Author's notes: This chapter describes a moment in Ponyville, three days after the Princesses granted Arhip freedom and the status of "legal emigrant". I will write about these details in the chapter. I think it will be better, and you, readers, will be able to see other main characters in this chapter.

Enjoy reading!

Ah, summer! Wonderful time of the year! I go to bed late all the time, and wake up early in the morning... More precisely, I'm not doing it of my own free will. One amazing pony constantly wakes me up because I fall asleep with headphones on and I don't hear the alarm clock.

Octavia is my best friend, with whom we have been living for what seems like forever. Heh... Yes, it's only six years. We grew up together in one of the districts of Canterlot and went to music school together. Only, we had different tastes in music, although this did not put barriers between us and our friendship only grew stronger every day.

Sometimes my playful nature annoyed Octavia, but there were times when she liked it... If you understand what I'm talking about, of course! Ha ha, yes, we kind of became very close friends, and tried to share our secrets with each other. Perhaps only Octavia knows more about me than the other ponies.

Many know me under the pseudonym DJ Pon3, and only a few call me by my first name. Actually, all these ponies from this provincial town think I'm a strange mare. Although, I'm not offended by them, because I'm used to seeing this world through the colored lenses of my famous glasses. When I go for a walk, I always put on my magic headphones and one of the variants of my glasses. I usually prefer No. 2... um... yes, I'll tell you what that means later.

My life is filled with meaning and happy moments. I have a favorite job and contracts. Every week I go to the city to which I was invited to arrange a grand disco. Well, I'm always great at it. Although, I is not the only famous DJ in Equestria... Heh, actually I don't like to consider myself a celebrity. Yes, yes! Although my nature attracts a lot of attention, especially from young stallions, I still have a little bit of modesty and conscience.

The truth is that sometimes I forget about it when I get too carried away with another party! But this is something I don't want to go into details about. Except that I quite often come home in the morning and I smell of strong apple cider and... and sex... That's just, I don't remember how it happened! Yes, and then I wake up in Octavia's bed with a puddle of drool on her pillow!

Uh... Maybe I'm already getting old in my twenty-six years? Every time I make a promise to myself that I will be a more modest and responsible mare. Maybe I'll even do athletics. But a few hours pass, and when I find myself in one of the clubs or local bars, I break this promise! Heh... I don't regret it. I'm not going to change my habits for the sake of this world! Maybe this world will change better for me? And maybe there will be someone else besides Octavia who will love me for who I am?

I swear, all those ponies... sometimes they are boring and don't want to understand my soul. Yes, I don't really like talking to someone I don't know. Mostly I like to listen. Listen to music. I even had the idea that I would learn to read lips. Well, I could understand what these ponies were talking about and at the same time I was not distracted from listening to my favorite music track.

Heh! I remember once walking down the street of Ponyville and I was stopped by a pony. He was talking to me about something, but at that moment I was like in a trance, because I didn't want to be distracted from this cool music track. This is one of those mixes that I recorded myself. Yes, I probably did the wrong thing, and I should have taken off my headphones to listen to this pony. Maybe he wanted to know how to get to the library or something like that? But it was still funny, so I just shook my head to the beat of the music, as if agreeing with everything that this pony was saying.

However, the thought does not leave me that some changes should happen in my life. Otherwise, I risk spending my best years just doing something to amuse ponies with my music. It just seems to me that in my life... more precisely, in our life with Octavia, something is missing. Or maybe someone who would be very nice enjoying our company.

Classical, orchestral music in the mornings, and electronic club motifs in the evenings. All this will be waiting for someone who risks becoming someone more than just a friend for Octavia and me.

In the last couple of years, Octavia has hinted to me more than once that of course it's good and fun for us to live together, but it ceases to be something amazing. And this, without a doubt, has a bad effect on our inspiration. Seriously! Three years ago, the blood in our veins was boiling like young fillies! Our music has always had some zest, and our inspiration was on top. But it's in the last few months that it's getting less fun. Maybe over the years this surge of energy will disappear? Well, I think we should figure out the answer to this question. Um... However, I don't think I should turn to the Princess of Friendship with such a problem. She has enough worries as it is, and I don't think my problems relate to friendship. No, I'm fine with that.

