Perfect Pitch

by Wolfie 03

First published 6th of September, 2013

Vinyl Scratch is going to college, learning new ways to enjoy music and the company of others. Can she get over her past to get along with her new roommate and fellow A Cappella singers?

Vinyl Scratch wants to put the past behind her as she starts her new life at Equestria United Community College. But can she overcome that past to get along with her new classically inclined roommate Octavia and learn new ways to enjoy and express music with the Equestrian Girls, the local A Cappella group of EUCC?

Yes, I know, it sounds an awful lot like some other american movie *cough cough* Pitch Perfect *cough cough*, but I couldn't help it! I watched the movie, all I thought of was that Beca was their DJ, and we had our own. So while I did get a lot of inspiration from the movie, this will have a few of it's own twists and turns.

Two side-notes to make: One, thanks to Gwg for the editing and some suggestions for this story! Two, this story takes place in the same universe as the rest of my stories, but happens 4 years before Twilight first comes to Ponyville. ENJOY!
EDIT: Yes, I've added the 'sex' tag.
SPOILER: Nothing explicit, but they get real cuddly and friendly towards the end.

There is a collection of pictures of the rest of the A Cappella team, which can be found here. Just the OC team members though, the others have rather nice pictures made by Dhx and Hasbro.

Also, I can't help but ship. I'm a romantic at heart, and I like TaviScratch. As always, please comment or message me if you give it a thumbs down, I like to learn about what went wrong.

Also also, it's been a very long time since I've done much musical stuff (I was in band for 5 years until 4 years ago) so please forgive me/excuse me if I get something wrong, and feel free to point it out by comment or message. Thanks!

The start of something new

College; where ponies young and old can go to learn new ways of life. There are many places one can learn, from the prestigious Canterlot University of Magical Achievements, to small town community colleges.

But the one that had the most to offer while still being a community college was Equestria United Community College. It was nestled in the hills south of Canterlot and Ponyville. It started out as a small college but had long since grown to the size of a town.

It offered all the usual majors (Art, Science, Math, Equestrian, Magic, etc), some of the more specific majors (Journalism, Agriculture, and Clowning to name a few), as well as job preparation classes for those going into the job market (new or looking for a change and everything in between).

Having such diverse courses brought more students which caused the dorms to grow, and food and supply stores flocked to the needy students which all contributed to the growth of the college into a self-sustaining town-like place. It also helped when the more specialized majors had long term projects and activities (like the Agriculture majors grew a lot of fresh fruits and veggies that they sold on campus).

And while the college grew, it kept its small building size so that nothing would be in danger of the natural elements. The campus became a wide spread of buildings one story high that were arranged by major.

It is in this town-like campus that our story begins with a new arrival.

She was a young mare from lower Manehattan who had gotten into the college on a scholarship for her musical talents. As she looked at the music dorms before her, the world only saw a confident white unicorn with short spiky two-toned blue mane and tail with a large set of glasses that hid her eyes from view. She had a black backwards double quaver as her cutie mark, though most were distracted from the majority of her features by the sight of her glasses and blue and black headphones around her neck.

While the unicorn didn't mind her cerise eyes, she had been told that in conjunction with her white coat or whenever she became angry, her eyes would seem demon red.

What the world couldn't see was that even as the unicorn oozed confidence, she was slightly nervous about this extremely large place and how others would react to her skills. She had gotten a new look to go with her change of life and she wasn't use to the shorter style of her mane and tail yet.

She was also nervous about who she would be rooming with. She had shared rooms and places with others before and it always ended badly for her. The college did have the students fill out personality tests and use both science and magic to pair up the best roommates, it didn't mean that it was foolproof.

(Come on Vinyl! At least step away from the train, it can't be that bad...) Vinyl Scratch gathered all her belongings with her magic, causing all of it to have a light blue hue as she and other new arrivals stepped off the train.

The college was so large it had its own private train that traveled all around the campus and to the nearby towns. This made traveling easier for the students and for those coming in and out of the school boundaries.

Vinyl made her way to the dorms for those majoring in any kind of music. The dorms were painted different colors as the multiple buildings were lined up side by side, looking almost like military barricades aside from personal touches that softened its look. Each dorm held two hundred students who would share a room. The rooms were lined up on either side of the buildings, with odd numbered rooms on one side and even numbers on the other.

Vinyl checked the information packet given to her and saw that she was in Green 113; which was the one farthest from the main classrooms, of course.

Vinyl made her way through the crowd, never once showing nervousness as she watched her possible classmates run around like confused chickens, trying to gather all their stuff and find their way around.

As the white unicorn walked through a forum that was before her dorm she noticed how the various clubs already were trying to recruit new members. Vinyl started to make mental notes of what was available for those interested in just music. Her scholarship required that she join at least two clubs, one with a direct correlation to her major and one to expand her knowledge base.

As she walked on, she passed an all stallion singing group who were showing off their A Cappella skills. She snorted at their antics while rolling her eyes, though no one saw it due to her glasses. While the stallions were trying to intimidate/impress others, Vinyl carefully made her way around them to be able to reach the door to her dorm.

Once inside, she began the trek through the dorm hallway, where she had to dodge both moving ponies and parents as they settled the students into the rooms they would be using for the next few years.

(107... 109... 111... 113, here we go.)

As Vinyl opened the door with her magic, her stuff floating behind her, she paused at the sight before her.

A light gray with a dark gray mane and tail earth pony with a pink treble clef cutie mark was making final adjustments to her desk before turning to the door when she heard it open. The two ponies took in each other's appearances, while Vinyl also looked at how her new roommate had decorated her side of the room.

Every room had a bed, a set of drawers and a desk with three drawers along the side, along with some shelving on the walls where hopefully text books would rest.

The earth pony had sombre toned sheets on the bed, various different instruments hanging on the wall (violin, trumpet, saxophone, and a double bass that rested half on the wall and half on the floor) and her desk was already covered in musical scores faded with time but still well cared for.

The gray pony wanted to put her best hoof forward and decided to ignore the other's more radical look.

“Greetings, my name is Octavia. Are you my roommate?”

Vinyl managed to close her mouth as she blinked at the greeting.

“Not that it's going to matter, but I'm Vinyl. And there has to be some kind of mistake, there's no way we are roommates. These staff ponies must be crazy to think that this whole thing would work. So don't get use to me being here, 'cause I'm going to get a room change.” Octavia frowned a little at Vinyl's tone of voice and outright dismissal.

“Well, I doubt that they allow for switching roommates on the first day back but you are welcome to try. Perhaps I could get a roommate who would be civil and pleasant to be around.” Octavia humphed as she stood suddenly. Vinyl was a little surprised at the sudden movement and stepped aside as the gray mare walked out of the room.

“I have duties I must attend to. Good day Vinyl. Good luck with changing rooms.”

Vinyl felt a little bad, she had been a little rude, but she could feel that they wouldn't get along at all....

(… or we'd get along great... Shut up brain, don't you remember what happened with the last classical music pony? Yeah, Nightmare Moon's rebellion was a sprinkle of rain compared to the hurricane of a disaster that was. Just find that Dorm Manager and switch rooms...) With that the white unicorn turned around and went in search of higher powers.

After getting turned around a couple of times, Vinyl finally found the Dorm Manager. She was an earth pony with navy blue mane and tail and a light-pink coat whose lantern around her neck proclaimed that her name was Tutti Fruitti, along with the cutie mark of a blue bass clef.

“Hi, I need to change rooms.” Vinyl demanded in a short manner as she stepped in front of the earth pony.

The Dorm Manager got a lot of those kinds of complaint and put on her professional smile.

“And why is that?” She asked gently, sure of what the answer was going to be.

“'Cause there ain't no way a DJ and a classical pony could never get along, let alone share a room!” Tutti Fruitti sighed, just as she had thought.

“We have ponies come to us every year saying if not the same thing then something similar to it. Trust me when I say that this system works wonders.”

“And trust me when I say that I've shared places with classical ponies before and it back fired on me badly.” Vinyl gave the pony before her a bland look as Tutti sighed once more before pulling a clip board over to them.

“Your name?”

“Vinyl Scratch.”

Tutti exclaimed in realization.

“Ah yes, here we go. That was taken into consideration when you two were paired up. Octavia has never had a roommate before so this will help the both of you. And besides, we have a 'no-switching' policy, there's nothing we can do. Why not get to know her first before making any rash decisions?” Vinyl frowned thoughtfully as she absorbed the news.

“Fine. But I still don't think it will work.”

Tutti Fruitti smiled smugly as the DJ walked back to her room. She made a note on her clipboard to check in on the pair after a month's time to see how it was going.

After placing her meager belongings away Vinyl decided to get a better look at the clubs and look for a part time job while she was at it. So she walked back outside to the forum as she began to look about her new 'home'.

The crowd outside hadn't lessened, though instead of rushing to get settled everyone was looking at the various clubs. The all stallion group were still performing and half a block farther down were two upper-class mares that glared at the stallions and argued amongst themselves.

Vinyl would have kept on going until she noticed that one of the mares was her roommate. She figured she should at least get to to know the gray mare's hobbies a little if they were stuck together for a while.

As the white unicorn walked up to the pair they both stopped talking and put on professional smiles. Though once Octavia saw who it was her demeanor took on a frostier tone. The other pony shot Octavia a confused look before facing Vinyl once more.

“Hi, welcome to E.U.C.C., home to the Equestrian Girls! Would you be interested in auditioning?” The DJ noticed how the cream-coated, long blue-maned earth pony was a little tense and gave a small smile in return, taking quick note of the green quarter note with fermata over it on her flank.

“A Cappella?”

“Yes! We're one of the top groups here in E.U.C.C.. There's the High Notes, they aren't rather motivated...” The slightly older mare waved a hoof towards a group who sat leisurely under some trees nearby.

“Then there's the Hidden Potentials, they do a lot of alternative music....” Another hoof wave pointed out a group of ponies who were huddled in a closely together as they looked at the other students.

“There's also the … Treble Makers...” At this both mares glared at the stallions who had just finished their performance.

“And us, the Equestrian Girls. It's very much a 'thing' right now to do whole songs using only your voice. I'm Claire Bell and this is -” Octavia cut Claire off with a wave of her hoof.

“We've met.” Claire raised a brow at the unusual behavior of the gray pony, but decided to wait till later to comment on it.

Vinyl dipped her head towards the coal-black maned pony in acknowledgment.

“That we have. And while I don't mind telling you that I'm Vinyl, I will say this. Ain't no way in Tarturus that I'm joining A Cappella! I'm a DJ, I need tech to make proper music. Hay, even classical stuff is better than this!” Vinyl explained with laughter in her voice.

Octavia, having heard Vinyl be rude like this before, wasn't too shocked. Claire, however, looked like she was just told that there was no such thing as music.

“A ca-scuse me? It takes just as much if not more effort to sing A Cappella than DJing!” She huffed as she glared at the unicorn, who had raised a hoof to wave reassuringly to the uppity mare.

“Relax! I'm sure it's the thing for you but it's not for me. I'll see you later Octy.” Vinyl smirked as she left to look at more of the clubs.

“OCTY?!” Octavia shouted in shock as the white unicorn left, while Claire turned to the distraught mare next to her for an explanation of what the hay had happened before.

Vinyl chuckled as she looked around. While nothing stood out at first, she was able to get a job at a local record store, which promised to be interesting at the very least. She was told to come by the first thing in the morning the next day so that they could figure out scheduling. It was going to be odd to work at a store called '33 & 1/3', especially since they sold tapes, CDs and even DVDs as well as vinyl records.

As the white unicorn continued to walk around, looking for anything that wasn't completely lame to join (she was holding out the small hope of a DJ related club), she noticed a younger pink mare bouncing along the sidewalk. Vinyl watched as the mare's darker pink mane kept it's fluffy, bouncy state even as the mare began to zip (how the hay is she zipping?) around, greeting anypony who made eye contact. Which means that Vinyl couldn't help but make eye contact with the odd pony who zoomed up and leaned towards her.

“HI! I'm Pinkie Pie! What's your name?” Pinkie grinned at the mare before her as Vinyl blinked a few times (again, not that anypony was able to see it due to her glasses).

“Hello... Pinkie Pie? I'm Vinyl Scratch.” Vinyl gave a small smirk as the pink mare closed her eyes and bounced in excitement. While it was with great difficulty, Vinyl was just able to make out a trio of balloons on the hyper mare's flank, two yellow surrounding a blue one.

“Oh good! I was starting to think I was speaking in Cowhili, nopony else was answering! What are you here to learn Vinyl?” Pinkie bounced around the unicorn as Vinyl began to walk to the side of the street, she didn't want to cause a traffic blockage while speaking with the hyper mare.

“Cowhili? Um, I'm not sure they even offer classes for that...” Vinyl smirked once more as she tried to keep the bouncing mare in sight. “I'm learning more techniques for being a DJ. What about you Pinkie?”

“Oh I'm learning just about everything! Though I guess I'm majoring in Clowning. Have you chosen any clubs to join? They all look so FUN! I'd want to join them all but I don't know if I'd have enough time do that and learn everything I can. Have you spoken to those two mares over that way?” A pink hoof pointed back towards where Vinyl had just walked from.

“They are doing A CAPPELLA! How FUN is that!? Singing! WITHOUT any instruments! That's so cool! OOOHH look! Baking Club! I'll see you later Vinyl, ok?! BYE!” And in a poof of pink dust cloud, Pinkie Pie ran over to the baking club.

Vinyl was in shock at the rapid speech and departure. She sat on the side of street, wondering if she had just found a pony weirder than herself. As she was about to get up and continue on her way, a pink blur stopped suddenly in front of her.

“Oh, so we are so totally friends right? I'm having a party and everypony is invited, but all my friends are especially invited to come! It's going to be this Saturday, so that's two days away for the readers reading this, and it's going to be a great starting party for the season of parties! I'll see you there, ok? Bye!” Pinkie Pie gave a small jump before flying off once more.

Vinyl thought she was in shock before, but now she found a new meaning in the word. She doubted that she would ever get use to the pink mare, and considering how they were now 'friends', she had a feeling she would need to keep energy drinks nearby at all times just to keep up.

(Well, she seems like a nice mare... but so did others... I guess I'll just have to see how it goes.) Vinyl shrugged and began to continue on her way.

After another hour of search she found the DJ's of Tomorrow, a group of DJs who shared techniques and kept an eye on the competition. Now she just had to figure out what group should be her second. Luckily, she had a month before any administrative staff came knocking about what clubs she was in.

After grabbing a quick lunch of hay-fries and rose sub, Vinyl headed back to her shared room. Octavia still wasn't back and Vinyl figured she should set up her basic equipment to help get more settled in.

The DJs were expected to bring their own equipment, but it would be a pain to drag it back and forth from the dorms to classes. Fortunately, the classroom had lockers for the students to keep their stuff in and were able to keep it secure with personal locks. That just left her with her basic mini-set of turntables to use along with her laptop outside of class. She had headphones that would help keep the sound private when not in class as well, so she wouldn't disturb anypony else.

The headphones were actually specially enchanted so that she wouldn't go deaf or lose her specialized hearing when performing, as well as keeping the sound down so others couldn't hear it. They were black with light blue highlights, the same as all her other equipment. It was her trade mark colors, aside from her new purple glasses, and she planned to use it to the full extent.

Vinyl placed the earphones onto her head as she began to make some new mixes, the first day of college already inspiring her. Now she just had to wait for Octavia to get back and try to make amends for earlier in the day.

Two is better than one

Vinyl woke to soft singing. She had fallen asleep waiting for Octavia to come back with her headphones on, which had slipped off a little during her sleep allowing her to hear the faint singing coming from across the room.

"There's song that's inside of my soul
It's the one that I've tried, to write over and over again
I'm awake in the infinite cold
But you sing to me over and over and over again

So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hooves and pray
To be only yours and pray
To be only yours, I know now
You're my only hope...”

Vinyl shifted quietly, removing her headphones completely and sitting up to view the mare across the room.

“Sing to me the song of the stars
of your galaxy dancing and laughing and laughing again
When it feels like my dreams are so far
Sing to me of your plans you have for me over again.

So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hooves and pray
To be only yours I pray
To be only yours, I know now
You're my only hope...”

Octavia sang as she sorted through her music and wrote a letter. Soon though she stopped working and laid her head on the desk, staring at nothing as she continued to sing. It was as though she was in need of hope and prayed the way musicians could best, by song.

“I give you my destiny
I'm giving you all of me
I want your symphony
Singing in all that I am
At the top of my lungs I'm giving it back

So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I know now you're my only hope...”

Vinyl watched mesmerized by the passion in the grey mare's voice. As the last note faded away, Vinyl sat up more on her bed and felt the need to break the silence.

“That was nice. I can see why you're in A Capella.”

Octavia gave a start of surprise at the sound of a voice behind her. She turned around and looked at the unicorn with a mostly neutral expression.

“I apologize. I had assumed you were still asleep.” Vinyl waved off waved off the apology.

“Well, you know what they say. When you assume things, you make an ass out of you and me. No offense.” Both ponies paused as a low voice replied, “none taken.”

As Vinyl nodded sagely and Octavia rolled her eyes, the unicorn continued as if nothing had happened.

“And I was one earlier today. I saw the instruments and thought you were a true-blue classical music pony. But I guess there's more to you than it appears... Sorry. Could we, uhm, start over?” Octavia eyed her wearily as she nodded slowly.

