack.

“Here, kid, you dropped your-” Said Gallus before noticing something. “Hey, are these snickerdoodles?” He asked as he pulls out the cookies Vinyl and Octavia made earlier.

“Uh, yeah, homemade. Help yourselves.” Said Octavia as the University students each take a cookie and taste them.

“Wow, these are good. What are your names again?” Gallus asked.

“I'm Octavia Melody, and this is Vinyl Scratch.” Octavia introduced her and her marefriend.

“We're also known as Vintavia Scralody.” Said Vinyl as she pulls out the card.

The photography girl from earlier reads the card “Vintavia Scralody-Musicians of Ponyville.” She read. “Wow, these cards are so dorky, they're actually cool.” She commented.

“Hey, Dash. Do you know these two?” Asked Gallus grinning.

“Uh, yeah.” The Pegasus answered.

“I think they’re alright.” Said the griffin as he grabs the two mares and has them on his shoulders.

“Yeah, I guess they are after all.” Dash Agreed.

Author's Note

This does not mean that Vinyl and Octavia are done with high school, I’m planning for them to move to University when I make a season 5 in the future, but this is something that I wanted to do for a while.

Episode 4: FrienDesperate

Short Fuse is running on the sidewalk, panting. Vinyl and Octavia suddenly walk by him in a hurry as well

“You guys are late too?!” He shouted.

“Yeah, our phones went back to sleep mode, and we didn't have the heart to wake it up. You?” Said Vinyl.

“My phone didn't dare wake me up, not after what I did to the last one!” Short Fuse raged with fury.

“Right, uh, well, see you at school!” Said Octavia uneasy.

Frightened, Vinyl and Octavia increase their speed, leaving Short Fuse behind.

********

The school bell rings. Vinyl and Octavia rush past the lockers and are surprised to see that Short Fuse is already there.

“How did you get here first?!” Vinyl gasped.

“Yeah, my Friend Link gave me a lift.” Said the Pegasus.

Vinyl tries to hold in a laugh. “What, with his Ocarina?”

“Nah, he only does that at the weekend. During the week, he's too busy with solving puzzles.” Said the red mare.

Vinyl and Octavia laugh harder wiping away their tears. “Wait, is he scared of monsters, by any chance?” The DJ asked.

“Yeah.” He answered.

“And he likes, Treasures and Princesses?” Vinyl asked.

“Mhm.” He nodded.

“And he's your friend?” Vinyl asked one more time.

“Yeah. So?”

Vinyl inhaled deeply and grabs Short Fuse. “MARRY ME! No, okay, I get it. I'm moving too fast. I meant adopt me.”

“What?” The red mare said confused.

“Date! Uh, should we d-date first?” Vinyl said.

Short Fuse is still confused. “You mean you want to be friends?”

“Best Friends!” The white mare replied.

“Uh, okay…” He said as he walks away, knowing that this is an awkward moment.

“Vinyl, it's a bad idea to manipulate someone's feelings for your own gain. Especially if that someone's Short Fuse.” Octavia pointed out, concerned.

“Yeah, I get your point, but on the other hand...Link!”

“Let's just take a moment to remember what Short Fuse is like when he's angry.”

Vinyl and Octavia start to ponder; In their imagination, Trixie is walking down the school hallway when he accidentally bumps into Short Fuse. Suspenseful music starts to play as they lock eyes. Trixie runs around a corner and hits a dead end, then turns toward Short Fuse, who is silently inching closer. Their faces are almost touching when the vision ends.

“Eh, he's not that bad if you think about it with different music.” Said Vinyl.

Vinyl and Octavia re-imagine the same scenario, but with the gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar to the tune of “Hey There Delilah” by Plain White T’s. Vision ends.

“I don’t know about this Vinyl.” Said Octavia rubbing her head.

“Yeah, but my tombstone will say: This dude met Link. You know I can’t resist something like this.”

Short Fuse approaches Vinyl. “Follow me! I need to test you before you can enter my circle of trust.”

“Okay, where do we start?” The unicorn asked.

“I need to see if you've got my back in a fight.” He Said.

Vinyl starts getting nervous and exchanges glances with Octavia, who is worried about her.

********

Short Fuse is already in an altercation with the Teenage Dragons, by the time Vinyl timidly strolls into the gym.

“I'm gonna punch you so hard, you're gonna beg for your baby teeth back!” Garble Shouted.

“Yeah? Well, I'm gonna punch you so hard, it'll make the Big Bang seem like the Little Pop!” Short Fuse shouted back.

“How did this situation escalate so quickly? I was literally two steps behind you!” Vinyl whispered to the red stallion.

Garble groans. “Get them!”

Short Fuse dodges a punch from Garble and knocks him down with a blow from above. Fume jumps at him next, but is easily swatted away. Meanwhile, Vinyl is cowering with his arms shielding his face. Clump approaches her and growls.

Vinyl starts scheming. “Okay, don't worry, I'm not gonna hurt you. I'm just gonna take a swing, and you just go, "Aah!" and take a fall and we're good, all right?”

Clump kicks Vinyl in the groin, and she drops to the floor in pain.

Vinyl starts speaking in a high pitched voice. “Okay, great. You're right. It looks better if you put up more of a fight.” She stands back up. “So next, I-”

He continues to beat up Vinyl by slamming a trash can over her head, repeatedly striking its side with a broom handle.

“So now I'm gonna pretend to kick. You dodge, and then pretend to fall on a right hook.” Vinyl said.

Still wearing the trash can, Vinyl moves forward while kicking and punching the air, taking Clump by surprise.

“What?” Clump said looking scared.

Clump backs away and trips over the broom. Falling against the bench of a lat pulldown machine, he briefly pulls on the handlebar, causing the connected weights to rise. They come crashing down directly on top of him, after which Vinyl removes the trash can. Her face bruised and swollen, she watches what remains of Clump stagger toward her and collapse.

Vinyl notices Short Fuse behind her and she begins to act. “Uh, yeah! That-That's what you get!”

“Very good, but we're not done yet.” Said the stallion evilly as he walks away

Vinyl whispers to the collapsed Clump. “Good job. You really sold it.”

Clump is severely injured; Struggles to speak. “Please call an ambulance.”

“Okay, now you're just being hammy.” The DJ walks away, deadpan.

********

Vinyl and Short Fuse are in the library, sitting on opposite sides of a table.

“Now I need to test if you keep a secret. This is what I do daily.” Said the stallion as he slides a picture to Vinyl.

Vinyl looks at the picture and stifles a laugh. The picture is revealed to be Short Fuse cuddling with a girl doll.

“But real friends don't laugh at each other's misfortune.” Said Short Fuse Irked.

Vinyl exhales slowly, straining to maintain her composure. “Of course, what else do?”

“I have tear parties. Um, I don’t really have any real friends, but one day I’ll probably stick to what I do best, which is watching baby shows under children’s age.” Short Fuse confessed.

Vinyl continues to withhold her laughter, resulting in her head swelling and turning red. Her eyeballs pop from their sockets, and she pulls them back in, returning to normal.

“Cool secret. Anything else?” Vinyl asked curiously.

“I still sleep with the blanket I had as a baby.” Said the Pegasus looking embarrassed.

“Awww!” Vinyl cooed.

“I use it as a gag when I take people's pets hostage.” The Pegasus said sternly.

Vinyl waits for him to finish, but is met with awkward silence. She slowly gets from her chair and walks away to break the silence.

********

The bell rings. Vinyl reunites with Octavia by the lockers.

“Why did you agree to lend Short Fuse a hundred bits?!” Octavia said shocked.

“Because it was another one of his tests.” Vinyl hesitated to reply.

Octavia raises an eyebrow at her marefriend, assuming that she is lying.

Vinyl rolled her eyes and scoffed. “Because...Link.”

“But where'd you get the money from? Even we don't have a hundred bits. We spent it all on the new music equipment.”

Vinyl pulls a saddle bag full of the bits from her bag. “Not anymore we don't.”

Short Fuse comes on-screen briefly, and snatches the money, as he flies away. Vinyl and Octavia face hoof at this.

