Midnight groaned, rubbing her head with a hoof. What had happened? She remembered, getting a drink with Pockets, and then…
“That bastard!!” Midnight yelled, immediately regretting it as she let out a sharp cry of pain as her head throbbed. “Ahh, owowow…” She winced and slowly opened one eye. She was… on a bed?
Okay, so far this wasn’t unusual. Not the first time she’d woken up in a strange bedroom. Oh hey, Pockets was here too…
Hmm, did they?
She’d find out later. Midnight decided to first take a good look around the room. This was definitely a nice place, not the place you would imagine waking up in after being drugged or hit on the head. It was spacious and fancy, yet not overwhelmingly so. There were no pictures of any kind that could hint at who owned the place, although the luxurious decorations told her whoever did had a lot of bits in his or her pockets.
Then her ear flickered. She managed to catch quite a strange noise. Not far from there, the faint sound of a shower could be heard, and focusing a bit more, she could even make out a rather melodic humming coming from the same direction.
Oh, they had a guest over? Argh, what the hell was going on? Midnight checked to see if Pockets was okay before getting up. She had no weapons, but… she didn’t need them really. She left the room to find an even bigger living room, the same decorative style as the bedroom from where she came from, and yet once again not a single picture on the walls. That didn’t matter right now. She walked towards what seemed to be the bathroom door from where she could hear the singing.
She remembered passing out because of that Good bastard. And… woke up here. Did he kidnap them? But, that was a decidedly female voice coming from in there…
She took a breath and then acted.
She bust the door in and raced inside, grabbing whoever was in the shower and pinning them to the wall with her hooves, the barb on her wing pressed to the being’s neck.
“Talk! Now!!!” Midnight demanded, baring her fangs and hissing.
The only thing she got in return was a soft, sensual chuckle, “Peeking on a lady while she showers is a bit rude, don't you think?” And much to Midnight’s surprise, she soon saw herself pinned on the ground, looking directly at the blood-red eyes of the griffon she had met at Town Hall, Sphinx.
Midnight blinked. How in the hell had she been flipped like that? Who was the griffon? “You!?” The thestral exclaimed. She wanted to try and turn things around again, yet she decided to wait and see where this was going. Besides, the griffon was even prettier wet~ “Why did you kidnap us? Why did that son of a Diamond Dog try and poison us?”
Sphinx giggled, running a claw across Midnight’s cheek, “Dear, if I really had wanted to kidnap you, do you seriously believe I would let you rest on my personal ? I’m not your enemy, so if you promise to trust me and listen to my explanation, I will let you go. Do we have an agreement?”
“Tch! I don’t have much of a choice do I?” Midnight replied and smiled. “But, if you wanted to be on top, all you had to do was ask~”
The griffon replied with a sly grin before letting go of her, extending her claw to help Midnight up, “That is not really my style, dear.. And I’m glad to see that you still have plenty of energy to fight. Good, you are going to need that attitude for what’s coming. Now be a dear and pass me the soap.” She pointed at the rather luxurious-looking bar that lay on a marble stand on the shower wall behind Midnight.
She frowned and turned around to reach for the soap… and then, the sound of a vivid slap was heard as Midnight yipped in surprise as her buttcheeks suddenly stung, a malicious grin adorning Sphinx’s beak.
“Sweet, sweet revenge~” Hummed Sphinx, turning the shower faucet to end her bath, “Now if you would please follow me, dear.” Picking up a towel, she carefully got herself dry, even shaking her rump rather sensually from time to time to tease the royal guard.
“Mmm, now that I am glad to do,” Midnight said and wolf whistled.
“Enjoying the show I see,” Sphinx giggled. She turned to her closet and opened it, revealing the extensive collection of designer clothing she had accumulated over the years, “Dear, could you please close your eyes for a minute?”
“Now, why would I do something like that?” Midnight teased.
“Because I can’t let you see what I’m about to do. Simple as that dear, every lady has her secrets.”
“I swear… if this is a trick…” Midnight closed her eyes, but if she tried to attack, she’d hear it coming.
Yet what she heard was not an attack, but… a zipper?
“You can open them now.”
Midnight did as said and saw the griffon clad in a form-fitting black catsuit that was most definitely not in the closet before. She raised an eyebrow at first, but soon began appreciating the way it hugged all her curves.
“Mmm, well, my safeword is ‘mangoes~’” Midnight purred and licked her lips.
Sphinx tittered, shaking her head no while also looking herself in the mirror to make sure she was looking as sexy as always, “Sorry dear, but this is not that type of suit. Those I keep somewhere else. You see, I belong to a… special group of individuals who are set on taking down those criminals the world leaders can’t take down themselves for one reason or another. As you can see, I am preparing to get some work done. I need to gather information related to a certain pony that has been very, very naughty.” She extended her wings to reveal small, odd-looking knives that were attached to the tips. Once she made sure they were all in place she turned to Midnight, “And the only reason I am telling you this, is because I need your help, dear.”
Midnight fought the urge to follow up on that ‘naughty pony’ comment and narrowed her eyes. “Well, drugging Pockets and knocking me out wasn’t exactly the best way to go about it. Miss Sphinx.”
“Oh, I wasn’t the one that drugged you. Au contraire my dear, I rescued you.” Sphinx said matter-of-factly like if that detail wasn’t important at all, “You should be thankful I was following you all day long, or else you would have awoken in a very different room.”
Midnight shuddered to think of how this could have turned out. It would have been a lot messier, that’s for sure.
“I knew somepony was tailing me. Well, somegriffon in this case…” She looked her over and shrugged. “Alright, so who do you work for? It can’t be Celestia, or I’d at least know of you.”
“That is none of your business, dear. The only thing you should know about him or her is that they are your ally.” She replied cryptically while stretching her hind legs, letting a few cracks be heard followed by a relieved sigh and revealing her amazing flexibility, “Stressful days are the worst. Anyways, as I said before, the reason I brought you here my dear is because I need your help.”
“I figured there’d be a catch,” Midnight said, eyeing those knives carefully. While she wasn’t in danger now, she knew that could change in the blink of an eye. Whoever Sphinx was, she was extremely skilled in combat. “Alright then,” she said, realising she was stalling. “Let’s hear it Miss Sphinx. What exactly is it that you require my help with in particular.”
Sphinx took a deep sigh, thinking on what she was going to say carefully, “I need you to fulfill my mission… I came here with the objective of getting rid of Mayor Grumble yet sadly, I failed due to several reasons. Now when I heard a royal guard was causing Green Lead some trouble, I knew this was my chance.” She eyed the bedroom and smiled, “I cannot lie, I did some background research on you and I strongly believe you are perfect for my plan. And now that Miss Pickett is also involved, I think this might actually work.”
“You need me?” Midnight said with a hint of disbelief. “An assassin like you? You couldn’t, I don’t know. Poison his tea? Loosen a hoof railing? Stick one of those shiny knives in his neck?”
“I wish.” Sphinx huffed, “But you see, even though assassination is my speciality, he’s too well protected and has too many contacts. His network of corruption is so extensive that even if I manage to take him out, someone else will take his place. This is why the only possible way to solve this is by revealing his crimes to the public eye. Celestia finds out what happened, his circles are thoroughly investigated, and every one of them is sent to jail and replaced by hopefully better leaders.” She walked towards the corner of the room and grabbed what seemed to be a golden scabbard, presumably with a sword of some kind in it.
“Well, while more of a pain in the flank, that’s something I can help with.” Midnight rubbed the back of her neck, wincing at the sore spot on her head. “After all, this is personal now. I owe him a lump of his own. Or the downfall of his empire… whichever comes first.”
“That’s what I like to hear. Albeit… I am afraid I must give you the bad news. While I was quick enough to save you from being kidnapped, I wasn’t able to stop them from raiding your hotel room.” Sphinx walked towards a shelf and opened a drawer, before tossing Midnight her beloved silver locket, “This is the only thing I managed to save from the ruckus.”
Midnight clutched the silver, book-shaped locket. She opened it, relieved to see that the photo inside was unharmed. If… if they had taken this…
Well, she hoped Tall Tale had fire insurance.
“Thank you,” Midnight whispered. “This means the world to me.”
“I supposed so. And do not worry, I didn’t open it.” Sphinx nodded solemnly, before checking up some strange looking totems that seemed extremely out of place, “Good, the security spells seem to be working. Anyways, Grumble has power over pretty much everything. Transportation, communication, police force, media, everything. You have nothing but a locket, your skills, and a street thief whose magic and abilities should complement your own. We have little time before the ‘Cleansing’, as he decided to call it, takes place. Preventing that from happening,” She pointed at Midnight, “Is your main priority. We have no clear idea what he’s planning to do with all that free space, but it can’t be good. So dear, I guess the only thing left to clarify is, are you willing to help me and this town? You can hide here for a few weeks until the ‘Cleansing’ is over, you’ll be safe, I assure you that. But I see a bit of me in you, and I know that mares like us are not the type to stay idly while others need our help.”
