The early morning sun peeked through the gaps in Vinyl Scratch's curtains, casting thin stripes of light across her messy bedroom. With a groan, she rolled over and squinted at her alarm clock. 8:30 AM. She had to get ready and head downstairs to work, the unicorn pulled herself out of bed with a sigh. Feeling the chill of her hardwood floor on her hooves, she ambled lethargically towards her wardrobe, the colors blurring together through her sleepy eyes.

Vinyl Scratch pulled a shirt with black and white stripes over her head, feeling the cool fabric against her fur. In the center of the shirt was a symbol resembling her cutie mark: two eighth notes bridged together. The V-neck design of the shirt showed off her C-cup breasts.

She then put on fingerless gloves that reached from her upper arms to her hands. The main color was black, but with thick blue bands around her wrists and upper arms for contrast.

For bottoms, Vinyl chose some form-fitting blue pants that hugged her thighs and flanks perfectly, adding a pop of color against her white fur. The fabric was soft and stretchy, providing comfort for the long hours she would spend working behind the front counter.

With her task finally completed, Vinyl made her way to the bathroom to freshen up. She stood in front of the mirror, gazing at her reflection through vibrant magenta eyes. Her electric blue mane was a wild tangle, defying any attempt at control as it stuck out in all directions, as if she had just emerged from a whirlwind.

Letting out a resigned sigh, Vinyl grabbed her trusty hairbrush and began the arduous process of smoothing out her mane. It took some effort, but soon her hair fell into place in a style that pleased her. Next, she retrieved her phone and keys from the counter, tucking them safely into her pocket. She then draped her beloved headphones around her neck, ready for another day of musical adventures.

After locking the door to her apartment, Vinyl descended the staircase towards the first floor. Each step echoed in the quiet morning as she turned on the lights, revealing shelf upon shelf of both CD's and vinyl records. The shelves were meticulously organized and filled with an impressive collection of music from all genres and eras. As the lights warmed up, they cast a soft glow over the store, creating a cozy atmosphere that enveloped Vinyl like a warm blanket.

This was where she felt most at home - surrounded by music. Each record and CD represented a unique world of sound, waiting to be explored and appreciated. Taking a moment to soak in the sight, Vinyl's magenta eyes reflected the colorful album covers and posters adorning the walls. The unmistakable smell of dust and old vinyl filled her nostrils as she took a deep breath, feeling a wave of nostalgia wash over her. There was something comforting about this scent; it reminded her of countless early mornings spent amongst these shelves, lost in the rhythmic hum of life and music intertwined.

Vinyl Scratch crossed to the front of the store, her tail swishing lightly to some silent beat only she could hear, and flipped on the neon 'Open' sign. Vinyl was proud of her store - 'Beats and Bobs', a place where music enthusiasts could find everything from retro vinyl records to the latest EDM releases.

With the 'Open' sign illuminating the front of her store in vibrant colors, Vinyl moved towards the counter behind which she would spend most of the day.

As the day progressed, Vinyl slipped on her headphones, losing herself in the rhythmic beats that pulsed through them. The familiar tunes helped her stay focused as she organized new arrivals and assisted the occasional customer.

The bell above the door chimed, barely audible over her music, but Vinyl's eyes instinctively flicked towards the entrance. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw the stallion who had just walked in.

His name was Tempo Blaze, an Earth Pony stallion who stood tall and lean. His light brown coat seemed to sparkle under the bright store lights. A burning treble clef with a bolt of lightning shooting from the bottom marked his neck as his Cutie Mark.

His mane and tail were a striking bright blonde, styled in a sleek ponytail that accentuated his sharp features. But it was his eyes that truly caught her attention - a mesmerizing blend of green and aquamarine that seemed to shift like the sea, cool and somewhat distant.

The stallion's attire exuded an air of effortless fashion. He wore a crisp white button-up shirt, the collar slightly popped, under a fitted navy blue blazer. The blazer's sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing stylish silver cuff links. A pair of designer jeans hugged his legs, complementing his athletic build. A thin silver chain hung around his neck, disappearing beneath his shirt collar.

As he moved through the store with a confident stride, Vinyl felt her heart rate quicken. He was probably one of Vinyl’s most frequent customers, and suffice to say she held a small flame for him.

As if sensing her gaze on him, the stallion turned his head, locking eyes with Vinyl. His lips tugged into a small, knowing smile, and he wandered over to the counter.

