[CYOA] Octavia

CYOA Octavia
----------------------

>This.
>Was.
>Ridiculous.
>
>Of all the things to happen when you went to Ponyville, what you hated most was the inevitable visit from Vinyl Scratch.
>That damned unicorn.
>She just couldn't accept that you didn't like her music.
>Every time you went to Ponyville, Vinyl would be waiting.
>Almost like she was spying on you.
>No matter.
>You'd learned to simply ignore her failing attempts to convert you to her music.
>If you couldn't ignore them, you'd simply deal with them.
>
>This time though, she'd gone too far.
>She'd somehow managed to get ahold of your Cello.
>Not just any Cello, but your prized Cello.
>It had been a gift from Princess Luna for your simply outstanding performance at her birthday party.
>The finest woods had been used in its crafting.
>She'd created the strings herself, using some kind of magic beyond your comprehension.
>If you played it at night, you could swear the strings would glow, ever so faintly.
>
>And Vinyl had tried to show you that it could be 'electronic.'
>That dumb unicorn had perverted the beautiful instrument with her awful magic.
>She'd polluted the beautiful frame with ugly metallic devices and wires.
>All the while trying to convince you that she was 'making it better.'
>
>In the little fit of rage you had, you'd gone and broken your bow over her head.
>
>Not to say she didn't deserve it, but you could've thought that out better.
>You didn't know what to do about your poor Cello...
>You couldn't just take it back to Luna and ask her to fix it; it was her gift to you!

----------------------

>You would forever be sub-par in her eyes!
>A crazy unicorn broke the cello you gave me, can you fix it?
>Ha!
>After carefully putting the Cello away in your hotel room, you decided to visit your friend Rarity.
>She's one of the few friends you have here in Ponyville.
>Your bow and jacket were both designed and created by her.
>You were going to meet up with her and take a trip to the local spa today.
>The spa visit was one of the reasons you were in Ponyville in the first place.
>Of course, you still had some shopping to do as well.
>Shopping might calm your nerves, allow you to think clearly.

What should you do?
A) Go shopping; you can meet up with Rarity later. - 0
B) Go straight to Rarity; your cello should be your first priority! - 13
C) Stay in your hotel room and try and find some more options. - 0
B was selected.

----------------------

>No, you should go straight to Rarity.
>She's one of your best friends, and she's never let you down before.
>She'll know what to do!
>
>You made your way to her boutique.
>Of course, along the way, you never failed to catch the eye of a few stallions.
>You couldn't really blame them though; it wasn't often a lady of class such as yourself visited the little town.
>Aside from Rarity of course, but she was different.
>The poor girl lived here.
>
>Finally!
>The boutique!
>The walk had seemed like an eternity with your poor cello sitting in the back of your mind.
>It needed immediate attention!
>You walk up and knock on the door.
>"Come iiinn~!"
>You step inside.
>"Octavia, darling!  So good to see you!"
"Hello Rarity, a pleasure to see you as well.  It's been far too long!"
>"Oh it has darling!  You simply must visit Ponyville more often!"
"Or maybe you should visit Canterlot sometime."
>"I've been thinking of doing just that, I hear it's absolutely stunning this time of year!"
>Okay, enough chit chat.
>There'll be time for that after you get your cello taken care of.
"Rarity, I hate to cut our chat short, but I need your help with something."
>"Oh, but of course!  What seems to be the problem, dear?"
"Let’s just say that my cello... has experienced an accident of sorts."
>"Say it isn't so my dear!  What ever happened to it?"
"I'll explain later, but I'd like to get it fixed as soon as possible.  I've got a concert later this week and I'd like to get some practice in."
>"Well, alright.  Just what's wrong with it?"