Midnight turned to her and a wide smile crossed her muzzle. “Those are some odds,” she said. She… didn’t look worried? Not at all? “But, I’ve seen worse. And Grumble has made a very fatal mistake.”
“Mess with someone like you.” Sphinx chuckled as she opened one of the impressively wide windows, “Stay here for the night, you need some rest. I may be back tomorrow morning to brief the details, but if I'm not you’re free to leave whenever you want and gather information through any method you wish. In any case, good luck dear, you will need it.” Extending her wings, she jumped off the window, flapping them in order to remain at a somewhat similar level to Midnight, the moon shining calmly behind her. “Oh and… if you two decide to get a little steamy, please make sure you keep it in the room. The sheets are easier for my maid to clean, the floor… not so much. I speak from personal experience. Au revoir!” She waved as she flew towards the night sky, her knives glimmering with the moonlight.
Midnight took a moment to process that. She still didn’t trust her fully, but she knew the situation could have been worse.
A lot worse.
And steamy? What was that all about? Pockets was cute and all. But… well Midnight wasn’t quite in the mood after that little chat and revelation. She moved back into the bedroom and saw Pockets still laying on the bed. “Just… what have I gotten involved with here?” She muttered as she climbed back onto the bed. She reached over and nudged the mare. “Hey! You alive Little Thief?”
She heard a muffled groan in response, she was clearly conscious, and she was also clearly heavily asleep.
“Wake up little Pockets,” Midnight said gently and smiled. She was feeling… mischievous. “Or I’ll… do things~” She wiggled her forehooves for good measure.
“Just five more minutes,” Came Pockets’ sleepy voice.
“Hmm, that’s no good. We need to talk,” Midnight said and smiled. She leaned closer and her upper lip drew back, revealing her fangs…
Then bit her on the flank.
The resulting eep was high-pitched, and extremely cute. Pockets nearly jumped out of her bed because of the surprise butt-bite, her heart pumping out like crazy and sweating bullets as she gasped for air, until she spotted the mischievous little thestral that looked at her like if she had done absolutely nothing, “Oh you son of a…” With a growl, she tackled Midnight and decided to take revenge by tickle-attacking the bat-mare, “You little rascal! How dare you bite my butt!”
“Well, how else was I to wake you?” Midnight giggled, though she wasn’t that ticklish. She got an idea and smiled with a sultry gaze. “You were wonderful last night~”
Pockets’ eyes widened up, her face turning a bright red as she tried her best to put two plus two together… drinks with a hot mare, blacking out, waking up in a strange bedroom there was only one explanatio to this, “Oh sweet Celestia...”
Midnight smirked and kissed her cheek. “Oh yes, you screamed that a lot~”
“B-bucking… I mean! Yeah! Heh… of course I was wonderful, I'm awesome!” She tried her best to give a confident smirk, but it was more of a ‘Gosh I need to stop drinking so much’-smirk combined with a ‘We actually did it and I can’t remember a thing’-smirk.
“Oh gosh, you are just the cutest thing,” Midnight giggled. “Don’t worry, i didn’t take that little treasure from you. You were drugged and I was knocked out… by that bastard Good Times!”
Pockets’ expression changed to a deadpan, “Hah… good one. Ok yeah I fell for it the first time, but now you’re just speaking nonsense.”
Midnight was wearing her serious face. “I wish I was…”
Pockets chuckled, “Nah, that can’t be. I’ve known that guy since I first came here! I go to his bar at least three times a week and I even help him take care of his children!” She looked at Midnight to try and find the slightest hint of untruth, yet found none. “Please, just… just stop the joke! It ain't funny,” Memories flooded back to her. Two Manehattans, that's all she drank, and she didn't feel hungover at all, “You… you are serious? Are you telling me he... “ She went silent, feeling the world crumble beneath her hooves, a mixture of anger, sadness, disappointment, horror, shock, and foolishness took over her head, fighting for dominance. The result, a single tear falling from her eye, “Please… please for Celestia’s sake tell me you’re kidding.”
Midnight just responded by pulling her close and hugging her.
Pockets remained immobile for a few seconds, before realizing the truth… and it hurt, it hurt a lot. Her strength and confidence broke, releasing a waterfall of tears as she dug her face on Midnight’s shoulder, soon sobbing quietly as she cursed her former friend, “That… that bastard… of course he would sell me out, of bucking course.... This is all his fault, Grumble… that… that….” Words failed to come out of her mouth. She could only hug Midnight tighter, feeling her warmth helped her relax, at least a little bit. They remained like this for quite some time, Pockets quietly crying on her shoulders as she comforted her, “Th-thanks…” She whispered.
“I… know how you feel,” Midnight said. “Only because, I’ve done a similar thing myself. Betrayed the one I held dearest to me…”
Pockets remained silent, her sobs stopping completely… one would have expected her to break the hug and simply look at Midnight horrified, yet the complete opposite happened. She hugged her even tighter and a small smile formed on the unicorn’s muzzle, “So that’s your story, huh? Well… at least I can tell you’re sorry for that. And I can also tell you’re a good mare. Truth be told, I should be used to this by now. Even back in Manehattan, I couldn’t trust anyone… but for some reason, a reason I just can’t understand, I feel like I can trust you.”
“Yeah, I’m pretty awesome like that,” Midnight chuckled weakly. “Don’t worry Pickett, I won’t leave you. And… I’ve decided that this town needs to be fixed. And I’m not going anywhere until it’s done. Grumble will pay for what he has done. I will see that he rots in a cell for a thousand years!”
Pockets chuckled as she broke the hug, her face inches away from Midnight’s, “And they say I’m the drama queen.” Cleaning the tears that decided to stay on her muzzle, she titled her head cutely and smiled, “Thanks, I… honestly didn't think you’d actually help.” She remained silent for a while, her smile becoming brighter and brighter, her eyes locked on Midnight’s hypnotizing emerald eyes.
“Well, course I am,” Midnight nodded, wondering what was up with that look she was getting. “I’m a guard, it’s kinda what we do… aside from the fact that it’s the right thing to do.”
Pockets’ expression changed as she realized just how dumb she was probably looking, shaking her head and chuckling faintly, “Oh right, right. Sorry, just that… ponies with a kind heart are kinda hard to find these days ya know? Of course you being a guard you have to protect and serve and whatnot and… I probably sound like a babbling idiot don’t I?”
“Pfft, such a silly filly,” Midnight giggled and booped her nose. “Careful there little thief, I might think you’re starting to fall for me.”
Pockets eyes widened up and her entire face went red, “What!? Nah, you’re just giving yourself too much credit.” She chuckled awkwardly, “I’m just a bit dizzy from the whole drugging thing, that’s all there is! Yup, just the drugs! Heh… heh…”
“Oh, and you just keep getting cuter!” Midnight giggled and nuzzled her. “It’s okay, I’m irresistable. I know.”
“Pffft, hah!” Pockets snorted, “Please, you're cute and all, but not irresistible. Maybe you’re just saying that because you’re the one falling for me and you don’t wanna admit it. You’ve been wanting some of this booty since we talked at the station, after all. But I wouldn’t be surprised, my booty is one of a kind.” She smirked defiantly, trying to turn the tables to her favor.
Midnight smirked. “Well, you have a point there,” the thestral smiled and pressed her lips against hers.
Pockets’ eyes widened up as shock took over her body, shock that soon was overtaken by a strange feeling she hadn’t felt in such a long time, a feeling that lead her to close her eyes, and eagerly return the kiss, humming in delight while at the same time not being able to believe this was happening.
Once the two broke the kiss, Pockets was left dumbfounded, a simple “Wow…” leaving her muzzle.
“Mm, not bad,” Midnight said and licked her lips. “You could use work, but your inexperience just adds to your cuteness.” The thestral put a wing around her and smiled. “Feeling a little better now?”
“Yeah…” She managed to say. Yet her brain soon began working again, and the old usual Pockets once again took life, a sly grin taking over her muzzle,“Actually… no, not yet…”
“Oh?” Midnight asked. Well, she was betrayed pretty bad, so she could understand.
Then, out of nowhere, Midnight saw herself pinned to the bed, a purring Pockets keeping her in place and not having any intention on letting her go, “Now I’m feeling better.” She purred with half-lid eyes, “And something tells me soon I’m going to be feeling better than ever before.”
“Hmm, you wanna tussle with the bat?” Midnight said and flipped her over, pinning her instead. “Little filly, you’re light years from matching me. But… I will have… So-” she nipped her neck. “Much-” and kissed her horn. “Fun teaching~” Another chaste kiss, before pulling back and smiling.
Pockets squirmed under the contact, humming from delight, “Then why don’t we start the lesson, batty~?”
“Well, I wonder if you’d mind messing up Sphinx’s sheets,” Midnight said, hinting at where they were.
Pockets quirked an eyebrow, “Sphinx? Wait… so this isn’t your room? Huh... well this is kinda awkward now.”