My name is Vinyl Scratch and this will be my story, in which I will try to find answers to my questions and understand what I lack for complete happiness.

Vinyl Scratch POV.

"Aaahrrr!"

Damn it! I was sleeping so well until someone pulled off my headphones, and after that I was in a state of shock. I felt deaf! I wrinkled my face from the fact that these bright rays of the sun began to dazzle me. Octavia of course was as always a caring friend and decided to show concern about me.

I opened one eye to look at this impudent mare, who pushes me in the shoulder with her hoof. "Aay! Maybe stop pushing me already!? Octavia, what the hell are you doing? Can't you see I'm dreaming?" I said in mock indignation and wiped my mouth with a hoof, as saliva flowed out of my mouth again and wet the pillow.

Octavia made a straight face and raised her left eyebrow. "Vinyl! Did you come back from the bar just a few hours ago? Hey! It's time to wake up, and you know we have to leave for Canterlot today."

I turned to the other side, so as not to look at this sweet face of my friend, who is so cruel to me. "NO! I... aaah." I yawned and closed my eyes. "Please, Octavia, let me sleep for another ten minutes... I swear, this Canterlot won't run away anywhere... AAAY!" I suddenly screamed when my friend's body landed on this bed right in front of my eyes. Because of this, I almost flew out of my bed! "What the hell are you doing!? Crazy mare!" I growled and buried my nose in Octavia's satisfied grin.

I couldn't really get mad at my best friend, and she knew it perfectly well, so she had a calmly playful mood. What's gotten into her?

Octavia loosened my mane with her hoof and looked lovingly into my eyes. "You know, Vinyl, I could wake you up in a hundred different ways. But right now, I'm in too good a mood. Come on, honey, get up and go to the bathroom, I've already managed to warm the water for you and cook us breakfast. We should be at the train station in a couple of hours."

My eyes narrowed when I realized that this mare was really mocking me. "What? The train is only in two hours? And you won't let me sleep for an extra ten minutes?" I asked, but nevertheless I couldn't stand the look of my friend and my hoof involuntarily hugged her neck. A playful grin appeared on my face. "I'll get revenge for this!" And after these words, I quickly kissed her on the cheek and whispered: "Thank you for taking care of both of us. I... I've been becoming an irresponsible mare lately."

Octavia pulled away from my embrace and looked seriously into my surprised face. "I know about it! Therefore, you'd better not make me nervous if you don't want me to tie you up and spank you with the same whip that lies under your bed!" After this playful threat, she grinned and jumped off my bed to head towards the kitchen. "I'll be waiting for you in the kitchen in twenty minutes." She turned her head and looked at me with narrowed eyes. "Not in five minutes, as you usually do. You need to get your body in order better, after your stormy night, which you spent unknown where and unknown with whom! You still stink of strong apple cider."

I rolled my eyes and slowly slid off the bed with a dissatisfied groan. "Ah, yes, yes... I know! Actually, you should also take a walk with me to this bar sometime. Maybe the two of us would have a better chance to pick up some stallion and after that we would have a party at our house..."

"No, Vinyl, you know I'm not a fan of visiting such places, unlike you. Although, I'm really not mad at you for this, because this is your life and only you have the right to spend your time as you please." Octavia said and her eyes started to widen in horror when she saw that my horn lit up and my pillow was in the magical aura.

I looked ominously at Octavia, and she understood the hint that was about to happen, hurriedly ran out of the room... but not quite like that. She didn't have time to do it! I threw this pillow at her and hit her on the ass.

"Aay!" Octavia screamed when she didn't have time to close the door behind her and pinched her tail.

"Ah, you filthy mare!" Octavia grumbled, sticking her head out of the door and sticking her tongue out at me. "If your games are over, then please don't linger. We still need to pack our things." After these words, she calmly closed the door and left.

"And you're an evil mare!" I replied jokingly.

Well, I started making my bed, and put my slobbery pillow in its rightful place.

Twenty minutes later, I was already standing in front of the mirror and creating my image, which I had corresponded to for many years. Although Octavia has hinted to me more than once that I should change my habits at least for one day. For example, go to the mane stylist and make a work of art out of my mane and all that. But... fuu... I will never take such a step! Heh, unless there really are reasons for this, and only then will I want to bring beauty.

