A quaint little cafe, nestled on the main street of Tall Tale, a distant coastal town located on the western shores of Equestria. It was small, isolated and that was perfect for the mare sitting at the table, sipping her coffee.
She’d grown a little exhausted of the hustle and bustle of Canterlot, and her boss had all but tossed her out on her rump, ordering her to take a vacation. She’d been tempted to go back home for a while, but changed her plans at the last minute.
A waiter approached, the mare was wearing a wide-brimmed sunhat, obscuring most of her face and her dress hid more of her features, including her Cutie Mark.
But her voice alone kept the serving colts coming back for more. She sounded so refined and lady-like, something they didn’t often see in this part of town.
“W-Would you like some more coffee?” he asked.
“Hmm, don’t be so nervous,” the mare said, her voice was like woven silk. “Show some confidence. Mares like that sort of thing.”
“Y-Yes Ma’am,” he said, his volume increasing slightly as she turned and looked at him. He caught a glimpse of her eyes and his breath hitched in his throat. Her eyes shone like the richest emerald… and had a draconian slit instead of a normal iris. He couldn’t look away, like he was in a trance.
But a sudden ruckus caused her to look away. Somepony was being chased. The mare’s ear flicked under her hat. Three? No, four ponies. Three of which were doing the pursuing.
Still, she was on vacation. Not her problem. She leaned back in her chair and sipped her drink again.
That is until she felt a strong breeze pass by her, even blowing some coffee drops away. She caught a glimpse of a strange navy-blue blur dashing right past her with a purse that was oddly similar to her own, and a couple of bags, and a pearl necklace, and a golden watch, and three ponies rushing after her while screaming and hollering. Time seemed to slow down as the one that was being pursued shot a wink at her, waving the purse around with a soft chuckle.
The mare blinked, that was… strange. Well, she was still on vacation, so again, not her problem. She drained her cup and set it down on the saucer, before fishing out her purse to pay for the drink…
...Where was her purse?
Oh you have got to be kidding!? The mare’s eyes narrowed as the waiter approached.
“Uh, will there be anything else ma’am?’ he asked. She turned and smiled as him, a smile that made him a little warm under the collar.
“I seem to have left my purse behind. Perhaps I could… settle my bill another way~?”
The serving colt gulped as she took out a card and wrote something on it.
“My hotel and room number, I'll be waiting,” she winked and slid it into his vest before getting up.
She had a thief to skin alive first.
Meanwhile not far away from the little cafe, more and more ponies joined in on the chase. Yet no matter who joined in or what they did, none could even come close to putting a hoof on the nimble rascal. Those who had lived long enough in the small coastal town knew that going after this thief was of no use, there were even some who underhandedly aided the thief by either dropping something on top of the pursuers’ head, or even leaving a banana peel on the streets because who doesn’t love some cheap slapstick comedy?
This was with a good reason though, as this was no mere thief. Quick, agile, said to be uncatchable, and with a golden heart, if you were a rich noble coming to visit you were most likely going to leave with nothing but your underwear and a frown. And there was nothing anyone could do, no one could put a hoof on the infamous Midnight Thief.
You wouldn’t even know you’ve been robbed until it was too late. And according to the townsfolk, this would never, ever change.
Or so she thought. That noblemare at the coffee house had been an easy target, too easy in fact...
Then a horrible sound filled the air, a screech that sounded like something from the depths of Tartarus itself. The thief afforded a look behind her…
She really wished she hadn't.
Coming up fast was a demon. A demon in pony form. She had rage filled crimson eyes, a mouthful of fangs and dragon-like wings.
And she was flying straight for her!
With an eep, the Midnight Thief ducked, her horn glowing as she prepared to teleport the heck away from there. It hadn’t been the first time someone had tried to get her from above, but the screeching was definitely new, and she did not like it one bit. The further away she could get from whatever the heck was after her, the better.
“Get back here you little thief!!” the demonic mare yelled, even the stallions had backed off. “If you beg, maybe I'll let you see the sunset!!”
“Nope!” The thief’s eyes widened up in shock as this looked like something right out of a horror movie. With a flash of her horn she teleported out of the way, dodging the incoming mare by a mere second and then appearing on an old rooftop in the blink of an eye. With a sigh that was followed by a smirk, she winked at the spectators and turned around before getting the heck out of there, jumping from rooftop to rooftop, her steps expertly calculated to make sure that the sloped rooftops were more of an aid than a hindrance.
And already, the batpony was hot on her hooves, smiling an unsettling smile.
“Fe Fi Fo Fun, I see a pony whose life is nearly done!” She was so close, the thief could feel the hairs to on her neck stand on end.
Surprised she had managed to catch up so fast, the thief took a good look at her surroundings. She was right in the middle of town so disappearing into the woods was not an option, and the beach was the other way… then, an idea came to the unicorn thief’s mind. Shooting a cocky smirk in response to the demonic mare’s threats, she began picking up speed while her eyes locked on the roof ahead, she prepared to jump, and she knew that her pursuer would follow. That’s exactly why she didn’t actually jump. Instead, she hopped into the wide wap separating the buildings at the last possible second, letting out a loud, mocking “SYKE!” as she fell into the darkened alley.
The bat screamed in rage and circled around to dive down. But by the time she reached the alley, the unicorn was nowhere to be seen.
“I'll bucking skin you alive!!!” she yelled at the sky.
The only thing she got in response, was a faint mocking raspberry, courtesy of the nimble thief, too faint and quick to be able to pinpoint the darn rascal.
And as quick as she disappeared, came the local police force. Two young Pegasi in uniform landed next to the angered mare, a look of worry on their faces.
“Miss, are you alright!?” Came the mauve, young Pegasi’s worried voice, a small golden-painted plaque reading his name, ‘ Officer Summer Breeze.’.
“That little thief stole my purse,” the bat sighed and turned to face them. “So, congrats on doing a fine job there gentlestallions.”
The two pegasi awkwardly rubbed the back of their heads, “Yeah… sorry miss. But you see, we can’t really stop the Midnight Thief, it’s… kind of impossib-”
The pegasi was stopped by a strong nudge from his partner, a taller yet slimmer light blue pegasi who seemed to be the most experienced of the duo, his plaque reading Diamond Cloud, “What he’s trying to say is, no one has been able to catch her. We try but…. Most officers just ignore the calls of help at this point so…” He shrugged, a rather bored, dry tone on his voice.
“Yeah… that’s actually worse than what your buddy was about to say,” the thestral deadpanned. “Well, do you think you can manage to escort a mare to the station? I need to file a stolen possessions form.”
The officers nodded and signaled her to follow them, “Sure thing, Miss…” The older guard quirked an eyebrow in curiosity.
“Midnight Song,” the mare replies and her eyes twinkled. “Specialist Midnight Song. Of the Canterlot Solar Guard.”
The two guards’ jaws dropped open, silently blaming each other with their eyes for saying too much. After a couple of really awkward seconds, the oldest one cleared his throat and saluted her, the youngest one clumsily imitating him, “Ma’am, our apologies ma’am!”
“Forget it, I’m on vacation anyway,” Midnight sighed and rolled her eyes. “Now, I believe you were escorting me to the station?”
The two officers looked at each other in slight panic, before the youngest one nodded and took the lead, “This way, ma’am!” Flapping his wings, he took off, followed by his partner and Midnight herself. Yet Midnight couldn’t help but feel like she was being watched…
And unknown to her, she was. The Midnight Thief panted heavily before sighing in relief and tossing herself to the ground with a small chuckle. She had to thank Diamond Cloud and Summer Breeze for getting rid of the mare. Truth be told, the little thief had been running for a good hour now and was just too tired to keep going. With a smug grin, she began opening her recently acquired loot, starting with the darn purse that belonged to that terrifying mare. It was more of a pouch than a purse, and it was full of so many goodies she could easily sell to her fencers. Quite a few bits, easily a couple of hundred after a quick count. There was also necklace, a simple silver pendant with a picture of two smiling mares in it.
One was that demon mare from before, but this picture made her look quite pretty. The other was a tan-coated unicorn with thick glasses and a two-tone red and purple mane.
