Gothic

by Wanderer D

First published 3rd of November, 2014

The Magna Anima Nocte is THE musical event. And Octavia has been invited to play in it.

Octavia has received an invitation to attend the Magna Anima Nocte, a celebration of the Night through music—a tradition lost for a thousand years, now born again after the defeat of Nightmare Moon and the return of Princess Luna.

But there, under the light of the stars, darkness churns and awaits, and while the rewards seem promising, maybe there is something to the words a certain gypsy told her. Octavia will have to match wits with other competitors, fight for her right to win and unravel the enigma of Winter Charm, the mysterious patron behind the event.

Chapter 1: Magna Anima Nocte

The night was still. No sound came from the nocturnal denizens of the woods, nor from a breeze shaking the dry leaves and branches of dead trees.

Under the moonlight, rocks started to move. They rolled back into their former places, gravel becoming brick and bricks stacking to become walls. Shards of glass, scattered for centuries, merged together into seamless panes; wooden beams reconstructed themselves; stone arcs reformed and floor tiles mended.

In the garden, weeds died and made way for roses, poinsettias and other wintery flowers. The maze grew back, and the broken statues became whole once more.

Dirt and weeds parted, revealing clean pavement underneath as an invisible wind cleared it of any residue along its snaking length until it reached the bridge in time with the old trees regaining their vitality. The stone anchors for the bridge became sturdy once more; the rusted metal rings from which it hung cleared of rust as the rotting ropes braided into sturdy, oiled hemp and the planks returned to their old solid and reliable state.

And in one of the castle's regrown towers, a ghostly light moved up towards one of the rooms, until it settled next to the window.

The candlelight flickered in the darkness, making the shadows on the wall oscillate like shimmering waves of inky darkness as the candle settled onto a solid oak desk that occupied most of the room, empty save for some scrolls, an inkwell and a raven's feather quill, all waiting to be used.

The quill levitated slowly upward and dipped itself in the inkwell.

Outside, the pale moon's bluish-white light illuminated the wild forest at the base of the castle. As if time had returned, the timber wolves howled their calls into the sky from the shadows where they hid from sight. The wind whipped against the walls, seeping in through the cracks and making the candle flicker even more.

But the feather remained in the magical hold, untouched and unperturbed by nature. Careful of any spills, the feather lightly tapped the edge of the inkwell and levitated over an open scroll.

Slowly it lowered until the tip was just scratching its surface. The feather started moving as the magic commanded it. Wispy golden energy flowed after the careful, flourishing lines and curly ends of each letter only to fade into black ink with silvery tinges.

The letter was slowly composed, the author considering each word carefully, making sure each sentence was laden with meaning. She intended it for the right ones. And only the right ones.

The raven's feather hovered over the letter, as if pondering. Then, with an almost casual stroke, its master's will etched her signature onto the scroll.

Dear Diary,

I have neglected you for a while, haven't I? I've read a few of the previous pages and, my, how much have I changed! And yet, how little.

It's been seven years since I last perused your pages to pen down my thoughts. Seven years! Things have really moved forward in the direction I so-not-naively thought they would. My career has gone well and my music is a constant evolution of strings and beauty.

If ever anypony reads these words, they will recall due to the date that this is the third day since Princess Luna fell ill. Her majesty's sudden illness threw the Gala off-kilter. While Princess Luna insisted it should take place, Princess Celestia could not be swayed. The Grand Galloping Gala was canceled, and with that my last job for the year.

Although what exactly it is that ails our beloved Princess of the Night is unknown, we all hope for her hasty recovery, even if it is too late to save the Gala. I heard from one of the Castle's orderlies that Luna is beset by fever and dark visions, that few guards dare stand vigil outside her chambers because of magics invoked in her delirious dreams. They say that when she is awake, she barely recognizes anypony at all, other than her sister and her sister's student, Twilight Sparkle.

Oh, I forget, my dear friend, I never wrote about that incident with Princess Luna returning and Nightmare Moon being defeated by Celestia's student, did I? I think I have a piece of newspaper I saved to commemorate that there was a morning, the following morning.

But, dear diary, the happenings at Court are really not my concern. Especially if I am not to play at all for the noble stallions and mares of Canterlot.

Truth be told, I am a bit glad the Gala was canceled. Yes, my dear friend, I am glad I am not attending. And it has nothing to do with the horror it became last year, not at all. I have been restless. And as much as I like to say that the beauty of my music keeps evolving, the truth is that I can't concentrate at all.

For little over a week, I have been having nightmares dreams. Strange dreams with a sense of foreboding. I toss and turn, and when I finally succumb to tiredness, I wake up with barely-remembered visions of, well, I can't clearly recall. But they are disturbing.

Not horrible, mind you, as nightmares would be, but certainly disturbing.

It has affected my music. I have been unable to write a single note. I stare at the empty lines begging for me to ink a melody into them, and it eludes me.

My latest piece, “Darkness”, is mired in hiatus as a result. But that is not the worst thing.

Today in the mail, I received a scroll. I didn't expect much of it, but upon opening it, I found an invitation to participate as a competitor in the “Magna Anima Nocte”, a tradition that has been lost for almost a thousand years!

I could not ignore it. I can't now, much later in the day. Even if I have nothing but my old pieces to compete with, and even if my dreams haunt me all through the event, I cannot—in honor of my struggles and career and dreams—deny myself such an opportunity. Which is why, tired and weary, I depart in a few hours for Ponyville. I will be picked up by coach there the day after, and be taken to the Castle of the Two Sisters, where the event is to take place.

I managed, after scurrying about begging favors of friends and acquaintances, to secure the services of Miss Rarity, who is famous for many reasons, most importantly to me, her skills as a designer and seamstress. Our mutual acquaintance assured me that Rarity would be more than happy to help.

I am very grateful for this is an event that demands my wardrobe live up to it unlike the Grand Galloping Gala where I would simply look smart as a performer.

I should go for now, my dear friend. I have much to pack.

Our hostess, Winter Charm, has assured me in her invitation that I will be expected and that a room will be already prepared for me with all the commodities befitting my status as participant.

With such a generous invitation and with such an opportunity, I would be remiss to decline, wouldn't I?

I hope, dear friend, you will not mind me relying on you to clear my mind as you helped me so many years ago.

~Octavia

Canterlot's train station was a hub of activity; trains would depart at specific times, but it never stopped ponies from arriving almost too late and having to dash around in hopes of catching them, nor did the speakers ever truly quiet.

It seemed to Octavia that every time one announcement was made, it would just be dying away as the next began: Star Spangles, report to the police station, your parents are looking for you! Last call to Fillydephia! Train thirty-nine, departing to Manehattan to be boarded at platform eight. And so on and so forth.

It gave her a headache. The acoustics of the place just made everything louder than necessary, and the constant din of ponies conversing, all trying to be heard over one another made the whole experience akin to smashing her head against a wall. Repeatedly.

She sighed and looked at her teacup, still hot. She had about half an hour before she even needed to get to the platform and board and from her vantage point, at the cafe, she had a clear view of it. The train to Ponyville could be easily distinguished from the others.

Where the trains to Manehattan and Fillydelphia were painted dull colors and their cars designed in a uniform, conservative style, Ponyville's train was just the opposite. One car was painted bright pink and had a curved ceiling, followed by a cyan-blue car that had plants growing just outside the windows. The other cars followed the same motif of not having anything to do with each other, and the train's locomotive was smaller than its peers in the station, making it look decidedly cute.

Octavia shook her head. She knew Ponyville to be a quaint little town, but to have that extend to their train seemed a bit much.

“Her Royal Highness Princess Luna has taken a turn for the worse!” a unicorn colt with newspapers piling precariously out of his saddlebags announced loudly, slowly making his way along the platform as his magic waved one such newspaper in the air for all to see. “Doctors wonder if she will live past the month!” He paused to sell a copy to a passerby. “Princess Celestia refuses to receive any visitors!”

The station's noise reduced as ponies stopped their conversations, ears and eyes lowering as the news were bellowed in the station.

Octavia bought a copy and glanced at the picture of Luna, smiling as she talked to Twilight Sparkle. The picture, however, had nothing to do with the contents of the article, which described Luna's worsening health. Her fever had incremented, and she remained unable to awaken at all but for brief moments, in which her eyes would open and she would try to say something before plunging back into unconsciousness and dark dreams.

Princess Celestia had sequestered herself in the Royal Library, along with Twilight Sparkle to pore over books and try to find a plausible cause for this ailment.

Darker rumors had arisen that this was Luna's punishment for giving in to Nightmare Moon, notwithstanding her one thousand year imprisonment in the Moon, while other, more ludicrous ones claimed that Luna was about to transform again into her evil alter ego.

Regardless of the reason, Luna's suffering affected everypony. There wasn't a single soul in Canterlot, and most likely all of Equestria, who wasn't worried about their princesses.

It was hard for everypony to see their beloved Celestia so distraught, and Princess Luna had made such a huge effort to be recognized and loved that she had finally just started to reap the rewards of her efforts. If anything were to happen to the Princess of the Night, all of ponydom would be devastated.

Octavia put down the paper and took a sip of her tea, grimacing. The tea had no flavor at all. Shaking her head, she finished the lukewarm water and stood up, putting her saddlebags back on, and making sure her cello's case was secure before crossing the station to the platform where her train sat.

There was no point in waiting. Maybe inside the train she would get rid of her headache. It would at least be less loud in there than in the station.

She boarded without a problem, and soon had placed her saddlebags right next to her and her cello. Octavia sighed and rested on the comfortable seat. Her headache receded almost as soon as the windows muffled the noise.

Running a weary hoof through her mane, she sank back into the seat and stared at the ponies bustling outside. Slowly her eyelids became heavier, the ponies, donkeys and the occasional gryphon outside becoming a blur. Her eyelids came down for a moment of perfect darkness, before she forced them open again.

Octavia felt herself nodding off. Releasing a slow, deep breath, she leaned her head against the pillowed back of her seat.

The house was a mess. She couldn't remember how it had happened, but she had gone into a rage. She had smashed the windows and thrown her pots and pans across from the kitchen into her studio. Her beloved cello rested on the floor, dented and with all but one of the strings snapped.

A whisper made her turn, as if somepony was talking to her, but she was alone. The light from outside barely chased away the shadows, which withered and crawled around her the moment she looked away.

A deep feeling of unease started to settle on her. There was something terribly wrong with what was happening. Somepony, some... thing, was observing her. She could feel it.

She saw the moon rise. A blood-red orb pulsating with dark energy. She felt trapped. The feeling of unease increased until she was sure she was about to be attacked by something... one of the shadows, or was it coming from outside?

She took a nervous step back, looking around wildly, and she felt it watching her take a step of its own in her direction. She started to breathe faster and turned around, running towards the door, but it seemed like it was so far away! Octavia jumped through the door to her bedroom and closed it.

It was quiet. The room felt old… much older than it was. The bedsheets were still a mess, but dust covered them, as if nopony had lived there in a long, long time.

And then she heard it.

Water. She could hear waves, and for some reason that scared her so much. The sound became louder and louder. The sea would come for her. A sea full of stars, crashing around her home. Her only escape was the closet, but the darkness also awaited her there.

She could either drown or throw herself into something worse.

She swallowed and looked around, wildly searching for another exit. Her eyes settled on her window, and she ran towards it, opening it quickly, she looked outside for a way out, but something stopped her.

Canterlot was disappearing. One by one the buildings, as far as she could see were being consumed by a dark wave of night.

Octavia screamed as the wave crashed on her home, the roar of water drowning all sound.

She jumped in her seat, wildly holding on to the window as the train made its way out of Canterlot. Breathing heavily, Octavia tried to remember what she had dreamed, but other than being watched... there was nothing to remember.

She looked out the window and noticed that they were already out of the city. Looking at the passing scenery, she concluded that she had been asleep for about an hour then.

Trying to take deep breaths to slow down her hammering heart, she slowly pulled out an envelope from her saddlebags and pulled out a carefully folded piece of paper.

Octavia stared at the letter in her hooves. Around her the train heaved and shuddered on its way to Ponyville. The setting sun's light would be interrupted from time to time, breaking the hypnotic quality of the penmanship in the letter for a fraction of a second before her eyes would settle on it again.

She still didn't know what she was doing on a train. She hated trains, even if this one was nice with its curving designs and the warm colors... it was not her type of setting. The constant rumbling; the rattling of the damnable machine... it was a cacophony of distraction, and she valued the little time she had for quiet reflection.

The company left something to be desired as well. Her eyes strayed up from the beautifully penned letter to glare at the white unicorn across from her. She knew who it was, of course. Vinyl Scratch, aka DJ Pon3. Purveyor of chaos and producer of noise that had enough of a repetitiveness that ponies would spasm to it and call it dancing.

Apparently Miss Scratch had decided to sit across from her, of all possible places, while Octavia slept.

The DJ glanced at her, before looking out of the window, nodding and humming to herself in the world her enormous headphones had created for her. Despite their sound-containing design, Octavia could still hear the drums and electronic sounds emanating from it, and mixed with that damnable humming it was almost driving her up the wall.

She briefly considered moving to another seat, but as long as the DJ kept to herself, she could suffer her proximity.

Octavia's eyes settled down on the words once more. It was incredible that something like this would be held near Ponyville rather than in Canterlot. Usually, she would have cast the letter right out of her apartment and considered it a prank rather than a formal invitation. And yet... she felt a shiver run up her spine. There was a quality to it. A certain edge to the lines, that wouldn't let her ignore it. She knew it to be genuine.

Octavia closed her eyes and took a deep, shuddering breath.

The invitation. A chance to be part of a millennia-old event almost mythical in nature. The words called to her heart... her soul tugged at her conscience, and her mind spun into daydreams of... she looked back at the letter.

“The Magna Anima Nocte,” she whispered in reverence.

A legend.

She felt as if a cold wind had made its way into the cabin. Across from her, still lost in her music, Vinyl Scratch shivered and pulled her forelegs closer around her.

Octavia finally leaned down to slip the invitation back into her saddlebags. She groaned in irritation when she had to push Vinyl's saddlebags to the side, but once the invitation was secure in its container, she was able to pull out her history book and lean into her seat.

She scanned the pages, wanting to reassure herself.

She finally found the entry and glossed over it again, having already read the its contents several times over.

The Magna Anima Nocte. Held once every five hundred years for an untold period of time, old enough for its origins to be lost to recorded history. A tradition started in the honor of her royal highness, Princess Luna.