----------------------

"Without going in to boring details, it's been... stained, let's say.  The body needs some careful work and I need my bow repaired."
>"Why don't you simply get them replaced?  There's a music shop that I'm certain could--"
"It's my special cello, Rarity.  The one that Princess Luna gave me after my performance at her birthday party.  It can't simply be replaced."
>"Oh.  Oh!  My dear, that's terrible!"
"Exactly.  So, do you know anypony that could help me fix it?"
>"Hmmm... I don't know of a pony here that would be qualified to handle that work of art with the care and attention to detail it needs..."
>Oh no.
>Vinyl was going to get it if you couldn't get your cello fixed.
>You'd shove that broken bow so far up--
>"However, there is an alternative..."
"Oh thank Celestia!  Anything to get my cello fixed!"
>"I'm not sure if you've heard, but there's an alien that moved into Ponyville not but a couple of years ago.  He goes by Anonymous."
"An alien?  Handling my cello?  Rarity, have you lost your mind?!"
>"It's not as bad as it sounds.  He's very... talented.  He helped me fix my sewing machine when I over-worked it."
"Your sewing machine?  I thought you handled that yourself?"
>"Normally I do, but I was so distraught that I couldn't see straight.  I was amazed how delicate he was with it!"
"Hmmm... I don't know."
>"He's helped more ponies than just me, of course.  He even helped repair some of your friend Vinyl's equipmen--"
"Vinyl is not my friend.  She is merely an acquaintance."
>"I see... She wouldn't happen to have anything to do with your cello, would she?"

----------------------

"That's beside the point.  Let's just focus on the matter at hand and get my cello fixed.  There will be plenty of time for our gossip later."
>"Right, of course.  So, to Anonymous?"
>You thought it over for a bit.
>You could go back to Canterlot and have a professional look at your cello, but then you might run into Luna.
>It was your only option.
"Yes, I suppose so."
>"Excellent!  You have my word you won't regret your decision, Octavia!  He can do absolute WONDERS with those marvelous hands of his."
>The two of you exit Rarity's boutique and she begins to lead the way to this, Anonymous.
>Wonder what makes him so special?
>Aside from being an alien, of course.
>
>
>
>A couple of minutes later, and the two of you have arrived at what looked like a normal house.
>Rarity approached the door and gave it a delicate knock.
>It was refreshing to see a classy pony outside of Canterlot.
>A moment later a tall creature was at the door.
>"Hello Anonymous!  This is my friend Octavia, and I think she's in need of your talents."
>He glanced from Rarity to you and back to Rarity.
>"Your friend?"
>She nods.
>"...Alright, come on inside."
>
>You follow Rarity inside and shut the door behind yourself.
>Fairly normal house, save for everything was a bit... bigger.
>You still don't know what to think about this alien.
>"So, what can I do for you, Ms. Octavia?"

A) Ask him to fix your cello, of course. - 6
B) Question him about where he's from, how he got here. - 2
C) Ask about his 'talents' that Rarity speaks so highly of. - 6
D) Ask him why you should trust him.  He IS an alien after all. - 1
Both A & C were selected.

----------------------

"Well, you see, my cello has been... damaged.  Yes, damaged recently."
>"Okay, what all do you need me to do to it?"
"There are some devices that were attached to it, without my consent, that I would like removed; and my bow needs to be fixed."
>He remains silent for a moment, appearing to mull around what you said.
>You can only hope he wasn't some dumb baboon.
>"If you don't mind my asking, why don't you simply get a new bow?  Or have a professional take a look at your cello?"
>"Anonymous dear, this is more than just any cello!  It was a personal gift to her from Princess Luna."
>"I see.  That still doesn't explain why you don't have a professional look at it.  I'm sure a trained--"
>"I suggested she bring it to you.  The grounds on how it became damaged are... well, rather uncouth.  She'd prefer if the Princess didn't find out."
>"Ah, now it makes sense."
"So you'll fix it?"
>"I'll take a look at it and see what I can do, but I can't promise anything."
>That's the best news you've gotten all day.
"Well, if your talents resemble even a sliver of Rarity's praise, I doubt you'll have any trouble."
>"Oh?  And what has Lady Rarity told you of my 'talents?'"
"Not much really, I was hoping you could explain that for me."
>"Oh good heavens, just look at the time!  I really must be going!"
"What?  But why?"
>"I've... Well, you see... I've got some time-sensitive shopping to do!  Yes, that's it!  I'll see you back at the boutique in a couple of hours Octavia!"
>Before you could object, she was gone.

