//------------------------------// // Burning Desire // Story: Cursed Eclipse - Across Equestria // by AImostpure //------------------------------// “Mares and Gentlecolts! Appleloosa's first rodeo is proud to bring you an earth pony known far and wide for her stunts and acts of bravery!” The announcer's voice broke the chatter in the stands. Lights of the makeshift stadium were turned dark by the pegasus manning them. Hush fell over the ponies while their attention was drawn to the center circle at what laid to come. It was Sunday night and the festivities for the first day were winding down with one final act. The truce with the buffalo brought a new prosperity for Appleloosa. Tourists came to savor the apples and watch the sentient race stampede across the desert plans. Proper buildings and roads cropped up like farm fields across specified areas of the open waste. In a years time, Appleloosa became a small tumbleweed of a settlement to a show town hosting the second largest rodeo in Equestria. Now, two spotlights of red shine down on the western edge of the rodeo massive rodeo circle. In the light a strange contraption with a pony sitting on its seat. Her coat a daring amber. Her mane, dark chestnut color, buzzed at the sides but kept long down her neck in the middle. Her tail was cut short for reasons to her profession. The pony was adorned in an unusual outfit. Tight faux leather pants hugged her muscular hind legs giving a glimpse of the pristine mass beneath. Holes in the fabric let the pony's cutie marks be seen; a tornado made of fire. A jacket of similar fashion, a form of pegasus clothing known as a 'bomber' jacket zipped up down the middle. The collar lined with a white wool. Black lens goggles strapped to cover her eyes. The contraption she sat on was unlike anything most ponies had seen. Two wheels holding up a sturdy, metal frame. A small sized engine tucked beneath the with a gear wrapped chain that was wrapped around a gear attached to the back wheel. Orange gemstones stuck out of the engine. They were the source of power to oiled mechanism. Curved metal bars went from the chassis up to in front of the pony. Her forelegs raised up setting her hooves into specially designed handles for ponies. Hind hooves would rest on metal plates instead of dangling helplessly to the side. Two blue spotlights shinned out at either side of the rider. They gave the audience a chance to see two unicorns, dressed in a showmare's sequin skirt, exotically sway their hips in their movement to the cycle. They stood, one foreleg to their waist, and the other to the waist twirling once to give the crowd a look. A motion of the rider's hoof gave signal for the unicorns to lower their heads, sparking their magic to the machine to grant it life. It roared a predator's cry. Rumbling louder than a locomotive in the crowded stadium. Dirt spun out from the back tire, grinding a incision into the ground before sending the bike and the rider speeding forward. Red spotlights clicked on, one after the other, right before the rider entered them. In the darkness, near the center, rings of fire burst to life spiraling in mid air. A roar of a pride of lions thundered beneath each circle. When the stadium lights shined back on, the crowd would see what the commotion was. The rider was going dead fast for a wooden ramp. It would lead her at a forty five degree angle up. In front of the ramp four rings of fire spun, go through them at the wrong time would lead to the rider being burned alive. Beneath the rings, where the lions' roar originated, it was indeed five caged lions. The roofs of their imprisonment was removed, but they couldn't leap out to freedom either. If the rider was not careful, after hitting the rings, she would be torn to shreds by the carnivores below. There were gasps in the crowds. Many ponies had never seen the rider's show. Some covered their foals' eyes, others leaned forward form their seats to get a closer look. Just as the rider hit the ramp, the wooden construct burst into flames. Even with the danger presented the rider drove right into the blazing inferno. Handles were pushed forward increasing her speed. The rubber of her tires could very well have melted if she had slowed down, but hitting the edge of the ramp signaled the victory from the first danger. Spiraling rings were the next, as she went through the first and second easily without even a lock of hair singed. The lions leap up trying to claw at their potion dinner. The rider decided to toy with them, Before entering the third ring, she pulled her entire body onto the seat, stood up on her hind legs, then hopped into the air. Her back curved, somersaulting herself backwards over the loop as her bike made the passage solo. On the other end, she landed back down, sitting as she once was to bring both tires bouncing onto the other ramp. The bike took a sharp turn at the bottom of the ramp sliding over the dirt to a stop. When the engine died down, the biker's hooves raised pulling her goggles from her face showing off desert sand iris, she pumped her right fore hoof into the air twice. The crowd screamed out loud, cheering the pony on. Foals were able to see the after math of the stunt, some even attempted to climb out into the rodeo circle to get to meet the biker pony but were stopped by security. “Mares and Gentlecolts! SPIRAL FLAME!” The announcer's shout could have easily been called a scream just trying to get over the roar of the Sunday Crowd. The pony, Spiral Flame, was in her zone loving every bit of admiration and cheer. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Iron Mind was at a loss. He was asked to return to Canterlot for a personal debriefing with Celestia before his rendezvous with the police in Manehatten. A punishment befitting one who allowed the monarchy to come to harm was what Iron Mind expected. He was bewildered to find that not only would he not be punished, but he was ordered to spend two days and nights with his family before continuing on with his assignment. Iron would learn through conversation with his fellow captains that it was Luna who was lectured over her injury. Celestia, instead, reprimanded Luna for charging off into the unknown. He would have paid to have been a magical fly on the wall for that. The debriefing was just that. Iron Mind gave any new information but had any questions he presented painfully ignored or carefully eluded. There were thoughts of pulling favors from Shining Armor for him to ask Cadence. An option not able to be taken less his professional image be fractured. If it ever did come to that, he did have photographs of a certain Captain as a cadet in an immoral club. Despite his need for knowledge he would never bring such shame upon his protege and fellow captain. A day spent with Electrical Conduit at a hoof ball game, a romantic night with his wife, and a panic as a family well behind him. Iron let the memories soak in before he departed the train at Manehatten on Sunday Morning. In the background he could hear the frantic cries of a mare shouting for somepony named Eclipse but the loud noise cut off any further investigation. This would be the second error he would look back upon that he wished he followed up immediately; the first being the pink griffin at the hospital. It would be well into the afternoon, after delivering his bags and checking into the hotel, that Iron Mind had the chance to arrive at the central police station. The meeting with the chief went with Iron consistently having to remind the chief that Iron was in charge of the investigation and the chief was to follow his orders. For such an older pony, he was too set in his ways to not be upset at the prospect of being upstaged. Police officers were gathered for the Captain of the