It had been skipped twice: once with the rise of Nightmare Moon, and the second due to Luna's exile. But the Night Princess was back, and apparently so was the tradition.

Octavia allowed her smile to show. She was invited. She would be one of the few who were to be allowed this honor to prove themselves the greatest. At her young age, that was an amazing feat, not to mention opportunity.

All the great families would be there. The affair was incredibly private, and only those of a clear lineage would be allowed to even contemplate attending.

The thought of the crème de la crème surrendering themselves to her music, stepping in perfect, practiced motions of pure, elegant dancing flooded her imagination with its delicious appeal.

She was midway through the third imagining when the train lurched into a stop. Octavia started, shaking her head and dropping her book between her seat and the cabin's wall.

“Dammit,” she muttered, wrenching herself out of the pleasantness of her daydream to try and dig the book out.

Across from her, Vinyl Scratch stretched and picked up her saddlebags, barely sparing anypony a glance as she made her way out of the train. Octavia didn't even acknowledge her, concentrating instead in the vexing process of trying to fish her book out. Her hoof barely fit in between the space, so trying to grab it with her mouth was completely out of the question.

After trying different angles, she was finally able to push it all the way down, where it slid under the seat. It was a simple matter to pull it out after that.

“Just my luck,” she sighed as she opened her bags, moved some of the records out of the way and slid the book inside. She donned her saddlebags and, after slinging her cello's case over her back and securing it, stepped onto the platform with a smile. She blinked.

She didn't own that many records, other than the classics and a single copy of her own, and furthermore, she would never bring them with—

Looking around in a panic, she quickly spotted a conveniently vacated bench. Galloping up to it, she carefully leaned her cello's container against it, and then opened the saddlebags, confirming her fears.

These were not her saddlebags! She face-hoofed. “Vinyl Scratch! That idiot mare didn't even look at what she was taking with her!”

She looked up and towards the town. The cold wind was already raising a slight mist, and the locals were beginning to light up the streetlamps. Ponyville was not a terribly big town, thankfully, or she would have despaired more. She still had tonight to search around.

All her work and ideas for the Magna Anima Nocte were in her bag! Sure, she had practiced but... what about last-minute revisions?! No, this would not do.

Gathering her thoughts, Octavia took a deep breath and released it, clearly visible in the cold air. She closed her eyes and breathed again. She would have to find Vinyl Scratch. There was no other option… except she had an appointment to attend first. But then… then she would hunt down Vinyl Scratch, and that mare would learn once and for all to stay away.

Her purple eyes focused on the street just outside the station. With a sigh and a resolute nod, she took the saddlebags and cello and set out.

“Trust me, Miss Philarmonica, the dress will be be fabulous,” Rarity assured her. “So please stop fidgeting!”

Octavia sighed and tried her best to remain still. “I'm sorry, Miss Rarity, I happened upon a bit of an issue earlier tonight and my mind is still on it.”

“Oh, I am sorry,” Rarity said, pausing for a moment. “It must be an important event for you to be so nervous.”

“It is a very important event, Miss Rarity, which is why I came to you,” she smiled a bit as she spoke. “I heard good things about your designs at one of Mr. Fancy Pant's events, and since I was on my way... I figured I might as well make an appointment. I am sorry that it's on such short notice. I was not aware that I would be invited until... well, last night.”

Rarity nodded. “Well dear, at least you had the presence of mind to book ahead, even if it was just a day.” She used her magic to simultaneously take several measurements. “And to think that my designs are still being talked about in Canterlot!” She giggled.

Octavia merely nodded, her mind adrift, worrying about what mischief Vinyl Scratch would be perpetrating on her missing saddlebags. When she noticed Rarity looking expectantly at her, she shook her head. “I am terribly sorry, Miss Rarity, I'm afraid I missed your question.”

“It's quite alright,” Rarity assured her. “I was just wondering what problem might ail you. It's normal to be nervous for an important event, but you are used to performing in front of crowds!”

Octavia smiled a little. “Well, yes, but the nature of my predicament is a bit more immediate and vexing than the opinion of my audience...” She bit her lower lip. “The mare that sat across from me in the train accidentally took my saddlebags instead of her own. My invitation to the event was there, and I've no means of contacting the host.”

“Oh my,” Rarity gasped. “But worry not, Miss Philharmonica, if it's anypony from Ponyville, I most definitely know where they live! Do you know the name of the mare by any chance? Or perhaps her cutie mark?”

“Oh, I know her alright,” Octavia growled. “Vinyl Scratch. But I don't think she lives in—”

“Ah, but of course!” Rarity spoke up with a grin. “Vinyl Scratch! Why, if she hadn't introduced me to the pleasure of listening to your music I'm afraid I would—”

“Wait, what? How did she introduce you to my music?” Octavia interrupted, her eyes widening.

Rarity blinked. “Oh. Do you mean to tell me you don't know?”

Octavia sighed. “Miss Rarity, I am barely an acquaintance of Miss Scratch; I have no idea what it is that I am supposed to know.”

“I'm sorry,” Rarity said. “I am just surprised. Vinyl Scratch has an extremely popular piece which starts with one of your own... 'Air.'” Rarity's horn flashed, and an LP floated out of its place on a shelf.

Octavia recognized it instantly. It was one of the few records she had published.

“What?!” Octavia almost shouted, reining herself in at the last moment. “But! How could she-I never let her! She... oh, Celestia, she is going to get it!”

Rarity made soothing motions with her hooves. “Calm down! Calm down! I assure you it's done nothing but good! Why, more half the ponies in Ponyville know who you are because Vinyl tells everypony it's an arrangement in honor of your piece!” Rarity pulled out a magazine and showed it to Octavia. She could see Vinyl Scratch on a picture in it and under it an interview, where she, Octavia, came up as an inspiration for the DJ.

“I-I don't know what to say,” Octavia sat down hard, eyes staring blankly. “I-I always thought that Vinyl—”

“She's performing in an hour or so at Sugarcube Corner,” Rarity said. “And she'll be staying there the night; she's good friends with Pinkie Pie. After we are done here, you can head straight there and find her.”

Octavia was again speechless. She had thought it would have taken her some time to find Vinyl Scratch, but it never occurred to her that in a small town like Ponyville, everypony would know each other. She became aware of Rarity having said something. “Oh, I-I'm sorry, Miss Rarity. As you can see, my mind is all over the place. What was it that you asked?”

“Don't worry,” Rarity smiled. “I simply asked what the occasion is! Not much happens around Ponyville that requires my expertise in formalwear.”

Octavia sighed. “Only the most important moment of my career,” she whispered, then spoke louder. “It's a... secret event, a celebration of the night, but one that carries incredible weight with it. I am... competing.”

Rarity's eyes widened. “Well then,” her magic flashed and suddenly several more fabrics floated out, along with blank scrolls where several designs started taking shape.

Octavia gasped at what she was seeing. The materials alone...

“I-no, Miss Rarity, I must insist that you keep within my budget! I cannot afford this!”

“Nonsense, this won't cost you a single bit extra,” Rarity said, waving a hoof dismissively.

“But.. the gold threads—”

“Ah, yes.” Rarity sniffed in annoyance. “Whatever was I thinking? That does not go with your coat and mane! And you said this is a celebration of the night? Then we must play to it! My original design will not bring out that sense of unity with it! No, we must play with everything we have, your eye color, your mane, your coat! Even your cutie mark!”

“But, Miss Rarity, I cannot possibly afford this!” Octavia begged as purple velvet spiraled out of the fabrics along with black silk.

“I'm sorry, Octavia, but I cannot let you present yourself for such a monumental social task wearing what we had agreed earlier.” Rarity shrugged. “and like I said, this won't cost you an extra bit.”

Octavia quieted down as the unicorn fussed around her, comparing materials and colors. Getting sudden inspirations and discarding them just as quickly. After a few minutes she sighed.

“Why?”

“Mmh?” Rarity hummed distractedly.

“Why are you doing this?”

Rarity actually paused. “Because,” her voice was soft, and yearning. “Because the one chance in a lifetime should never be ignored, and we should never have to face it except at our best.” She raised her eyes to meet Octavia's. “Win. And look fabulous while doing it.” She smiled a bit more. “And if you insist on payment, consider this a repayment for the beautiful music you brought into my life.”

She resumed working, refusing to meet Octavia's eyes.

“I will,” the musician said after a moment of silence. “And... thank you for your generosity.”

Chapter 2: Trixie's Warning

After much insistence from Rarity that her dress would be ready the next day, Octavia finally left the Carousel Boutique and headed for Sugarcube Corner in search for Vinyl. She glanced from the purple split door to the fluffy white scarf that the seamstress had insisted she wear.

It lessened the bite from the chill, and felt so soft around her neck and shoulders that Octavia had already declared it her most favorite scarf. Ever. It also helped that Rarity had sworn up and down that it complemented Octavia’s coat perfectly.

Snow had already coated Ponyville in a white blanket, and as she hurriedly trotted towards the bakery-turned-events-hall, she couldn’t help but appreciate the beauty of it. Day gave way to night and ghostly lights shimmered into view, weaving in and out of trees, glowing warm and softly as the moon rose.

Couples and small groups of ponies walked together, some ponies already wearing bright scarves or hoof warmers. They paused and talked under flickering lamp lights, drinking hot chocolate or telling jokes to each other.

Doors had already been decorated with wreaths and silver bells with red bows tying together pine branches. There were even some candle-lit silver moons in honor of Princess Luna. Ponies would tie little scrolls to the bases of each decorative moon, writing inside their wishes for their princess to recuperate soon.

Octavia slowed down and took it all in. The fluffy snow under her hooves, the cold wind against her warm fur and the laughter and warmth of everypony around her. She looked up at the moon, and her eyes were caught by the lights that adorned the the street.

Hovering forms made of light would dim and twirl in place, allowing the next set to grow stronger. They were shaped like snowflakes, moons and suns and stars... bows and bells, crystal champagne glasses and sparkling fireworks, yet never shining stronger than the full moon. And above, twinkling stars watched over the small town so far below.

The feeling of calm, the clarity of the night, the welcoming warmth of Ponyville— it all made Octavia feel... small. A pony shuffled past her, brushing the saddlebags she still carried, and breaking the spell.

Reminded of what she needed to do, Octavia hurried towards the Sugarcube Corner. She very much doubted that Mrs. Scratch would be able to perform without her LPs.

Was she really an inspiration for Vinyl Scratch? The other pony had seemed so… aloof in the train, and her music was nothing like her own. Electronic abuse of LPs hardly qualified as music.

Shaking her head, Octavia chased away the thoughts as she finally reached her destination. The confectioner's decorations were buried under snow, but she could still see the candy cane decorations on the sides of the front door.

A big sign at the door declared the place "Closed for Party Preparations! Reopening at 8!"

She walked up to the entrance and knocked, waiting patiently for a few moments before knocking again. She could hear voices inside, but it appeared that nopony had heard her. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open and peeked in.

The warmth of the room hit her like a blanket that smelled of cookies and spices. Octavia looked around the main room, stepping in a bit further, eyes scanning the several pastries and the area cleared of tables in the center, presumably for ponies to dance. Streamers and balloons decorated the room, seemingly thrown at random, but somehow managing to strike a nice balance that made it look, at the same time, carefully placed.

A fountain of sarsaparilla sprinkled gently in the center of a table covered in all sorts of cupcakes, cookies, muffins, fudge, cakes of several sorts and candy.

Behind the counter, Vinyl and another mare stood facing each other, neither aware of their visitor.

“I’m telling you, Pinkie! I can’t do my thing without my LPs!” Vinyl Scratch said, waving her hoof for emphasis. “All my stuff was in there! I can produce only so much from my magic alone! It’s a balance of styles and music that requires very specific combinations!”

“Well…” Pinkie pondered for a moment, tapping her hoof on her chin. “I have some LPs from your previous concerts! Would that work?”

Vinyl grimaced. “It… it’s not the same. I don’t want to pretend to be making the music if it’s just going to be a recording. Might as well not be here at all.”

Pinkie shook her head. “Well, what about those saddle bags you brought? Isn’t there something you could use?”

Vinyl flinched. “I- they’re not mine. I picked up the wrong ones at the station.”

“Ohh!” Pinkie Pie gasped, nodding sagely. “Well if not that then…” her eyes strayed across the room and centered on Octavia, who had just approached them after shutting the door. “Hello! Don’t I know you? You look familiar!”

She bounced over to Octavia and smiled. “Hi! If you’re here for the party is not due to start until about thirty minutes from now! Although it might not happen because Scratchy lost her LPs!”

Octavia noticed that Vinyl had her mouth hanging open and was staring, eyes wide, in her direction. She smiled at Pinkie Pie. “Yes, we have met, Miss Pie. At the Grand Galloping Gala wh—”

“Oh! Oh! I remember!” Pinkie giggled. “You helped me with the Pony Polka!”

Grimacing, Octavia half-nodded. “Yes. Well, I wouldn’t call it helping... exactly.”

“Oh, you know you did!” Pinkie Pie laughed, placing a foreleg around Octavia’s shoulders and leaning in conspiratorially. “Besides, you knew that that Beet-Hooven’s piece the director selected was too boring to keep ponies awake!”

Octavia’s eyes widened. “What? Of course not! Beet-Hooven’s pieces are some of my favorites and—”

“The pony polka was more fun!”

“W-well, not that it’s not fun to play bu—”

“The more fun it is, the better!”

Octavia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Regardless of the polka’s more livelier aspects over Beet-Hooven’s regular work, I did not come here to discuss the… merits... of either. I was in the train with Miss Scratch and I believe she accidentally took my saddlebags.” She carefully placed Vinyl’s bags on the floor next to her. “So I brought hers, and if you don’t mind, I’d like mine back.”

That snapped Vinyl Scratch out of whatever trance she was in, and she almost stumbled as she nodded and tried to step forth. “Y-yeah! Sure! Right away!”

In a split second, she had galloped away past a wooden door behind the counter. Octavia and Pinkie could hear her scrambling up the stairs, and a loud ‘oof’ and a bump accentuated her scrambling perfectly.

“Wow, I haven’t seen Vinyl run that fast since that time in Canterlot the ponies in her party stomped so hard the floors of the building gave under the stress and weight, and then they did it again on the floor below and the Royal Guard was called in to put a stop to them!”

Octavia arched an eyebrow. “I am not sure whether I should be impressed or horrified.”

“Improrrified!”

“I see.”

The scrambling resumed and this time they could hear Vinyl clearly galloping down the stairs. The door slammed open and Vinyl stepped out, horn aglow and Octavia’s saddlebags hovering behind her.