I smiled looking at my reflection in the mirror and started spraying hairspray on my mane. After thoroughly brushing my teeth and checking my breath for freshness, I cracked my neck several times and looked victoriously at the mirror.

"Yes, damn it! Vinyl Scratch is ready for a new day to conquer the hearts of many stallions and mares!" I said in a loud voice and flirtatiously blinked my eyelashes... Hehehe, although I don't like to do this, and many just don't see my playful eyes behind these glasses, but it's always funny.

Hoof beats sounded outside the door. "Maybe stop talking to yourself already, smug mare?!"

Yes, Octavia won't let me rest... I already have a plan for how I will take revenge on her. I'll wait until she falls asleep and put my headphones on her. After that, I will turn on the heaviest and loudest music from my collection. Although, no, it's better not to do that. Otherwise, she will wet her bed with urine from fright, and get angry at me. Maybe she'll even break my headphones and one of her double basses on my my ass! Okay... I'll come up with something later, and it should be fun. Actually, I love my friend and I won't do nasty things to her. Although sometimes she likes that I behave that way. Otherwise, our life would be boring.

With these playful thoughts, I finally left the bathroom, and found myself in the kitchen, where Octavia was already patiently sitting and pouring tea into our cups.

Octavia sat across from me and carefully studied my face and mane. However, during breakfast, many thoughts did not leave me and I turned away with a thoughtful face to look out the window. At the same time, I slowly chewed my oatmeal cookies. My friend decided that something was bothering me, since she had already studied my behavior and gestures well.

"Would you stop playing the silent mare and share with me what's bothering you?" Octavia asked and also looked out the window.

I didn't have time to give my answer when we heard the familiar flap of our postpony's wings. Derpy flew past our house and seems to have crashed into something! This caused both of us to show concern, and we postponed our breakfast and hurried out into the street. Poor Derpy, as usual, did not calculate the flight speed and accidentally touched the mailbox in the neighboring house. She was squatting on with a sad face and trying to catch breath.

Octavia and I immediately helped her get up on her hooves, and while my friend was dusting her off and trying to calm her down, I was at that moment collecting scattered letters and newspapers.

Derpy looked at Octavia with gratitude and regret at the same time. "Oh... Excuse me. I think I screwed up a little." She made an innocent face and spread her hooves to the side. "OH, YEAH! I have some letters for you and a recent newspaper issue..." She started sorting through all these letters in her bag, but Octavia had a better idea.

"Calm down, Derpy. I understand, you have to work hard. Tell me, maybe you'll join us for tea and muffins? I don't think it would be bad for you if we stole fifteen minutes of your time for a little break. And while you're eating your favorite muffins, Vinyl will help you organize all the letters and newspapers." Octavia looked seriously at my surprised face. "You won't refuse to help, will you?"

I remembered something that lifted my spirits noticeably and was able to smile. "Yes, of course. Besides, I'm looking forward to one important delivery notice... um... yes!"

Of course, our friendly support and warm words, and most importantly the desire to help, made our postpony happy. "Oh... I will not refuse such an offer!" Derpy said and at that moment her stomach rumbled treacherously, which caused embarrassment and reddened cheeks on her face. "Yes, I didn't have time to have breakfast."

"Well, then fate itself has brought you to us!" Octavia replied and patted Derpy on the shoulder with special enthusiasm.

That's what we did. I helped Derpy and took her bag, to which she thanked us both again.

To be honest, I have always treated this mare with respect. We are even somewhat similar to her! She's as weird as I am. More precisely, it has its own peculiarity. But at the same time, she always seemed to me a very nice and friendly pony. There are legends about her love for muffins, and everypony knew about it. Yes, she had problems, as well as each of us. Therefore, among themselves, everypony agreed that we would help her in such awkward situations. Her flights were not perfect, but at the same time she was a pony not only with a golden mane and tail, but also golden heart.

Octavia was talking to Derpy about something, and put a tray full of muffins and other pastries from the local "Sugar Cube" store in front of her. Yes, Pinkie Pie did her best as always!

I decided at that moment to be quite a responsible mare, although I was still detached from this friendly conversation. So I concentrated on sorting all these letters into separate piles, and carefully put them in the postman's bag. I found a newspaper that was intended for our address and put it aside, but I was interested in something else.