“But, that's what credit cards are for, right? What's the worst that could happen?” Vinyl said sheepishly as she walks away. “Gotta run, meet you at home.”

Octavia has a scared look on her face as she breathes into paper bag, afraid that Vinyl is gonna do something illegal.

********

After school, Vinyl walks along the sidewalk while whistling. A sack is placed on her head, and she finds herself trapped in a speeding vehicle.

“Gah! Aah! What is this?! What is going on?!” Vinyl cried panicking.

“You took my best friend from me!” Exclaimed a masked voice.

“Who are you?! What do you want?!”

The vehicle comes to a stop.

“You took Short Fuse from me! Now you're gonna have to make a choice.” Said the masked voice.

“What?! What do you mean?!” Vinyl asked looking terrified.

The bag still over the DJ’s head, Vinyl is brought to what appears to be the edge of a building.

“Choose between yourself and Short Fuse. One of you has to go. Option A: Jump, and I spare him. Option B: Don't jump, and he goes down. So what's your answer?” Asked the masked voice.

“Y-Yes.”

“Yes what?”

Vinyl mumbles indistinctly.

“What?!” The voice shouted.

Vinyl keeps on mumbling.

“Hold on, let me get closer. I can't hear a word of what you're saying.”

“Ha! You fell into my trap!” Exclaimed Vinyl as she starts punching air.

“I'm on the other side.” Said the masked voice deadpan.

“Aw.” She moaned.

“Fine. You've made your choice.” The voice said before Vinyl could stammer. “Make your decision! It's him or you! You're running out of time! Choose, NOW!” He screamed.

Vinyl jumps from the ledge and screams, but only falls several feet. “Huh?”

“Good choice.” Said the masked voice.

Vinyl removes the sack, discovering that the whole thing was a setup done by Short Fuse at an outdoor skatepark.

Short Fuse starts speaking into the megaphone. “A true friend always puts others before himself.” He lowers the apparatus. “Also, funny prank, right?”

Vinyl sweats, her face twitching, as she experiences traumatizing flashbacks.

“Yeah. You really got me there.” Vinyl said weakly, and then she whimpers.

********

Vinyl and Short Fuse return to the school gymnasium. The room is dark, save for the glow of numerous candles arranged in a large ring. The two of them step into the center.

“Um, what's this?” Vinyl asked nervously.

“The circle of trust. To complete the ritual, you must forsake all other friends and declare your loyalty to me alone.” Said the red mare Irked.

“What do you mean?”

Short Fuse drops a hammer in front of Vinyl. “You must sacrifice Octavia.” He said mysteriously.

Vinyl looks horrified. In the hallway, she creeps up behind Octavia with the hammer ready to strike, but uses it instead to nail up a picture of her and Short Fuse. Octavia is displeased as she reads the caption.

“Octavia is no longer my best friend. Best friendship is begun with Short Fuse?” She looks around the hall revealing more than one copy of the picture. “Ouch.”

“Trust me. It's way better than what he suggested I use this for. And this was the final hoop I had to jump through to be friends with that nut case.” Vinyl pecks her marefriend on the cheek. “You know you’ll always be my bae…”

“...And you’ll always be my boo.” Octavia started singing.

Vinyl and Octavia
🎵Your friendship gets me through the trials of the day.🎵
🎵And through the darkness of the evening, too.🎵

And they stopped singing.

“All right, then, so when do you get to see Link?” Octavia asked.

“Apparently, he's taking me and Short Fuse for golf! I mean, that's probably the most boring game you can play with Link, but still. Aw yeah!”

The school bell rings.

“Gotta go!” She then leaves.

Vinyl runs through Canterlot trying to avoid obstacles. It goes on like this for a while. She eventually arrives at a miniature golf course where short fuse is there.

Vinyl starts panting, and goes back to excited. “Hey man!”

Short Fuse turns around to see Vinyl In front of him. “Oh, hey, dude. This is my friend.”

A teenager wearing green clothes and a green elf hat, and wearing brown shoes. but he is not quite what Vinyl was expecting

“What’s up.” Said Link in a hippy tone.

Vinyl looks at this and frowns, her hopes dashed.

********

At the Scratch and Melody residence. Vinyl is in the bathroom, using a toothbrush to brush her face. Octavia walks up to her and starts rubbing her hoof on her marefriends back to comfort her.

“You must be really disappointed it wasn't the real Link. Still, makes sense. I mean, any guy would like, Treasures and princesses.” Said the gray mare.

“I think I'm more upset about the amount of butt he flashed every time he picked up the ball.” Vinyl rinses her face. “It looked like a huge purple apricot stuffed into a cheap pair of polyester pants.”

The pair eventually head into their bedroom.

“So what now?” Octavia asked.

“I refuse to hang out with a mare whose own parents have to lock their bedroom door to feel safe at night.” Vinyl said looking upset.

“Uh, how do you let someone that dangerous down?”

“Off the edge of a cliff.”

“You mean that metaphorically, right?”

“Well, why wouldn’t it be?”

“How are you gonna break it to him?”

“A strongly worded letter!”

Octavia rubs her head, not wanting to say that this is a bad idea.

“A mildly worded poem?” Vinyl suggested.

Octavia shakes her head. Vinyl sighs, and slow music starts playing in the background. As Vinyl sings the ballad, various clips depicting Short Fuse’s volatility are shown.

********

Goodbye - Vinyl Scratch

Vinyl
🎵I wanna say you're a real good mare🎵
🎵But we both know that would be unfair🎵
🎵It's been a nightmare being your friend🎵
🎵So it's time for this charade to end🎵

🎵I can't say goodbye🎵

🎵'Cause you might grind me down in Apple Pie🎵
🎵I'll tell the school that you've got avian flu🎵
🎵So it'll be their job to get rid of you🎵
🎵I hope they’ll lock you and won't set you free🎵
🎵Or tie you up until you’re Twenty-Three🎵
🎵So maybe then I'll never have to fear🎵
🎵That you might suddenly bite off my ear🎵
🎵Please don't bite off my ear🎵

🎵I can't say goodbye🎵

🎵My face will be too mangled to identify🎵
🎵If I could get your house repossessed🎵
🎵You'll be forced to relocate to your gran's in the Northwest🎵

🎵I could get you arrested for owning a bar🎵
🎵I could get you a job at a diner🎵
🎵I could ship you in a crate to Hooftar🎵
🎵Or sell you as kebab to a dirty minor🎵
🎵It's not real meat, anyway🎵

🎵I could get your folks to forget you on the freeway🎵
🎵Sell you to a freak show on its way to Mareguay🎵
🎵I could get you stuck on a fairground ride (forever)🎵
🎵Send you to a wedding in Somewherestan with you as the bride🎵

🎵I can't say goodbye🎵

🎵But it's no use trying to deny🎵
🎵That I don't wanna be friends with you🎵
🎵So do whatever you have to do🎵

********

The song ends; Vinyl and Short Fuse are in the schoolyard.

Short Fused sighed. “I get it. Too intense, right?”

“If I had to rate my stress on a scale of one to ten, It pretty much be at space.” Said Vinyl holding her hoof up.

“I'm sorry. I shouldn't have tested you like that. It's just, I got trust issues. I always wonder if ponies really want to be friends with me, or, you know, because of my friend being so famous and stuff.”

“What? Link?”

“No, the other one.” He whispers. “The blue bomber who can shoot really fast.” Vinyl is speechless. “But it's cool. After all we've been through. I think I'm more able to trust ponies now, so thanks for that.” He flies away.

Vinyl walks away in the other direction, trying to resist, but immediately changes her mind, racing after Short Fuse at supersonic speed.

Episode 6: Understandings

Cranky Doodle Donkey is in his office. He plays Jingle Bells on a xylophone. “No no, too Christmasy.” Plays Happy Birthday. “Too birthday-ish.” Plays the Funeral March. “Too morbid!” Plays the MLP end credits theme. “Ah, that will do.”

