Faint chirrups caught the ears of Vinyl, who had laid undisturbed on the lounge couch for hours. After a long stretch the DJ sat up against the soft cushions and listened to the medley of birds' songs outside her window. Their choruses signaled a brand new day, though the sun had not yet risen above the ocean horizon.

Vinyl glanced about the room with tired eyes, until a single thought shot them open.

Twink!

An eternity had passed before the DJ submitted to the weariness of her eyes. She waited for the sound of the doorknob to turn, but the noise never clicked, not to her knowledge. But anxiety could only take the forefront for so long, and in time tiredness had taken its place. As a result Vinyl fell into a snooze that never went interrupted.

Vinyl held her breath and looked to Twinkle's room. Its doorway sat wide open as it had all night, not an inch more open or closed. The mare, still in a mental mess from the night, rose and plodded over into the chamber to confirm her assumptions.

Twinkle was nowhere to be seen. In the midst of a tidy bedroom decorated with drawings of constellations and solar systems not a trace of the mare could be found. Her clothes and accessories were neatly stored, and her books were shelved alphabetically. Not a thing seemed out of place but a couple of discomforting souvenirs in the corner.

Leaning against the far wall was a large cello, much like the one she-who-must-not-be-named wielded. It glowed a mahogany hue as it leaned against its shimmering black case. Music sheets sat atop a nearby stand. The paper on top had strange writing across the middle in a style all-too-familiar to Vinyl.

She sorted the papers - an assortment of music scores filled to the brim with notes - and reread the writing on the first page. Across the middle read:

Shoot for the moon; if you miss, you may still land amongst the stars.

~Octavia

Cheesy, Vinyl snarled with a click of her teeth. Classic.

When she let her magic hold on the papers go, they flipped in the air like leaves in autumn. They landed all over the bedspread, covering the dark sheets with white patches. Suddenly, something caught Vinyls attention as a sheet landed upside-down atop the others. The mare spied the paper and reluctantly picked it up. On the back were clustered sets of bullet points, written in unfamiliar hoofwriting:

- Lots of scratching? Sounds like repeated ch noise; very catchy

- Low bass... rounded tuba sound? Hits the gut (in a good way!)

- Strong, string-sounding interludes

(Ask Vinyl Scratch about record-playing machine?)

The list went on to the end of the paper, but Vinyl could not read anymore. Her jaw dropped to the floor where the sheet she held had fallen to as well.

She took notes about my tunes!?

A colossal bell rang off in the distance, bringing Vinyl out of her trance. The deep chimes echoed from the main hall in rapid succession. While the rich rings continued through the air, knocks suddenly hammered on the door to the DJs suites.

Meet down in the plaza! Everypony to the plaza for a campus-wide exercise!

The tone was vaguely familiar, but Vinyl couldn't put a face to the older voice. She lifted an ear to the door to the hall to have another listen; however, the sound of the strangers hoofsteps was accompanied by countless others that walked out or let their murmurs spill into the corridor. Vinyl removed her ear at the sound of one of the doors in the suite clicking open.

What's going on? Tea Time grumbled, sticking her head out angrily.

Morning exercise? Vinyl replied. I dunno. I'm checkin' it out.

Don't enjoy yourself too much, Tea Time muttered.

Vinyl stepped back to pull her roommate along with her, but a click indicated Tea Time was one step ahead of the DJ. The white mare picked up her violet goggles from off the floor nearby and headed for the hall.

Killjoy... but then again, I guess I'm no better.

---

The giant bell continued its ringing from the tower of the main hall. Every student congregated in the circular park of the grounds, which overnight had filled with another foot of snow. The alert and unaware were separated by their winter accessories and saddles; while the ready wore their boots, scarves, or other select clothing, the less fortunate shivered in their spots with bare coats and messy manes.

The wind taunted the latter with chilling blows, and the clouds refused any warmth from the morning sun. The smell of fresh snow and icy air blew through the area without cease. Ponies gathered with their familiars as groups huddled for warmth outside. Vinyl spotted the Ponyville crowd in a small huddle of its own. The majority of them seemed ready for the cold, though they all were still shivering nonetheless.

H-H-Hey Vinyl, Twilight greeted with chattering teeth. H-H-How's it going?

Vinyl dug herself into the huddle head-first and uttered, Fine, I guess.