But when I came across some letters at our address, I wrinkled my nose and pushed the box in which we keep such notices. Octavia crossed her hooves on her chest and watched me with a grin, and Derpy continued to chew the third muffin and watched my actions with curiosity.

I started casually tossing these letters into the box. "Rent bills! Water bills again! Magical energy bills! Taxes! A letter from classical music fan!" I looked at Octavia and hoofed her this letter. "Yes, this is for you. Here the sender's address indicates the city of Canterlot, so I wouldn't be surprised if this is another aristocrat - unicorn, snob..." I made a sly grin and began playfully drilling the confused Octavia with my gaze. "Yes, yes... And you know perfectly well what this stallion wants!"

"Shut up, Vinyl! Better look for the letter that is intended for you, and do not poke your horn into my personal life behind the scene. Besides, it's not what you think! This is a letter from our new conductor... by the way, he's a good stud." She looked dreamily at the ceiling and imperceptibly pressed this letter to her chest.

This made Derpy choke when she realized the absurdity of what was happening! "Cough... cough! Oh... Octavia... ahem..."

I could hardly restrain myself from laughing, and just shook my head, and started sorting through these letters again. Octavia came to her senses, and hurried to help Derpy by tapping her on the back with her hoof. Although my friend could not hide the noticeable blush on her cheeks, when she screwed up like that, trying to hide the fact that she actually likes the same stud.

Octavia shook her head and looked at me, playfully stuck out her tongue. "Come on, you'll envy me later when we take the train to Canterlot. Then we can talk in private."

When Derpy finally cleared her throat and thanked Octavia again for her concern, undisguised curiosity and interest appeared on her face. "So you're both going to Canterlot today?" She smiled and lowered her gaze, then shyly picked at the edge of the table with her hoov. "Actually, I haven't been to Canterlot for a couple of months. Maybe I should take a day off, or better yet, two days off! I would like to visit our capital; go shopping and to a museum or something else. In general, I would like to rest..."

But when I listened carefully to Derpy, I had an amazing idea in my head. I was able to get a sincere understanding of this pony. "Wait, Derpy! I think I know how to help you to get some fun time! As befits an adult pony. Unless of course you don't mind my offer. I can give you my own invitation to the "Brave Hooves" club, where I will work three nights in a row. In fact, I have a privilege and I can invite two of my friends who can have fun at this club for free. Well, and the hotel room that we booked in advance, we can use for three! What do you say, Derpy?" I was in a very good mood, which was able to make a proper impression on both mares who were sitting in front of me.

Derpy put her hooves on the table and brought her face closer to me with a noticeable glint in her eyes. "Call me a complete fool if I refuse such a tempting offer! I think that already tonight, after work, I will be able to pack my things and go to Canterlot with the last train." But it seems that some kind of memory arose in her thoughts, which made her bite her lower lip and press her ears to the back of her head. "Um... yes... The truth is, I wanted to take Dinky with me at first! But if we're going to have an adult vacation, then I won't be able to look after her..."

Octavia sighed and patted Derpy on the shoulder again in a friendly way, and thereby attracted her and my attention. It looks like she also has a plan to solve our problems. "Actually, I can take you and Dinky with me to the concert in the afternoon. Then we can go to a museum and a restaurant. Well, in the evening we will put her to bed, and go to the club "Brave Hooves", where Vinyl Scratch will already prepare everything for the dance, entertainment program of night visitors. How do you like this idea?"

Derpy looked at Octavia with a little doubt and put a hoof under chin. "It's a good idea, but then Dinky will have to stay alone in a hotel room. What if?"

"I can understand your caring experience, but you don't have to worry. Dinky will only be alone for a few hours. We'll be back in the morning. By the same time, we will ask the hotel staff to look after your filly and not refuse her any request..." After these words, she narrowed her eyes and decided to make a joke. "Except that it is forbidden to do small ponies who have not reached the age of majority."

It seems that we have all come to a common agreement. After a few minutes, Derpy thanked us again and hurried to continue her duties. Although, I felt perfectly well that in the soul of this mare, there was a "spark of happiness" from the upcoming adventures in Canterlot. It certainly lifted our spirits, and I even began to feel more cheerful.