“Great. Ah, hi! I'm Vinyl and I'm studying to be the best DJ ever, though I am already the best.” Vinyl held a hoof to her chest as she bragged.

This earned another eye roll and head shake from the mare across the room.

“I'm Octavia. And while I am majoring classical, I'm also taking many of other genre of musics as well. This is the first time I will be sharing a place with anyone not family. Ever.” The cellist gave a pointed glare to which the DJ rubbed the back of her head.

“Yeeeaahh.... Well, to tell the truth, every roommate that I had before ended badly. And most were NOT my fault. The last pony I shared a place with was classically inclined and that was a disaster. I wanted to nip the problem in the bud this time around.” Vinyl looked away. She had said more than she wanted and went silent.

Octavia was a little surprised at the revelation and raised a brow.

“Well, not all of us classically inclined musicians are bad and I'll prove it myself.” Octavia boasted as she raised her head in a proud manner but with a grin to soften the look.

Vinyl smiled hesitantly back. The two of them remained that way, just smiling at each other when Octavia felt the need to break the silence once more.

“So, have you joined any clubs yet? There's a pretty good DJ club here, 'DJ's of tomorrow' I think it was called. Have you seen them?”

“Yeah, I joined them today. I have to join one more to satisfy my scholarship though. Haven't seen any that would be interesting yet... Are you in anything aside from the Equestrian Girls?” Vinyl sat back with a smirk, still finding the thought of A Capella amusing.

Octavia noticed and shook her head but was pleased to note that the unicorn didn't start on A Capella again.

“Well, I'm in the E.U.C.C. Orchestra, a Jazz band called The Swing Ponies, the Equestrian Girls, and a string quartet.” Octavia mused with a hoof to her chin.

Vinyl was in shock. Sure she liked music, but that was taking it a bit far.

“Do you have a life outside of music? I mean, don't get me wrong, but a mare's gotta have fun at college too you know?” Vinyl stated in disbelief. Octavia raised a brow.

“I do indeed have fun. But my fun comes from doing what I love, not from some party I won't remember the next day.”

“Riiiighhht. Well how about we test that? Do you know this pony named Pinkie Pie?” Grey brows rose in recognition.

“Yes actually. She stopped by the A Capella booth and asked about we do. Claire had to explain what A Capella was. Once she understood she was rather ecstatic about it.” Octavia gave a soft laugh at Claire's weariness of the pink mare.

“Ah. That would explain the over-simplified explanation given to me.” Vinyl gave a chuckle as well.

“Well, anyways, Pinkie Pie is having a party this Saturday. Come and prove me wrong.” Octavia remained silent as she looked at the other mare.

“I may be busy that day...” She trailed off when white brows rose up in disbelief.

“Exactly my point! Been here less than a week and already you have no time to make friends or loosen up.” Vinyl pointed with a hoof at the earth pony, who was looking sheepish.

“Actually, it's my second year here...”

“Huh?” The white hoof dropped down as Vinyl's mouth also dropped open. Octavia sighed, she had expected a response like that.

“I've had tutors most of my life. Due to my advanced work, I graduated a year early. But since I was still young when I joined E.U.C.C., I stayed with family nearby and commuted. Since it would be easier to get a dorm and I was old enough I decided to stay on campus this year.” Vinyl rubbed her forehead with a hoof as she took in the news.

“Hang on. So not only are you the same age as me but a year my senior but you've been on campus for a year and not partied!? This just got weirder. How could we be roommates? How?” Octavia frowned a little at the dismissive tone Vinyl once again had in her voice.

“I don't know, I thought we were doing satisfactory until just now.”

Vinyl paused at the statement, realizing she was being overly rude again.

“.... Sorry. Guess I'm worried about how well we'd get along if all you do is related to music.” Vinyl rubbed the top of her head, messing up her mane more than before.

“Surely your previous roommates weren't all that bad?” Octavia sighed while the white mare shifted on her bed.

“If you are the same age as me then you can't have had that many horrible roommates.” Octavia continued while Vinyl gave a soft sigh. She knew that she would have to explain a little as to why she kept reacting like she was. It helped that Octavia had already confessed about her nerdiness, making it feel more like they were sharing stories than Vinyl just flat out stating why she didn't seem to get along with many others.

“I was raised in an orphanage. I don't want to go into why, but I will say this. My roommates changed every three months if not sooner. This went on for years. The longest one was five months I think and that was the last time I tried to make it work out.”

Octavia really wanted to know more about it but felt that such a discussion would have to wait for when they were better friends. If they managed to get that far. Vinyl was on her bed, laying on her back with fore-hooves behind her head as Octavia pondered.

“I see.”

Vinyl turned to face the grey mare with a raised brow.

“Well, maybe not completely but thank you for telling me that. I won't hold it against you and I shall not ask for further details unless you want to talk about it.” Vinyl gave a grunt while turning to face the ceiling once more.

The room fell silent as the mares thought to themselves. Well one pondered what had been discussed and the other tried not to re-live the memories.

“I'll go to the party.” Octavia said softly.

If Vinyl didn't have extremely sharp hearing, she wouldn't have heard it. Anypony else would have assumed that it was unimportant mumbling. Though the DJ thought that she must have misheard it anyways.

“What was that?”

“I said, I'll go to the party this Saturday. But if there is any hard-core drinking then I'm leaving. Drinking dulls the senses and makes it hard to play instruments.” Octavia said at normal volume, looking over towards the DJ who had a hesitant smile on.

“Yeah, sure. Drinking isn't quite my thing either. But I don't know how Pinkie hosts parties. Guess we'll find out when we get there... hey, if you don't mind me asking, why were you singing that song? Sounded like you meant it and needed all the help you can get.”

Octavia sighed, she hoped that the unicorn had forgotten about that.

“It's about the Equestrian Girls. We made finals last year and due to some issues, we dropped to being the laughing stock of this school's A Capella groups. We had a good group of ponies who all either quit or graduated and now we have to start over... it's a little saddening to say the least.” Octavia sighed as she got up from her desk and sat on her bed facing the other mare who in turn had sat up to focus on what was being said.

“Huh. Issues hmm? Alright. If you say so.” Vinyl glanced at the clock that was in the middle of the room over the door. It came with the room and it gave the students little excuse to miss classes.

Vinyl figured she had the time to chat with her roommate, even with her interview in the morning and sat up farther on the bed. The two mares chatted well into the night, talking of the various aspects of college and classes. To Vinyl's surprise, she didn't mind Octavia as much as she had thought and both ponies hoped that perhaps they could be friends after all.

They ended up chatting well in the night and it was with a little bit of annoyance that Vinyl got up early the next morning for her interview. As she made made her way to the store, she noticed traffic was a lot more sparse away from the dorms at the early hour of 7am. As she found her quarry she couldn't help but pause at the sight.

The building was only one story like it's neighbors but had red brick front with a record with '33 1/3' on it that hung above the door. A good portion of the front was window displaying the evolution of music media from vinyl record discs on the left to DVDs and USB drives on the right.

As the white unicorn walked inside, she noticed music being played in the background and a room where the owner was checking on sound feature. All the shelves were slightly shorter than a typical pony's head when on all fours and it was as Vinyl stood on two legs to look for the pony in charge that she noticed the sound room and how rather big the store was. The stallion stepped out of the booth as Vinyl walked up to it.

“Hi, I'm Neon Lights. Are you Vinyl Scratch?” Vinyl looked at the stallion before her and mused that he was rather good looking, even if he was a bit young (though he was still older than her).

He had blue coat so dark it was almost black and short black mane and tail. He wore glasses much like Vinyl's except that they were black and wore a black collar and tie. While it was a little unusual, Vinyl had to admit that he pulled it off. He had a cutie mark of three yellow stars, which made Vinyl slightly curious as to what his talent was.

She shook the offered hoof and nodded.

“Yeah, I'm Vinyl. Nice to meet you. Is the music local or you putting stuff on yourself?”

As Neon began to give Vinyl the tour of the store, he replied nonchalantly.

“We double as the local radio. Gotta have something to do to fill in the long hours. No freshman in the booth though.” Vinyl was excited, this place was sounding better and better.

“Do you get stuff from others to play or is it all just what's hot on the market?”

“We get stuff from the DJs from time to time, but I don't think a lot of the musical ponies know that we are here or about the radio station. Too busy with their own music, you know?”

“Yeah, real shame.”

“That it is. So for the most part, it's just you, me and two others who work here. Let's go and figure out your schedule...” Vinyl nodded as they walked into a back office and filled out paperwork.

She was really pleased to find a place to work that wasn't annoyed with her glasses. The rest of the morning went to learning her way about the store and putting CDs back on the shelves.

The rest of the day and majority of the next one was spent getting to know the school and her roommate. They fond they knew and liked some of the same artists and styles. Though this was an easy feat since Octavia liked just about everything and Vinyl knew about everything.

Vinyl had two more rude outbursts that resulted from clashing of opinions. In an effort to work on the problem, they came up with a way for Octavia to let Vinyl know when it was going too far. Octavia felt odd calling Vinyl 'Scratchie' but it worked to an extent.

She was glad to see that the unicorn wanted to try and make the whole thing work out. And while most of their talks centered on either the school or music, it was at least friendly-ish.

Soon enough it was time for the party, though it was with slight embarrassment that they realized that neither one knew where they party would be held at. They got as far as to standing outside of their dorm looking around, hoping for a sign pointing the way, when with a soft thud an invitation was thrown into the ground before the two ponies.

Vinyl lifted it up with her magic and opened the envelop, which emitted a small pop and shower of confetti to the amazement of the mares looking at it. They both raise a brow at each other before reading the invite before them.

Vinyl blinked a few times before cracking up. Even Octavia couldn't hold back a smile at the very personalize invitation. Vinyl kept chuckling as she levitated the paper away back to their dorm and turned 'south'.

Octavia was a little doubtful that they would find the place with such vague instructions, but Vinyl merely waved a dismissive hoof and continued on her way. As they were almost there, they heard the sound of loud music (it seemed to be a generic type, neither offensive nor 'too sappy') and ponies laughing. Once they were in the last forum of campus before nature took over once more, they saw a party unlike ever seen at college before.

There was a large table in the center that had all the food on it and a few bowls of punch placed symmetrically. Most of the food were of the baked kinds, cakes, cupcakes, pies, and cookies, as well as some fountains of chocolate. The punch was all the same however, and served in large bowls. This got a brow raise from Vinyl, she was uncertain if it was on purpose and already spiked or just asking to be.

It was the things around the table that were the most notable however. Games were placed all around, and ponies stood by and laughed while some actually played the child-aged games. There was pin the tail on the pony (leaning up against a nearby tree), snakes and ladders, sorry, battle clouds, piñatas, and twister (though twister seemed to be the favorite so far).

Octavia wasn't completely sure, but she didn't think that this was how most parties were suppose to be. Vinyl, on the other hoof, knew that this wasn't the usual party scene and thought it was hilarious.

As the two friends came further into the party, the one hosting it all showed up suddenly in front of them.

“Hey guys! I'm glad you made it! What do you think, great huh? The first of many! What games do you like? I tried to get all the usual ones, but I'm not sure if everyone likes the choices. I may have to get more kinds. Oh oh! And the food! There's lots of cake and all kinds of cupcakes and five different kinds of pies and my own special blend of punch!” Pinkie Pie hopped in front of the two ponies, waving a hoof to the various attractions.

“It looks really good Pinkie. Uh, what's in the punch? We're trying to keep away from alcohol tonight.” Vinyl said as she followed the pink mare to the concession table.

“Alcohol? There's no alcohol in it. Why would you ruin a perfectly good punch with stuff that burns and hurts and tastes weird?” Pinkie Pie looked at the white unicorn in confusion.

Vinyl gave the party mare a blank stare, unsure if she was aware of what really happened at parties or not.

“Uh, well, that's what a lot of ponies in college like to do. Drink and stuff. That and spike any unattended punch when they can.” Vinyl waved a hoof to the large bowls of punch, to show how defenseless they were.

“Silly. That's what others do at their parties, this is a Pinkie Pie party! No need for alcohol when you've got sugar! Besides those punches are completely safe, unless you get hit, and even if they weren't safe I'd know.” Pinkie smiled once more before pausing and twitching a little.

“DON'T TOUCH THE PUNCH!” She suddenly shouted at a pony who was going for a refill of the drink.

“Somepony went and messed up the sugar to fruit ratio! I'll be back in a moment! Meanwhile, everypony enjoy the food!” Within moments the pink mare flew towards the dorms before coming back with a new bowl of punch in mere seconds.

Vinyl and Octavia blinked at this rapid speed before laughing at how serious the party pony took the offense of spiking the drinks. All doubts about how bad the party would go were thrown out by Pinkie's watch of the drinks and food (while somehow still making sure that everyone was having fun).

The rest of the evening went quickly, Vinyl and Octavia enjoying games that they hadn't played since they were much younger and enjoying each other's company. While most of the partiers found it odd to be playing foal's games once more, the pair enjoyed this 'simpler' party the most.

And while whoever spiked the punch tried twice more to add alcohol to the drink, Pinkie Pie seemed to sense whenever this occurred and fixed it. After the last attempt she started to set up traps for the unsuspecting pony, while still telling everypony about it (defeating the purpose, but causing a laugh nonetheless).

It was after a dark blue pony flew into the air (having fallen prey to Pinkie's trap under a trap under a trap while trying to spike the drinks) that Vinyl and Octavia decided to call it a night. While there was still one more day before any classes started, they didn't want to get off on the wrong hoof by messing up their sleep schedules.

As they got ready for the night and settling down in their respective beds, Vinyl turned towards Octavia with a small smile.

“Thanks for going to the party. And see, it was totally fine!” Vinyl stated as she laid down and pulled the covers over herself.

“Yes, well, I doubt that that was how most parties go. Though it was fun. See? Not all of us classical ponies are horrible.” Octavia replied as she too laid down and pulled the covers over herself.

Vinyl merely chuckled, having already forgotten that Octavia was a classical mare at heart. She didn't seem like it after speaking about all her musical tastes and watching her concentrate during a game of battle clouds.

Vinyl used her magic to turn off the light as she shifted over in her bed.

“Good night Tavi...”

Octavia paused at this new nickname, though at least it sounded better than 'Octy'.

“Good night, Vinyl.”

Dare you to move

The first two weeks of college flew by with all the freshmen slowly getting used to the workload and pacing. While the classwork wasn't that hard for Vinyl, learning to share a room with somepony else who wanted the friendship to work was harder. It did help that both sides were willing to learn and compromise, with Vinyl realizing that she was actually starting to enjoy the gray mare's company.

While Vinyl was taking music classes as well as business/marketing classes, she still made her own mixes to try and stay in practice. It was part of her skills that she kept honed; perfect pitch, perfect hearing, and the natural ability to mix and DJ.

While Octavia was away at her various clubs until late in the evenings, Vinyl had plenty of time to herself to mix and sing some of the songs herself.

It was during one such evening that Vinyl was putting together a more powerful mix with her singing. She was hopeful about being roommates with Octavia and even though it had only been two weeks, Vinyl maintained the hope against her more realistic nature and the strength of that showed in her mixes and singing.

She set up a mini-microphone on the desk which hooked up to her laptop to record her singing. She had her headphones on to be able to hear the current track and time everything just right. Once it was all set, she began to sing.

“There's a fire starting in my heart
Reaching a fever pitch, it's bringing me out the dark
Finally I can see you crystal clear
Go 'head and sell me out and I'll lay your shit bare
See how I leave with every piece of you
Don't underestimate the things that I will do

There's a fire starting in my heart
Reaching a fever pitch
And it's bringing me out of the dark

The scars of your love remind me of us
They keep me thinking that we almost had it all
The scars of your love, they leave me breathless
I can't help feeling
We could have had it all
Rolling in the deep
You had my heart inside of your hoof
And you played it, to the beat …..”

Unknown to the singing unicorn, Octavia had finished rehearsals earlier than usual and was frozen in the doorway, listening intently and completely.

“Throw your soul through every open door
Count your blessings to find what you look for
Turn my sorrow into treasured gold
You'll pay me back in kind and reap just what you sow
We could have had it all
We could have had it all
It all, it all, it all

We could have had it all
Rolling in the deep
You had my heart inside of your hoof
And you played it to the beat....”

Once the last few notes faded away, Octavia finally remembered how to breathe.

“That was beautiful! I thought you said you couldn't sing!”

Vinyl gave a jump of surprise.

“Oh buck!” She began to scramble to hide what she had been doing, closing her laptop, shoving the microphone into a drawer, and taking her headphones off.

“How, uh, how long were you there?”

“I heard most of it. That was amazing, why are you trying to hide it?” Octavia closed the door behind her as she put her saxophone away and turned to the unicorn.

“Why are you back so soon? I thought that your practices ran later than this.” Vinyl shifted where she sat while her hooves twiddling with her headphones, unable to be still.

“It finished early. You know, you don't have to hide it from me, all the dorm rooms are sound proof since there are so many different students living here, so no one else heard you singing. Please, if you really want I won't tell anyone about it.” Octavia pleaded while holding her hooves imploringly in front of her.

Vinyl sighed and put her headphones down. She ran a hoof through her short mane while she thought of the best way to explain. After a minute of thinking, with Octavia about to give up, Vinyl sighed once more and decided the best way was her way, bluntly.

