//------------------------------//
// Chapter 12: Clean Up 
// Story: My Little Serial Killer: Murder is Magic 
// by TheGentlemanCreeper 
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I had an epiphany this morning.

I realized why I’ve never wanted anypony to get close to me and vice versa.

It’s the mask.

Imagine if I had decided to go out and find a mare to add a new layer to the disguise. Being a single stallion in Ponyville — a heavily female town — is quite the oddity and it had crossed my mind a time or two.

But we would have to go through the courtship, the rituals, and the day to day slog required for two ponies to be considered a couple.

I would have to learn to accept them, and in turn, they’d have to do the same with Dayglow Mornings.

But I am not Dayglow Mornings.

Not entirely

Dayglow Mornings is the stallion with a penchant for cleaning who keeps to himself and is squeaky clean in mind, body, and soul. He can do nothing wrong.

I am not Dayglow Mornings.
I am Daymos.

A serial killer with a penchant for getting out there, getting his hooves dirty and making ponies who deserve it disappears forever.

It’s another thing to juggle. It wasn’t worth it. Having to explain where I was going. What I was doing. And why they weren’t allowed in the basement.

But Pinkamena?

She knew the real me. The really real me. She knew what I liked in a kill, how I liked to finish them, the rush I get at the end and she shares the same with me. She knows it all.

And she loved it. She loved me for being...

Me.

And she showed it to me in the most intimate way possible.

Last night was...

My word, there aren’t even any words.

The things we said to each other, the things we did.

Sweet Celestia above, the things we did.

I never thought that I’d have that particular barrier broken, much less shattered in one night.

It was... horrifying at first, I must admit. You must understand, I never really had much interest in the carnal pleasures of the flesh.

I said it before, the swapping of bodily fluids, the act... It’s unrefined. Bestial.

And last night, Pinkamena and I became beasts. Good lord, did we become beasts.

Barriers were shattered, and in its wake, two twisted souls found comfort, acceptance, and something more in each other.

We’d talk and laugh and tell stories after each... time. And then we’d get closer and closer until it started again.

I’ve never felt like this about anypony before. Because I couldn’t. But now I have a pony in my life who clicks with me on every level. Is this what it means to find a soulmate?

I could get used to this, I thought as I stared at the ceiling. My usually empty bed had another in it this morning and I appreciated the feeling of waking up warm.

Pinkamena snored ever so softly, her form pressed up to mine and burying her face in my chest.

I wasn’t lying. The thought of companionship of this level...

It was tempting. Beyond tempting. I wanted it. I wanted more.

I laughed at the thought. I could see us now.

Living the good life as a couple in Ponyville. Doing everything that couples do.

Making breakfast, going to work, finding marks, disposing of bodi-

Okay. Not everything that couples do, but we’re a strange pair.

We deserve each other.

What I don’t deserve right now, though, is the sticky feeling that must be common come post-coitus. 

I definitely couldn’t get used to.

Cleanliness is next to godliness, after all. And the shower was beckoning me to start the day.

Shifting slightly in bed, I started to separate myself from her, much to her chagrin.

“Noooooo... Too early...” Pinkamena mumbled under her breath.

“It’s morning, Pinkamena dear. It’s time to get up.” I hesitated for a moment. After what we did, what was the point of being shy? “Would you like to join me for a shower?”

Her eyes started opening slowly and when they met mine, she smiled and let out a little huff. “Sure... I could use a shower after what we-”

Her voice died in her throat and a look of panic spread across her face.

I immediately tensed up. “What? What’s wrong?”

“What time is it?” She asked breathlessly. 

“9:30. What’s wrong?”

With a groan, Pinkamena buried her face in her hooves. “Okay. Okay. I got time. Gotta hurry though.” Shifting in bed, she slowly started to roll over. “It’s Saturday. Pinkie sleeps in until noon on these days. A shower sounds really good right now.”

The minute her hooves hit the floor, Pinkamena let out a hiss and shuddered.

“What now?”

“Nothing. Just a good hurt. Mm... Holy fuck, last night. I still can’t believe that was your first time. And Teller... Damn. We need to make this a regular thing.”