Well, there was still time for our train, besides, the station is not so far from our house. And while Octavia sat and read the latest newspaper issue, I chewed my cookies and drank juice, but at the same time, I was curiously reading the delivery notice for me. This is something I've been waiting for for a long time.

A new, advanced installation of the DJ console, which has gotten even better at saving magical energy. Numerous crystal sensors are able to create a magical audio visualizer that always amazes audiences. Every dancing guest will have a chance to improve their dancing skills, even if they don't succeed at all. Hmm... I still have to deal with instructions that the dragons probably wrote!

Although, I was tired of being silent and decided to distract my friend from reading. "Listen, Octavia. I want to know your opinion." When I made sure that Octavia was listening attentively to me, I continued: "Don't you think that our life is becoming somewhat mundane? Every day, everything is predictable. Nothing new is happening! I don't know what my personal problem is... but it seems that lately I've been losing inspiration... Hell, I even agree to a dozen changelings coming to our house with a lustful desire to rob us! And they will leave us both, quite happy mares, after this group event."

Octavia sighed sadly and pressed her ears to the back of her head. She turned her gaze away and looked thoughtfully at the edge of the table. "Actually, I agree with you. I've been experiencing the same thing lately. I feel like I'm getting old! And at the same time, I pull on the mask of true happiness, doing this almost every day. That's just deep down, something is tormenting me. Of course, this also has a bad effect on my inspiration. And I think I can understand you, even more than you think." She looked at me again, and there was a mental, friendly connection between us.

We looked at each other with understanding, and our hooves touched, but I was the first who decided to say what came to my mind in the first place. "Octavia! We urgently need someone in our lives who will inspire us every day!"

Octavia grinned good-naturedly and playfully wiggled her eyebrows. "And every night too?"

"Yes! You understand everything correctly. Now it's probably time for us..." But I didn't have time to finish my thought when out of the corner of my eye I noticed something interesting in this newspaper.

I made a concentrated face, and with the help of magic I pulled this newspaper to me. Octavia was watching me with curiosity and some confusion.

"What did you see that you didn't even finish your thought? Although, I understand what you meant. We have to get ready for the train."

"Wait, Octavia." I turned the newspaper to her with the side on which a black-and-white photograph of the alien from another world was depicted.

Of course, his appearance in our world, at the beginning, caused many different feelings in the pony society. Someone started to panic, and someone did not hide their curiosity. There were also those who didn't care, because all sorts of amazing things were happening in Equestria... and it kind of became a normal phenomenon. Personally, I sincerely treated those who were curious to know who this male was. But the newspapers didn't give much information, and I'm more than sure that a lot of what they write about this man may not be true. Princess Celestia personally ordered that this man be left alone and given some time to recover from the shock and begin to adapt.

Therefore, he was kind of isolated from the eyes of many ponies, and first of all, from most annoying reporters. He lived in the palace and did not leave the special room so often. By the way, Octavia had the honor to personally see this man in the palace when she was at a personal reception with the princesses. But she didn't get to talk to him.

Now in this newspaper there are fresh news about this man, whose name is Arhip. Hmm... strange name, but I don't blame it.

However, something else interesting was known from the same newspapers, but it is not entirely clear whether it is true or not. It says that a certain unicorn mare from the palace servants was appointed a personal observer for this man. That is, she was just supposed to take care of him and help him adapt to the pony society. But in the end, within a few days between these two (a mare whose name I do not know, and a man named Arhip), there was such a warm friendship, and even a romance that turned into something more.

That's just a sad moment happened. This mare didn't want to leave him, but she had to leave Canterlot urgently. The name of this mare is still kept secret by the personal, strict order of Princess Luna. And there were reasons for that. The thing is that when information was leaked to local newspapers among the servants of the palace, they hurried to take advantage of it. They worried this mare so much, trying to get as much information about this human from her as possible, that she had to go through stress and leave the city.

Princess Celestia, of course, allowed reporters to gradually get information about this human, so that the whole Equestria could find out about him and get the opportunity to get used to him faster. But she could not keep track of the many "yellow press" who were trying to get more access to the personal life of this man, and those who surrounded him at that time. Including princesses. They did not disdain to throw mud even on our rulers!