The thief whistled and chuckled as she eyed the first picture again, “Well would you look at that, she ain’t half bad when she isn’t trying to kill you, I’d tap that, and…” she hummed, looking at the second one, “Hm… who might you be? A friend?” She kept staring at the pictures, yet gave up with her random guesses and shrugged, tossing the necklace back in the purse, not like she cared much for whoever that was as for the thief she was just another snobby noble, like any other Canterlonian dumb enough to visit her town.
She checked the final item in the purse and narrowed her eyes in confusion, it was some kind of… ID card?
‘Midnight Song’
‘Rank - Specialist’
‘ID Number - CRG10025’
“CRG…?” Her eyes were shot open. That stood for ‘Celestial Royal Guard’! The members that acted at Princess Celestia’s right hoof. You had to be amazingly skilled to even be considered as a member, “And I just stole from a royal guard… well damn me!” She let out a groan, “I can’t believe this! ‘Oh it’s just another noble mare, probably rotting in money’ well good job judging a book by its cover, Pockets. Now I gotta find her and give her stuff back! That means…” She closed her eyes and groaned, “Gosh darnit… I gotta get to the station!” Needless to say, she didn’t like going to the police department, although it had nothing to do with the officers, nah, they were all buddies. It had to do with the one in charge… that buffy idiot.
“You... Let. Her. ESCAPE!?”
Summer Breeze shivered as Commander Green Lead’s shout caused the building to tremble, “S-sorry!”
“YOU INCOMPETENT FOOLS! You two, get out of my BLOODY SIGHT!” The two pegasi saluted and in the blink of an eye, they were gone. Green Lead muttered under his breath.and shook his head, “My apologies Specialist Midnight, ma’am, but you know how new recruits are.”
“I do, and they’re only as good as the one training them,” she replied with a biting tone. She disliked commanders yelling at a recruit. It was useless if they didn’t learn anything from it. “She’s clearly a competent mage. Do you not have anti-magic abilities?”
Green Lead huffed with an annoyed frown, feeling rather insulted yet keeping it to himself. He searched a few drawers and took out a small metallic collar with a single gem encrusted on it, tossing it on the table, “This is all we need. These babies keep any unicorn from casting any sort of spell, and as an added bonus, it shocks them if they try to break free of it. We ordered them with that darn Midnight Thief in mind.” Having a quick look at it, one thing was obvious, if they somehow managed to put one of those things on your neck, it would hurt, a lot.
“So, you’re resorting to old torture devices?” Midnight was far from amused. One thing was for certain, Princess Celestia would be hearing about this. “Well, good luck even getting one on her.” She finished filling out a form. One was to requisition some emergency funds from her bank account in Canterlot. The other was a theft form for her pendant and Guard ID. With that ID and a decent illusion spell, a lot of trouble could be caused. “I’ll be speaking to the mayor about this little problem as well. I trust you don’t have a problem with that? Well, not like I care one way or the other.”
The buffy earth pony narrowed his eyes, before shaking his head no, “It’s… no problem, Specialist Midnight. And just so you know… I know what I’m doing. I’ve been on this business for decades so… watch out with what you say or do.” The last part was most definitely threatening, almost a hiss, his eyes fixed on Midnight.
Midnight didn’t flinch. Her eyes narrowed and she returned with a gaze that was colder than the frozen north.
“I don’t take insults to your superiors lightly, Rookie. You may have years, but experience is everything.” She left the forms on his desk and left the room before he could retort, exiting back out into the lobby of the station. “What a bucking blowhard,” she muttered.
“Pssst. Hey, you!”
Midnight’s ear flicked and she looked around to see who was calling her.
She then spotted the source, the same pegasus as before, the oldest one of the duo, was signaling her to come closer, making sure that no one who mattered was seeing them. “Hey, hurry up!”
She frowned and walked closer. If he was going to hit on her, at least make it a little more subtle. She stepped closer and gave an annoyed click of her tongue. “Look colt. I already have a bed partner for tonight. Try again tomorrow hmm? Unless you don’t mind sharing~”
Diamond Cloud deadpanned, quirking an eyebrow, “First of all, I’m not into mares. Second of all, that is most definitely not the reason I called you.” Taking yet another look around, he leaned closer to her, not bothering to whisper seeing as no one could really hear them talk, “So, what lies did that huge idiot tell you?”
“Oh, you act like I haven’t turned some coltcuddlers before,” Midnight smiled. “Besides that, he didn’t say much. I don’t think he likes me much. Or he’s scared of me. Most are.”
He rolled his eyes, “Yup, you’re screwed. You seem to have gotten on Lead’s bad list. I give you... a week at MOST before you either end up in a coma, or in jail for something you didn’t do, or if everything else fails just plain dead.” He raised a picture from his desk, showing a cute mauve young earth pony mare with thick glasses, “This is True Story, a young reporter who got tired of how things worked around here. Has been missing for a month now.”
Midnight looked at the picture, then back to Green’s office. “You think he was involved? Why have you not contacted a superior?”
The officer raised another picture, this time a strong, buffy orange unicorn with a police uniform and a valiant grin on his face, “This is Shimmering Shield, one of the best officers this town has ever seen. He tried contacting an outsider about what was going on. Currently, he’s unconscious on a hospital bed, hit on the head so hard his brain almost stopped working completely.”
Midnight frowned. “So, give me one reason why I shouldn’t go and slap irons on him right now. How in Tartarus could these sorts of things happen without anypony knowing?”
“You just don’t get it, do you?” The pegasus sighed, “Everypony knows, it’s not a secret to us townsfolk. But no one can do a single thing against it because it’s not just Green Lead. There is a massive circle of corruption that has been going around since the mayor first got elected. Cut a head, and another one will take its place. Simple as that. I’m telling you this because I don’t want you trying anything stupid like telling Princess Celestia or something. Try to do that, and you can kiss your flank goodbye.”
Midnight narrowed her eyes. This vacation was supposed to be calming, peaceful and quiet. She'd suffered a lot after that Changeling invasion…
“And if I choose not to leave this alone?”
Diamond Cloud chuckled, before pointing behind her with his muzzle, “Then you better get some help.”
Standing there was a small, hooded figure, almost the entirety of her body covered by the hood, with the exception of her hooves and navy-blue muzzle, whistling carelessly as she leaned on a wall.
“You!?” Midnight shot forward and in a flash, pinned her against the wall. “Give me one reason why I shouldn't toss you in a cell?”
“Wow easy there hot-stuff,” Came the thief’s slightly tomboyish voice, “If ya wanna get kinky, let’s do it somewhere else, we’re in public ya know?” She chuckled, “Sup?”
“My things. return them now!” Midnight said and bared her fangs. “Or maybe I should just call for Green in there? He’d love to meet you I hear.”
“Geez, no thanks.” The unicorn grimaced before using her magic to make the purse appear out of thin air, “Here ya go, a nice pretty gift for a nice pretty mare. I’m sure it’ll chill ya out.”
“Many thanks,” Midnight snared the purse with a wing and tucked it underneath it. “Though you stole it in the first place, I’m still going to toss your flank in a cell whether you like it or not you little thief.”
“Yeah about that…” She chuckled, before teleporting away, “Didn’t Diamond tell you? None can catch me, and I ain’t planning to change that.” She said from behind Midnight. And a second later, Midnight had her pinned again, this time on the floor as she stood over her, one hoof against her horn. Surprisingly enough, not many officers seemed to care. They recognized the hooded figure and simply shrugged, things like that happened all the time around her.
“Correction, you can’t be caught by a bunch of backwater hicks,” the bat said with a sly smile. “I, on the other hoof, have actual skill.”
“Eh… yeah, nah. That changes nothing. When it comes down to catching me, skill means nothing, you gotta have a damn ton of luck to even get close, heck, a miracle even.” She smirked, “Just give up batty, makes my life way easier. My talent is being a sneaky thief, I got flank-magic on my side.”
“Butt marks don’t mean squat,” Midnight said and removed the hoof pressing against the mare’s horn. “Still, you returned my things, so I’ll give you a head start. Come tomorrow… I’ll not be so generous.”
“Eh… that doesn't sound like fun ya know? I saw you talking with Diamond, and that gay doofus pointed at me so, that means something. You're either important, or he's just screwing with me again.” She grinned, obviously not caring about Midnight’s threats.