“Well, she did say I had the night to do as I pleased,’ Midnight said with a wicked smile.
“Good enough for me.” The unicorn chuckled, before pulling Midnight closer, “Now where were we?”
Pockets was a heavy sleeper.
Legends say that once she slept through what was supposed to be the biggest storm to ever hit Tall Tale, thunders and lightings screaming throughout the city, and yet she remained unmoved. Some say that once she was staying over some friend’s house just as a giant monster decided to attack the town, the roof of the building being obliterated while she simply snored.
Of course, this was just exaggeration, but she was still a pretty heavy sleeper.
And this is why a young vanilla pegasus was having a hard time poking the heck out of the unicorn. “Wake them up, sure, that should be easy.” She grunted, before letting out a loud sigh of defeat and deciding to fly over the bed and try with the second mare.
Not caring for formalities, she simply raised her broomstick and poked the thestral. She found her broomstick removed, bitten off as Midnight opened her eyes, her bloody red irises staring back with righteous fury.
“What… time… is it?” She growled, baring her fangs.
“Seven in the morning,” The maid said unfazed, she had seen a lot throughout her life, this was a bit freaky yes, but far from terrifying. “My mistress Miss… what name was she going by as of late? Oh yes, Miss Sphinx requested me to wake you up at the time I considered prudent.” She looked at the clock and shrugged, “The laundry opens at seven thirty and I would really appreciate it if you let me take care of the sheets. The smell is intoxicating me.”
“Oh, is that so?” Midnight’s eyes turned back to their normal green as she lowered them into a half-lidded gaze. The maid was pretty cute and she did have a thing for a mare in uniform. “So, if that’s the case. You’re more then welcome to join us~” She used her wing to lift the sheets.
The mare was unamused. With a quick flick of her wing and what seemed more like a magic trick than anything, Midnight was sheetless, and Pockets was amusingly enough now sleeping on the floor. She was quick, extremely so. “You are just like my mistress…” She sighed, folding the sheets carefully and placing them in the basket. “My mistress says she won’t be able to speak with you today, as she has important business in Las Pegasus and will be back at night. Seeing as you don’t have anywhere to stay and Miss Pickett lives pretty much everywhere, she told me, much to my dismay, that you are welcome to stay here as long as you want.” And with no bucks given, she turned and left. And holy heck, she had one hell of a toned flank that swinged around with every step she made.
“I don’t know how yet, but I will get dat booty!” Midnight nodded to herself as she watched her leave. Once she had, she looked at her sleeping partner and smiled. “And of course, there’s you.” She leaned down and nuzzled her… before administering her newfound, surefire wake up method.
*nom*
“EEP! I SWEAR IT WASN’-” Pockets cut her own words as she came back to reality. She blinked and looked at Midnight while trying to put the storm of thoughts in order, before groaning and dropping herself on the cold floor, “Was last night not freaking enough? Why do you gotta punish my booty like that!”
“Mmm, it’s too bouncy not to punish,” Midnight said and drew the mare in for a light kiss. “Last night was fun. But today, we gotta go to work.”
“Do we really?” She groaned lazily, “I don’t wanna!” She whined with a cute pout.
“We do, or we might upset our host… hmm, speaking of. Say hello to our new home for the time being. Fancy huh?” Midnight made a sweeping motion with her wing. “We get to stay here while we deal with Fumble.”
“Huh…” She quirked an eyebrow, “Ain’t half bad, way better than my own kinda-house. But remind me why a, Sphinx is giving us this place, and b, we are trusting her.”
“Aaaaparently Sphinx is some super secret assassin working for Celestia-knows who. she‘s skilled enough to kick my flank and employs some seriously sexy maids.” What? That information was completely relevant. “And she wants our help in taking down Dumbbell. The reason we trust her is…” Midnight paused and lowered her gaze along with her voice. “She saved us from Good Times.”
Pockets’ expression turned a bit grim, her gaze shifting to the wall in attempts to hold in any sort of negative emotion, “Good enough,” She sighed before forcing a grin, “Well, that’s something you don’t hear everyday. Well batty, I’m up and running and ready to kick some butt, what’s the plan?”
“Well, I need to send a message, but it means going back to my hotel room… which has been ransacked. But I can almost guarantee that they wouldn’t have found the item I’m after.”
“Someone dared to steal from you? Blasphemy! Only I can rob the sexy bat-mare darnit!” Pockets exclaimed dramatically, before quirking an eyebrow, “Ya do realize that whoever’s after us probably has eyes on that place, right?”
Midnight nodded and ran her hoof through Pocket’s mane. “Probably, which is why I’ll go alone. I can be in and out in a few seconds. You stay here and be safe alright?”
Pockets rolled her eyes and smirked, “Nah.”
“So you’ll… waitwat?”
“Listen batty. I’m the sneakiest mare around. Ya need to get something out of a room guarded by probably hired killers? I’m the mare for the job. And if that fails, I know a thing or two about self defense.” Her smirk turned into a warm, loving smile, “ ‘Sides, how can I possibly stay here while you are out there risking your life. No way I’m letting anypony put a hoof on this booty, at least not without my permission.” With a soft kiss and a butt-squeeze, her smirk returned, “So nah, I ain’t staying here. I’m coming with you and there’s nothing you can do ‘bout it, batty. We’re in this together.”
“Well, I can see arguing with you is going to be impossible. You’d likely follow me even if I left you behind huh?” She sighed and rubbed Pocket’s head. “Alright, let’s take a shower and start our raid. Hmm, I wonder if that maid’s showered yet~?”
“What’s up with you and that maid? She can’t possibly be sexier than me.” She snorted.
“I’ve returned. Do you perhaps need anything from me?” Came a strange voice to Pockets. Moving her head to have a better look, her eyes widened up and a whistle left her mouth.
“Holy butts… Nevermind she’s most definitely sexy and I need that booty in a shower with me.”
“I know right?” Midnight said and pulled the maid inside. “So cutie, wanna come with us in the shower? Multiples times. In many positions~”
The mare deadpanned, “I take that as a no, you do not need my help.” In the blink of an eye, she was out of Midnight’s grasp, much to both mare’s disappointment, “The shower’s at your disposal and so is everything else in this house. I am sure you can figure out how it works.” And with that, she left, her butt shaking from side to side as she walked. Or she would have, if a thestral hadn’t snared her tail.
“Everything in the house hmmm~” She looked at the maid. “So I guess you come in that package deal as well~”
For the first time since they met her, the mare’s deadpan turned into shock, “Oh no…”
“Oh yes~” Pockets purred as she levitated the now helpless maid and placed her right in the middle of the two devilish mares, “So batty, I don’t know about you but I feel really dirty right now. Maybe a good scrubbing from a pretty maid is required, don’t you think?”
“Ooh, I knew I liked you,” Midnight nodded as they started heading towards the bathroom. “Don’t worry Miss Maid. With enough time, everypony becomes Songsexual.”
The maid’s eyes remained wide open, mostly because she had just been outplayed and hard. Yet finally she accepted defeat and sighed, “You are just as bad as my mistress.”
“You know,” Midnight said and bumped her rump with hers. “I’m not the kind that forces herself on a mare. If you don’t want to. A simple’ no’ will save you.”
The maid opened her mouth, remained silent for a couple of seconds, then closed it as a blush betrayed her frown.
“Well?” Midnight verbally prodded her. “I'm waiting Miss Maid.”
“Quick Step.” The mare said softly.
Pockets quirked an eyebrow at this, “Quick what?”
“My name’s Quick Step, not Maid.” She huffed, “I guess if we’re doing this then you might as well know that.”
“Aww, that’s a cute name,” Midnight smiled. “Now, let’s have a shower already. I have things to do, and two mares are on that list~”
After their shower… and finding out that Quick Step was deliciously submissive, Midnight and Pickett headed for the thestral’s hotel room.
“Maaan, I wonder if I can get my deposit back?” Midnight idly wondered. “I dunno if I had, ‘suddenly wanted’ insurance.”
“Oh my, I didn’t know you spoke ‘adult’, that really turns me on.” The unicorn chortled tauntingly, before shrugging, “Eh, chances are we can probably get all your stuff back, or at least your bits. We just gotta beat them out of whoever robbed ya, which means we gotta find out who did it, thing that with the ammount of thieves and gangs in this city is almost impossible.”
“Well, it’s a good thing I have a Little thief of my own isn’t it?” Midnight smiled and nudged Pockets. The hotel was coming into view and Midnight’s gaze narrowed. She hoped that item was still there. Yet her train of thought was suddenly interrupted when Pockets half-tackled her out of the street and into a bush.
“Wait!” She whispered, taking a look at the road ahead, “What the heck? Those two… why do I feel like I know them?”
“Pockets,’ Midnight said dryly as leaves and twigs clung to her mane and tail. “While I’m all for impromptu cuddling. You’d best pray you had a reason for that.”