----------------------

>Great.
>Now you've been left alone with some alien you've never met before.
>At least he might be able to help you with your cello worries.
"As you were saying, Anonymous?"
>"Ah, right.  My 'talents' Ms. Rarity told you about."
>This should be good.
>Now you get to find out just what Rarity was on about.
>"It's mostly my hands that seem to fascinate the ponies around here.  I've repaired a few delicate devices and such is all, really."
"Oh come now, Anonymous.  Rarity wouldn't praise you unless you absolutely deserved it.  I've known her for a while now."
>Was he blushing?
>It was hard to tell, but it looked like it.
>"Ms. Rarity has a tendency to flatter, I suppose."
"Are you saying you don't deserve her praise?"
>"I-- Well, no--"
"Then do tell, what have you done to earn Rarity's praise?"
>He sighed.
>"Simply fixing delicate objects or the occasional massage is all."
>There was more to this story.
>But this day was dragging on enough already; it was almost noon!

What happens now?
A) Tell Anonymous to wait here while you fetch your cello.  It was already damaged as is, what's the risk in moving it? - 1
B) Bring him with you to your hotel room.  He can bring the necessary equipment and you'd rather not risk damaging your cello further. - 4
C) Ask him if he knows of a trustworthy delivery service that would be willing to carefully move the cello here. - 0
B was selected.

----------------------

"Do you have a kit you can take somewhere?  I'd rather not risk damaging it further."
>"Give me about five minutes and I'll be all set."
"Excellent."
>He went about his house, collecting various tools and materials into a rather worn leather sack.
>"All right, all set."
>He had tied the leather sack and slung it over his shoulder.
"Follow me."
>You led him out of his house and the two of you began your trek.
>"So what brings you to Ponyville Ms. Octavia?  If you don't mind my asking."
>Well, he wasn't being intrusive and he did ask nicely.
>Might as well indulge in some idle chatter.
"I come here when I have a break in my schedule.  Canterlot is a wonderful place, but it's good to get away from it all every now and again."
>"A change of scenery?"
"Exactly."
>"Is that the only reason you visit?"
"No, I have some friends that choose to live here and we get together now and again."
>"Like Ms. Lyra or Vinyl?"
"Oh HEAVENS no!  Lyra and Rarity to name a few, but most certainly not Vinyl Scratch."
>You almost spat her name.
>"I take it you have a bit of history with her?"
"You might say that.  She never ceases her obnoxious attempts to get me to listen to her tripe.  That's how my cello got damaged, actually."
>"I see.  Vinyl can be a tad over-eager at times."
"That would be putting it lightly, Anonymous."
>"She's really not so bad once you get to know her."
>You didn't say anything to that.
>A few minutes of silence later, and you were passing through the square.
>Not too much farther, and you'll be at your hotel.

