//------------------------------// // Chapter 30 // Story: Where Is My Love? // by TheMyth //------------------------------// “...and that’s how Shining confessed to me,” Cadance finished her story as she and two other ponies were sitting underneath a makeshift fort, with Dinky and Melody looking in admiration at the pink alicorn. “Wow…” both mare and filly replied in unison. Cadance levitated a muffin that lay in a basket, something Derpy had left for them whilst they were away. Taking a bite from it, the pink alicorn’s taste buds reacted instantly as the contents of the mere bite was being savoured before regretfully swallowing it. No wonder Aunt Tia praised these muffins so much! “It was really nice of the Auntie Tia and Lulu to let me have a sleepover at the castle,” Dinky said as she looked around the bedroom that was Cadance’s when she was still living there. The whole room looked like any other room in the castle, save for a few ornaments from the alicorn’s days as a student of both high school and college. “Well this is as much your home as it is theirs…” Cadance trailed off just as she felt and heard another rumble in her stomach. That foal must be hungry… She looked down demurely at her ever growing stomach. Melody drank some hot chocolate and turned to the unicorn filly. “So Dinky, where’s your coltfriend? I thought Pip would have liked to be here for the sleepover…” “Pip’s away with family this weekend….” Dinky trialed off as she looked up at the decorations of their make shift bed fort in the room. Though I wish he could have been here. We didn’t even have a proper sleep over since-- The filly stopped her thoughts with a quick shake of her head, avoiding the gaze of Melody. “Something wrong?” Melody asked Dinky as she cocked her eyebrow. “N-nothing!” Dinky replied quickly, doing her best to remove the blush from her face. “Um, Melody… was there ever a colt you liked a lot?” Melody sighed as she nodded her head, slowly looking up to the roof. “Yes… there was this one colt that I liked a lot in school, a shame I don’t remember his name anymore…” she said as she emitted a faint smile. “I was going to see him again, but after I went with my mom... “ she sniffed and began to tear up, clenching her eyes closed as she lowered her head. The unicorn mare felt a wing caressing her back and looked up to see Cadance, who proceeded to nuzzle her softly.  “It’s okay Melody…” Cadance cooed to the other mare. “It’s over now,” the pink alicorn lifted her head from the unicorn mare’s. Just as she was about to speak, her ears flickered to the sound of hoofsteps approaching the trio from the other side of the room. “Something the matter?” Deadeye asked as he looked between the three ponies, pausing momentarily as he looked down upon Melody’s tear stricken eyes. Cadance shook her head at the Kakatan captain, who had been assigned to watch over the three of them whilst the others were out on their escapades. “Everything’s fine Deadeye… but we could some snacks…” just as she spoke the last word, her stomach emitted a carnivorous growl which was heard by all the ponies present. “I’ll be right back,” Deadeye replied as he grinned at the blushing alicorn, turning around to dive into the shadows. “Deadeye!” Dinky called out to the captain, who froze before he plunged head first into the abyss. “Why not join us when you come back? We were just about to give each other makeovers,” she finished her sentence, beaming as she spoke the last word. It was fortunate of the stallion that his face was turned away from the filly’s direction, else she would have seen him grimace at the suggestion. The stallion turned around slowly and forced a smile on his face as he chuckled. “I’ll pass on that, my Princess… I still need to patrol the castle grounds and get reports from my Corps.” “Awww…” Dinky pouted her lower lip as she drooped her ears. “But you looked so cute when my friends and I did you a makeover, Auntie Lulu even said so,” at the mention of Princess Luna, Deadeye’s cheeks reddened to a violet shade just as he dove into the shadows. The filly’s ears turned to Cadance’s giggling. “Why are stallions like that?”  “Give yourself a few years to figure that out Dinky,” Cadance replied. “So, who wants to play Truth or Dare?”          How long has it been since I’ve been to Las Pegasus? Blueblood looked out the window of the train’s carriage, where he and a few other stallions were seated in. The white unicorn saw the energetic city coming into view, with its neon lights shining from nearly every building that was visible to them. “This will be my first time, going to Las Pegasus…” Big Macintosh said as he too stared out of the window from his seat. The red stallion was always curious about the city and its attractions, something that his Orange relatives were always attracted to for their vacations. “Ah just hope Twilly and the others are having fun too.” “Judging by their company, I can safely say that they will most certainly have a fantastic time in Canterlot,” Wise Words answered Big Macintosh as he reclined in his seat.. Blueblood turned his head away from the window and looked to his other side where his soon to be father-in-law was seated. “So…” the white stallion began to speak, pausing for a moment as he tried to find his words. “Mr Mint, were you ever in--” his words were cut off when Lucky glared at him venomously. “That’s ‘dad’ to you!” Lucky replied to Blueblood, who only nodded in response.  “And yeah, the last time I was in Las Pegasus was when I celebrated my retirement from the guard,” he turned his attention Wise Words. “One of the few times I saw you legless, Captain.” “Didn’t I tell you not to call me that anymore, Fluke?” Wise replied at his former subordinate. “And that was a one time only…” Something the guard apparently haven’t forgotten… even Shining Armour knows about that night… he sighed in defeat as he smiled. Big Macintosh raised his hoof as he looked between the two elder ponies. “Beggin yer pardon, Wise… but where does this ‘Fluke’ name come from?” he asked curiously. “Well, when you join the guard… the drill sergeants would often pass down nicknames to new recruits to better distinguish ourselves from each other… or in some cases just downright embarrass us. Mine was ‘Fluke’ just cause I was able to pass my courses with ‘bare necessities’,” Lucky rolled his eyes as he reclined on his seat. “Better than the name I received,” Wise grumbled as he looked to his side. “And what was that, Wise?” Blueblood asked him as he cocked his brow in curiosity. He remembered Wise Words telling him about his time in the guard, mostly as bed time stories of his heroic actions when he served his aunt as a captain. Wise Words thinned his lips before he sighed again. “Wise Arse…” Lucky snorted as he did his best to suppress a laugh, which he tried to seal with a hoof on his lips. Just as he released his hoof from his mouth, the train started to slow down with the sound of screeching brakes emitting from the outside. Finally! As they left the train with their baggage, Wise Words was surprised to see Big Macintosh carry his luggage. “You know, you really do not have to carry all of our bags…” “Ah don’t really mind, besides don’t wanna have ye strainin’ yer backs with these,” Big Macintosh replied as he happily trotted onwards, leaving Wise Words to sigh in defeat as he shook his head. Blueblood turned to the company as he walked in front of the group. Tonight’s going to be one heck of a night… I wonder if Derpy’s having fun? The sound of several mares giggling came from behind the Katakan guards stationed at the front entrance of Canterlot Castle, the pair turning around but seeing nothing and shrugging it off as they returned to their duties. Their eyes widened as Princess Luna and Celestia trotted past them, followed by Princess Derpy and several other mares, all grinning widely. Captain Nightshade brought up the rear, glancing at the stallions briefly before rejoining the group. Derpy was enjoying a good buzz already, having been sampling the castle’s fine wines since the evening meal, leaning into Blossomforth as they trotted down the streets of Canterlot. She knew they were drawing a lot of stares and she was a little worried about the attention, but knew somewhere in the shadows would be several Katakans watching over them. “Here we are,” Princess Luna suddenly said, slowing to a stop outside what looked like a factory        that was closed for the night, except there were two large stallions dressed in tuxedos and, for some strange reason, sunglasses. “We hope you all enjoy tonight, this is one our favourite hangouts.” Although there was a small queue, which happened to be mostly mares, nopony said anything about the group that was allowed right in, the doors being opened just for them. “Ah, your majesties, welcome back!” said a unicorn stallion happily, Derpy’s eyes going wide at the pony who rivaled Big Macintosh for size and muscle, only clad in a tight pair of shorts resembling a tux with shirt cuffs around his fore hooves. “I see you’ve got a bit more company tonight... no matter, we’ll just add another table to your usual place. This way please!” Derpy found she couldn’t keep her eyes off the stallion, earning a giggle and a nudge from Blossomforth, passing through another door which led to a large room, a stage at one end and a bar at the other, lots of tables in between. They were guided to where two catwalks came into the room, a couple of tables joined together in the middle of them, and that is where they began to sit down, giving them the best view; Luna and Celestia’s seats were lowered a little so ponies sat behind could see. “Last one, Derpy, then it’s onto the soft stuff for you,” Blossomforth said sternly, raising an eyebrow as she looked to her friend’s stomach, her expression softening a little. The mares looked around as excited chatter caught their attention, the crowd outside having been let in. “Seems like this place is popular... Can’t wait to see it at last.” Derpy said nothing as she took a small sip of the luminous blue cocktail that was slid in front of her, what felt something akin to a small jolt from a thundercloud making her shiver and flutter her wings. The lights began to dim, the gathered crowd and the alicorns letting