“I’m so sorry, Miss Philarmonica!” Vinyl said, gasping and taking a deep breath to calm down before approaching Octavia. “I wasn’t paying attention. I promise it wasn’t intentional!”

“Thank you, Miss Scratch.”

“Oh, please call me Vinyl! Or Scratch.” Vinyl Scratch grinned.

Octavia shook her head and smiled. It was odd that this mare was a fan of hers, but now that she heard her, it was clear that Vinyl Scratch had a lot more respect for her than Octavia had ever reciprocated. This gave her pause.

“Then feel free to call me Octavia,” she replied after a moment, before putting her saddlebags on. “I’m just glad that we were able to find each other and sort our saddlebag dilemma so quickly.”

“Aww…” Pinkie Pie pouted. “You’re not staying for the party?”

“I… wasn’t planning to,” Octavia said. “I wasn’t invited, after all, and it would be rude to impo—”

“You’re invited!” Pinkie shouted, hopping around Octavia, all smiles and somehow leaving a trail of glitter and confetti behind her.

Octavia gave Vinyl a bewildered look, to which the other mare simply smiled and nodded at the pink menace before adding, “That’s Pinkie Pie!” As if it explained everything.

Following the pink pony as she jumped around the room adding more sweets to the table or randomly producing inflated balloons out of nowhere, Octavia finally conceded to herself—as much as to Vinyl—that it did indeed explain everything.

It hadn’t taken long for other ponies to soon start shuffling into the bakery-turned-party-venue. The door was almost perennially open, allowing anypony with a mind to it, entrance. The enticing smells, warm food, drinks and the soft-beat music they played before the main event started were certainly all factors in bringing the small community together.

Nursing a steaming cup of warm, spiced apple cider, Octavia had taken a seat at one of the few single tables that lined the walls, out of the way of most of the gathered ponies, and certainly as far as she could be from the chill that wafted through every time a pony stepped in.

And still, as happy and lighthearted as this reunion seemed, Octavia could see the traces of wariness in all ponies attending. Even the liveliest of occasions would not take away the shadow that Princess Luna’s illness cast over all of Equestria, and more than one pony was involved in hushed, worried conversations guessing the status of their beloved ruler.

As the night matured, the room filled with more and more guests, until Octavia’s little niche was surrounded by ponies, all of them talking to each other, smiling, chatting, and worrying.

An explosion of confetti and streamers demanded the attention of everypony present to the stage built on the opposite end of Octavia’s location, where Pinkie Pie stood, grinning at all her guests.

“Hiya, everypony!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, bouncing in place and smiling wider, if possible. “Thank you for coming tonight! We have some very special ponies visiting tonight, but first of all I want to let you know that although she couldn’t be here, Princess Luna sends her regards to all of us!”

Octavia blinked at the informal way Pinkie referred to the princess. Had they actually—

Pinkie Pie waved a rolled-up scroll which gleamed with the clear symbol of Princess Luna’s court.

Octavia reminded herself to close her mouth.

“Now, we are all worried about the Princess,” Pinkie said, looking suddenly serious. “But we all have met her, and we know how much she enjoys having fun! So, tonight this party is dedicated to Princess Luna! We are going to have fun, everypony, and our fun will make her stronger! Twilight is already helping Princess Celestia in finding a cure, and we know how reliable Twilight is, right? So! Tonight, we party! And we celebrate Luna and the night and all the frightful tricks she plays on us! We’re not gonna let a little cold ruin her night, are we?!”

A resounding “no!” came from the gathered ponies and Pinkie Pie stood on her back legs, forelegs outstretched up and grinning madly.

“Then, let’s party!” she shouted. “And for things to get going, give a hoof to Vinyl Scratch!”

And just like that, the worries melted from all ponies attending. The conversations became livelier, the smiles came to ponies faces much more easily.

Octavia stayed where she was, watching as the ponies around her, stood up and joined the mass in the dancing floor. Vinyl Scratch stepped smiling onto the stage with two vinyl records spinning around her, enveloped in her magical aura.

With a dramatic flair she sent both spinning discs over the crowd, leaving contrails of sparkling red and purple, before they performed a loop and landed right on her turntable. The ponies in the floor all fell silent as the soft sound of a cello slowly drifted across all of Sugarcube Corner.

Octavia’s eyes widened as she recognized her portrayal of Cello Sonata in a minor D, by Horse Schubert. The piano and cello’s more somber introduction was left intact, looping twice unblemished… before, on the third repeat, a decidedly electronic sound emanated with it, interlacing itself with the piano and cello, but this time there was no loop, and as the melody became more playful, the electronic—or was it techno? She was never sure—music followed. It didn’t follow the full melody, of course, and within a few minutes it was mostly electronic, with her music coming up and dictating the mood of the music. Somber to happy. Happy to somber.

Octavia shook her head. Never had she witnessed classical music be so overwhelmed by synthetic sounds. And yet... a smile spread on her lips as she tore her eyes away from the mass of dancing ponies to her warm cider.

It was her music that made the piece.

She took a sip of her cider, barely registering the movement of another pony shuffling close to her, until the pony sat across from her at her table. Blinking, Octavia slowly lowered her cup, and took note of the unicorn across from her.

She wore a purple cape and a hat, both decorated with stars. The interloper was completely ignoring the rest of the crowd, staring instead, intently at Octavia, who looked at her quizzically.

“May I help you?” Octavia asked, narrowing her eyes.

“I am here to warn you, Miss Philarmonica,” the unicorn said without preamble, “that the Magna Anima Nocte is not what you think it is.”

Octavia half stood, her agitation clear even to her as she clenched her mouth. “What—”

“It’s dangerous,” the unicorn stated, not cowed at all by Octavia’s demeanor. “Those who attend will not come out unchanged… and it will not be a change for the better, if they come out at all.” The unicorn stood, and stepped to the side, clearly intent on leaving.

“Wait. How do you know I was invited?” Octavia asked, leaning towards her. “Why is it dangerous?”

“You’ve been warned,” the other mare replied, giving her a wary look. “And not only by me. Have you been having weird dreams, Miss Philarmonica?”

“I—” Octavia cut off, looking away. ‘How does she know?’ She turned back to confront the unicorn, but she was gone. The only sign that she had been there at all, was the door closing behind the tip of her cape.

The party had continued as if nothing had happened, which for most ponies there was the truth. Vinyl had a few more mixed songs, using samples of Octavia’s music to guide her own melodies. Every time she started a new one using them, she would look up at Octavia, as if waiting for her to stomp off angrily or to confront her about using her music.

Octavia, however, had her mind on something else. Yet, the music on the background, and her own innate love and admiration for music would not be ignored. Her mind afar, she still found herself sometimes tapping the table and floor with her hooves, or nodding alongside the rhythm of the music.

It was particularly embarrassing whenever Pinkie Pie came by and refilled her empty mug with warm cider. Every time she would look startled, and more than once she thought she caught Vinyl smiling in her direction when she looked wildly around to see if anypony had noticed.

Her thoughts would inevitably go back to her discussion with the strange mare. How could the mare possibly know that her dreams had turned into uneasy nightmares? Why would anypony attending the Magna Anima Nocte be changed for the worse? And that implied threat… just what did that pony know?

“So! How did you like it?”

Vinyl’s voice made Octavia jump back and look up in surprise at the unicorn sitting across from her. “How long have you been there?”

“A couple of minutes. After the music ended…” Vinyl motioned to the side, and they both watched several ponies talking, much more mellowed down. “I thought you had noticed, that with the tapping and nodding to it stopping as well.” Vinyl had a shit-eating-grin on her face as she said that, and Octavia had to fight her gut reaction to set it right.

Octavia sighed instead, reigning in her retort. “It was very interesting, Vinyl. I can see the appeal for it.”

“So… you’re not mad I sampled your music?”

Octavia considered the question for a moment. “I suppose it would have been nice to know,” she said. “But sampling is allowed.”

“Great!” Vinyl smiled. “Can’t wait for when I mix more of our music! Maybe we can do a thing together!”

“Don’t get too ahead of yourself,” Octavia said, looking straight at Vinyl. “I think what you have done so far is nice, but us working together might require a lot of adjustments.”

“Is that a yes?”

“It’s not a definitive no.” Octavia sighed and finished off her mug, as Vinyl’s smile diminished. “Vinyl, your music is lively and interesting, but although you used the samples and music I made to give yours a direction and turn it into your own thing, it needed some balance. It’s great party music, but if we ever were to do this—and I am not promising we will—I don’t want my music to drown in yours.”

Vinyl bit her lower lip before nodding. “I-I understand. I’ve been struggling with how to do that. It’s not just a matter of pumping up the volume in the right places.”

“I really enjoyed it,” Octavia offered, trying to cheer Vinyl up. “It’s a bit rough, but it shows a lot of promise.”

Vinyl nodded. “So…” she raised an eyebrow. “What did Trixie say to you? It seems to be really bothering you.”

Octavia blinked. “Trixie?”

“You know, unicorn, blue coat, magician’s hat and a cape full of stars?”

“Oh.” Octavia shifted a little, unsure if she wanted to tell Vinyl about her doubts. But perhaps, finding more about this ‘Trixie’ would help her understand why the other mare was so... strange. “You know her?”

Vinyl laughed. “Everypony in Ponyville knows Trixie. She’s a stage magician and professional annoyance. With all her “The Grrrreeeeaaat! And! Powerrful! Trrrrrrrixie!” gimmick. She’s gotten the town in trouble a couple of times.”

“She wasn’t at all like that,” Octavia said. “She was… much more subdued, although I guess there was a bit of dramatic flair to the way she turned.”

Vinil seemed, for once, speechless. “Wait, what? Octavia, the words ‘Trixie’ and ‘subdued’ don’t go together in one sentence unless the words ‘Gigantic Star-Spawned Bear’ are included in it.”

“Wait,” Octavia shook her head, trying to process that. “What?”

“What I’m saying is that she never acts like that! What did she say?”

Octavia looked away. “It’s about… this event that’s going to happen soon and—”

“The Magna Anima Nocte?”

Octavia felt a chill run down her spine. “How did you know about that?” She looked down at her saddle bags. “Vinyl Scratch, did you go through my saddlebags?!”

Vinyl cringed guiltily. “That’s not how I know about it!” she said quickly, making Octavia pause. “I got an invitation, see?”

Her horn lit up and her own saddlebags opened. A familiar envelope floated out, settling just in front of Octavia, who didn’t resist the urge to open her own saddle bags and pull her invitation out. “Did you know?” she asked after a moment of silence.

Vinyl blinked. “Know what?”

“That I was invited to the Magna Anima Nocte. Is this why you were trying to be so friendly to me?”

“No!” Vinyl’s vehemence took Octavia by surprise. “That’s not at all!” Vinyl continued. “Octavia, I’ve been a fan of yours for a long time. I had no idea you were here for the MAN, but I promise you, I’m not trying to be nice just to mess with you over a contest. I promise!”

Octavia settled back into her chair. It was hard to read Vinyl behind her glasses, but her body language spoke of a desperate need to be believed, and her voice definitely sounded like she was truly upset. “Okay, okay, I believe you. Even though I don’t approve of the disrespect you show such an ancient tradition by calling it ‘the MAN’.”

Vinyl sighed in relief.

“But it still doesn’t explain why Trixie knew about it… or—” Octavia cut off, not willing to discuss her dreams with Vinyl.

“Or what?”

Octavia shook her head. “Nothing.”

Vinyl nodded sagely. “Trixie has a real ability to get under anypony’s skin. Her show thrived for the longest time by simply having her upstage anyone that defied her or doubted her. She can be unnerving if she wants and definitely annoying.”

Octavia stifled a yawn, and blinked at the grinning unicorn. “Oh my, I’m sorry Vinyl, I’m just very tired. I think I should head to the inn where I’m spending the night.”

“Nah, it’s fine,” Vinyl waved her hoof dismissively and looked around Sugarcube Corner, sunglasses reflecting the ponies and decorations with an added reddish tint. “The party here is almost done. Let me walk you to the Inn, I know this town pretty well!”

“I can tell,” Octavia said with a smile. She stood up and picked up her saddle bags, making sure there was no confusion before she slid her invitation back in. Wrapping her fluffy scarf around her neck and pulling her cello onto her back, she nodded at Vinyl. “Ready to go.”

The chill outside Sugarcube Corner was actually a welcome feeling for Octavia. Sporadic, specks of snow floated down from the sky, shining silver and then gold as they transcended from the light of the moon into the glow from the streetlamps before settling silently into the snow on the road.

Beside her, Vinyl Scratch took a deep breath, smiling openly at the sight before them. “I love this little town. It’s like they pulled it out of those Hearths Warming Eve foal books and made it reality.”

The comment brought a smile to Octavia. “It is very nice. On my way to the party earlier, I had a hard time not stopping to take it all in and bask in how different and ideal this place is. It’s as if nothing could ever go wrong.”

Vinyl chuckled, motioning with her head for Octavia to follow. “Let me give you a quick tour of the town before you go to the inn.”

“You know which inn I’m staying at?”

“In this town? There’s only one inn.” Vinyl’s smile was just as honest as earlier. “The Pasture Shelter right? It’s a nice place, stayed there the very first time I visited.”

Octavia merely nodded, following Vinyl through the crunchy snow. By now there were no foals playing around, and the streets were mostly empty, save for the few ponies heading home after Pinkie’s party.

If it had been already beautiful before, now, in the silence and peace of the night, Ponyville had an almost ethereal feel to it. It really did look picture-perfect, and Octavia nurtured the thought of staying there forever. After all, Canterlot could be a completely beautiful city, especially during the holidays, where the main streets would be decorated so fancifully that it would seem like another world… albeit a grand, almost overwhelmingly distant world.

Ponyville, on the other hoof, was simply… simple. In a good way. Less hustle and bustle, less stress and less pretentiousness. She kept an ear on Vinyl’s short comments on the several places of note in town, until Vinyl fell silent as they left the edge of town.

They could clearly see, where the pastures around Ponyville ended, a forest line… dark against the moonlight. As Octavia peered into its shade she almost felt like it was looking right back at her with such intensity that she took a half-step back. It felt as if some titanic awareness was suddenly completely focused on her, and the trees at the edge of the Forest were its maws, looming over her.

“That’s the Everfree Forest,” Vinyl Scratch explained. “There’s lot of things going in there… and it’s full of dangerous creatures. Manticores… Timber Wolves… Hydra… I even think the entrance to Tartarus is there! Granny Smith has a lot of stories to tell about that place, let me tell you that!” she added, looking at Octavia with a wry grin. “And it has its own witch! A crazy—but good crazy—zebra called Zecora.”