Of course, I condemn it! Although, not the whole society agreed with me. There were also those who took all "this dirt" at face value, and became angry at our princesses, doubting their decisions. However, the princesses, of their own free will, gave only mild comments, and were in no hurry to refute all this information, referring only to the fact that even the "yellow press" needs to earn money somehow, but only each pony is given the choice to analyze and make decisions himself. Believe in this information or not.

But honestly, in this whole story, I really feel sorry for this mare, who imperceptibly fell in love with someone who is not a pony, but society, and some of her acquaintances, may have condemned her choice. Honestly, what NONSENSE! It seems to me that I have to sort out all this somehow, and maybe even turn to the princess of Love, so that she, with her authority, could somehow influence such ponies who condemn interspecies love! Also, I make a personal vow to myself. I have to find out the name of this very mare, and find her. Or I'm not Vinyl Scratch!

I closed my eyes and inhaled several times through my nostrils trying to calm myself from this tension. Seriously! Such news causes emotions to boil in me. I feel Octavia's eyes on me, but she is silent, giving me the opportunity to speak first.

"Look, Octavia! It says here that it became known from independent sources that the princesses ordered this person to follow the accelerated method of adaptation to the pony community. That is, now he is being treated as a legal emigrant, and he will no longer live in a palace, but in an urban area for working-class ponies. He also needs to find a job in the next two weeks... hmm... Heh, I wouldn't mind seeing this human not in a newspaper, but with my own eyes." I whispered the last words, and when I realized what I said, my tail began to give out nervousness and my face turned red.

Octavia noticed this and decided to make fun of me. "Heh! I have a feeling that you are already starting to get inspired. It's been a long time since I've seen your tail show your..."

"Oh well! Just shut up!" I folded up this newspaper and looked seriously into the eyes of my friend. "We'll talk about it on the train. Now let's pack our things."

Octavia looked from the newspaper to me and narrowed her eyes. "Whatever you say, honey. But only you won't be able to hide your secret desires from me." After that, she shook her head, causing her mane to fall on her nose. "Okay, to hell with it! I'll wash the dishes while you pack your suitcase."

Ten minutes later, Octavia and I were standing in front of our dressers. We exchanged glances with each other. There was a mental connection and conversation between us again. We nodded affirmatively, showing our agreement.

Octavia checked the condition of her mane and took one of her ten favorite bow ties from the dresser shelf. I shifted my hooves between the cases of my glasses with a thoughtful face.

"Hmm... I think that on this trip I will take No. 4 with me as the main glasses and No. 5 as a spare..."

Octavia made a face, looking at me out of the corner of her eye. "I do not know how you distinguish between them. That's probably the only subtlety I don't know about you. They're all the same!"

I snorted and put on my glasses, so that they lay neatly on my horn. "Hahah... I can say the same about your bow ties. They're all the same!"

Well, after our jokes, we were able to pack our suitcases, although mostly it was a double bass case and my collection of records. Well, something else that we may need during our work. Yes, and I decided to take this newspaper with me... something that does not give me peace of mind, and further spurs my inner curiosity.

A cunning plan began to spin in my head. What if I arrange everything so that this human would work in this club, with which I have a long-term contract? I can easily arrange it. I still have some connections and pony acquaintances in this city who will not refuse to help me with this problem. And at the same time, it will be something like my secret help for this man.

Twenty minutes later we were at the train station and waiting for our train. There were a few other ponies who didn't pay much attention to us and talked about something among themselves. I was getting bored, and I was about to put on my headphones, but Octavia stopped me.

"Maybe you should be without headphones for a while? Because sometimes, you need to let your ears hear what is in our reality. In our nature." Octavia looked dreamily at the flying flock of birds and thought about something. "Actually, I am sincerely glad that you decided to give an opportunity for Derpy to stay in our company." After these words, she looked into my eyes again.

I just nodded in agreement, and hung the headphones around my neck again. "Good. You're really right."

Octavia frowned and looked intently into my eyes. "Hmm... you're usually not that easy to convince. What's going on with you, Vinyl? Are you ill by any chance?"

I took off my glasses and hung them on my horn. This immediately began to attract all the ponies, who began to stare at me in fascination. They looked as if a miracle had opened up before them!