“Everyone thought it was weird how I can copy any sound and pitch. Add my perfect hearing and the other orphans thought I was a freak. Soon I became the target of blame whenever a pony was lying about what was actually said, claiming I had said it while sounding like them. And, if I sang, sounding almost like the recording, they thought I was trying to trick or fool them somehow. If they knew it was really me singing, they claimed some really dumb shit about how I got my ability in return for some evil deed or something.” Vinyl rubbed her forehead.

“I grew up with so many idiots that it became habit to hide all that I can do.” Vinyl turned away, resting her head on her hooves on the desk, unwilling to see a similar reaction from the earth pony.

Suddenly, a pair of hooves wrapped around her white barrel and a head rested in the middle of her shoulders.

“They were fools and not worth your time to think about or the memory to recall them. I think you sing beautifully. You should join a singing group!”

Vinyl had stiffened at the touch, unused to the contact but sat up more at the end of the little speech and hugged the forelegs with her own for a moment. She then gave the gray forelegs two taps which Octavia understood to mean that hugging time was over. Octavia went to her desk and faced the unicorn who also turned from the desk to face the gray mare.

“Besides, you're here to learn about being a better DJ right? Aren't DJs supposed to boast, brag and flaunt their many skills and talents?” Octavia raised a brow in question at the white mare, which caused Vinyl to laugh at the statement, realizing that it was quite true.

“Yeah, I guess so.” Vinyl rubbed the back of her head as she continued to chuckle.

“You know, the best way to show your singing skills would be joining a singing group...” Vinyl raised a brow as she smirked.

“... like Equestrian Girls. We need all the help we can get.” Vinyl gave a snort, she had a feeling Octavia would ask that.

“Please? Could you think about it at the very least?”

Vinyl shook her head slightly and sighed.

“I'll think about it, but I can't promise anything.”

Octavia smiled and clapped her hooves twice before clearing her throat and grinned. Vinyl couldn't help but lightly laugh at Octavia's attempt at trying to remain dignified while the gray mare blushed at her child-like moment of joy before growing serious once more.

“Vinyl, why did everyone dislike you so much?”

Vinyl looked away, all traces of laughter gone.

“I'd rather not say.”

Octavia looked downcast for a moment before reminding herself of the progress made so far in being friends.

“Alright; just remember that I'm here if you need me, ok?”

Vinyl nodded and hesitated.

“Uh, I'm, you know, ah, here if you want any help too, uhm, I guess.” Vinyl couldn't look up from the floor as she posed the offer, unsure of how Octavia would react to it.

Octavia wasn't sure what to make of the hesitant offer until she remembered what little Vinyl had told her of her past life. No one liked her and no one wanted to be near her. Octavia smiled as she realized just how much progress they had made from their first encounter.

“Thank you. If I need anything, I'll be sure to come to you first.”

Vinyl blushed as she wiped at her nose embarrassed and unused to such a response.

Octavia could sense that the unicorn was embarrassed and decided to change the topic to something less sensitive, such as the emblem on Vinyl's laptop.

The earth mare had noticed a bold 'DJ P0n-3' written in black on the white laptop and couldn't quite understand what it meant. Vinyl then spent the next half hour explaining L33T SP34|< and how all the cool DJs had some l33t in their titles. Then it took another half hour to teach the classy mare to write and speak it.

Octavia thought it was a joke at first, having never seen anything like it before, until Vinyl showed her different websites where it was being used or translated. Octavia couldn't get enough of it, she thought was hilarious. Vinyl, amused to see the classy mare enjoy slang, joked that they should pass notes to each other in L33T.

“Sure!”

“Huh?”

“Sure, let's write to each other in L33T.”

“Uh, oh. But I was joking, we don't have to, you know. I mean... I like talking to you...” Vinyl's hoof was once again against the back of her head, Octavia was starting to wonder if she had a pair of magnets in her hoof and head or something.

“Oh! Well, I like our talks as well. Perhaps we can just write about something that happened in the day or some such. We could keep a journal to pass back and forth. We would still talk like this though. The journal could just be a side-project.” Octavia tapped her hooves together nervously, she was pleased to hear that Vinyl liked their talks but she wanted to try having a 'pen-pal' of sorts as well.

Vinyl sighed as she felt herself give in. Who knew she was such a softy?

“Alright, but it has to stay in our room; it's not as L33t if everypony knows about it.” Vinyl scrubbed at her face before reaching for a spare notebook they could use.

Octavia bounced in place momentarily, unaware that Vinyl never took her eyes off the gray mare across the room. Vinyl smirked lightly, pleased that something she was doing brought somepony else joy instead of annoyance. She had a feeling that she would do just about anything to keep it that way, it was a nice change from her last roommate.

Soon their days took on a new routine, one that both mares enjoyed greatly. While Octavia was out with her different practices, Vinyl would either work at the record store or make new mixes. Then when they were both at home they would sing, play music or just talk together. They used the journal to speak l33t, filling it with non-important talk of classes, teachers and ponies they knew. It turns out that Octavia had lived in upper Manehatten and they knew of similar landmarks around the city.

And while they had fun, Vinyl knew Octavia was still worried for Equestrian Girls. The earth pony sang every night when she thought the unicorn was asleep, though at the sound of Octavia's beautiful singing Vinyl would wake up and listen to the whole thing.

Vinyl felt bad for her, but wasn't sure if she could really join A Capella. It felt silly joining such a group, but she really did like singing with Octavia. It wouldn't have been so bad if Vinyl had found another club to join but she still thought they were all lame. This meant that she wasn't busy with work or clubs and still had to join one more club before the month was up.

Her indecision about joining lasted until the day of auditions.

Octavia was already at the auditorium with Claire Belle, reviewing the applicants. They were sitting in a medium-large auditorium that had been built into the ground to produce the proper size without going over the one story tall requirement of all the buildings on campus. They sat in two red cushioned chairs near the front while the three other A Cappella groups sat around the auditorium. Everypony was facing the plain wooden stage where the applicants showed off their singing abilities.

Vinyl had come in at the last moment, trying to psych herself up when she heard the colt before her singing 'Since you've been gone'. She face-hoofed, realizing that they must have been given something specific to sing and the time to prepare.

(Let's just get out of here. You know they won't like it... But Tavi will know and she'll be disappointed in me. She may not know that I'm here, but she knows that she had asked me to join, though she was nice enough to not pester me about it... Ah, buck it. What's the worst that can happen? These 'nerds' laugh? Can't believe I'm doing this...)

Vinyl stepped onto the stage to stand directly in front of Octavia and Claire and scuffed a hoof along the ground.

“Sorry, I, ah, didn't know that was the song we had to do.” Vinyl made sure to only look at Octavia who looked like Hearths Warming Day came early.

Claire was shocked while the rest looked a little bored by this time.

“No no, it's ok. Sing whatever you want.” Octavia waved a hoof to reassure the white mare while Claire looked at the gray mare in surprise at how friendly they were. Octavia did say that their relationship with each other improved but she hadn't quite believed her at the time.

Though what happened next did surprise everyone but Octavia. Vinyl had begun to sing, choosing not just any old song or even the one that the colt had been singing. She sang Mandy Mare's 'Only Hope' as though she meant every word, in a perfect intimidation of how Octavia had been singing the last few weeks.

Octavia was flattered and extremely happy that Vinyl had come and auditioned with that particular song, just like how she sang it in their dorm room.

Claire, on the other hoof, recognized the style as Octavia's, having heard her sing in general and that song in particular before. The cream-coated earth pony had a dilemma on her hooves, Vinyl was very good and they needed every pony they could get, but she also knew that Vinyl was rude and independent. Claire wasn't sure how well Vinyl would work in a group but decided to make the effort, she wanted to make it the Finals this year for sure.

Vinyl felt like an idiot. She tried not to look at anyone else but Octavia when she was done though couldn't help but notice everypony's expression of shock. It didn't help that Octavia wouldn't say how the unicorn did and said that she would see her later in their room.

After pacing in their shared room, Vinyl was pleased to see Octavia come inside and smile at the unicorn. Though what happened next did confuse the DJ even more than the silent treatment she had been getting after her audition. Octavia asked for permission to blindfold and lead the white unicorn 'someplace'.

If it had been anyone else trying to lead Vinyl someplace blindfolded she would have thought they were trying to prank her and she would have tried to fight them off. But this was Octavia, and if she couldn't trust the gray earth pony by now, she would never trust anyone. With great reluctance Vinyl allowed Octavia to put the blue and yellow cloth over her face, though they did spend a few minutes arguing about taking off the glasses to be properly blindfolded.

It was after Vinyl threatened to break the whole thing off that Octavia realized there must have been something from her past making her act like that and gave up the argument. They compromised by tying the whole thing around her head while she had the glasses on, and soon were on their way.

After walking for a while, Vinyl came to a stop and felt ponies on either side of her while Octavia walked away.

Vinyl held back a whimper at the loss of the one pony she trusted in the vicinity though she still frowned her annoyance. Vinyl heard giggling that sounded familiar and could hear Claire Belle nearby, greeting everypony in a vague way. Vinyl assumed that this was the initiation into the Equestrian Girls and tried to not fidget.

"You have all impressed us with your talents. We shall now announce and greet our new members...

“The sopranos: Cloud Kicker, Windy Day and Silver Note...” With this pronouncement, Claire unveiled three different ponies, all peagasi.

Cloud Kicker was a mare with yellow and light-amber mane and a light persian blue coat, who's Cutie Mark was that of a sun with a cloud in front.

Windy Day was a mare with a sky-blue coat and purple mane with a saxophone with a few quarter notes coming out of it.

Silver Note was a silver and gray maned mare with a light brown coat with three eighth notes slurred as a Cutie Mark.

Claire had each pony hold out their right hoof to hold the handkerchief that was originally blindfolding them and continued down the line of ponies.

“The mezzos: Pinkie Pie and Vinyl...”

At this point, Claire revealed the extremely excited pink mare and slightly shocked white mare, who was taking the chance to look at her fellow club members.

“And the altos: Lyra, Blossomforth, Arpeggio, and Beautiful Composition.”

With a last flourish , Claire removed the clothes from the last four members.

Lyra was a pale green-coated unicorn with white with teal highlight mane and tail with a lyre for a Cutie Mark.

Blossomforth was a pale cream peagasus with light green and pink-ish red mane who had a Cutie Mark of two flowers, one pink and one blue.

Arpeggio was an earth pony with a pink mane and green coat, with triplet notes made from dark green leaves for a Cutie Mark.

Beautiful Composition was a purple-navy coated unicorn, who had a dark red with lighter red highlights and a couple of sheets of music scores for a Cutie Mark.

Vinyl was mildly surprised that Pinkie Pie was there, but somehow had expected it. Pinkie Pie, for her part, bounced excitedly and waved to everyone in line who met her eye. Vinyl couldn't help but laugh as she waved back while looking around her.

The room the eleven ponies were in was wide and long, with excellent acoustics. It had a piano and some full length mirrors placed around the room as well as enough space for everyone to have a seat in the center.

Claire and Octavia stood in front of a table facing the new members. The table was covered in a frilly tablecloth with lots of lit candles ranging in size but most rather melted as well as a large chalice filled with a deep red liquid.

“Alright fillies, hold out your handkerchiefs and repeat the oath of an Equestrian Girl.” Vinyl raised a brow at the fact that they had an oath to fulfill but followed along with everypony else and lifted her right hoof higher.

“I, sing your name.” Claire instructed.

(Seriously?? Seriously, sing our names? Alright, come on Vinyl, it can't be that bad.)

An odd collection of singing broke out, not in tune with one another and with no organization to what or how they were to sing their names sounded pretty bad, which pained the white unicorn's ears for a moment as she sang her name in a moderate volume. Claire grimaced so quickly that Vinyl wasn't sure if she did or not, and continued on with the oath.

(Never mind. That was pretty bad.) Vinyl just barely managed to keep back a grimace of her own at the sound.

“Promise to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of an Equestrian Girl...” Vinyl followed along with a roll of her eyes as she tried to not be exasperated with the oath.

(Come on; go to your happy place Vinyl. A nice, big club, pounding music, cheers... Back in your dorm room, yeah, that works. Away from stupid oaths, singing without any judging eyes, along with a gray mare with the voice of an angel... Wait, what?! Why's Tavi in my happy place... Best not go into that.) As Vinyl had been thinking, her ears and voice went onto autopilot to copy along and when she came back from her musings it was to confusion as to the last part of the oath.

“And I solemnly promise to never have sexual relations with a Treble Maker or may my vocal chords be ripped out by Timberwolves?” Vinyl was pleased to note that this is what everypony else was saying so she got the words right, but wasn't sure if that part was serious or not.

Claire nodded in satisfaction before waving Octavia forward, who now held the chalice and presented it to the first in line, who happened to be Cloud Kicker.

“And now, drink the blood of your sisters that came before you.”

Cloud Kicker sniffed the drink before shrugging and taking a gulp. Octavia moved on to each pony, having them take a taste of the drink (Pinkie Pie had made a sour face after drinking and could be heard to mutter that Sarsaparilla was better). When the gray mare stopped in front of Vinyl, she raised an eyebrow in question as she took a half step back. Octavia smiled reassuringly and whispered to the white mare.

“It's not really blood, just wine. You don't have to drink a lot of it, just a sip would suffice.” Vinyl's face went back into a neutral expression and took the cup with her magic, taking a small sip.

With a pleased smile Octavia continued down the line until everyone had taken a drink.

“Welcome to the Equestrian Girls!” Claire exclaimed with a tense smile as the new recruits cheered, with Pinkie Pie and Vinyl being on the very end ranges of cheering, Vinyl barely doing so and Pinkie Pie simply ecstatic.

Vinyl was actually more amused at the pink mare's happiness than anything else (Pinkie Pie having jumped up higher than anypony else and waved all four hooves independently from each other) and almost didn't hear Claire mutter to Octavia.

“What have we done?” Octavia had a more natural smile on as she glanced at the high strung pony next to her.

“I think it will be just fine, don't fret.” Vinyl glanced over and for a moment it seemed like Octavia's smile grew a little warmer but before she could even think about it a loud shout came from a certain party mare.

“This calls for a PAAARRTAAAYY! Everyone else is having one just a block down the road and they only just started a few minutes ago and are really lacking in the proper punch, treats and games departments, something that I, Pinkie Pie, MUST correct!” Pinkie stood on her hind-legs, one hoof pointing upwards with the other on her chest.

A few of the others stared at the exclamation while Cloud Kicker put a hoof around the pink mare's shoulders and gave her a small shake-hug.

“I like the way you think. Let's go show them how to really partay!” Together they lead the way out of the building to the party where the other A Capella groups were celebrating with their new members.

Vinyl hung back and joined Octavia at the end of the group heading out. The white unicorn saw how uneasy the earth pony was about the kind of party that was happening and gave her a nudge.

“Come on, Pinkie Pie's going to 'fix' the party, it won't be that bad.” Vinyl smiled, pleased that there would be somepony around to host really interesting parties that didn't serve a lot of alcohol in this college.

Octavia smiled as well and gave a small blush as she looked at the ground briefly before looking at the mare next to her.

“Thank you for joining. It means a lot to me.” Octavia gave the unicorn a nudge back as they continued on their way.

Vinyl bashfully waved away the thanks and remained silent the rest of the trek to the party, though she kept a blush on her face since she wasn't use to such thanks or praise.

Once they arrived the group split up slightly to mingle, with the original partiers warmly greeting the new arrivals and Pinkie Pie running off to bring 'proper' party supplies. Vinyl and Octavia hung back however, noticing the drunken behavior of their peers and unwilling to drink anything until Pinkie Pie returned with non-spiked punch that would be protected against such actions.

Once Pinkie Pie made it back the others didn't seem to mind the simpler games and everyone partied well into the night, though two mares retired from the party early.

The crowd had been getting rowdier and several pairs of ponies had started to make out in the middle of the party. While Pinkie Pie either didn't care or notice, Octavia and Vinyl didn't care for such behavior and they headed back to their room.

Since they both had a long day, they fell asleep quickly, though Octavia stayed awake long enough after Vinyl fell asleep to write in their journal about just how much it meant to her that Vinyl had joined Equestrian Girls. She had a feeling that the unicorn was still unsure about whether she was needed or wanted there. Octavia intended to change that, the mare she was slowly getting to know was worth a lot more than what she thought of herself.

Author's Notes:

The song is "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele.

If you don't know what L33T is, this link can show you where I learned about it. I won't do too much in l33t (yes, I like to change how I spell it) until later and I think I'll do a translation under it so it doesn't hurt one's eyes to try and decipher it.

My Stupid Mouth

The next morning everypony arrived bright and early for the first meeting of the Equestrian Girls. Since some of them had classes right afterwards most had brought saddlebags full of their things; Vinyl didn't trust leaving her laptop or equipment alone and carried it with her at all times.

Everypony stacked their bags near the door as they went to seat in the middle of the room. They were arranged with the sopranos in front, mezzos in the middle and altos in the back row. As everyone took a seat facing the front of the room they noticed they were short a pony.

“As some of you are noticing, Silver Note is not here. She was Treble Boned last night and is no longer an Equestrian Girl.” Claire said primly, with Octavia looking solemn at her side.

“Ho-oh-whoa! You mean that oath was serious?” Vinyl asked indignation as she waved a hoof to get Claire's attention.

“Completely.” Claire said flatly.

“That might be a problem. I can't help but exclude sexiness that attracts all.” Cloud Kicker stated as she leaned back a little. A few eyebrows were raised at this statement as Cloud Kicker raised both fore-hooves in a shrug.