"Morning, Vinyl," he greeted, his voice smooth as velvet and just as rich.

“H-Hey Tempo” Vinyl stammered out, her cheeks flushing a light pink. She quickly moved to adjust the headphone set upon her head, turning down the volume that had been drowning out the store's natural ambiance.

"Any new arrivals?" Tempo asked, raising a brow as he casually rested his elbow on the counter.

"Um, yes," Vinyl said, her voice faltered as she began rummaging beneath the counter. Her fingers moved through several records before she pulled out a brand-new album, still wrapped in its cellophane. "Just received this one. It's a solo album of a Cellist by the name of…" Vinyl said reading over the Album. "Octavia Melody,"

“Eh…not really into a Classical mood” Tempo Blaze replied, waving a dismissive hand at the album. His attention wandered briefly across the store as a new song started playing from the overhead speakers.

Vinyl was taken aback but quickly recovered. “Hey, Tempo…” Vinyl started, her eyes darting quickly to the side as she brushed a few strands of hair behind her ear. “The Store closes at 7 today, So I was wondering, um... would you maybe want to go grab a coffee or something?"

“Oh…I actually have plans for tonight, Vinyl,” Tempo’s voice was apologetic, his eyes meeting hers with a soft regret. He offered her a small smile, “I’m sorry.”

Vinyl felt her heart drop and she quickly masked her disappointment with a forced smile. "Oh, that's alright," she said, hoping her voice didn’t show her heartbreak. "Maybe some other time."

Tempo Blaze turned and walked out of the store. He gave her a brief wave of acknowledgment before the door closed behind him, leaving Vinyl alone to sulk in the her shop. The beats from the overhead speakers now seemed so intrusive, so she reached up to click it off. Instantly, the store was engulfed in silence, echoing her loneliness.

She slumped down behind the counter, her eyes fixed on the vinyl record on the counter. She looked over the songs but soon grimaced as the first song was ‘Love's Greeting, Opus 12’

“Shut up” Vinyl muttered to herself, her hand pushing the vinyl away as if it offended her personally. She scowled at it, feeling the loneliness creep onto her like a monster from a nightmare. The deafening silence was better than the love songs she was considering to play, she decided.

Hours passed slowly in Vinyl's shop, as if every ticking second was an angry reminder of her unrequited love. She tried to occupy herself with anything she could find - reorganizing the vinyls, dusting off the CD racks, attempting to fix a squeaky floorboard.

Vinyl continued to work through the slow hours, trying to drown out her disappointment with toil. She didn’t see the shadows lengthen nor notice the lights dimming outside as she stayed hunched behind the counter. Finally, 7pm came around and Vinyl closed up her store. The Unicorn walked through the streets with a blue hoodie covering her from autumn winds, soon Vinyl arrived at her preferred bar, ‘The Keg’. It wasn’t Manehattens top bar, but it had a homely quality that Vinyl appreciated. Off the beaten path, surrounded by neon-lit billboards and bustling city life, The Keg was a haven of stillness.

Pushing through the heavy wooden doors, she slipped into her usual spot in the corner, away from the softly murmuring crowd. The bartender, was already pouring her usual drink - a straight whiskey - before she even had a chance to order.

The bartender was a close friend of Vinyl’s, an older zebra stallion by the name of Buck Wild. The older zebra had been a bartender for as long as she could remember, his skill in listening and pouring stiff drinks unmatched. Despite his profession, he had a surprisingly muscular build that hinted at a more adventurous past. His mane, a striking contrast of black and white streaks, was styled in intricate Viking braids, giving him an air of ruggedness. Buck's clean-shaven face displayed a distaste for any form of facial hair. He wore a plain black cotton shirt, an apron hastily tied around his waist, and threadbare trousers that showed signs of countless washes. A worn bandana adorned his neck, the stripes matching those of his mane. Vinyl had once asked about its significance, only to receive a mischievous wink and the enigmatic response, "Part of my past, part of my present".

"Rough day?" he asked sympathetically, sliding the drink over to her.

“I tried to ask him out today," Vinyl confessed, her voice barely a whisper. She grabbed the glass and swirled the amber liquid around, not meeting the bartender's eyes.

The bartender merely nodded in understanding, leaning on the counter as he wiped a glass clean. "And?"

“I’m sitting in your bar drinking your signature Whiskey, Buck” Vinyl said downing the drink, "What do you think happened?"