H-How was the c-c-concert? Colgate asked with a smirk as she ignored her own laughable shivering. Fun like you thought itd be?

Vinyl stared at the ground, her eyes cold and lifeless as the chilling atmosphere in which they stood. I don't wanna talk about it.

The bell ceased its ringing. Everypony started to quiet down as a bulky brown stallion, wearing only a blue and white baseball cap, exited the main hall doors to the right. His dark brown, narrow eyes silenced those he passed by, leaving all to stare at his uncovered coat and horseshoe cutie mark. Following behind him were a few more older ponies, their faces a mix of familiar teachers and other less-known leaders. Only the sturdy stallion did not don a hefty amount of clothing to protect him from the cold.

Is that an instructor? Starlight asked as he lifted his head from the Ponyville huddle.

He teaches the magic dueling course, Gallant replied. Very respectable unicorn.

Upon reaching the front of the crowd of students, the older unicorn stopped and stared at the crowd as the other teachers filed in behind him. He took in a deep breath and exhaled with a sort of snarl on his face.

Good morning, students! he announced gruffly. You may be wondering if your shivering and shaking is worth the torment in the end. The answer is maybe. He scanned over the crowd of students that now stared in cluelessness. My name is Coach Pony Dungy, but you all can just call me 'Coach'. You've been summoned today by order of Headmare Luna to participate in some mandatory fun and games. Since the Headmare herself is on official business in Canterlot for the morning she left me, the academys physical activities instructor, in charge of runnin' this show.

Lyra mumbled to the others, Doesn't getting us up before sunrise defeat the purpose of this being fun?

Sounds nothin' but lame to me, Vinyl uttered in agreement.

Coach continued his announcement, The game that is to be played shall be, by order of the headmare, a scavenger hunt of sorts. All students will participate. If any of you try runnin off... well, good luck trying to outrun me.

The students started to murmur amongst themselves, some in excitement and others in dismay.

Last I checked we were at an academy for advanced magic studies, not magic kindergarten, Lyra muttered, adding to the dismay.

Beats studying, Colgate said, instead contributing to the excitement. I don't mind going on a little hunt.

Lyra rolled her eyes, You would.

To add to the fun, Coach stated, the winners shall receive a special prize to be announced at the end of the game. If I told you now, you might lose incentive for trying this activity at all, and I cant have that. Much of the unhappy muttering turned quickly into curious whispers. Participants are to gather in groups of two or three according to your suite. When youre ready, wait in silence for further instruction.

With a new energy, the body of students quickly organized itself into groups of three mares or two stallions. Vinyl, however, stood alone with her head on a swivel. She couldn't spot either Tea Time or Twinkle in the midst of the hustle and bustle. Once a majority had ceased their shuffling about, Coach raised a piece of parchment he had been carrying underneath his cap and read it over a number of times. When the crowd fell completely silent, the broad-shouldered stallion began.

Your instructions are relatively simple, he said while reading over the parchment one last time. Youre gonna bring me the item or items that are described in the following riddle created by a few of your instructors. The first group, and only the first group, shall awarded the grand prize. Students ready?

Most of the students nodded however rigidly from the cold. Vinyl rolled her eyes as she stood alone in the midst of ready trios. The coach then read aloud:

Fill this artifact with water, from any source or sink,

Once filled to the very brim, you'd best not from it drink.

The number which to bring back is not really all that high:

How many full moons since you've arrived have crossed the evening sky?

Coach, not wasting a minute, raised his hoof and waved it down. Begin!

A sudden stampede trampled Vinyl like a mosh pit high on music overdose. Groups of three charged past her in every direction, to the dormitory and main hall as well as the beachfront and northern trails. Vinyl, however, was stuck to the snowy ground as though it were glue.

Now left behind in a cloudy haze, Vinyl found herself worse off than before trying to find either of her roommates. She tried to peer through the frosty fog, but with hardly any sunlight piercing the clouds she could barely see past her own snout. She waited until the white dust settled, prepared to try and sneak away somehow. But as the environment slowly became unveiled Vinyl realized the line of instructors staring straight at her.

Tryin to sneak out, huh? asked Coach. Or did you lose track of your roommates already?

Vinyl shook her head. Couldn't find em in the first place.

Coach looked left and right, then pointed. Is she one?

