Later that day, after the disaster that was gym class and school had ended, Artemis and Vinyl made their way from Canterlot High to pinkie pie’s place to met up with the ‘high council’ to discuss the situation regarding Mise and Octavia.

“So, what do you think they will say?” Vinyl asked Artemis as the two walked down the street.

“I don’t know, I just hope they don’t take inspiration from some stupid chick-flick or something cliché like that.” Artemis said

“you know, I should hit you, and for two reasons, one those are ours friend’s you’re talking about as well as their future together, and two
your face make a funny sound when you slap it, but you do have a point.” Vinyl said

“Well thanks for not slapping me and what to do you think they’re going to tell us?” Artemis replied

“I don’t know either but were about to find out because we’re here.” Vinyl said

The two walked up to the house and knocked on the door. They waited a few second before pinkie pie opened the door. She was wearing a long brown hooded cloak that covered most of her body as well as her face.

“Come in weary travelers, we’ve been expecting you.” Pinkie said in a fake raspy voice.

“Pinkie, must you always talk and dress like that every time we call a meeting.” Vinyl said.

“I don’t know, I kinda like it, it has that like old secret society feel to it.” Artemis said

“Aww but I’m so good at it, and thanks arrow, at least someone appreciates it.” Pinkie said

The three then went down stairs to pinkie’s basement where Rarity, Adagio, Cadence, Lyra, Bon Bon, Minuette, Mystery Mint, Sunny Flare, Photo Finish, Derpy, and Berry Punch sitting in around in a circle of wooden seats

“Now that everyone is here, this meeting of the high council can now come to order.” Rarity declared.

“Now that that’s taken care of, let’s start of by having Vinyl and Artemis explain more thoroughly what the situation here is.” Cadence said as
pinkie took her seat in between Cadence and Rarity.

“Thank you cadence, as I’m sure you’re all aware Mise and Octavia, seem to have some underlying romantic feelings for each other, clearly wanting the other, but both too nervous or afraid of what might happen to do anything.” Vinyl said

“and were here today, to ask for your advice and guidance on how to bring these two together, we wouldn’t be doing this if we didn’t truly feel that they want to be together.” Artemis added

After hearing what the two had to say, as well as much debating as to whether or not it was the right thing to do, the council finally concluded to help the two bring Octavia and Mise together.

“Now that we have managed to convince you to help us, how should we go about doing this, and keep in mind we want it to be unique and not cliché, no chick-flick crap.” Artemis said bluntly, receiving a slap from Vinyl

“See I told you it make a funny sound and that was out of line Artemis, it was fine when it was just us but you can’t say that in front of everyone like that.” Vinyl said, scolding Artemis

The council members, Vinyl, and Artemis then discussed various ideas ranging from a night at the park to dinner for two, to having a win a date contest to a night out on the town. They finally decided on a more ‘controversial’ idea, but a good one nonetheless.

They decided on having Octavia invite Mise and Vinyl her last concert of the season coming up later that week, and having Vinyl purposefully not show up, thus opening a window for Mise to swoop in and comfort Octavia and thus win her over.

“So, what do you think, it’s a bit touchy but it’s a sure fire win for Mise.” Pinkie said.

“I like it, but I don’t want to hurt Octavia on purpose.” Vinyl said

“Think of it this way, a chance at true love come once in a lifetime, do you really want to risk that chance. You can always explain the situation afterwards.” Artemis said taking everyone by surprise

“Wow arrow, that was really deep.” Adagio said

“Well I may say things bluntly and talk off the cuff, but I can still be a sensitive and caring person, especially when it come to my sisters.” Artemis said

“Aww, thanks arrow.” Vinyl said hugging him

It was now closing night for Octavia’s performance and she was backstage getting ready as the current act was now finishing up.

“Octavia melody, you’re on in 2 minutes.” A stagehand said poking her head in to the dressing room.

“Ok thank you.” Octavia replied.

She had done this a thousand times, and every time she would always have Artemis and Vinyl sitting front row, up until Artemis moved
away, but Vinyl would always be there, regardless.

When Octavia finally made her way out to the stage she saw that the house was packed, and every seat except one was filled, the one next to Mise, who was sitting front row, Vinyl’s seat.

“Vinyl…” Octavia said to herself as she felt on the verge of tears, but decide push back her feelings and move ahead.

In the back of the audience, hidden far away from Mise’s view, stood a shadowy figure. He had dark blue hair, light blue skin, and he was wearing a classic black tuxedo. He kept a sharp on Mise in the front as well as Octavia.

The performance went on without a hitch, aside from Octavia subtly shedding a few tears at the thought of her friend missing her performance.

After everyone had got up and left, Octavia was left sitting on the stairs next to the stage, crying her eyes out.

“Octavia, what’s wrong, are you hurt?” Mise asked coming up behind her and putting a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Upon hearing his voice and his touch, Octavia stopped crying and looked at Mise with bloodshot eyes, and tear stains on her cheeks.

“I’m fine, it just that, ever since my first concert Vinyl has always sat front row and never missed a single concert. And when I saw that her seat was empty, it just tore my heart out.” Octavia said trying to hold back her tears.

“I’m sorry that this happened to you, I’m sure she had a reason for not being here tonight. You know, you were really great out there tonight, I knew you could play but I didn’t know you were that good.” Mise said, trying to comfort her and change the subject.

“Yeah I guess you’re right, and do you really think I was that good?” Octavia asked, starting to feel slightly better

“I certainly do, that was one of best performances I ever seen.” Said a person from behind.

The two turned around to see a boy a little older than Mise, the same person who lurking in the back of the audience

“YOU, what do want Noteworthy, I thought I left you back in our hometown. Haven’t you already caused me enough pain?” Mise said now visibly angry

“Step aside short stuff, me and the lady have some talking to do.” Noteworthy said as he tried to go around Mise to get to Octavia.

“No, I’m not going to let you get to her. You’ve taken every girl I ever like and then some, but not now, not ever.” Mise said protecting Octavia

‘Did he just say he likes me?’ Octavia though as she watch everything unfold before her eyes

“Oh yeah, so what if I did, what are you going to do about it?” Noteworthy taunted

Mise’s blood was now boiling and his fist were clenched in rage. But Octavia just kept silent, not wanting to get in the way, something she hoped she won’t regret.

“I challenge you to a duel, a duel for the heart of Octavia. If I win, Octavia is mine and you are to never step foot near her or this town ever again.” Mise said

“HA, a duel, don’t you remember what happened last time.” Noteworthy said

“I do, but I’m not the same person I was then, I’ve changed, unlike you.”

“Whatever, I’ll play along with your little duel, name your terms.” Noteworthy said

“Dueling pistols at 20 paces, meet me and the rest of our friends at the old Everfree Mansion tomorrow morning at 7am sharp.” Mise demanded

“Why all your friends?” Noteworthy asked, not really caring anyway

“I want an audience for when I prove I’m not who I used to be.” Mise said coldly

And with that the two went their separate ways, leaving Octavia, who was to wrapped up in her own thoughts and too shocked by what just happened to realize that the love of her life was about to risk his own for hers.

Author's Notes:

i'd like to thank:
Frostguardian for the idea for an "i am Octavia" scene/chapter
Elec for the idea of a competition, granted he/she suggested a iron chef competition
Tuong Lu kim for the idea of a rival.
go check out these awesome people, without them I probably wouldn't have written chapters 8 and 9 as I did or when I did