“It certainly looks dreary...” Octavia whispered, still unable to shake the feeling of being watched.

Vinyl chuckled humorlessly, glancing at Octavia over her shoulder. “Might want to get used to it. The Castle of the Two Sisters is in the middle of it.”

Chapter 3: Preparations

She galloped wildly through the valley, kicking up chunks of snow-covered dirt in her wake, leaving a clear trail through the vast fields trying to escape whatever was chasing her.

The absence of anything catching her made her finally pause. She slowed to a stop, breathing heavily and looking around nervously, trying to detect her pursuer in the darkness of the night. She skittered in place, scarf fluttering with her sudden movements as snow drifted down from the sky all around her.

The wind picked up, her ears perking as it carried the sound of wolves howling in the distance. Were they her pursuers? Or were they simply howling at the moon?

She looked up up, perhaps the hope that the familiar sight of the moon would provide her with some peace. Her eyes widened and she gasped in horror, scrambling back in a panic until she fell on her haunches, and stared wildly at what hovered far above her in the night sky.

That was not the moon. It was a gigantic eye that stared back, alien and full of fury, with an intensity that made her want to crawl into the smallest crack she could find.

It focused completely on her. It looked... hungry.

The giant pupil widened and a voice, sounding like it was made of several, filled the air around her.

Octavia, despite her fear, tried to hear what it said... A phrase kept repeating, something that nagged at her recent memory, mingled in the agonizing screams of many creatures, but she couldn't understand it. And then, finally... it became clear.

Octavia sat up in bed, panting and staring at the dark room in confusion. At first, she took comfort in the silence and warmth of her quaint surroundings, but soon her face scrunched into a frown.

"Why are these dreams so insistent?" she muttered to herself, rolling onto her stomach and burying her face in her pillow. She remained that way for a few seconds before lifting her head. "Is that what Trixie was talking about?" she muttered, recalling the mare's words the night before. "But how can my dreams be warnings if I can’t even see or remember what they’re warning me about?"

She shook her head, making her mind mind up to push aside any silly superstitious notions and groggily pushed herself up, hooves sinking into the soft mattress. She felt a slight chill run down her spine as she stretched, before clambering out of bed and to the bathroom.

It was still dark out—not a big surprise, given that it was winter—but still, she was up earlier than most ponies. She clicked on the small magical lantern hanging from the bathroom ceiling, casting a soft, yellow light that chased away the darkness and accentuated the edges of the room with shadows.

She was used to it. Years of being up and about a couple of hours before breakfast had formed a habit that was hard to break out of, even with beds as comfortable as the ones in the Pasture Shelter.

She had been given a small room, reminiscent of the ones she’d stayed in during her visit to Trottingham a few years past. Small, but comfortable. The bathroom was a modest affair as well, containing only a bathtub with a shower head, a simple faucet with a silver mirror stood against the wall to the right of the entrance, and opposite it was a towel rack with two white, fluffy towels—hanging invitingly in all their softness—for her perusal.

She turned the water on, and let it warm up before pulling the chain for the shower. As soon as it felt comfortable, she stepped in, letting the water run down her mane and face, enjoying the sensation the light pressure on her scalp created. She felt her fur matting against her skin as the water made its way down her body, pooling at her hooves before spiraling away into the drain.

She rose into her upright playing stance and squeezed a bit’s worth of shampoo into her mane. It was a good thing the showerhead was tall as her daily shower ritual incorporated this unique stance, allowing her to rinse her mane with both her hooves.

It had been a challenge to find an apartment in Canterlot that had a shower tall enough, so she was glad that had not been an issue here.

As she cleaned her mane and coat, her thoughts turned back to her meeting with Trixie… and Vinyl Scratch.

Trixie’s knowledge of her participation in the Magna Anima Nocte had shaken her. The unicorn’s warnings might have been a simple attempt to scare her off—as Vinyl had suggested—but there was a certain quality to Trixie’s eyes when she had spoken. There was a solemnity that was at odds with the overbearing, self-aggrandizing mare Vinyl Scratch had described.

And that simply brought up another issue.

Vinyl Scratch was there to compete against Octavia in the Magna Anima Nocte. It occurred to her that she had never questioned who she would be measured against, or on what level. At first, her idea of the event had been of a gathering of the great living talent of their era: musicians that had mastered their musical instruments to such extent that they were considered without peer. She had just expected it to be… just classical musicians.

Octavia snorted. With music having changed so much in the last thousand years, it was not surprising that the Magna Anima Nocte would include other forms of it, electro, or whatever it was that Vinyl played, being one of them.

Still keeping her balance, she let her forelegs drop to her sides, and closed her eyes, letting the water rinse the shampoo away.

Who else would be there? She had known it was not going to be an easy competition, but now she wasn’t competing solely against musicians, but against different genres. She wasn’t representing just herself, she was representing her whole school of music.

She dropped to all fours and opened her eyes. There was no option but to win.

Octavia had sat down at the deli across from the inn. It sported a simple design, rustic and quirky to match the general design of Ponyville. While not as obvious as Sugarcube Corner, the deli’s tree-like design was certainly its own thing, giving a feeling to those that walked in that they were in the outskirts of a forest.

The interior was certainly reminiscent of being inside a giant tree, with perennial green leaves decorating the thick, trunk-like columns and the ceiling. There were windows facing the main street, and the deli only possessed a few tables for customers to sit and eat despite a consistent line of ponies coming in to purchase a quick, on-the-go breakfast.

Wearing a pair of fluffy white earmuffs purchased from the inn’s little gift shop to match Rarity’s white scarf, Octavia had taken a table right beside the window, and sipped her coffee pensively as she watched Ponyville wake up.

Such an idyllic little town, right in the shadow of Canterlot, where uppity mares and stallions would do more than frown at such kind ponies as the dwellers of Ponyville.

Any of these nice ponies would be chewed out, humiliated and degraded by the so-called nobility. Infamous social-climbers such as Jet Set would indubitably enjoy demonstrating how condescending they could be to any pony that didn’t have a higher status, or better connections, than them.

Sometimes she really had to wonder if she was in the right place living in Canterlot. Even those that could be considered ‘friends’ were little more than formal acquaintances. The stress and competition of being part of the elite musicians in Canterlot was always a deterrent when it came to opening up. One could perhaps let another pony know what district you resided in, or what expensive restaurants you preferred. But Celestia watch over you should you divulge your opinions of conductors or the various noble houses lest you find your words spread with malice and your support falling out from beneath you.

“My, but aren’t you frowny today, dear?” a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts. “We should erase that from your face, darling, you’re going to be a star, after all! And you wouldn’t want that frown to be permanent.”

Octavia blinked and looked up at Rarity, levitating a coffee of her own and a plate with several pastries.

“Do you mind if I join you?” Rarity asked, motioning to the empty chair across from Octavia.

“Oh, I don’t mind at all, no! Please, do!” Octavia said quickly, smiling and motioning at the seat with her hoof. “I’m sorry I didn’t notice you; I was lost in thought.”

“I don’t blame you, dear!” Rarity chuckled. “You’ll be heading out tonight, correct? I can only imagine how jittery you’re feeling!” She took a sip of her coffee.

Octavia’s smile didn’t fade. “I’m not as jittery as I should probably be, Rarity,” Octavia said. “I am wondering about my competition… Did you know that Vinyl Scratch was also invited to compete?”

“Was she now?” Rarity’s eyebrows shot up, and putting down her coffee, she leaned forward. “I wasn’t aware of that. I was under the impression it was to be a competition for classical musicians…” she frowned. "Although that might explain the suddenness of another order I had received a few days ago."

Octavia let out the breath that she had been holding in unconsciously. It was something out of her experiences in Canterlot. Some… friend would hold onto an important bit of information and keep it from another in order to gain leverage. Rarity could be lying, but the honesty in the other pony’s eyes was enough for Octavia to believe her. Vinyl Scratch visited Ponyville often enough anyway that Rarity would have had no reason to think she was there for anything other than to visit Pinkie Pie.

“In any case, I was hoping you would have some time to try—” Rarity stopped suddenly, staring at the street as her eyes widened, then narrowed in anger. “What is that scoundrel doing in Ponyville?!”

Octavia stared for a second before following Rarity’s line of sight to a series of chariots that had just pulled down the street, gathering at the point where she herself would be entering her own chariot that night.

A large, white unicorn stepped daintily from the middle one, glancing around with barely-concealed contempt.

“Prince Blueblood?” Octavia asked aloud, completely baffled. Then her eyes widened as other ponies, of shorter stature wearing black jackets with spikes stepped out of the other carriages—which were clearly carrying as well several musical instruments—one of them in particular drawing her attention. “Wait, is that Guitar Slash?” she stammered. “And the rest of Trots and Roses?”

Rarity gave her a curious look. “I did not expect you to know such a band, Octavia.”

Octavia shook her head. “They’re difficult to miss. Even if I’ve never heard any of their songs, it’s hard to not noticice a that ridiculous hat.”

Rarity snickered. “True enough.” Her eyes hardened again as she looked out the window, watching Blueblood order the others around. “What is he doing here?” She sniffed disdainfully. “I am going to find out, and he’d better have a good reason, or I will personally send his sorry flank back to Canterlot!”

Octavia was about to ask Rarity what her problem with Blueblood was, but then again, Blueblood had made plenty of enemies and antagonized just about every pony he had ever met, so Rarity having an issue with him was nothing extraordinary.

Shoving the last pastry into her mouth, chewing it, and pushing it down with the remnants of her coffee—fresh-brewed courage perhaps—Rarity cleaned her mouth and stood up. “I’m sorry darling, but I can’t let his presence here pass.”

Octavia shook her head and stood up as well, downing her own mug of coffee. “It’s okay, I’m curious myself about what exactly Trots and Roses are doing here. I hate to admit, but they might well be my competition.”

Rarity grimaced at the idea, but nodded firmly as both mares stepped out into the snow.

They didn’t have far to walk before they could hear Blueblood.

“You! With the hat and the curly mane! Stop talking and smoking and make sure—” Blueblood cut off, and for the first time in Octavia’s memory, seemed to cringe, all as a result of Rarity. “You! What are you doing here?”

“I could ask the same myself!” Rarity retorted. “To think that a pretentious, barbaric, self-absorbed miscreant masquerading as an excuse for a noble such as yourself would dare set hoof in Ponyville, my home, is an act against nature itself! Why are you polluting this fair town with your presence, your highness?”

Blueblood snorted in contempt.

"Sorry, babe," Guitar Slash called out, walking next to them. "We don't give interviews."

"I'm not here for—!" Rarity stopped when Octavia placed a hoof on her shoulder.

"Rarity, please, you're making a scene," Octavia whispered. "And his highness has just as much right to be here as you do. Even if none of us like the idea."

Rarity paused and glanced around, noticing that several ponies were staring at her, aghast. "Well!" She gave Blueblood a smoldering glare before trotting back down the street with a huff.

Octavia hovered there, curiosity warring over Rarity's reaction and Blueblood's presence. Finally, she turned to Blueblood—the prince eying her curiously—and bowed slightly. "I'm very sorry, your highness. I was unaware of any bad blood between both of you."

Blueblood snorted. "Philarmonica, wasn't it?"

Octavia's eyes widened, but she nodded.

"It's of no consequence to me what a plebeian thinks, but an up-and-coming mare as yourself should not keep such company." He paused and sniffed. "Are you here for any particular reason? I did not take you for a... town dweller." He sounded as if he were speaking of carrion.

"I'm here due to an invitation..." Octavia ventured, eyes falling on Trots and Roses as they double-checked equipment and such.

Blueblood nodded. "Ah, the Magna Anima Nocte." He smirked at her surprise. "Truly, that such an event would occur again in our lifetimes!" He chuckled. "As you can probably guess, I am here for the same reason. As lead singer for the band ‘Blues and Roses,’ I was invited to participate in the contest as well."

"Blues and Roses?" Octavia blinked. "What happened to Axe the Rose?"

Blueblood snorted in contempt. "That screechy-voiced minotaur? Fired and forcibly deported. He always wanted a solo career anyway. And as you can see, my dulcet voice will carry Blues and Roses to victory!"

Octavia's mind barely had the time to process, when another, more famous voice interrupted her thoughts.

"That's a nice dream, darling! But completely naive if either of you truly expect to win the Magna Anima Nocte!"

Blueblood, Octavia and the surviving members of Trots and Roses all stopped what they were doing to stare at the four bodyguards surrounding Sapphire Shores and her entourage of dancers and backup singers behind her as they stepped out of the stretch chariots that had brought them. "Blueblood, honey, you don't stand a chance!"

Blueblood glared at the pop star. "Clearly they must be desperate for quantity over quality if they invited somepony such as you to compete."

Sapphire Shores chuckled. "At least I am a singer, blue boy. I'm not riding on my band to make up for the fact that I have no musical talent whatsoever."

Octavia expected Blueblood to get angry, but the stallion merely shrugged with indifference. "Say what you want, Shores, in the end what does it matter as long as I win?"

Sapphire Shores frowned. "Darling, this is a contest for musicians playing music. I can see why Trots and Roses is here, but you replacing Axe just so you can participat—"

"I'll have you know I am an excellent singer, Shores," Blueblood interrupted. "And the band is called Blues and Roses now."

"Well, all I see is somepony with a title and money taking advantage of both to—"

"Perhaps we shouldn't make a scene?" Octavia interrupted, trying to defuse the situation.

The pair looked at her and snorted, turning away from each other. Their attention, however was quickly drawn to other chariots pulling in and the fact that several ponies were gathering in a crowd to gape at Sapphire Shores, Octavia, Blueblood and Blues and Roses.

"Guards!" Blueblood snapped. "Clear a section of the street and only allow participants of the Magna Anima Nocte access!"

"Yes, sir!" several guards called out, forming a perimeter around all of them and making sure that the ponyvillians were kept back from the performers.

It was soon after that another, more colorful wagon waded through the gathering crowd, who stood aside and either glared or looked in confusion as the mare pulling it stepped past the barricade of guards after a brief conversation with one, and parked, separate from the other participants.

Octavia blinked in confusion at Trixie, who, after making sure her bandwagon was securely parked, ignored everypony and went inside of it. "What's Trixie doing here?"

"A common gypsy." Blueblood hissed. "This competition really is taking all sorts."

Octavia winced at the venom in Blueblood's voice and glanced at Sapphire Shores, who favored her with a smile.