Buck sighed, a sympathy etched on his burly face. He then reached beneath the counter and produced a second glass. "This one's on me," he said, filling it with the same amber liquid.

Vinyl managed to give him a small but grateful smile. “Thanks, Buck” Vinyl said taking the glass.

Vinyl drank in silence for a moment, staring into the amber whirlpool of her glass as if it held the answers to her heartbreak. The hum of laughter, clinking glasses, and the low murmur of conversations from the rest of bar provided a comforting backdrop to her ruminations.

Vinyl quickly finished her third glass of alcohol and her ears perked up as she heard two stallions conversing down the bar. One of them was sharing a rumor he had heard.

"What? Is he like some contractor or something?" A green Earth Pony snorted around the rim of his beer.

"No, moron.” a white Unicorn reprimanded, taking a sip from his own drink. “This guy, whatever you need, no matter how big or crazy it is he can grant it. But his deals are..."

"Spit it out, damnit."

"There's a rumor that his magic isn't... Normal." the white unicorn murmured, glancing nervously around the bar as though he expected this mysterious man to be hiding in the shadows. "They say he can make your wildest dreams come true, but at a cost. A terrible cost."

Vinyl’s ears perked up. She turned her head slightly to listen more keenly without drawing their attention.

"Quit Talkin out of your ass” the green earth pony laughed, slapping a hand onto the bar.

“It’s true” the white unicorn insisted, his voice barely a whisper now. “Remember Unlucky Jack?"

"That loser friend of yours?" The green Earth Pony asked, his laughter faded into a worried half-smile.

"Yes, that Unlucky Jack!" The white unicorn affirmed. He lowered his voice further, leaning in closer to the Earth pony. "He told me that he met this man on Mane street. He wanted to be the luckiest guy in town. The man agreed to grant his wish, but he warned him that there would be a cost. A month later, Jack hit the biggest jackpot in casino history. But then...”

"Then what?" the green earth pony asked.

"Then he lost it all," the white unicorn continued, his voice barely more than a whisper. "His house, his wife...even his own life."

The green Earth Pony’s worried half-smile faded into a look of bewilderment. "So what, he went bankrupt?"

"No," the white unicorn corrected, shaking his head. "He was killed, found dead in his mansion. No visible wounds, no signs of a struggle, nothing. Just gone."

“Heh,” Buck chuckled after hearing this rumor. “Hey Vinyl, why don’t you try and find this Magic Deal Maker and make Tempo fall in love with you”

But when his eyes scanned the area, he saw an unoccupied seat and a ten dollar bill sitting under a glass on the counter. The unicorn mare was nowhere to be seen.

Midnight rolled around on Mane Street when Vinyl Scratch finally gave up her hunt for the elusive Magic Deal Maker. Her hooves ached, her eyes were heavy with fatigue and her heart pounded in trepidation over the rumors she had heard. The street was desolate, save for a few stray cats and late-night wanderers.

Vinyl Scratch leaned against a flickering streetlamp, her neon blue mane catching the dim light. She pulled out her phone, scrolling through the multiple missed calls from Buck. She sighed heavily, her breath fogging in the cold night air.

Just as she was about to call it a night, a faint whisper caught her ear. It seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once, carried on a sudden chill breeze that ruffled her hoodie.

“Little late for a young mare to be out and about” a voice said from the shadows.

"Who's there?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

“Just a humble passerby,” the voice replied.

The shadows shifted and out stepped a lean stallion, his red coat billowing in the wind and his cane tapping against the ground.

“Whatcha lookin' for, missy?" he said, his voice smooth as silk, a wide grin spread across his face.

Vinyl swallowed. “I...was hoping to find someone. Someone...special."

The stallion raised an eyebrow. “I’m afraid that you are looking in the wrong place” the Stallion said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Unless you're looking for trouble."

“I’m looking for a Deal Maker” Vinyl said, holding the stallion's gaze. "Rumor has it he can make anything happen."

"Oh, is that so?" The stallion chuckled, tapping his cane against the concrete of the street, producing a strange rhythm that echoed down the empty thoroughfare. "And what makes you believe such tales?"

"I don’t know,” Vinyl admitted, her gaze shifting to the cracked pavement under her hooves. “Desperation, I suppose.”

The stallion's laughter echoed off the stone buildings around them. "Ah, desperation. The mother of foolish decisions." He paused, his eyes gleaming in the faint light. "What is it you want so badly, Miss?”

