The chord rang through the halls of the performance hall. A bow finished it's track across a string and a pony held her head high as the theater burst into applause. The grey mare took a bow as roses flew onto the stage.
'A spectacular performance.' The pony thought to her self as she smugly smiled at the crowd of older ponies that filled the theater's seats. Some were cheering, some were crying, some were sitting and smiling contently as the chord continued to ring throughout the rippled walls. It wasn't her best, but the performance was spectacular all the same. All of her shows were incredible...well at least that's what the critiques say. It isn't as if there are a plethora of Cello playing earth ponies to compare her to. Unique would be too weak a word to describe her in her opinion.
'One of a kind!' That is what she would describe herself as. It has more flavor to it. She bowed one last time and carried her cello off the stage, a smug smile stuck on her face. 'I deserve a reward for performing so well.' She thought as she packed her cello away and slung it around her back. 'Perhaps I will go take a drink at the local winery.' She walked backstage and out the back alley, making her way to the store. The town was quiet, but effectively so. It was a peaceful night and Luna's moon and stars shown brightly down on the mare's face. The silence was soothing after the loud cheering she had experienced after her show. A peaceful stroll down the road to the winery and then a quick drink would ease her mind...how she wished that was the case.
As she turned the corner, a loud bass beat could be heard ringing across the towering halls that was Main Street of Hoofington. The beat wasn't overpowering, but it was enough to cause the mare's quiet night to be ruined. She sighed as she continued her stroll toward the winery, which was unfortunately on the same street. Her sensitive ears picked up every down beat of the...er... “song” that was playing across the street. She stepped up to the door of the winery and read the worst phrase that was ever written:
“Closed: Check Back Tomorrow.” With a smile posted underneath it. The mare let out a loud sigh which echoed through the empty street. That bass was still pumping and her head was still pounding. She knew where it was coming from, too. That pub down the street that was just built. What did they call it...a “club”?
“I need a drink pretty badly, but the only other place open at this hour is...” She sighed and walked toward the end of the street, head held high. She walked to the bouncer who promptly let her enter after a more than threatening glare.
“One drink, then I'm out of here.” She said as she opened the inner door to enter the club. A move she instantly regretted. The second the door opened she was stunned by the incredible bass that was pounding from the speakers and the...noise that was the music. After she recovered she gave a huff and entered, quickly finding a seat at the bar. For a pub, the bar sure was empty, most ponies were on the neon dance floor, shaking their flanks off...rather poorly actually. The bar tender turned to her and smiled.
“What can ah git for ya'?” He said in a southern twang.
“I'd like a Rusty Nail.” She ordered matter-of-factly. The bartender gave her a quizzical look.
“Er...uh...Is that some kinda beer?” He asked. She gave him a disapproving stare.
“It's Vodka and Drambuie, on the rocks.” She said flatly.
“Vodka we got, but Ah'm afraid we don't have no of this here...Drawn-Booee stuff yer talkin' about.” He gave an apologetic smile. She sighed.
“Fine, straight Vodka with a lime, please.” She said as he pulled out the bottle. He poured the drink and put the lime on the side. As soon as he was done, he left not wanting to get involved with this mare again. She simply rolled her eyes, taking the drink in hoof and sipping it, wincing at the poor taste. “Ugh, not like I expected any better.” She huffed as she looked at the admittedly amusing ponies failing to dance on the floor. Her eyes, however, were locked on the mare on the podium spinning the records. A crude neon sign hung above the lightning-blue maned mare that read “DJ-PON3”, a rather unruly stage name. The pony was bobbing her head in time with the music and was spinning records in the air with her magic. The mare at the bar simply huffed.
“Show off.” She said, “It doesn't take talent when you have a horn.” Despite the resentment, she found herself tapping her hoof along to the beat as she sipped her drink, the taste unwillingly familiarizing itself with the grey mare. She held a constant gaze at the DJ the entire time she drank her vodka, and when the song was over she was done and walked out of the bar headed for the door. Over the loud speakers she heard that mare scream out to the crowd.
“I'm going home, everypony! It's been real! Try not to kill the next DJ that tries to outshine me! Peace!” She shouted as she jumped from the stage and walked toward the back, shooting a glance at the grey mare near the door.
“Did she just look at me?” The grey mare said to herself as she turned to exit the pub. “Such weird ponies go to these things.” She held her head high and walked out into the cold night air, a refreshing sense of calm draped over her. The bass could still be heard, but it wasn't overbearing and it simply added a rhythm to her leisurely stroll. That is, until the sound of galloping hooves could be heard getting closer and closer to her until...