----------------------

>If only it were so simple.
>You'd noticed that the same stallions that had been eyeing you earlier seemed to keep their distance now.
>Was it Anonymous?
>Perhaps they thought he was your bodyguard or something.
>Either way, an interesting development.
>"Anon!"
>"Oh hey Rainbow."
>He knew the element of loyalty?
>The plot thickens.
>"What're you up to?"
>"I'm going to help Ms. Octavia with some repairs."
>The cyan pegasus hovered in air for a minute.
>"Oh, I get it.  'Repairs.'  Gotcha."
>"What?  Rainbow, that's not what I--"
>"Yeah, sure thing Anon.  Listen, I gotta go; good luck with your 'repairs.'"
>Before either of you could say anything, she had darted off.
>You looked over to Anon who had his hand on his face.
"What was that all about?"
>He immediately retracted his hand from his now red face.
>"I'm sorry about that; that was just..."
>You knew exactly what Ms. Dash was implying, but you didn't let on.
>"Rainbow being herself.  She's been trying to... well..."
>You held up a hoof.
"Say no more.  I know exactly what you mean.  Rarity has been trying to do the same with me for a while."
>You don't suppose...
>No, Rarity would never do something like that!
>
>But...
>It did seem to fit rather well...
>Enough!
>Focus Octavia!
>Your cello needs you right now!
"Let's just continue on and get my cello fixed, shall we?"
>"I would like nothing more."
>The two of you continued on your way, picking up the pace slightly.
>
>A couple blocks later, and you'd arrived at your hotel.
>It was the same hotel you stayed at each time you visited Ponyville.

----------------------

>Nice, well kept, and the service was exceptional.
>It was nothing compared to your suite in Canterlot, but it was fine all the same.
>The two of you walked in, and the receptionist instantly recognized you.
>"Hello Ms. Octavia; your friend Ms. Scratch is waiting for you in your room."
"WHAT?!"
>She cringed at your sudden outburst.
>"She said the two of you were going to meet here to discuss something.  She already had a key to your room, so I--"
>You didn't hear the rest, you were running as fast as your delicate hooves would allow.
>She'd already crossed the line by breaking your cello, but this was too far.
>You almost knocked down your door to find the white unicorn poking at...
>At...
>Pieces.
>Pieces of your beloved cello.
>She turned to see you, and immediately backed away.
>"I... I'm so sorry Octy..."
>You couldn't take it.
>Tears were rolling down your face, but you didn't care.
>You scooped what pieces you could into your arms.
"It's okay.  It's okay.  I can fix this.  I can fix this."
>"Octavia?  What's going on?"
>It was Anonymous; he must've followed you after you darted off.
>You turned to face him and Vinyl, still holding the pieces in your arms.
>"What happened?"
>You turned your venom laced gaze to Vinyl.
>He followed your gaze to the unicorn.
>"Vinyl?  Did you do this?"
>"I... I was just trying to help..."
"Help?  HELP?!  IF YOU HADN'T TRIED TO HELP IN THE FIRST PLACE, THIS NEVER WOULD HAVE HAPPENED!"
>She cringed, tears forming in her own eyes.

----------------------

What do you do now?
A) Chase down Vinyl before she gets a chance to run.  You will avenge your cello! - 3
B) Remain calm.  This can be fixed, right? - 12
C) Break down and cry to mourn the loss of your cello. There's no possible way this can be fixed! - 25
C was selected.

----------------------

>You couldn't take it.
>There lied the pieces of your cello, your most prized possession.
>There was no possible way this could be fixed.
>You let your emotions take over, the most predominant one being sadness.
>So, you sat down and wept.
>It had been a gift from Luna herself, the only one of its kind.
>Such an honor it had been to receive it!
>You'd taken care of it like you would a foal.
>"Vinyl, I think you should go."
>"But Anonymo--"
>"No.  We'll talk later."
>You weren't really paying attention to their conversation.
>She would pay for her sins, but not today.
>Today, you mourn for your cello.
>Some would call the feelings you had for your beloved instrument obsessive.
>They did not know what it was like to play.
>The sweet moment when the line between pony and instrument became blurred.
>When your soul became entwined with sound and the music flowed from you.
>
>
>And it had been ripped from you.
>There was a chance you could find another instrument, but you wouldn't.
>You knew that for a fact.
>That thought yanked you back to reality.
>Even through tragedy, there was no reason for you to be unladylike, especially in front of someone you'd just met.
>You wiped the tears from your eyes and stood up.
>"Octavia?  Are you okay?"
>You turned to face him.
"I-- I'll be fine, Anonymous."
>Choking on your words now, Octavia?
>"Don't lie to me.  That cello meant something to you, or you wouldn't have cried over it."
"How dare you!  How dare you accuse me--"
>"Damn right I'm calling you a liar.  Now then, are you going to be okay?"