“There’s this Stallion” Vinyl started, her voice catching on the lump in her throat.

“Somepony you harbor feelings for, I presume?" the stranger pressed, leaning against his cane with an air of nonchalance.

"Yes," Vinyl admitted, looking down at her hooves. "His name is Tempo Blaze. I've known him for a while now, and we're... we're close…”

“But this feeling is only one sided, isn't it?" The stranger finished for her, as if reading her thoughts.

Vinyl nodded, her eyes welling up. "Yes...”

“Oh, tragic," the stallion said, shaking his head sympathetically. “To love someone who does not return the sentiment. A cruel twist of fate, wouldn't you say?”

“It’s the worst feeling in the world,” Vinyl whispered, the words catching in her throat.

He studied her for a moment, before sighing and tapping his cane on the stone once more. "Well, I suppose I could remedy your situation."

Vinyl looked at him and was surprised to see none other than the infamous Radio Demon standing before her. But she wasn't afraid; instead, she saw an opportunity to get what she wanted

“Can you really help me?” Vinyl asked, her voice filled with renewed hope.

“My dear sweet child” Alastor replied, the corners of his mouth lifting into a grin that stretched far too wide. “That’s what I do. it’s what I live for - to help unfortunate Ponyfolk..like yourself”

Vinyl Scratch grew confused as she began to hear music that seemed to come from nowhere.

“Poor souls…with nopony else to turn to” Alastor continued, tapping his cane again to the rhythm of the mysterious music. The tune was haunting yet enticing, pulling Vinyl deeper into this strange encounter.

"I admit that in the past I've been a nasty," he crooned, his voice sliding into a smooth melody. "They weren't kidding when they called me, well, a demon,”

"But you'll find that nowadays I’ve mended all my ways,” he sang, his voice taking on an uncharacteristically warm tone. "Repented, seen the light and made a switch - true? Yes!"

"And I fortunately know a little magic," Alastor twirled his cane, the tip blazing with a brilliant emerald flame. "It's a talent that I always have possessed."

"And here lately, please don't laugh," he continued, the flame dancing in rhythm with his voice, "I use it on behalf of the miserable, lonely, and depressed - pathetic."

"Poor unfortunate souls," Alastor began to circle Vinyl, the melody growing louder. "In pain, in need."

Soon Alastor’s flame grew before splitting into two flames and taking the shape of a frail stallion and a heavy set mare, each bearing expressions of unspeakable heartache.

"This one longing to be thinner," he pointed the cane at a portly mare before pointing at the frail stallion. "That one wants to get the girl, and do I help them?" he twirled his cane once more, the emerald flames shimmering in the night air. "Indeed, I do."

The spectral figures of the stallion soon turn from a frail stallion to one with a square jaw and flawless muscles and mare was transformed from a heavy figure into a slender, graceful mare with flowing mane. Their expressions shifted from despair to delight as they smiled at each other, the flame-images reaching out and touching hands in an ethereal dance that echoed Alastor's melody.

"Those poor unfortunate souls," Alastor sang, his grin widening, "so sad, so true."

"They come flocking to my feet, crying 'Spells, Alastor, please!' And I help them," he continued, twirling his cane and sending sparks of emerald light cascading around him. “Indeed, I do!"

“Now it’s happened once or twice,” Alastor continued, his voice falling into a more somber rhythm as she spoke in Vinyl’s ear. "Someone couldn't pay the price, and I'm afraid I had to rake them 'cross the coals."

Vinyl's eyes widened in terror as she witnessed the transformation of the two ponies engulfed in flames. The once familiar figures twisted and warped, their forms now resembling dark, horned demons from the shadows.

“Yes I’ve had the odd complaint,” The Radio Demon admitted, as he walked in front of the unicorn wearing what looked like a nun’s clothes “but on the whole I’ve been a saint... to those poor unfortunate souls.”

Stop Music at 1:35

The music abruptly stops, leaving a ringing silence in its wake. Alastor's red suit and bow tie return to their normal form, but his grin remains, now tinged with an eerie shadow. His slow, deliberate steps bring him closer to the terrified Vinyl.

"Now then," Alastor's honeyed voice fills the air like a deathly whisper, "here's the deal." His words land heavily on Vinyl's ears like a dark omen. "I will craft for you a special song, in the form of a vinyl record. All you have to do is get that stallion of yours to listen to it, and he will accept your true feelings."