It started to embarrass me a little, but I gathered all my resolve and pretended not to pay attention to all these ponies. "You know, Octavia, I've been thinking a little... and I began to understand something."

Octavia looked at me skeptically, and her ear twitched when she heard that the ponies started paying attention to us and whispering among themselves. It's kind of rattled both of us and everything, but that's what we have to go through.

"Really? And what did you begin to understand?" Octavia asked.

"If I wear my glasses all the time, then I will stop remembering what the true colors of this world look like. The same can be said about sounds. Therefore, I have to thank you for the fact that you persistently remind me of this every time. You're right."

Octavia shook her head slightly and came closer to me, but I could feel that she was worried about me again. "There's definitely something going on with you, Vinyl. You didn't say that before. I think I'm starting to guess what's going on."

I decided to interrupt my friend, while she was in an excess of emotions, did not begin to show her role of a loving, caring nurse for me in front of all the ponies. Although, it's very nice of her... but now it's starting to confuse me!

"Octavia. Please don't worry about me. Let's talk about it in our compartment. I really have something to say to you, and as always you will be my best friend, to whom I will open my soul. Besides, our train is already on the way." I pointed with my hoof into the distance, where the smoke from the locomotive was noticeable.

Octavia agreed with me, but after that she smiled and put the glasses on me herself. This caused us a slight grin, and our spirits lifted again. But I still have a lot of thoughts about the upcoming worries in Canterlot. Damn all these formalities! I'll probably need to follow Twilight Sparkle's advice. I have to make a list of things to do!

Ten minutes later, we were already in our compartment, waiting for the train to depart.

When our train finally left, Octavia and I watched this summer landscape through the window for a while. Actually, we like to travel only first class, so we have our own compartment for two. It always gives us the opportunity to chat in private. So now, the time has come to reveal my plans little by little, and Octavia reminded me of this.

Octavia lay down on her bunk and stretched out her hooves in front of her. "Vinyl, you can tell me everything now. And for some reason, I'm sure that the same human is involved in your plans."

In our private environment, I was able to feel more than confident and calm. Therefore, I was fully attuned to our frank conversations. "Yes, you're right. Is it really that noticeable to me?" I asked and put the newspaper on a small table, looked at the photo of the man again.

"Actually, your interest in this alien..." Octavia playfully wiggled her eyebrows to confuse me a little. "To be more precise, to a man; this is gradually ceasing to be a secret."

I made an impenetrable face and spread my hooves to the sides. Although it was useless. Octavia could read me like a book.

"Oh, come on! I didn't try to keep it a secret! And this is quite normal... It's normal - to show interest in something unusual. And stop looking at me like that, as if I was caught in depraved acts!"

Octavia rolled her eyes and shook her head slightly. "Aah... If it makes you feel better, then I know you're not the only one. And I don't blame you both for that. Besides, you know it perfectly well, I've already seen this man in the palace. And he looks like quite a nice stud... um... That is, I wanted to say..."

I furrowed my brows, and my patience was a little shaken when I found out that I'm actually not the only pony who is interested in learning a little more about this human. More than it's written in the newspapers.

"Yes, I understand. You mean he's a MAN! A two-legged male, whom you, like many ponies, consider just a strange alien, but secretly, just like me, you wouldn't mind getting to know him better. Hah!"

Octavia made a funny face and stuck her tongue out at me. "Vinyl! Why the hell are you shifting the topic to the fact that I have secret desires? We were talking about you. So let's be honest, and don't give me a reason to remind you once again that I'm your closest friend. Although, I have to admit that you really guessed my secret. But unlike you, I try to behave more restrained."

I grinned, and only now allowed myself to relax a little. "Yes, yes... Your restraint is not always the best choice. But, wait! Who is the other pony who is as interested in this human as I am?"

Octavia scratched her chin with her hoof and looked at me like I was an idiot. I don't like it when she does that, but as a rule, she has reasons for it. "Hmm... And I thought it was no longer a secret for anyone. Bon-Bon recently told me that she saw Lyra in her own room. But she wasn't doing music at that time. Instead, she was going through old newspaper issues that had at least something written about this human."

What I heard made me feel nervous again. Because... In fact, I'm doing the same thing. Only when I'm home alone. "Really? Go on, I'm interested."