"A gypsy she might be," Sapphire Shores snorted, rolling her eyes at Blueblood's attitude. "But they have a long history of musical talent. Unlike a certain entitled somepony I could mention."

"As well as being dirty, conniving thieves!" Blueblood retorted. "If you will excuse me, I shall go ensure my possessions are kept far from that mare's presence." Blueblood growled, hurrying back to his chariot.

Once they were both alone, Sapphire Shores turned to look at Octavia. "I apologize for my behaviour earlier, honey. I just hate to see what Blueblood is doing." She cleared her throat. "I'm Sapphire Shores, as you probably know, darling." She extended a hoof.

Octavia shook it, well aware that this was an occasion she had never expected would happen. "Octavia Philharmonica," she said. "I never expected to meet you in person, Miss Shores, with our musical interests being so… divergent."

Sapphire Shores laughed. "Oh, that's not true, darling! Music is music, after all, and the beauty of it transcends genres. I'm sure we would have met at some point or another!"

Octavia chuckled. “That’s very true, Miss Shores.”

It was at that point that one of Sapphire Shore’s dancers came up to them. “Miss Shores, I’m sorry to interrupt, but we need to discuss those details you wanted, and if we’re getting the materials here in Ponyville…”

“Thank you, darling, I’ll be right with you,” Sapphire Shores replied, nodding at the mare. She then turned to face Octavia. “Well, I’m afraid I have to go for now. I’m sure I’ll see you later!”

“See you soon, Miss Shores,” Octavia said with a smile. She watched the pair walk away, before turning and heading out of the unofficial meeting place.

She had to catch up to Rarity.

The walk back to the Carousel Boutique was uneventful once she had shouldered her way past the gawking ponies. She passed a couple of additional chariots heading towards Blueblood’s impromptu meeting point, but paid them no mind, knowing that she’d see who her competition was soon enough.

The sun dared poke through the gray clouds above more than once, shining rays of warmth onto the road and lighting up some of the houses around. It was not as cold as the day before had been, but she was still grateful for her scarf and earmuffs as she made her way through the snowy streets.

The advantage of such a small town, she realized, was just how walkable everything was. It was easy to remember where each building she had visiting was, and knowing that it would take her no more than a few minutes to reach them made it much less of a chore than the several minutes or even hours of planning it could take in Canterlot to make an appointment in time.

Soon enough, she stood in front of the Carousel Boutique, knocking a couple of times before pushing the door open.

“Rarity?” she called, wiping her hooves and stepping in. “Are you here?”

“Oh, Octavia!” Rarity exclaimed, looking out towards her from within the boutique’s changing rooms. “I’m glad you’re here! Come in! I have much to show you!”

Octavia nodded and stepped up to the designer, who was pushing a large set of dresses covered by a large cloth out of the way. “I’m sorry I didn’t follow you immediately earlier today, I—”

Rarity waved a hoof. “Don’t apologize dear, it was all my fault. Just seeing that brute in Ponyville. Why, it just made my blood boil!” Rarity snorted. “But that is not an excuse to display such boorish behavior. If anyone must apologize, it will be me.”

Octavia smiled and shook her head.

“Regardless,” Rarity said, walking up to Octavia and herding her into the changing booth, “I have something for you right here.”

“Um… which one’s mine?” Octavia asked.

“All three.”

“What?!” Octavia whirled around, barely believing what she had heard. “There must have been some mistake! I can’t possibly—”

“Oh, do calm down, dear.” Rarity waved her hoof, eyes sparkling. “They’re for you, future winner of the Magna Anima Nocte!” She giggled. “I couldn’t help but be inspired by your mane and coat! And those eyes! No, It was an absolute delight making these! Now, try them on!”

“But…” Octavia trailed off, finding herself at a loss for words. This sort of generosity was something she had never before encountered in her life.

“The dark violet with the single shoulder strap is your casual wear for the event, of course,” Rarity elaborated, levitating the dress for Octavia. “It should fit nicely on you, not too tight, and it accentuates your eyes nicely.”

“O-of course…”

Octavia’s thoughts were a jumble as she tried it on, looking at herself in the mirror as Rarity fussed about with a pair of needles and a measuring tape. She had some similar dresses at home, of course, but they were store-bought, nice but not perfect fits. As she watched Rarity press fabric together, loosen it, mark it and secure it, she understood the complete difference in what she had bought before and the quality of the work she was wearing now. The fabric was lightweight, and it felt so nice against her coat… this was something she had wished many times before to be able to own.

A bit too soon for the earth pony’s taste, Rarity helped Octavia out of the violet dress, and was helping her into a stylish coat, with fluffy white material around the neck and at the base of each hoof as well as the bottom of the dress itself.

“And this one, of course is perfect for outside dining or a simple stroll!” Rarity said proudly. “It comes with a warm hat, of course, and it mixes perfectly with your scarf!”

Octavia stared at herself in the mirror. It was lovely. “Rarity, I have no words…This kind of generosity… I can’t possibly—”

Rarity snorted. “You can and you will. And now… the pièce de résistance!” She carefully removed the winter coat and put it to the side as she levitated the last clothing item.

Octavia stared.

It was a black, single-piece form-fit dress with a low back tied with black lace and a cut on the left flank to show a bit of her legs. The material shimmered, as if it was made of tiny black diamonds, and yet it felt smooth as silk and weightless as it rested against Octavia’s coat as if it had been part of her for the longest time.

Octavia looked at the gray mare in the tasteful dress for a full twenty seconds before it dawned on her it was herself in the mirror. Never had she witnessed, much less worn, something like this.

It was beyond her expectations. It was beyond her wildest dreams. The contrast against her fur… the shimmering mirroring of her mane, how it accentuated her eyes… this was the most amazing dress she had ever seen.

“Oh, my! Darling!” A familiar voice exclaimed.

Still dazed, Octavia turned around, facing the entrance of the rooms to see Sapphire Shores and a couple of her entourage smiling at her.

“Octavia!” Sapphire Shores exclaimed once more. “That dress is absolutely perfect on you!”

“M-miss Shores!” Octavia gasped.

“Oh, call me Sapphire!” Sapphire Shores said smiling, walking up to Rarity and Octavia all while admiring the dress. “And you’re going to play dressed in that! You’ll be taking the breath away of anypony that sees you in it!”

“T-thank you!” Octavia stammered, slowly turning to look at herself in the mirror. “I can’t even believe it. It’s—”

“Amazing? Beautiful? Absolutely stunning? Breathtaking? Beyond anything else you’ve ever seen?” Sapphire Shores teased. “That’s because Rarity made it for you, darling!”

Now it was Rarity’s turn to blush. “Oh, Sapphire, please don’t say those things.”

Sapphire Shores laughed, bumping amiably against Rarity. “Darling, I will always speak my mind! And what I said is true! You never fail to make amazing designs for me, and never shall you fail to do the same for any client!”

“Or friend,” Rarity added, smiling. “Like both of you.”

“Oh, stop, darling now you’re making me blush!”

Rarity chuckled and looked at Sapphire Shore’s entourage, motioning to the rack of dresses she had moved earlier. “You know the drill, girls, please use the sample room to try your dresses.”

A chorus of: “Yes Miss Rarity!” was the response, and the giggling mares all paraded past them, pulling the dresses behind them, and giving Octavia appreciative looks.

Octavia took a deep breath. “Rarity, I can’t even express how happy I am. Thank you so much! I don’t know what else to say!” And, surprising even herself, she walked forward and enveloped Rarity in a hug.

Rarity’s smile did not fade at all as she returned the hug. “I’m just glad the dresses were to your liking, Octavia.”

Swallowing, Octavia nodded. “They’re perfect.”

Rarity shook her head. “Almost! I just need to tweak a few things on the casual wear. It will be ready for you before you leave tonight, I promise!”

Octavia smiled and tried to fight the feeling of her eyes watering with gratitude. “I have no doubt.”

“Now, if you don’t mind excusing me, dear,” Rarity said, smile dropping a bit as she levitated the dress off of Octavia. “I’m afraid I’ll have my hooves full for the next hour or so, fixing the few details on the girl’s dresses.”

Sapphire Shores laughed. “I should have warned you, Coffee Bean gained a little weight last week, so her measurements might be a bit off.”

Rarity sighed. “Again?”

Sapphire Shores just shrugged.

“Well then,” Octavia said, smiling at both. “I believe I shall depart for now, so that you can concentrate on the current crisis.”

“Thank you, Octavia,” Rarity said. “I’ll see you soon!”

“See you tonight, darling!” Sapphire Shores added, waving her hoof amiably as Octavia wrapped her scarf around her neck and put on her ear muffs before stepping out of the store.

Octavia closed the door behind her and half stumbled away a few steps before she let out a shuddering breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. She looked over her shoulder at Carousel Boutique in wonder.

How would she ever be able to repay Rarity back?

Chapter 4: Into the Forest

Octavia walked in the opposite direction of the gathering place Blueblood had created. After the warm feeling of Rarity’s generosity—and Sapphire Shore’s apparently honest friendship—she had little desire to be in the proximity of other contestants and the inevitable drama that likely would erupt at the slightest opportunity.

No, she wanted to enjoy what was left of her day in Ponyville, and that meant exploring the town, strolling through the snow-covered streets and just making sure she arrived back in time to rejoin the group to set out towards the Castle of the Two Sisters.

“Well there’s a mare who’s as happy as a parasprite in a fruit market!” a voice called, making Octavia pause and smile at Vinyl Scratch, who was calmly walking up to her.

“Hello, Vinyl,” Octavia said. “How are you this morning?”

“Oh, I was fine until I saw the gathering downtown!” Vinyl grimaced. “So many ponies! Can they really cram us all into a few nights?”

Octavia chuckled. “I’m sure they’ll manage.”

Vinyl simply started walking next to her, both enjoying the morning.

“It’s actually weird to see how empty the streets are right now,” Vinyl said when they stopped in front of a little shop called “Quills and Sofas” to peek through the window at a writing desk that had struck Octavia’s fancy. “Usually things that clear the streets don’t happen until after lunch!”

Octavia raised an eyebrow at that, but shook her head and after a last, longing look at the desk, turned and started walking down to the next shop. “Are the streets cleared often? Do you have that many events like a multitude of musicians suddenly showing up in Ponyville?”

“Nah,” Vinyl shook her head, smiling when she saw Sugarcube Corner coming up next. “It’s usually a lot more violent. Hey! Let’s get some pastries!” she added, almost skipping to the confectionery.

“Wait! What do you mean violent?” Octavia called, hurrying after Vinyl.

Vinyl refused to answer until she had eaten something, so, even though she wasn’t too hungry, Octavia ordered a cappuccino and a strudel, sitting across from Vinyl in one of the many tables available.

“Honestly, Vinyl, didn’t you eat anything for breakfast?” Octavia asked, watching the unicorn merrily levitate at least five pastries and three glasses of juice.

“Of course! I sleep here, you know?” Vinyl Scratch laughed. “They’re just too good to ignore! Just wait until you bite into that apple strudel, I promise you, you’ll want to quit music and go work at Sweet Apple Acres.”

“I’m sure I will,” Octavia chuckled, taking a moment to look around the establishment, wondering at how effective Pinkie Pie was at picking up after her parties.

It was odd how different the place looked without the party decorations or the floor being cleared for dancing, but Sugarcube Corner still managed to embody the bold parties at the same time as the coziness of a home-style kitchen.

“There’s just something about this town, that makes it a trouble magnet,” Vinyl finally explained as she sipped some juice. “It has seen some major disasters almost as long as it has existed.” Her hoof pointed out at the street. “Buildings have been crushed by giant bears, Nightmare Moon’s first stop after a thousand years in exile was Ponyville. It has been attacked by parasprites, dragons… according to Granny Smith, there was—at one point—an actual invasion consisting solely of timber wolves!” She chuckled. “Even the weather here is wild… that’s why Ponyville has the best weather team in all of Equestria.”

Octavia shook her head in amazement. “Why do you say the weather is wild? Is that related to all the attacks?”

“It’s the Everfree Forest,” Vinyl said after a few seconds of chewing on her pastry. “That place is strange. They say that it’s not only the monsters… magic works differently there… everything from the plants to the ground itself is dangerous. You might be standing on a solid piece of rock, and suddenly it breaks for no reason!” She leaned in towards Octavia. “And the flowers… they have strange powers too. They say there’s some that can turn you into another creature, or make you tiny. They say even time is affected… whatever the Everfree Forest is, whoever goes in should be prepared to face the unknown.”

The memory of feeling like the forest was observing her like some hungry beast about to snap at her, came back unbidden to Octavia, and she hid her nervousness by sipping her coffee. “You must be exaggerating.”

Vinyl snorted. “I haven’t seen all of that, but you have to remember, that’s where the last two battles against Nightmare Moon happened. A thousand years ago, and last year. You can’t tell me that that kind of thing wouldn’t do… something. Hay, Granny Smith has all sorts of stories about how crazy stuff happens in and around the Everfree. Folks here are a lot more superstitious than you might imagine for all their welcoming spirit. The zebra in the Everfree has been living there for years, but it wasn’t until Twilight Sparkle got to meet her that ponies here even ventured out of their homes when she came to town.”

Octavia pursed her lips. “As an earth pony, I have little knowledge of magic beyond the basics that we all learn in school. I don’t know if Nightmare Moon could have such an effect after a thousand years, or simply by re-appearing one night.” She looked down at her strudel. “Besides… she was defeated, and Princess Luna was restored.”

The mention of the sick princess was enough for Vinyl to stop talking about the forest, and both sat in silence for a little while.

“Do you think she’ll make it?” Vinyl finally asked, breaking the silence.

“I don’t know,” Octavia admitted. “When I left, the last piece of news was that she had taken a turn for the worse… our princess is pretty strong, from what the legends say, but this illness is not something that anypony seems to be able to figure out.”

Vinyl sighed. “I wonder if having this competition when Luna herself is bedridden is a good idea.”

Octavia shrugged. “It’s in her honor… perhaps, somehow knowing that this is going on helps her in some way. It might even help her.”

Vinyl arched an eyebrow.

Octavia looked back down at her coffee, trying to figure out how to explain herself. “As I said earlier, as an earth pony, I do not think of magic like unicorns do. But, if I recall correctly, during her visit and symposium at the Royal Canterlot University, Princess Celestia at one point said that alicorns, besides the magic of all ponies, possess their own kind of magic, correct? And the more ponies acknowledge them, and direct their thoughts at them, it empowers them.”