She didn’t answer, instead, she tried her hardest to remember where the heck she had seen those two buffy stallions ahead, hating on her terrible memory for being so terrible. That is… until her mind came back to a more… unpleasant part of her life. “Batty… we have a problem. I think I know who’s after us…”
“Pray tell, who is after us. I love knowing the names of my vic- I mean, no wait, victims is what i was going for.”
“I met a lot of terrible ponies back in Manehattan,” She began, taking a deep breath to keep her nerves in check, “I’ve seen tons of gangs come and go, criminal masterminds rise and die… the street life was one crazy hell. But of all criminals that I’ve ever had the displeasure of meeting there is none deadlier and more effective than Drop Dead and his gang. A bunch of sadistic mercenaries that are more interested in the killing part than in the money, and those two ahead? They’re most definitely part of his gang. Wonderful ponies as you can imagine.”
“Dead Drop…” Midnight turned her head and looked at the unicorn. “Did you say, Dead Drop!?”
“Oh boy…” Pockets clenched her teeth, “You know about the bastard too?”
Midnight sighed and lifted her right wing. Underneath, between two of her ribs was a faint, small scar. “Yeah, I know him. Took a crossbow bolt here because of him. I came real close to dying that day.”
Pockets grimaced, “Yup, looks like his work alright. Although… as far as I know, he usually only goes around big cities. What the buck is he doing here then?”
“Well, give whose room his cronies are near, I’ll give you one guess,’ Midnight said as her eyes flashed red again.
“Luckily, you have a mare that freaking managed to steal ten thousand bits from him~” She hummed with a cocky smile, “Well I did kinda got out with a few broken bones and had to get off the streets for at least three months but it was totally worth it. So! Ready to get some sweet, sweet revenge?”
“Oh yes, very much so,” Midnight smirked, her fangs glinted in the light. “What’s the plan Cutie?”
“Oh, you’ll see... Time for some good ol’ Pockets magic~” The unicorn smirked as well. This, was going to be fun.
“A maid?” Midnight asked as the thief had procured said outfit from… somewhere. She figured that knowing would make her an accessory to theft. “That’s your big plan? I was expecting something… more.”
“Hey, you try and come up with an unbelievable badass plan on the spot!” Pockets booped her, “Sometimes simple is better y’know?” She let out a grunt as she accommodated the skirt. It was awkward for the unicorn to be wearing such a uniform, a strong blush ever present on her face, “Besides, these uniforms are made for ponies, and even if we somehow managed to get one of them on you, a thestral is not particularly hard to miss. So I’m the one that has to wear them and I probably look ridiculous.”
“You’d better go,” Midnight said as her eyes wandered all over the mare. “Or I am going to do all the things to you.”
The unicorn snorted and shook her head as she made her way outside, “You are incorrigible. And that’s not it, we gotta get you on disguise as well.”
“Seriously Pocket’s, you look adorable in that,” Midnight smiled, then her expression fell when she registered that last part. “Waitwhut?”
“As I said before, these uniforms are made for ponies.” She pointed out with a malicious smirk, “So, have you heard about illusion spells?”
“Of course I have,” Midnight nodded. ”Every member of the Guard has a basic illusion spell in their armour. Why do you think they all look the same-”
And before she could keep talking, the room was soon filled with magical blue dust. Pockets’ smirk became a jaw-drop as she realized the mistake she had made. The spell had worked well, too well in fact. Now in front of her stood a off-white pegasus mare with a dark brown mane and tail. Her eyes were still that hypnotising emerald green, but now resembled a pony’s, rather than the draconic slit of a thestral. She had dark freckles around her eartips and under her eyes, but they were much thicker around her forehooves.
“Well now,” Midnight said, noting her voice was also different, it sounded like hers, but seemed to have an oriental accent to it. “This is… new. I look weird though”
Pockets was immobile, blabbering random words around as drool dropped from her muzzle to the floor. She just couldn’t stop looking at her! It was impossible!
“Yo, Hornhead!” Midnight snapped her tail and it sounded like the crack of a whip. “Snap out of it. Did that spell fry your brain?”
She kept drooling for a bit, before finally coming back to reality. She shook her head and exhaled, cleaning the sweat off her forehead, “Ok I did not expect that. You… uhm, wow. Just… wow…” And once again, her mind began getting lost on Midnight.
Midnight shook her head and then smiled. “You know, I’m beginning to think you like this pegasus better than me.” She turned on a pout for added effect.
A few gears turned on Pockets’ head, and she realized she was in danger. “NO!” She blurted out, blushing like mad, “No, no it’s not that! Just… admiring my work, that’s all!” She smiled awkwardly. “This looks nice and all, but nothing beats the original.”
“Hmhmhm, I figured as much. And I don’t mind the staring, it’s very cute.” She booped Pockets’ nose and smiled. “But we have a job remember? If this spell stays up, we can have fun later mm’kay?”
Pockets nodded slowly, still a bit absent-mindedly, before taking a deep breath and managing to somehow focus on the task ahead, “Ok. Good news is, my buttmagic is going to keep that spell running for quite some time, more than enough really. But if things get heated in there and we gotta brawl it out, don’t expect it to last much. One or two hits and the thing goes away. Now time to get you on that cute maid outfit you love so much.”
“Wait, I gotta wear one too!?” Midnight exclaimed. “Well… this should be interesting.”
Needless to say, Pockets very much enjoyed helping Midnight with her outfit. And after a few minutes of dressing up, and a few added minutes of wandering hooves, they were ready for action. Getting inside the hotel was no problem for the duo. Apparently Pockets knew one of the security guards who seemingly owed her a favor, and with the staff going crazy due to the sheer ammount of visitors the hotel got at this time of the year, no one batted an eye for the two new maids. The hardest part so far, if Pockets had to be honest with herself, was the stair-climbing, which she absolutely hated with a burning passion.
“Oh my gosh…” She groaned, “So many stairs! I’d like to find whoever invented the stairs and push him down these stairs, just to show him how stupid stairs are!”
“It’s not that bad,” Midnight said as she flapped lazily in the air. “You complain a lot huh?”
Pockets shot her an unamused glare, her ears burning red and she simply did not want to climb another step anymore for the rest of her life, “You winged bastards and your freaking wings… lazy butts.” She grumbled under her breath, before just giving up and let her body drop to the ground.
“Says the mare that can levitate and teleport,” Midnight said and tapped the tip of Pockets’ horn.
“I can’t freaking teleport while keeping the illusion spell going.” She huffed. Then, an idea, a wonderful, wonderful idea. She turned around and gave her best freaking puppy-eyes, an extremely adorable pout on her muzzle as she extended her arms towards Midnight, “Maybe you can carry me? Pretty please?”
“You’re hopeless,” Midnight said and then scooped the mare up, holding her close. “Good thing you’re such a shorty.” And before the unicorn could protest, Midnight gave a powerful flap of her wings and blazed up the rest of the stairs in a matter of seconds.
Pockets eeped as she held on to Midnight for her dear life. And as soon as they landed she couldn’t help but tremble and knee to kiss the ground, “Sweet, sweet floor. Oh gosh that was fast. It was so terrifying and I loved/hated it.”
“So dramatic,” Midnight rolled her eyes as she rubbed the unicorn’s back. “I should take you flying for real sometime. You’ll love it. Being hundreds of miles above the ground, even higher than the clouds… it’s amazing!”
“That sounds like either the best, or the worst idea ever.” Pockets chuckled as she managed to stand up, nuzzling Midnight, “I’d love that. Now, where exactly is your room?”
“Hmm, 302… so, that door down there, second from the left.” The hall was empty, but that didn’t mean somepony could be lying in wait. Midnight stepped down the hall and Pocket’s noticed that the thestral’s hooves made almost no sound at all.
“Wot.” Pockets catched up and kept looking at her hooves, “Uhm… batty. I think I screwed something up with my spell because your hooves are on mute.”
“Huh? Nah, this is thestal sneakiness. I have other neat skills, but that can wait.” She stopped at the door and pressed her ear against it. “Hmm, I can’t hear anypony inside… but then that couple down the hall could keep it down a bit.”
Pockets couldn’t hear anything. “Holy heck you’re like an actual superhero!” She smiled ear to ear, “That’s freaking badass!”
“I can also see in the dark and walk on walls,” Midnight said idly as she pushed the door. It didn’t budge and she no longer had a key. “Think you can pick the lock Little Thief?”
Pockets rolled her neck until it gave a satisfying crack and grinned, “Sure can.” Humming, she took a good look at the handle and chuckled, it looked simple enough- “Looks like a far too simple lock to be honest. No wonder they managed to steal all your stuff.” She tilted her head and gently touched the handle with the tip of her horn with a quick flash, the sound of the now unlocked door giving Pockets a satisfied smile, “Too easy.”
“Huh? Of course it’d be a spell,” Midnight mused as the door opened. “Here I thought you’d use a lockpick, show some actual skill. Ah well.” The cheeky smirk on her face showed she was only kidding though.