out enthusiastic cheers as the room went dark. One by one spotlights came on, illuminating a single stallion each, dressed in several outfits; firefighter, guardpony, construction worker. There was even a Katakan wearing something one would expect to find somewhere like Dodge Junction. It was then Derpy understood just what kind of establishment they had entered, a blush slowly spreading across her cheeks as deep bassy music began to feel the room, the stallions starting to dance along to the beat. Though she was spoken for, Derpy didn’t feel guilty enjoying the show, and she didn’t know what way to look when a stallion moved down each catwalk, stopping by their table and beginning to remove their outfits. She caught sight of a unicorn in the back, white coat and blonde mane, but a second glance showed her it wasn’t Blueblood, but now he was in her mind and all she could think of was him putting on a private show for her. Eventually though the stallions ran out of objects to remove, gathering on the central stage, and rising up on their rear legs with their fore hooves resting on their hips, revealing themselves to a colossal cheer. The lights snapped off, but Derpy could see the stallions leaving the stage, her rear legs crossed over. A single light snapped on, pointing at their table, causing them all to close their eyes. “Mares and Gentlecolts, we have a very special guest here tonight!” came a voice over the speakers. “We’d like to extend our extra gratitude for Equestria’s latest princess for attending tonight’s show! Princess Derpy, please join the gentlecolts now behind you!” Derpy spun around, seeing the two stallions from outside stood in front of her. She glanced to her side at Celestia, who just smiled and nodded, then got out of her chair and followed the stallions towards the stage as the audience cheered. Derpy saw a single chair in the centre of the stage, sitting in it with apprehension, which only grew as a blindfold was slipped over her eyes. Though her breathing became heavy she kept it under control, ears flickering as she heard a couple of ponies moving around the stage. A new track started to play and the blindfold was slowly lifted by magic, revealing to Derpy the Katakan from the group, now dressed as an Equestrian Navy officer, who gave her a wink and started to sway with the music. Back at the table, Nightshade turned away and groaned. “Ugh, I can’t watch this.” “Be pleased,” Luna said. “Swift Edge brings joy to these ponies. Not all of your offspring are cut out to be part of the Lunar Corps...” “Come on my sweet! Show me some love!” Donut Joe licked his lips eagerly as he sat in front of a slot machine, having spent nearly all his bits on it. Once it stopped spinning, two images of bits showed alongside an image of Sombra. “Darn it!” the stallion cursed his luck and reached for his wallet for more coin. He felt a hoof grab him from behind and force out of the chair. “What the--” he blurted out and saw Lucky’s face from behind. “Dad! I’m so close to winning!” “Sure you are,” Lucky replied dryly as both of them walked to where the others were. “Now come on, we’re gonna miss the show,” the older stallion grinned in glee as he and his son walked past the number of ponies in the casino, towards a separate theatre. What set this theatre apart from the ones back in Canterlot were the mares performing there. Lucky squinted his eyes as he and Donut made their way to the front row seats, trying to locate the others. “There they are,” the older stallion said as he and his son made to the two empty seats next to their friends. “Ah, there you are,” Wise Words spoke softly as Lucky and Donut became seated. “We were worried you were going to be late.” “Had my son not grown an addiction for the machines back there, we have been here much earlier…” Lucky remarked as he cocked his brow at Donut, who only rolled his eyes and looked away as he crossed his hooves on his set. “You have to know when the stop with those.” Donut Joe groaned as he placed a hoof to his face. “Dad, it’s not like I go out and do this every night…” “True, but you get addicted to pretty much anything these days… you really need to find yourself a hobby, or even a mare for crying out loud.” Lucky replied before he looked around the venue, wondering if there were any food stands nearby. Those pints I had earlier are starting to make me hungry… Just as Donut Joe was about to respond to his father’s words, the entire theatre’s lights became dim. After a few seconds, a stage light shined down upon a lone stallion dressed in a tuxedo, with his curly light brown mane nearly hiding his horn. “Ladies and Gentle-colts! Welcome to tonight’s spectacular event at the Grand Mirage!” The presenter bowed at the audience who clapped their hooves once he delivered his welcome speech. “Now for tonight’s show, you’re not going to believe this… in fact, I don’t believe it! We have a very special talented mare here tonight who is going to perform for our hearts contents, and for our ‘other contents’,” he said, with a few of the single stallions giggling at his words. “Enough words from me! It’s time we bring out the