Vinyl smirked. “I thought you didn’t know anything about types of magic.”

Octavia shook her head. “It’s speculation, and paraphrasing Princess Celestia, Vinyl, you don’t need to poke fun at me.”

Vinyl chuckled, but nodded. “Honestly I have no idea… but if it helps, we’ll give our best.”

Octavia smiled in response, settling down to eat the rest of her strudel and finishing her coffee. The pair eventually set out into town again, strolling casually as the morning went by.

Dear Diary,

This morning, after meeting briefly with Rarity for breakfast, I met a few of the other contestants. Somehow Prince Blueblood was invited, and I met the world-renowned Sapphire Shores, who is a surprisingly nice pony. I always thought that somepony that famous would be full of themselves, but it turned out to be one of my many misconceptions, rather than the reality.

After that encounter, which was a little unpleasant due to some history shared by Blueblood and Rarity, I headed out to the Carousel Boutique to get my dress… or should I say dresses? Oh diary, Rarity went above and beyond generosity, literally gifting me with three of the most amazing attires I have ever laid eyes on. I’ll make sure to take pictures of myself in them and attach them here, I fear my words would fail to describe just how beautiful they are.

And now, my stay in Ponyville is coming to an end… in an hour or so, I will be meeting with the other contestants to set out towards the Castle of the Two Sisters.

I am surprisingly saddened by this, since I’ve had such an unexpectedly wonderful time here in this small town. It’s funny to think that my journey began with me slightly annoyed at having to sit across from Vinyl Scratch.

I realize now, dear diary, that I’ve never mentioned her before in your pages— not surprising, since was a long time before I started scribbling my thoughts in you again, and with the Magna Anima Nocte being foremost in my thoughts, I never considered adding anything about anypony else I might have met or heard of in the last few years.

My initial thoughts about DJ Vinyl Scratch were never favorable… I am forced to admit that I had never even sat down to listen to her music, considering it uninspired and unworthy of being called music at all. Writing it down, it seems even more obvious now that I shouldn’t have simply assumed such a thing, for you see, diary, she actually is a fan of mine and a lot of her music has been inspired by my own pieces.

Electronic, or dubstep or whatever she calls it is not really my thing. I can still see the appeal certain ponies have for it, it’s by no means bad, it just doesn’t resonate with me that much… but I do confess that I found myself nodding to the rhythm more than once. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Last night I found out that a lot of ponies in Ponyville know of me because of Vinyl’s music. It’s touching, really, and once I got to know her a little better, I can’t help but curse at my initial assessment of her as a musician and as a pony. We spent most of the morning together talking and I think that, regardless of the outcome of the competition, I have made a good friend.

My concern right now is going through the Everfree… it’s a weird place, full of danger and strange creatures, and if Vinyl is to be believed, strange and unknown magic. How Twilight Sparkle and her friends ever managed to cross it alone to face Nightmare Moon is a mystery to me… but at least in our case we will be guarded.

It’s time to go, dear diary. Everypony should be here by now, and I do not wish to be late. I’ll talk to you soon again.

Octavia

By now the crowd around the musicians gathering point was so big, it was almost impossible to get through. Ponies pressed together on both sides of the street, and every time Octavia tried to push her way through, they would glare at her and push back, regardless of her pleading to let her pass.

It was getting closer to the time to set off, and despite still having some time left, Octavia was really beginning to fear she might lose her ride due to overzealous music fans. The crowd suddenly wowed and parted right next to her as a chariot tried to pull through and Blueblood’s guards hurried to make way for it.

Octavia was thankfully at the front of the crowd and immediately recognized Sapphire Shores waving at the ponies outside. She tried to push past the guards, who forced her back.

“But I’m part of the event!” Octavia protested.

“Step back, Miss!” The guard growled. “We’ve had plenty of ponies attempt that same—“

“Octavia, darling!” Sapphire Shores called from her chariot, ordering the ponies pulling it to slow down. “Whatever are you doing down there, honey? We’re about to set off!”

The ponies around her quieted down, making room to finally look at Octavia, and the guard started to shift uncomfortably when he saw that she had been holding her invitation in her hoof for him and he had ignored her.

Whispers started around her, and soon many ponies were raising their voices, trying to figure out what was going on.

“Is that Octavia Philarmonica? Isn’t she the inspiration for Vinyl Scratch?”

“I heard her play from a record that Aloe had in her spa, she’s wonderful!”

“Is she going to this thing so many famous musicians are going to?”

“Does she really know Sapphire Shores?”

“Why wouldn’t the guard let her through?”

“Can we get an autograph?”

Sapphire Shores chortled and opened the door to her carriage. “Hop in, dah-ling!”

Trying not to grin, Octavia stepped around the guard, who was trying his best to not look directly at her, and still shifting uncomfortably while one of the ponies pulling the chariot, helped Octavia secure her cello along with the other musical instruments, before offering to help her into the chariot itself.

The gathered crowd soon filled out the space and tried to gain the attention of Octavia and Sapphire Shores while the former quickly boarded the chariot and closed the door behind her.

Once inside, Octavia let out a relieved sigh. “Thank you, Sapphire, I don’t think I would have ever made it through without your help!”

Sapphire Shores laughed, curly blue mane swaying from side to side as she shook her head in amusement. “Not a problem, darling!” She grinned and motioned to the other side of the chariot. “In fact, I have something else for you!” she added in a sing-song voice.

Octavias’ eyes followed her hoof to a hook on the interior of the chariot, where a garment bag was hung. “A-are those…”

“Mmhm.” Sapphire Shore smiled and handed Octavia an envelope, engraved with three diamonds in a simile of a now-familiar cutie mark.

Your friend, Rarity

Octavia smiled as she put the note down and slowly folded it back into the envelope, before sliding it into her saddlebags.

“Rarity is such a gem, isn’t she?” Sapphire Shores said with a smile. “I do believe her name does her perfect justice.”

Octavia nodded. “You’ve known her long?”

Sapphire Shores waved her head slowly. “For about a year or so, I walked into her Boutique expecting nothing but the usual dresses and suddenly my eyes settled on the most amazing, glittery, sapphire-studded dress I have ever seen.” Her eyes seemed to glitter in remembrance. “I had to have more! So I asked her to make me a large order, expecting just a few, to be honest, but… she pulled through, and ever since, I make a point to stop by and purchase dresses from her. They are, as she says, chic, unique, and magnefique!”

The both smiled just as the chariot stopped, and the door opened. Sapphire Shores motioned for her to go ahead. “I’ll be right out dahling! Go ahead and mingle!” Octavia smiled and nodded her head at the other mare before stepping out into the cool air.

Although there were more ponies, it wasn’t a crowd of artists that she saw. For a moment, with all the gathered ponies outside, she had feared the competition would have turned into little more than a gathering of as many musicians as possible, but although she saw many a talent that she somewhat recognized, and at a guess, there would be about 20 musicians at most, not including the members of a couple of bands she did recognize or Sapphire Shore’s background ponies. It was still a little overwhelming, and she could imagine how nerve-wracking it could have been for her had she not befriended some ponies already.

“Octavia Philarmonica! As I live and breathe!” a voice called out from somewhere around her. “Isn’t it nice to see one pony I actually know!”

Octavia looked around, trying to figure out where the source of the voice was, until her eyes lit up in recognition, easily recognizing the brown-coated earth pony with the piano keys cutie mark. “Francis!” Octavia smiled oft-times musical opponent. “I haven’t seen you since last year’s gala! How have you been?”

“Oh, you know how it is,” he scoffed. “Private party here, grand concert there…” he smirked confidently, then seemed to finally notice who was stepping out of the chariot Octavia had been in. “Wait! You know S-sapphire Shores?”

“Hello darling!” Sapphire grinned. “Octavia, darling, I’m sorry I can’t stay and chat, but I have to make sure all my dancers are ready first! Tut-tut!” She waved at both of them and stepped away, heading to where they could see her troupe was waiting.

“I never took you for a friend of miss Shores, Octavia,” Francis muttered, eyebrow twitching. “I always assumed your music interests lay in completely opposite directions.”

“And I didn’t know you were a fan, Francis.” Octavia chuckled. “I always thought the music was too different as well, but recently I’ve been exposed to a little variety and while I won’t start writing music for them, I have a new appreciation for different types of music.”

“Hm.” Francis frowned, looking around. “At least you know some ponies here, I’m afraid other than recognizing one of our patrons, Prince Blueblood, I thought I wouldn’t meet anypony I knew until you arrived.”

Octavia chuckled. “Brace yourself, Francis,” she warned with a grin. “Prince Blueblood is not our patron, but rather an opponent.”

Francis’ face went blank. “I-I’m sorry? Did you say his highness is not a patron, but a competitor?”

Octavia nodded. “He’s already taken over Axes and Roses. Why?.”

“This is not a good thing,” Francis muttered.

Octavia raised an eyebrow. “Are you implying that—”

“I’m not… implying anything… I’ve just heard things.” He glanced around furtively. “I heard from an old friend that his highness studied opera and that he was quite proficient, but obviously. I haven’t heard him sing myself, but from my understanding, he was quite gifted.”

“Then let’s hope that he hasn’t practiced much,” Octavia muttered, reassessing her opinion of Blueblood. “That would explain his inclination for classical music at his parties and his disdain for other forms of it.”

Francis nodded, then his eyes widened. “Oh no. Octavia don’t turn around.”

“Why? What’s going on?”

“You won’t like it one bit,” Francis insisted, “But I should warn you that Vinyl Scratch is here, and she’s making her way towards us.” He coughed into his hoof. “Should we… should we just move away?”

Octavia was about to assure him that everything was fine, when an interesting idea crossed her mind. “No, let me deal with her.”

Francis frowned. “Look, I know you don’t like her, but it wouldn’t do to start a scene here. If you have to suffer her, please be polite.”

“Hi Octavia!” Vinyl’s voice came to them at that moment, and Octavia turned, trying to keep her face straight when Francis cringed and glanced nervously at the neon-maned DJ.

“Hey,” Octavia said, “What’s up?” she asked, keeping an eye on Francis as she did so. She raised a hoof which Vinyl immediately and eagerly hoof-bumped.

“Not much! Can you believe this crowd? It’s awesome!” Vinyl grinned, then turned her head and glanced next to Octavia. “Is your friend okay? He seems to be choking.”

Octavia glanced at Francis, who was wide-eyed and almost seemed to be gasping for air. “He’s okay,” she said, turning to face Vinyl again. “Just shocked. Francis Horsechopan, this is Vinyl Scratch. Vinyl, Francis.”

“Hey! How’ya doin’?”

“A-a pleasure, I’m sure.” Francis gave Octavia a dubious look before shaking Vinyl’s hoof.

“So I see you all decided to come after all,” yet another voice interrupted them.

The group turned to look at Trixie, who had approached them while they talked. She was looking at them intently from under the brim of her hat. A winter breeze made her cape flutter for a moment, giving Trixie a more dramatic look, which made Octavia wonder if the breeze had been coincidental or not.

“Trixie,” Octavia nodded, eyes wary. “What brings you to the competition?”

Trixie shook her head. “You shouldn’t have come… none of you, what awaits us there…” she turned to glance at the Everfree and shuddered. “There are forces at play which you are not ready to face, turn back now.” She said, looking back at the others. “We all have a destiny,” she added, eyes resting for a moment on Vinyl Scratch with a look of sadness.

“Come on, Trixie,” Vinyl Scratch spoke up. “Stop trying to scare us away so you can get all the glory. It won’t work. This is a competition for real musicians. And Blueblood.”

Trixie shook her head and turned. “Trixie warned you,” she said walking away. “Whatever happens now it’s on you, not on Trixie’s conscience.”

“Oh yeah?” Vinyl called back to her. “If that’s the case, why don’t you tell us what the problem is?”

Trixie shook her head and kept on walking.

“Does she always speak in the third person?” Francis asked.

“Yes,” Vinyl said.

“No.” Octavia replied at the same time.

“Okay.”

“I see that that gypsy has threatened you as well,” Prince Blueblood spoke up, approaching them as he glared at Trixie’s back. “The temerity of it baffles me.”

“Your highness,” Francis bowed, and Octavia followed his example. Vinyl, however, stood in place, glancing at Blueblood doubtfully.

“Vinyl,” Octavia hissed, motioning with her head at the prince.

Vinyl blinked and seemed to catch on, turning to face him. “Yo. What’s up, Blue?”

Octavia felt like there was ice in her stomach.

Blueblood however, simply ignored Vinyl Scratch. “The fact that vagrants such as this ‘Trixie’ are even allowed in still confuses me. I have half a mind to have the guards remove her, but it wouldn’t do to offend our host. I’m sure she’ll be weeded out soon enough when she can’t stand up to the competition.”

Putting Blueblood’s attitude towards Vinyl Scratch aside, Octavia raised her head, confident now that propriety had been followed to an extent. “She did try to scare us off.”

Blueblood snorted, “Probably realized that it’s the only way she stands a chance. I would simply ignore her, Miss Philharmonica, gypsies like her are a stain on the face of Equestria that for some reason my Aunt Celestia deems fit to let fester.”

“Is there anypony here you don’t know?” Francis muttered to Octavia, then spoke up, “The townsfolk don’t seem too fond of her either,” he observed, noticing the many hostile glares Trixie received as she walked back to her wagon.

Vinyl snorted. “She’s a bit of a pain, and the last time she was here she contained the whole town in a force-field and enslaved everypony.”

The other three gave her incredulous looks before Blueblood shook his head.

“So not only a gypsy, but an insane, powerful gypsy.” He looked at the stage wagon Trixie had gotten into with a bit of trepidation.

“Well!” Vinyl Scratch said loudly, catching the attention of the crowd and making a sweeping motion with her hoof to indicate the wagon. “She is after all… The GREAT!”

“AND POWERFUL!” The crowd shouted, angry glares gone as they got into the spirit of Vinyl’s cheer.

“TRRRIXIE!” Vinyl and the townsponies shouted together.

“This town is insane. All of them.” Francis shook his head in bewilderment.

“Insane plebeians, you mean.” Blueblood growled, still ignoring Vinyl Scratch for the most part. “In any case, Miss Philarmonica,” Blueblood turned to smile a bit arrogantly at Octavia. “I was wondering if you would ride in my chariot with me.”

“Sorry, Blueblood honey,” Sapphire Shores interrupted as she trotted up to them happily, “Octavia will be riding with me, since we have some things yet to talk about!” She grinned cheekily.