“Please, I’m a professional.” She raised her muzzle snootily, before cracking up at her own silliness, “Well, shall we g-”
“What do you two think you’re doing?”
Both Pockets and Midnight froze in place, ready to buck the heck out of anyone who was standing behind them.
“I said, what do you two ladies think you’re doing?” The same feminine voice repeated, “Chit-chatting like this during work hours! And where is your equipment!?”
Confused, they decided to take a look at whoever that was, and as soon as they say who it was, they couldn’t know if they were supposed to be relieved, or even more worried. A turquoise old-looking maid was giving them the angriest of stares.
“So? I am waiting for an answer, ladies!”
“Uhm…” Midnight paused for but a moment before playing the part of a demure maid. “I'm so very sorry Ma’am. We're on our first day today, and we accidentally locked our equipment in this room.” She lowered her gaze and acted submissive. “We had to go all the way downstairs to get a spare key. It'll take but a moment to retrieve them.”
“Oh you foolish beginners… You!” She pointed at Pockets, “Go get it. And you!” She pointed at Midnight, “The baby of the family that’s staying at room 306 just vomited all over the floor and they’ve required cleaning while they’re out to see a doctor! You should know by now that there’s always a room with extra cleaning supplies in each floor. Luckily for you, there’s one right between room 306 and 307, so go!”
Pockets looked at Midnight with a “What now?” Look, this was most definitely supposed to happen.
Midnight shuddered, she could either knock the old mare out… or…
“I'll get right on that,” Midnight said with a small sigh. She looked at Pockets and whispered under her breath. “You're looking for a small, dark blue ribbon. I left it on the mantle.”
Pockets nodded nervously, a fake smile on her muzzle that tried too hard to play it cool, “S-sure thing ma’am! Right on it.”
The mare narrowed her eyes, “Then do it.” She nodded. “I will make sure that your friend does her job as well. Once you grab your equipment I’d like you to meet me on the Staff Room so I can fully instruct you on the art of cleaning. Now, get to work!”
And with a stomp, she pretty much dragged Midnight away, much to Pockets’ annoyance.
The unicorn sighed and walked into the room. Oddly enough, it showed no signs of being raided, in fact, she would assume nothing had happened here at all. Of course, these were professional thugs they were dealing with, so it would only be natural that they’d be so thoughtful and detailed with what they messed with and what they took. Either that or the maids of this hotel were extremely good.
It was a pretty nice room, even if the decor was a little old-timey. A single bed lay against one of the walls, with windows against the north and east walls. There was a fireplace against the north wall as well, but it was clearly fake and used for decoration only. The was a door that led to the ensuite and a suitcase against one wall that had a magical lock on it.
And sitting on the mantle was a nice, midnight blue ribbon with silver trim.
“Here we go. What’s so special about this thing anyways?” She quirked an eyebrow rather skeptically, before shrugging and grabbing it with her muzzle.
“Freeze.”
Pockets did just that.
“Turn around, no sudden movements, or I’ll buck you into Tartarus.”
Again, she did just that. Now standing in front of him was a tall, lime green earth pony stallion, accompanied by another stallion, this one a chubby blue pegasi with a scar that went from his right ear to his mouth, keeping his right eye closed. Unfortunately for Pockets, she recognized the latter, she once tricked him in a game of cards years ago back on Manehattan.
“Buck!” She exclaimed with a chuckle, “How’s it going buddy! Good seeing ya, how's the wife?”
“She’s dead.” The pegasus replied coldly.
Pockets gulped, well that was one way to start a conversation, “Oh… uhm, sorry to hear that.”
“Don’t be. I'm the one that offed her.” He replied as coldly as before.
“Oh… well, good for ya then?” She grimaced, what a wonderful fellow.
“Well then, now that you two caught up. Drop whatever you just picked up, and leave.” The earth pony ordered, he definitely seemed as charming as his companion.
“Eh, can't do. Ya see, I'm having a dance tonight, something super fancy, and I need this cute lil' ribbon ‘cuz it’s the only accessory that matches my dre-”
“Quiet!” The stallion shouted, “I couldn't care less. Just drop that thing and leave.” The pegasus stepped forwards, extending his wing to reveal a small pocket knife.
Pockets considered her options, “Ok… let's make a deal. You turn around and get your butts out of here, and I won't cut a bitch.” And surprisingly enough, somehow Pockets now held the pocket knife in her magical grasp, a cocky smile on her face. The pegasi's eyes shot wide open as he realized that he had just been robbed of his weapon.
“As annoying as always… Oh I will enjoy this.” He growled with a malicious grin, extending his other wing to reveal yet another pocket knife, which he immediately used to rush towards her and try to slash at her. Pockets took a quick step back to avoid it, before she levitated a barrage of pillows into his face.
Buck growled as he batted at the pillows with a wing, “Little bitch, gonna love carving you up.”
“And it's words like that that keep you from finding a nice colt and settling down,” Pockets smiled as she threw a blanket over the two stallions. As they struggled to throw it off, Pockets turned and gave a powerful buck, a nice solid smack brought a smile to her face as the stallions groaned.
“Now, you boys play nice and I won't have to embarrass you any further,” Pockets chuckled as she picked up the ribbon and the suitcase, the two knives waving in the air surrounded by her magic. “Thanks for the treasure. Tata loves…”
A third stallion had entered the room and was standing in the door.
“You going somewhere poppet?” He grinned with a thick Trottingham accent.
“No, but the suitcase is.” She grinned before rapidly throwing the suitcase at his face, startling him enough to give her the chance to buck the heck out of his muzzle. “BONK!” She laughed, a laugh that was cut short as she realized the stallion had barely moved, and he still had that obnoxious grin, “Oh boy…”
“Heh, nice try lovey… my turn,” he bucked the suitcase, sending flying into Pockets knocking her onto the bed and winding her.
“You gents are pathetic,” he sighed as Buck freed himself and took back his knife before climbing up onto the bed and standing over Pockets.
“You know,” he said with a sadistic grin as he pressed a blade to her throat. “Maybe I should have some fun with you before I kill you eh?”
“I want to see you try, one-eye,” She smirked, “But I should warn ya, if you dare to touch this pretty face of mine, you’ll get an angry bat-mare and a gang leader with a swearing problem chasing your butt down.”
“You think I'm afraid of them?” he said as he leered at her. “Now, I'd suggest biting the pillow. I'm going in-”
Time seemed to slow down. The door slammed inwards, catching Buck’s partner and knocking him out as Midnight flew into the room. She saw the stallion atop Pockets and her world turned red.
With a screech that froze the blood of all that heard it as Midnight slammed the pegasus and knocked him through a window, the stallion screamed as he fell while Midnight stood protectively over Pockets while glaring at the remaining stallion, her upper lip drawn back to reveal her fangs as she snarled.
“Go ahead. I fucking dare you!”
“Told ya~” Pockets smiled mischievously.
“Please, you don’t have the guts.” He grunted, yet betraying his own words, his entire body trembled. He was really hoping she didn’t have the guts. He drew his own knife and held it high, his hoof trembling. “Go on, try and get close to me.”
But when he locked eyes with Midnight… his body froze, every fibre of his being screamed at him to run, but he couldn’t move. Pocket’s lay there, watching this big, tough stallion stare with wide fearful eyes, shaking like a leaf in the wind.
Midnight stepped off of the bed and chuckled. A very… unsettling chuckle.
“First your hooves… I'll break those first. Then you legs. Your ribs, one… by… one. I'll make you beg for death you little worm. I'll make you whimper and cry like a little foal. And only once I am satisfied, I'll let you die…”
Suddenly, she felt the touch of a hoof on her shoulder, Pockets’ look of worry as she shook her head no breaking her out of her rage, “Hey, chill, he’s not worth it.” She walked closer to Midnight and hugged her, nuzzling her cheek before whispering, “I’m safe now, thanks to you. Now let’s just get out of here, okay?”
Midnight shuddered and then exhaled. She'd partially Blood Raged without permission… that was going to get her in trouble later. She walked up to the terrified stallion, who was now standing in a puddle.
“Tell your boss. He comes after us… I'll follow up on that threat,” She said and smacked him with the back of her hoof. “Alright Pickett. Let's get outta here. That old maid is pretty mad about being locked in a closet.”
“Sure.” Pockets nodded as the duo made their way outside, but not before bucking the frightened stallion into unconsciousness. Catching up to Midnight, she couldn’t help but sigh, “Hey, you alright?”
“I… yeah,” Midnight said with a soft sigh. “Sorry about that… when I saw that pegasus… I snapped. I shouldn't have lost control like that.” It really looked like it had scared her.