"That...doesn't sound so..." Vinyl starts to protest, but Alastor cuts her off with a sharp laugh that echoes through the air like a sinister omen.

"However, this little spell will only last for three days," Alastor explained, his voice smooth as velvet as he circled around Vinyl. His words hung in the air like a sweet and tempting melody, beckoning her forward. "But to make it truly permanent, you must acquire a kiss from your beloved stallion - a kiss of true love." As he spoke, his piercing gaze seemed to bore into Vinyl's very soul.

A shiver of excitement and fear ran through Vinyl at the thought of winning her beloved's heart with a simple spell. But then Alastor's next words struck her like a bolt of lightning. "If you fail to achieve this," he paused for dramatic effect, relishing in the fear that flickered in Vinyl's eyes, "then you will belong to me for all eternity."

Vinyl's mind raced with conflicting thoughts. The price was steep - risking eternal servitude to the Radio Demon - but the promise of true love was too alluring to ignore. After all, her beloved stallion remained oblivious to her feelings; this could be her only chance.

Just as she was about to speak, Alastor interjected once more. "Oh, how foolish of me," he feigned an apologetic tone, but his eyes danced with amusement. "We haven't discussed payment yet. After all, you can't get something for nothing."

“What could I…” Vinyl's heart hammered in her chest as the Radio Demon silenced her with a clawed finger over her lips. She felt his cold, calculated gaze bore into her, sending shivers down her spine.

"I'm not asking for much," Alastor said, his tone dripping with malice. "Just a small token, a mere trinket. I assure you, you won't even notice it's missing."

The mare could feel the demon circling around her like a predator stalking its prey. His clawed fingers drummed menacingly on her shoulders before he came to a stop behind her. Leaning in closer, Alastor spoke in a chilling whisper that made Vinyl's blood run cold.

"What I desire from you is..." he paused, savoring the fear in her eyes before finishing his sentence with a sinister smile. "Your voice."

Vinyl's entire world crumbled around her as she felt her heart plummet into the pit of her stomach. The very essence of her being, her voice, was threatened to be taken from her. She was a singer, known for her unique sound and captivating performances. Without her voice, she feared she would fade away into oblivion.

“But… my voice is…” she stuttered, her mind replete with dread as Alastor’s triumphant chuckle echoed around her.

"I know," Alastor purred, his voice filled with a delight that was terrifying in its intensity as he let the mare go. "That's exactly why I want it, No more talking, Singing, Zip"

Panic consumed Vinyl as she struggled to find a way out of this nightmare. How could she possibly continue living without her voice? How could she fulfill her dreams of making it big in the music industry without the one thing that set her apart?

"But...without my voice, how can I convince Tempo to..." Vinyl's plea was cut off once again by Alastor's icy glare, silencing her completely.

Start Music again

“You won’t need your voice, Dearie” Alastor stated as the unfamiliar music resumed. “You’ll have your looks, Your Pretty Face…and don’t underestimate the importance of body language, ha!” He sang the last line with a sway in his hips, enjoying the terrified look on Vinyl's face.

Vinyl was trapped, cornered. Her eyes flitted around the dark street, looking for an escape, a way out of this conundrum.

“The men up there don’t like a lot of blabber” The Radio Demon sang on, delighting in the song as he danced around her with a giddiness that was both disconcerting and terrifying. "They think a girl who gossips is a bore! Yet on land it's much preferred for mares not to say a word and after all dear, what is idle prattle for?"

The melody swirled around them, carried on a cold wind that seemed to come from nowhere. Alastor's gaze was fixed on her, his red eyes glowing like coals, the intensity of his stare as intoxicating as it was terrifying.

“Come on,” he urged, almost gleefully. “They’re not all that impressed with conversation, true gentlemen avoid it if they can. But they dote and swoon and fawn on a lady who's withdrawn! It's she who holds her tongue who gets a man!”

"Stop it!" Vinyl shouted, her voice echoing through the deserted street. "You can't take my voice!"

“Come on, you Poor Unfortunate Soul!” Alastor mockingly belted out, his voice filled with unadulterated glee. “Go ahead, make your choice! I’m a very busy demon and I haven’t got all day, it won’t cost much...just your voice!"

Vinyl felt an invisible pressure in the pit of her stomach, the force of Alastor's allure pulling her forward. She stood on trembling legs, eyes wide, her heart pounding. The street stretched out behind her, dark and foreboding, while before her Alastor was a figure of light, a torrent of colour in the murky gloom.