“One, I don’t appreciate your tone. Coltcuddlers know how to treat a mare if they choose~ Second, he pointed me at you, for reasons I’m still trying to figure out.” She snorted and let the unicorn up. “I’m still waiting for a reason why I shouldn’t leave this town and come back with an alicorn entourage. Green’s threats are foalish at best.”
The thief actually laughed at that, “Oh geez, are all high-ranks this rock-headed? Look, from what I can tell you're now in Lead's bad side, mainly because you’re one of the few that can take him and all his little friends down. This means that you'd be lucky if you manage to even reach the train station. My suggestion? Let it cool down, leave in a week or so, and forget everything you heard from Diamond. We don't need more heroes trying to face off against Mayor Grumble.”
“The Mayor is in on this?” Midnight groaned and looked back at the office. “For flipping feathers sake!”
The thief facehooved inwardly, “Me and my huge horse-mouth. Look, I like you kinda, you seem cool and might actually be useful. So let's make a deal. If you manage to survive ‘till tomorrow, go to the plaza at dawn. If you don't wanna that's fine by me, you're already in too much trouble as it is.” She gave the office door a look and sighed, “I can't stay here much longer so yeah, watch your flank batty, don't wanna see such a fine piece of booty in a body-bag.”
“Many have tried, none have succeeded,” Midnight smiled and looked her over. What she felt under that cloak seemed like a cute little form. “So, you got a name? My adorable little thief.”
“D’aww ya seriously mean it or are just trying to get in my non-existing pants?.” She snickered, “Name’s Pickett Midnight, but you can call me Pockets. And sorry but my memory's as bad as an old donkey's, what was your name again?”
Midnight opened her mouth, then closed it and smirked. “I’ll tell you tomorrow sweet flanks.” She trotted past as a wingtip ran down Pocket’s back. “Now, I’m going back to my hotel. Thanks for my bits back.” And with that, she flew off, holding her bag, as well as a second pouch. That little unicorn wasn’t the only one with deft hooves~
“Ya think she's gonna be mad to find out half her bits are missing?” Pockets asked Diamond Cloud.
“No Pockets, ponies never get mad at those who rob them.” The pegasus deadpanned without paying much attention to the thief, “Now get your flank out of here, I'm working.”
The unicorn shrugged before staring at the door from where the thestral had flight off to, “Damn that's an explosive mare. Let's hope Lead doesn't make it literal.” And with a flash of her horn, she was gone.
It wasn’t until she wanted to get some groceries to take back home that she discovered her own bag was missing...
With a deep sigh that was followed by a laugh, she shook her head. “Robbed by a royal guard… irony at its finest.”
Later that night, Midnight had just gotten out of the bath when somepony knocked on her door. She frowned, but tucked a knife under her wing… just in case. But when she peered through the peephole, she saw a vaguely familiar stallion.
She opened the door to reveal the serving colt from the cafe.
“Hmm, guess I still have that debt don’t I?” She said and licked her lips. “You know, I’m in the need to blow off a little steam. Want to come inside little colt?”
“I… yes?” He asked and Midnight smiled wickedly, pulling him into the room.
“Good, you’ll be doing that a lot tonight~”
As the night fell upon Tall Tale, and everypony was finally going home after a long day of work, three figures carefully throttled around the suburban streets of the town. Unlike many other places, the suburbs of Tall Tale were everything but calm and pretty, they were home to some of the poorest folks in town, and of course, of some of the dirtiest, shadiest characters around.
This was the exact reason why the white Pegasus who unfortunately had a meeting on this part of town, had hired two bodyguards just to make sure none would put a hoof on his recently brushed coat. After what to him seemed like an eternity walking, he finally reached his destination. An abandoned warehouse which to a normal eye wouldn’t seem like anything special, but he knew better.
“Knock the door, make them know that we’re here.”
One of the bodyguards nodded and did as said, while his boss anxiously tapped the floor, to him this was nothing but an unnecessary waste of his precious time. After a few minutes the door opened for them, and the old stallion took the lead. The warehouse was old, dusty, and filled to the brim with weaponry and strange machineries, a bunch of brutish-looking thugs doing stuff the stallion did not care about one bit, he only cared about the strange looking earth pony that was calmly resting on his chair, a cigar in his mouth and an old dusty cowboy hat on his messy head.
“Well do mah eyes deceive me? ” Came the raspy voice of the strange shadowy figure, “Eff'n it ain't th' fine ol-”
“Shush you.” The stallion commanded, “Are you perhaps an imbecile? Screaming who I am like that.”
“First, ah wasn’t screamin' nothin', second, yer implyin' mah pones don’t knows how t'keep a secret.” The strange stallion tilted his head to shoot a glare at the snobby pegasus, “These men are top notch pardner, I trust each ‘n ev'ryone of ‘em wif mah life.”
“Whatever, let’s just get down to business.” The young pegasus signaled his bodyguards, and the duo each tossed a sizeable bag of bits on the table which called the attention of most stallions and mares on the wearhouse.
With a cold chuckle, the earth pony kicked the bags off the table, “So, pardner, who’ll it be?”
“Her name is Midnight Song. A… friend of mine needs her erased off the map. You have around three days or else you will not receive the rest of your payment.” The Pegasus nodded as he slided a picture he had managed to get from his contacts in Canterlot.
“Midnight Song, huh?” He hummed, “We’ll take care of her by tomorrow. Or mah name ain’t Dead Drop.” With a clap of his hooves, his grunts stopped whatever they were doing and looked at the stallion, “Fellas an' gals, we haf a bat t'hunt!”
The grunts cheered in excitement, it had been a while since they last had anything to do. Dead Drop chuckled coldly and gave the picture another look, before planting his cigar on the picture, watching it burn with a bloodthirsty look on his eyes, “It’s been a while… specialist Midnight. Hope yer ready, cus ah’m comin’ for ya.”
Meanwhile, not too far away from there, yet another hooded figure walked around the empty streets of the suburbs. Humming a happy tune and wiggling her rump from side to side to the beat of the music in her head, Pockets had decided to go visit a good old friend of hers, someone who she knew could help her out with anything she needed.
Like in any big town or city, there were a few gangs here and there doing their own shady business without worrying too much about the local law force. As long as you didn’t bother the higher ups, you were free to do whatever the heck you wanted, and the gangsters loved it.
Of course, there’s always the exception.
One gang in particular was less focused on typical crimes like trafficking and thieving, and more focused on doing what every other gang avoided, messing with the Mayor and his group of friends. That was the only reason The Chivalry of the Broken was created, to make the corrupt politicians’ lives one miserable hell. It was easy to guess why Pockets saw each and every member like a brother or sister, they were all fighting for the same cause.
And this is why she couldn’t help but smile as the Hip-hop music became louder and louder, the voices of her brothers and sisters becoming audible as they chilled out in the same place as always, a small abandoned park on the city borders that they had carefully fixed up and turned into one heck of a hang-out place.
“Yooo Pockets’ here!”
Every single pony stopped what they were doing, even the music went silent.
“Hey guys.” Pockets raised her head high with a quirky smile adorning her muzzle. “Missed me?”
From the multitude, a tall, buffy, taupe earth pony made himself known, eyes narrowed and an unamused look on his face, “Six weeks, six motherbucking weeks since you last flossed yo’ face ‘round here.”
Pockets gave her best apologetic look, she knew it had been a while since she last visited what she considered to be her family, and she knew that their leader, who was more like the parental figure of the gangsters, did not like what he called ‘ungrateful childs’ that didn’t visit often. He worried about every single member, and whenever they went missing he couldn’t help but worry about their safety.
“Look, Spirit. I’m sorry. It’s been some crazy weeks lately and I have been meaning to come back here since a while now, but... “
“You be a terrible child, Pockets. Goin everywhere without leaving a letter n’ shit. Do you have a damn idea how th’buckin’ heck worried I was?” The stallion, Urban Spirit, interrupted her, Pockets’ ears and gaze down as she felt like a child being scolded by her father, “But by Celestia’s sunny ass am I glad to see yo face again.”
A smile formed on Pockets’ muzzle, before tackling the earth pony with a hug, “Oh you bastard, I missed you!”
“I missed ya too, ma lil’ thief.” He said softly, hugging her tight. His ear flicked and he half-broke the hug to look at the gang, “Did I say that you can stop the motherbucking music?”