But in reality, even though she had been a bit freaked out by the whole thing, she was more worried than scared, worried about the thestral. She stopped walking and grabbed Midnight’s muzzle with her hoof, keeping their eyes locked, “Hey, hey, don’t start feeling down because of that. I would have probably done something similar if it was the other way around. Heck I would have probably bitchslapped and maybe even buck his balls repeatedly. Same difference.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t want to be around a monster like me anymore,” Midnight sighed as she played with the ribbon. “I should-”
Yet Pockets would not let her finish, she was tired of hearing all that nonsense. And what better way to shush her than by immediately pressing her lips against Midnight’s own in a warm embrace.
The world silenced around the two, their eyes closed as they enjoyed each other’s lips. Pockets broke the kiss and gave the thestral a loving smile, her hoof cupping Midnight’s cheek, “I don’t know what you’re talking about, either I’m blind or you’re wrong because I see no monster around here. The only thing I can see is a gorgeous bat-mare who cares about me more than most ponies ever did. If that makes you a monster then I guess I’m a monster as well, ‘cuz I care just as much about you.”
“Stupid mushy unicorn,” Midnight replied and Pockets was treated to her first sighting of the mare blushing. It was very cute. The moment passed and Midnight shook her head, snorted and wiped her eyes. “Gah! I'm being so uncool. Come on. I have a message to send and I think that Dead Drop’s gonna be pissed we roughed up his boys…” She recalled the pony she'd kicked out of the seventh story window and shrugged. He was a pegasus… he should be fine.
Pockets giggled and bumped the batmare’s rump with her own, “Sure thing batty. But I gotta ask, how are you pretending to send a message with a ribbon again? What, are you gonna write on it and just toss it on the air and it’ll magically fly to Canterlot or somethin’?”
“Something like that,” Midnight giggled and gave her an enigmatic smile. “Come on, I'm getting hungry.” She flicked Pockets’ nose with her tail and flew off towards Sphinx's place.
She chuckled and followed along, flapping her own win- Oh wait, she didn’t have any. “Yo batty, I know that you’re used to hanging around with princesses n’ stuff, but I ain’t no alicorn. So, mind giving me a ride? You did tell me you would take me out for a flight a few moments ago.”
Midnight paused and then turned around. The smile on her face made Pockets wonder if she was going to regret those words…
“Are you done?” Midnight deadpanned as they made it back to the manor. “It’s the ground, it wasn't going anywhere. And I had you the whole time. Stop being such a drama queen.”
Pockets cleaned her lips with a sigh as she stood up, “I think I just developed a fear of heights. Let’s not do that again any time soon… geez, I think I can taste my own adrenaline.” She shook her head rapidly and took a deep breath, “Ok, I’m good.”
“Are you sure, Miss Pickett? The floor could use a few more kisses, that way I don’t have to clean that spot.” Quick Step snorted.
“Shush you.” Pockets groaned. Quick Step shot a taunting smirk in return and left towards the kitchen to finish preparing lunch. “So, what exactly is that ribbon for?”
Midnight beckoned for Pockets to follow her. She led her to a living room and spied what she was after, a roaring fireplace. She took some parchment from a desk and wrote something down. Afterwards, she tied the scroll with the ribbon and with a cheeky smirk to the thief… tossed the scroll into the fire.
Pockets blinked. “Did you just… but... wat.” She couldn’t believe it. She watched in shock how the ashes of the scroll and the ribbon that almost costed her flew up the chimney, “Why!?”
Midnight took her to a window as Pockets saw the ashes fly away.
“Dragonfire Mail. It's a skill that Princess Twilight’s dragon assistant has. That ribbon was made by a friend that uses the same enchantment.”
“Wait… so you’re telling me… I thought dragons just burned stuff and kidnapped princesses! Now they can also deliver mail?” She huffed and sat down, looking out into the sky. “Well buck me… next thing you know we’re using manticores as firecolts and Hydras as congressmares.”
“Hmm, the latter would be an improvement,” Midnight chuckled. “Also, that look on you face is adorable and your invitation is accepted. But later though.” She stretched her wings and sighed. “Well, if we didn't have Dead Drop’s attention before, we do now. But, I have a plan to get the drop on him this time!”
Pockets grinned and quirked an eyebrow, “Really now? Ya got my attention, batty. What’s the plan?”
“Simple, we snag one of his goons and pump them for information. And, I know just the stallion that gonna show us that good time!” Midnight’s wicked smile flashed in the lowering light.
“Alright bro, good seeing ya!”
“Same bro, great shots as always!”
Good Time chuckled as he saw his last customer ever leave. With all his recently acquired bits, he had no need for working at a bar anymore. Turning around to look at a small mirror that was hanging on the wall, he couldn’t help but think on the wicked vacations he and his family were gonna take. Did he feel bad about what he had to do to get that money? A little yeah, but he would soon forget about all that when he was rocking it in Zebrica’s beaches.
Yet all his excitement vanished in the blink of an eye when in the corner of the mirror, two far too familiar faces he thought he would never see again, walked closer and closer to him. Not even risking turning around, he immediately teleported out of the wooden hut and made a run for it, sweating bullets as he rushed towards the city.
There was a rush of wind… a pain in his head, then darkness…
When the stallion next awoke, his head was pounding, he groaned and went to put a hoof to his head… only he couldn’t. He was tied to a chair, a small wooden table in front of him. A ring on his horn ensured that he also got a painful zap when he tried to cast magic.
That didn’t stop him from trying, several, several times.
“Please! Help! Help me!” He screamed in despair. What a terrible way to retire.
There was a clicking sound, and a pair of emerald eyes shone in the darkness.
“Now why would I do that?” Midnight said in a raspy tone. She and Pockets had agreed to a Good Cop/Bad Cop routine. Middy got the fun role. “In fact, tell my why I shouldn't gut you right here and now?”
“Dudette! Hey, you’re alive and stuff, congrats!” He nervously exclaimed before whimpering, “Please don’t, I have a family please.”
“Relax, Good Time.” Pockets smiled as she appeared out of the darkness, massaging Good Time’s shoulders, albeit with a bit of despise that made it more painful than relaxing, “We just want to talk, buddy. So cooperate with us and everything will be just fine, or else… well let’s just say that batty here has been feeling like breaking some bones all day long.”
“Mhmm,” Midnight hopped up onto the table, sitting upright and folding her hind legs. “You’d be absolutely fascinated by how much pain a pony can live through~”
Good Time whimpered at this, his entire body trembling, “L-listen, I have no idea what you are talking about. Like… I-I did nothing! I did absolutely not-”
*Thwack* A very large icepick came down, impaling the chair and narrowly missing the object that defined his gender.
“Oops,” Midnight said with a total lack of sincerity. “I missed. Let me try again…”
“NO!” The stallion shouted, shaking like crazy.
“Good, looks like you’re finally coming to your senses.” Pockets nodded with a faked smile, “Now, let’s start with something simple. Where’s Drop Dead?”
Good Time blinked in what seemed to be a mixture between confusion and fear, “Wh-who?”
Midnight raised the ice pick again. “I can’t see real well in this light… but I think I'll aim for his spleen…” She giggled and put a hoof to her mouth. “Oopsie! Did I say that out loud?”
Pockets shook her head with a grin on her muzzle, lowering MIdnight’s hoof,“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Easy now, batty. Being scared doesn’t help the fact that he’s a little bit slow on the head, we have to be gentle.” She walked next to Good Time and placed one of her forelegs around his neck with a soft smirk, “Come on, Good TIme, buddy, pal. Remember all the good times we used to have? All that fun we had before, ya know, you sold me out? Why don’t you at least try to redeem yourself, just a little bit, and tell us where Drop Dead is.”
“Look, P! I-”
*SMACK*
Pockets fumed in anger as she waved her now slightly sore hoof, the print of her horseshoe now marked on Good Time’s cheek, “Sorry. I… that was uncalled for.” She tried to play it off by giving him the fakest of smiles, “Please, just don’t call me like that ever again.” She turned to Midnight and shrugged, mouthing an ‘oops’ for getting out of role, but obviously not regretting it.
But Midnight decided that'd work out even better. She leaned over and smiled at Times.
“Wanna know a secret?” she whispered and winked at Pockets. “I'm the Good cop in this little chat~” And… if Midnight was like that as a good cop then…
He didn’t even want to imagine what the bad cop had in store for him. And now that she knew the roles had been reversed, Pockets could finally get that much needed revenge.
“So buddy,” She smirked, walking back to him with an ear-to-ear smile, before she stomped on his manly parts, earning a loud groan of pain from the unicorn. Her hoof and smile remained in place, she wasn’t showing it but she was definitely enjoying this, “Mind telling us where that bastard is?”
“P-Pickett, please… gah!” He still would not talk, much to his own dismay and Pockets’ enjoyment. She pressed even harder, her grin widening. This was enough to do the trick. “I DON’T KNOW WHO HE IS!” He half-shouted, half-whined, “I NEVER MET HIM. SOMEONE ELSE PAYED ME!”
“Who. Paid. You!?” Midnight said and smacked his horn with a moderate amount of force.
He began trembling, tears running down his cheek, “Please… this is too much!”