----------------------

>Now he was starting to get on your nerves.
"I said I'll be fine, and so I will."
>He folded his arms over his chest.
"Even still, your services are no longer required.  My... cello is beyond repair."
>"Ha!  You obviously don't know me very well."
"Try as you might, there is no doubt in my mind that you alone cannot resurrect my beloved instrument from its splintered remains."
>That hurt to say, but it was the truth.
>The two of you were conveying your annoyance to the other with your eyes quite well.
>"Alright, so I can't.  But I do know of someone that may be able to help."
"Ha!  That's not very likely."
>"But you don't know for sure, now do you?  I told you I'd try to get your cello fixed, and dammit I'm going to try."
"You're as stubborn as a--"
>"I'm just as stubborn as you."
"How DARE you!"
>"Look, we can play this little game of yours, or we can try my idea.  What've you got to lose?"

A) Inquire about his plan.  What've you got to lose? - 15
B) Tell him to get out.  It's time for you to accept the fact that your cello is gone. - 2
C) Continue your argument.  You may be a lady, but you won't let some ruffian insult you! - 2
A was selected.

----------------------

>You sighed out of frustration.
>He had a point, what DID you have to lose?
>Worst case scenario, his plan wouldn't work.
>
"...I have a feeling I'll be regretting this later, but what exactly is your plan?"
>"So you'll listen?"
"You made it quite clear that I have nothing to lose by trying."
>"...Alright.  I know a unicorn that might be able to fix your cello; we just need to bring her the pieces."
"...Do you know anything about magic?  It would require an incredible amount of not only power, but skill as well to pull off what you're suggesting."
>"And I'm confident that my friend has both."
"This is no broken cup or ripped shirt.  This is a very complicated and fine-tuned instrument."
>"I know that, and I still think that she can help."
>You sighed and put your hoof to your forehead.
"...Alright.  We'll try this ludicrous idea of yours.  But if this doesn't work--"
>"It'll work."
"...If it doesn't, I want you to drop the subject.  Understand?"
>He nodded.
"Then we have an accord.  Now then, you said we needed to collect the pieces?"
>"Yes, we'll need every piece of the cello for her to be able to fix it.  Even the electronic bits that were still attached when it was--"
"I understand what you're saying.  Do you have room in your satchel for the pieces?"
>"I don't think so, no.  Don't you have saddlebags or something?"
"Do I look like some sort of mule to you?"
>"Do you want your cello fixed or not?"
>You glared at him.
>"Well how about your cello case?"
>
"...I suppose that could work."

----------------------

>A few tedious minutes later, and the two of you had managed to collect the splintered remains of your cello into its case.
>Putting the remains into the case left you with the strangest sense of... irony?
>Shrugging it off, Anonymous was kind enough to carry the case for you.
>He was strangely eager to do so, it seemed.
>
>The next twenty or so minutes were spent traversing the small town.
>"Here we are."
"...Anonymous, you do realize that this is--"
>"A library, yes."
"...Why did I agree to this?"
>"Because I won't let you give up on something you love so easily."
>He knocked on the door to the library, which was opened shortly thereafter by none other than Twilight Sparkle.
>"Hey Twilight."
>"Anonymous!  What can I do for you?"
>"This is my... friend Octavia, and we need help only you can provide.  Can we come inside?"
>"Of course!  Come on in!"
>
>Just how many elements of harmony does he know?
>After the three of you were inside and situated in the main room of the library, he began explaining the situation to Twilight.
>"So, do you think you can fix it?"
>"Well, I don't know Anonymous... I guess I can give it a shot."
>"Great!  I owe you one, Twilight."
>"I still don't know if this'll work.  I'll be right back."
>She trotted off, levitating your cello behind her.
>As soon as she was out of earshot, you let him have it.
"You didn't tell me you were going to ask Twilight Sparkle to try and fix my cello!"
>"You never asked.  Is there something wrong with asking her?"
"Of course!"
>"...So what is it?"