The Chivalry howled in excitement for the return of their sister in arms, the music playing to full blast as everypony began dancing around them. Urban Spirit placed his arm on Pockets’ neck and signaled her to follow, taking a good stroll around the park.
“So what th’buck brings you back round these parts, ma child?” He asked with a slight concerned tone, he knew that whenever she came to visit, it was most likely because she had a problem she needed help with.
Pockets sighed, “Where to start, Papa Spirit?”
“What bout startin on why you ain’t been comin round here lately?” He shrugged.
“Eh, Grumble and his group are stepping up their game. They’re being particularly annoying lately, getting more and more people on the streets.” She answered with an annoyed huff.
“Oh yeah. That motherbucker has been messing with our pones left ‘n right, gettin’ dem on jail fo’ the stupidest reasons.” Spirit grunted, “Don’t worry mah child, as long as our crazy asses have the spirit tha fight, we have the chance to win. But ah know you, you wouldn’t come all da way here just to tell me dat. So speak, child, what be the problem?”
Pockets chuckled, he knew her too well, “Eh, it’s just this mare-”
“WHAT!?” Urban Spirit exclaimed in shock, “A MARE!? Oh don’t you dare tell me you foolin’ with somepony again.”
“No, no, no. It’s not like that.” Pockets said rapidly, calming Spirit down with her words, “We ain’t nothing, she’s just somepony I know. A mare from Canterlot she… may or may not be a royal guard?”
“A ROYAL GUA-”
Pockets quickly closed Spirit’s mouth before he could start ranting, “Ok, chill, chill Spirit, come on. Calm down…breathe iiiin… and oooout. There we go.” Pockets sighed in relief and she let go of him.
Spirit took a deep breath, and smiled, “Sorry child, you know how ah get sometimes.”
“Yeah I know.” She chuckled with a roll of her eyes, “Ok, well… this royal guard, call me crazy but I think she might be able to help us, ya know? She seems like the trustworthy type, aaaand she probably has contacts in Canterlot that can easily take Grumble and his friends out of business.”
Spirit took a few moments, and shook his head, “Ah don’t know, child. I don’t straight up trust no Canterlot noble, they give me the chills, the bad kind of chills.” He rubbed his head and stopped walking, “Child, you know I love you, you’re like the daughter ah never wanted, but dat I’m still happy to have. And that’s why I’m gonna be sincere here. Don’t trust no motherbucking guard, no matter what they may say or do, they only have da law in dem little minds. Got dat?”
“But Spirit-”
“But Spirit nothin’, we can get rid of motherbucking Grumble ourselves.” He grunted, “And why is dis guard so special anyways?”
“Well…” Pockets chuckled, “She ain’t like the few guards I’ve met before. She’s actually kinda chilled and cool… and sexy?”
“WHAT!?” Pockets simply gave up, the two first times she could stop his ranting, but once he reached the third one… there was no going back, “SEXY!? Oh no, oh no! No motherbucking way! Child, don’t tell me you-”
“I just met her yesterday!” Pockets interrupted him, “Relax, I know I’m a bit too emotional and… a bit too prone to falling for ponies with ease... but I’m not that desperate!” She groaned, “So what? She’s hot, I can admire a hot mare without falling for her. Even though the fact that she likes to tease the heck out of others doesn’t really help, ya know?”
“So she a who-”
Pockets’ death stare shushed him up completely, “No, she’s not. You know I don’t like you speaking of… well I guess she’s my friend now. You know I don’t like you speaking of my friends like that.”
“Friend? Child, you know the only playaz you need are right here, rite?” He shook his head, “Don’t be foolin’ around with dem motherbucking Canterlot snobbies, you hear? They be bad, bad stuff!”
“Whatever,” She sighed, “I just.. .need your help, okay?”
“And here it comes, what is it ma child?” He asked, signaling everyone to get a few feet away so they wouldn’t hear, just for good measure.
The unicorn bit her lip before giving him her best attempt at a cute smile, “I… do you mind keeping an eye on her? Grumble may or may not be trying to go after her, and I just want to make sure she’s safe.”
“Of motherbucking course you would.” He groaned, “Fine, just ‘cuz you mah child, n’Urban Spirit does every last muthabucking thing fo’ his children.” With a pat on her head, he grinned, “Besides, if what you sayin is true, dat means dat keepin her kickin is goin to annoy tha heck outta Grumble, n' believe me child, enough is enough! I have had it with these motherbucking politicians in this motherbucking town! So damn right I’m gonna do anything ta go against him!”
Pockets kissed his cheek and hugged him, “Thanks Papa Spirit, it means a lot to me.”
“Anything fo’ you, ma child.” He smiled, before stomping on the ground to call for everyone’s attention, “Now let’s continue partyin all night long, muthabuckas! And bring me some drinks fo' Celestia’s sake!”
The next morning, midnight woke up and stretched her limbs until they gave a satisfying crack. She rolled over and saw the utterly exhausted colt. It was adorable how he tried to keep up, A for effort and all.
Still, she had a busy day. So once she was up and dressed, she left a note and made an order for room service to bring him breakfast and plenty of fluids, before leaving and heading out into town.
Tall Tale was a peaceful looking city at first glance. And yet, the things that Midnight heard last night unsettled her. She hadn’t decided if they were telling the truth or not. It was a tall order to believe that such a high level of corruption went completely unnoticed by the rest of Equestria. Still, she could meet the little thief and hear her side, then have a few words with the mayor.
As she approached the fountain, she saw a dark-coated unicorn mare and Midnight Song smiled as she recognised her target. She folded her wings and dropped silently from the sky, closer… closer…
Pickett Midnight had been waiting about ten minutes or so by now. While she hated standing out in the open like this, for a pony that may or may not show up, possibly armed, or with hoofcuffs and a magic suppressor… Okay, why was she doing this again? This was a terrible idea!
Then a pair of chocolate-coloured hooves snaked their way around her neck in an embrace and something wet licked at her horn.
“Hello gorgeous~” a husky, feminine tone whispered into her ear.
The resulting eep was both cute and amusing, shivers running down every nerve of her body. She quickly teleported out of Midnight’s embrace and shaking her head to get all that saliva off her horn, she let out an annoyed groan, “Can you not!? Those things are sensitive as heck!” She always loved/hated it when others messed with her horn, albeit she would never admit the loving part.
“That’s the idea,” Midnight smiled and licked her lips. “You’re quite tasty little thief.”
“Geez, why don’t you just put me on a platter already?” The unicorn smirked playfully, “So, ya really came. I’ll be honest with you, didn’t expect you’d actually trust me.”
“Oh, I don’t. But I don’t have enough information to formulate a conclusion yet,” Midnight said and tucked her wings against her side. “So, let’s start with why you wanted to meet me. You’re risking a lot little thief. So I won’t arrest you, seeing as how you have bigger balls than most stallions I know.”
Pockets’ eyes narrowed, looking around suspiciously as if to check none was watching, once she confirmed that the coast was clear, she leaned closer and gave her best serious expression, “Ok, the reason I brought you here is super important, top secret. I can only tell you this incredibly important reason if you promise to not tell anyone, deal?”
“Rather dramatic don’t you think?” Midnight sighed and put on her sunhat. She moved next to Pockets and put one wing around her. “Walk with me.”
“Yup, that’s it.” Pockets grinned with a halt, a quirky grin on her muzzle “That’s actually the reason I called you here, to have a nice walk around the plaza.”
“I’m sure it was,” Midnight said. “There are easier and less dramatic ways to ask me out on a date you know?” She leaned over and kissed Pocket’s cheek for extra effect. “Now, tell me what’s up little tasty thief.”
The unicorn snorted to try and ignore the teasing, yet her red-tinted cheeks betrayed her, “If ya wanna call this a date that’s fine by me. But if that’s the case it’ll probably be the weirdest date you’ve ever been.” With a flash of her horn, a small bag full of bits appeared next to her, idly hovering near the unicorn, “I’m here to do my job, my other job, and in order for you to get a better idea of the kind of pony I am, I decided to bring your flank with me. Also, do you flirt with every single living creature you see? Or is that just me and the guy from the cafe?”