On the opposite side of the snow-covered lawn stood Twinkle. Her turquoise eyes were stuck to the ground though she knew the others were gazing in her direction. Vinyl felt herself drawn to the lonely figure across the way. Her heavy steps dragged through the snow, but her heart wouldnt let her stop.

As Vinyl drew closer Twinkles eyes lifted ever so slowly. When their eyes locked Vinyl felt her blood freeze colder than the air that had been chilling her coat. The two watched one another, eyes locked, as their quick breaths puffed into clouds of steam.

Vinyl inhaled a cold breath of air to cool down the painful heat in her chest. She knew just what she had to do, but the thought of it made her tremble, more so than the chill made her shiver. With a nervous gulp she walked over to Twinkle, who watched with growing eyes.

H-Hey, Twink, Vinyl began reluctantly, you never came back last night.

Her roommate gave a cold stare in return. Vinyl stopped and took a step back and tried to laugh off the unease. The awkwardness shook her bones more than the cold.

Look, Twink, uh... Vinyl scratched her head and sighed. I know what I did yesterday was stupid. Really stupid. I mean, I don't expect you to forgive me or anything anytime soon. I know how much you like those string concerts and stuff-

Do you know, Vinyl? Do you really? Twinkle snapped. It sure didn't seem that way when you tagged along just wanting some kind of a... a... rave!

Vinyl started backing away as Twinkle's eyebrows furrowed dangerously.

I know, I know, it was dumb. I went in with my own expectations. Big mistake, Vinyl said. I can look back and say that I totally regret everything. E-ve-ry-thing.

Everything, you say? Twinkle asked angrily.

I-Im apologizing as best I can, Twink, Vinyl stammered. What more do you want from me-?

I WANT MY CONCERT BACK!

Vinyl's eyes felt permanently widened as though a propeller were blowing gusts at her face. Her eyes managed to slip a sight of Coach and the other instructors, all of which had been watching the entire time. Even their faces were full of surprise with dropped jaws and widened eyes. None of them moved an inch nor shifted their tightly-shut lips, their expressions frozen from the shock.

Twinkle wiped her eyes and snout and continued with her sobbing voice, I could barely stand everypony staring at me throughout the evening. Some kept pointing at me, others were whispering about how ashamed I should be. I even saw the orchestra staring at me! They all knew I had brought you along. She choked for a second but managed to clear her throat. I couldn't stand the stares for much longer, so I...

Vinyl felt herself suddenly choking too. Don't tell me you left-?

Halfway through, Twinkle cut in. I got up and walked out. Everypony watched me, even Octav-

Her crying finally drowned her voice in sorrow as her words even failed to form. Twinkle gave up the fight to get them out, giving in to the gasps for air that accompanied the streams of tears that froze halfway down her face. Vinyl, watching helplessly, could feel the weight of the situation falling upon her. The heavy gazes of Coach and the other instructors bearing down on her again did not help at all.

But you didn't come back last night, Vinyl said. I stayed up waiting in the lounge the whole night so I could apologize.

Twinkle regained her ability to speak and uttered, I felt so nauseous from the frazzle that I went to the infirmary. I ended up sleeping there for the night to avoid any more... awkward encounters.

The final blow landed. Vinyl felt her spirits beaten to a pulp as she held back her own tears behind hidden eyes.

I-I'm sorry Twink! the DJ said nearly bawling. I was only thinking about myself last night. I wanted something fun to do, and you made that performance sound like the cat's meow! It drew me in, Twink. You might be into astronomy and all, but you have a secret passion for music, and I couldn't ignore it.

Twinkle looked up into her roommate's eyes. D-Do you mean that?

Look, I didn't mean to pry, but I saw the sweet sheet music in your room. You know, the piece- Vinyl choked for a second. -Octavia signed?

T-The one that I composed?

Vinyl's eyes widened. You wrote that score!?

Twinkle sniffed softly. Y-Yes, I did. You... didn't happen to look on the back of those pages, did you?

Boy, did I! Were you secretly taking notes about my jams?

Twinkle gave a tiny smile. I did find some appeal to the strange sounds you were making back when you first arrived. It was rather what was the word? 'awesome'?

Vinyl laughed and winked. Thanks, Twink. I'm startin' to think your taste aren't really that bad.

Twinkle giggled as well.

Glad to see you two resolved your, uh, issue, Coach said from afar. For your information, the game's still ago. Feel free to jump in, though Im not sure how far youll get.