Guard to begin briefing them of what laid to come. “Everypony, as many of you have been given some information, the Princesses have moved an investigation into Manehatten.” The briefing room was large and spaciest to fit the array of ponies that worked there. Electrical lights hung overhead, university level desks lined in neat rows filled with the blue dressed ponies. At the front the chief and Iron Mind stood to give a vantage when speaking. “There is urgency in this, but discretion is also needed. After being given a description of the pony, be discreet in releasing it. No sketches, posters, nor fliers will be handed out to help with the search.” There were murmurs in the ranks. Most asking if this was a missing pony, why not release information freely? Iron Mind clopped a hoof down onto a table in front of him. His head moved, motioning for the chief's secretary to begin handing out the papers with the description and name of the pony. “There are others searching for this pony. Any information we get, cannot go to them. I am afraid at this time, who the other party is remains unknown.” “Then how do you know there is another party?” “This pony is a key witness in the investigation of a suspect. The suspect is believed to be pursuing in hopes of eliminating the witness.” Iron Mind took a seat back on his haunches preparing for any questions that may come. “So... It's an alicorn, right? Shouldn't there be more guards and less us?” Visions moved to the officer who spoke up. Iron raised a hoof pointing to him. “Good question. No, the pony we are searching for maybe afraid to come to the guards. If she wasn't, we believe she would have approached the authorities already.” “Hey hey! I've seen this pony before. I'm sure of it.” A mare in the middle of the officers spoke up, raising onto her hind hooves. Everyone had their attention on her. Such a quick break in the case felt too good to be true but would be welcomed. “Yeah. She had the broken horn, mismatched wings. Hard flank you could cut carrots on. Perfect flank. I mean that sort of flank comes from never eating bad food.” Iron Mind's right eye twitched. “She did some crazy dance and made the lights and shadows do stuff. Never seen it before.” Iron Mind broke rank and file trotting down from in front of the officers to place himself, intimidatingly, in front of the mare. His cold gaze broke any warmth that she may have had starting her shift. Feeling under the pressure, she was the first to look away. “Which club? What night?” “Maybe a month... a month and a week ago? It was at the Magic Wisp. Took me almost a month of bits to get inside that night!” The chief had to give Iron Mind credit. He had never been able to break down one of his officers so quickly into a cower as the Captain did with only his stare. The officer was then disregarded, and Iron Mind drudged back to the front of the room. A strong hoof stomped down to gather their attention back on him. “We will begin searches in the district that this club is in. Remember, when questioning try to keep anything you must give to be little. The less that can be spread around the better.” Each officer was appraised individually now by Iron. Betrayal was the one thing that could turn this investigation further down the wrong path. He had wanted to avoid this, it felt too personal for him to be involved. Yet, it wasn't his choice to be or not. Unwavering the guard captain finished his speech. “If the pony is found, do not act hastily and create a disturbance. She is not a suspect, she is not believed to be dangerous, and she will not know what is occurring.” The chief would clap his fore hooves together announcing dismissal from the meeting. The officer who had spoke up before was once again confronted by Iron before she could leave. The intimidation factor was still present in how she tried to hide behind her mane, avoiding direct eye contact with the captain. “Is there something else, sir?” “Did you happen to see her with anypony or leave with anypony?” “No sir. I was kicked out when I.. I would rather not say, and haven't been able to get back in since. I do know she still goes there. Some friends say they saw her in there on occasion.” A place to start. Iron Mind collected himself and left the meeting room. His thoughts were scrambled. If Eclipse was regularly seen at an exclusive club, then she had to have an income. Or, Iron decided, somepony was taking advantage of her. An exorbitant degree of rage surged through his mind at the sheer thought of some stallion taking advantage of a pony that could be his sister. An image appeared in his mind's eye. A pony, matching Eclipse's description, was being held down by a stallion as she screamed for somepony's help. Lids flinched closed over burning visions. His right hoof raised slamming through the wall next to him. Sure it was all in his mind, but it felt real enough for him. If Iron Mind had been an older brother his entire life, no colt would have been able to get near any sister of his. It was another hour before Iron Mind could set out onto the streets himself. He had donned a long trench coat for his outing to hide his cutie mark and to conceal Celestia's crest he kept with him. It was amazing how shining the magical symbol could part crowds of ponies down the middle. A police carriage took him straight to Magic Wisp. Sure enough it was in the hours of preparing for the onslaught of tourists, vacationers, and regulars that would be either allowed in immediately, have a list checked, wait in line, or bribe to get in. A shine of that crest would have one of the workers let Iron in instantly. The owner arrived to greet Iron near the front door. Anypony arriving with the Princess' crest was worth meeting immediately. He was a pegasus, fat bellied, oily coat, full beard, and his mane slicked back. Many first impressions labeled him badly, but the truth was a complete opposite. “Ah! Welcome to Magic Wisp. My employee tells me you have some questions? Anything for a pony representing the Princess. Come my friend,” the pony waved a hoof for Iron to follow him to the bar, “Have a few drinks on me.” The two took their places on the bar stools. Iron raised a hoof ordering a nice whiskey for the trouble. It would be rude to turn down the drink of a pony so willing to give aid. “My name is Iron Mind. Former Captain of the Equestrian Royal Guard, now Captain of Celestia's personal guard. My duties bring me to Manehatten searching for somepony. Reliable word puts her within this club over the past month to a month and a week.” “Many ponies come through here, sir, I am afraid I would need more information if I am to help.” The pegasus ordered himself a brighter drink to test the bartender. A blended beverage that was candy apple red with apple slices poking out the top. “She would be difficult to forget. Glowing eyes.” The owner flinched, the bartender gave nervous glances not just to the owner but to the other employees. “One pegasus wing and one bat wing.” His magic brought his glass to his lips sipping the liquid calmly. The reaction he was receiving was precisely what he had hoped. Each pony here knew who he was speaking of. A sweeping sensation of calm came as a cold rush on his heated skin. “Her parents, horrible ponies, named her Cursed Eclipse. Can you imagine?” Shattering of a dropped glass echoed through the empty club. The owner praised this break in the moment to fly over the counter. He ducked down, working his hooves frantically to help his employee clean the shards. “Yes. No. We haven't seen anypony like that in here. Nopony what-so-ever.” “Of course.” Ignoring the denial. “She wouldn't be of age to come into this place. Anyone aiding in finding her would certainly have any crimes associated be forgotten.” Blackmail. Just doing