“If I see something I like, I go for it,” Midnight said with a small nod. “Life’s too short to have any hesitations or regrets. And as a guard…” She frowned slightly and cut herself off. “So, you’re going to show me how you steal? I already had a front row seat to that remember?”
The unicorn rolled her eyes with a chuckle, “Do you think I’m dumb enough to steal in front of a freaking guard?... well, twice? Nah. I’m not just a simple ‘dirty thief’ you see, there’s more to my little business than that, ” The duo crossed the street and turned a few corners, before Pockets signaled her to stop. She raised her hoof and pointed at a darkened alley blocked by an old rusty metallic gate, “Now let’s see how much you really trust me.” With a flash of her horn she teleported to the other side of the gate, signaling Midnight to follow her.
Midnight brow furrowed further, but she followed the shorter unicorn none the less. If this was a trap, she could at least expect something to jump out at her. The first thing she noticed was that the mood of the town had drastically changed. Instead of the relaxing cool beach-town look, this part of Tall Tale looked more like if it came out of a post-apocalyptic movie. Buildings that could fall apart at any minute now, filthy-looking fillies playing with what seemed to be toys made out of some garbage and tape, a few mares who shocked by the unusual looks of Midnight locked themselves inside their houses, and overall an ambience that could get anyone’s mood down.
“Quite the sight, huh?” Pockets sighed lamentably.
Midnight, for one of the first times in her life, had no words. How… how could this happen? How could, there be ponies that lived like this? When a perfectly good city was just a few metres away?
“What… is this place?’ Midnight asked slowly. “Why is nopony helping them?”
Pockets didn’t answer, she simply kept walking with a soft, yet obviously pained grin on her muzzle. After a few more minutes, she finally spoke, “All these ponies, they used to have lives you know? Lawyers, doctors, teachers, cops… now look at them. This is what happens when the corrupt take over. They don’t like you? You’re out of a job. Try to do anything against them? You get threatened with death. As long as you stay quiet and don’t complain, you’ll be fine. Else..” She pointed at an ocher mare with an eyepatch, “Yup. Things ain’t as pretty and nice as you tourists see it.” She stopped in front of a building and smiled, knocking the door before winking at Midnight, “But they are getting better.”
The door opened, revealing a small maroon pegasus filly with a pair of square glasses taped together to keep them together. Even if she was a bit dusty and unkempt, there was this air of innocence that could melt any heart that made her, simply put, extremely adorable.
“Hello!” She smiled chipperly, despite the destitution that lay around her. “Who are you?”
Midnight felt her chest tighten. She’d always had a soft spot for foals, as long as they weren’t her own. She leaned now and smiled, but in a way that didn’t show her fangs. “My name is Middy. And I’m here with my… friend.”
Pockets chuckled at that, giving Midnight a sly, amused grin, before turning back to the filly and giggling, “Look at you! Haven’t seen you since like at least yesterday. How cha doing, Zephyr Seashell?”
“I’m okay,’ she smiled and nodded, before leaning in to whisper in her ear. “No offense Miss Pockets. But your friend looks funny.”
Pockets giggled and nodded, “Yup, and if ya don’t behave and be a good little filly, she will suck the blood out of y-!”
Then she received a smack across the back of the head via a leathery wing as Midnight… well, she looked pissed.
“One more ‘vampony’ joke and you’re in a cell, little thief.”
Pockets stuck her tongue out playfully as she rubbed her now sore head, “Damn you hit hard.” She grunted, before once again returning to little Seashell, “Are your mom or pops home?”
“Yahuh, they’re inside, talkin’ about grown up stuff,” she said and looked at Midnight. The Thestral poked out her tongue, only it was much longer than Pocket’s. It flickered out like a snakes and licked the tip of the filly’s nose, making her squeak in surprise.
“You’re not very good with fillies, are ya?” Pockets quipped, nudging her. “Can ya call your parents? Tell them I’m here ‘n stuff.”
The filly ran inside as Midnight stood back silently. Yeah, she liked kids… but she wasn’t all that great with them. Seashell returned a moment later with two older ponies, presumably her parents.
“Well what a pleasant surprise,” Came the male’s soft, relaxed tone, he was a pegasus of salmon coat, an average build, and even though he was a bit too slim (proof of his poor economical situation) he still managed to sport a soft yet bright smile, “Pockets, what a pleasant surprise! What brings you around here?”
The unicorn mare just shrugged, “Passing around ‘n stuff, also bringing a gift from an old friend of yours.” She pulled up the bag of bits and dropped it right in front of them with a wink, “A gift from Silver Rails.”
The two older ponies’ eyes widened up to the size of platters as they saw the bag of shining golden coins resting on the floor in front of them. It was more than what either of them had managed to win in three entire years.
“Two hundred ponies fired from Silver Rails Co. three years ago, you two were between that group. A train conductor and a service mare. Fun fact, Silver Rails himself arrived to the city two days ago and luckily for me, yesterday he was having tea and biscuits with a few of his friends not too far from another pretty nice cafe, and an equally pretty mare.” She winked at Midnight.
“Oh, so you finally scored yourself a cute marefriend hmm?” The older light-pink unicorn mare smiled warmly and pulled Pockets into a hug. “About time dear.”
Pockets rolled her eyes and giggled, “For now at least, she’s just a friend who wants to put my flank in jail,” She smirked to Midnight, “Ain’t that right, batty?”
“Pretty much,” Midnight smiled back. “So, wanna explain why me, a Royal Guard, is seeing you, a wanted thief, hoof over what I’m guessing a sack full of stolen bits? I could arrest them for aiding and abetting.”
“Because if you do, you’d be no different than those who caused this.” The stallion said rather aggressively, stepping in front of his wife and child and extending his wings to full length.
“Chill, Full Steam, no need to get aggressive.” Pockets sighed, “Because even if the law says otherwise, I honestly believe that what I’m doing is the right thing to do. We have dozens rotting in money, while thousands can’t even feed themselves on a regular basis. According to my sources, Full Steam has not been able to find a new job ever since he was fired, he has passed days without eating just so his wife and child can get a bite of bread. Why was he fired? Because less workers means more money for the company. And what a surprise, Silver Rails Co. is a company that was born here in Tall Tale, and Silver Rails himself is a really good friend of good ol’ Grumble. So, can you blame me for giving them back what was taken from them? I’m not robbing regular ponies, I’m robbing thieves who are disguised as business-colts.” She walked towards little Seashell, and messed her already messy hair, “If to help these ponies you gotta break the law, so be it.”
Midnight sighed. “You’re asking me to ignore my vows and training, because of what you say is right. No matter the reason, you’re still breaking the law and these ponies are still assisting you in doing so.” She looked at the family and then snorted. “But, I’m also not stupid enough to act on half a story. I fully intend to find out what is happening in this city. Once i have the full story, then and only then, will i take action.”
“Then let’s make a deal, batty.” Pockets raised her hoof and extended it to her, “You help me put an end to this nonsense, and if after that you still want to arrest me, I won’t resist. Heck, I’ll convince everypony who are involved to give themselves in as well.”
“But Pock-”
“Don’t worry Full Steam, I know what I’m doing. ‘Sides, maybe good ol’ Princess Sunbutt herself will go soft on us.” Pockets snorted, “So, deal?”
Midnight looked at the outstretched hoof. Why was a common thief going to such... extremes, just to prove a point?
“Either you are the most insane pony I have ever met,” Midnight said and then took her hoof with her own. “Or the most confident. Very well Miss Pickett Midnight. You have yourself a deal.”
Pockets giggled, “Eh, a bit of both. Also, does that mean that I’m working with the law now, or that you’re working with a criminal?”
“Let’s just say this is an operation neither of us will fully admit to,” Midnight replied back and looked at the family there. “I’m sorry for what’s happened to you and the rest of these ponies. I… I hope I can do right by you okay?”
Full Steam relaxed a bit, and nodded, “It’s alright. If Pockets trusts you, we trust you.”
“Yup, even if you are a scary vampony!” Seashell smiled brightly. Midnight’s eye twitched and she looked down at the filly.
“So… I’m a scary vampony huh?”
“She’s a pretty, scary vampony Seashell,” Pockets chuckled, “And you shouldn’t go around telling ponies they look scary ya know? That’s kinda rude. So say you’re sorry cus this mare here’s gonna be a hero soon.”
