“Are you serious? I can come?”

“Duh, it wouldn’t be the same without you.”

“You’re the best Vinyl,” The teal pegasus gratefully praised.

“C’mon, Chain, how long have we known each other?” Vinyl Scratch placed her black sunglasses back over her eyes, veiling her red irises.

“True,” Chain Algorithm resituated his helmet. They had known each for over a little over 2 years. “Who’re you going to meet again?”

“An old friend. I believe I’ve mentioned her. Her name’s Octavia. Her and her orchestra performed at the last Gala. Her sister and her friends crashed it, remember?”

“Oh, yeah,” Chain chuckled. He didn’t actually go to the Gala, but Vinyl told enough about it. Apparently, Octavia’s sister completely crashed the party (if it could even be called that; those uptight suits don’t know how to throw a good party), and some of her friends participated in the entropy. One friend went completely postal and tried to capture all of the animals in the garden near the Gala, and they ended up stampeding into the ballroom, and screaming “You’re going to love me,” in the process. Another tried to show off to the Wonderbolts by causing mayhem, then fixing it, which ended up in catastrophe.

Overall, Octavia’s sister’s friends basically livened up the place.

“They’re a strange bunch, but according to ‘Tavi, they’re a real blast to hang out with.” Vinyl said.

“They sound like it.” Chain yawned. “Hey, I think I’m gonna head back to my apartment; I’m getting a little tired.” Chain said before he headed towards the apartment’s front door.

“No surprise, you did just come back from a tour with me. I’m surprised you’re still conscious.”

“Ha-ha,” Chain fake laughed. “Well, night, Vinyl. Seeya tomorrow.”

“Alright. We’re leaving at noon sharp. Get your stuff ready, and don’t forget anything.”

“Ok, ok. Thanks again for letting me come.”

“Don’t mention it,” Vinyl waved off the praise.

“Kay. Goodnight.” Chain sighed as he exited the apartment. After he left the building, he spread his wings and took flight in the direction of his apartment through the artificially lit streets of Manehatten. Even though he was getting a tad sleepy, he could still keep a good flying speed. Though, he was nowhere near as good as some fliers.

The flight was an uneventful one. Chain descended, folding his teal wings and straightening his helmet that covered his eyes and mane. He entered the apartment building, soon finding his room number after ascending a flight of stairs. He entered his room, and flicked a light switch, lighting the room. Chain unbuckled his helmet, revealing a vibrant red and black mane to match his tail, and a pair of deep red eyes. The teal pegasus placed his helmet on a nearby stand, and made his way to his bedroom. Plopping down onto the bed, Chain didn’t bother to crawl under the covers, for he was soon fading into slumber.
Excitement still filled his mind as he nodded off. He’d only been to Ponyville once in his life, and it was when he was younger, so he didn’t really mind it much. Vinyl also mentioned the chance of a show at Ponyville, which made Chain just giggle with excitement. He was itching to spread his musical talent wherever he could. He didn't think he was as good as Vinyl, but he was definitely worth something; Vinyl said so herself.I wonder what Octavia, Chain thought, I never met her in person. Vinyl talks about her enough though. Chain never met Octavia, though, with Vinyl’s heavy description, Octavia is an orchestra loving earth pony who is calm and focused all the time, and is basically the opposite of her sister, Pinkie Pie, who is manic and spastic, often shifting her focus to many different things at once. Chain could tell he would like Pinkie Pie the most; Octavia sounded so...subtle. Then again, she and Vinyl were very close friends, so maybe she wouldn’t come off as boring.

These though quickly dispersed as Chain slipped into unconsciousness, and finally fell asleep.

---

Bang, bang, bang! “Come on, Chain! You slept in again!”

Chain abruptly awoke from his slumber, eyes shooting open in the process. He looked at the clock. It read 11:37. Muttering curses under his breath, he got up to answer the door.

Bang, bang!“Wake up you lazy colt! We can’t miss the train!”

The door swung open to reveal to Chain a less than impressed unicorn waiting for him outside.

“Geez, I’m so sorry Vinyl. I think I forgot to set my alarm.”

“Gah, well get your stuff together, we need to leave really soon!”

“O-ok, just give me a few minutes alright? I’ll meet you in the lobby once I’m done.”

“Alright, but double time it! We’re really late!”

Chain closed the door and started to rummage through his apartment looking for all the things he needed for the trip. After packing his bag and double checking to see if he missed anything, he rushed to his apartment door, grabbing and equipping his helmet on the way out racing to meet Vinyl in the lobby.

“C’mon, Chain, hurry your flank!” Vinyl shouted as she shoved the doors open with her magic, holding it open just long enough for the teal pegasus to blast through.

“ALL ABOARD!!!” The conductor shouted as the train released a hiss of smoke.

Vinyl was the first of the two to enter the train car, she found a suitable seat and put her luggage away in the compartment above. She sat down and scooted over to the window and patted a spot next to her with a hoof imploring Chain to take a seat. After he put away his luggage, he took the seat next to her and at the same time. The train jolted to life and slowly began chugging its way from the station.

Many minutes passed with not a single word spoken by the two.

Vinyl was the first to break the silence. “I’ve never asked you this before and sorry if it’s a weird question, but have you ever…you know, been with any mares?”