----------------------

"I... It... It just doesn't feel right!  I wish you would've mentioned it."
>"Well what's done is done, no sense in crying over spilled milk."
"You.  Are.  Insufferable."
>"You'll thank me later."
>
>
>A few minutes later, and Twilight had returned.
>The poor girl looked absolutely exhausted.
>"So?  How'd it go?"
>"I... Whoa, gimmie a second to... catch my breath..."
>She set the case down and shook her head.
>"Okay.  So, I did my best and... Well, you'll just have to see it."
>Using magic, she opened the case and propped the cello up against one of the bookshelves.
>
>If you could call it a cello.
>There was no doubt it was a cello, but something was... off.
>You walked over to it to inspect it closer.
>There were traces of Vinyl's... attachments embedded into the wood, as though the two had become fused.
>In doing the impossible, she had fused your cello with the very things you sought to remove in the first place.

A) You're horrified.  What is this abomination?! - 9
B) You're overjoyed; your beloved cello is back! - 2
C) You're cautious.  Let's see how it sounds first, shall we? - 29
C was selected.

----------------------

"What of the bow?"
>"Right here."
>Twilight levitated the bow over to you and you gripped it with your hooves.
>A talent you'd mastered early on.
>It had become of the same fate as your cello.
>Hesitantly, you positioned yourself to play.
>Only then will you know what to feel of this... creation.
>You pulled the bow across the strings.
>The resulting noise hurt your ears and caused you to drop the bow.
>While Twilight had tried, she had failed.
>As you expected.
"I thank you for trying Ms. Sparkle, but I fear my cello will never be the same."
>"I'm sorry I couldn't fix it for you Octavia... Maybe Princess Luna could--"
"No!  I'm sorry, but she mustn't know of this.  It was her gift to me, and this only proves that I should not have received it."
>"Things happen, I'm sure she wouldn't hold it against you if you just--"
>"Twilight, I've tried that already.  She's set on not telling Luna."
>There was a knock at the door.
>"I'll be right back."
>You turned to Anonymous.
"Are you happy now?  I told you it was beyond repair."
>"We were so close..."
>"Oh hi Vinyl, what can I--"
"VINYL!  YOU FIEND!"
>"Tavi?  Oh hey, you got your cello fixed!"
"DO NOT SPEAK OF MY CELLO YOU MONSTER!"
>"But- but you fixed it, right?"
"YOU CALL THIS FIXED?!"
>You pulled the bow across the strings once more, to demonstrate to that insufferable unicorn what damage she'd done.
>"Calm down Octavia.  Maybe she can help?"
"Her?  Help?!  HA!  Have you forgotten how much she 'helped' last time?"
>"No, and that's exactly my point.  If the electronics are part of the cello now..."

----------------------

"No!  She will not touch it again!"
>He stood up and picked you up.
"Release me you brute!"
>"Vinyl, please take a look at the cello before Octavia deafens me."
>You looked him in the eyes.
>He was much larger than you and easily held you at bay.
"You RUFFIAN!  I'll not soon forget this."
>Vinyl was looking at your cello now, poking around at it and examining it using her magic.
"LEAVE MY CELLO ALONE YOU STUPID HORSE!"
>At that, Anonymous held you against his chest with one arm and covered your mouth with the other.
>"Please continue Vinyl."
>Twilight watched on in silence as you were held against your will and Vinyl continued to desecrate your cello further.
>Vinyl adjusted this and poked at that for a while longer before finally exclaiming 'done!'
>"Finally.  My arms were getting tired."
>Anonymous set you down, and you politely kicked him in the leg.
>"OW!  What was that for?!"
>You just glared at him.
>"C'mon Tavi, just give it a try.  Please?"
"If I do this will you finally leave me alone?"
>"...Yes.  If this doesn't work, I'll never bother you again."
"That alone makes this worth it."
>You positioned yourself once more aside your cello.
>In preparation for the horrors that were about to be released as sound from this abomination, you flattened your ears against your head.
>After pulling the bow across the strings, you were surprised to find that it sounded once more like your cello.