Midnight stepped forward, looming over the filly… before as quick as lightning, scooped her up and started making nomming noises on her belly. The desolate alley was filled with the filly’s peals of laughter as Midnight tickled her.
“Nevermind, she’s not a scary vampony, she’s a scary ticklemonster!” Pockets laughed.
“Ahahahahaha!!” Seashell laughed as their parents didn’t quite know what to do. Midnight eventually relented and put the giggling filly on her mother’s back.
“Take care of her okay?” Midnight said and the mare nodded.
“And you take care of Pockets. That mare is incredibly foolish sometimes. I’d sleep easier knowing she has a cute marefriend looking out for her.”
“I’ll stick close,” Midnight said and pulled Pocket’s next to her with a wing and smiled a fanged grin. “Very. Close~”
“Halp!” Pockets mouthed dramatically, before smiling, “Well batty, ya ready to kick some corrupt flank?”
“Actually, we’re gonna go and pay the endearing mayor a visit,” Midnight said. “I want to have a few… words with him.”
Later that day, the two mares stood outside Town Hall. Midnight looked up at the opulent building and seeing the state of the lower town, if caused her frown to return again. She had more than a few words to say to the mayor now.
“So Little Thief, I take it you won’t be joining me inside?” Midnight asked as she walked closer to the building.
“Oh yeah sure, let me go meet the guy I’ve been stealing from since forever.” She deadpanned, “Nah, I’m fine. I’ll keep watch to make sure you’re fine though, I know this place like I know the back of my hoof.” And to emphasize, she raised her hoof and waved it around, “Oh wait,” She flicked a little rock that was stuck on it, “Since when is that in there?”
“And they say I’m a silly pony,” Midnight chuckled and shook her head. “Well, wait here then. I doubt this will take very long.”
“If ya need help, just scream... Or make him scream, either one works.” Pockets waved her off, before teleporting away.
Town Hall was, to say the least, impressive. Tall marble pillars, shining floors, fancy looking furniture, and to top it off a giant statue of what seemed to be a breezy holding a golden cane with a diamond on the cane’s claw. Everything just screamed fancy, and when you considered that a good portion of the city looked like a natural disaster had passed by it, it just angered Midnight even more.
She walked up to the desk, where a secretary was looking rather bored. Well, time to make her day. Her hooves moved across the tiles, not making a sound as she approached the desk. And once she was but a few inches from the spaced out mare…
“Good morning!” She chirped loudly.
The secretary eeped and jumped in place, holding a folder up to protect herself, or rather, hide her from whatever the heck had scared her. She lowered the folder and shakingly tried her best to do her job, “Y-yes? What can I-I-I do for you?”
“Hello there,” Midnight smiled widely, showing off her sharp fangs. “I am Specialist Midnight Song, of the Canterlot Royal Guard. And I’d like to see your mayor.”
The shaky mare quickly opened the folder and gave it a look while at the same time using it to cover most of her face, “Uh-hm Do you have an a-appointment, miss?”
“Well, how about I send a letter to Princess Celestia real quick and get one?” She said and pulled out a piece of paper.
“Uh, uhm… EEP!” Panicked, the mare hid behind her desk as she had no idea what to do.
And just then came a soft, low, sensual chuckle from behind Midnight, “Oh poor dear, she has always been a little shaky. Need some help, Miss?”
Midnight turned to see the source of the voice, and much to her surprise, it was no pony. A slim white griffon with a long summer dress and a floral hat gave her a warm smile, jewelry adorning her neck and her light brown tinted wings. She had subtle yet still eye-catching curves, showcasing the definition of classy with pride.
“Oooh, this town is full of sexy ladies~” Midnight whistled as she looked the female griffon over. While mature, she seemed to sit on that ‘not young, but experienced’ line. “I’m liking my vacation more and more now. So yeah, you can help. My hotel is only a few blocks from here. Maybe this little sweetheart can play too~” She winked at the secretary.
The secretary eeped again and seemingly tried to dig a hole in which to hide, while the griffon simply giggled softly, “Flattering, but I am afraid I shall pass. My name is Sphinx, I am in charge of this place while the mayor does his own thing. So if you need help in anything that is not related to carnal matters, I shall assist you.”
“A pity, but I need to see the Mayor,” Midnight nodded. She tilted her head towards his office. “I know he’s in there. I can hear him from here.”
“Well he’s currently screaming his lungs out, ranting about unimportant matters like he always does.” Sphinx sighed, before turning towards the stairs that lead to the office door and signaling her to come along with her wing, “Follow me, dear.”
Midnight gladly followed. Ohh, she’d tap that flank alright. Now, time to see why everypony was so scared of this mayor.
Sphinx knocked on the door softly, “Grumble dear, you have visitors.”
“WHO THE HECK IS IT!?” Came an old, raspy, extremely angry shout.
“A member of the royal guard, dear. She says it is of the utmost importance.” Sphinx rolled her eyes. A few minutes of silence passed before Sphinx decided to open the door without wishing to wait for his answer a second longer, “Go in dear. Unlike me, he won’t bite.” She winked, before turning and making her way down the stairs. Yet she stopped as her beak was close enough to Midnight’s ear, her tone changing to a more serious level, “Be careful with what you say to him, dear. I don’t want to lose such a stunning piece of art like yourself.” And without waiting for a reply, she continued her way. But of course, not before Midnight’s tail smacked that shapely griffon rump as the thestral strode into the mayor’s office.
“Good morning Mr. Mayor Fumble,” Midnight said chipperly. “I do hope I am not interrupting you~”
The mayor’s office couldn’t be flashier. Pictures of himself hanging around in different art styles and poses decorated the walls, shining marble floor with golden details that could blind any normal being, a tall white rooftop that was turned into a massive portrait of the mayor himself, and classic music which gave the room a style that would make many nobles at Canterlot proud. And in the middle of it all, a giant hoof-carved wooden desk with an unamused brown earth pony sitting on a tall leather chair.
“It’s Grumble. And I assume you must be Specialist Midnight Song, am I correct?” He asked in a dry, despiseful tone with an obviously forced Canterlot accent.
“Indeed I am Mayor Bumble,” the Thestral nodded as she looked around the room. It was so bright it hurt her eyes. “I must say, this is quite the city I decided to vacation in. So many things to see and do…”
“Grumble,” He grunted, before grinning proudly, “Why thank you Miss Midnight, we have worked hard to turn this old, dusty town into the touristic paradise it is today. Did you know, in a few more years we’ll be able to officially call ourselves a city!”
“Is that so?” Midnight said as she took a seat. “You know Mayor Gumball. I saw the most interesting place today. A little alley that… seemed rather, out of place.”
Grumble’s ear twitched, “Is that so? I don’t recall ever seeing anything out of place. We have worked really hard to turn every single inch of this town into an eye catching wonder.”
“Is that so?” Midnight said and looked up at the ceiling. “Maybe my eyes were playing tricks on me. Such a… diligent mayor like yourself Mr. Mumble, wouldn’t have allowed such destitution like that. Imagine the scandal? What if the Princesses saw that? Well, lucky I’m mistaken eh?”
The brown earth pony narrowed his eyes, “Quite the scandal yes… almost as big of a scandal as a royal guard, a mare of such high rank, being involved in criminal activities don’t you think?” With a cold chuckle he shook his head, “But that would never happen, would it? No, no, no. But if it did…”
“Of course not,” Midnight replied. Hmm, he was pretty good. “Let me guess, the article would be published by True Story?”
Grumble’s ear twitched, yet he kept the same relaxed expression, “Apologies, but I do not recognize the name. A friend of yours, perhaps?”
“No, but I liked her articles,” Midnight said as she admired her reflection in the polished surface of the desk. “Still, i heard you have a thief problem here in town. She robbed me too you know? I’m… displeased about that. One would think that a stallion of Green’s experience could show at least a little competence. Perhaps I should get some guard here to clean up for you?”
The mayor tensed and clenched his teeth, not happy with that idea, “Oh you are too kind, Miss Song. But we are capable enough to deal with someone like the Midnight Thief. Although I have to admit that the fact that such a careless, foolish rascal like her managed to rob from someone as experienced as you… I guess Green Lead’s forces are not the only… incompetent law enforcers around.”