“'A sexiness that attracts all'?” Vinyl couldn't help but ask as she crossed her hooves in disbelief while looking towards the persian-blue peagasus.

“Can't help but flaunt what I've got. You want?” Cloud Kicker looked back at the white unicorn who snorted dismissively.

“No, not interested.” An image of a certain gray mare shot through Vinyl's mind along with a thought of (unless it's a certain somepony. Whoa there! Where did that come from? Focus!)

Vinyl shook her head to clear it and focused on the two captains once more.

“That's not good enough reason for being with a Treble Maker. The Treble Makers don't respect us and if you let them have their way with you they won't ever.” Claire said with finality in her voice.

“Oh buck no! Next you'll be telling us what to eat and controlling every aspect of our lives! I didn't sign up to be told how to spend my college days! I'm -” Vinyl was getting into her rant when she looked up into purple eyes that held a mixture of emotions as they looked back at the white unicorn; concern, sadness, annoyance and disappointment.

Octavia had been about to interrupt Vinyl when she had suddenly silenced herself. While the gray earth pony wasn't sure what the white unicorn was doing now, but she had a bad feeling that this meant a very short singing career for the young DJ.

Vinyl stopped suddenly as she slammed her mouth shut, chewing her tongue as she was tempted to still rant. But as she continued to look at the purple eyes, she saw how sadness was slowly taking the lead in the warring emotions and knew that it was because of her anger at Claire for how controlling she was being.

Vinyl gave a groan as she felt her will crumbling to those striking eyes, rubbing her mane in a random fashion as she closed her eyes. It didn't help much, she could FEEL the eyes watching, feel the disappointment. She gave a louder groan as she leaned back briefly before setting her hooves onto the ground and opening her eyes once more.

“Alright already! I'm sorry. It's all, whatever.” Vinyl softly stated as she leaned forward a little, peering up to Octavia, worried about what she would see in her eyes this time.

Octavia had a soft half-smile while her eyes were warmly watching the mare before her apologize for her rude behavior without any intervention on Octavia's part; though she actually did influence the white mare unknowingly.

The rest of the ponies watched the DJ get riled up and almost as quickly back down. While some were unaware as to what caused the white unicorn to suddenly stop, most saw how she was focused on the gray earth pony and how the two seemed to be telepathically communicating.

Cloud Kicker especially thought this was funny and decided to poke a little fun at the DJ.

“Wow, Vee, you're so totally not a whipped pony.” Cloud Kicker smirked as she looked at the white unicorn from the corners of her eyes.

Vinyl could feel that she was on thin ice already and decided to not say anything. She merely glowered at the ground, though the effect was diminished by her glasses that prevented anypony seeing her dark gaze.

Cloud Kicker, Blossomforth and Arpeggio giggled at the sulking mare while Windy Day made a comment.

“Maybe Discord got free and is trying to sabotage our first meeting...”

Or at least the peagasus moved her mouth. The others tried to listen, but merely looked confused at the extremely quiet muttering.

Claire shook her head and refocused on the main issue at hoof.

“If you don't like how I run the Equestrian Girls, you can just leave.” Claire pointed a hoof to the door as Vinyl just sunk down on her haunches further to show that she wasn't going anywhere as she crossed her hooves in front of her chest.

“This is war, Vinyl! And it is my job to get my soldiers ready for battle with three kick-flank songs and awesome choreography. That means that we have to have practice every day for at least two hours and you have to add your own cardio.” Claire sternly looked at all the assembled ponies as Vinyl kept her mouth firmly shut.

“This does not mean that we will try to control your whole life, you do have your freedoms.” Octavia tried to cut in to resolve any remaining doubts about how controlling Claire Belle was going to be.

“Unless it conflicts with the needs, traditions or oath of the Equestrian Girls. And we will gt to Finals and win this year using this strategy.” Claire flipped the white-board behind her over, showing an extremely detailed plan with lots of topics covered, such as relationships (no Trebles!), songs that could be done (only songs made by mares) and so on.

“Oooo! Can I write on the board too?” Pinkie Pie bounced in place while waving her hoof in the air.

Claire deadpanned the pink mare.

“No. Here is the list of all the songs we have ever done.” Claire handed out copies of the list to everypony in the room, who then looked over the songs.

“There is nothing from recent times on this list.” Vinyl couldn't help but point out as she flipped through the pages. She tried to make sure her tone of voice remained neutral and didn't even look up at the two ponies standing in the front.

Claire flashed an annoyed glance at the unicorn before looking out in general once more.

“We don't stray from tradition. These songs are what will get us to the finals once more and that is our goal.” Claire said.

“What happened last year at finals?” Windy Day asked as she looked at the tense cream earth pony who was determinedly looking at everything but the DJ.

This made everyone pause and look at the sky-blue peagasus.

“Sorry, what?” Octavia could tell that Claire was getting annoyed at how she couldn't hear the extremely quiet peagasus and tried to cover for her by asking before Claire could say anything.

“What happened last year?” Everypony exchanged confused looks before looking back at her.

“Did Discord appear and turn everypony into cupcakes?”

Vinyl was the only one who could hear the quiet murmuring and figured it was best to not mention what was being said and focused on the rather good question instead.

“I think she's asking about what happened last year.” Vinyl raised a brow as she looked at the two leaders once more who both tensed up at the simple question.

“Well, there's no way to show you and we don't have time to go into that right now, so let's just get on with practice.” Claire turned away to the board when Vinyl held up a hoof.

“Are the finals recorded? I have my laptop, we can search online, see if we can find a vid of it.” Vinyl pulled her laptop over with her magic from where they had put all their belongings when they first came into the room.

Claire was annoyed at the white unicorn and would have tried to stop them from watching except that she could tell they were all interested in it, and she wouldn't be able to stop them forever.

The ponies all gathered around as Vinyl found the recording and set it to full screen so that everyone could see, though she noticed that both Octavia and Claire stayed away. After the first few moments of the clip where they saw Claire Belle sharing her lunch, dinner and everything else with the third row of the auditorium in the middle of their set, Vinyl turned to look at the two earth ponies still staying away from the rest.

Claire seemed to focus internally and seemed to be trying to restrain herself. Octavia laid a comforting hoof on her shoulder and whispered to the tense mare.

After the video finished, Vinyl closed the laptop, even though she began to get requests for other videos. Claire had control over herself once more and stepped up and stomped her hooves to get everypony's attention.

“Enough! What happened in the past is irrelevant! We must look to the future! We have to practice now!” Claire began the practice sternly, throwing off a lot of the others but they at least understood why she was so tense and desperate now.

The first practice went as one could expect from eight new members, badly. The ponies were well off musically, just not as a whole group, so they focused on the movements for now.

They started with some laps around the room to warm up their bodies, with no flying involved. Then they practiced standing and walking upright, standing on their hind-legs made a better impression on judges and some of the movements they were going to learn required strong back muscles.

Not many of them (aside from the two upper classmates) were used to standing on their hind-legs and became very tired after that. They moved onto their dancing styles, with a wide range of results.

Pinkie Pie had way too much movement, often bouncing in place if nothing else and lots of hoof movements. She caught on to the movements they were learning quickly, but then started to improvise more on top of them.

Cloud Kicker showed exactly why everypony's door swung her way with her dance moves, running her hooves over her sides and flank as extra movement to the song. She also couldn't walk or move to anyplace without swaying her hips in a sensual manner.

Blossomforth's movement showed how reserved and neutral she was, her motions having less passion and emphasis than the others. She picked up the motions after a while, but didn't flaunt anything at all unlike her friend Cloud Kicker.

Lyra's motions were extremely too stiff. Claire could tell that the mint-green unicorn had never done these kinds of dancing before, though she had potential. There was a rigid edge to her moments as though she had always been told how to do something the 'proper' way and had a hard time shifting from the rigid style she was used to.

Windy Day on the other hoof was entirely too loose, her moments much like the sea, wobbly and flowy. Almost like she had no joints at all, though Octavia did check that she was ok; it was just a little odd to see a pony with that much flexibility.

Arpeggio and Beautiful Composition were both of the punk mindset and dance moves, being at times jerky and then others slightly loose, with lots of hoof pumping and head banging.

Vinyl was another matter entirely. Claire knew there was no way that she would be able to work with the independent-minded unicorn and had Octavia teach her, which didn't help the white unicorn at all.

She was having enough trouble dancing, something she had never really done before since there hadn't been much reason to dance, and in her confused and subdued mindset when it came to the gray mare, it became all that much harder to remember the moves and perform properly.

Vinyl was extremely surprised when Claire tried to have everyone do it all together with the expected results, utter failure. No one was in time and only Octavia was singing the song just to make things easier. At the end Claire stopped them, to which most gave a big sigh of relief.

“Alright, that's enough. Uh, great work for the first one.” Claire's grimace was soon covered by another tense smile.

“... Did we just learn the set from last year?” Vinyl was hoping this wasn't the case, it would mean that they had reached a dead-end for the group before they even got off the ground.

“We'll meet again tomorrow morning. I got us a 'gig' in a week and a half at a local sobriety. A week and a half.” Claire completely ignored the white unicorn and passed out the details of the gig as well as the music and movements they just learned.

Everyone else was excited and didn't notice how tense Claire was or how Vinyl rubbed her fore-head with a hoof as she walked up to take her paper.

“Alright, hooves in.” Claire stood next to Octavia who both had their hooves outstretched to the others. Everypony else looked at her in confusion, wondering what she needed their hooves for. Pinkie Pie was trying to think of what kind of game they would need right hooves for.

“Hooves in A Ca-bitches!” Claire snapped at the others who were even more shocked at the reaction.

Vinyl could hear that the cream colored mare was on her last nerve for the day and didn't hesitate any longer, sticking her hoof out towards the two upper classmates. The others rapidly followed along and soon they made a circle with each having a hoof in the center.

“Sing 'Ah'.” Claire began to instruct when she was cut off by Pinkie Pie singing.

“AAAAAHHHHH!!”

“No, on three. Sing 'Ah' on three. Altogether now, 1... 2...” Claire tried to explain and counted the marks for them to sing at the right time.

“Ahhhh!!” Sang about half the group, not in tune with one another. A half second later the rest of the group joined in as they all tried to copy Claire and Octavia's motion of lifting their hoof upwards from the circle with mixed results.

Vinyl watched, half-amused at these attempts, as Claire rubbed her ears at the out of tune singing and grimace-smiled.

“Right, we'll work on that first thing next time.” Claire dismissed the others as she faced the board once more, trying to think of a way to make them better faster.

Vinyl was more than happy to leave the room and filed out behind the others. She noticed that Octavia stayed behind, most likely to encourage the tense earth pony and Vinyl decided that she would wait for the gray mare on the side of the door.

It wasn't much longer before Octavia came out and looked around once she was out of the practice room. She was pleasantly surprised to see that Vinyl was waiting for her, standing against the wall with her fore-hooves crossed in front of her. Once Vinyl saw that Octavia noticed her, she dropped down to all fours once more and walked along-side the earth mare as they headed back to their room to prepare for their classes for the day.

They trotted along in silence, neither one looking at the other as they were both lost in their own thoughts. Once they got to their room however, Octavia felt the need to show how happy she was at Vinyl's control over her behavior.

“Vinyl?” Octavia watched the unicorn, making sure she had her attention before continuing.

“Hmmnn?” Vinyl tilted her head towards the other mare. She had gotten use to how no one could see where she was looking and finally gotten the hang of tilting her head to show that she was paying attention.

“Thank you for staying. You were going to get up and leave after seeing how serious the oath was, but you stayed. Thank you.” Octavia placed a hoof to Vinyl's shoulder.

Vinyl in turn blushed, knowing exactly why she didn't leave. It wasn't to help out a promising group of A Cappella singers, it wasn't to make lots of new friends, it wasn't to learn and do new things, it was to please the gray mare and Vinyl knew it. She couldn't bring herself to say as much however, especially since it hadn't been more than a month since they became roommates, she was still waiting for everything to turn sour and fall apart.

“Yeah, well, whatever. I said I'd give it a shot, I can't promise anything though.” Vinyl tried to be nonchalant about it all and shrugged.

“I know, and I'm grateful all the same. I'll see you after classes, ok?” Octavia gave the white unicorn a half-hug before turning around and exiting their room to head for her first class of the day.

“Yeah, ok. I'll see you later, Tavi.” Vinyl quietly said as she watched the gray mare leave. Octavia managed to hear it and promised herself to get Vinyl to explain why she is being given nicknames when she got back. Not that she minded, but she never had one before and wanted to know why was Vinyl making them up and using them.

Once the gray mare left the room, Vinyl took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes.

(Maybe if we stay roommates and friends for over three months then I'll tell her about some of my past... Are we friends? I think we are. What if when I go to check if we are she gets insulted and then doesn't want to be my friend? Arggg, am I really doing this to myself? We'll just have to have a talk when we both get back tonight. Can't believe we have to get up extremely early for A Cappella practices. If they keep using the same old stuff as before, they're never going anywhere. Sigh, maybe something can change. Just stick with it for now Vinyl and at least work on it to please Octavia if not yourself.)

Vinyl got up as she put her glasses back on and left for her classes, trying to not think of why pleasing the gray mare meant so much to her and if the earth pony felt the same for her.

That night, both mares came back from working (either at a job or on music) and sat on their respective beds facing each other. They could tell that they both wanted to talk; now it was only a matter of who went first.

“Octavia, I -”

“Vinyl, why -”

They stopped at the same time, finding it a little odd and funny that they both wanted to speak and had tried to start at the same time. They spent a moment looking at each other, trying to let the other go first when they both tried again.

“Why do -”

“Are we -”

At this second false start, Vinyl rubbed her temple and waved for the earth pony to go first. Octavia looked back with a raised brow before asking her question.

“Vinyl, why do you sometimes call me 'Tavi' or 'Octy'?” The light-gray mare looked at the white one in curiosity, hoping that they were friends and that's why she was getting nicknames.

Vinyl for her part shifted on the bed before deciding to go whole-hog about it.

“Well, at first I wanted to annoy, well, tease you I guess.” Gray brows came down in a pensive frown at this straight forward answer.

“But then, I liked hanging out with you and I, uh, never really had any friends and never had the chance to give someone a nickname, so I wanted to do that with you, I guess.” Vinyl's hoof found it's favorite spot on her head as she looked at the ground, she had hinted at what she wanted to ask in the first place and was nervous about how Octavia would respond.

Octavia's face cleared up and even went into a large grin. They were friends then!

“While I don't like that it was at first to tease me, but I am pleased to call you my friend and do not mind any nicknames you come up with; though I do prefer 'Tavi' than 'Octy'.” The earth pony grinned as she hopped in place slightly, her joy spilling out in her moments, unaware that she was under scrutiny as soon as she said that she was pleased to be friends with the unicorn.

Vinyl grinned back, happy to know that she was friends with somepony and that they didn't mind having nicknames.

“Cool. Did you want to do anything in particular tonight?” Vinyl leaned back, all her stress suddenly gone in a few short moments.

Octavia smiled in return and put a hoof to her chin in thought.

“Did you want to just sing whatever we want for the night?” Octavia looked over at the white mare, knowing that she didn't seem too pleased with the selection of songs they did that morning during practice.

“Sure!” Vinyl sat up properly so that they could sing together better and they spent the rest of the evening shifting through different songs as they felt like it, picking up from a word or phrase and moving into another different song.

While both mares enjoyed their night much like they did every other night, Vinyl was distracted by a difference in Octavia's voice. It wasn't noticeable to anypony who wasn't paying extreme attention, but with Vinyl's perfect hearing and constant singing with the gray mare, she knew something was off just by a little bit but she couldn't put her hoof on it.

By the end of the night when the two settled down for bed, the white unicorn figured it must have been nothing since Octavia never said anything about it.

The last thought the young DJ had was that she would do just about anything to make sure her friend was happy, no matter what the cost.

I get knocked down

At the beginning of another day and another Equestrian Girls practice, Claire Belle psyching herself for the day ahead of her, making sure she didn't have an issue this time around. Some of the others who arrived early started to chat while waiting for everyone else to arrive.

Since Octavia left early to help Claire, Vinyl figured she may as well go too and amused herself by listening to Pinkie Pie talking with Lyra. Vinyl was starting to wonder if the pink mare ever slept and watched her wave her fore-hooves around.

“You mean you can't see them?” Pinkie Pie asked of the mint-green unicorn.

“I'm a little confused. Who are we looking for again?” Lyra tilted her head and looked about the room.

“The readers! The humans sitting at their desks watching every move we make.” Pinkie Pie pointed to the fourth wall and waved.

Now it was both Vinyl and Lyra who were confused at the pink mare's antics. Vinyl turned to look at the other unicorn to express her concern for the party mare's sanity when Lyra suddenly looked all about herself and asked lots of questions about these 'humans'.

“Where are they? How can you see them? What do they look like?” Lyra sat next to Pinkie Pie and tried to look in the same direction she was.

“Oh, well, they're all over the place. And I've always been able to see them, especially after I got my Cutie Mark and my Pinkie Sense got stronger and I'm not sure if anypony else have been able to see them too. But most humans that watch us are friendly.” Pinkie Pie smiled at the unicorn, about to continue when Vinyl cut her off.

“Yeah, right. Next she'll be telling you about the seaponies.”

“There's seaponies?!” Lyra asked excitedly, turning to the white unicorn. Vinyl's response was to face-hoof, which Cloud Kicker and Blossomforth caught sight of as they joined the trio with everypony else who started to arrive.