A) Do not forgive Vinyl.  Even though it sounds similar, it will never be your cello again.  Dispose of the abomination. - 4
B) Do not forgive Vinyl.  Your cello is back, but she is still responsible for causing it harm in the first place. - 11
C) Forgive Vinyl.  It sounds just as you remember!  Your cello is back! - 1
D) Forgive Vinyl and apologize to Anonymous.  He was the one who convinced you not to give up, and he was right in doing so. - 17

D was selected.

----------------------

"I... It can't be..."
>"I TOLD you it could be done!"
>You looked over at Anonymous.
"Yes... Yes you did.  I suppose I owe you an apology, Anonymous."
>You weren't some filly, you could admit when you were wrong.
"I'll admit I was ready to give up; but I'm glad you didn't let me so easily.  Anonymous, I'm sorry I was such a hassle for you to deal with."
>"I thought you were going to apologize for kicking me in the shin..."
"...No, you deserved that."
>"...So maybe I did.  But don't worry about the whole 'being a hassle.'  You weren't so bad."
>Now the part that you were probably going to regret later...
>You turned to Vinyl.
"Vinyl--"
>"Please don't be mad Tavi; I was just trying to help!"
"I know you were, Vinyl.  I can forgive you for breaking my cello, but please do try and refrain from 'helping' me without asking."
>"Deal!"
"Now then, if the rest of you will excuse me, I think I'll be taking a rest.  Today has been rather stressful, to say the least."
>"I'll help you with your cello."
"Thank you, Anonymous."
>You said your goodbyes to Twilight and Vinyl as you exited the library.
>As you began the much anticipated trek back to your hotel, Anonymous decided to strike up some conversation.
>"So Ms. Octavia, what are you going to do now?"
"I'm going to do just what I said, Anonymous; rest at my hotel room."
>"What about Ms. Rarity?  I'd thought she--"
"I've got an entire week to catch up with Rarity.  Seeing how late it is, I'm going to eat some dinner and go to bed.  Today has just been... hectic."

----------------------

>"That's one way to put it.  What about Vinyl?  I know what you said to her in the library, but--"
"I am a lady, Anonymous.  I meant exactly what I said."
>"I never doubted that.  What happens between you two now though?"
"I shall deal with Vinyl as I have to.  If she can learn to behave herself, I don't see why we couldn't be acquaintances."
>"You mean friends?"
"...One step at a time, Anonymous."
>Before either of you realized it, you'd arrived at the hotel.
"If you'll hand my cello to room service, they'll take it up to my room."
>"Alright then.  So this is good-bye?"
"Not quite.  As I said before, I have a whole week here."
>"Are you saying you'd like to get together sometime?"
"I wouldn't be against it.  Oh!  I almost forgot, wait here while I go and get some bits--"
>"No you don't.  I have a paying job; I did this because I wanted to.  No one forced me to."
"But--"
>"You're nearly as bad as Rarity.  I'll see you around some time, Ms. Octavia."
>And with that, he was gone.
>
>You'd lost your cello and been reunited with it; made a new friend; and even changed your view of Vinyl Scratch.
>Well, Vinyl still had quite a bit of room for improvement, but it was a start.
>And Anonymous...
>He wasn't what you'd been expecting.
>At times he was brash, impulsive and confident to a point of irritation.
>Then, he would be just as polite, caring and... charming.
>You might just take him up on that offer to get together sometime...  See what other surprises he's hidden away.

End...?

###Last Edit: 9/18/2012 1845