He was then bucked on the stomach by an extremely annoyed unicorn, “You know what’s worse than this? Being betrayed by someone who you considered a brother. Oh, and don’t worry about your wife, I’ll make sure to tell her everything you did, you bastard. Now answer the motherbucking question.” Midnight placed a hoof on her shoulder. He couldn’t talk if he was unconscious. Pockets nodded and decided to take it easy, taking a deep breath before getting her creepy grin back.
Good Time coughed, trying to recover from the massive blow. “I… Pockets… I’m sorry.”
“Too late for that now, Good Time.” She smiled, “Now do you mind answering the question? You don’t want to make me angry again, do you?”
“No…” He coughed again, “I… he… the Prefect of Tourism… Angel W-wings. He’s the one that came that morning and told me what I had to do. I… the sheer amount of bits he offered me. I’m tired of living in poverty, Pickett…”
“So is half the city, yet we stayed together, didn’t we?” Pockets deadpanned, before turning to Midnight, “I know the guy. He’s part of Grumble’s inner circle, and quite possibly even more annoying and high-headed than the old coot himself. I wouldn’t be surprised if Grumble was too chicken to get involved in these shady agreements himself, of course he would send someone else.”
Midnight frowned. Such a high profile pony would be difficult to squeeze for information without drawing attention. She looked at Times and smiled tersely. “Provided he's telling us the truth. If he's lying…” She drew closer and cupped his cheek. “I'd hate to see something happen to that little filly of yours.”
He remained silent, sobbing quietly as he regretted everything.
“Batty, let’s go.” Pockets sighed. She was mad, real mad. Of all the scumbags of this town, Angel Wings was the most annoying one out there. And the fact that someone so close to her would sell her to him… she was furious.
This is why as soon as the two got out of the room, she pinned Midnight to the wall, forcing herself to turn that hate into love as she kissed Midnight. It did the trick, as after a few seconds she managed to calm down, her heart beat slowing down. “Sorry but…” She whispered as she half-broke the kiss, “I really need to blow some steam right now, some serious steam.”
“I can imagine,” Midnight smiled and kissed her cheek. “Still, hold that thought eh?” She ducked back into the room and after a moment, dragged a sobbing, whimpering Good Times towards the door. Once she reached it, she undid his bonds and slammed him against the wall.
“You will do three things,” she said. “One. You are going home and telling your family what you've done. Second. You will stay in your home and talk to no one! If I hear Grumble and his goons have been tipped off…” She drew a hoof across her neck. “And three. You will keep enough of that money to feed your family. The rest is to be given to the ponies in the slums.” She leaned close and bared her fangs. “Follow these rules to the letter! If you don’t. I will hunt you down… and I. Will. End you!!”
Good Time didn’t need to be told twice. With a flash of his horn, he teleported out, disappearing from Pockets’ sight who was trying her hardest to not add more to the threats.
“He stabbed us in the back, but he won't betray his family,” Midnight said and sighed. “Now I'm all tense and crap. I think a certain shortycorn needs to give me hugs.”
Pockets chuckled softly, before tackling Midnight into the requested hug, both mares now on the floor while nuzzling her neck lovingly, “Thanks, Batty… and sorry that you had to see me like that. Guess we ain't that different after all, huh?”
“Nah, your feistiness is pretty hot,” Midnight smiled and nipped at her neck. She suddenly blushed lightly when her stomach rumbled. “Hmm, guess we should see what our little maid has cooked up huh? Though, I wonder if it’ll be as delicious as her~”
“Well, if that’s the case we’re up for one hell of a meal don’t ya think?” She giggled with a playful boop that landed on Midnight’s muzzle, “But ya know… I’m feeling extra-hungry today. Maybe after we’re done eating I’ll get my new favorite, mango-flavored dessert~” She purred as she gripped Midnight’s flank.
And then came the loud growl of Pockets’ own tummy, who blushed of embarrassment as well.
The meal was quite delicious, though Quick Step hoped her Mistress would come back soon, if only to put a stop to Midnight and Pocket’s endless teasing. And when the moon fully rose above Tall Tale, she sighed of relief as Sphinx elegantly landed on the manor’s recently polished floor, albeit with a half-smile that the maid knew far too well, something was not right.
“Welcome back, Mistress.” Quick Step said with a reverence, “Do you wish for me to get your food ready?”
“Not yet,” She answered rather coldly, “Where are my guests?”
“They are in the bedroom, Mistress. They just finished ‘eating dessert’, as Miss Pickett called it.”
Sphinx nodded and walked towards the closed door, knocking a couple of times to catch their attention, “Dearies, I have returned. Mind if I come in?”
The door opened a moment, later, Midnight looking as radiant as ever while Pocket’s was busy trying to straighten her disheveled mane and tail.
“Our illustrious hostess returns,” Midnight smiled and saw the look on her face. “But, you don’t look to happy about something.”
Sphinx tried to give her a comforting smile, which wasn’t comforting at all, “If you two wouldn’t mind, I would like to see you on the living room as soon as possible. There is… business to discuss.”
Hoo boy, this didn’t sound good. Midnight trotted over to the bed and put Pockets on her back. “Let’s go find out how much Minotaur shit we’re in lovey.”
As the duo arrived to the room, they saw Sphinx whispering something on Quick Step’s ear. Noticing the arrival of the two mares, she waved her off and gave them a more natural-looking smile, “Glad to see you’ve been putting my home to good use. I hope my maid hasn’t given you much trouble, she tends to be a little stubborn and cold-minded with strangers, although knowing the type of ponies you are, she has probably warmed up to you by now.” She extended her wing to show a faux leather sofa placed right in front of the one she was currently sitting in, obviously inviting them to take a seat.
“Ohh, I’d say she’s more than warmed up,’ Midnight said with a wink at the maid, causing her to blush slightly and cough into her hoof.
Sphinx chuckled softly, before letting out a long sigh, “Dears… I have terrible news. Turns out the mayor has far grimmer plans that what I anticipated. How should I explain... “
Quick Step took her leave while Sphinx considered what to say, before returning with three warm cups of tea, “This should help, Mistress.” She smiled as Sphinx took one of the cups with a nod, Pockets and Midnight taking one as well.
“Thanks dear… now. Miss Song, as a royal guard I would believe you have faced several criminals over the years, am I correct?” She asked before taking a sip of her tea.
“Of course,” Midnight nodded as she sipped her own tea. She was more of a coffee pony really, but the tea was pretty damned good. “And what could be worse than having Dead Drop and Angel Wings plotting our demise?”
“Having half of Equestria’s criminal scums doing the same thing.” She answered coldly, her gaze lowering and her eyes closed, taking a deep breath before finally starting the much needed explanation, “My dears, I am afraid that the ‘Cleansing’ is nothing but the second step of a much larger, and much dangerous plan. Last night I infiltrated Grumble’s home, trying to find more information about what he planned to do once the homes of the poor were demolished. Turns out our money-loving friend already sold these terrains to ponies all over Equestria. At first my plan was to take the list of names and run a search on every individual, this is why I had to travel to Las Pegasus in order to meet with my superiors. And this is when I found out…
Those names were fakes, cover-ups for the real buyers. Every single one of them were wanted criminals that have been escaping the law since who knows when, with crimes ranging from extortion to even mass murder. Turns out, Dead Drop is just the first of many wanted criminals who will make of this place their home, protected from Celestia’s eye by the local government itself. If those ponies get here... “
“They will be free to do whatever they want, without worrying about the consequences…” Pockets said in shock, not wanting to believe any of this.
“You cannot be serious,” Midnight gasped at that thought. “I mean, how can some no-name mayor organise something like this? How do the Princesses not see this?” Midnight really wished she’d known this a few hours ago.
“The only thing Celestia knows about Tall Tale is what the documents Grumble writes tell her. And with the sheer amount of contacts he has, he can convince the Princesses that any ‘rumor’ that may be flying around is just that, a ‘rumor’.” Sphinx groaned, “Miss Song, you sent a message to Canterlot, am I right?”
“Hooowwwww did you know that?” Midnight said and eyed the griffon. She wasn’t even in the city.
Sphinx didn’t answer. But the fact that Quick Step was looking rather uncomfortable told her everything.
“Well then?” Sphinx quirked an eyebrow, “I need to know what exactly you wrote in that letter.”
“Okay, one…” She looked at Quick Step and gave her a fanged grin. “I’m going to punish you for snitching like that. I was gonna tell her anyway. And two, I requested some help from a friend of mine. Things are getting dangerous here so I’ll need a few items from home. I figured that Bumble might have magical tracking so I made it rather vague.”
Sphinx smiled and nodded, “Good. And I suppose you took measures to hide these items from the Postal Office? We don’t want your items to fall in the wrong hooves, now do we?”
“I don’t know how she’s going to get them to me,” Midnight shrugged. “But she’s sneaky and i said that the city was… guarded. She’ll think of something.”