Cranky plays the Theme again, and his voice is heard on the intercom in the cafeteria. “Attention everypony! We are being joined by a new student today. Now, he’s previously been homeschooled, so he is bound to be a little self-conscious about his possible bizarre behavior…” Hayseed hears this and looks up at the Intercom confused. “...or total lack of social skills. We should not stare at him.” Everyone in the cafeteria stares. “Point,” Garble points at him. “Or draw attention to him, in any way. So, will Hayseed Turnip please come to my office.” Speaks to himself. “Actually... I probably should have just said that last bit, oh well, never mind, just style it out, Cranky.” The MLP End Credits Theme is played again.

********

Vinyl and Octavia are walking along a school hallway.

“Homeschooling sounds great! You’d be the most popular kid in school.” Octavia complemented.

“Yeah, and when you think about it, the least popular kid in school.” Said Vinyl.

“Remember when we tried to homeschool each other?” Said the cellist

Flashback to the pair homeschooling each other.

“Seventy-eight plus thirty-nine plus fourteen plus sixty-two plus fifty-one is?” Said Vinyl writing on a chalkboard at their house.

“244.” Octavia answered.

“Correct.” Vinyl grinned.

Flashback ends.

“Yeah. I’m sure it wouldn’t be easy considering we’d be at home fooling around.” Vinyl complemented.

Just then, Mr. Doodle opens his door. “Ah, girls, if I might have a quick word.” He whispers. “It’s the new boy, I don’t understand a single word he’s saying.”

“Maybe it’s slang.” Vinyl theorized.

“Ah, Yes, slang, Which of course is also slang. For slanguage.” Cranky thought.

“Well, I can see why you came to us. You want a pair of mares down with the streets, just a couple of cool dudes who were so confident with their fashion choices, they haven’t changed their looks in 10 years.” Said Vinyl as she and Octavia regain cool postures while wearing their sunglasses.

“I was gonna suggest fresh, but yeah, cool sounds good.” Said the cellist.

“Anyway, he’s your problem now.” Cranky places Hayseed outside the room. “So, just show Hayseed around, I have some very important school work to attend to.” He closes his Door.

Music from the xylophone can be heard again.

“So Peter, what do you wanna do first?” Asked Vinyl.

“Well, wherever I'm cool, lunch over the canteen there the locker the hunger sandwich and maybe some ketchup?” Hayseed replied.

Vinyl and Octavia make confused faces, not knowing what he just said.

********

The three are at the cafeteria. The Blue Danube plays during this scene and throughout the montage of confusion.

“Is school nice to be on in, maybe lots of maybe people here. Is the fun always on, or is the fun not?” Said the brown mane stallion.

“Uh, sorry I didn’t quite catch that, one more time?” Said the DJ sheepishly.

“Ha ha ha, what I was I said-”

The montage begins.

“Excuse me?” Said Vinyl.

“Sorry, could you repeat that please?” Said Octavia.

“Uh, wh-what?” Said Vinyl.

“Run that by me again?” Said Octavia.

“Could you maybe spell that for me?” Said Vinyl.

“Say what?” Said Octavia.

A little slower? Said Vinyl.

“Huh?” Said Octavia.

“Wha-” Said Vinyl.

“What now?” Said Octavia.

“I beg your pardo-” Said Vinyl.

“Er…” Said Octavia.

“Whaa-” Said Vinyl.

“Errr-” Said Octavia.

“Uhhh-” Said Vinyl.

“Wait!” Said Octavia.

“I-” Said Vinyl.

“No.” Said Octavia.

“I-” Said Vinyl.

“Erm.” Said Octavia.

“Hurrrrr-” Said Vinyl.

As the montage ends the three were already at the basketball court outside.

“I think I got it! Are you saying you wanna grease a stanking leopard at the hacky-sack convention?” Octavia asked.

“I was saying just now, there too much of it.” Hayseed chuckles. “Am I right?”

Awkward pause as they glance at each other and then back at Hayseed.

“Are wes frienyclose?” He asked.

“Uh…” Vinyl and Octavia hoof bumps him and Hayseed tries to shake their hooves, but they keep switching between a hoof bump and a hoof shake.

“Catch a catch?” Short pause, then he walks away quickly.

Vinyl talks to her marefriend. “Babe, I have no-”

Hayseed comes back to them. “Everyboth, catch a potato!” He leaves again.

Vinyl takes a deep breath. “Okay, it’s been two days now and I have no idea what that guy is saying. And there is no way we can ask him to repeat himself again!”

“Me neither, I highly doubt he’s like any of us.”

“What are we gonna do?”

“You just play back what he’s been saying, and listen to it.”

“How?”

Octavia pulls out a recorder. “I’ve been holding a recorder this whole time!”

“Um, Tavi? I don’t wanna ruin the moment, but you might wanna take a closer look.”

Octavia does so and it’s revealed that she forgot to put in batteries. “Dang it.” She said deadpan.

“Why don’t we just smile at him and nod along to whatever it is he’s saying?” The DJ suggested.

“Well that wouldn’t be honest with him or ourselves. But, on the plus side, it is the easiest way out of things. I’m in.”

They duo walk off.

********

Vinyl and Octavia are at their house, playing the video game: Rise of Tirek when the doorbell rings. They answer it, and they notice a familiar face.

“Hey guys, I mean I’m here just wanna play this now?” Hayseed holds up a video game: Tirek’s revenge.

The two mares nod nervously as he comes in and sits between them on the couch playing..

“And if you skip one little fight that’s all you need to go.” Said the male pony. Vinyl and Octavia are laying on both sides of the couch bored. In the game, the character he is playing is not moving as he pauses the game, goes to a map and fights another opponent. “Ah I get the winner before! Never just life lost the first.” They both nod.

Hayseed is outside their door again holding Stellar Odyssey IV. “Okay so it’s been all three two movies on TV, but now it’s time for four!” He said cheerfully as the pair nod nervously again.

Hayseed is putting together a puzzle of Stellar Odyssey IV while Vinyl and Octavia kneel there with their eyes red and their mouths open. “Course it’s keeping in coordinate the first side and then the edge and- the edge-piece corner, which is triple picture because down the box.” They nod again.

Hayseed his showing them pictures of coins in a book in the school library, flipping through the pages. “Piece, piece, ah you! Uh- can I believe it? A coin of history. Golden brown.” They both nod. They have very large forced smiles that their gums are showing.

“If my smile gets any bigger, I’ll bankrupt myself on toothpaste.” Said Octavia to Vinyl.

“That’s nothing. I’ve been nodding so much I’ve developed a six-pack. Here.” Vinyl urns around and shows Octavia a six pack at the back of her neck. “I say we get out of here before my neck gets scouted for a football scholarship. Besides, I’ve been clawing a hole in the floor with my pencil.”

“So we can escape?”

“Yup.” Vinyl nodded.

********

At the front of the school, Vinyl climbs out of a manhole with her fur wet and messy. Octavia then comes out after with the same results.

“I feel kind of bad, Vinyl.”

“Yeah, even though we just crawled through twenty feet of sewage water, that’s not what’s making us feel dirty.”

“Yeah, he’s new and he only wanted to make friends. We should go back.”

“Okay, But no more smiling and nodding and agreeing to stuff we don’t understand.” Octavia looks at her marefriend blankly. “That’s the spirit!”

As they began to lift the manhole cover, a red truck arrives and stops at the school entrance.

“Oh, hello! You must be Vinyl and Octavia!” Said a mare by the name of Pear Buttercup.

“Huh, oh yeah, hi. You must be Hayseed’s parents.” Vinyl said sheepishly.

“Oh, he’s mentioned us?” Buttercup asked.

Vinyl and Octavia glance at each other before one of them could respond.

“Probably.” Octavia replied.

“We are so thrilled that Hayseed’s finally found some friends that speak the same language.” Said Buttercup thrilled.

“We do?” Said Octavia with an eyebrow raised.

“And he’s so excited that you said you’re up for coming along tonight.” Said a stallion by the name of Bright Mac.

“We did?” Vinyl said with an eyebrow raised.

“I mean, I’m not surprised, you guys are inseparable these days. What is it you call yourselves? Uhh... not The Three Musketeers, no, uh... something like, The Three Amigos? Uh...ah, cheesecakes, what is it, sweetheart?” Said Bright Mac.