A blush started to color across my face. I wasn’t exactly against the idea.

“Well, as much as I’d like to indulge you further, you’re on a time limit dear,” I said as I guided her towards the bathroom. “A quick shower, some breakfast and you can be on your way.”

“You really are a catch, you know that Daymos?” She said with a happy sigh. Stepping into the bathtub, she shot me a smile. “You cook, you clean, you push all my buttons and know how to please a mare. No way I’m sharing you.”

I knew what she was getting at. Monogamous relationships in Ponyville were rare. Mares in those kinds of relationships tended to be viewed as selfish.

“Well, that’s good,” I said as I stepped in with her. “Because there’s no other mare who can compare to you. You’ve spoiled me and now I can’t settle for less.”

It was more or less a white lie; I couldn't even begin to see myself with another mare. But if there was one thing I was good at, it was buttering somepony up. And I could tell by the small smile she appreciated it all the same.

With a flick of the hoof, the hot water began to fall from the showerhead and we both let out our own little sigh of relief. Mine from the pleasing feeling of hot water washing off the grime of last night and Pinkamena as I worked my hooves into her shoulders. I couldn’t help myself.

I know the pony body inside and out and to be able to handle a living one was such a new and enjoyable experience.

I especially enjoyed her reactions.

“And you massage... No sharing ever...” She mumbled. She felt like putty in my hooves.

“I’m just wondering... What are we going to do about Pinkie? She’s bound to think something’s odd about being freshly showered... And I don’t think she’ll appreciate that ‘good hurt’ when she’s wondering where it came from.” I let out a huff as it all started piling up. Good things come to an end, they seem.

Pinkamena let out a little laugh. “Pinkie thinks she sleepwalks,” she said plainly. “When something happens that might be hard to explain, I just make sure to pass out somewhere appropriate and Pinkie fills in the blanks.”

This gave me pause.

“Fill in the blanks?”

She nodded. “Yeah. Like, I was thinking of tangling myself up in some shower curtains, leaving the water running and lathering up a bit and Pinkie will all be like ‘Oh, I must have sleepwalked into the shower, slipped and fallen. That’s why I’m all wet, covered in soap and my hips hurt.”

I couldn’t help it. I laughed.

A peel of laughter at just how crazy it all sounded, but how straight she just played it out let me know I didn’t have anything to worry about on my end.

But still.

“And what about leaving my home?” I said with a tease. “What will the neighbors think?”

“Oooh... Good point. Hmm, as much as I’d love to put on a show, let’s not give them something to gossip about. I’ll slip out the back. I’m good at hiding, remember?” She gave me a little look and the wink that followed made my heart flutter a bit. We talked so casually about these things and were on the same wavelength.

Celestia above, this mare. We were made for each other. I can’t explain it any other way.

We cleaned up rather quickly. I made sure to use the lightest smelling shampoo I had, just in case.

Breakfast consisted of eggs in a basket and some hash brown patties. 

“How is everything?” I asked idly as I cut into my own meal.

“Very good. Though, if you had floated that way and we had the time, I would have made a request.” I looked up from my plate and saw her smiling at me wryly. She picked up a little piece of hash brown and mouthed the word ‘bacon’ before taking a bite.

I couldn’t help but wonder how she expected me to act. To say something indignant. To be offended and end up on a tirade. But no.

“I had made plans to pick something up from a griffon merchant who was passing through town, but then I had Scootaloo fall in my lap,” I said with a disappointed sigh. “Unfortunate, too. She was willing to give me a good deal.”

Pinkamena’s smile fell from her face and she just stared at me. “You... You actually... Oh my gosh.” She leaned in and slowly started smiling again. “Daymos, you just keep surprising me and surprising me. If you do get a hold of any, let me know. I’ve been dying for a slice or two.”

I nodded slowly and finished the last bit of my breakfast. “I will, I promise.” Looking up and seeing her empty plate, I took it and started towards the sink.

“So, what’s next week’s plan?”

The question was sudden, but not unexpected. We have been discussing another excursion.