“I am on vacation, and happened to be enjoying some coffee at a cafe at the time,” Midnight retorted, a little annoyed that she hadn’t caught Pockets that day. “And yet, I hear she makes a fool of you on a regular basis. Fool me once, shame on me, fool me a hundred times… that’s just plain sad.”
Mayor Grumble shot her a cold, unamused glare. “Why yes, the Midnight Thief has proven to be a nuisance to us… yet you don’t need to worry. You see, we already have a plan to take her out of business once and for all.”
“You don’t say?” Midnight replied, her ear flicking once. Surely he didn’t mean…? “And I trust that she will be punished in a court of law? After all, execution has been illegal for three centuries now.”
“What are you trying to imply? Miss Midnight please we may be a small town in comparison to Canterlot, but we are not primitive.” He stood up calmly, walking around his office with a grin in his face, “I must say Miss Midnight, you caught me in my own lies… I was too ashamed to admit it but it is true, there are such places like the one you described in this town. Alleys, blocks, entire districts… they are not the best example of a prospering town. Yet sadly we can’t do much to help them because every single pony living in those districts is involved with crime in one way or another, most of them because of that filthy Midnight Thief.”
“I trust you have proof?” Midnight said. “To accuse so many ponies of of illegal activities. It makes me wonder how a single mare is capable of so much.” She leaned forward and made sure he could see her sharp fangs. “I’m afraid I lied too, Mayor Butthole. I happened to speak with a few of those ponies. They had the most… interesting stories.”
Grumble grunted once more, “Miss, my name is Grumble, I am sure it is not too hard to say. And whatever those filthy liars told you, I assure you it is not true. Not like it will matter soon. In a week they will all find themselves behind bars, and yes we do have enough proof to do so. We will demolish their homes, and take what that filthy thief has illegally given them. And of course, she will come and try to stop us, she will do everything in her power to defend those filthy rascals that tint this city with crime and poverty… and that’s when we catch her. Believe me, Miss Midnight, she will be behind bars for the rest of her life. And hopefully the rest of the trash who help her will be as well.”
“Hmm, you know, I couldn’t help but notice a lot of foals there… what about them?” Midnight stared into his eyes, her emerald orbs staring into his very soul. He could have sworn they flashed a dangerous crimson for a scant second.
“Well…” Grumble trembled a bit, before taking a deep breath and going back to his usual self, “Well they will be sent to one of our wonderful orphanages, where they will be cleansed of that filthy lifestyle their parents have planted on their brains. We will make them respectful ladies and gentlecolts, members of this growing society of respectable individuals that I have built in this wonderful town.”
“How wonderful, I’m sure they’d get over the trauma of being torn away from their parents in no time,’ Midnight smiled a little too happily. “And it’s not like they’d blame you right? You would save them after all.”
“Oh please, once they are adopted by a respectable family and are all grown up, they will be thanking me for teaching them the true ways of society.” He chuckled, “We can’t allow this town to continue being a rathole, Miss Midnight, we must go forwards and become the next Canterlot!”
“Oh yes, just like Canterlot…” Midnight was going to be sick. Every fibre of her being wanted to tear out his throat… She shook her head to clear the thoughts. She couldn’t Rage here, not without permission. “Well, I think I’ve heard enough. I will be in touch Mr. Butterball. Have a good day.’ She stood up and left the room without a further word, though she slammed the door hard enough that a nearby vase gave a very satisfying sound as it shattered against the floor.
“Oops, my bad,” Midnight giggled as she strode out.
As soon as she reached the outside of the hall, a blinding navy blue flash appeared in front of her, revealing Pockets who was calmly eating a popsicle, “Sup? How did it go.”
Midnight replaced her popsicle with a crystal she’d hidden in her tail, a recording gem.
“Listen for yourself,” she said as she licked at the icy treat in a way that had several nearby stallions blush and cross their hind legs.
Pockets grinned ear to ear as she heard the recording, “Darn girl,” She whistled, “You’re good.”
“I tried… not sure if I really pissed him off… or made him piss himself,” Midnight giggled. “He yelled pretty loudly when I broke that vase though. Little blue and gold thing. I wonder if it was expensive?”
“Everything in that office is expensive, with the sole exception of himself.” Pockets laughed, turning off the recorder and placing it on her bag for the meantime, “This is enough to get Grumble into trouble, but not enough to take him down. Good start though.” She swiftly took the popsicle right out of Midnight’s mouth, and placed it in her own, before she started walking towards seemingly a random direction, “But we have more to do. So let’s go batty.”
“Hey! I was enjoying that,” Midnight pouted and then smirked, licking some of the treat from the mare’s cheek. “Mmm, sweet and delicious~”
A bright blush took over Pockets’ cheeks, “And we’re back with the teasing.” She sighed, chuckling as she bumped Midnight’s butt with her own to get some space between them, “Ponies are watching ya know? And like a bunch of them know me, so don’t blame me if we get some fresh rumors out of the oven batty.”
“You act like this bothers me,” Midnight said and shrugged. “Well, after that little encounter, I’m a little more inclined to believe you and that skittish officer friend of yours. Something big is going on in town… and I know exactly who can tell us what.”
“Awesome. We can go with whatever you’re planning later. Right now though…” She hummed, before turning left through a street and humming a happy song, “So, do I have to call you batty all day long, or are you finally gonna tell me a bit more about yourself like ya know, your name?”
“I never told you?” Midnight tilted her head and shrugged. “Ah, well my name is Midnight Song. Top Bat, Sexiest guard in Equestria and it’s nice to meet you Little Thief.”
Pockets giggled, “Oh I knew your name already, just that it was kinda weird calling you by it if you didn’t tell me yourself. ‘Sides, Batty is far shorter and cuter, so Imma stick with that. First time coming here to our ‘wonderful’ town, I suppose?”
“That it is,” Midnight replied. Those that called her bat usually found themselves a few teeth short and face first in the pavement. But, Pocket’s seemed fun, so Midnight would let her get away with it. “Why’s that?”
“‘Cus that means you haven’t gotten a taste of our rocking beaches.” She turned a corner and stopped, before dramatically pointing at quite possibly one of the most stunning views in Tall Tale. A bright, clear blue sky and a radiating sun, accompanied by a strong yet refreshing breeze that danced around as it carried the salty yet pleasant aroma of the sea, the sound of the waves clashing with the coast joined by the giggles and shouts of fillies playing, Tall Tale’s beach was truly something simple, yet somehow special. “Ta dah!”
“Huh…” Midnight stared out at the beach. Truth be told, she’d never been to one before. A lot of sand, a lot of water… “It’s… nice?”
Pockets snorted, extending her hoof to Midnight with a wink, “Eh it may not look like much, but it’s more about the experience. You’ll love it soon enough, come on, it’ll be fun!”
“But… it’s just sand and water, what’s so fun about that?” Midnight asked as she followed her. “The view is nice… and I’m not going swimming.”
The unicorn simply rolled her eyes, “Just trust me Batty. There’s a reason why we’re so popular this time of the year.” They approached a rather small looking cabin filled to the brim with young ponies chatting and having a good time, drinks of all colors on their hooves. This was Pockets’ favorite place to hang out at when she had nothing else to do, a little tropical bar owned by one of her closest friends, “Good Time!” Pockets greeted happily as she spotted the cream-colored unicorn.
“Aaay, P! Been a while. Wuddup?” He replied with a laid-back, relaxed tone, “And dayum, who might you be~?” He lowered his sunglasses to have a better look at Midnight.
“Midnight Song,” the thestral replied with a half-lidded, seductive gaze. “I wonder, are you as much of a ‘good time’ as your name implies~?”
“Gurl, you have no idea.” He replied as he showcased his bulky muscles.
“He’s married.” Pockets smirked, earning a groan from Good Time.
“P, come on! Can’t a married bro have his fair share of flirting once in a while?”
“Not if he wants to keep his balls,” Pockets replied as she stuck her tongue out mockingly, “Just do your damn work and get us some drinks, will you?”
“Fine.” He groaned, “What will it be?”
“Ya know what I like, what ‘bout you, Batty?” Pockets asked Midnight.
Midnight looked at the menu and then froze, her ears wiggling cutely and her tail wagged. “Is… is that… a mango drink?” She asked with a hopeful tone.