Buttercup presses the bridge of her nose. “Hayseed’s saying it all the time. The Three- uh-”

Octavia buds in. “The Three...Guys?”

Bright Mac and Buttercup pauses for a moment. “That’s it!” The laugh.

“Ah, he's one funny fella, hey?” Said Buttercup to her husband.

“Oh, he's...definitely got a way with words!” Vinyl laughed nervously.

Just then, Hayseed catches up to the duo. “Buddies! After the time in meeting!”

“Oh, honey, you're the one that's late! Your buddies were on time!” Said Buttercup.

“Of course! Doctor told me the seconds. For mistakes!” Said the son.

“Hey, don't worry. We totally understand.” Octavia grinned sheepishly.

“We do?” Vinyl whispered to the cellist.

“Well, you comin' or what?” Said the mother.

The pair look at each other and laugh nervously.

“Ahh, here we go again.” Said Vinyl to Octavia.

********

Vinyl, Octavia, Hayseed, Buttercup, and Bright Mac are all in the car together.

“So, what's your head size? Let's see.” Buttercup points at Octavia. “Okay, so that's one small. “She points at Vinyl. “And one extra-extra-extra-extra-extra large.”

The duo glare at her but she didn’t look back.

“Why do you think they brought us with them.” Vinyl asked.

“Maybe It must be Hayseed’s birthday! Oh, but we haven't got him anything.” Octavia replied.

“I dunno, buddy. If we ever got him something it would at least stop him from acting weird.”

“True.”

“Okey-dokey, here we are!” Said Bright Mac cheerfully as they all arrive at the town hall.

The car swerves recklessly into a parking space but parks without a scratch.

Buttercup puts black beanies on Vinyl and Octavia's heads. “There you go!”

“Are these supposed to be party hats?” The Cellist questioned.

“Oh-ho, sweetie, they're not party hats!” Buttercup replied.

Bright Mac, Buttercup, and Hayseed put on black ski masks and get out of the car. Startling Vinyl and Octavia, who turn around and watch them from the back window.

“Who'd hold a kid's party at the town hall?” Octavia said worriedly.

“I don't know, babe. Maybe instead of a clown tripping over his long shoes, it's a democratically elected official making long and administrative errands?” Vinyl theorized, rubbing the back of Octavia’s head softly to calm her down.

Bright Mac hoists Buttercup up into a window. She opens it and whistles for Hayseed, who throws her a grenade. She pulls the pin out and throws it into the building, covering her ears when it explodes. They put on gas masks and everyone in the town hall runs out in a puff of smoke. They run in.

“Dude, I knew something was weird!” Octavia said suspiciously.

“It’s bad enough that they had to drag us in their car, but involving us in a crime is where I draw the line.” Vinyl agreed.

Hayseed grabs a grappling hook from the back of the car, swings it, and throws it at the town hall balcony. Buttercup grabs it and pulls it taut. She and Bright Mac zip line down.

“Well, we should have at least got them a card!” Said Octavia.

“Tavi, I don't think-”

They get interrupted when the family gets back into the car and they take off. They jerk to a halt, but keep pushing. The grappling hook on the back is pulling on a safe inside the building.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO--AAAAHHHHH!!!” Vinyl and Octavia screamed while trying to sing.

They break the wall and the safe breaks through, dragging behind the car. They recklessly drive through the streets, destroying carriages with the safe. Vinyl and Octavia hold each other and scream all the while. They pass by the Sheriff's car.

“This one's mine!” The Sheriff Smashes his coffee cup in the side of the window, leaving a stain. “Ah, I coulda sworn that window was open.” He blares the siren and drives after them.

“WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!” Vinyl shouted in fear.

“Oh! I thought Hayseed explained all this to you!” Said Buttercup cheerfully.

“Yeah, he might've, heh!” The DJ said sheepishly.

“Well, we know you girls share our views! Hayseed always saying how you agree with him on practically everything!” Said the pale female mare.

“About WHAT?!” Octavia cried.

“About the government!” The mother replied.

“The government?!” The pair questioned.

“DAAAAHHHH!!! THE GOVERNMENT! Don't get me started on the government, with their endless forms and their right change!! GAAAHHH!!!” Buttercup screamed before going back into her cheerful tone. “Oh, it's the next left honey!” She said to Bright Mac.

They take a wide left turn, and the safe destroys a hot dog stand. A piece of paper lands on the owners face. They take a right turn, and the safe destroys some scaffolding on the side of a building. Another paper lands in the hand of a construction worker. They keep straight, and more papers fly out behind them. One lands in the Hobo's hands.

“Eviction notice? Ah, come on! I don't even have a house!” The hobo crumples it and throws it away. Another one lands on his face. “Littering?! Aaahh!!” He groaned.

The family and Vinyl and Octavia are still recklessly driving.

“But what did the-AAAHHH!!!!-What did the government ever do to you?!” Vinyl cried.

“Always telling us what to do and what not to do!! You can't take your son out of school, you can't teach him at home, you can't teach him how to speak!! DO I LOOK LIKE I CAN'T TEACH MY OWN SON HOW TO SPEAK PROPERLY??!!!” Bright Mac screamed.

Vinyl and Octavia laugh awkwardly and nod while holding each other in fear.

“I'm glad you guys share our views!” He said cheerfully.

“Vinyl, I’m scared!” Exclaimed the cellist.

“Me too, buddy.” Replied the DJ.

They kept hugging each other while the others keep driving, they have been chased by the police all the way to Appleloosa. They screech to a halt right at the edge of a cliff and get out.

“Okay, so I've removed the license plates, put the fake ones on, wiped everything down for prints, and...I found some candies in the glove box! Who wants one?” Said Buttercup cheerfully.

“FOR THE LOVE OF CELESTIA!! WILL SOMEONE PLEASE TELL US WHAT’S GOING ON HERE?!! And yes, we will be having one of those candies.” Said Vinyl.

“Once these records are destroyed, the people of Elmore will be able to live like we do!” Bright Mac grinned.

“Freely, without the GOVERNMENT!!!! telling them what to do!” Said Buttercup.

Just then, two police carriages pull up, sirens blaring.

“Step away from the vehicle!” Said the sheriff with the Megaphone.

“Are you telling me what to do?!” Bright Mac growled as he discreetly puts the car into drive.

“Yes! Step away!” The sheriff shouted.

“Whatever you say...Mate!” The father said smugly in a deep voice.

Bright Mac puts his hooves up and the car plummets down the cliff, taking the safe of records with it. It explodes behind the family as they pose smugly, while Vinyl and Octavia look at each other and cower in fear. The cops watch in disbelief as records fly around them.

“You're under arrest!” Said the sheriff.

Two cops handcuff Bright Mac and Buttercup. Hayseed looks down, defeated, until he gets an idea.

“Officers!” Hayseed called out as they all turn to look at him. “Please. Do not judge these actions in facts of one or both. Or all! But understand that is not the deed, or even the doer that is. For was Benjamin Hoofhington Abrams, who liberty said that they do but do not sometimes! And if so, two in the bush, and one left free stone. So I ask, please.” Bright Mac and Buttercup smile at each other. “My old lady, we found it's not them. It was society's. And no independences. But--for Canada!!”

As he finished his speech, Vinyl and Octavia look at each other gawked.

“I don't know what he's saying…” An officer takes off his hat. “...But it's beautiful!”

“Yeah... And I'll be jiggered if I'm writin' all that down for evidence, so you're off the hook!” The sheriff takes the handcuffs off of Bright Mac and Buttercup and gets in his car. “Cuz that's how the law works! Oh--and all those files you destroyed? They're on the internet anyway! Bye!”

As they drive off, the two mares gape at this.

Bright Mac and Buttercup exchange confused looks. “What on the flat earth is the internet?!”

“We’ll let Hayseed explain.” Said Vinyl as she nudges Hayseed forward.

And with that, the two mares run out.

Episode 7: Be Starlight My Heart

Vinyl, Octavia, and their friends were at school having lunch together.

“Alright, everypony. Let’s commence the daily lunch swap.” Said Vinyl taking out her lunch.