“You poor Unfortunate Soul!” Alastor sang louder, Shadow demons surrounds the two, accompanied by the eerie rhythm of their own chant. "It's sad but true! If you want to cross a bridge, my sweet, you've got the pay the toll! Take a gulp and take a breath and go ahead and sign the scroll!"

The scroll and pen appeared from thin air, unfurling from nothingness, revealing lines of intricate, swirling text that danced before Vinyl's eyes. It was an otherworldly language she didn't recognize, a cacophony of jumbled letters and symbols that seemed to shift and morph with each passing second.

“Now I’ve got her boys!” Alastor crowed to the surrounding demons, his eyes gleaming with a triumphant, diabolical light. "The boss is on a roll! This poor unfortunate soul!”

With a swift movement, Vinyl found her hand guided towards the scroll, an ethereal quill held in her trembling fingers. She felt Alastor's cold smile radiating towards her as she began to etch her name across the bottom of the page. The letters came out beautiful and curvaceous, entirely out of her control. She watched as the ink seemed to glow for a moment before seeping into the scroll, permanently binding itself to the contract.

"Finally," Alastor said, his voice dripping with satisfaction as he watched Vinyl's hand drop back to her side. The quill evaporated into nothingness, leaving behind a faint trail of smoke in the air that smelled strangely like burning paper.

“A deal is a deal,” Alastor continued cheerfully, snapping his fingers. The scroll rolled back up and dematerialized before he lifted his cane and pointed it at Vinyl’s neck. “And now I think I’ll take my payment”

In an instant, there was a cold wave washing over Vinyl, her breath hitched, her heart pounded. A strange silence filled the space; even the demons seemed to hold their breath in anticipation. She felt something leap from within her, roaring past her lips in a soundless scream. She clutched at her throat, feeling an icy emptiness settle where her voice once was. Painful, aching silence echoed within her chest. blood gushed from her mouth and she fell onto her knees, clutching her throat whilst helplessly gasping for air. Her eyes widened in terror as she tried to scream, to call out, but only the dreadful silence replied.

Alastor's triumphant grin grew wider. He lifted his cane closer to him, a glowing orb which echoed soft melodies that sounded identical to Vinyl’s voice before it retreated to inside his microphone. Vinyl Scratch looked at the demon with helpless desperation, her own voice stolen and trapped within Alastor's cane. The surrounding demons cackled, their laughter echoing ominously throughout the cavernous space.

Magic swirled around his free hand before a Vinyl record materialized, its sheen reflecting the dim light around them.

"As promised, here's your precious record," Alastor crooned handing the record to the mare "Only fair, don't you think?"

Vinyl's hand reached out shakily, her fingers brushing against the smooth surface of the record. Her gaze was a mix of horror and disbelief, staring at the record as if it were a venomous snake. The demons' laughter grew louder and more twisted with each passing second, feeding off her palpable fear and despair.

“Remember, Once he hears the song on that record the spell will take hold” Alastor said as he and the shadow demons vanished into the thick, suffocating darkness, leaving Vinyl alone in her torment.

The unicorn mare slumped onto the ground, her body shaking violently as sobs wracked through her. The record was still clutched in her grasp, white-knuckled and trembling. The laughter of the demons was a haunting melody that echoed around her, seeping into her skin and twisting her gut. The taste of iron still lingered in her mouth as she tried to stand, her knees wobbling beneath her weight. She looked down at the record in her hand, her heart pounding like a war drum against her chest. She had paid the price, and now she was going to get what she wanted. Vinyl slowly made her way home, each step felt heavier than the last. Her hooves echoed on the concrete streets of Manehatten, a solemn counterpoint to the silence torn from her throat.

Once home, Vinyl shuffled to her music store, dragging herself upstairs into her room where the walls were lined with records of every variety. Her whole livelihood was built on those grooves and melodies that once brought joy, but now seemed meaningless.

Vinyl placed the magic record on her nightstand before collapsing on her bed, not even a second later her eyes shut and she fell asleep, her dreams filled with monstrous shadows and echoing laughter.

A pale shard of dawn peeked through the window when Vinyl awoke from her restless slumber. She rubbed her eyes, the record still lying untouched on the nightstand. Vinyl closed her eyes and shook her head as she pulled herself from her bed, the Unicorn slowly removed her closed from yesterday and proceeded to take a well needed shower. Stepping into the tub and pulling back the curtain, she turned the knob and was met with a cascade of warm water that fell onto her skin like rain. The heat seeped into her tired muscles, relaxing them and washing away a thin layer of the night's terror. But the chill that clung to her soul remained.