Blueblood frowned, “I do believe that my chariot would b—”

“Aw, don’t worry Blue!” Vinyl interrupted bumping shoulders with the Prince and nearly giving Octavia a heart-attack at the sheer disrespect. “I’ll ride with you! I already have all my equipment on it!”

“You what?!” Blueblood screeched, turning to look—along with everypony in the small group—at his chariot, where two guards were strapping very large speakers onto the top of it, as well as securing a lot of electronic equipment to the back. “You! You’re making my chariot look like some sort of plebeian bling-ride!”

“I have no clue what that means, but come on, let’s get in!” Vinyl laughed, galloping for Blueblood’s chariot.

“You come right back here!” Blueblood roared, galloping after her.

Octavia closed her mouth, and felt a small amount of satisfaction when Sapphire Shores and Francis did so as well. “I feel like I’m missing something.”

“That mare has no respect whatsoever for the prince,” Francis said shakily. “Doesn’t she know he could have her arrested?”

Sapphire Shores shrugged. “It doesn’t seem to bother her either way, so there’s nothing to do about it.” She motioned with her head. “Come on you two, let’s get going.”

“I’m… coming with you?” Francis asked, falling into step behind Octavia.

“Unless you don’t want to, darling. I’m not gonna force you.” She winked at him over her shoulder.

“N-no! It’s fine, thank you!”

Octavia spared a last look at Vinyl Scratch, who seemed to be ordering the guards on how to properly set up her equipment on the chariot while ignoring an enraged Prince Blueblood. There were many things she needed to ask her newest friend, but for now her attention was drawn back to Sapphire Shores, who was regaling Francis with stories about fame, fortune and becoming a world-famous pop star.

Soon enough, all artists and musicians had packed up their belongings and the chariots waited like some sort of giant snake, ready to strike. The sky was already tinged with pink and purple when the pony walked into the gathering.

He didn’t do anything specific to draw attention, but conversation died inside Sapphire Shore’s chariot, and suddenly, they were all aware that he was there, outside, looking at them all.

He was unusual… wearing a formal coat and cape, his face was hidden by an elaborate mask of twirling inlaid silver and gold over a red velvety base.

“My Lady Winter Charm thanks you all for coming tonight,” the pony spoke, and they all heard him clearly. Octavia looked at the other chariots and everypony’s attention was also focused on the strange stallion.

“If you will follow me, I will guide you to the Castle of the Two Sisters,” the stallion continued. “Stay on the same path as I do, for the road there is treacherous. And should you lose your way, you might never return.”

Having said that, the stallion turned and started walking towards the forest. There was some hesitation from the chariots at the front, but after a moment, they all started rolling, one after the other into the Everfree Forest.

Chapter 5: Winter Charm

The chariots made their way out of Ponyville slowly, wooden wheels scraping, bumping and occasionally sloshing on the snow-covered cobblestones before making it to the soft ground of the beaten earth path to the Everfree Forest. Octavia looked out the window at the ponies gathered outside, smiling when she saw Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Sweetie Belle waving at her and Sapphire Shores from the crowds.

It was surprising how sad she felt when the fact that she was leaving the small town finally dawned on her. Although her stay had been extremely short, Ponyville had warmed its way into her heart. It wasn’t just the peaceful ambience of it, or the quality food, or the quaint little buildings… those were a plus. It was the ponies there who had made the whole place truly magical. She had never expected such laughter or generosity to exist. There was a certain honesty to the ponies of Ponyville that the large cities that she had lived in lacked, and a kindness that extended to just about everypony she had met.

Was it truly such a big surprise that Celestia’s own apprentice would live here? That Luna herself loved to visit so much that the ponies of Ponyville felt like they knew her personally? Octavia smirked. She probably did know them personally if the way Pinkie Pie had mentioned her was any indication.

Soon her mind was on other matters, however. Even at the leisurely pace their guide was taking, the caravan had already rolled past Sweet Apple Acres and, although she couldn’t see it from their position, she could almost feel their approach to the Everfree.

“Aren’t you a little jumpy?” Francis asked, raising an eyebrow at Octavia.

She shook her head. “We’re going into the Everfree Forest, Francis,” she said in almost a whisper. “That’s where the last battle between Nightmare Moon and Princess Celestia took place a thousand years ago. It’s a place where magic runs wild and beasts roam…”

Sapphire Shores chuckled. “Don’t worry, darling, we have guards and a guide that strode out of the forest by himself. We know other ponies have crossed it on their own as well. We’ll be fine.”

Octavia settled back into her seat, shifting a little so her back was pressed firmly against the cushioned seat. She had a chill that wouldn’t subside even if the seat felt warm to her. Unbidden, nigh-forgotten flashes from her dreams came back to her, and she wrapped her forelegs around herself.

“Are you sure you’re not just jittery because of the competition?” Francis teased. “I would have thought you’d be used to this kind of pressure by now.”

Octavia snorted. “Of course I’m used to the pressure!” She shook her head, tossing her mane out of the way. “So what if this is an event that hasn’t been held since Luna was exiled? So what if I’m competing against international stars of all genres of music?” She glared at him, a small smirk of her own twitching at the edge of her mouth as his face slowly went pale. “I’m fine, but it seems like you just realized what’s going on.”

Sapphire Shores simply laughed, pushing Octavia’s shoulder playfully with her hoof. “Octavia,” she chided. “Stop teasing poor Francis, we’re all excited about this. Why, we should all have fun! Let me tell you about the first competition I was in, darling, it was about ten years ago in Manehattan...”

Sapphire Shore’s story had the desired effect of breaking the tension Octavia had felt. Even as they crossed into the Everfree itself and the open fields gave way to trees, the mood remained positive. Octavia kept glancing outside, no longer afraid, and tried to see if she could recognize any of the exotic flora and fauna outside of the window.

For all its weirdness and reputation, the Everfree seemed as calm as a walk in the park… if the park caretakers had allowed the underbrush to grow unchecked and uncontrolled. The forest’s canopy was thick enough that snow had not reached the ground other than in small patches, pooling oddly on vines and atop bushes. The trees themselves were thick and gnarled, with many crevices where small creatures would run into, either startled by or curious of the caravan trespassing into their territories.

Among the branches, owls and ravens gazed down on the chariots, their eyes mysterious and judgmental.

Octavia looked down, gazing amongst the brambles and colorful plants, and for a moment she could have sworn she saw a large, feline of some sort, like a lion, watching impassive and oddly calm as the group continued on their way to the center of its domain.

When the moonlight illuminated the forest around them, Octavia strained to look out the window, gazing at the moon’s fullness and warm light.

“Do you think Luna still tries to rise the moon every night?” Francis asked, gazing up at the orb as well.

Sapphire Shores shook her head sadly. “I imagine she does, if she is aware at all of what’s happening,” she said, looking up from her own window. “She was unable to do so for so long, Rarity said it brought Luna incredible joy to be able to do so again. It must be tearing Princess Celestia apart to have to do it yet again.”

As if the mention of the two sister’s names had somehow summoned them, the distant sound of wolves howling reached the pony's ears, tearing their eyes down from the moon to look anxiously at the forest around them.

“There!” Francis shouted, pointing a hoof at something in the underbrush.

Octavia narrowed her eyes, trying to see what he had seen, and then almost jumped back in her seat when she saw large, canine-like shadows running alongside the chariots, their forms distorted and difficult to see in the gloom between the trees.

“Do you think they’re going to attack?” Sapphire Shores asked, the first hint of anxiousness tinting her voice.

“O-of course not!” Francis assured her, although it seemed to Octavia that he was trying to convince himself as well. “We’re too large a group, they wouldn’t attack us.”

The howling continued around them, and Octavia could only imagine how the guards, who were trudging outside the chariots, or the stallions pulling them, felt about their unexpected stalkers. The caravan, however, did not move any faster, indicating that either the guide was not afraid at all, or they guards felt they had everything under control.

The howling continued while the shadows followed their every move, eyes glowing amongst the darkness as they watched the group, before dashing alongside them once more, and although the threat of an attack seemed distant now, all of them stayed quiet, keeping an eye outside, trying to guess the intent behind those unusually smart eyes that would lock onto theirs from time to time.

It almost seemed to Octavia that she had not drawn breath at all when the caravan eventually made it out of the forest into a large valley. The wolves did not follow the chariots out, and their howling became distant once more as the wheels clanked again, when they moved from packed earth to wooden beams.

The view was impressive, if unnerving once again. The chariot was riding on top of a bridge spanning over a long and wide precipice. Even with the moon shining bright above them, she could not see the bottom of it, due to a thick, swirling fog obscuring it.

Octavia felt her imagination take over, and she could almost see a large form moving about in the mist, parting it and creating more swirls. She could have sworn, that for just a second, she had seen countless eyes staring at her from the cloudy bottom, yellow and red and hungry. But the moment passed when she blinked, and the eyes were gone once more.

The bridge gave way to a stone path, but instead of keeping the pace, the caravan slowed down and broke formation. The chariots moved around a large fountain, stopping at the entrance to a great garden, which opened up to where the Castle of the Two Sisters waited.

The moon’s light fell on the castle like silver rain, highlighting its tall spires and maze-like gardens. White and red roses grew around the fountain they had stopped at in full bloom, just in front of the main entrance, and Octavia took a moment to take it in… it was shaped like an alicorn—with the sun and moon orbiting it eternally—and cascaded crystal-like water that reflected the silver light, making any splash and mist formed by the water into glittering stars between the alicorn and heavenly orbs.

Their trip through the forest was almost forgotten as all ponies stepped out of the chariots and stared in wonder at the ancient castle and its grounds.

“It’s in far better condition than I had thought,” Prince Blueblood spoke softly, although in the calm night all of them were able to hear his words. “I had thought it mostly destroyed… the reports I read said that what remained was little more than a skeleton of its former glory.”

Vinyl grinned. “Well, it seems they were wrong! This is awesome!”

Blueblood frowned, but simply nodded.

More and more of the ponies started talking. A series of giggles accompanied some outburst from Sapphire Shore’s entourage, while Blueblood’s band had gathered together in a huddle and were taking a group picture.

“It certainly is something,” Francis said stepping up to Octavia, but focusing on the castle itself. “I wonder when they had time to renovate it?”

Octavia shook her head with a small smile. “I have no idea, but they did a splendid job.” Her eyes drifted around the ponies until they settled on Trixie, who was looking up at the castle with an inscrutable expression on her face. As if suddenly aware that she was being watched, she turned and looked at Octavia straight in the eyes.

Octavia shifted, and looked away, almost ashamed to feel so unnerved by the other mare’s gaze. But there was something in Trixie’s eyes beyond the wariness she had gotten used to ever since she had met her. There was a slight hollowness and even a hint of fear.

The wolves and creatures of the forest, almost forgotten, returned to her mind immediately and she looked over her shoulder at the forest behind them. There was no sign of the creatures in the small clearing before the bridge. Nothing moved or looked back at her, and the forest seemed to have descended into a sleepy calm while mist slowly rose and rolled from within the forest into the valley beyond the bridge.

Octavia let out a sigh of relief, turning back to the castle in time to see the double doors open, bathing the front yard in warm, golden light.

"Welcome all," a voice called out into the crisp air. "To the Castle of the Two Sisters."

Octavia and the others turned to face the pony that had spoken. She was a tall, slim unicorn with a snow-white coat that seemed to almost glow a faded blue in the moonlight. Her mane was braided into a complicated pattern of white and cyan which curled around her head and ended up in a stylized flower, in contrast with her tail which while remaining untouched, seemed to exude a certain class to it.

It was perhaps the way she carried herself in that deep red, fluffy cape with an intricate silver clasp right under her neck, which was identical in design to her cutie mark: a complicated six-pointed ice-crystal.

"My name is Winter Charm," she said, smiling gently at all of them. "And I will be your host for the duration of the Magna Anima Nocte."

"My Lady Charm," Blueblood stepped forward, bowing back slightly when she did for him. "How comes the Castle of the Two Sisters to be in such a good condition? It was my impression that after the battle between aunt- Princess Celestia and Nightmare Moon it had been wrecked into a shell of its former self."

"My lord," Winter Charm said. "While some of it was damaged, and the town around decimated, a few of us have over the centuries revitalized it and kept its spirit strong... this..." She moved her hoof to encompass the whole area, "...is the result of centuries of planning and effort."

"It's amazing!" Vinyl Scratch trotted over to the pair, a wide grin on her face. "Fantastic! I had no clue how great this was going to be!"

Blueblood looked slightly annoyed at Vinyl, but simply rolled his eyes.

"Now," Winter Charm said, still smiling. "If you would please follow the servants, you will be led to your rooms. Once you are ready and settled, please meet me in the Great Hall, I shall personally give you a tour of the castle."

Octavia was suddenly aware of a tall stallion in a dress suit and mask standing next to her and gasped in surprise taking several steps back. Many of the others exclaimed in surprise when they noticed other servants standing at attention in their midst.

"I-I'm sorry, sir," she stammered. "I didn't hear you approach."

The servant simply tilted his head, and with practiced efficiency took over her saddlebags, dresses, and cello, which he levitated carefully off the chariot. He took two steps forward, then looked back at her, waiting.

Octavia looked around, seeing the same treatment being given to everypony else... except for Trixie. She had waved away the servant and was making her way with her stage wagon into the courtyard.

Another servant was leading the guards in another direction while the empty chariots were being towed away in the same direction Trixie had gone.

With little else to do, she followed the servant into the Castle of the Two Sisters.

The anteroom was breathtaking, consisting for the most part of a wide, magnificent, ivory-white staircase made of marble with dark wood and inlaid gold hoofrails that split the room into two levels, with stairs leading to a lower level visible on both sides of the main staircase. It was illuminated by thousands of candles, hanging from chandeliers or being held aloft by pegasi statues, encasing the whole place a golden shine.

Octavia could barely keep her mouth from hanging open in awe, barely registering the gasps from the other guests. Slowly, she followed her guide up the stairs and to the left, walking into a long hall with deep purple rugs and banners representing the moon as decoration in between busts of ponies of all races.

A few she thought she recognized, like Queen Platinum or some distant relation of Prince Blueblood, but for the most part, the faces staring placidly and silently into the hall were completely unknown to her.

Eventually, after passing only a few doors and almost reaching the end of the corridor, where she could see the curved contour of one of the towers, the stallion stopped, pushing open a heavy wooden door and stepping aside, allowing Octavia to walk into her room.

It was bigger than her apartment.

A large desk made of some sort of dark wood, possibly rosewood, occupied the southwest corner, its top wide and already stacked with several sheets of paper, a few inkwells and quills for writing.