“What's happening?” Cloud Kicker asked as she snickered at the expression on the DJ's face.

“Pinkie Pie is filling Lyra's head with weird non-sense. And she's believing every bit of it.” Vinyl explained as she waved a hoof to the pair who had gone back to discussing 'humans'.

Cloud Kicker laughed loudly while Blossomforth covered her mouth with a hoof to cover her own laughter.

“I don't know. We get a lot of weirdness back home.” Cloud Kicker looked at the pair as well as Pinkie Pie grew interested in a town that already had weirdness.

“Oooh, really? Where do you live?” Pinkie asked while leaning towards the persian-blue peagasus with a grin.

“Uhm, well, Blossom and I are from Ponyville. It's just south of Canterlot and while it's a close knit town, it's actually rather large. We get anything from interesting ponies, interesting monsters, and weird weather.” Cloud Kicker shrugged as Blossomforth nodded.

“There's lots of interesting stores too, like a bakery in the shape of a gingerbread house, or a library inside a tree and so on.” Blossomforth added a little quieter than her friend.

At the description of some of the 'weirder' parts of Ponyville, Pinkie Pie's eyes lit up and she hopped in place, excited at such a town. Even Lyra seemed interested in living in a quiet but still kind of large town.

“You know, I don't think I've ever been to Ponyville before! And I've been to a lot of places, like Manehatten, and Vanhoover, and...” as Pinkie Pie rambled on about all the places she's been (and Vinyl was rather shocked how many) a lot of the others just laughed at the hyper mare's antics and the fact that she had been to a lot of their home towns.

Octavia looked over and was thrilled to see the reserved pony make more friends and joke around with them. It was always nice to see Vinyl open up and laugh and joke with others.

Soon it was time for practice and Claire called everyone to attention. They would be focusing on the singing portion that morning and it was as grueling a session as the day before.

Vinyl was rather surprised at how much work and effort went into learning and singing A Cappella. They practiced the different background sounds and keeping a steady beat, singing in harmony with each other, and they even started to learn some of the songs they would be doing.

Vinyl was once again concerned about the kind of results that Claire was expecting, but kept her opinion to herself. Just like with the dancing, each pony had different styles and Claire and Octavia had their work cut out for them to get them to work together as a unit.

Pinkie Pie had such a wide range of noises she knew that it was hard to get her to use only certain ones.

Cloud Kicker, Blossomforth, Beautiful Composition and Arpeggio knew very little A Cappella and had to start at the beginning, which was causing Claire to get very anxious. Octavia taught them instead to lower everypony's stress levels.

Lyra was once again extremely stiff and the more she tried to make the proper sounds, the more a very pronounced Canterlot noble's accent came out. Octavia handled teaching the mint-green unicorn, giving specific tips and advice to counter a noble's upbringing.

Vinyl, being the curious pony that she was (especially when it came to a certain light gray mare), had half an ear on their conversation while she practiced. She unhappily noticed how after a few more specific tips and a look of understanding between the two mares, Lyra was able to sing in a more relaxed manner.

Once Vinyl realized that she was becoming jealous of the mint-green unicorn and the understanding the two had shared, she gave herself a mental shake and focused on what Claire was teaching her.

Since Vinyl had good hearing and coping abilities, she was able to quickly catch onto the new ways to sing, even though she too had to start at the beginning with the basics.

The one Claire had the most trouble with was Windy Day, who still wasn't speaking loud enough to be heard. After trying to hear her for a while, Claire gave up and just nodded along, still not hearing a thing and unsure if the peagasus was getting it right or not.

As soon as Claire Belle suggested they run through the whole thing, Vinyl knew it would end horribly. She only just managed to not face-hoof by imagining Octavia's reaction if she put up a fuss.

The singing went just as badly as Vinyl knew it would, most couldn't remember anything after the first eight bars, with the exception of the two upper classmates, Pinkie Pie and Vinyl.

Pinkie Pie grew a thoughtful expression as the rest of the group tried to keep up and find the right words while Claire was trying really hard to not lose her cool.

Octavia was proud of Vinyl's memory while the unicorn awaited for the inevitable halt and explosion. Claire made them go through the whole set though and took a few calming breaths before addressing the group once they had finished.

“Alright, remember, we have gig in a little over a week, so let's, ah, put our best effort into this, ok?” Claire said with a small frown on and small eye twitch.

Everyone gave a small sigh of relief; it had been a tough two hours of practice. Vinyl noticed that Pinkie Pie had a small frown on and walked over to check on her.

“What's wrong Pinks?” Vinyl gave the pink mare a nudge with her shoulder.

“Hmm? Oh, it's nothing much. I'm just wondering why nopony else was able to sing along. I usually can get just about anypony to sing with me and I mean anypony, even if they really really don't want to, I mean like REALLY don't -” Vinyl was slowly getting used to the hyper mare and knew to cut her off early.

“Maybe...” She tried to think of how to phrase what she was going to say next without sounding like she didn't believe the party mare's abilities, even if she really didn't.

“Maybe they need to get to know you more or for your abilities to rub off on them more?” Vinyl was pleased with herself, it sounded reasonable at least.

Pinkie grew thoughtful once more and began to nod along.

“You're right my fine furred DJ! And I know just the way to fix this! I'll just have to be really super close friends with everypony!” Pinkie Pie's eyes lit up as she grinned, her whole demeanor becoming lighter while Vinyl's hoof found a comfy spot on her face. She could already tell this was a disaster in the making and felt bad for the first target of the hyper mare's, who seemed to be Lyra.

As the slightly shocked mint-green mare walked out with the excited pink mare hanging off a mint-green shoulder, Cloud Kicker walked over to the white unicorn laughing.

“What did you say? She looked like Hearth's Warming Day had been canceled and then after a few words from you, she's right as rain.” Cloud Kicker slung a leg around Vinyl's shoulders.

The white unicorn stiffened at the touch before seeing the friendly grin on the persian-blue peagasus' face. Vinyl shook her head and waved towards the retreating ponies.

“I've unleashed the party kraken.” Cloud Kicker laughed as she gave the DJ a playful shove before heading out as well.

Vinyl just shook her head at the peagasus' antics as she waited for her roommate outside the doorway once more.

It didn't take as long to wait as the previous day and once more Octavia was pleasantly surprised to find she had a white shadow following her.

“You know, you don't have to wait for me.” Octavia stated with a smile at the unicorn who was looking at everything except the light-gray mare next to her.

At the earth pony's words Vinyl froze in place and glanced at the gray pony before looking towards the ground with her ears flat on her skull.

“Oh. Uh, alright. I guess I'm bothering you huh? Sorry.” Vinyl's voice trailed off during her response as she started to back away.

Octavia stopped as well and looked at the other mare in concern; she could somehow hear all the self-doubt and anxiety in the unicorn's words and knew it was part of something deeper.

“Vinyl, wait. I didn't mean it like how you're thinking. I just don't want to hold you up from doing something else. I don't mind at all if you want to wait for me.” Octavia stepped next to the white mare and gave her a hug while nuzzling the side of Vinyl's face with her own.

Vinyl froze one more, unsure how to take the nuzzling. She had never had anypony do that before; most couldn't stand being near her let along nuzzle.

(Well, actually, since becoming friends with Octavia, the list of ponies who are 'friends' or at least can stand being near me for long has grown...Guess I shouldn't be so anxious. At least now I know what a nuzzle feels like... Should I give one back...? Let's give it a try.) Vinyl hesitantly returned the nuzzle and hug which made Octavia almost squeal in delight.

Soon it turned into a hugging session, with the gray mare comforting the white one after her moment of insecurity, neither one caring that they had stopped in the middle of the sidewalk.

“Vinyl, before thinking that I am annoyed, upset, or angry with you, please check to be sure. I would hate to have our friendship ruined by a simple misunderstanding.” Octavia whispered to Vinyl as they continued to hug. Vinyl nodded, so glad that she hadn't annoyed the one good friend she had that she couldn't speak; Pinkie Pie didn't quite count in this regard, she seemed like the kind of mare you would have to really force to NOT be friends with.

They stayed like that, giving each other mental and physical support, for a few minutes before hearing a shout that came from a pony who seemed to be mildly surprised at a pink mare's antics at being 'closer friends'. They both broke apart with blushes at the long hugging-nuzzling session while they scrapped their hooves along the ground.

After some light chuckles at the sight of each other's slightly embarrassed face, they continued down the road to their room and the classes they had that day.

Having morning practice sessions didn't mess up Vinyl's daily routine and gave her a chance to see Octavia in one of her many elements. The white unicorn had already gotten a hold of all the dates for the various performances Octavia would be doing with her many clubs and groups and the DJ made sure to have plenty of time to go and see her perform.

For the rest of the week, the Equestrian Girls switched between learning the songs to learning the movements every other day to be ready for their first gig. Claire pushed them just as hard as the first two sessions in order to be ready for their first performance.

The morning practices gave Vinyl plenty of opportunities to listen to her roommate sing, which was causing her to slowly grow concerned about it. Vinyl heard how Octavia's singing was slowly losing it's quality, sounding huskier and losing its pitch over the course of the next five days.

Vinyl also noticed how the gray mare was drinking more and more water and hot tea with honey in it. It got to the point that in order to save Octavia some time boiling the tea water, Vinyl had learned a spell that could heat a surface or object within moments. While Octavia knew it taxing to use spells constantly, Vinyl insisted that it was practice and helped to build up endurance.

The earth pony instead tried to make tea without the unicorn's help or notice, not wanting to draw attention to how much she was starting to drink in a day. Vinyl did notice however, and after the fifth day of drinking lots of tea and water to sooth her throat, Vinyl insisted that the light-gray mare go to the doctor.

Octavia was nervous about going alone (something about never having gone to the doctor's office before) and had requested that Vinyl go with her. The white unicorn didn't have very fond memories of doctors either, the ones at the orphanage had seen too many foals come and go and were rather unsympathetic, but Vinyl was willing to go for moral support.

As they walked to the campus doctor/nurse's office, Vinyl couldn't help but get curious about Octavia's lack of doctor visits.

“So, have you never been sick before? It that why you haven't ever gone to the doctor's?” Vinyl peered at the gray mare next to her from the corner of her eyes, just managing to catch the small flinch that flashed across Octavia's face.

“No, I've been sick before.” The earth pony stated while staring ahead.

Vinyl waited for a moment before she realized that Octavia wasn't going to continue; she tried not to get anxious about the lack of response and chalked it up to nerves of going to a doctor's office.

Soon they found the offices, which doubled as the medical major's classroom. E.U.C.C. did have a policy that if you weren't willing to help others learn from whatever ails you, you could request for a private meeting with a doctor instead. It was part of a survey of choices that everyone took when they first came to the school.

The buildings were white and rather long, having to be ready to serve hundreds of students should they get sick. They were well staffed, with the teachers being very good doctors and some extra regular doctors on hoof just in case, plus any student they knew would be good enough to help. In order to be more accessible for the entire campus, the medical buildings were exactly in the middle of the school, making the trip there almost the exactly the same amount of time no matter where one started from.

Vinyl was slightly interested to note that Octavia had opted out of the public doctors and was ushered into a private room. Since she wanted privacy, the white unicorn had to stay in the large white waiting room, which was there for those who were providing moral support.

It was a large room, with light-cream walls and white furniture, which consisted of mostly chairs with cream colored cushions on them and some end-tables covered in magazines and newspapers.

Vinyl was too nervous to read and just sat while trying to think of anything but the gray mare and failing. After a tense ten minutes, the doctor and Octavia came out from the private room, talking quietly. Vinyl felt sharp relief at the sight of the musician, until she noticed that Octavia seemed sad about whatever it was that was going on.

“Please let us know what you decide to do, and hopefully it all turns out alright.” The dark blue stallion stated as he pat Octavia's shoulder with a hoof. The pair had stopped in front of the waiting unicorn and it was at this point that Vinyl was starting to panic about what had happened and looked between the doctor and her roommate rapidly.

“Thank you Doctor. I will.” Octavia quietly said while looking at the floor. The doctor nodded and turned back to his offices as Octavia looked at the white unicorn's neck, unable to look her in the face just yet.

“Tavi, what's wrong? Please, tell me. I'll help any way I can.” Vinyl put a hoof to the gray mare's shoulder as she tried to look her in the face, something Octavia avoided doing.

“I'll tell you back in our room. Please, can we go? I don't like the smell of these offices.” Octavia murmured as she turned to go. Vinyl nodded in agreement, she never did like the sterile smell either.

The trek back to their rooms was a quiet and subdued affair. Vinyl wasn't sure what the right response was for this and kept quiet instead until they got into their room, which is when she whirled to face the earth pony and demanded answers.

“Alright, we're in our room and I'm not getting sidetracked or anything! What's wrong, please tell me before the suspense gets to me!” Vinyl stood rather close to the light-gray mare, unwilling to let her escape from her explanation.

Octavia sighed, she was rather surprised that Vinyl had stayed that quiet during their walk home and had expected this out-burst much earlier. Even with her bad news, she was happy to see that Vinyl followed her request to wait until they got back to the privacy of their room before starting the inquisition.

“Ok, ok. Here it is.” Octavia used quieter tones, making Vinyl even more worried about what happened.

“You were right about my voice, there was something wrong with it.... I have nodes.” Octavia announced with as much seriousness as though she was announcing the death of a famous singer.

Vinyl was rather confused, she hadn't heard of nodes before but Octavia was acting really serious about it. But then again, she wasn't a doctor nor a professional singer, and this was something that affected the voice.

“What's, what's nodes? What does it do to your voice?” Vinyl asked nervously, sitting down suddenly in front of the gray pony who stared back sadly, who also sat down in the middle of the room.

“Oh Vinyl. It stands for vocal nodules. It's the rubbing of vocal chords without proper lubrication.” Octavia said as she finally looked Vinyl in the face since coming back from the doctor's.

The DJ was in shock; nodes sounded painful, especially for a singer.

(Wait, a singer! Octavia is a singer! She sings the best! What's this going to do to her voice?! And Claire! Claire won't stop pressuring us!)

“That sounds really painful! You've got to stop singing! At least until this goes away or or something!” Vinyl placed a hoof to Octavia's shoulder, concerned for her health and well-being.

“You know why I can't stop. I love to sing, just like how I love all forms of music. I'll just try to hold back a little so I don't get hurt as much.” Octavia shook her head and leaned forward until her head rested against the white chest. She didn't want Vinyl to see how much this was hurting her nor the sight of tears in her eyes; having nodes was something Octavia had not expected to happen to her.

Vinyl was getting better at trying to comfort others, or at least trying to; she pulled Octavia closer with both hooves and rested her head on top of Octavia's.

“You know Claire's not going to stop right? She's pushing everyone hard, she's not going to let up on you. If you won't stop, will you tell her about it?” Vinyl softened her voice as she felt small trickles of wetness on her front.

Octavia shrugged, unsure of what to do. She tried to not cry, it wasn't the proper thing to do, but she couldn't help it. Everything seemed to be falling down around her ears, and she had wanted so much to help Claire Belle get to the finals once again.

“What about your instruments? Can you still play music without hurting yourself?” (Is all music taken away from you?)

“The doctor said that it only effects a pony when they use their voice; to talk, shout... sing. Playing instruments is fine and if a pony is rather musical, it's suggested to do that instead so that they don't hurt themselves more.” Vinyl could barely make out what was being said, Octavia never taking her head off of its resting place.

Vinyl sighed happily, if nothing else she would be able to play instruments and still be able to bring more music to the world. She still frowned though, even if Octavia was able to play instruments, knowing that an aspect of music was barred from her would still hurt.

“Is there a way to fix this?” Vinyl asked as she used her magic to start her laptop and began a search for more information about nodes. The Internet hasn't let her down yet, one just had to be sure of the sources.

“My case is in the advanced stages, normally by backing off, not doing as much singing or other things would lessen the effects and the swelling would go down. But I've been singing and performing for a long time now and all the strain of doing so is catching up with me. If it gets worse, I may have to get surgery, which will hamper or completely wreck my singing.” Octavia had both hooves around Vinyl in a strong hug, very grateful for the support and comfort the unicorn was offering.

Vinyl flinched, the thought of all the things that go with surgery running through her mind, as well as the cost of doing so. Her mind also went to how nervous Octavia was just going to the doctor's office, going in for surgery on her vocal chords would be terrifying. The white unicorn cast her mind around, trying to think of a way to help soothe the light-gray earth pony's nerves and saw her favorite mug sitting on her desk. It was seeing a lot of use with all the tea Octavia had been drinking lately and gave Vinyl an idea.

“Alright, well, let's take the rest of the day off and relax, ok? Come on, let's get you to bed, I'm sure it's been an exhausting day for you.” As the DJ led the other musician to her bed, she used her magic to start the process of making tea as well as getting the bed ready for an occupant.

Octavia let herself be led to bed and tucked in, enjoying the smell of tea and honey being made which was already helping clear her mind. Within moments the gray mare was in bed with her mug nearby steaming and ready for her. Vinyl worried for a moment about playing music to help or not but decided in the end to put on some of her more instrument-based mixes, still musical but no lyrics least the earth pony want to to sing along.

The two friends remained in their room the rest of the day, listening to the not so soft music and taking it easy. Vinyl stayed near Octavia and made sure to help with anything she needed. The unicorn wasn't sure if she was doing a proper job of comforting her friend, but the earth mare seemed rather pleased and that was what mattered the most.