Vinyl looked to Twinkle, whose eyes were suddenly dancing. You really wanna do this, Twink?

Well, I do enjoy a good game, Twinkle replied. But, if youre not feeling up to par, then I suppose we dont have to-

Not another word. Doesnt matter if I want to do this or not.

Are you sure?

Vinyl laughed. Normally Im a little on the competitive side, but I'll try not to get my hopes too high or anything. Hows that sound?

Her friend nodded. After a second, though, teams began pouring in from all around. They carried with them a variety of items. As they approached the teachers the two roommates turned away and walked to the edge of the park nearest the main hall. When Vinyl glanced over at her frail friend she noticed Twinkle's smile had turned into a contemplative frown.

What's up? the DJ asked.

Twinkle inquired softly, What was the riddle again?

Something about a bowl you wouldn't drink from, and bringing the full moons we've seen so far.

Twinkle rolled her eyes and giggled. Not much to go on, I suppose. Although, the mentioning of glass bowls seems oddly familiar.

The two stood and looked at the sheet of snow blanketing the lawn. Suddenly, the two looked at one another. The two exclaimed in unison, The glass vase from yesterday!

The one Pokey Pierce sat on! Vinyl added.

Yes, given what Colgate said about it being quite big, it was probably not a vase, but rather a... a...

Fish bowl! Vinyl said.

Yes, that's it! Twinkle said excitedly. And if Pokey sat on one in our shadow magic classroom, then I know just where to go!

Vinyl galloped toward the main hall with Twinkle at her side. All right, first half solved! Now what about the second half?

Twinkle dug her hoofs into the ground, coming to a complete stop in a split second. Vinyl slid on the icy surface but caught herself. She trotted back to where Twinkle sat staring directly at the clouded sky above.

What did you say the second clue was?

Something about bringing the full moons we've seen-

Maybe that's the clue about how many bowls we need to bring back, Twinkle remarked. Since our arrival, only one full moon has passed, and that was a little over a week ago.

Perfect! One fish bowl, coming right up. Lead the way, Twink!

The dainty mare led the duo as she charged into the foyer with a speed that surprised Vinyl. They passed a number of groups wandering about, some running around as they were and others sitting on their bottoms, clueless. A few exited the hall with items on their backs or in their mouths; but the two knew that if they were right, then the others were dead wrong. They still had a chance.

Up here! Twinkle said as she rushed up the staircase.

Vinyl felt her head spinning faster than a record until they finally stopped on the third floor. Without a second to lose Twinkle headed for her classroom with a dizzied companion trailing behind. The second Vinyl stumbled ahead to the doorway she was greeted by a head-on collision.

Ow! Vinyl groaned, stumbling backwards. Watch it!

Watch yerself, partner! came the voice of another pony.

Sorry Vinyl, get better soon! came the voice of Colgate. Hurry up Lasso, lets go!

Colgate... you're as good as dead...

The two, along with another, made a full-on sprint toward the staircase. Vinyl got up with her head still spinning, the sensation worse than a headache after one of her intense jam sessions.

Vinyl? Twinkle's voice called.

The mares eyes slowly refocused as she leaned against the wall. Her roommate stood with a glass container balanced on her back.

Are you all right? Twinkle asked.

Don't sweat it, I had it coming, Vinyl muttered as she stood on all fours again. Let's hurry up, Colgate and her minions are ahead of us.

Before Vinyl could make a mad dash, Twinkle shouted, Wait! Don't push yourself!

Please, I've been through worse, the DJ said with a smug smile.

No- that is to say, it won't be necessary, she said. The others that were in there, they grabbed too many!

Say what?

They grabbed three, Twinkle stated.

Vinyl felt a dumb smile coming, which turned into a goofy laugh. Well, let's get goin' then.

The two leisurely descended the staircase as they caught one last glimpse of Colgate and her crew charging out the foyer. Ponies around them stopped and watched as the three cried victoriously all the way. Much of the crowd started searching more rampantly as others started to give up. Twinkle and Vinyl, however, continued on their merry way down and through the main hall doorway, not caring what the others thought or said.

Other groups had gathered in the park circle, some wielding rather strange items and in odd numbers. Seven beach balls surrounded a rather disappointed group, while twenty-one ceramic bowls were stacked beside another. A small line stretched back from Coach and the teachers, who had rejected each trio and duo that had approached them so far.