Octavia chuckled when she started noticing a certain blush on my cheeks. "Yes, Vinyl. It's true. The truth is that you and Lyra belong to that group of ponies who are secretly curious about this man. Although, Lyra is also our friend, I do not blame her for this secret interest, as well as you. But the fact that you both keep these newspaper clippings in your closets..."

"Okay! Let's forget about it! I've already realized that you can't hide anything from you! Damn it... and I thought it was just me who was so weird. To be honest, I would never have thought the same about Lyra. Hmm... Maybe I should talk to that mare sometime. That's just unlike her. But unlike her, I'm going to be a few steps ahead!" I replied with a sly grin and rubbed my hooves in anticipation.

Octavia realized that our conversation would not bring calmness and, taking a deep breath, decided to jump off her bunk and sit next to me. She hugged my neck and rubbed her cheek against my ear. It certainly started to make me laugh a little and tickle, but I felt a change of mood for the better. Well, I love Octavia for her demeanor.

"Stop it, Octavia. Hahah... it tickles me, damn your affectionate hooves!" After these words, I gave my friend a friendly hug with my hooves and looked lovingly into her eyes.

Octavia smiled and gave me a hint of another friendly caress, so our noses touched. It made us both feel confident in each other. "Well, maybe now you will share with me your grand plan on how to bring a little variety and a new burst of inspiration into our lives? Of course, I can already guess what you're driving at. And I, no matter how funny it sounds, would not mind. I'm even ready to help you with this." Octavia whispered in a gentle voice, and giving me many hints in this pleasant revelation of her secret desires.

This made me grin and look at my friend's face with a sly smile. "Heh... I take it we're in the same boat? Why didn't you say about it earlier that you are also ready to show interest in something, or rather to Someone new? We can be understood."

Octavia looked away a little embarrassed and her ears pressed shyly to the back of her head. She sighed sadly. "Uh... We've known each other since we were kids, and I thought you could understand me. More precisely, my soul. After all, in fact, the real reason why I became interested in classical music for the rest of my life is not only my father's desire. But also what it led to in the future."

I sadly lowered my face from the realization of guilt for being able to forget such details from the life of my close friend. "I'm sorry, Octavia. I know... But I forgot. To be honest, I thought that you tried to forget about it and move on."

Octavia... My beloved friend and inseparable partner in my destiny. She looked into my face again and lifted my chin with her hoof. Our eyes met and she was able to smile. But only, I knew perfectly well that she was putting on that mask of happiness again. She does it for me, so that I don't get upset about the past. This no doubt brought a little pain in my heart.

"No, Octavia. I think that before I tell you my grand plan, in which you and I will show this world what mares like us are capable of, you should speak out first." After these words, I sincerely smiled and put a friendly hoof in Octavia's shoulder. "Besides, I like that you are ready to show enthusiasm and be completely on my side!"

This made my friend laugh and she rolled her eyes and sighed in defeat. "Okay! You're an evil mare with a leaky memory! I'll tell you what you already know perfectly well, just pretending to be an idiot. But, you have to promise me that if your plan is successful, then you won't leave me..."

"Octavia! How could you think that?! There's no way I'm leaving my friend! Even for hundreds of unusual stallions! Or one strange, two-legged, handsome man..."

"Pff... hahah! You've only seen him in the newspapers, and already you're talking as if tomorrow we're going on a romantic date with this man! You know you look like a silly filly when you act so cocky, don't you?"

"Heh... And I'm sure my self-confidence excites you! Although, I don't like to show it in front of other ponies."

"Yes, yes... That's why I like you." Octavia replied and lay down on her bunk again. "Well, I'll remind you of my story."

Well, it will be an inconspicuous trip, because my friend will talk about her life, starting with her youth, and smoothly move on to how exactly we met her. It will be interesting and will help pass the time. Besides, it's nice for me to remember the old days myself.

To be continued...

Author's Note

Greetings to all readers. So I didn't have to wait long for the continuation of this story. Although, I already had the text prepared, I just changed it a little.

In this chapter, you have finally been able to get to know the rest of the characters, and you may well understand that this is not just a porn story.

Well, for now, I still hope that you like the beginning of the plot so far. Therefore, I'm saying goodbye to you for a while until the next chapter.