“I, uh…umm” Chain muttered, staring blankly at the floor, avoiding eye contact.

“Come on Chain, we’re like best friends” she said as playfully she nudged his elbow with hers.

“Uh, well if you must know…no, I’ve never been in a relationship…”

“Really? No way! A handsome colt like you would surely have had at least a few relationships,” She said, winking as she comically stuck her tongue out at him.

He let out a mild chuckle. “Maybe I just didn’t meet the right mare for me yet, ya know?”

“Yeah, yeah.” More awkward silence. “Or maybe…”

“Hm?”

“Maybe…you’re not into mares? Gasp!!” Vinyl teased, wearing a fake look of shock.

“W-what? What’re you talking about?”

“I’m just teasin, Chain, jeez. Why so defensive?” Vinyl was enjoying this a bit too much.

Chain just gave a light huff of frustration and proceeded to turn his attention to the hills rolling outside by. By now, the landscape had changed little from the clustered skyscrapers of Manehatten. As their journey progressed, those grey dull buildings were replaced with lush trees and beautiful rolling hills. A welcome change in Chain’s mind. I enjoy the big city every once in a while…but man, the country is just…beautiful. Chain wasn’t one to blab on about ‘the beauty of nature,’ but in his mind, he enjoyed the peaceful feel of the country.

About a half an hour passed before Chain felt a weight set itself on his shoulder. Having no idea what it could be, he glanced over to check, and his face flushed pink in an instant. Vinyl had rested her head against Chain’s shoulder, and looked like she was about to nod off.

“Um…Vinyl?” Chain asked, his voice calm, his mind a tempest.

“Mmm, shush, I’m going to sleep…” Vinyl muttered, resituating her body to get comfortable.

“Oh…k…” Chain wasn’t used to Vinyl acting like such; He was sure that he was in the friend zone. Maybe she was just comfortable enough with Chain to pull a few intimate moves like this.

Chain continued to stare out at space for the remainder of the ride.

Vinyl took in a deep breath of fresh air while trotting around the train station. “Isn’t it so clean here, Chain?”

“Yeah,” Chain chuckled, “who knew the hardcore DJ-PON3 was such a nature lover.”

“Who knew the handsome Chain Algorithm was forever alone?” She retaliated with a smirk.

“That was low. Anyhow, where’s Octavia?”

“Hey, Vinyl!” A voice shouted out of nowhere. The two turned to the direction of the sound to see a gray mare with a long, flowing black mane galloping towards them.

“Oh, Octavia!” Vinyl called. Octavia reached them, and she and Vinyl quickly embraced.

“You must be Chain Algorithm,” She greeted the teal pegasus warmly. “Vinyl has told me a lot about you in her letters.”

“Yeah, she said a lot about you, as well. And from all I hear, you’re pretty talented. “

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that…” she waved off the compliment. “But I’ve heard about your achievements, Chain. You’re pretty good in what you do.”

“Meh, I guess.” Chain glanced around at the semi-crowded train station. “Uh, how ‘bout we go somewhere else to talk? It’s a bit crowded here.

“Yeah, let’s, it’s a bit awkward…” Octavia agreed. “My home isn’t far from here. I hope you don’t mind my sister being there.”

“Nah, not at all.” Vinyl said.

“Yeah, I’ve wanted to meet her.”

“I bet you have,” Vinyl chuckled with an evil grin. Chain responded with a stare that had, “Are you freaking kidding me” written all over it. Octavia just chuckled in response.

So, you moved here?” Vinyl Scratch asked. “I thought you were just visiting here for your sister.”

“Well, that was the plan, it seemed so much more peaceful here in than Trottingham, that and Pinkamena wanted me to stay here, so I decided to just stay here for the time being.”

“But what about preformances? You can’t just settle down in any old town,” Chain said.

“See, I don’t have any concerts planned until next year, and I’m not really, well, famous. A few ponies have asked me if I was the cellist Octavia, but other than that, n-

“Oh, hey, it’s DJ-PON3!!”

“Oh, god…” Vinyl groaned as the wave of fans overflowed her. It felt like a century had passed to Chain after twenty or so fans begged for Vinyl’s autograph.

“Um, like so,” Octavia finished. “That…doesn’t happen with me, which is a good thing. I can relax for a while.

“Yeah, dat reery hepsh,” Vinyl muttered as she held in her mouth a maker cap, its owner floating in midair with the help of Vinyl’s magic, signing her signature on a piece of paper being held out by a young fan. She smiled and waved as the small filly walked back to her mother. “I’m kinda known in a few places, mostly Manehatten and Ponyville. Not so much in Canterlot and Trottingham. Don’t get me wrong, I love my fans, but we all need some peace.”

“Well, nopony asks me for an autograph,” Chain pretended to be insulted.

“That’s because people look at me first on stage. It’s the mystery of the eye color, Chain.”

“Well, I wear a helmet on stage, too,” A heated yet playful argument was slowly arising. “They can’t see my eyes, either!”

“Ya didn’t at first, dummy. We all know you have red eyes. And if you tell anypony my eye color, I’ll assault you with vinyl records like last time.

“Last time?” Octavia blinked, worrying that Chain had dealt with Vinyl’s rarely-risen rage.

“U-um, let’s save the stories of our skirmishes later.”