“Well, I have to check my book first, but Ponyville seems to be a magnet for killers.” I laughed at the thought and looked at her over my shoulder and got a wink in return. “So if anything comes up, I’ll let you know.”

“Alrighty then. Guess I’ll have to leave now,” she said with a sigh. I started into the dishes and hummed a little tune. Things were actually looking up. Really up.

Hearing Pinkamena walking up behind me, I slowed down just a bit and waited a moment. Soon, it felt like she was looming over me and that’s when I spoke up.

“Careful. You don’t have my scent on you anymore. Do what you’re thinking and you’ll need another shower.”

It took a second, but she let out a sigh. “Can’t even give my favorite stallion a hug goodbye?”

“Unless you have a better idea to hide any evidence you were in my home.”

She let out a grumble and next thing I know, her hooves were wrapped around me and her cheek pressed against mine. “Worth it. I’ll just roll around in the grass. Pinkie will think she sleepwalked outside, got dirty and tried to shower and slipped,” she mumbled. I let out a little laugh and leaned into her.

“Have a good day.” She said.

“And you have a good rest.” I turned just in time to catch her. “See you soon.”

And just like that, my house was empty again.

Pinkamena was gone and I let out a sigh. Could it work? Could we work?

We’re two broken ponies. We kill other ponies. We’re bad ponies, but good for each other.

I think.

I’m changing, that much is for sure.

It started with Scootaloo. I began to be able to care for another pony and actually want to look out for them. And then came Pinkamena, quickly becoming a friend and later, so much more.

This is a far cry from the old Daymos. The Daymos who retreats to his castle surrounds himself with walls and keeps out everything and everypony, happy with his little groove in the floor he’s worn out for himself.

And now, I’ve got a little filly in my home who is becoming closer and closer to me. I’m honestly surprised she hasn’t accidentally called me ‘dad,’ considering I’m the closest thing to a father figure she’s had.

And if that wasn’t enough, Pinkamena is now in my life. And she’s changed me.

For the better?

Is this all worth it?

I’m making connections. And that could cost me dearly.

“Gods above, I hope this is all worth it,” I mumbled.

With the dishes done, I started down the basement —after locking the door behind me, that is.

Thanks to Pinkamena’s activities that night, we still had a body that needed to be processed and buried.

And there he was.

Teller.

Right where I left him.

“This is gonna be harder...”

He’s had time to sit. I had wanted to use the trick Pinkamena had told me about, but the blood was thick now and settled to the bottom of his body.

This was going to be a little messy.

After getting dressed and prepped, I settled into routines and started the reciprocating saw. No matter what happened, I could always fall back onto my tools.

Some things don’t need to be changed, after all.


*	*	*


It was around noon and if everything was going to plan, Pinkie was going to be waking up around now and wonder about her ‘sleepwalking problem.’

“And on top of that, Scootaloo should be coming home s-”

I was wrenched by thoughts when a heavy knock echoed through the house.

Getting up, I made my way to the door and opened it. Scootaloo stood there with her two little friends and a certain orange pony I vaguely remember being Applejack.

“Well, speak of the Nightmare and she shall appear,” I said with a laugh. “I was just thinking about you.”

Scootaloo looked up to me with a smile. “Wow, you’re happy! What’s gotten into you?”

I shrugged as she made her way inside. “Just had a nice little night to myself is all. Recharged my batteries.”

I turned my attention to Applejack and slipped the mask on. “Thank you for watching over her. It’s been a little tiring if I’m going to be honest. I’m used to just taking care of myself and needed a night to myself.”

“Aw shucks, it’s fine!” She said with a wide smile. “Honestly though, Scoots asked to just stop on by to pick up a few things. I was gonna take the three down to the lake for a swim. Care ta join us?”

I shook my head. “Not that much a fan of swimming unless it’s a pool. Never know what’s swimming around in those lakes.”

Applejack shot me an odd look and opened her mouth to say something, but was cut off as Scootaloo came charging down the stairs.

“Daymos is a neat freak. It’s fine AJ. You don’t have to worry. I’ll be back tomorrow morning, okay?”