By the time Vinyl and Twinkle were within hearing distance, Colgate and her company had made it to the front of the short line. The blue mare wore a proud look on her face as she presented the glass bowls. Coach surveyed the three vessels carefully.

With a lift of his head and a smirk she said, Not quite.

Colgate fell over as limp as a dead fish. Her group immediately began growling at the other one as the insults began to fly. Satisfied with the sight, Vinyl and Twinkle approached the teachers themselves.

One, uh, fish bowl, Coach, Vinyl said as her roommate placed the crystal clear bowl on the ground.

He smiled immediately and nodded, THE GAME IS OFFICIALLY OVER! ALL STUDENTS REPORT TO THE COMMONS LAWN!

Though slightly deafened, Vinyl had never felt happier after such a random feat. As ponies poured in from around the grounds most empty-hoofed the two roommates stood front and center. Twinkle was nearly bouncing with joy. Vinyl could feel a similar thrill inside, but in the cold she kept her cool, and instead let the triumph beam through an ear-to-ear grin.

Say, where's the third? Coach suddenly asked.

Vinyl felt her ears twitch. Tea Time? Oh yeah, almost forgot about- She paused as Coach and Tea Time stared her down. She, uh, she slept in.

Coach looked down on the two with a frightening gaze and threatening frown. Vinyl felt herself melt into snow mush.

I suppose that isn't your fault, Coach said with a hint of discontent. The troubled look quickly changed to a smart grin. And I don't see anything in here about a student's absence. If anything, you've shown two heads are sometimes better than three. Now, to address the matter of your prize. The roommates started shaking in their boots, though Vinyl was not actually wearing any. The Headmare informed me of an incident at last night's concert, and so wishes for another to take place. Your prize, as a result, is to choose the artist that shall perform, as well as the audience that may come.

Vinyl's heart started pumping faster than a the crazy beats to her music. Her brain scrolled through the playlist of possibilities. Images of how crazy a real concert would be like at the school flashed through her mind like the lights glistening in sync with the booms. But when she looked over at Twinkle, the desires all started to blend into a blur. She knew first and foremost what she had to do.

Seeing as to how I should expand my musical horizons, I'll let Twink here decide, Vinyl said, to which Twinkle gasped.

Really?

Yeah, why not? I ruined the last show for ya. You sure as heck deserve whatever kind of music you wanna listen to next, and with whoever you want, too.

Coach looked at the two with a grin. His eyes, as well as all of the teachers, eventually rested upon Twinkles tiny white figure and fluffy pink hair.

I have a special request, Twinkle said after a minute of contemplation.

The Headmare said any artist and audience you desire, Coach stated. Have at it.

Twinkle inhaled and puffed out her tiny chest. I know it may pain you to say it, Vinyl, but I would like a performance given by an artist I personally know.

Oh no.

Um, y-yeah, Vinyl complied. Go ahead. I know where youre going with this. Like I said, Im ready to try something new.

Twinkle nodded. Very well. Instructor Dungy, I would request that all be allowed to come to the next concert here at the academy. Regarding my choice of artist, I would like to see- She closed her eyes and lifted her head. -an artist named DJ Pon-3.

Vinyl's purple glasses fell off her face. Twinkle laughed at the sight of the two tiny red dots that stared at her in disbelief.

I'll put in the request, Coach said as he turned to the crowd of students behind the roommates. The decision has been made: the artist known as DJ Pon-3 shall be performing at the academys next concert! All students are cordially invited.

Cheers went up from the park in a number that surprised the two. Vinyl looked over at Twinkle once more, who bashfully smiled once more in reply. The two then turned and watched as a surprising number of ponies were stomping merrily.

Not all rich ponies are so bad, Vinyl, Twinkle stated. Dont let the loud few represent the whole.

Ill take it to heart, Twink! Vinyl said gladly with a smirk. You- I- I dont even know what to say! Wait, what was with that apology before?

Well, with this you wont be able to expand your horizons, as you requested, Twinkle giggled.

From what I saw in your bedroom, you may still be able to help.

Ill give you some things to listen to. Maybe a bit of classical music? Twinkle winked. I think your spicy taste buds use some mild taste testing before your next rocking show begins.

Vinyl let out a hearty laugh. Now you're speaking my language!

Next Chapter: Chapter 15.5 (Interlude): Downtime Estimated time remaining: 8 Hours, 13 Minutes