it to get a small bit of information brought a foul taste on Iron's tongue. “I do not mean to imply that not aiding will result in any charges either.” Magic lowered his class, his forelegs crossing as he leaned over the counter to gaze at the owner. “The young filly is in danger. If it puts your mind at any ease, I doubt it is anyone she would have met here.” Both ponies behind the counter looked at the other for an answer. Of course, it would be the plump owner's responsibility to come up first. “Can't say I know where she is now but she'd come in here when a DJ friend, Pon-3, we'd give her easy stuff for some bits as a favor to the DJ. Real nice filly.” The owner dipped his head down lapping at the cold, fruity beverage. “But Pon-3 said she was taking off for a couple of weeks with her marefriend.” “Is Pon-3 an alias or her real name?” “Oh, right. Vinyl Scratch. Dunno where she went, or if the filly is with her. Probably best to ask around her place.” The pegasus ducked back behind the counter to grab a quill and paper. “I usually mail her checks to the Fritz Ritz Condominium.” The name was written down, the paper hoofed over to Iron. “Best place I can figure starting.” A ball of magic tool the paper, rolling it up to place in his jacket with the seal. “Thank you. Both for the information and, from the sounds of it, taking care of the filly.” The guard captain tipped his head to the owner, the bartender, then dropped from the stool onto all fours. “Don't worry. Her presence here will not be known nor will you face any legal matters.” This assurance was accepted by the owner who waved a hoof to the departing Iron. Next location, the assumed home of Vinyl Scratch. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ It was high noon at the Appleloosa Train Station. Once just a single ticket booth it had grown into a full grand station with all modern locomotive needs. Standing on the main platform was the town's residential tour guide and applebucker, Braeburn, stood anticipating the newest train of tourists. Braeburn was a yellow pony, maize tone. Mane and tail were dual shades of born a little bit messy and a little bit neat. He wore an ever present vest down to his waist letting his bright red apple cutie mark remain uncovered. Between his ears, a cowboy hat set over his mane. The side brims curved up to the top. A friendly smile and a welcome demeanor was put on as he spotted the iron machine rolling down the tracks. A snake's hiss sounding from the breaks slowing the massive piece of machinery to a halt. Steam bellowed forth releasing from beneath. Braeburn steadied himself for the doors of each passenger car to open. Anticipation was the worst part but it made it feel all the more better when it finally happened. Ponies began to flow out in droves and Braeburn unleashed himself. Reeling back on his hind legs, his forelegs kicking lightly at the air. “Welcome everypony to ApplelOOOSA!” His voice called out triumphantly. Regrettably, no pony even regarded Braeburn. Each passenger of the train had instead gathered around a specific spot in front of a private train car. A loud whoosh signaled the parting of the doors letting the five inside come out. “It's the Wonderbolts!” A random pony shouted leaping above the crowd to point at the five. Normally, pegasus such as they would have flown from one event to another to avoid such publicity and crowds. With the distance from the inner workings of Equestria to Appleloosa it was not an option to fly unfortunately for the Wonderbolts. The famous aerial acrobatics team were forced into an early fan gathering thanks to a train worker telling one passenger, who told another passenger, who screamed up and down the train of the celebrities' presence. Braeburn simply glared in their direction. “T'aint fair.” One particular stallion, among the Wonderbolts, was receiving the largest quantity of Braeburn's ire. The second in command of the Wonderbolts, a sky blue stallion with a dark blue mane, had a mare beneath each foreleg and a mare beneath each wing. On each of their flanks rested a fresh apple pie with icing writing on the top of each. The first pie simply read 'we', the second a giant heart, the third 'Soa', and the last 'rin'. As with the other members and their own groupies, the blue pegasus was laughing and flirting to his heart's content. Braeburn ground his teeth together, puffed his cheeks out, and felt fury build red across his face. Emotions were boiling as a volcano threatening to burst out right. It wasn't the fact he was being ignored or over shadowed, he was paid even if the tour was late or canceled by freak events. No, the jealousy had to do with that one particular pony. “Excu..excuse me.” A voice snapped Braeburn out of his murderous daze. Salvation from his dark emotions came from somepony, rather anypony that was noticing their tour guide waiting in the wind to begin their tour of Appleloosa. “Well howdy, Pardner! Name's Braeburn. I'm the tour guide 'round these parts for ponies new to this here town!” Ecstatic, he spun around on hind hooves to face the owner of the soft voice. “Now, what can I do ya for?” Much to his surprise, it was a solitary pony. She couldn't have been a foal, but her stunted size didn't procure that she was a full mare. A pony trapped somewhere between filly and mare. As with everypony else, her moon glow eyes and crystalline twinkling hair, that never left falling over her left eye, took the first notice before her dark gray coat. Short tremors shook her body as unfamiliar glances were shot around her. “I see...seem to have got..gotten onto the wro..wrong train.” Her throat felt dry even swallowing what little saliva had collected. “I do..do not know ho..how to get ba..back.” Braeburn swore he had found the first ever talking porcelain doll. As many before him, the yellow pony fell into a trance staring at the glowing pools. Haunting giggles of fan fillies took him right back to reality. Another glare was cast over his shoulder then bringing his attention back to the stranded filly. “Well sure I can see about helping ya out there. Anypony who's anypony in ApplelOOSA!” Braeburn let the name roll off his tongue with an excited yell. His body rocked back on his hind legs again kicking his forelegs to the air. Just as quick as he let out his trade mark call, Braeburn lowered back down. “Knows to help somepony in need. Say, what's your name, pardner? Name's Braeburn my self.” “Ecl..Eclipse.” The filly lowered her head a bit giving her usual greeting. Braeburn took a moment to take in the sight of the filly. Previously, all he saw was her hair and eyes. This time he saw much more of her. Was this Eclipse a pegasus? The applebucker just couldn't tell not with a bat wing and pegasus wing. Was she a unicorn, perhaps? Braeburn had never known a unicorn with a busted horn. Then she had a saddlebag on. It had her cutie mark, though each bag had it opposite colors, made of expensive fabric and a single odd pin pushed onto one flap. A jingle sang from a chain around Eclipse's neck. An odd cylinder item dangling at the curve of the silver metal. Braeburn's right eyebrow cocked upwards examining the filly. Eclipse was becoming well aware she was under a microscope causing her to fidget in place, scraping her hooves against the wooden floor of the train station. Right hoof set to Braeburn's chin 'hrming' to himself staring at the filly. Head began to lean down glancing quick motions at her wings, to her horn, then back to the filly's face. “Say there, missy.” “Yes..Yes?” Eclipse managed a stutter taking a few steps back to recover what she could of her personal space. “Are you one of them show ponies? Cause I'd swear I'd never seen anypony and nopony quite like you!” Beaming with satisfaction at guessing, what