I nodded. “Sure, just take care. I’ll be home if you need me.”

“Well, alright then. You go and take care now Daymos. I’ll keep these 3 out of trouble,” Applejack said. “You’re still welcome to join us, even if you don’t swim.”

I shook a hoof as I hung in the doorway. “Thank you, but that’s alright. I’m just going to do some reading and relax a bit. You all have fun.”

And with that, they left with a goodbye and left me to my own devices.

I wasn’t lying when I said I was doing some reading, but it was rather light reading.

Opening my little black book, I went through name after name. 

“Canterlot... Close by, trains are running all the time... Could convince Pinkie for a weekend date there. And Pinkamena and I can have our fun.”


*	*	*


I had a kick in my step, a song in my heart and felt on top of the world.

It was always like this after I took a pony’s life.

It’s like a hungry lion getting its long-awaited meal; after they’ve had their fill, they slink off to rest and bask in the feeling of fullness.

Now that my ‘lion’ had been sated, I could actually function like a normal pony for a while.

“At least until it gets hungry again.” I thought as I looked over the number of vegetables the vendor had on the stall’s display.

A few purchases later and I thought now would be a perfect time to pick up some pastries for tonight and check in on Pinkie Pie in the meantime.

Sugarcube Corner was looking rather dead at the moment and it meant it was indeed the perfect time.

Stepping inside the shop, I was greeted to the sight of Pinkie Pie at the register, cashing out a pony, but something was... off.

“Thank you, come again!” Her mane was disheveled and she didn’t carry that same air of joviality she normally did. As soon as the stallion left with his order and we were left alone, her face contorted in a mix of fear and relief. “Oh my gosh, Daymos!” She cried out. “Thank the goddess, quick! This way!”

Before I could get a word in edgewise, she had me by the scruff of my neck and was dragging me into the back room where the stock was kept.

“Pinkie, what’s wrong? What’s hap-”

She took a few deep breaths and got almost uncomfortably close. She looked scared, but more importantly, there was something I could see in her eyes. Something I never saw in Pinkie’s eyes.

“Pinkamena?” I half-whispered.

“Yeah,” she said sharply. “Me. I don’t know what the fuck happened.”

“What? What happened?”

“Pinkie didn’t wake up!” She hissed out. “I don’t know what the fuck is happening, but it’s like, 3 PM now and she’s still asleep... And it’s deep. REALLY deep. And I don’t know what to do!”

Of course. Of course things had to go wrong. With a deep breath, I put my hooves on her shoulders. “Start at the beginning.”

She nodded quickly and tried to catch her breath. “Alright, alright. I did what I told you I would. Rolled in the grass a bit, snuck back inside, popped a couple of aspirin, set the scene and let go. Pinkie’s asleep in the bathtub, I get myself all settled in.” Pinkamena swallowed dryly. “But her alarm goes off and she doesn’t get up. I wait an hour and she’s still not up!”

“And this has never happened before?” I asked calmly.

“No.”

“And why are you running around like your tail is on fire?”

“Because,” she moaned. “Pinkie runs the bakery by herself on Saturdays, opening it herself. And she’s had a butt load of orders.”

Despite her crude description, I started to grasp why she was so panicked. “And you’re not as strong a baker as she is...” I said, finishing my thought aloud. “Damnit. Alright, alright. Let me get myself washed up. I’ll help you finish any orders and-”

“-Then we can close up early and I can just say that there was an issue with the oven and that you came over and fixed it,” she finished with a smile. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

This earned me a kiss on the cheek from her and I felt myself beam. “Let’s not dawdle. If it’s anything like the last time, I’m sure there’s quite a bit that still needs to be done.”


*	*	*


Well, my restful Saturday afternoon turned into a workday for me. But I’m used to pulling overtime.

We finished three dozen doughnuts, a sheet cake, and three boxes of cannolis before we could close up shop for ‘maintenance.’

The Cakes would be home around 8, as Pinkamena helpfully pointed out, leaving us with a solid 3 hours to ourselves.