(If Claire doesn't watch how she acts towards Tavi, then she's asking for trouble which I'll be more than happy to give her. Maybe there's something we haven't heard or know about with these 'nodes'... Let's see what the trusty internet says...) Vinyl spent most of her afternoon looking at various medical sites, trying to find more about what ailed her friend as Octavia took a nap to sleep off the blues and be ready for dealing with nodes.

Pinch Me

The day after finding out she had nodes, Octavia had noticed how Vinyl was avoiding singing or songs with lyrics when they were together. The earth pony appreciated the thought, but she didn't want to stop listening to a certain kind of music because she had nodes; she wasn't going to let them rule her whole life.

Vinyl had found more information about nodes and the cost of the surgery through online and different pamphlets, it wasn't going to be cheap and she had no idea what Octavia's home environment was like in order to help. The earth pony was acting rather evasive about her family and Vinyl didn't want to press, she was doing the same thing after all about her own history. The light gray mare hadn't quite decided on what to do about her nodes and it was making the DJ anxious; somehow Octavia had found a way into the unicorn's heart and that scared Vinyl, especially since Octavia was in pain and she couldn't do much to help.

In an attempt to lessen the pain, they used the L33t journal much more and it often just sat in the middle of their room to save them time from passing it back and forth. Octavia thought it was a little silly to go that far but Vinyl insisted, so the gray mare followed along thinking that it was rather sweet of her to worry so much.

Vinyl, on the other hoof, kept a close watch on the leader of the Equestrian Girls during the next three practices before their 'gig'; Claire Belle never let up on anypony and Octavia wouldn't speak up about her new health concern.

Claire had been forcing everyone to run through what they learned after every practice, which at least made them not so nervous about it; they knew they still weren't very good and that nothing was too much worse than Claire chewing them out.

The upside to all the work they were putting into it was that they had the singing part, it was just the movements that were tripping them up.

During practice, the days after discovering Octavia's nodes and the two hour long 'discussion' about why Octavia didn't want to say anything about it, Vinyl figured out a subtle way to make sure Octavia had plenty of water. She would use her magic to levitate water for herself and no one would notice the extra bottle that Octavia would get; the only drawback was that Vinyl had to drink or least look like she was drinking a lot more water more often than she really needed or wanted.

The next day though, Vinyl noticed how no one paid extra attention to when the white unicorn was casting magic, having seen her use it so often before which meant she didn't have to drink as much in order to help Octavia at the same time; though she kept a close eye out just in case.

Claire rode hard on everyone but especially went after Octavia, whom she expected to set the example. After each practice, Octavia would rush the brash unicorn out to their room where she would hug, comfort and calm the mare who had started to not speak at all during practices unless it was to sing or to warm up; Vinyl didn't want to upset the gray mare more than she already was and knew that if she spoke to anyone in their practice sessions she would explode.

It was during one of these hugging sessions the day before their gig when Pinkie Pie knocked on their door. Vinyl grumbled slightly as she broke from the hug while Octavia just smiled at how much the unicorn didn't want to stop.

The light gray mare had long since given into the 'no speaking when in their dorm room' rule which was for the sake of saving her voice for later; though Octavia joked that it was just to keep her quiet (which would send Vinyl into a tizzy of blushing and furiously denying such a thing).

Vinyl stomped her way over to the door and jerk it open with a sharp “what?!”. The answer she got in return was a loud bang and confetti with streamers flying in to the room.

“Hi Vinyl! How are you doing? Oh hey! I didn't know you two shared a room, hi Octavia! This saves me time from having to track you down! Wow, your room looks interesting!” Pinkie Pie hopped past Vinyl who had been shocked out of her annoyed state and had instinctively stepped back at the noise and sight.

Octavia covered her mouth to hide her giggles at seeing the white mare in a shocked stupor.

“Hi Pinkie Pie. What brings you here?” Octavia asked once she had control of the giggles, though she tilted her head in question when Vinyl shot her an annoyed glace because she was speaking.

“Ooohh, you guys are getting better at the whole 'telepathy' thingy, though why are you annoyed that she's talking Vinyl? Do you not like her? Do you not like the sound of her voice? I thought you two were really good friends? *GASP* Does this mean you're fri-enemies? Those aren't fun at all! Hmmm, though you know, Tavi, your voice does sound weird, and not the good kind of weird, like the taste of fizzy sarsaparilla... Are you ok?” Pinkie Pie leaned towards the light gray mare as the two roommates were surprised at just how perceptive yet still jump to conclusions the party mare was.

Octavia shook free of her surprise first and smiled rudely; the truth would come out eventually, might as well tell the pink mare and make her promise not to tell anyone until Octavia was ready to do so.

“Vinyl's just worried about me using my voice too much, and I'm pretty sure she likes how my voice sounds normally...” Octavia looked to the unicorn who nodded a few times to the statement, causing Octavia to smile a little more naturally.

“And we are friends. It's just that I have vocal nodules, which means that it hurts to sing, shout or even talk sometimes. The only way to get better is to not do so much of all those things, but I don't want to stop singing... Promise you won't tell anypony about it? I'll let the others know when the time is right.” Octavia trailed off as she noticed the pink mare's sadness.

“I understand, and I'll Pinkie Promise to not tell anypony! Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye! And singing is really fun, but getting hurt because of it isn't! This means a change of plans...” Pinkie Pie sat down suddenly a she tapped a hoof to her chin. The two roommates shared a confused look at the odd promise, but it sounded serious, even if the motions weren't.

While Octavia had been explaining everything, Vinyl had gotten a cup of tea and honey ready to soothe her throat. Octavia shook her head with a smile at Vinyl's paranoia and obsessive worrying, but took the offered cup all the same; after all it wouldn't hurt to drink it.

“What plans Pinkie?” Vinyl turned to the party mare, a little concerned at what she may have been planning in the first place.

“Well, I've been hanging out with all the different ponies on our team like you suggested and I've hung out with everyone but you two and Claire. Claire is really hard to find, almost like she doesn't want to hang out with anypony... So now, it's your turn! And since you guys are roommates, we should all hang out together!” Pinkie Pie grinned at the dumbfounded expression on the others' faces, though Vinyl's hoof soon found its second favorite spot, which was against her forehead.

Vinyl felt bad for literally having released the party kraken on the rest of the Equestrian Girls; she hadn't known that that was what the party mare would do from just a couple of words said in an attempt to cheer her up after a bad practice.

“Oh, uhm, I don't think Claire would want to hang out too much right now Pinkie Pie. Though I don't see an issue with the three of us doing so, what did you have in mind?” Octavia tried not to laugh at the image of Claire and the extreme partier hanging out.

Pinkie tapped her chin for a moment longer before her whole face lit up with a large smile.

“Come on! I know just what we'll do!” She put a hoof around both their shoulders and led the way out of the dorms.

Constantly getting hugs from others lately made Vinyl not stiffen or get as nervous while being touched, so she could use the extra focus to wonder how the party mare was able to drag the two along and not have to stand completely on two hooves, doing some kind of leaning forward thing but without putting much weight on the two friends; though she wasn't getting far in the endeavor. By the time that the DJ just accepted that she would never really figure out how Pinkie Pie did anything, the trio found themselves in the center of a presentation of the Film, Fashion and Art Majors.

The different Majors were putting on various performances, showing some of their first works of the year; this was a way for them to learn how to work with deadlines and putting their work on display. The Music Majors were planning something similar at the end of the month, using various methods and magic so that the music didn't clash too badly as they all played roughly at the same time while the Clowning and Science Majors also gave presentations and performances.

Vinyl actually had that whole evening planned out around what band Octavia would be playing in at the different times; she wanted to see the gray mare in a proper performance setting. But for the current collaboration, Pinkie led the way to where the Film Majors were showing off what had been made.

“See, the Film Ponies made some really cool movies and since it's not a big ol' company or anything, they're having the tickets for cheap! One ticket is only two bits! And you'd have plenty left over for popcorn and slushies and candies and they don't serve cupcakes but it's still pretty good. And this way you won't have to worry about your voice because only a meany rude pants would talk during a movie!” Pinkie Pie grinned at the two who had also begun to smile at the idea of watching a movie.

“You know Pinks, that's not a bad idea. What do you say Tavi?” Vinyl looked at the gray who seemed rather interested in what was to be shown.

“It sounds like an excellent idea. Let's get our tickets.” Octavia started to lead the way but was soon overtaken by the bouncing pink mare who ordered tickets for all three of them to see a film that had been the final project of Russling Chuckles, about a pony who found a green tribal mask with special abilities who gets into trouble with the local gangs.

It was the kind of film that had the trio laughing throughout most of it, though Pinkie Pie did ask why Vinyl was wearing her glasses in the dark theater at the start to which Vinyl had stated that she was fine and didn't want to talk about it.

Octavia had softly reassured the pink mare while Vinyl felt bad for snapping at her, but she didn't want to argue about that topic in public. The trio enjoyed their movie and watched some comedic shorts made by the younger students that came on afterwards before looking at the rest of the collaboration.

They watched the Fashion Show for a little while, to see some of the newest trends and browsed some of the catalogs the Fashion Majors had set up. Vinyl was mildly surprised to find Octavia checking the formal suites; when questioned, Octavia admitted that she didn't have any formal attire that she liked and was looking for something to wear as 'formal' without hindering her playing ability.

As Octavia turned the page to simpler ware, such as neckties, scarves and bow-ties, Vinyl slowly grinned as an idea came to her on how to help her friend with her fashion problem. After quickly memorizing who was selling the clothes in the magazine they were currently looking at, she pulled the light gray and the pink mares away under the pretense of wanting to look at the art displays next.

As the trio walked over to the room that led to all the displays of the various arts, they came across Lyra walking with a pale gray-olive earth pony with a deep orange mane. As the two were exiting the room, they noticed the three who were about to enter. They all stopped, a little surprise at seeing each other there; though Pinkie Pie was the first to speak, hopping around the exiting pair.

“Well hi Lyra! Are you here to enjoy all this cool stuff too? Did you see the movie? How about the fashion show? Huh? Didja didja didja?” Pinkie Pie stopped hopping to stand right in front of the duo as she leaned towards them, Lyra looking a little amused at the usual antics while the other backed away slightly in surprise at the rapid speech.

Vinyl face-hoofed at Pinkie Pie's methods while Octavia giggled politely.

“Sorry, she means well and I swear she didn't have too much sugar yet.” Vinyl stated as she pulled the pink earth pony back with her magic, while the pink mare just giggled at the feeling of weightlessness. Lyra gave a light laugh as she waved away the partial apology.

“That's ok. Allow me to introduce my new marefriend, Carrot Top. Carrot, these are my fellow A Cappella singers: Pinkie Pie, Vinyl, and Octavia.” Lyra introduced while pointing a hoof to each pony respectively.

As they exchanged greetings, Lyra and Octavia managed to make eye-contact with more understanding passing between the two as Octavia subtly raised a brow and Lyra nodded once with only a fraction of movement.

While both ponies tried to be subtle about the exchange, it was not lost on either Vinyl or Carrot Top, though Pinkie Pie was off in her own little world making plans for a 'congratulations for your new relationship!' party. Lyra noted the slightly growing looks of superstition on the two ponies (noting with an amused glance that Pinkie Pie was still in planning party mode) and decided that it would take some private explaining to ease any of the doubt Carrot Top was starting to have.

“Well, it was nice seeing you girls. Come on Carrot Top, let's see what movie Pinkie Pie was talking about.” Lyra smiled at her marefriend as she ushered the pale gray-olive pony away from the trio.

“I'll tell you guys when the party is, ok?! BYE!! Enjoy your date!” Pinkie Pie waved to the two retreating figures while Lyra waved back with Carrot Top asking about the look the mint-green mare had shared with the gray one.

As Pinkie Pie led the way inside the exhibition with happy hops, Vinyl tried to focus on Lyra's response; the white unicorn didn't like how the two seemed to bond and understand each other so well and wanted to know what was going on.

“Well, Octavia understands what my parents are like and why I'm on the 'outs' with them.” Lyra explained sheepishly. Carrot Top was a little annoyed with the vague response and tried to get a more in-depth answer.

“... I see. And you are not getting along with your family because...?” Carrot Top peered at the mint-green unicorn as they walked farther down the hallway, making it so Vinyl could only barely make out what the answer was.

“Because I like mares and didn't want them to tell me how to live my whole life.” Lyra said simply with a small shrug, causing Carrot Top to nuzzle her in comfort and affection at the revelation.

Before Vinyl could speculate on how Octavia was able to relate to the mint-green mare, she heard the gray mare in question calling.

“Vinyl, what are you doing staring off into space? Aren't you coming, I thought you wanted to look at all the displays.” Octavia stepped up next to the white unicorn, speaking softly with the knowledge that Vinyl would still hear every word due to her hearing.

“Oh, er, nothing. I was just thinking of some, ah, DJ stuff. Yeah. Anyways, let's head inside. What are we waiting for?” Vinyl tried to deflect the curious mare as she trotted past her into the art exhibit. Octavia just shook her head at the white mare's attempt at dismissing what she was doing and followed along with a smile.

Inside, they found Windy Day standing in front of an interesting painting, depicting a tornado that held a mis-mash of things inside of it, with a long serpent-like shadow in the background who seemed to be laughing as the tornado spun in place in the middle of a dessert of a town, with houses broken down and not much greenery left on any plants nearby. The trio noticed how ponies would stop by, become distrubed at the painting, and as Windy Day quietly said something they would leave.

Pinkie Pie led the way over to the peagasus and they stopped in front of the painting and its creator.

“Hey Windy Day! Oooh, is this the painting you were making the day we hung out?” Pinkie Pie asked as she tilted her head this way and that as she looked at the art. “Is that chocolate rain in the background?!”

“This is to represent the day that the spirit of disharmony breaks free of his stone prison and reigns once more.”

Vinyl and Octavia stared in confusion at the sky-blue mare, one with no understanding of what was being said and the other with complete understanding but unwilling to make a comment about such a thing.

“Oooh, ok. That makes sense.” Pinkie Pie stopped tilting her head and just looked at the painting for a while longer as the others tried to think of anything to say.

“Well, it was nice seeing you here Windy Day. We didn't know that you were an Art Major, good luck with your painting. We'll see you later, alright?” Octavia said as she put a hoof to the pink mare's shoulder to get her attention to continue on their tour of the arts.

“Oh, I'm not an Art Major, I'm in the Art Club. I try to warn ponies of their impending doom through works of art...”

Vinyl's eyes grew wide at this statement and decided that it was high time to move on.

“Hoookay. That sounds wonderful, good luck with that. Come on Tavi, Pinkie, let's go look at that thing over there. Bye Windy Day!” Vinyl pushed at the others to get them to move on since they had stopped to try and figure out what was said.

The three friends continued to look at all the art that was masterfully presented, amazed that ponies could create such things. Since they spent the afternoon sightseeing, they grabbed lunch at the Baking Club's stand, which for some odd reason Pinkie Pie had been banned from helping at. As Octavia and Vinyl watched the hyper mare eat her way through a dozen of cupcakes and muffins, they began to suspect why the baker couldn't help her club.

If it weren't for the fact that the two roommates didn't have Pinkie Pie's endless energy, they would have stayed out until late that night; but they had to retire a little after suppertime with the still hyper mare waving them off.

Vinyl was especially happy at how their day had turned out, it seemed to have both lifted Octavia's spirit and help her feel a little better. The young DJ realized that trying to do everything for the gray mare may have been just as hurtful as helpful, and the first thing she did when they got back to their room was to take back the 'no talking' rule.

“Are you sure Vinyl?” Octavia asked, curious as to where the sudden change of mind came from. Vinyl scrapped a hoof along the ground as she sat near her desk while the other was near her own.

“Yeah, I mean, I realized how stupid the rule was and while I don't want you to hurt yourself more, I shouldn't try and tell you how to live.” Vinyl flipped her ears back as she realized that if the thing Lyra and Octavia had bonded over was controlling parents, then she must have seemed pretty bad in the light gray mare's eyes.

Octavia noticed Vinyl's self-realization and how much more depressed she became because of it. She sat next to the white unicorn and gave her a hug, casting her mind about for what may have caused Vinyl to be so unsure of herself only to come up with the things she had been worrying about since finding out the latest 'issue'.

“I am grateful that you care about my health, truly. And while that 'rule' was a touch silly, your heart was in the right place. I'll make sure to take care of my voice as much as possible, don't you worry.” Octavia rested her head on top of Vinyl's which had dropped lower during her reflection.

At the light gray mare's words, Vinyl knew her overbearing actions were forgiven and relaxed a little, grateful for the hug and kind words. The two friends stayed in their room the rest of the evening, catching up on their homework that had been put aside when Pinkie had came in that morning.

However, they were so tired that they went to bed early; the next day they had half-practice along with their gig in the afternoon.

Claire Belle ran through their performance the next morning a few more times before finishing practice early so not to exhaust everyone and to relax before their first live performance. In an attempt to not stress herself and others out, Claire refrained from her usual criticism; for which Vinyl was grateful since Octavia had held back a little to save her voice for their gig that day.

In order to not worry about performing in front of a large audience, Vinyl prepared for all the things they were going to do in her classes, thinking of how all this extra attention was extremely helpful to getting good grades. She settled into her work and only stopped when Octavia told her it was time to go.