Braeburn believed, to be the honest truth. “No I'm af..afraid I'm no..not a show pony.” A quick head shake caused mane to bounce but still never leave the left side of her face. “Well darn. I was sure I was right on it. Welp! Let's get you straightened out, right?” Braeburn nudged Eclipse gently with his hoof for her to follow behind him. Even if he wouldn't be able to give his, in Braeburn's mind, famous ApplelOOSA tour he'd make things right for somepony. “Say, you wouldn't want to have a tour of AppleOOSA!” Again, he reeled back kicking his forelegs, “After we talk to the ponies in charge, would you?” By this time, the constant shouting of the name, and the pride his body language showed for this town, made Eclipse giggle. She set a hoof to her mouth trying to politely hide this fact. “That would be lovely..ly.” And with that, Braeburn beamed the brightest smile he could. Who needed a large group of ponies that would probably only ask questions about the Wonderbolts, when you had somepony who may actually want to know about the town? “Surprised truthfully. Most ponies seemed to be fawning over the Wonderbolts being in town than the town its self.” “Wh..Who are the Wonderbolts?” Eclipse replied tilting her head peering at the stallion. Braeburn would be caught with his voice trapped somewhere between wanting to ask if the filly was ill or kept in a basement all her life. He ain't ever heard of nopony that hadn't heard of the Wonderbolts. No matter to nopony, Braeburn wouldn't judge one for not knowing who was famous and who wasn't. He agreed to help this pony and she agreed to let him take her around the town and show off how it's grown. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ “What do ya mean you can't help the little missy out?” Braeburn's voice reached an annoyed, high tone as his right hoof slammed against the ticket counter. “This here filly needs our help and just needs to get on a train to... Say where didja need to go again?” For the past hour, Braeburn and the train station manager had been arguing over getting Eclipse onto a train. Whatever the manager would say, Braeburn argued with even if it was being offered something to drink. The yellow stallion felt it was helping somehow. This was at the ticket booth of the station. The window separating the customer from the ticket master covered with iron bares. A center avenue of the train station's whole. Eclipse felt trapped under the eyes of gathering ponies. The commotion that Braeburn and the manager were causing created a stir in the normally calm station. Beads of sweat trickled down Eclipse's brow. The filly had cowered down against the wall near the ticket booth. Huddled with her hooves over her head wanting to vanish away. Sadly, the natural glow her hair and eyes gave off would do little to keep from not being noticed. Finally, through a squeak, she spoke up. “Trottingham.” “You already asked her that five times since you came up here, Braeburn.” The manager scoffed shaking his head. “And she doesn't have her original ticket. Plus.” “Don't you use your fancy rules on me.” Braeburn huffed, puffing his chest out. The moment this happened, the manager wrapped both his fore hooves around Braeburn's neck through the bared window, and pulled the yellow pony against the steel rods. “And I told you forty five minutes ago, even if I wanted to get her onto a train to Trottingham,” The manager's eyes were now blood shot red, the veins of his neck and forehead pulsing prepared to pop and strangle the cowpony. “Right after the last train showed up, I got word that somepony or something took two miles of track clean off the ground! I can't do a thing to help you!” A forced smile, nervous stare into the eyes of the homicidal station manager. Braeburn knew when to consider himself lucky not to have been bucked into the ground. “Got it. No problem. I'll just find this here filly a room to stay in until we can work something out. Sound good?” Suddenly released from the possibly skull fracturing hold against the bars, Braeburn offered a merry wave to the departing manager. His right foreleg brushed over his forehead removing any unwanted sweat. “Whew, I tell you, Eclipse, someponies just can't handle things. Look,” Braeburn turned back to face Eclipse, “Since I couldn't help ya get on a train back to where ya need to go. Let me get ya a room at the hotel that opened up. Least I can do, right?” Eclipse shot upright up onto all fours. Tail tucked between her legs while she took a steady look around then came to settle back on Braeburn. Many of the ponies had gone back to their daily routines much to Eclipse's relief. There was never a problem in the many clubs and social situations in Manehatten with dealing with the crowds. The major difference between there and here was that Eclipse had Octavia and Vinyl to depend on. “Th..thank you. I do..don't have any bi..bits I am afr..afraid. My fri..friend, Miss Oc..Octavia, has the money.” “Well, shoot, little missy. What sorta gentlecolt would my momma have raised iffin I didn't help ya out. Now how about that tour!” And in an instant, Braeburn put his head against Eclipse's side, mindful of her saddlebag, and began pushing her throughout Appleloosa. She would get the thirty second showing of various places in the city. The apple orchard, mild west dances, wild west dances, horse drawn carriages, horse drawing horse drawn carriages, and of course they ended the flurry of information in front of the Salt Block. By this time, Eclipse's was swirling from a sensory overload of rapid movement and rapid, flapping gums, she had been whisked in front of the watering hole and inside. Unceremoniously Braeburn dropped Eclipse at her own table, into her own chair. The when and how were lost to the dazed Eclipse finding it better to accept that it happened and not bother with the details. “You ha..have a love..lovely town.” The words finally broke her own mental tension staring at the handsome stallion who had been so kind to her. “Well shucks, thanks little missy. I know all of us here sure take pride in this settlement. Hey, Bartrot!” Braeburn shuffled a few steps back from Eclipse waving a hoof to the bartender behind the counter. The bartender dressed far differently than the ones who worked Manehatten. Handlebar mustache, black vest over a whit dress shirt, and a firm build to toss out any drunkards. “Let this little filly get what she likes and just put it on my tab. Now, Eclipse,” Just as soon as he spoke to the barkeep he had turned back, “I'll go see about getting you a room at the hotel. Just wait here, don't go with anypony you don't know. I'll be back before you can say ApplelOOSA!” For the third or fourth time, Braeburn reel back shouting the name. A group stare was fired off at him from every patron around. The yellow pony blushed ducking his head down just a bit. “Well, see ya soon!” In a gust of smoke, he galloped out the bar. There was finally calm enough for Eclipse to assess her situation properly. First, a moment was given to look around the Salt Block. It was nothing at all like the bars in Manehatten. It was quiet, ponies remained huddled at tables nary an eye to anypony else, no dancing, and only a single pony on a piano playing a mildly lively tune. The bartender wasn't flirting for tips, and there were no waitresses or waiters doing the same. Everything was calm and serene in its own way. The lack of noise, mares arguing over anything and everything, and the sheer lack of variety in appearance for the ponies present caused an ache deep in Eclipse's heart. Her hoof st against her throbbing muscle, sniffing back a tear. It had barely been a day and already she felt the cold pain of loneliness piercing her. Why was she feeling it? Since she was five she was alone. Any contact she was allowed resulted in physical and emotional pain. She missed Vinyl and Octavia. The wallow of self loathing was interrupted before it could break into a full cataclysm of depression. A stallion's grunt caught Eclipse by surprise swinging her head about to stare behind her. The bartender, staring down at Eclipse with an accusatory stare. Gave an 'haruff' dropping off his flank a platter with what appeared to be hay fries and a glass of non alcoholic cider. No order was placed yet, and the salty smell brought a lion's roar rumbling from her belly. By the time her senses returned to her, he had already retreated back to the saloon to begin cleaning his glasses. A pony of few words but could understand things. Magic lifted the first morsel of food to her lips biting down on the hot treat. It was odd, it wasn't hay, but rather potato. “Mmmm!” A squeal of delight ravaging the one raised to soon lift another. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ A grandfather clock chimed twelve times signaling the coming of midnight. The bar was still several hours until closing time, but only one patron remained. Every other pony had long since gone to the week long rodeo and the first show of the Wonderbolts. This left the only patron, a lone filly, waiting for Braeburn to return. It had been eight hours and fifteen glasses of cider later with no sign of him. The bartender was content with the silence, ever cleaning the glasses, going over collecting her empties while bringing a new full glass. Eclipse sat on the same chair Braeburn left her. The only time she got up was to use the little filly's room. Forelegs dangled lifelessly in front of her slouched body. Her chin pressed against the wooden table. An errant hoof poked the dangling cylinder around her neck counting each time it swayed before prodding it again. Dreary thoughts tapped into past paranoia believing that the yellow pony had just dumped her off not wanting to deal with any crisis. These train of thoughts led to further darkness clawing at her psyche. Maybe she did not board the train on accident? What if Vinyl and Octavia had arranged for her to be here? No! Eclipse would not go down such a dead road. Octavia had said it her self, 'No matter what happens, we will help in anyway they can.' Vigorously, her hooves rubbed at her eyes forcing back any tears that wished to be shed. Even if she was to force her depression away, however, she was still stuck in this bar without a place to stay. Thoughts were broken at sounds approaching from the calm outside the saloon. Three or four voices talked quietly amongst themselves while another obnoxiously shouted, squealed, and hooted. Swinging bar doors slammed onto the inner walls celebrating the arrival of the first of five ponies. The mare was large than most mares in Equestria. Lean, mean, and built like a brick house. An amber pony with chestnut mane and tail, bomber jacket zipped up the front, black lens goggles dangling around her neck. Forelegs had shot out pushing the door out of her way making the loudest arrival she could muster. A cocky, sure of herself smile poised on her lips. “Did you all see that? I swear half the crowd wet their seats when they saw my catch on fire getting out of the straight jacket.” Burnt umber visions twinkled at the memory of her glory. “Too bad you didn't go with it, Spiral.” The words would only be heard by the four ponies coming up behind the proud mare. Azure blue uniforms hugged every inch of defined muscle. The uniforms covered from everything from hoof to hoof to head leaving only tail, mane, wings, and mouth free of the tight confines. Matching sky blue goggles either rested over eyes, or in one case on forehead. Yellow bolts of lightning were stitched around each ankle and down the belly. On their flanks, where the uniform covered, the proud symbol of the Wonderbolts was displayed; a winged bolt of lightning. Of the four ponies, only the lead had lowered down her hood. “Play nice.” She warned back to her teammates behind her. Eclipse believed her mane had to be a fire preparing to burst by the vibrancy of the oranges. Her coat, lemon, appeared soaked with sweat over her face. No reason as to why, but Eclipse found herself blushing at the sight of the athletic pegasus. There was nopony around to tell the filly this was normal. Everypony found attraction to this Wonderbolt. “But, Captain.” One of the three trailing behind the pegasus mare spoke up, but still whispered for the flamboyant earth pony to keep from hearing. “She's a pain in the flank to deal with.” “Yo, Spitfire! Spittster! How about a game to see who pays for drinks for the night?” The amber mare took still briefly to gaze across the empty saloon. Hope hit the ground as if filled with lead. Spiral Flame grunted kicking one of her hind legs back narrowly missing one of the Wonderbolts. There had been hope of groupies and loose ponies to be had. Knowledge this was a small town thrust from her mind thinking it would suddenly change the fact that morals were in somewhat high demand here. The prospect of one of Spiral's games was almost at its end until she noticed a faint glow across the bar. Until she had noticed Eclipse. “Whoa. Spittster, wouldja lookit that.” After narrowly judging the buck of Spiral Flame, the other three shot questioning looks in Spitfire's direction. Each of them knew what the amber mare was thinking and they wished no part of it. From here they decided just to take a table near the door and hopefully away from the earth pony. Each raising a hoof for the tender to bring them their first round of hard cider. The stares of her teammates were daggers on her conscience. Each of them respected her as Captain to tell them their faults, help them succeed, push them further, and ensure the team functioned. As a result, she also had to play baby sitter to a pony who occasionally shared the spotlight in their shows. A pony who Spitfire knew when she was just a rookie. A pony that Spitfire always felt sympathy for because this pony was the pony no one wanted around but was always around; Spiral Flame. “Look at what, Spiral?” Spitfire sighed exasperatedly. Exhausted gaze set to Spiral than to where she must have been looking. “No no no no no.” Spitfire denied shaking her head thrice. The glowing filly was looked at a second time, only then noticing she was watching them in turn. It was moments like this Spitfire was glad she could control the volume of her voice unlike Spiral. “First, she looks too young to be in here or to do your idea of a 'game' with. And second I know myself and the other Wonderbolts are too tired to deal with having to get you out of jail.” A mock gasp, wide stare with false tears fought back. “Spitster, I would never end up in jail for just talking to somepony. Now, same rules as always.” Spiral made the decision to proceed with or without input from Spitfire. “Whoever gets the filly to do some hot and fire passion in their room tonight buys drinks for the next week.” Broad grin, head leaned down pressing her forehead to Spitfire's. “Come on. You're just like me. Don't matter if it's a pretty filly or a succulent colt.” Exhausted. The captain of the Wonderbolts was exhausted. From the train ride, ambushed by fans after departing the train, speaking to parental groups over foals mimicking stunts, keeping track of Soarin who seemed to keep wandering off with a yellow colt, the Wonderbolts show, and finally aiding in Spiral's jacket parachute flaming death the Captain was ready to be numbed by alcohol than sleep. There were many things, just at the distance, that Spitfire could say would draw her to at least speak to Eclipse. “Since you made the challenge I get first swing.” It was the last attempt to keep her cool with Spiral. Nerves