“A sneaky she?” Pockets asked herself with a quirked eyebrow. Not much for the ‘she’ part but for the ‘sneaky’ part. “Who the heck might that be? Eh… probably no one important.”
“And how confident are you that she won’t have any problems? Grumble has eyes everywhere, you know?” Sphinx asked before taking another sip of her tea.
“She can take care of herself is worse comes to worse. But I doubt anypony’s gonna bother an astronomer. That little nerd wouldn’t harm a fly.” Well… not right away anyway.
“See? It’s an astronomer! Nothing to worry about.” Pockets chuckled inwardly, yet she couldn’t help but think the worse of it, “Well Sphinx seemed like just another snobby noble a few weeks ago and now it turns out she’s a spy… who’s to say that ‘nerd’ isn’t some crazy-ass ninja or something!”
“In any case, I will keep an eye out for this astronomer of yours. Now… There’s something else I need you to take care of on the meanwhile. Something I am afraid I can’t take care of myself, like usual..” She grunted, seeming rather annoyed by her own ‘incompetence’.
“Hey, this sounds big, so it’s okay to ask for help,” Midnight said, blatantly forgetting that she’d told Pockets only this morning that she’d handle this alone. “So, what do you need help with Sexy Sphinx?”
“What if she doesn’t need my help anymore!?” A loud gasp left Pockets’ mouth, which she quickly covered as everyone else in the room looked at her in confusion.
“Well..” Sphinx slowly turned back to Midnight, “Turns out that the final negotiations haven’t taken place yet. The criminals interested in buying lands here have sent representatives to sign the papers in a small reunion that will take place tomorrow morning on Grumble’s mansion in midtown. I am going to be there but only as a guests I’m afraid, yet… something tells me that with a big enough ruckus, we can at least prolong the negotiations. Think you can do that?”
“A ruckus?” Midnight’s smile was… unsettling. “You want me to create a distraction?”
“No…” Sphinx’s own smile was equally as disturbing, “I want you to create a mess.”
“A mess huh?” Midnight had a lot of ideas on how to do that. “Any requests?”
“Only one,” Sphinx nodded, “Make it something I will never forget.”
Midnight’s laugh could be considered outright villainous…
“See?” Sphinx chuckled as she looked at Quick Step, “I told you she was perfect for the job!”
“I’ll… go clean something up.” Quick Step sighed, she was even worse than her Mistress.
Meanwhile Pockets was still trapped in her world full of worries and ridiculous scenarios. “I need to step up my game! I gotta show her that I’m as good as a ninja-astronomer from the future!” How had she arrived to the conclusion that the mare was from the future, nobody would ever know.
Quick Step found her tail snagged by Midnight again. “Apapap, I said I’d punish you remember~ And I bet Sphinx here has a few ideas on how I’d do that~”
“Oh no, please don’t…” Quick Step lowered her ears in fear… and slight excitement.
“Well… it has been a while since I’ve had some fun with my little maid…” Sphinx purred as she got closer to the duo, “And today has been a rather stressful day.”
“This is not good, not good at all…” She tried to break free, albeit she didn’t try hard at all.
“Ooh, the pretty birdy want’s to play too?” Midnight hummed and looked at Pockets, who seemed a little out of it. She walked over to the unicorn and stared into her eyes, and after not getting a response, she did her thing.
She took one of the mare’s ears and stuck her tongue inside of it, flickering it like a snake’s.
“EEP! I SWEAR I DIDN’T EAT THE-” Pockets blinked as her mind came back to reality. Her eyes spotted Sphinx getting a bit more friendly than usual with a blushing Quick Step, oh and there was the fact that she her ear had just been licked, “Uh… what’s going on?” She whispered to Midnight, “And why the heck did you do that?”
“Cause you looked like you were vacationing on the moon,” Midnight replied and booped her nose. “What’s up Little Thief? You tired?”
“No! No, no no.” She half-chuckled, “I’m just… thinking ‘bout silly stuff. That’s all. But for real what’s going on in here, and why are those two… holy heck that looks hot….” And that fully brought her back to the real world.
“Yeaahh, turns out that there’s a reason our Lil’ Maid calls her ‘Mistress’,” Midnight chuckled and rubbed Pocket’s shoulders. “You sure you’re okay? Cause, I think they wanna play. But if you’re tired or not feeling well…” Give on who they had to interrogate and the emotions the little unicorn went through, Midnight hardly blamed her for being spaced out.
Pockets took a few seconds to think, before smiling and pecking Midnight’s cheek, “Yeah, don’t worry.” She lied, “I’m okay. ‘Sides, I know you’ve been dying to see that spy in action since a while now, and I’m not talking about her butt-kicking abilities. So yeah, let’s have some fun.”
“You are the most delicious mare,” Midnight smiled and kissed her on the lips. “You know, I think you’re right about something you said before.”
Pockets quirked an eyebrow, humming from the contact, “Oh yeah, about what?”
“About the fact that I might be falling for you,” she whispered and nibbled her ear before trotting after Quick and Sphinx.
A warm feeling took over Pockets’ cheeks and heart, a smile slowly crawling up her muzzle. She decided that she could worry about other sneaky mares later, this night, she would only focus on one mare… or well, three. Things sure seemed to get far sexier than usual around the batmare, not like Pockets cared. Letting out a soft giggle, she stood up and followed the other two mares and one griffon into the bedroom, worries no longer in her head.
“Open the door.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to knoc-”
“Open. The. Door.”
.The hooded stallion nodded, and signaled his partner to follow his lead. Turning around, they both raised their hind legs before bucking with all their might, the wearhouse’s doors slammed open and calling the attention of all the ponies inside who immediately grabbed their weapons.
Yet this didn’t stop the white pegasus from walking inside with an expression of sheer annoyance on his face.
“Well if it ain’t good ol’-”
“Shush your filthy mouth, you animal!” The pegasus shouted.
“Woah there pardner, ya gonna hurt mah feelings.” Drop Dead chuckled, “What can I do for ya?”
“Well for starts!” The Pegasus stomped on the ground, “You could tell me why on Celestia’s bloody sake the guard is still breathing!”
“Ya gave me three days, pardner. Take it easy. I told you I’d kill her, and that’s what I’m gonna do.” Dead sighed, turning on a cigar which he waved around, “Ya snobs are impatient, aren’t ya?”
“The terms have changed, ‘pardner’.” He growled, “We need her dead NOW. We have an important meeting tom-”
“Tomorrow that needs protection. Ah know, ah know. Don’t worry.” He huffed.
The pegasus couldn’t believe this stallion, “Don’t worry? This reunion could change everything dammit!”
“And that’s exactly why I’m expecting mah target to make a grand appearance that day.” Dead nodded, “We can get ‘er where we want ‘er. And if that fails, we have an… insurance, if ya will. Either way she’s goin’ down tomorrow.”
“So you’re going to use the bucking reunion as a trap!? I can’t believe this… you are insan-” Once again, he was interrupted. Yet this time it wasn’t Dead who interrupted him, but his crossbow that was now charged and aiming for the white pegasus’ head.
“Now listen here, boy. Ya hired me to get that mare killed, didn’t ya? I’ve been on this darn business for twenty years now, ah know what I’m doin’. So you either let me do mah job, or I’ll cut our contract short. Understood?”
“Tsch…” The pegasus trembled, “Fine! But I don’t know how you’re going to catch her. Your thugs already screwed the chance I gave them! Do you know how much hiring that stallion costed me? They were drugged! They couldn’t fight back and yet oh what a surprise, your thugs were attacked by a mysterious shadow that took them away.”
“We all make mistakes.” Dead shrugged. He took out a small photograph from a bag he kept Is...around, and tossed it at the pegasus, “ An’ this is how I’ll get ‘er.”
Angel Wings lifted the picture and chuckled, “Now you’re speaking nonsense. How on earth will the Midnight Thief get you to that mare? They are working together for crying out loud!”
“Ah can’t believe you haven’t heard th’ rumors of your own town, Mister Prefect of Tourism. Apparently those two are doing more than just workin’ together. I got pending businesses with both those mares, so why not take down two birds with one crossbow bolt? Midnight Song ain’t gonna go down without a fight, but the thief… she ain’t no fighter. She’s a street rascal who believes herself a hero! A murderer who can’t harm no fly! She’s as ridiculous as a two-legged horse on a rodeo!” He laughed, and so did almost every pony else in the room, “We take the unicorn, and the bat will come right into mah hooves.”
“Do what you must then.” Angel Wings sighed, “But if you screw this up, forget about our deal.”
Dead sighed before placing the cigar in his mouth. Some ponies sure didn’t appreciate the art of killing, “Sure thing pardner, sure thing.”
The train hissed loudly as it pulled into Tall Tale station. There were only a few passengers, one being a blue mare with a silver mane and tail. Her cutie mark was a connstellation.
“So… this is where she’s hiding,” the mare mused to herself. “Alright Miss Moonlight Sonata, what kind of trouble hast thou gotten into this time?”