real show!” A drum roll started to play, with the crowd becoming silent. “I wonder who’s here tonight?” Blueblood whispered in Wise Words’ ear, who only shook his head and shrugged as he kept staring at the stage. “Let me introduce you all… The Great and Alluring Trixie!” Blueblood and Wise Words looked at each other as they both cocked their brows in the confusion when they heard the name, having heard it previously from Twilight Sparkle who the mare was. The spotlight shined down again upon the curtains right at the back of the stage. Slow saxophone music started to fill the air just as a hind leg stretched out from the curtain’s opening, soon followed by the whole body of a light blue mare with silver mane wearing a full burlesque dress. It is her! Blueblood stared at Trixie who was beginning to take her stockings off slowly, wearing a seductive grin as she winked at the crowd who was cheering at her.   As the music played on, Trixie began to slowly walk towards the audience whilst swaying her hips. With every swing, the stallions whistled and cheered at the mare. Once she was at the edge of the stage, she looked down at the front row seat, and threw one of her stockings at the stallions gawking at her. The item of clothing landed right on top of Donut’s face. “Looks like you got a souvenir from tonight, Joe!” Lucky chuckled as he kept looking at the stage, not noticing his son was in a trance. She’s beautiful… Donut Joe thought to himself, slowly taking off the stocking that was resting on his mane. His eyes kept following the swinging curves, taking in every detail of her outfit to her wand and a crescent moon-shaped magic aura cutie mark. Just as he was examining her mark, he saw Trixie take off the whole dress from her body and throw it in the air, with the mare swinging her tail at the crowd before her. The clothing itself landed again on the Donut’s face, obscuring his vision of Trixie. “Damn!” he cursed himself and rushed to get the dress of his head, momentarily halted by his horn getting stuck in one of the hems. Just as he got it off, a flash of light blinded him briefly, causing him to squint his eyes. When the brightness subsided, Trixie was gone. Everypony stamped their hooves to the ground, cheering at the show they witness. There was only one who did not, his crestfallen face staring blankly at the stage. Donut sighed and shook his head in defeat. “Come on, Joe!” Lucky grabbed his son by the shoulder and pulled him off his chair, with the other stallions already leaving the venue. “We still got a lot to do for tonight!” the elder stallion grinned, chuckling as they trotted onwards. “Yeah… sure…” Donut Joe replied, looking back at the stage and seeing the bits of clothing lying around where he was seated. I wonder if I’ll see her again? To most ponies, Tartarus was a place of evil, fire, and demons... and they were correct on two points. Yes, there were demons, many of them, and lots of fire... but the citizens of the underworld were not inherently evil. Most of them would actually be polite and courteous, unless you had done something in life which resulted in you arriving via a long drop into a central chamber. Several of these ‘demons’ crowded around the statue of a unicorn, whose face was a mix of anger and pain. None of the demons knew who he was or what he were doing there, and had spent the time since his arrival figuring out where to put him. The creatures were all so distracted by the statue that none of them noticed another being arrive, and when the first one saw him, it let out a high pitched squeal, the demons all fleeing upon hearing it. “Yes, run whilst you can,” Discord said as he looked around at those fleeing, then settled his gaze on the statue. “Well, so much for that promise Tia...  So, Storm Pyro? I know you can hear me in there.” He knocked on the unicorn’s head, then placed his ear to the stone. “Hmm... sounds painful.” Stepping back, Discord clicked his talons, a flash coming from the statue, followed by a sharp intake of breath. “H-help me!” begged Storm, looking up at Discord, but the draconequus just scoffed and picked the stallion up. “I’m not here to help you,” he sneered, lifting Storm to his face level. “I am here because a promise was made to me, and it was then broken.” With another click of his talons the two were gone from Tartarus, arriving in a barren wasteland, where Discord dropped Storm to the ground. “Over that way you’ll find shelter and some food. It’ll keep you alive, for however long you want to live, but that’s about it.” “Wait!” Storm shouted, looking around him. “How far am I away from Equestria? Can I make it back?” “Ever heard of ‘The Breach,” Discord asked, getting a head shake for an answer. “It lies at the furthest known point of the world from Equestria. You will never return there. Now if you don’t mind, I have a stone to pick with an alicorn. Goodbye, scum.” With a final click of his talons Discord was gone, leaving Storm Pyro alone in an unknown land. A howl came from the opposite direction Discord had pointed out to him and he didn’t wait to see what it was, getting to his hooves and galloping away.