were 'spiraling' out of control and the last patience she had with the stunt pony was falling at its end. This was a time she wished that Soarin hadn't been doing the vanishing act he had been all day. “Fine fine. I always make the challenge and you always go first. Just get it over with.” Much to the annoyance of the other three Wonderbolts, Spiral Flame came to sit down with them. She sat between two of the disgruntled ponies tossing a foreleg around each of their withers. “Barky! Hard cider over here!” It may have been a good thing that Eclipse could only watch the exchange but not hear anything being said. If she had the warnings Vinyl had given her a many times before entering the clubs would have been heeded. Adjusting to sit upright, upright as ponies can do, Eclipse watched the attractive Captain saunter towards her. The smile that was given to the alicorn was equal parts seductive as it was trusting. It was often an instant castle breaker to a pony's defensive walls. Of course, Eclipse hadn't been going three to four nights to clubs with Vinyl not to know that walk and smile meant. Hurriedly, she returned to her partial glass of cider. “Hey there. All by yourself?” The question was more curiosity than the start of a pick up line. Spitfire motioned a hoof to a chair across from Eclipse rather then besides her. Having now a closer look at the filly, Spitfire was able to fully appraise her appearance. She noticed the usual things ponies would see on Eclipse. Spitfire figured each unique feature had its own story that the filly told and retold countless times before. Consideration was the best course of action and the obvious questions would be ignored. “Go..Go ahead.” The answer was given promptly. Spitfire wasted no time taking her seat across from Eclipse and the sea of empty mugs. The faint hint of liquid remains gave indication that the filly hadn't been drinking anything to make her tipsy. This was a point in the right direction. “Can... I hel.. help you with something?” Eye brows quirked searching for something to say. Usually, ponies recognized Spitfire immediately for her position and popularity. She would be bombarded with compliments, questions, and swooning words. This time, however, the filly stared at her without even a hint in her eyes of knowing who she was. Flabbergasted, it was Spitfire who began to stutter nonsensical words until a train of thought could be formed that didn't veer of the tracks. “I was curious as to why, I assume, an underage filly was by herself in a bar.” A moment, just a brief one Eclipse took, to look at the table with the three Wonderbolts and Spiral, then Spitfire's question would be addressed. Spiral Flame looked absolutely bored. A hoof pushed down into her cider swirling around then flicking the droplets at a random pony at her table. Each of them were prepared to discuss where to hide the body if this continued on. “I was...was waiting for a po..pony named Braebu..burn. He said he wou..would help me ge..get a room. See I go..got onto the wrong tr..train and they sai..said the tracks we..were out.” Tongue felt dry. Not the dry that had no moisture but the dry where what saliva present was sticky and clung to only small areas of the mouth. The last of her cider was guzzled down with a pleasant sigh. Intense ping of guilt lodged its self in Spitfire's throat. The name was definitely familiar to her. It was the colt that they had to keep dragging Soarin away from during practice and ran off with after the show had ended. Once again her co-captain's cravings for pie or his libido was causing trouble some somepony inadvertently. “What's your name?” “Eclipse.” “I'm Spitfire. Captain of the Wonderbolts.” “Wonderbolts? I think som..somepony mentioned them ear..earlier but... So... Are you impo..important being the cap..captain?” “You've never heard of the Wonderbolts?” “No.. I'm so..sorry. Shou...should I have?” Spitfire was never a pony to brag about her position. She never wore it on her sleeve, so to speak, or demanded attention for it. A humble Captain, Spitfire was always there for the fans and preferred things on a low key whenever possible. Yet, a pony who had never heard of her or the Wonderbolts cut through her ego as a hot knife through butter. It happened for the second time in the past five minutes. After not being recognized Spitfire had brushed it off with the pony just not believing it could have been her. But now? Spitfire was a mess of unrecognizable mumbles. Off key singing from Spiral was what took her back to reality this time. Glaring back at the other table, Spitfire came to decide it was time. “Listen. Give me a few moments to get something situated and I'll help you out with that room. Let me just go over and talk to my teammates... And if the pony in the jacket says anything to you after I talk to them, just ignore her.” Spitfire pushed her flank back, her fore hooves on the table before her, and raised up. She trotted all fours back to the table, but before she could say a word, Spiral flame was near gallop over to Eclipse. “My turn!” Spiral shouted back over her shoulder to Spitfire. Even if Spitfire had tried to stop her it wouldn't have worked. Eclipse had been watching Spitfire walk back to the ponies she entered with, but now watched the amber pony rush right to her. There wasn't enough time to try and stop her. Sighs of relief resounded from her teammates and Spitfire decided to go ahead and talk with them about Eclipse. What harm could Spiral do anyhow? “Excu..Excuse me can I help yo...you?!” Eclipse had begun to speak once Spiral came closer but she felt the desire to shriek slowly after. Spiral Flame came up behind Eclipse in an instant, raising to her hind legs, placing her hooves onto Eclipse's shoulders where she began to rub. The breaking of her personal space, that the two stallions nights prior had done, came rushing back. Without even an introduction, or a hello, Spiral leaned down hotly breathing into one of Eclipse's ears. A sickened shutter rushed into her gut. “What's say you and I go set a bed on fire?” Husky voice whispered into the smaller pony's ear from Spiral's lips. The amber pony did not notice how Eclipse was trembling, if she had she would have believed it was her touch simply setting the mood. “Please do..don't touch me.” A tiny voice mumbled. From across the room Spitfire recognized the signs again. This usually led to the police being called and Spiral being put in jail to cool off. The captain deserted her conversation with her companions raising from her newly taken seat. “What was that?” Spiral questioned leaning over Eclipse's shoulder to get a better look at her face. Instead, with Eclipse's horn glowing and magic encircling it, Spiral came face to face with the cylinder that was worn around the filly's neck. “What's this?” She spoke up tilting her head glancing at it then back to Eclipse. Her question was shortly answered as a spray of harsh pepper chemical shot out into the Don Juan’s eyes. “AHHHHHHH!!!” The shout was ear piercing and pain filled. Eclipsed ducked her self down, fore legs pulling her hind legs onto the chair with her to curl her self up. The mare who came into her personal bubble began to violently stumble backwards pressing both her fore hooves to her eyes. Spiral struck chair after table after chair in a blind frenzy trying to get some place to clean her eyes. Frenzied motions, staring through blurred visions, found themselves back to the Wonderbolts' table. “Here, use this.” One of the other three Wonderbolts chirped up handing over a glass of liquid when Spiral Flame came close by. The stunt pony wasted no time taking the liquid. Through sheer determination she kept her eyes forced open, pouring the glass back to flush her eyes clean. The liquid