“Agreed. Hey Lyra, would you be interested in my hand-cut sushi? It's Yellowtail.” Octavia offered.

“You know I am. Hey, you want my deviled eggs? They're farm-to-table.” Lyra offered.

“Vinyl, is that chocolate pudding?” Said Quibble.

“It is. What are you offering?”

“One bologna sandwich, fridge-to-table.”

“Throw in your buffalo chips, and we've got a deal.”

“So, no takers on my tuna kit?” Said Frederic looking sad.

“You still have those don’t you?” Said Quibble with concern as the pianist sadly nods.

Vinyl notices something. “Guys, here comes the new girl! The one I met on the bus earlier.”

The gang all look and see Starlight Glimmer with a lunch bag walking their way.

“Ooo-wee, She sure is easy on the eyes.” Lyra grinned.

“Oh yeah. And I hear she speaks three languages.” Said Frederic.

“Have you guys heard her laugh? It's so…contagious.” Said Octavia.

“I like the way her hair smells.” Sighed Quibble as the other mare gawk at him. “What? Too far?”

Vinyl gasps. “Here she comes! Be cool! Be cool!”

“Hey, guys. Anybody wanna trade for my carrots?” Said Starlight.

The gang try to act cool. Quibble is drooling spit, Frederic is nibbling on a straw from a milk carton, Lyra is nervously staring, Vinyl is drinking but coughs out and chokes, and Octavia swallows a deviled egg, but coughs it out.

Starlight notices this and leaves immediately so this doesn’t get anymore awkward.

“Wonder what that was all about?” Said the DJ questionly.

“I don't know, but I'm glad we played it so cool.” Said Frederic.

Later in gym class, the guys are playing dodgeball.

“Okay, guys, snake formation!” Said Quibble with determination.

Frederic, Vinyl, Octavia, and Lyra hide behind Quibble, imitating snake sounds.

“Keep an eye out for Golden Harvest. Last time, she blindsided us.” Said Frederic.

Enter Starlight.

“Hey, guys, what do you have going on here? Some kind of defensive maneuver? Can I get in on this?” Said the unicorn. But the gang are frozen in place, just awkwardly staring. “Okay...well, good luck.” She leaves.

“Seriously. Why does she keep coming over to us?” Vinyl said with frustration, but she pelted by a dodgeball.

“Aw, come on, Golden! Iron Will didn't even blow the whistle yet!” Exclaimed Octavia disapproved by it.

Later on, the gang are in their science class, Frederic picks up a beaker.

“I think we can all agree I should handle the Bunsen Burner after what happened last time.” Said Octavia unamused by the event from the past.

“Yeah. Quibble and his aftershave.” Frederic complained.

Quibble scoffs.

Suddenly, Starlight enters again.

“Hey, guys, need another lab partner? Otherwise, I have to be with our teacher. Not that he doesn't seem cool, but you know what I mean.” Said the unicorn.

The gang try to act cool once again until Frederic drops the beaker, which explodes. Starlight just leaves.

Later, they are waiting outside the nurse's office.

“You burned off my mustache, Frederic!” Snarled Quibble.

“It was like, two hairs, Quibble.” Frederic snarled back.

“I still don't get it. Why does Starlight keep coming over to talk to us?” Vinyl complained.

“That's three times in one day.” Octavia agreed.

“Maybe she's trying to sell us a time-share.” Lyra thought. “Or maybe she's spying on us for the CIA.”

“Guys, what you don't know about different mares could fill a library. She obviously wants to be friends with one of us.” Quibble thought.

Octavia, Frederic, and Lyra grow surprised to hear that.

“Now that you mention it, I was picking up some vibes.” Vinyl agreed.

“Man! I wonder who she likes?” Lyra asked.

“I guess we'll just have to wait till she makes her next move.” Octavia suggested.

Later, the gang are at their lockers, preparing themselves. Vinyl flosses her teeth, Octavia puts a tissue in her bag, Lyra combs her hair up, Frederic cleans his bow tie, and Quibble applies breath spray.

“Anyone want some breath spray? Sour green apple, it's a total killer.” Said Quibble as he closes his locker.

“I'll take some. That tuna kit didn't do much for my breath.” Said Frederic putting his bow tie back on.

“Here she comes.” Said Vinyl.

“Play it cool.” Said Octavia.

“Hey guys.” Starlight stops when she sees the gang just staring at her again. “Vinyl, do you wanna go to the Hayburger after school?”

“Yes! I knew it was me!” Vinyl realizes what she just did. “I mean, sure, I think I'm free.”

“Great, my family's on a health kick and I'm really craving some fries. Meet you by the busses.” The pink unicorn leaves.

Vinyl gets pulled in by the rest of her friends.

“Aw, Lucky!” Said Frederic impressed.

“You dog!” Said Lyra impressed.

“Congratulations, sweetie.” Said Octavia impressed.

Quibble groans. “Ugh, it’s always Vinyl.”

“What can I say? I mean, I am having a really good hair week.” Vinyl smirked.

********

The next day, Vinyl is bragging to the others about her time with Starlight.

“You should have seen her on that claw machine, she was a boss.” Said the DJ.

“Man! She's cool.” Said Frederic.

“And get this, we both prefer curly fries to regular.” Said Vinyl.

“Well, everyone prefers curly fries.” Scoffed Quibble rolling his eyes while still jealous.

Octavia looks out the classroom. “Oh! Here she comes.”

Starlight walks into the classroom, waves at the gang, and walks over.

“Probably gonna ask about date number two. Eh? Eh?” Said Frederic elbowing Vinyl playfully.

The DJ smiles, and plays it cool, only for Starlight to walk right past her like she wasn't even there.

“Hey, Quibble.” Said Starlight as Quibble accidentally slams his desktop onto his hoof, and yelps in pain. “Do you want to go to the market with me later?”

The other four mares stare in disbelief.

“Totally, totally.” Said the brown mare, still in pain.

“Cool.” Added the Pink unicorn walking off.

Now Vinyl is the one who is jealous. “What was that, man?! Starlight and I are hanging out!”

“What do you want me to say?” Quibble smirked as he strokes his hair. “I guess she decided she prefers barbecue sauce over messy ice cream.” He points to, the extremely angry, Vinyl’s hair.

********

The next day, the gang are on the basketball court, Quibble now has the bragging rights.

“And then we went out for ice cream and it turns out we both like waffle cones.” Quibble grinned.

Vinyl is still jealous. “Well, everyone likes waffle cones.”

Frederic looks over. “Hey, check it out, Quibble.”

Starlight is walking over to the gang, waving.

“Probably wants to lock me down for the whole weekend.” Quibble smirked.

“Hey, Lyra.” Said Starlight as the others are surprised. “You wanna go to the mall after school? I know this sounds weird, but I really like trying on wigs at the wig store.”

The mint unicorn is so amazed that she stutters for a bit. “Doesn’t sound weird to me, I'm in.”

Starlight winks at her and leaves.

Now Quibble is the one who’s jealous. “What the heck Lyra?”

Vinyl gets smug. “Tough break, barbecue sauce, I guess she's more into mints and vitamins.”

The next day, the gang are in the classroom, Lyra showing them the photos she and Starlight took, suddenly, Starlight taps Octavia’s shoulder, waves, and makes pistol gestures, as she is asking Octavia to go laser tagging, Octavia gasps happily, and Lyra bangs on her desk with jealousy. The next, next day, Octavia is showing the gang the video of she and Starlight laser tagging, Starlight then taps Frederic’s shoulder, waves, and does a little dance, as she is asking Frederic to the arcade to play Dance Dance Revolution, Frederic's eyes turn to hearts, and Octavia, out of jealousy, punches the drinking fountain, and drops to the floor, clutching her injured hoof. The next, next, next day, Frederic shows the gang the photo, and they all rage with jealousy.

After school, Vinyl and Octavia are walking home, talking to each other.

“Ugh! I'm so confused, why does Starlight keep asking all of us?” Vinyl complained.

“Yeah, what is her deal?” Octavia agreed.

The two mares make it back to their house and decided to watch TV in their living room, they flick the channels until they reach The Dreamboat. They shrugged and decided to watch it, but then they hear one of the characters talking.