A huge bed rested centered against the northern wall, taking most of the space there between the ornate headpiece depicting two phoenixes, one silver one gold, flying around a moon made of either marble or real ivory. The bedposts curled up towards the ceiling, ending in four claws similar to those of a bird of prey, and were inlaid in gold and silver, while the base of the bed was also decorated with two gigantic wings, the tips of the feathers meeting in the middle.

It had more cushions than she had seen in a store, all wrapped in velvety materials. Two nightstands similarly decorated in the dual look of silver and gold book-ended the sides of the bed.

Across from the door was a large cabinet, filled with bottles of all colors and sizes, and four large, cushioned sofas, settled around a long coffee table, and close enough to the already-lit hearth to provide comfortable warmth, yet not too close to prove too much. The hearth itself was big enough for a pony to fit inside if they had wanted to. It had a black iron curtain separating it from the rest of the room, and to the side, on a stylish iron base, several split logs were piled for easy access as well as tools to stroke the fire.

The wall had several tall windows framed with thick dark purple curtains, tied back by silk-like silver rope, granted an amazing view of the castle grounds, the forest, and a small source of light in the distance—like a single candle, flickering in the darkness—which could only be Ponyville.

She watched in silence, her mind still working on the details of the room, from the exquisite paintings on the southern and eastern walls, to the fact that she had her own bathroom which, at a glance, was big enough to serve as a regular bedroom, while the servant gently placed her cello case against the wall next to the desk, her saddlebags on top of the chair and then stepped into another room, or what she assumed was a walk-in closet, with her dresses flowing behind him. After a moment, he stepped towards the entrance, bowed, and left without a word, closed the door behind him.

Octavia stood quietly in the middle of the room, trying to make sense of things before she simply sat down there on the floor, her mind overwhelmed.

It had taken her some time to shake herself out of her stupor. This amount of luxury, as excessive and mind-boggling as it was, would be something she would have to get used to while the competition lasted.

For now, she had to make herself presentable. Forcing herself up, Octavia walked into the bathroom... and what a bathroom it was. She had plenty of space to walk from the entrance to the bathtub and shower, and several cabinets stuffed with fluffy towels were waiting invitingly for her.

But that would have to wait. Brushing her mane, she quickly made herself presentable before rushing out of the room and down the hall. At the other end, she could make out another pony emerging from their room and start walking in her direction.

"Octavia!" Vinyl Scratch called. "Did you see the rooms? Isn't that amazing?"

Octavia grinned a little shakily, glad that Vinyl was the first pony she encountered. Blueblood or Sapphire Shores would be used to these kinds of accommodations, after all, and she didn't want to embarrass herself by acting awestruck and completely out of her depth.

"Yes, they're quite something," she agreed.

"I know, right? I could barely fit my clothes in the closet," Vinyl sighed, pouting. "And no swimming pool in the bathroom? What were they thinking? At least the bed is big enough as long as I don't roll around too much."

Octavia had gone quiet and was watching Vinyl as if she had grown another head.

"Octavia?" Vinyl asked. "Octavia, are you okay?"

"Buh-"

Vinyl grinned, patting Octavia's back nervously. "H-hey, filly, chill. I was joking! Seriously, I don't need a pool!"

Octavia glared at Vinyl Scratch.

"Eheh," Vinyl shrugged impishly. "I don't know what to say, Octavia, the room is huge."

Octavia let out a sigh and nodded, before motioning towards the stairs with her head. "I was wondering for a moment there. How can you be so comfortable? The rooms are... immense! The amount of bits that went just into my room alone is almost obscene," she whispered as they started taking each step down. "There's more room in there than in my whole apartment!"

Vinyl nodded sagely. "Yes, yes, you are impressed by the room, but Octavia, this is a small thing to worry about, think of where we are, and what we're taking part of!"

An event to take place once every five hundred years. Not held for over a thousand. In honor of the Night. In honor of Princess Luna.

Octavia took a deep breath and nodded. Her part in this was much bigger and worth more than anything in that room. If she could deal with that, she could deal with having such extravagant accommodations.

The pair made their way down the main staircase, and one of the servants, still wearing that simple, white mask, motioned down one of the side staircases, which they followed in glittering candlelight taking one stair at a time.

Finally, they reached the bottom of the side-staircase, which opened up into a long hall that extended either way, but their attention was drawn to a relatively short distance ahead, where wooden doors, carved to look like roses and thorns, had been opened wide to reveal a banquet hall, where several guests were already seated.

The room was massive, even being underground, the ceiling was high enough to be comfortable, and it extended into a large square with granite pillars every few meters. The room was lit by several large crystal chandeliers, shining with silvery-white light, not unlike that of a full moon. There were decorations of all sorts along the walls: full sets of armor, painting depicting ancient cities, the stars, the moon, winter in the forest... almost hidden in the far east corner was a set of small doors that swung in and out as servant after servant paraded out with a new platter of food, or in to get more.

The thick, carved wooden table was already full of delicacies from all corners of Equestria: breads of all shapes and sizes, vibrantly multi-colored fruits and vegetables, bowls of different soups, cheeses and wines of all types extended from one end to the other in the middle of the whole table, interrupted only by the occasional candelabra casting light.

"Hey, there's Blueblood and Sapphire Shores," Vinyl whispered, her voice carrying a trace of awe despite her obvious attempt to seem nonchalant about what she was seeing. "Let's go sit with them."

Octavia nodded, feeling the soft carpet sink under her hooves slightly with each step. It was strange, just how aware of all her surroundings was, she supposed, but she had never seen something quite like it. Even Canterlot Castle seemed less... voluptuous.

A servant levitated a chair back, allowing Octavia to lean onto the comfortable, velvety cushion before she was helped in. Upon inspection, Octavia noticed that each seating place already had a set of exquisite porcelain plates with the edges decorated with a deep blue color—resembling passing comets and stars in an almost abstract way, created by continuous lines and empty spaces rather than directly drawing each item—assigned.

The silk napkin was tied in place with a silver pin, and the silverware was the purest white metallic luster she had ever encountered, each piece set with an engraved snowflake symbol, no doubt in reference to their host, the mysterious Winter Charm.

"Welcome, darlings!" Sapphire Shores said excitedly as more and more guests took their seats, including a flustered Francis, who sat down next to her. "Don't you simply adore the accommodations? And this banquet hall!"

Prince Blueblood snorted. "The accommodations were... acceptable," he declared, looking around with a decidedly calculating look. "And the castle is decorated well enough, I do wonder where they found the resources for it."

"And that," a new voice said, bringing everypony's attention to the head of the table, where Winter Charm stood, smiling pleasantly at all of them. "...is a very good question, my lord!"

Her eyes swept around the room, taking in the seated guests. "And I will answer it tonight, as it has always been my intention," she added. "But first, allow me to greet you once more to the Castle of the Two Sisters." She bowed at all of them. "Tonight is the first night that will change the rest of your lives," she said. "This is indeed a moment to be treasured as if it were your last, for this competition will not happen again within your lifetime! With the return of Princess Luna to Equestria, our... desire as denizens, lords, ladies and keepers of the castle and grounds grew and fed our imaginations to bring one of the greatest musical celebrations back to life as well!"

Her eyes were intense with the passion of their endeavor, holding each pony they locked with in place, as her velvet voice rose up again. "Awakened and with an objective, we funded this restoration through the riches of our old houses. Treasures buried in time and forgotten by the outside world were recovered, raised to build and bring back the former glory of the Lands of the Everfree and uplift the castle to its beauty of yore."

"These lands were also part of the Blueblood line," Prince Blueblood spoke up.

"Indeed, your grace," Winter Charm nodded. "But when the land split and the world was shrouded in darkness a thousand years ago, the Blueblood line was one of the few lucky enough to leave in time, carrying most of its riches, leaving only servants and land behind at the mercy of the Nightmare."

Blueblood half rose from his seat, eyes narrowed. "If you're implying we ran away like cowards..."

"Peace, my Lord," Winter Charm said calmly. "There was no implication intended... it was a horrific time for all, and we have carried the memories through the generations until we finally were able to bring what you all see around you back."

Winter Charm smiled as Blueblood slowly sit back. "And while I would love to tell you that the whole of the castle is in such pristine condition, I must warn you all that construction is still in place in the northwestern part of the castle and as such it is... currently unavailable for access. The rest of the premises are at your disposal, however."

Besides her, Octavia heard Blueblood grumble, but her attention remained on Winter Charm, who was taking a deep breath and had closed her eyes.

"The Magna Anima Nocte..." she began, once more claiming the attention at the table, "Was traditionally a month-long competition with guests from all over the world participating... however, with the decline of music in the last thousand years, we were able to gather only those you see here tonight, those few passionate and creative enough in their art to be able to claim a chance at this event."

She met Octavia's eyes for a moment, before her attention went to the other side to settle on Sapphire Shores and then on to others. "Thus, we will not take as long... the Magna Anima Nocte will be decided within six nights, including this one. Tomorrow, the open castle grounds are yours to do as you please. Servants will take care of all your needs. We have large rooms ready for you to practice if you so desire, or perhaps a stroll through our gardens is more to your liking... and tomorrow night, the first round will take place."

"And who, pray tell will be judging this competition?" Blueblood asked again. "While I have no doubt that you are well-educated in the arts, Lady Charm, I hope you have a more experienced selection of ponies qualified to pass judgment on our performances.

"The judge panel is comprised of ponies of extensive musical knowledge, masters of their art, and brought here from universities and opera houses, composers and teachers all them just as eager to find a champion for this millennial tradition as all of you are to participate in it," Winter Charm replied. "As is customary, they will not be mingling with the participants to ensure there are no unfortunate instances of... mixed intentions."

After a moment of silence, Winter Charm spoke up again. "And now, before the hour becomes too late, let us have dinner, please, help yourselves to as much as you want." She nodded to a small quartet of masked musicians that had filtered into the room unnoticed to begin playing. The music felt old, but it was relaxing and soon the ponies at the table were all talking animatedly to each other or filling up their plates with the enormous selection of food.

They all shared drinks and food, eating to their heart's content—Octavia hadn't realized just how hungry she was—before settling back into a more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, sipping wine rather than filling their bellies.

"What do you think, Octavia?" Vinyl Scratch asked without preamble the moment she had finished the last fruit on her plate.

Despite herself, Octavia couldn't help but laugh. "About what exactly, Vinyl? The food? The castle? Our rooms? Winter Charm? The music? The competition?"

Vinyl grinned and sheepishly looked down. "The competition, I mean," she said after a moment. "I admit I am kinda nervous. With all of the talk of university professors and opera directors and composers it makes me wonder what a pony like myself has to offer... my music is nothing like classical, and it seems like this whole thing is still aimed at a traditional form rather than the newer expressions."

Blueblood snorted, leaning down just enough to look past Octavia at Vinyl Scratch. "Indeed. I do have to wonder what such a mare as yourself is doing here, with that noise you call music polluting this castle an—"

Octavia was forced to lean back as far as she could when Vinyl Scratch reached in front of her and—to her horror—interrupted Blueblood by batting him on the horn.

"Oh, hush you!" Vinyl giggled. "This is lady talk, Blues. You should engage in conversation with your ilk, like Francis over there. He's a guy too. Talk hoofball or something."

"H-hoofball!" Blueblood paled, rubbing his horn in annoyance. "I would never lower myself to enjoy the base entertainments of the plebeians!"

"Don't make me come over there and smack your horn again!" Vinyl threatened. "Shoo. Go talk to somepony else, Octavia and I are talking."

To Octavia's surprise, Blueblood did turn away and rather obviously forced a smile as he began talking to one of his bandmates.

"How do you do that?" she hissed.

"Do what?" Vinyl asked, eyebrow raised behind her sunglasses.

"Just... treat him like that!" Octavia muttered. "He's royalty!"

Vinyl grinned. "Are you sure that's all there is to it? Maybe you have a crush on our prince?"

Octavia felt herself flush and she looked over her shoulder at Blueblood before her gaze went to the front of the table before going back to Vinyl. "N-no!" she whispered. "I mean, he's certainly attractive and finding out he has had a classic musical education is certainly a plus but I'm definitely not—"

Vinyl chuckled, "Calm down, Octavia, I'm just joking."

Octavia shook her head. "You-I can't believe..." She took a deep breath and pouted. "None of my friends ever teased me like that!"

Vinyl grinned. "That's because they're boring or too busy cleaning their instruments."

Octavia rolled her eyes but smiled. She looked at the head of the table, where Winter Charm sat. "I do wonder," she finally said. "How we will all fare in this competition?" She turned to look at Francis, who was somewhat more comfortable in talking to Sapphire Shores, and over to Blueblood who was—against all odds—smiling a little at whatever Guitar Slash had just told him, and back to Vinyl. "We're all forming new friendships, but something like the Magna Anima Nocte is a very big deal to win, or lose. How will this affect that?"

Vinyl shrugged. "True friendships shouldn't be destroyed by winning or losing a competition."

Somehow her words warmed Octavia, and she would have replied in kind when Winter Charm spoke up again.

"My friends and honored guests," she said standing up. "The hour is late and we have a long day ahead of us to prepare for the first night celebrating music. If you would like to retire for the night, the servants have already made sure your rooms are warm and ready for you, and of course the rooms are ready to have visitors for more intimate conversations than a banquet table would allow."

"Well, that's a dismissal if I have heard any," Vinyl grinned. "Your room or mine, filly?"

Octavia pondered. "Yours, but I can't stay in too late, I must attempt to work on my newest piece. Perhaps some tea and snacks while we talk music?"

"It sounds divine, darling!" Sapphire Shores said, dragging Francis with her. "Do show us the way!"

Vinyl chuckled. "The more the merrier, I always say!" She looked over the others. "Hey, Blue, you want to join us?"

Blueblood raised an eyebrow, but shook his head. "I'm afraid that while I appreciate the invitation to 'hang out', I must decline." He looked at his band. "We need to discuss practice for tomorrow, after all and I must look into my history books."

With a bow, Blueblood headed out, followed by Guitar Slash and his other band members.

Sapphire Shores blinked. "Well, it seems I completely underestimated our dear prince. I didn't think he had it in him."

Vinyl however was frowning. "He doesn't." She shook her head and the smile was back in place. "In any case! We have an after-party to attend!"

She trotted off, Sapphire Shores and Francis following, but Octavia stopped at the doors, suddenly remembering something. Her eyes scanned the room, sure that other than Blueblood and his band, nopony else had left before her own little group. But she hadn't been mistaken.

'I wonder where Trixie was all night?'