Since Vinyl hadn't actually paid attention to what Claire said about their gig (first having been distracted with how she had complained at their first meeting and then in an attempt to stay out of trouble) the unicorn just followed Octavia out of their dorm room to the edge of campus that was actually rather close by.

They were to perform for a local fraternity that was hosting a mixer, for which they had to constantly remind the original party mare that she could NOT help them with it, they had to perform. The fraternity's residence was near the music dorms on the edge of campus, with a house that was three stories deep inside the earth to have more room for their members. As with the rest of campus, there were a lot of trees around and close by the fraternity.

As the Equestrian Girls arrived, they set up on a a small multi-tiered stage outside the back doors of the building, facing the majority of the crowd who was enjoying a cookout along with other party supplies. They had three rows, with Cloud Kicker, Windy Day, Vinyl and Pinkie Pie in back, Blossomforth, Arpeggio and Lyra in the middle, and Beautiful Composition, Octavia and Claire Belle in front.

Vinyl tried very hard to keep from being annoyed and face-hoofing at performing so soon since they first started working together.

Vinyl did have one thing to say about the quality of the performance, they got most of the singing down. A little out of tune, but together for the most part; it was their movements that were out of time. It also didn't didn't help that the party was outside and had no acoustics. While they sang, Windy day couldn't stop moving, Beautiful Composition was going too early and Lyra had gotten stiff again from performing in front of snobbish ponies.

Claire and Octavia never really saw any of this since they were in front but could tell by the faces around them that it was bad. Vinyl tried to remain neutral and focused internally, though as a dark blue peagasus demand that they stop, Vinyl focused on Octavia, knowing that her nodes were acting up already judging by how she was gasping and wincing when she thought no one was looking.

After a quiet and pretty quick discussion with the pony hosting the party, Claire turned sharply around to call to the Equestrian Girls.

“Come on, let's head out.” Claire led the way from the field that the party was at and once they were almost to their practice room, turned to face everypony once more.

“I want everyone to remember how you feel right now so you'll never want to feel this way again!” Vinyl rolled her eyes, she couldn't believe Claire wanted to start a blame-fest.

('Cause this is an awesome way to get us to work harder and better. Even I know not to focus on the negatives and I've only been at this for a month and a half!) Vinyl came to her surroundings once more as Claire turned to Octavia and started to chew her out as well; something the white unicorn wasn't going to stand for at all.

“Octavia, what is wrong with you? Your voice is not Aguilerian at all!”

“Oy, you leave her alone, she is working just as hard as the rest of us and you expect way too much after less than two weeks of practice! You're just -” Vinyl was planning on letting Claire have it when Octavia put a hoof on her shoulder and sighed before cutting the DJ off.

“Vinyl, stop. Claire, I'm sorry I'm not up to my usual standards.” Octavia noticed Vinyl's annoyed look and continued on. “I have nodes. I found out a few days ago.”

All the musical majoring ponies gasped while the rest looked confused and concerned, not sure what it meant. Claire's anger dropped away as she put a comforting hoof on Octavia's shoulder as Vinyl watched her from the other side.

“What's nodes?” Blossomforth asked as the others all gathered around to face Octavia, who looked up at the question.

“Vocal nodules. The rubbing of vocal chords at high frequencies without proper lubrication.” Claire responded for the gray mare, sadness laced through her voice.

Everyone's ears flattened as they thought about what that meant for a singer. Vinyl couldn't stand to see the sadness in everyone else's eyes nor the return of sadness to Octavia's and looked to the ground instead. Pinkie Pie was also sad at all these reactions and tried to think of the best way to cheer everypony up; she was getting frustrated when nothing came to mind.

“Don't worry; I will just have to hold back, because of my nodes. I love to sing and singing for the Equestrian Girls; I'm not going to stop until we're the champions.” Octavia gave a small smile to those around her, glad to have so many concerned for her.

Upon seeing the gray mare's smile and knowing that she was going to go through that pain so that the Equestrian Girls could try for the gold once more, everyone's spirits picked up slightly. Pinkie finally found the best way to cheer everyone up and shouted “group hug!” as she pulled them all together.

At the sudden hug session that caught everyone by surprise, they all laughed and did as commanded, which lifted their spirits even more. After the hug ended, Claire reminded them of practice the next day and asked Octavia to speak with her when she had a moment. The gray mare nodded before glancing over to the white unicorn who had a light blush on her face at being part of such a large group hug.

Octavia laughed at the sight of the embarrassed unicorn while Vinyl grumbled at how sappy everything was getting; everyone else was just glad to see Octavia in better spirits and if Vinyl helped her be that way then it was fine with them.

Everyone took the rest of the day off to unwind from the performance and the news about one of their best singers losing the ability to do so and went their separate ways. Claire and Octavia walked away to discuss what this would mean for the team while Vinyl debated staying put and waiting or heading back to their room.

In the end she decided to just wait back in their room, she wanted to make some proper and much cooler music unlike what they were being force to sing.

Author's Notes:

Alright, got a few things for all the readers.

One, has anyone noticed that all the chapter titles are actually song titles relating to what happens in the chapter? (yes, I like and know a bunch of different kinds of music... )

And two, out of curisousity, what is easier for most readers when they read lyrics in a story? The next chapter will have a lot more songs (no skimping on the other parts though, don't worry) and wanted to know what worked the best. Italics in quotes, normal in quotes, what? what about when others aside from the main singer is singing in the background? There will be links for the music, just want to know what most people like when they read lyrics in stories.

All The Right Moves

Vinyl felt hopeful about how things would go from that point on. Since Octavia had told everypony else about her nodes and after the pretty bad performance at their first 'gig' (and Vinyl felt it would be their only gig), the DJ thought that things would change in the Equestrian Girls.

She was quickly proven wrong in the next day's practice. Claire seemed to cling even tighter to what they had been doing though she did ease up a tiny bit, something that Vinyl was willing to debate on how very little she was actually letting up.

The white unicorn promised herself that if Claire didn't let up on Octavia she was going to take matters into her own hooves and soon; the DJ did not want to see her one best friend she ever have be in constant pain because she wouldn't stop singing.

The situation didn't actually require Vinyl to do anything, since a few days after revealing her medical condition Octavia stood up for herself against the demanding pony.

“Octavia, you have to hit that last note! Regionals are a little over a month away, and this has to be perfect!” Claire reminded the group as they took another break.

“I can't. You know why, because of my nodes.” Octavia responded as a few of the others stated 'nodes' or 'her nodes' at the same time.

Vinyl was pleased to see others standing up to the controlling mare and smirked, glad that Octavia wasn't going to let Claire ruin her voice any more than needed.

“Well, then, someone needs to solo.” Claire said with a shrug and frown, she didn't want to remove one of the best singers but she didn't want to really hurt the light-gray mare.

The fact that Claire was giving in surprised most of the others and no one thought to suggest themselves or others for the solo; except for a double bass player who saw the chance and took it.

“I think Vinyl should solo.” Octavia suggested as she nodded towards the unicorn in question.

Vinyl was a little surprised, she was only barely paying attention and was, at the time of her nomination, checking that Octavia wasn't too bad off yet and needed a moment to remember the topic at hoof.

“I wouldn't mind soloing, I guess. If I could choose a different song and the arrangement for it though.” Vinyl nodded to herself, possible songs already starting to run through her mind when they were abruptly cut off at Claire's response.

“No, you'd do the set as is and that's final.” Claire said with a glare and tense smile.

Vinyl was a little shocked and felt her temper start up once more.

“Claire, these songs are old and tired. We have to go with the flow, go with the times and change things up. DJ's and all good singers know this and are constantly keeping up and changing with the evolution of music. If we want to win, we should do the same!” Vinyl stomped a hoof as she tried to present her case to the stubborn pony.

“We stick to tradition! If you don't like it, you don't have to solo. Would anyone else want to solo?” Claire broke from the odd staring contest with Vinyl (it was hard to do when one contestant was wearing sunglasses) and looked at the others in the room.

Pinkie Pie started to jump up and down while waving a hoof wildly in the air.

“Oh, oh, me, me! I'd like to solo! Can I, can I?” Pinkie Pie's innocent joy and excitement of singing lessened the growing tension and caused Vinyl to smile as she mused how it seemed to be the pink mare's talent to make others happier.

“You don't mind, do you Vee?” Pinkie's smile dropped a little as she looked at the DJ, who shook her head no and smiled back at the party mare.

“It's ok Pinkie. I'm sure you'll do fine.”

“Good. Then Pinkie Pie will solo... And please, stick to the set as it's written.” Claire asked as she rubbed a hoof on her temple, having gotten rid of one problem only to deal with another instead. At least the pink mare would do as told and not deviate too much from the plan.

After that, they spent the rest of practice working on the solo that had been changed, with lots of stops to remind the hyper pony to stick to the plan. By the time the day's practice was over, none of the others knew if they should be amused or annoyed at the constant stops; all save for two who were thinking of different problems.

Octavia could tell that Vinyl was upset at Claire's refusal to update their set and waited until they were back in their own room before confronting her about it.

“Vinyl, are you going to be ok?” Octavia sat next to the white mare who had taken a seat in front of her desk.

Vinyl's brow was furrowed as she tried to understand why someone would cling to old ways that it was going to cost them in the long run.

“Why? Why is Claire so dead set on using the same old things over and over again?” Vinyl turned to look at the mare next to her, wanting to see if it was just something she didn't get because of her up-bringing in an orphanage.

“Claire Belle wants to get back to finals and she knows that the songs used before helped them get there. She's going with what she knows has worked in the past.” Octavia sighed, thinking of how tensed and stressed out the cream earth pony has been lately because of it all.

Vinyl shook her head, unable to see how Claire couldn't see how no one else used the same songs twice.

“Octavia, you know things have to change, especially music. You know we won't get far if we use the same thing over and over again.”

Octavia couldn't think of a counter argument, her own experience in music saying much the same; so instead of continuing the discussion, Octavia merely gave the DJ a quick hug before gathering her things for classes that day.

“I'll see you this afternoon, alright?” Octavia asked as she turned towards the the door but glanced at the unicorn to see if she was annoyed by her lack of response for why Claire clung to old ways. Vinyl merely sighed and waved a hoof in a small slightly dismissive circle.

“Yeah, yeah. We're good Tavi, I'll see you later.” Vinyl levitated her headphones to lose herself in newer music before classes started; wanting to remind herself that there was better and up to date music in the world even if someponies wouldn't admit it.

For the next two weeks, Claire ran them through the whole performance as well as some techniques to harmonize and even some improvisation, to the slight confusion of the rest of the team aside from Octavia, who knew what was going to happen soon and worked just as hard as everypony else to get ready.

It was the day of the Music major's performances when Claire told everyone to meet at the old pool on the edge of campus at 10pm that night after all of their clubs and performances were over, for the A Cappella Riff Off.

Most were nervous and yet excited, something Pinkie claimed was 'nervoucited' (whatever that meant), while Vinyl just looked to her roommate for a better explanation. As the others realized that the gray mare was going to explain in a clearer manner than the cream one, they gathered around to listen instead of leaving the practice room right away as they would usually do.

“The Riff Off is something the different A Cappella groups do together in an effort to show off. We'd sing songs based on a 'category' and if you know a song that starts with or has a word from whatever song is currently being sung, you can 'cut them off' as it were. You try to sing the best/most and try to prevent the other groups from doing so. And you have to start on the last word sung or else you don't qualify.”

Everyone's expressions cleared as they understood their objective and while Claire nodded in approval of the explanation. They went their separate ways after that as some got ready for classes or tried to not worry too much about their performances that night; which was the majority of them actually since most of the singers were in some kind of Music Major.

To make it less stressful for those involved, if a pony was to perform that night as part of their classwork, they had no classes that day. Vinyl, sensing that she'd need as much energy as possible, relaxed and took naps during the day time.

Since she didn't want to mess up Octavia who would be performing something different every half hour during most of the three hour presentation, Vinyl tried not to bother her as the gray mare seemed to be meditating on her bed, or had possibly fallen asleep sitting up; the white mare wasn't sure which and didn't want to disturb her to find out.

Vinyl had her whole evening timed to the last minute to be able to watch as much as possible of Octavia's performances with the various instruments that she plays. Unfortunately, the DJ line up was done in order of seniority and popularity, meaning that the more senior and well known DJs went last while the rookies went first; which also meant that Vinyl would miss the first performance of Octavia's as a jazz player with the saxophone, which was something she had been looking forward to. Vinyl had always wondered how an earth pony could play the saxophone but felt it would be weird to ask for a private show to find out.

The music portion of the presentation would take place indoors, in a room that was specially magicked so that the music being played would stay in that particular room and not disturb the rest of the musicians. It had one long hallway with ten rooms that held a different kind of music: the orchestra, DJs, country, pop, jazz, opera, soft rock and hard rock; each was set up so that one end was the softer tones and the other was the harder tones. The doors were to be kept shut for as much as possible though the hallway had special magic on it to prevent most of the sound from escaping their issued rooms. The Clowning Majors was set up in one room while the Science Majors were in the last one, this ensured that neither Major would have to face the elements of nature unless they wanted to; some did in fact need open air, so by the time everything was ready to start it had spilled out from the one building to the nearby vicinity along with the obligatory food and drink stands.

Vinyl couldn't be sure but she thought she saw a certain light-gray mare during her set, though when she searched the crowd afterwards she couldn't find any sign of Octavia and continued with her plan, watching her roommate perform set after set that night. The light-gray mare went through different genres of music and instruments as though it was second nature to her; and after hearing her play, Vinyl knew it to be what Octavia was meant to do in life.

The earth pony played with as much passion as when she sang, bringing life and emotion to both her the music and ponies listening. Octavia soon noticed her white shadow and began to play as though they were only ones in the room, which helped her calm her nerves at playing so much in front of so many. As Vinyl followed Octavia while she went from room to room to perform, the unicorn noticed some of the other Equestrian Girls in the performances nearby doing their own projects.

Pinkie Pie was a rather good clown, doing lots of tricks and feats that the white unicorn didn't want to understand and doubt that she ever would. While she couldn't stay to watch more of the act, she had seen enough to know that it was literally what the party pony was meant to do, bring happiness to others.

Lyra played the lyre in the string quartet with Octavia and Vinyl thought she saw Carrot Top in the crowd watching as well, though it was hard to tell with how many were there to see the quartet perform and it was rude to search and find out.

Arpeggio and Claire were singers, the former of more opera-like songs and the latter of more recent pop-like songs, debunking Vinyl's theory that the cream-colored earth pony didn't know any songs from the past few years at all. The orchestra actually played as back up to a lot of singers, so the white unicorn got to hear the two sing complete sets with the light-gray earth pony providing part of the background music.

Beautiful Composition played in the orchestra as a piano player with Octavia as a double bass. The purple-navy unicorn had actually composed one of the pieces the orchestra played that night and Vinyl had to admit it was a pretty good piece; even though she didn't like classical music all that much.

Near the end of the night's performances, with only half an hour left, Octavia finally finished all of her songs and tried to catch up with the white unicorn before she could disappear into the milling crowds.

“Well hello there Vinyl. Fancy seeing you here.” The gray pony smirked at the sight of the flustered unicorn.

“Oh, ah, well hi. Fancy indeed, ah, uh, this, this isn't the hard-core rockers...” Vinyl tried to seem confused as to how she got there but gave up the act when she saw the earth pony trying to hide her giggles behind a hoof.

“Well, I just wanted to see you were any good at all those instruments you have.” Vinyl explained with a blush as she rubbed the back of her head. Octavia giggled once more as she led the way outside of the room that they could speak without interrupting the last performance.

“So, was I any good?” The gray mare smiled warmly at the white one who was determinedly looking elsewhere as she tried to rid herself of her blush.

“Yeah, you were pretty good; you know, for a classical pony.” Octavia playfully groaned and gave Vinyl a light shove.

“And here I thought we were over this; though I suppose your music isn't as grating on the ears compared to most DJs.” Vinyl raised a brow at this comment, unsure if it was serious or not when Octavia decided to reassure her with a nudge to her shoulder and small smile.

“It was a joke. I did manage to hear you set; I just had to rush back to my own performances, otherwise I'd have spoken to you at the end of it. Your mix was very good, you must have hidden it pretty well since I thought I had heard most, if not all, of your mixes already.”

Vinyl gave a small smile, happy that Octavia liked what the DJ had worked hard to keep hidden in order to surprise the gray mare.

The two friends spent the last half hour before they were to all meet for the Riff Off by getting some refreshments at the stands that seem to be just about everywhere during these kinds of big projects. They discussed the various types of performances that had happened that night, though Vinyl did most of the explaining since Octavia hadn't been able to leave her spot for most of the night.

Before long it was time to go to the old pool and take part in a particular tradition of the college's A Cappella groups.

Vinyl hadn't had much time to explore the campus and had to follow Octavia, who had started to gather a following of some of the other Equestrian Girls who also didn't know where to go. They walked northwards, away from the dorms and sobriety houses, and even a little beyond most of the music classrooms. The pool was really large, going down at least ten feet, and had long since been emptied of its original contents. It was hidden away among the trees, no longer in use after the school had made a deeper one that was indoors in a more central location.

As the different A Cappella groups gathered in the empty pool, Vinyl noticed how some other ponies sat around the edge, excited for the show that was to come. The four main groups stood in the different corners with a dark-gray maned and black coated unicorn stood in the center with a cellphone out.