“Aaaaand there...” I said, pushing the oven back into place. “Now it will look like somepony was behind the oven trying to find the problem.”

“Smart thinking Daymos.” Pinkamena was busy lounging in one of the chairs. “My hooves are killing me... How does she freaking do it?”

“Good question...” I mumbled. I was still wracking my brain over a fix for this current problem. Pinkamena had tried all manner of ways to wake up Pinkie, but it didn’t work, and she was left still in control.

“I’m not built for this, Daymos...” She finally said aloud. “I don’t know if I can do the whole ‘double life’ thing.”

This gave me pause.

“Why not?”

“Why not? How the hell do you even do it?” She snaps. “Seriously, all those ponies out there who push and prod you, say things that just grate and grind? How the fuck do you not just kill them?”

Those words made my hair stand up a bit. “...How?” I asked incredulously. “Pinkamena, it’s all about maintaining a mask. You have to become another pony in every sense of the word. To every pony out there, you have to be Pinkie. If not-”

“Twilight and rest will know something’s wrong and then the worst happens,” she groans. “It’s gonna be hard, but I’ll try... I'm just so used to operating in the background. Not a lot of responsibilities when you ride backseat in the cart and now I regret not learning every one of Pinkie's annoying tics.”

I nodded slowly and took my seat next to her.

How could Pinkamena be that unhinged? Self-control is one of my highest held tenants. I’ve snapped a few times in the past, but even then I knew I could allow it. But here she is saying that she has no idea how I don’t just go around attacking everypony who crosses me.

If that had been the case, Ponyville would have a lot less rude ponies who call it home.

“Alright, alright...” She says with a long sigh. “I’m gonna try a few more things. If I’m still in control, mind if I stop on by?”

“Scootaloo comes home tomorrow morning. So we can.”

“Great. Worst case scenario, you can give me a crash course in this whole ‘mask’ thing.” Pinkamena let out a small huff. “You know, I’ve wanted to be my own mare for a long time, but that was before Pinkie made a life for herself. Now it’s just one big complicated mess.”

I nodded slowly. “It is, I’m not going to lie.” Getting to my hooves, I started towards the door. “I need to do some proper cleaning of my tools. They’ve been soaking this entire time. That and I still need to have myself supper.”

Pinkamena put on a big, cheshire grin and batted her eyelids. “Wanna take me home and make me dinner?”

I chuckled. “Sure. Just make yourself a bit more ‘presentable.’”

“Oh what do you mean by that, silly?” ‘Pinkie’ asked with a giggle. “Come on, let’s go. I’m excited to see what coltfriend has ready for me.”

“See, you can get it.”

“Yeah, but it’s a little grating if I’m going to be honest,” she mumbled. It was almost indiscernible, but the minute she said that I swear I could see her hair deflate just a bit.

“Watch it,” I said as we got out into the streets of Ponyville. “Something like that might be enough to tip somepony off.”

Instead of saying anything, ‘Pinkie’ kept her mouth closed as we passed a group of mares gossiping and cackling. 

“Oh boy, this is gonna be harder than I thought.” ‘Pinkie’ said. “Anyway, what’chya wanna do for supper? Got anything yummy planned?”

I felt my lips purse at the question. I didn’t mind cooking for Pinkamena. It’s just the very Pinkie-esque way the question was asked that got to me.

“Oh, I have a few things in mind.”

Our conversation died down about after that and we walked in silence to my abode. As soon as Pinkamena made her way in, she let out a sigh and returned to her usual self.

“That’s going to be exhausting, I just know it...” she grumbled.

“Well, it’s something that you’re...” My voice died in my throat. Something was wrong here.

Someone had been in my castle.

Pinkamena noticed my sudden silence and started to look concerned and then she noticed where my eyes were going.

The basement.

The basement door was ajar.

I locked it before I left.

I know I locked it before I left, just like I know I locked the front door, which had been still locked when we arrived.

I raised a hoof to my lips and started creeping towards the basement. I opened the door slowly and laid down on the carpet. I was practically slinking forward on my belly like a snake who just noticed there was something wrong with its nest. 