“Hey there! I haven't seen you around here before.” A harsh voice broke the peace. “I'm the DJ from the club. I saw you at the bar and when I stepped down, you just up and left. You feeling okay?” The mare was certainly energetic, but the grey pony simply wanted to be alone.
“Yes, I am quite alright, thank you.” She said quickening her pace, but to no avail as the white coated mare trotted up to her.
“Heh, you're stuffy! What's your name, missy?” The grey mare cringed at the words.
“I am not stuffy! I am proper! And do not call me 'missy', my name is Octavia. And I'd thank you to remember that.” Octavia stated matter of factly.
“Octavia, huh?” The DJ put a hoof to her chin, making walking a bit harder. “That's too stuffy of a name. How about...Octy!” She said smiling at Octavia.
“Absolutely not! I shall not be called by such...such an insulting nickname as 'Octy'.” Octavia huffed and held her head high. “You know, it is only proper to give your name before asking another theirs, miss DJ.” Octavia stated smartly.
“Hehe, well I guess that's true in stuffy land!” The DJ giggled, “Well my stage name is DJ-PON3, but the name I go by is Vinyl Scratch! I'd thank you to remember that.” Vinyl said, mocking Octavia's tone.
“Hmph!” She huffed as she turned away from the mare. “Vinyl? Like the record. And you handle records as a DJ. How...convenient.” she said flatly, trying to avoid a conversation.
“Well, Octy, what brought you to a place like that? Looking for fun?” She laughed and nudged Octavia who became instantly flustered.
“Wh-What kind of mare do you take me for?!” Octavia raged, “I was simply there to have a drink, that is all.” She said, letting her blush fade.
“Really? At a club called 'Mare-to-Mare'?” Vinyl chuckled as Octavia's face redened.
“I-I did not know it was that kind of club!” She defended. “And I suppose that means that you are trying to...how do you say it...pick me up, or something?” Octavia gave Vinyl a disapproving stare.
“Not at all, miss Octy.” Vinyl stated, giving a wide grin. “I only perform there, I am in no way attracted to mares, especially ones as unattractive as you.” She said with a giggle.
“Stop calling me that!” Octavia stated. “And I am quite attractive, thank you very much. At least my mane isn't in shambles!” Octavia stated gesturing toward Vinyl's disheveled mane.
“I comb it this way, Octy.” Vinyl chuckles, “It's more of a show look. Y'know, to play the part, so to speak.” Vinyl grinned letting her glasses flare off the moonlight.
“And another thing, why do you wear those ridiculous glasses? Certainly it can't be due to the light.” Octavia was getting rather annoyed with this pony's constant pestering.
“Oh these?” She points to her glasses, “Well, there to protect other ponies from seeing my gorgeous eyes!” Vinyl laughed and trotted in front of Octavia, stopping her.
“What do you want from me anyway? You already said you don't want me to go on a date with you and I doubt you want me to perform for you, so what?” Octavia stared blankly at the pony in front of her.
“Well that's an easy one, Octy.” Vinyl smiled. “I just want to be your friend.” Octavia couldn't help but laugh. The thought that this DJ would want to be friends with her was absolutely preposterous.
“You? My friend?” She laughs again, “That is absurd, miss Scratch.” Vinyl hung her head slightly.
“You don't have to laugh about it...” She looked hurt. Octavia's expression softened and she turned to the mare.
“I 'm sorry, that was rude of me.” She gives a slight smile. “I don't know you personally and I can't judge you for your...er...taste in music, but I really doubt we could be friends.” Octavia wasn't trying to drive a knife into Vinyl's chest, but that's what it felt like to her. Vinyl let out a sigh and gave a slight grin.
“Can we start over?” Vinyl asked looking Octavia in the eye through her glasses. Octavia fumbled to find words. She wasn't expecting that kind of response.
“Wh-what ever do you mean?” Octavia was taken aback. Vinyl sat on her haunches and used her magic to shift her sunglasses upwards, resting them on her horn. She opened her eyes and Octavia gasped. Her eyes were redder than rubies and they glowed perfectly in the low light. They sparkled with a kind of glint that made even the coldest ice melt. Octavia did not peg herself a filly-fooler, not in the slightest. But something about those eyes just made her heart race and her cheeks turn red. Finally, Vinyl outstretched a hoof to Octavia.
“Hi. My name is Vinyl Scratch, what's yours?”