Despite the soothing warmth enveloping her, Vinyl could not shake off the cold dread that had lodged itself deep within her. The laughter of the demons seemed to echo in the falling water, their twisted merriment intertwining with the soft patter against the tiles. She grit her teeth, shaking her head in an attempt to dispel the chilling echoes. As the water washed away the tangible remnants of last night's ordeal, Vinyl steeled herself for what was to come.

Freshly showered, dressed for work and the vinyl record in hand, Vinyl trotted downstairs to her music store, taking in the sight of her passion. Music…Music was her life, her solace, and her fortress. But now she gave it up for the one she loved, Deep down Vinyl regretted making the deal, but at the same time she was about to finally get Tempo Blaze to return her feelings for him.

The now mute Unicorn trotted over to the front of the store, with a heavy sigh, Vinyl forced a smile before unlocking the front door and flicking on the neon “Open” sign.

The sun had fully risen by now, casting long beams of light that danced upon the dust particles in the air. The radiant sunlight also reflected off the record covers hanging on the back wall, creating a kaleidoscope of colors around the shop.

Vinyl saw her customers start to trickle in; regulars who always dropped in for their weekly music fix, casual browsers who liked to peruse the eclectic collection she had curated, and a few early birds hoping to find some rare gem before anyone else. She greeted each one with a nod and the same practiced smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Midday rolled around, and the moment of Vinyl’s resolve was now about to be tested. In walked in Tempo Blaze, the sole reason she sought out Alastor in the first place.

“Hey Vinyl” Tempo Blaze greeted her nonchalantly.

Vinyl merely waved at the earth pony stallion, Tempo took notice of the lack of a response immediately.

“You okay, Vinyl?” Tempo asked with a tinge of concern lacing his words.

the Unicorn knew she had no chance of answering him due to the deal she made with Alastor, However, she planned for this. Vinyl placed a hand to her neck, Tempo took this as a sign that said She lost her voice.

“Lost your voice recording another song?” Tempo asked.

Vinyl nodded, while it wasn’t technically a lie, it twisted something in her to mislead him like this, even by omission. The earth pony seemed satisfied with the answer, looking around before his eyes settled on the record Vinyl was clutching tightly.

"What's this?" He gestured towards her grasp.

With a deep breath, Vinyl placed the record on the on the turntable behind the counter. The needle dropped, and the sound of a haunting melody filled the air, it was much more horrifying to Vinyl considering that is was her voice on the record. The unicorn turned back to Tempo and found his gaze somewhat distant for a few seconds before he broke out of his trance and looked at Vinyl, his eyes wide and full of surprise.

“Hey Vinyl,” Tempo said, his green aquamarine eyes looking at Vinyl in a different way. “Did you want to…Maybe…go to my place and have a drink?"

Vinyl's eyes light up with excitement as she nods along to the music, her gaze bouncing back and forth between Tempo and the record spinning on the turntable.

“Cool” Tempo said texting his address to her “See you later, Vinyl”

The moment Tempo walked out the door, the unicorn had rushed to close her store early today and eagerly ushered everyone out as she flipped the sign to "Closed". Despite losing her voice, there was a small spark of hope in her heart, a flutter of anticipation that made it all worthwhile - maybe even more so than she could have imagined.

Vinyl Scratch stepped off the Elevator of Tempo's high-rise apartment building, her hooves clicking rhythmically on the marble flooring of the opulent lobby. She swallowed, feeling the pressure of the silence in her throat, a constant reminder of her pact with Alastor.

Suddenly, without warning, a pegasus mare ran passed Vinyl, her hand holding her face where a very large black bruise was forming. She was sobbing uncontrollably, her eyeliner running down her cheeks in streaks of black. The mare did not spare Vinyl a glance, despite the unicorn's wide eyes.

Vinyl watched as the pegasus disappeared around a corner, then she shook herself out of her stupor and continued her way towards Tempo's apartment. Vinyl walked up to the opulent entrance of Tempo's penthouse suite, located at the very top floor of this high-rise building. The faint sound of music slipping through the cracks around the door. Vinyl took one last glance around the silent and pristine hallway, then she knocked gently at the door. The music faltered, then stopped abruptly. Moments later, the door swung open to reveal Tempo in a simple white shirt and faded jeans.