And downstairs into the basement, I could see a few of my lights were on. Lights I turned off already.

I mouthed the words ‘Light’ and ‘Break-in’ to Pinakmena. Her demeanor changed quickly from confusion to shock.

‘Follow my lead,’ I mouthed. Walking slowly and carefully, I started down the first two steps and waited until Pinkamena was right behind me and then locked the door.

Halfway down the stairs, I felt my blood run cold. There indeed was somepony in my castle.

Melliot.

And he was taking pictures.

My work table where Teller had laid, the bloody and soapy pool of water, my tools... He had seen everything.

My only saving grace was that Teller had been freshly buried and there was no way to know that a pony was there. Soft, damp earth did that.

There might be a chance. Hopefully ‘Pinkie’ followed me on this one.

“E-Excuse me?” I asked aloud, making Melliot nearly jump out of his skin. “What’s going on here?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” Melliot said. The cliche felt familiar and I just sighed.

“You broke into my home!” I yelled out, coming down the stairs. “I think I have a little more right to ask that!”

“Then what about all these... THINGS here?!?” He cried out. “There’s blood on these knives and saws! On the table! What the FUCK have you been doing down here, you freak?!?”

“I have a griffon client and friend. I know it seems wrong, but he was showing me new techniques for pig preparation and-”

“Don’t fucking lie to me!”

“I’m not lying! He came over, processed the pig and I’m cleaning the tools! He-”

“The blood has a magical signature to it!” He yelled through grit teeth. Reaching into his belt, he pulled out a little test tube with a cotton swab. Part of it was red, but it had looked like it had changed blue on part of it.

“Blood only turns blue when exposed to mananol if it has a magical signature belonging to a unicorn.” He spit out.

I looked calm and like I didn’t know what he was talking about on the surface, but on the inside, I was screaming.

He wasn’t lying.

I knew about mananol. I knew what it could mean if they got a hold of my tools. But they’d have to get them first. And I never had that problem arise.

Until now.

“Melliot, please. I have no idea what you’re talking about. Let’s just all calm down, okay?”

“M-Melliot, you’re scaring me!” ‘Pinkie’ cried out. “Daymos couldn’t have done anything!”

We were closing in on him now. I didn’t know what I was going to do when I got closer. He had me dead to rights. If anypony heard what he had to say, it would be over. 

That’s when it all hit the fan.

Whether because we were cornering him or he was just that paranoid, Melliot pulled out a collapsible police baton. And without warning, he swung it at me full force.

I could feel the wind on that swing and immediately, my fighting instincts kicked in.

It was fight or flight and there was no way I was going to flee my own castle.

I let him swing again and grabbed the offending hoof. From there, it was a wrestle for power and fortunately, I had a bit more on him.

With a single swing, I brought the side of his ankle down on the edge of the sink with a heavy thunk. He screamed in pain and dropped the baton and from there, it was easy to get him into a chokehold.

He choked and gurgled as I tightened my hold. By now, Pinkamena was looking panicked.

“Get rid of him!” She cried out. “He knows!”

She was right. Melliot knew. Melliot knew everything had proof I wasn’t who I was pretending to be.

He could ruin everything.

I took a deep breath and tightened my grip. He flailed uselessly around, trying desperately to get out. He kicked, he pulled, but when I felt the click in his throat, I knew things were over.

I broke his hyoid.

He started to shake and that went on for about a minute. About 30 seconds after that, he went limp.

I didn’t stop holding onto him for another minute.

Finally, I let go. 

Melliot’s bloodshot eyes stared up at me. He didn’t wheeze. He didn’t moan.

He was dead.

By now, I was the one shaking.

I’ve never killed anypony, anyone who didn’t deserve it.

Melliot was a cop.

A cop who put his nose where it didn’t belong and who broke the law, but a cop nonetheless.

“You did the right thing Daymos,” Pinkamena said plainly. “I’m honestly surprised you didn’t just do it sooner... but come on. He was gonna go right to the authorities with what he found here. You did the right thing.”

“I... I did...” I said numbly.

Did I?