“I'm really torn, they're all great mares, but I'm still not sure who I want to be my mate. Guess I'll just wait 'til one of them blows me out of the water.”

Vinyl and Octavia look at each other surprised.

“Oh, so that's what Starlight’s doing.” Said Vinyl.

“We have to keep watching more.” Said Octavia.

“Agreed.”

And thus, they keep watching the show.

********

The next day, Vinyl is at school with her date khakis on, and his hair done up. She walks up to her locker and is surprised at what he sees, Quibble is wearing a white suit, Frederic had his teeth whitened, Octavia is not wearing her contact lenses, and Lyra is spraying on cologne, which goes in her eyes.

Frederic notices Vinyl. “Well, well, well, look at you Mrs. Date khakis.” He snarled.

“It's laundry day, I couldn't find my black suit. What about you guys?” Vinyl said sternly.

“What? I happened to have a coupon for teeth whitening.” Said the pianist as he smiles a smile so shiny it blinds the other mares.

“And I always wear this much cologne.” Said Lyra.

“And, I've been meaning to ditch my contact lenses.” Said Octavia facing the wrong way, but Lyra turns the cellist around to face the group.

“Okay guys, let's be real, we all watched the Dream Boat last night, we know Starlight hasn't decided who she likes, and were all trying to blow her out of the water. Said Quibble out loud what they're all thinking.

The gang all ramble in agreement.

“Well, uh... this is awkward.” Said Frederic.

“It doesn't have to be. We can be mature about this.” Octavia suggested.

They all ramble in agreement, again.

********

At lunch, Starlight sits at a table, alone, puts her headphones on, and starts eating, the gang walk in and see this. At first, they smile and casually walk to her, but they soon grow determined looks and start hurrying.

“STARLIGHT!” Octavia shouted pulling the lead, but due to not having her contacts, she runs right into Iron Will.

Lyra jumps over Octavia and pulls ahead, but Frederic slides over a table and cuts Lyra off, he then blinds Lyra with his smile again.

“Gah, too bright!” Exclaimed the mint unicorn

Lyra stumbles backwards and lands in a recycling bin. Quibble chases after Frederic, and grabs a bottle of mustard off a table, he squeezes it onto the floor and Frederic slips out of control and falls.

“Yeah!” Quibble cheered.

Quibble takes the lead, with Vinyl in hot pursuit. Suddenly, Vinyl gets an idea, she sees that Golden Harvest is eating spaghetti and meatballs. She quickly takes out a pudding cup and calls to her.

“Golden, I'll trade you my pudding for a meatball.” Said Vinyl as she whizzes right past Golden, taking the meatball right off her fork, and leaving her pudding before she even knows what happened. “Thanks.” She just looks at her, now empty, fork, wondering what had happened to her meatball. Meanwhile, Vinyl lines up her shot, and throws the meatball, which hits Quibble in the back so hard that he falls over. “What? You said she likes barbecue sauce.” She smirked.

“Low blow, man. This is dry clean only.” Quibble complained as Vinyl runs off.

Vinyl sees that Starlight is ripe for the picking, the last mare standing does a quick victory dance, and goes over. But right at that moment, Starlight, completely unaware of what just happened right behind her, gets up and leaves, just as Vinyl suavely sits. Vinyl sees that Starlight's gone and is now bummed out.

********

Later in gym class, the gang have miffed looks on their faces, crossing their arms, not even looking at each other.

“In case anyone's interested, I'm out of the snake formation.” Frederic snarled.

“Well, I actually left it earlier than you. I just didn't tell you.” Lyra huffed.

“The snake formation is officially dead.” Quibble scoffed.

“Fine by me!” Vinyl said sternly.

“Me to!” Octavia agreed.

Just then, the whistle blows. They look down at the dodgeballs, then each other. Vinyl picks one up and is about to throw it, but gets pelted by Quibble.

“That's for the meatball!” Quibble snarled before getting pelted by Frederic. “Ow!”

“That's for the mustard!” Frederic snarled before getting pelted by Lyra. “Oof!”

“That's for blinding me!” Lyra snarled.

Octavia tried to throw one at Lyra but hits Vinyl instead. “Take that!” She then realizes something. “Oh, sorry Vinyl!”

And just like that, they immediately start beating each other up. Iron Will blows his whistle and goes over there to break them up while the other students, including Starlight, who looks on.

********

Later, they are outside the nurse's office again with ice packs covering where they got hit. Nurse Redheart gives the last one to Octavia.

“Now how did this happen? I thought you all had a snake formation.” Said Redheart questionably.

“Those days are over.” Said Quibble shaking his hoof in anger.

“Well, that's a shame. I always thought it was so nice the way you all looked out for each other.” Said the nurse before heading back to her office.

Vinyl then realizes what they’ve done. “She's right. What are we doing? Are we really gonna throw away our friendship over a girl?”

“Well, that isn’t what I want.” Lyra agreed.

“Me neither. You all are my supporters, especially you, Vinyl.” Said the gray mare still looking the wrong way before Vinyl turns her around.

“I honestly don't think I can make new friends at this point.” Said Frederic looking down.

“I can't believe we ever let things get this far.” Said Vinyl.

“Yeah, and the crazy thing is, none of this is even our fault! It's Starlight's! For pitting us against each other!” Said Quibble with realization.

The rest of the mares clamour in agreement.

“I say we go give her the what for right now! Snake formation?” Said Lyra confidently.

The gang all get up and walk in a line while imitating snake sounds.

********

Starlight is at her locker when the group approach her.

“Starlight, we need to talk to you.” Said Vinyl with disappointment.

“Oh, hey guys. What's up?” Starlight grinned.

“Oh, I think you know. We're through with your mind games.” Said Octavia facing the wrong way for the third time until Frederic turns her around. “Thanks Vinyl.” She said mistaking the stallion.

“My what?” Said Starlight confused.

“Don't act all innocent. You nearly broke up our friendship.” Lyra scolded.

“Asking us all to hang with you, then making us compete to see who would blow you out of the water.” Quibble added.

“Blow me out of the water? What are you talking about?” Said the pink unicorn raising an eyebrow.

“Doesn't matter. We're done. You couldn't choose one of us for a bestie, so now you don't get any of us.” Vinyl huffed.

“YEAH!” They all shouted agreeing with Vinyl.

Starlight stars bursting out laughter.

“Oh, we’re glad you think this is funny!” Octavia said sarcastically.

The unicorn continues laughing until she stops. “I'm sorry for laughing, it's just... you guys are so off base. I don't want a bestie, I just wanted to be friends with all of you.”

“Well, why didn't you just say that in the first place?” Frederic said confusingly.

“Uh, you may recall that every time I walked up to you guys as a group, you acted like total weirdos. That's why I was trying to get to know you one on one, or what you call: hangouts.” Starlight replied.

“Ah.” Said the Gang.

“You know, maybe this was a bad idea. It seems like you guys just can't handle being friends with someone different. I'm gonna go hang out with my lab partner.” She sighed and left sadly.

“Oh, man. We really messed up.” Vinyl said looking guilty.

“I agree, It's too bad 'cause Starlight’s really fun. I was hoping she'd teach me how to master the claw machine.” Octavia agreed.

“Yeah, and I was hoping she'd help me pick out a wig for my mom.” Said Lyra.

“And she would've made a great addition to our snake formation. She could've been the rattle.” Frederic added.

“Well, maybe if we go tell her how sorry we are, she'll give us another chance.” Vinyl suggested.

“Hmm, that could work.” Octavia accepted.

********

At lunch, Starlight is eating her sandwich, alone.

“Hey Starlight.” Vinyl began as Starlight looks at the gang. “We just wanna apologize for how we acted.”

“Yeah, you were right. We shouldn’t have blamed you for our friendship tearing apart.” Octavia added.

“What we don't know about different mares, could fill a library.” Quibble added.

We just hope you can forgive us, because we all really liked hanging out with you, as a friend.” Said Vinyl. A brief moment, and Starlight returns to her sandwich. Which Vinyl can only assume is a no. “Um, okay, well, that's cool. I guess we'll just, uh, see you around.”