"Hey Vinyl," he greeted her warmly, allowing her inside.

His aquamarine eyes shone with an excitement that mirrored her own. He led her into the spacious penthouse suite, decorated in a minimalistic yet refined style, large windows offering a breathtaking view of the city.

"Nice place," Vinyl attempted to say, but only managed to mouth silently.

“You want a drink?” Tempo asked.

Vinyl nodded and Tempo disappeared into the kitchen. As she waited, she took the time to admire the pieces of artwork adorning his walls, a mix of modern abstraction and vintage record covers that sung of his passion for music. She found herself pulled towards them like a moth to a flame, her eyes lingering particularly on a painting of a red and black analog radio. The unicorn mare shuddered at the sight as it reminded her of the Radio Demon, the very one she had struck her silent deal with. The fear of what she gave up to him returned in full force, but she shoved it away as Tempo reappeared with two glasses of whiskey.

The two of them, spent the day and even the rest of the night enjoying each others company. Every time she needed to speak she merely used her phone to communicate. Her messages were short and precise, efficiently conveying her thoughts. They discussed music, their shared love for vinyl records, and Tempo’s collection of vintage record covers. His eyes would glimmer with delight as they spoke about music and Vinyl couldn't help but appreciate his enthusiasm.

As the night went on, they played a few records. The rich, warm sound of the vinyl filled the room and seemed to wrap them in a comforting cocoon. It was a welcome distraction from the reality Vinyl had been thrust into - a world where she could no longer speak her own thoughts.

Tempo didn't seem to mind her silence, though. If anything, he appreciated the quiet reassurance of her presence. The way she listened to him, her eyes sparkling with life and interest as he spoke about his love for the art of music, the deep connection he felt to each note and rhythm; he's never felt so seen before.

Their time together ended sometime after 2 in the morning, but what they didn't realize was that a pair of watchful eyes were observing their every move from the top of a nearby building.

Alastor's laughter echoed through the room as he observed the two individuals before him. "How entertaining," he mused, drumming his clawed fingers against his cane. "I can't decide whether to let this situation continue…or to step in and watch her slowly succumb to serving me in despair."

Alastor was not one to meddle in the affairs of his deals too hastily. His demonic nature found joy in the slow burn of their struggles, their fights against destiny. It was music to his ears, a symphony composed of their anguished whispers and silent screams.

"She'll come to regret her choice," he murmured, his grin widening as he watched Vinyl part with Tempo at the doorstep of home. "In time, they all do."

In the End, Alastor chose not to intervene as he spent the next few days watching the two. And on the final night before Alastor’s spell wore off, Vinyl and Tempo shared true loves kiss making Alastor’s spell on Tempo Blaze permanent.

Unfortunately, Vinyl Scratch will learn in the worst way what kind of person Tempo Blaze is.

Author's Note

Wow...........................................................................................................................................................

Okay. I know I promised Two deals in this chapter....and I fully expected to write about 3k words worth of story with both deal stories....But....Vinyl's Deal went on longer than I imagined. So much so I need to break it into a Part 2.

Question Time, Bitches!!!

KnightOfZaku

Thanks for yet another awesome chapter!

So Charlie does have the power to try and take control of his body back from Alastor. However, since we now know that Alastor genuinely loves his girls. I still really doubt that he'll be able to win a battle of wills with our favorite demon.

Also, going back to the armor the Knights of the Sun wear. Is it safe to assume that it does have a design flaw or a weakness to a specific material that can render all of its abilities useless?

So I haven't thought of a chink in the Sun Knight's Armor. their weapons on the other hand do have a very bad structural flaw

nightshroud96

Looks like the two wills are at a impass.

Would Spike and Smolder be able to fight in their normal forms too and kick ass as well alongside the greed growth forms you mentioned?
Neither of them are gonna die, are they? Given how Razzle or Dazzle(forgot which) died.
I hope they both live

Okay So Spike and Smolder can fight in their base form, Spike is a straight up brawler who fight with his fists, Smolder is much more flexible and is a bit of a grappler and uses a combo of both fists and kicks....However I do apologize but I can not reveal if Spike or Smolder die in this fanfiction

Okay that's all the Questions. And remember if you want to ask something go for it. I will always address your questions right down here.

And As Always, Stay Tuned Folks