wouldn't help at all. A strong alcoholic beverage struck her eyes causing another intense scream to echo from her throat. Yet again, Spiral pasted her hooves over her eyes throwing her body somewhere between Eclipse and the Wonderbolts table. Hind legs kicked at the air while her body rolled from side to side. The Wonderbolts, save for Spitfire, were laughing harder than they had in weeks. The bartender grunted not wanting to be the one to clean the mess. The three members should have been scolded right there for the prank. Spiral Flame was in enough pain that she didn't need more heaped on top. Even if she wanted to lecture on public images to her comrades, Spitfire would have found it hard to say anything with a straight face. The whole scenario was enough to nearly cause her to break out in foalish laughter. In due right Spiral Flame had this coming among other things. With their conversation over, Spitfire left her teammates once more returning to the trembling alicorn. The poor filly must have had things like that occur regularly if it bothered her that much. “Sorry about her. I didn't expect her to do anything except spout off terrible one liners.” Again, Spitfire chose a seat across from Eclipse to take. If the pony reacted that way to physical contact with Spiral, Spitfire didn't want to risk any of that spray in her eyes trying to calm her down. “My teammates and I talked it out. We're going to give you some bits to get a room for the night. Tomorrow I'll get you in touch with Braeburn. I have a feeling I know what happened to him and it isn't completed his fault.” It took a moment of thought for Eclipse to release all four of her legs. A returned seated posture and she was ready to listen to Spitfire. It was a generous offer. The mare had only just met Eclipse and was offering to pay for a room until the next day. If Eclipse was able to accept charity from Braeburn then accepting charity from Spitfire would be no different. With an innocent smile, she set her hooves to the table, parting her lips to speak. “Oh thanks Spitfire!” To Eclipse's right but Spitfire's left, Spiral Flame shot up onto the third of four chairs. The amber pony reached her hooves over, not quite touching Eclipse's but dangerously close. “Look. My deepest apologies for before.” Sincere tones took each of her words. “When I see a beautiful filly, such as yourself, I tend to become nervous and act out of line.” Spiral turned her head to gaze away from Eclipse, feigning tears. Yet, the look she gave to Spitfire told something else. “Now wait a minute, Spiral.” Spitfire tried to interject. “I asked my friend to come and speak to you first, but before I could hear what she had to say I rushed over thinking all was well.” False tears fell from burnt umber eyes, Spiral's hooves now holding onto one of Eclipse's tenderly. “I deserved what you did. My friend, Spitfire, told me of your plight.” She sniffed back a sob shaking her head to get her short bangs from her eyes. “So I asked her to see if you'd accept bits for a room.” “Spiral, this isn't the ti---” Once again, Spitfire was cut off. “I would feel honored if you would accept my apology and share my hotel suite with me. I have a massive bed that gets so lonely at night.” Spiral Flame closed her eyes turning her head again. She peaked, just barely to get Spitfire's reaction. The plan would have to move fast as Spitfire wasn't one to just idly by for long. There was a feeling of dread when she took the moment to look at Eclipse. The gray pony wasn't reacting to any of it. Eclipse was a stranger to love. Each and every time before Eclipse had a pony come onto her she gave the same, blank expression not knowing what was happening. This very well may have been the worst way to reject somepony. “Th..thank you but..” “No... No. I understand. I just get so lonely since...” Another choked sob, Spiral Flame broke from Eclipse flailing her self to reach over onto Spitfire's side. “Spitfire can even tell you. I.. I lost my marefriend a few months ago. Airship fire. It would be nice to just have somepony to hold for once.” Spitfire was boiling over now. This wasn't a situation that Spiral Flame understood could just be used to get some quick flank. Eclipse was in true trouble. “Hold on a minute, Spiral Flame.” Once more, she attempted to gain control of the situation. Hooves pressed against Spiral's shoulders once the mare was close enough to. She pressed her lips near her acquaintance’s ear letting whispered words out. “Listen, Spiral, look at her wings, at her head and get a clue. Don't do this.” “Come on, Spitster. Obviously, that's a strap on and those are props. She's just a nice, succulent earth pony. Nothing else.” Spiral Flame shoved a hoof into her friend's mouth to keep her from interrupting again. “So will you, Miss? Will you help me tonight by letting me help you?” Cheeks flushed, her nerves rattling kept her brain from thinking properly. Quick motions took in the sight of Spiral then to Spitfire. If this is what the lemon pegasus had actually meant by help, then turning it down would have been rude. “Al..alright...” It was a quick turn of emotions for Spiral Flame. When Spitfire attempted to pull the hoof from her mouth and stop Eclipse in the same motion, Spiral kicked the chair from beneath her. Spitfire's dropped forward thudding her chin first against the table then striking the floor. A sweep of her foreleg, Spiral let several empty glasses unceremoniously fall onto the Captain's head. “Oh.. Oh Spitfire. You shouldn't drink so much.” Spiral sighed moving from Eclipse, ducking beneath the table to now woozy Wonderbolts captain. “See ya in the morning, Spitster, I'll let ya know how she is and when can go drinking on your dime.” The three Wonderbolts had abandoned their table to rush to their Captain's aid. Spiral knew that if she was to leave with Eclipse it would need to be now or never. Rushing from her chair, she guided Eclipse with a wave of a hoof for her to follow. “Is...Is she going to be alri..alright?” The filly asked worriedly looking back as the two began to depart. “Don't worry, Spitfire just has a few too many drinks. She... Has had problems like I have. Such a good friend to talk to you for me. Let's let her rest. Her friends can help her. Say...” Spiral held the door of the saloon open for Eclipse to leave first. “What's your name? You may have heard of me. The famous, Spiral Flame? Stunt Pony and bravest pony ever?” “Eclipse...” The filly replied, yet again looking back at the three Wonderbolts helping Spitfire to her hooves. Was there something she was supposed to know about so many ponies? This was the third or fourth time that the presumption of knowledge was asked for. “Never hear..heard of you. I'm so..sorry.” Spiral Flame froze in place. Her psych cracking. How could anypony not heard of her? In her own delusion, she was as famous as the Wonderbolts, sexier than Celestia, and had more admirers than Princess Luna. As these thoughts ate at her confidence, her eyes took her to more blissful places staring at Eclipse's flank. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The previous night's pursuit to Vinyl Scratch's residence gave a paramount of leads and information. Iron Mind learned Vinyl Scratch lived with her marefriend and, as of a month two weeks prior, her cousin, Cursed Eclipse. Descriptions from the residents painted a perfect picture of Eclipse. She was the pony that Iron sought. He also learned he had been mere hours of catching the trio before they departed for Trottingham. A memory of the train station, something he pushed aside, rushed back to him. He cursed himself for not following such a blatant lead. Questioning the residents taught him much of the two mares that Eclipse was residing with. Eclipse was a filly who was polite, well mannered, full of life, and enthusiastic about every day. Each pony would remark on her alicorn appearance but chose not to ask further on it. The idea of an alicorn outside of Canterlot was such a taboo thought that many figured she simply dressed as one. As for the two mares she had been living with, Iron Mind was given a clear picture of the marefriends. Vinyl Scratch was notorious in the condominium complex. Loud music at odd hours, wandering home drunk, over protective of her marefriend, and typically didn't bend with the ways of proper society. An electric blue mane and tail and a coat often described as marshmallow in color. Vinyl was never without a pair of sunglasses or goggles over her eyes. The reason for the apparel seemed to be that she was self conscious over the color of her eyes. It was added to his notes for future interrogation if necessary. The residents seemed to have much better things to say of the second of the pair, Octavia Philharmonica. A pony with class, dignity, high vocabulary, and the patience of Celestia. A slate gray pony with vibrant black hair. Iron Mind knew the name from her performance at the Gala, among other accomplishments she had achieved through her career. Earth pony musicians were a rarity and of her school were akin to finding a four leaf clover. Certainly she would be much easier to speak with than her counter part. A trip to Trottingham would need to wait until Iron Mind was certain he gained everything he needed to know. Through the manager of the condominium he had visited Octavia's primary rehearsal and performance locations, then when night came, he went to the clubs that Vinyl performed. How many ponies knew Eclipse was extraordinary. Each of them held the same positive feel for her, often recalling her appearance more than her nature. Some ponies remembered keeping perverts and swindlers away while others kept note that she turned down every alcoholic beverage that was bought for her or offered. Pictures were painted of the marefriends. Iron Mind felt relief that these two had found her versus whom else it could have been. “Hey, you the one asking about Eclipse?” Iron mind was leaving his final club for the night. A wealth of information was in his mind and on the note pad he had brought with him. A voice caught his attention. The black haired stallion turned to view three ponies approaching from his front and back. He was no fool, he figured what they wanted. “Yes, I am actually.” He confessed just to save time. His magic tugged at a pocket of his trench coat drawing out a second, empty, note pad and pencil. “I am from a collection's company seeking her out for past due invoices.” “Well, ya see, we can help ya with where she's at. Come with us, huh?” The one who spoke motioned to an ally across from the club. The guard captain wanted to sigh and ask, 'Really?' to the obvious ploy. “That would be wonderful, thank you.” His training would come in handy now with a sudden plan. Two ponies kept behind him, as the lead brought him into the ally. Iron Mind knew well enough what would come next. Visions kept on the pony in front of him, watching for the inevitable signal for his companions to strike. When the blow to the back of his head struck him, he faked his fall into an unconscious state. “Rope em up and let's get 'em back to the meetin place. Handy is supposed to show up for the drop off for our money and I think anything this chump knows can get us a bit more in exchange.” Iron would have smirked. There were thoughts and suspicions that Gold Mind would have sent ponies to search for Eclipse. He'd let them believe they were taking him captive. Iron Mind could withstand any beating they belted out to try and get him to talk. He knew this but they didn't. When the ponies began to work binds around his ankles, he flexed his muscles in the most subtle manner. The increase in mass would allow the ropes to loosen once they had finished tightening. The three would take him captive for now, Iron Mind would let them believe they had the upper hand and could make him talk, but he knew what he was doing. The ponies would regret their course in life. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Distance to the hotel was short, but for Spiral Flame keeping up her false, sad appearance, it felt to be miles from the saloon. The false front that was used to trick Eclipse was constantly forgotten about and new lies were spoken to place her back in the complacent state to follow Spiral still. When the lies seemed to become too obvious or blatantly bad, the amber pony resorted to telling of her shows and stunts to try and impress Eclipse. Through the entrance, down the halls, and in front of her suite, Spiral Flame grew giddier by the second at the idea of Eclipse in her bed. “Um... I should probably take a shower. Clean the sweat off. Wouldn't want to be sticky in bed.” Until I get you sticky in bed, my sweet. “Go ahead and climb in. I'll be out in a moment.” Spiral would retreat to the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. Eclipse said nothing. She went to wiggle from her saddlebags drawing out her two dolls from their pouch. Sleep was her soul focus as she wield her magic to draw back the covers. Ears twitched hearing the softened sounds of flowing water. With Celestia and Nightmare moon tucked beneath each foreleg, Eclipse was lulled to sleep by the comfort comfort of the bed and softness of the pillow. There were other plans to be had, or so Spiral Flame believed. With Eclipse no longer watching her, the Stunt pony gave an active little dance, twisted each knob to create a steamy flow, and bounces into the water squealing in delight. Get clean to get dirty. Always liked that idea. Images of the things she wanted to do to Eclipse danced through her mind. A lewd grin turned on her lips. Lather, rinse, repeat, and Spiral had left the shower to quickly dry off. The bathroom mirror, wiped clean of condensation with her hoof, aided Spiral in brushing her hair then applying a small bit of perfume. “Tonight I'm going to shake the bed of an angel.” A sing song voice tipped form her lips. She pranced to the bathroom door. Suppressing her giggles and eagerness, her hooves worked the handle letting her come free of the humid room. “Eclipse, I am extremely grateful that you decided to stay with me tonight...” The pony slid her back along the frame of the bathroom door, facing towards the bed. A sultry smile teased her lips, eyes lulled partially closed watching the bed for movements. There were hopes that her damp appearance would tempt Eclipse without any words, but the truth was heart breaking. The filly was fast asleep in bed. Her dolls held to her, a dream drawing her to smile in blissful harmony. There were no signs that she would wake from subtle words or actions. Spiral Flame felt her dreams crash around her at the sight. She tip-hoofed towards the slumbering angel peering at the peaceful form. Ears faulted down on her head. Bottom lip quivered as a child who's candy was stolen from them. Something about the way Eclipse slept made Spiral not to even want to wake her. The innocence, or perhaps the calmness created a tension in the stunt pony's brain fighting her urges and just letting her rest. Hind ankles crossed, Spiral dropped down resting on her rump. Front knees bent to her hind knees, her chin pressed to upturned hooves. All the amber pony did was stare at the bed. She felt the urge to truly cry. So much effort, lies, and even possibly injuring her friend to get the filly to come back with ends this way. The treat was right in front of her for the taking, but even her own broken morals wouldn't let her destroy whatever peaceful dreams caused Eclipse to smile. “But... I was supposed to get lucky...”