Starlight looks at them as they sadly leave, when suddenly…

“Hang on.” Said Starlight as the gang stop and listen. “Vinyl, what's in that thermos?”

“Tomato soup.” The DJ answered.

Starlight thinks about it. “I'll trade you my fruit salad for it.”

“Deal!” Vinyl accepted as she walks over to Starlight, followed by the others.

“Hey, uh, how about swapping some rice cakes for some hush puppies?” Lyra offered.

“Definitely.” Starlight accepted.

“Any chance you'd trade your juice box for a tuna kit?” Frederic offered.

“Sorry, pal. That's where I draw the line.” Starlight declined.

The gang laugh, except for Frederic who is rather bummed out. Starlight gestures for the group to sit with her, and they happily do so.

“After lunch, we can work out our new snake formation.” Octavia suggested.

“Just wanna throw it out there: have you guys ever considered a scorpion formation?” Starlight requested as she pulls out a diagram of said formation. “It's 22% more effective.”

“Sweet.” Said Vinyl.

“We’re listening.” Said Octavia.

Episode 5: Pinkfulness

At the Scratch and Melody residence. Vinyl and Octavia are trying to watch the News, but it is turning grey.

“And in other news, scientists have discovered a completely new color; a mixture of blue and red called "bled." And here it is on T.V. for the first time.” Said the news reporter.

“Gah, typical! Stuff always breaks just when the warranty runs out!” Said Vinyl complaining.

“When did it run out?” Asked Octavia.

“I dunno, just now?”

“Ah.”

Vinyl heads into the kitchen and Octavia starts eating her cereal, but she spits it out. She finds out that they have been eating cat litter the whole time.

“Vinyl?!” Octavia called out not looking happy.

“I got confused, okay? Everything was in black and white at the supermarket. I chose that one because I like the picture.” Said Vinyl.

Octavia grabs the cat litter box from the table. “It literally says: non-clumping on the box.”

“Uhh, I assumed that meant it was full of fiber.” Said Vinyl. She picks up her bowl and it turns grayscale, She freaks out and Drops it on the floor. “Okay? Something weird is going on here.”

The two mares hear loud shouting outside, which makes Vinyl and Octavia go out and check. It reveals that the houses and the road and the carriages are partially black and white.

“What the heck.” Said Vinyl looking surprised.

They notice a large traffic backup due to losing their color. A cop tries to manage the traffic.

“Alright! Alright! Everypony calm down. I'll take care of this. Okay, dark grey carriage, move forward.” The Officer points at his left. The carriage to his right moves forward, wedging him between two carriages. “Not you! Light grey.” Signals to his right. “Reverse! Reverse!” The carriage to his left reverses. He becomes even more stuck. “Ahh! Medium grey, move forward.” The second car to his right moves forward, colliding with the car in front of it. “Ugh! Somepony, do something!” A semi truck pushes him and all the other carriages out of the way.

Vinyl and Octavia head out of their house and start walking through Ponyville as they observe things turning black-and-white.

“What is going on around here?” Said Vinyl.

“It's like the color's been sucked out of the world.” Octavia agreed.

Noteworthy is seen entering the town hall, wearing a formal suit and holding a rose. He grabs his phone and reads a message aloud.

“Excited for our blind date and first kiss. I'll be the one wearing gray.” He read.

Several girls at the town hall turn grayscale. Noteworthy shrugs, uses some mouth spray, and walks over to them. Noteworthy is then seen getting beaten up by the girls.

********

Some mares are at a Buckball stadium in Appleloosa, the whole stadium turns grayscale which stops the game.

“The spell is broken!” Exclaimed a Pony in the audience.

“I don't have to spend my life supporting this team anymore. Now I can finally dedicate my time to my real passion: close-up magic.” Said a fan.

“And I can get back to the greatest passion of them all: embroidery!” Said another fan.

“Magic.”

“Embroidery.”

“MAGIC!”

“EMBROIDERY!”

The two male ponies start fighting and several stadium members start angrily shouting as well.

********

Vinyl and Octavia are walking down a path, passing an area with graffiti all over the walls and posts.

“Hmm...what's all this now?” Asked Octavia.

“There's something we're not seeing.” Vinyl smashes into a post that's covered in graffiti. “Oh, darn it.” She checks in front of her by moving her hooves while climbing a stairway that has no pathway leading to it. She eventually fall head-first. “Aw, come on, man.” Octavia continues walking. “No, no, no. Watch out, Tavi.”

“It's alright, I got this.” Octavia walks to a fire hydrant. “Aww! Right in the... neck.”

Vinyl continues to walk and check in front of herself. She stumbles upon something in her way.

“What is going on here? This place looks like a gas station restaurant mugged in UV light.” Said the DJ.

A hobo’s eyes and nose suddenly appear. “I know what happened.” Vinyl and Octavia back away, embraced each other in fear. “The kid that used to clean up the trash hasn't come for a while.”

“Uh, you got a... you got a little bit of paint on you.” Said Octavia gesturing to the hobo’s face.

The hobo wipes off part of graffiti on his face. “Did I get it?”

“Uh- yeah, sure.” Answered the Cellist.

“One last thing. Could you point the way out?” Vinyl asked.

Due to graffiti covering his arms, Vinyl and Octavia cannot see which direction he's pointing.

“I really don't know why I thought that would help.” Said Vinyl deadpan.

Vinyl and Octavia carefully walk away, continuing to check in front of themselves. Moments later, the two mares are both seen attempting to shield their faces from the sun.

“I think there might be trouble ahead.” Said Octavia suspiciously.

“Yeah, I can smell it.” The DJ takes a deep sniff. “Uh, actually, it smells like popcorn.”

Caramel is heard screaming in the distance. He is then seen approaching Vinyl and Octavia as he begins to sweat.

“Guys! You can't stay here!” He shouted.

“What? Why?” Vinyl asked looking confused.

“The sun!” He coughs. “THE SUN!”

The two mares glanced at each other, looking confused.

“What's wrong with the sun?” Octavia asked looking confused.

“That nice mare who did the recycling has given u-” Caramel was cut off as he was about to faint.

“Wait, has what?” Vinyl tried to listen.

“...has given up.” Caramel collapsed on the floor.

Vinyl and Octavia are shown with their faces now looking very old.

“So, what?” Vinyl sees Octavia. “What the heck, Tavi!? You look like a trucker's elbow!”

“You look like a medieval cornsack!” Octavia replied.

“Wait. They stopped recycling, didn't they?” Vinyl looked up and Equestria is seen getting shined on heavily by the sun. “IT BURNED A HOLE IN THE OZONE LAYER! Ah! I got it.” She Grabs the sewer lid for form a shade to herself.

“Of course, the sewers! Good idea.” Octavia jumps inside the sewer. “You meant to use the cover as a shade, didn't you?” She speaks in a low voice. “Yeah, that's what you meant.”

Vinyl and Octavia walk with sewer lids as their shade before tossing them aside. They notice that some police tape is blocking the entrance of the park.

“Hmm? What's going on here?” Said Vinyl.

A Female Cop suddenly blocks the pathway. “Stop! I'm sorry, kids, but you can't go this way.”

“Why?” Asked Octavia.

“The kid who used to feed the ducks has stopped.” Said the female cop.

“Pfft. So?” Vinyl Scoffed.

“So…” The cop steps aside, showing the other cops being destroyed by ducklings. Vinyl and Octavia look at each other and wince at this.

“Ah, I guess we'll go via the old folks' home then.” Vinyl suggested.

“I wouldn't.” Warned the cop.

“Why?” Asked Octavia again.

“The kid who used to run the bingo has stopped doing it.” The female cop holds up a walkie-talkie.

There’s a male cop on radio. “Mayday! Mayday! We need backup! They're coming through the goshdarn walls!” He screams.

Vinyl and Octavia glanced at each other scared.

“Whoa. Turns out the rules of bingo are the only rules in an old folks' home, huh?” Vinyl commented.

An explosion happens inside the park.