“Damn right,” Good Time nodded, “Oh, but that menu’s outdated, should probably have it updated or somethin’, here ya go”
Mango Breeze, Green Tea and Mango Splash, Absolut Mango Verde, between several other tropical drinks involving all sorts of fruits.
“Hey, you seem like a mango gal, so why don’t you try our specialty?” Good Time quirked an eyebrow.
“Wait… don’t you mean… nah, I don’t think she’s ready for that” Pockets snickered, “She’s a city gal, and that’s a 100% beach drink.”
“One, buck you,” Midnight said and looked at the surfer stallion. “What speciality?”
“Good Time’s Tropical Delight.” The stallion grinned, “Believe me dudette, it’s totally worth it. Get’s anyone in a tropical mood. I’d tell you what it has and all, but it’s a family secret. But dudette, believe me, if ya love mangoes, that’s totally the drink to go.”
“It’s literally a Tangaroa on steroids.” Pockets snorted.
“Oohh~ Bring it on beach horse!” Midnight said and thumped the table. “City mare my butt. You’re gonna eat those words smol thief!”
“Ayyy that’s the spirit!” Good Time laughed, “One Tropical Delight coming up!”
Pockets chuckled and shook her head, “Don’t say I didn’t warn ya.”
A few moments passed as Good Time expertly mixed and matched the different ingredients, before he happily slided them their drinks, “One Manehattan, and one Tropical Delight!” He announced.
Pockets was the first one to take a good sip of her drink, sighing in ecstasy as she closed her eyes, “Just like the ones back home, you’re the flipping best.” She placed her drink down and patiently stared at Midnight, waiting to see her reaction.
She looked at the glass and took a sip, her ears wiggling again as the mango taste hit her tongue. “Ooohh~ This is good.’
“Right?” Good Time grinned proudly, “Well, gotta keep working, but make sure you have a good time.” And with a wink, he left.
“So,” Pockets grinned, “You’re a thestral who’s also a royal guard for Celestia, that flirts with pretty much everyone, and loves mangoes. That’s one hell of a package right there if I have to say so myself.”
“Yup, I’m pretty special alright,” Midnight nodded as she sipped her drink. “And you are a cute little petite thief, considers herself a modern day Robin Hoof and lives in what must be the most corrupt town in Equestria.”
“About sums it up, yeah.” She chuckled as she also took a sip of her own drink, “But that’s not the whole story ya know? I’m not from around here, heck, I didn’t even know this place existed until like five years ago.”
“Oh, so where are you from then?” Midnight asked. “Or should i just look for a town whose crime rate decreased dramatically five years ago?”
The unicorn laughed as she shook her head, nudging Midnight’s rib as she took another sip, “I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if that worked. I’m from Manehattan, ya know, the big bustling city at the other side of Equestria.”
“I know the place, don’t care for it much though,” Midnight admitted as she held up her glass and stared at it. “Most ponies there are kinda rude… though I did meet the most adorable little earth Pony. Coco was such a sweetheart.”
“Can’t deny that. Rudeness is a part of most Manehattians' systems.” Pockets chuckled, “Say, can I ask you something?”
“You just did,” Midnight replied with a cheek smirk, then knocked back her whole drink with a single gulp.
“What’s up with that buttmark?” She quirked an eyebrow, “And yes, before you ask, I have been constantly looking at your flank. Anyways, I’m no expert, but that looks nothing like a buttmark a guard would have.”
“Well first, of course you have. My flank is awesome.” Midnight said and wiggled her rump for good measure. “And second, i guess it doesn’t huh? But, just because my Cutie Mark doesn’t say I’d be a guard. Doesn’t mean I can’t become one right? I trained myself stupid to get where I am.”
“Nah, of course not. Honestly, if it wasn’t for the ponies that need my help, I would rather be doing something else.” Pockets sighed, “As fun as it is, a thief’s life ain’t an easy one, ya know? Ponies see my cutie mark and immediately think of calling the cops on me.” True to her word, Pockets’ cutie mark was most definitely one of a thief, a black thief mask surrounded by a white heart, simple yet straightforward, “Doesn’t help when you wanna meet cute guys or gals like you.”
“I can’t imagine so,” Midnight nodded. “It’s no walk in the park for me either. If the guard armour doesn’t intimidate them, then it’s my fangs, my wings… or that bucking vampony crap!!” She looked at her glass and frowned. This drink was making her talk too much. “Forget it. I’m still awesome and hot.”
“Really?” Pockets chuckled, “I honestly have a hard time believing that. I mean, I did run away that time we met, but it was because ya were about to slice my freaking throat and well, I had just robbed you. But ‘sides that, I don’t think you look intimidating at all, heck, I think you look kinda cute.” She giggled, “And sorry for that vampony joke I did before, didn’t know it was a sensitive topic. But to be honest, if you were really a vampony, I would let you suck mah blood any day.” She joked with a wink.
“Ergh, blood tastes gross,” Midnight said with a wave of her hoof. “And before you ask, I licked a wound once… and have been punched in the jaw more times than I care to count. Still, i know i’m cute. But thanks for saying so.” She placed the empty glass on the table. “Well, apparently i just can’t shut up now. So if you have questions, i’d ask them before I sober up.”
Pockets grinned, “That’s the magic of the Tropical Delight. And to be honest, it’s actually kinda nice to just sit down and talk with someone like you for a chance. I’m always busy these days, and even though I know pretty much everyone here, I… don’t really have many friends. Good Time there is one of the few I fully trust and whatnot. So it’s nice.” She slipped the last of her drink, and placed it down, “I do have one final question though, something I’ve been meaning to ask since a while ago.“
“Well ask away, but i might not answer if it’s too personal,” Midnight said and licked her lips.
“Who’s that gal on the necklace?” She asked as she turned to look at her.
Midnight froze for a moment, her tail stopped wagging and she swallowed.
“A past I can never get back,” she said quietly, cursing that she’d left her locket in her purse. “Leave it at that alright.”
“We all have stories we don’t wanna share.” Pockets said a bit coldly, “That’s fine. We’re here to relax and have a good time! So let me change that question for something more… light hearted kay?”
“Sounds good,” Midnight replied and stared into her empty glass. She sighed and rubbed her head. “Look, I didn’t mean to snap. But, it’s painful to talk about. It was the single biggest mistake of my life. Something I’m not proud of.”
“It’s fine.” The unicorn gave her a warm smile, before whistling at Good Time, who nodded and slid yet another pair of drinks for them, “And my question is, how many drinks does it take to knock a hot-ass batty out?”
“Cute, but I’d drink your scrawny butt under the table,” Midnight said. “Besides… you’re not ready to take me on yet little filly.”
“Wanna bet?” Pockets smirked, before taking her entire drink with one gulp and slamming the glass on the table “I’m from Manehattan darnit! Nobody can outdrink… us.” Suddenly, her tone changed, the world spinning around her and her eyes slowly closing, “Oh heck… I think I… better lay…”
Thud
And just like that, she had blacked out completely. Her face now rested motionless on the cold counter, before her entire body fell down to the ground. To anyone this would look like yet another mare that had too much to drink, but Midnight knew better, blacking out after just two drinks was straight up impossible, there was only one explanation for this…
“Pfft, freaking lightweight,” Midnight snorted and poked the mare. “What was that Little Miss Manehattenite! ‘Ohh, I can outdrink you~’ Riiiiight…” Midnight’s ear suddenly flicked and her tail twitched.
Somepony was watching her. She suddenly grabbed Pockets and dove behind the counter.
“Ay, dudette, whatchu doing here?” Came Good Time’s voice from behind her, looking at her with an extremely confused expression.
Midnight looked at Pockets, ignoring him for now. She opened one of the mares eyes… yeah, glazed over. She wasn’t drunk, she’d been sedated.
And, only one pony had been near their drinks. She turned and looked at Good Time.
“You’d better have a good reason. That’s the only reason you’re still drawing breath right now.”
Good Time simply sighed, “Dudette, you should have drank your drink… that way this would be way easier for me.”
And then, pain, a lot of pain. Midnight’s eyes closed as she felt her mind slowly abandoning her body, Good Time’s relaxed grin being the last thing she saw, before blacking out entirely.