Crowded into a booth at Sugarcube Corner, sat three ponies who looked just as ordinary as the others who came and went. But these three, had much more going for them.

“So somepony actually asked me to play something by the Rockin' Beats! I told them that was sooooo totally 80s!”

The other ponies laughed at Scratch's story. Even Octavia, which surprised the unicorn.

“I kind of like their old hits.” she admited, blushing slightly.

“Really? I never figured you the type.” Scratch mused.

“What's that supposed to mean?” the ashen pony asked, a fake look of anger.

“Just I thought all you court musicians didn't go for that kind of stuff.” the unicorn shrugged.

“Just because I'm training to be a court musician doesn't mean I'm a snooty Canterlot pony.”

“That's not what I meant...” Scratch frowned.

“I know.” Octavia giggled, playfully tapping Scratch on the shoulder.

“Oh. You had me going there for a while. Hard to see sarcasam.”

The others laughed at the irony of the joke, but were cut short by somepony who was laughing even louder.

“Hard to see scarsam! BRILLIANT! Oh, I got to remember that one!”

“Hey, Doctor.” the others said in unison, Bubbly with a smile on her face.

“We were beginning to wonder if you were going to bail on us.” Scratch said, a smirk on her face.

“Nah! I wouldn't 'bail' on you ponies! I'd take all you with me!” The Doctor beamed.

“Couldn't get Trixie on board, huh?” Octavia asked, staring at her coca.

“Unfortunately no.” The Doctor sighed. “But I did manage to get some information from Twilight about what we're up against.”

“And that would be?” Scratch quirked a brow.

“Not good.”

“You think Luna knows all this too, and just isn't telling us for our own good?” Octavia asked.

“No idea. But if that's the case, all the more reason to be afraid.” he glanced over to see Bubbly cringe slightly at the notion.

“Well then, let's start being friends.” Scratch replied. “If we can get these Elements up and running, we might stand a chance.”

The Doctor nodded. “So, what's on the agenda?”

“Well, we could meet up with Luna and see how she's doing.” Octavia suggested.

“No. She needs her time to think.” the Doctor shook his head, his brown mane flying about. “She said that we would come to her when we were ready. So we got to do something friendship like.”

“How about a movie?” Scratch interjected, a smile on her face.

The Doctor stilfed a laugh, trying not to be offensive but at the same time realizing the irony that the unicon obviously saw too.

“How about you all go see one of my shows? Paying of course!” a voice interupted the cammeradie.

Everyone turned to see Trixie standing in the doorway.

“Finally decided to join us, huh?” Scratch smirked.

“Why do you care?” the blue unicorn snapped, her words more bitter than usual. Her voice sounded like she was trying to hold back tears, but she gave no indication of wanting to cry.

“Is it me, Doctor, or does Trixie seem a bit more....well...” Octavia whispered.

The Doctor nodded. “Yes there is something wrong here. I'll see what I can do.”

“I don't need this!” Trixie spat, her words felt as if they were taking form and hurtling towards the others, sharp and ready. It was strange alright, even for her. With a huff, she turned and stomped off into the night.

The Doctor ran out after her, but she was gone. No hoof prints, no signs of fleeing. She just vanished into the dark.

“Not good...” he muttered to himself.