The female cop gets freaked out. “Whoa! All right, you know what? It's every mare for themselves now.” She runs away. “By the way, avoid the zoo! The kid who used to volunteer there has given up, too!” A Bear tackles her.

“C’mon buddy, I know another way.” Said Vinyl as she dragged Octavia by the hoof, they leave.

********

Vinyl and Octavia are show trekking through the everfree forest.

“Tavi, the atmosphere's getting kinda creepy.” Said Vinyl feeling uncomfortable.

“Yeah, It's like we're being hunted.” Said Octavia as she holds Vinyl by the arm.

Just then, Vinyl stops Octavia from walking.

“Not hunted, spotted.” The DJ points toward Diamond Dog, hiding in the bush. He cautiously picks up a rock to throw at the bush. Spot suddenly shows up in the bush next to Vinyl and Octavia.

“Clever Dog.” Vinyl said mysteriously.

Spot tackles the two mares, and they black out. After that, the two open their eyes and the Diamond Dogs are attempting to stab them with art supplies.

“You're Diamond Dogs! Aren't you supposed to be searching for diamonds, hence the name?” Vinyl said frightened.

“Our master left us, so, we're an army without a leader. This is our territory now. We’re scouts. You girls are either with us or against us.” Spot said threateningly.

The Diamond Dogs continue stabbing the embraced Vinyl and Octavia.

“Ah! We're with you, we're with you!” Vinyl screamed.

“Hah, what's our motto then? I'll give you a clue: it starts with B.” Said Spot.

“Be... lieve in stallions who wear short-shorts in the woods?” Vinyl said, hoping she’d get the right answer.

The Diamond Dogs poke them again.

“Badges! Scouts love badges, right? You want badges?” Octavia said, hoping she’d get the right answer.

“When the leader left, we found his stash of badges. We have all the badges now.” Said Spot devilishly.

“Wait, aren't you supposed to earn them by actually learning the skills?” Vinyl asked suspiciously.

“Pff, like technically, yeah.” Spot muttered.

“So, did you technically learn how to tie knots?” Octavia asked suspiciously.

Spot mumbles. Vinyl and Octavia discover their forelegs have not actually been tied. They then growl at the Diamond Dogs, ready to beat them up.

********

Vinyl and Octavia exit the other side of the forest, tossing away some of the Diamond Dogs art supplies and a baseball bat.

“Meh. Shame they didn't earn their self-defense badges either.” Said Vinyl cracking her neck. In the distance, a storm rumbles around the forest. “Hmm, looks like we found the source of it all. Come on, let investi-” Vinyl walks in and loses all her color and begins crying. “WHAT'S THE POINT, OCTAVIA?! WE'LL NEVER FIGURE OUT WHAT'S GOING ON!” Octavia pulls Vinyl out of the rain, causing her to stop crying and regain her color. “What am I talking about? There's no reason we wouldn't.” She said cheerfully.

“Okay?” Octavia said confusingly

Viny walks into the rain, again crying and losing her color. “NO! LIFE JUST POINTLESSLY STIRS UP THE DUST THAT YOU'LL EVENTUALLY TURN INTO!”

Octavia shrugs and walks into the rain, pushes Vinyl, loses her color and abundantly cries. The girl then find Pinkie Pie, with deflated hair, sitting alone on a swing.

“Ah, that makes sense. Pinkie Pie.” Said Vinyl.

“Someone like her gives up, then the whole world loses its glow.” Said Octavia.

Vinyl and Octavia approach Pinkie.

“Hey, Pinkie, what's wrong?” Asked Octavia with concern.

“I’ve lost it.” Sighed Pinkie.

“What have you lost?” Asked Vinyl with concern.

“My Faith in Equestria.” Replied Pinkie.

“So that's why you stopped all your voluntary work. But why? You were doing great.” Said the cellist.

“No matter how much I try, the world will never be perfect.” Pinkie said with tears coming from her eyes.

“Well, you gotta get back on the horse.” Said Vinyl.

“Oh, why bother?” The Pink pony sighed.

“Cuz we need people like you to do all that work because you’re better at this than anyone.” Octavia complemented.

“There's no point, guys. Ponies don't change. Goodness knows I try to stay positive and turn the other cheek. But what happens when you ran out of cheeks to turn.” Pinkie moaned.

“I dunno, but you changed the lives of so many mares.” Said Vinyl.

“Yeah, but what about you guys? In spite of all the effort I've made to be friends, you STILL can't look me in the eye.” Said Pinkie looking upset.

“Ha, That's not, heh- that's not true.” Said Vinyl nervously before nudging Octavia.

Octavia steps in. “Yes, Pinkie.” Pinkie smiles “We are frie-” Retches. Pinkie becomes shocked “We are fri-” Retches again and covers her mouth.

“See? What did I tell you?” Pinkie scoffed angrily.

Vinyl steps in. “I got this one. How about a hug?” She said before approaching the Pink pony, and Pinkie looks somewhat cheered up. Vinyl hugs Pinkie.

After a moment, Octavia checks Vinyl and Pinkie. It's shown that Vinyl is tightly hugging Pinkie in an uncomfortable way.

Octavia nervously separates Vinyl and Pinkie. “No, no, no, no! That's too much love.”

Pinkie deeply pants. “SEE?!”

“Well, we’re sorry. But that's just not how life works okay?” Vinyl said slightly annoyed.

“Oh, really? Then how does it work?” Pinkie asked sternly.

“Well, Pinkie. Life doesn't work in black and white.” Said the DJ before Grabbing and holding Pinkie against her face. “Let us give you a little insight.”

********

Life Ain’t perfect - Vinyl, Octavia, and Pinkie

Vinyl
🎵It's one big shade of gray🎵
And the dark kind, I'm afraid to say.

🎵Because there's war, and fighting, and the bad guys often win🎵
🎵So you have to find some comfort in the smallest little things🎵
🎵There's shouting and there's stealing, there are mortgages to pay🎵
🎵But that's a grown-up thing and you are still like us today🎵

🎵The prospects for society are turning for the worst🎵
🎵The environment is suffering and might not be reversed🎵
🎵But at least the nasty pony who makes every day so rough🎵
🎵In the end gets hit by karma, which will kinda make you laugh🎵

Octavia
🎵And sure the future's looking pretty grim🎵
🎵The light on the horizon is pretty dim🎵
But you're a mare and all of life is still ahead of you🎵
🎵Unlike the ninety-something griffin who caught the avian flu🎵

Vinyl and Octavia
🎵Life ain't perfect, it's... eh🎵
🎵Some bits are okay, but most of it is blech 🎵
🎵Life ain't perfect; it's...meh🎵
🎵You gotta find the good that's in this great big load of Pfft🎵

Vinyl
🎵And yes, the more you work on it, the worse it seems to get🎵

Octavia
🎵Looking at the news can make you break out in a sweat🎵

Vinyl and Octavia
🎵That's the way life is, so you gotta deal with it🎵
🎵There's not much else to say right now to lift your spirit🎵

Pinkie Pie
🎵Tell me how's all that supposed to make me feel better?🎵
🎵My life's unraveling just like threads pulled from a sweater🎵
🎵There's no sunshine in my future, it is gray, desaturated🎵
🎵Tell me why I shouldn't feel so deflated🎵

Vinyl
Because... Because...
🎵If you stop halfway up the mountain, you will never see the view🎵

Octavia
🎵When you look how far you've climbed, you'll find the courage to pull through🎵

Vinyl
🎵You'll wonder how in Equestria you can put up with all of this🎵
🎵Then you'll come across a memory of perfect bliss🎵

Vinyl and Octavia
🎵So keep following the light🎵
🎵No matter how much your heart aches🎵
🎵'Cuz this sad old world will need your hope to fix it when it breaks🎵
🎵And in times when you can't take it, and you want the day to end🎵

Vinyl
🎵Take my hoof🎵

Octavia
🎵And you will find🎵

Vinyl and Octavia
🎵Life is beautiful, my friend!🎵

********

As the song ends, all the color returns to Equestria.

Pinkie inhales Deeply. “Thanks, Guys. I guess this makes us friends now.”

“Yes. Yes it does.” Said Vinyl grinning.