Vinyl couldn't help but be interested in how the unicorn had a spot light as a cutie mark and that his phone seemed to be a very advanced type, able to project a wheel of choices onto the wall behind him. Almost like he was meant only to spotlight and highlight others and things, never meant to be the one front and center of the stage. She wondered how he was roped into all of this and what his major would be, but shrugged and settled in the back of the group, wanting to see how this played out before she tried anything.

Everypony was chatting together and psyching themselves up when a siren-like sound went off (made by the Hidden Potentials) everyone became silent and looked to the center unicorn. The ponies along the edge stopped playing with the spotlights and focused them back into the pool, some lighting up the different groups while most stayed in the center for the singers who would try to win the Riff Off.

“Welcome to the RIFF OFF! I'm Lime Light, and I'll be your judge for this evening! Are we ready?!” Lime Light looked to the ponies around him who all shouted affirmative.

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A/N: At this point, we get into A Cappella singing. There will be a triple line after all the singing if you do not like to read songs typed out, though if you do continue to read there are links to actual A Cappella singing these very songs (and very much how I hear the ponies singing it).
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“Alright! Our first category is -!” Lime Light shown his phone onto the wall, the wheel spinning until it came to a stop.

“Songs about magic!”

Claire yelped in surprise and excitement, running forward to the center of the pool only to have the Treblemakers suddenly jump forward and start to sing.

“I got the magic in meeee

Every time I touch that track
It turns into golddd

Everypony knows
I've got the magic in me

When I hit the flow the girls come
Snappin' at meee

Now everypony wants some presto

I got the magic in me
These tricks that I'll attempt
Will blow your mind
Pick a verse, any verse
I'll hypnotize you with every line

I'll need a volunteer
How about you, with the eyes?
Come on down to the front
And -”

The teal colored earth pony who was leading the song was cut off by one of the Hidden Potentials, a red unicorn stepping up as she made a cut off sign with her hooves as she smoothly transitioned into her own song.

“And now you're gooooooone

Gone gone gone, so long!

I put a spell on youuuuu
And it was stronggggg

So strong, so strong, so strong!

Your wretched little lives
Have all been cursed
'Cause of all the witches working
I'm the worst

I put a spell on youuuuu
And now you're miiiiiiine

Watch out! Watch out! Watch out! Watch out!

If you -”

The red unicorn was cut off by Claire who stepped forward making her own cut off sign and leading the Equestrian Girls into the song.

“- If you believe in magic, don't bother to choose
If it's jug band music or rhythm and blues

Just go and listen, it'll start with a smile
It won't wipe off your face, no matter how hard you try

Your feet start tapping and you can't seem to find
How you got there, so just bloow your miind

If you believe in magic, come along with me
We'll dance until mornin' 'til there's just you and me

And maybe, if the music is right
I'll meet you tomorrow, sort of late at night

And we'll go dancing, baby, then you'll see
How the magic's in the music and the music's in me, yeah

Do you believe in magic? Yeah,
Believe in the magic of a young girl's soul
Believe in the magic of rock and roll
Believe in the magic that -”

Suddenly Claire trailed off uncertainly as one of the High Notes, a brown peagasus, stumbled forward with a hoof outstretched and tried to sing.

“at, aatt... What kind of magic spell to use
Slime and snails or puppy dog tails
Thunder or lightning, then baby said...”

The peagasus trailed off as everyone stared at her in shock and no one from her own group joined in. Lime Light trotted up next to her and pointed with a hoof.

“The side effects of eating unknown herbs everypony. You are, -” here everyone who knew what was going on clapped their hooves twice and making the cut off sign as well as joining in saying the line,“- cut off!”

The brown peagasus trotted back to her group as everyone laughed a little (herself included) while being shooed away by Lime Light who pulled out his phone once more. The High Notes settled down onto the ground, fine with having been disqualified from the Riff Off, they still got to see an amusing show between the other groups.

“The next category is … Songs about breakups.” Lime Light turned from the wall to face the remaining teams who all jabbered excitedly and started to all come forward when Lyra burst through singing.

“At first, I was afraid, I was petrified
Kept thinking, I could never live without you by my side
But then I spent so many nights just thinking, how you did me wrong
And I grew strong and I learned how to get alongggg

And so you're back, from outer space
I just walked in to find you here with that sad look upon your face

I should have changed that stupid lock
I should have made you leave your key
If I'd known for just one second you'd be back to bother me

Oh now go, go, walk out the door, just turn around now
'Cause you're not welcome anymore
Weren't you the one, who tried to hurt me with goodbye?
Did you think I'd crumble? Did you -”

She was cut off by a dark-golden coated peagasus from the Treblemakers who jumped forward and held his fore-hooves to his chest in a pained way as he began to sing.

“- You didn't know all the ways I loved you, no

So you took a chance,
and made other plans

But I bet you didn't think that they would come crashing down, nooo

You don't have to say what you did
I already know, I found out from him

Now there's just no chance
For you and -”

Just as they were getting into the song, Cloud Kicker cut them off with the signal which turned into a sassy movement of 'no' as she sang.

“- And he don't knowwww

I dug my key into the side
Of his pretty little souped-up 4 wheel drive

Carved my name into his leather seeeeaatts

I took a Louisville slugger to both head lights
Slashed a hole in all 4 tires
And maybe next time he'll think before he cheats

Right now, she's probably up singing some
White-trash version of Shania karaoke
Right now, she's probably saying, "I'm drunk"
And he's a thinking that he's gonna get lucky

Right now, he's probably dabbing on 3 dollars
Worth of that bathroom Poloooo
Oh and he don't knooooww
That I -”

Another Treblemaker stepped forward, his dark blue coat blending into the night around them as he cut the Equestrian Girls off once more as he began to sing.

“- I still love you
Though we touched and went our separate ways

Troubled times
Caught between confusion and pain, pain, pain

Distant eyes
Promises we made were in vain, in vaaain, in vaaain

If you must go, I wish you loooove
You'll never walk aloooone, take care my looove
Miss you, love

Someday love will find youu
Break those chains that bind youuu

One night will remind youuuu
How we touched and went our separate ways

If he ever hurts youu
True love won't desert youu
Youu -”

Vinyl cut the stallion off, thrilled that this style of face off existed and joining in with a passion as she began to sing, bringing her hooves to her chest as she belted out the song with a passion.

“- You're settled down
That you, found a girl and you're married nooow
I heard that your dreams came true
Guess she gave you things, I didn't give to youuu...”

At this point, the other Equestrian Girls joined in, having figured which song it was and providing most of the background while accenting the lyrics as needed.

“Old friend, why are you so shyyyy?
Ain't like you to hold back or hide from the light

I hate to turn up out of the blue, uninvited
But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it
I had hoped you'd see my face and that you'd be reminded
That for me, it isn't over

Never mind, I'll find someone like youuuu
I wish nothing but the best for youuuuu, tooooo
Don't forget me, I beeegg, I remembeeer you saaid
Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts insteaaad
Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts insteaadd...”

By this point, most of the other groups stepped back, watching in awe at the white mare who sound as though she had personally gone through the very same heartache and sung about it for the world to know.

“You know how the time flies
Only yesterday was the time of our lives
We were born and raised by a summer haze
Bound by the surprise of our glory daays.

I hate to turn up out of the blue, uninvited
But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it
I had hoped you'd see my face and that you'd be reminded
That for me, it isn't oovveer

Never mind, I'll find someone like youuuu
I wish nothing but the best for youuu, tooooo
Don't forget me, I beegg, I remember you saaid
Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts insteaad,
Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts insteaad

Nothing compares, no worries or cares
Regrets and mistakes, they're memories made
Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste?

Never mind, I'll find someone like youuu
I wish nothing but the best for youuuu, toooo
Don't forget me, I beegg, I remember you saaid
Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts insteeaaaad

Never mind, I'll find someone like youuuuuu
I wish nothing but the best for youuuuu, tooooo
Don't forget me, I beegg, I remember you saaid
Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead…”

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___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________

The Equestrian Girls finished their song and looked on as everyone else cheered and stomped their hooves, aside from the Treblemakers who seemed a little peeved that they had done so well. The girls were excited and waved to everypony around, thrilled that they were able to sing together perfectly and beat out the other A Cappella groups; perhaps they stood a chance at the upcoming competition after all. Lime Light stepped forward, appearing solemn while Vinyl turned to face him, the others coping the motion soon afterwards, all hoping for news of their win.

“Sorry fillies, but the word you need to match was 'you' and you sang 'you're'. You are-” everyone followed along, the Treblemakers being the loudest “-cut off! Trebles win!” Lime Light waved to the all stallion group who began to cheer, shout and parade out of the pool to celebrate their 'win'.

“WHAT?!” Vinyl shouted in disbelief, she was starting to wonder if she had been knocked out or dreamed up their last song; she couldn't understand how they didn't win, they had followed the rules.

“I've never heard that rule before! Grrr, come on girls, let's go.” Claire ushered the others away from the ponies who were laughing and getting into the party mode while the Equestrian Girls were saddened by the quick turnaround of their 'victory'.

Everyone slowly trotted out of the pool, along the way Vinyl had a bad feeling of what was going to be said and as Claire opened her mouth once more, she gritted her teeth in expectancy.

“I want everyone to make a list of what you did wrong.”

“Oh come on! You can't be serious! 'A list of what we did wrong'?! What we did back there was cool and amazing and we should do more stuff like that!” Vinyl stood in front of the cream earth pony, unwilling to let her brush it off or to not listen to what the unicorn was saying, Vinyl just knew that she had to try and convince Claire to not play the blame game.

Claire huffed at the confrontation pony and threw back her mane before continuing.

“Obviously something had to have gone wrong because Lime Light has been judging these things for years now; he knows what he's doing, so the fault is ours.”

“Wha- ah – grrr. I say that he just didn't want us to win after what happened last year! We were doing great, listening to each other, singing songs that everypony can get into!” Vinyl stomped her hoof to empathize her point. Claire glared at the unicorn and stomped her own hoof.

“That's not true, we must have mixed up the rules and we have to work even harder to prove that we have what it takes!”

“Well I think-”

“The Draconequus feeds on our disharmony.” Windy Day spoke to everyone in general but watched the two arguing ponies, causing Vinyl to cut off suddenly as she heard yet another odd statement from the peagasus and took a moment to look around herself.

They had come to a stop before completely exiting the pool and their argument had a large audience of ponies who weren't even trying to hide their amusement. White ears flipped back as everyone on the team realized that they had become the laughing stock once more and they all stood still for a moment before Claire tried to gain control of the situation once again.

“Ok everypony. Hooves in, 'ah' on my count-”

“Wait, on three or after three?” Cloud Kicker asked while most simply put their hooves into the circle, not wanting to make more of a scene than they already did.

“On three,” Lyra started to say as Arpeggio as tried to help clarify at the same time.

“After three.” The two started their own argument while the others looked on, and Pinkie Pie's eyes weren't the only ones spinning in confusion by this point.

Claire felt the beginning of another headache as Cloud Kicker threw up her hooves and quietly ask to nopony specificity, “why can't we get this right?”

A statement that Claire Belle agreed with a hundred percent, but decided it was already too much trouble and just turned away in frustration.

The others stayed in the circle for a moment longer before following their leader up and out of the pool, silently heading back to the rest of the campus to try and forget the night ever happened.

Before they all went their separate ways for the night, Vinyl pulled Windy Day to side in order to speak with the soft spoken mare.

“Why are you so hung up on this 'being of chaos'? Are you a discordian?” Vinyl questioned as she checked that nopony else was listening in, she wasn't sure what she would say if asked what was going on.

“I believe he will one day return, just as it was prophesied in this book, my personal copy of 'Predictions and Prophecies'. Would you like to borrow it?”

Windy Day pulled from her long mane a book with a light blue cover, which she then offered to the unicorn who was a little shocked that the mare kept such a book on her being at all times.

“Oh, uhm, sure. Thanks. I'll look over it tomorrow and give it back in the day after, I guess.” Vinyl grabbed the book in her light blue magic as she hesitantly turned away from the peagasus.

“Have a nice night then, Windy Day...”

“Good night! May Nightmare Moon not visit you in your dreams this night!” Windy Day waved slightly as Vinyl looked back with a raised brow, unsure if she wanted to comment on that or not.

The DJ opted for silence and merely dipped her head in acknowledgment before continuing on her way back to her room.

As soon as Vinyl entered her dorm room, she was tackled to the ground in a tight hug from a light-gray earth pony who had started to fear the worse when the white unicorn didn't come back right away.

“Vinyl! Where were you? What happened? You didn't try to track down Claire and continue arguing did you? Hey, what's the book?” Octavia noticed the light blue book that had landed onto the ground as she pulled back a little to get a better look at the mare, the book having been released from Vinyl's magical hold as her focus was distracted by the sudden hug.

“Huh? Wha- oh. The book. Yeah, I got it from Windy Day, that's why I was a little late to come back.” Vinyl scratched the back of her head as one of her own hooves slightly returned the hug which Octavia didn't seem willing to end any time soon; even going so far as to continue it as she looked at the book in curiosity.

“Oh? What kind of book? Nopony ever seems able to hear her, I wonder what kind of things she likes. Though you may know, you seem to be able to hear her just fine, and Pinkie Pie seemed to have some extra sense about these kinds of things...” Octavia trailed off as she stared upwards in an unfocused manner, to which Vinyl raised a brow in wonder at the normal sounding conversation happening in a tight hug.

“Yeah, it's because of my hearing; since their so sensitive, I can usually hear what she's saying; which is actually pretty weird stuff... Are we going to continue to sit right in front of the doorway? Not that I mind the hug, but ah, there are more comfortable spots to sit and hug...” Vinyl looked at the mare who blushed, realizing that they were indeed right in front of the door and that she hadn't let go of her roommate during the entire time of their talk.

“Oh, uh, sorry about that. I was worried that you had stormed off and done something you would regret later.” Octavia let go and took a few steps back as Vinyl got up from being knocked to the ground and levitated the book into the air once more.

As Vinyl settled down onto her bed, Octavia got a proper look at the title of the loaned book and was even more curious about what kind of things very soft spoken peagasus may like.

“Predictions and Prophecies? Does Windy Day like fortune telling?”

“Hmm? Oh, no, ah, it's more like she believes them to be true and has apparently been trying to, ah, warn others of the 'impending doom'...” Vinyl raised a brow at the odd sounding reasoning while she glanced over at the earth pony who settled onto her own bed.

Octavia raised a brow as well before both started to lightly laugh at the self-appointed mission of the sky-blue peagasus.

“Well, at least she wants to help others. Any particular one she has been talking about?” Octavia said with a small smile as Vinyl set the book onto her desk before settling down for bed; it was well after midnight by this point, and between their project performances and the Riff Off, both mares were exhausted.

Vinyl debated internally for a moment as she watched her roommate settle into bed as well before deciding to go ahead and paraphrase what Windy Day has been saying since the first meeting of the Equestrian Girls.

“Well, she's been going on about this 'being of chaos' who's a 'draconequus'?”

Octavia rubbed her chin in thought and shook her head in ignorance of who it might have been referring to.

“Sorry, I don't know of any 'draconequus' nor 'being of chaos', which you would think is something they would cover in history class... Are you going to be alright Vinyl? I know that you were upset at how Claire handled our loss at the Riff Off...” Octavia looked over at the white mare as she rested her head on top of her hooves.

Vinyl stiffened a little, remembering the argument all over again before sighing in defeat. She knew that she wouldn't be able to convince Octavia to join her in arguing with Claire and that the gray mare would just be saddened even more at the constant fighting.

“I'll be alright. Yes, it's annoying but I'll play nice with others, especially Claire. Promise.” Vinyl rolled her eyes as she lay on her back with both hooves behind her head, making it so she missed the extremely pleased smile Octavia had on because Vinyl was going to try and get along with Claire.

“Thanks Vinyl... Goodnight.” Octavia softly called as she settled further into her bed, feeling the Sand Pony already calling her to the land of dreams.

The unicorn smiled as she glanced over at the mare who was already falling asleep, glad that she knew the other well enough to put her mind at ease and make her happy with a single promise. Now she just had to try and keep her promise.

“Yeah, yeah. Goodnight Tavi.” Vinyl turned away in order to face the wall before removing her glasses in order to settle down to sleep; it had long since became habit to do this in order for nopony to see her cerise eyes and curse her for them.

Vinyl knew she would need all the rest she could get in order to try and 'get along' with the stubborn cream mare in the morning; a task that she didn't look forward to but it was important to Octavia and that's all that mattered to the unicorn. Though she didn't want to start thinking of why it was so important to keep the earth pony happy and healthy at all times.

Author's Notes:

Alright, two things. One, you should really watch the original Riff Off video, though I couldn't use rap because I don't know all that much rap music. It's called the riff off, and while it would be nice if you could watch the whole scene, it's not on youtube because of copyright issues, so the songs are on there mostly at least.

Two, here is the complete listing of the songs they used in the Riff Off (in order):
-'I've got the magic' by B.o.b.
-'I put a spell on you' used in Hocus Pocus
-'If you believe in magic' by the lovin' spoonfuls
-'Dance Magic' by David Bowie, used in The Labyrinth
-'I will survive' by Gloria Gaynor
-'Cry me a river' by Justin Timberlake
-'Before he cheats' by Carrie Underwood
-'Separate Ways' by Journey
-'Someone like you' by Adele

And one last thing. For anyone concerned that I wrote mostly lyrics that was filler, this chapter is 6,700+ words, only 1,500 or so of it is the entire Riff Off. Still large and good story :)