Front City was as far away from the center of Equestria as one could get. It's status as an Equestrian city was somewhat in dispute at the moment but that didn't stop many a pony from booking a flight there. It rested directly on the border between Equestria and the many Griffin Kingdoms to the west and the numerous other nations to the south. As such, it allowed for a wide variety of different cultures and groups to mix. It was strangely familiar yet at the same time, mostly alien to Cypress.
His bags on his back, he left the airship and the friendly stewardess behind and began his trek through the cultural chop suey of the city. Many of the buildings were stone or brick mixed with some wooden structures. The architecture was a hodgepodge of the more rustic Equestrian architecture, towering spires of the Griffin Empires, and whatever else the inhabitants saw fit to build. While much of it followed recognizable patterns, a large percentage was just plain unrecognizable to Cypress, probably due to the fact many of the buildings didn't appear to follow any known patterns at all. There was little doubt that the buildings here, probably didn't exist anywhere else in the world.
Various stores were set up along the streets selling a variety of wares. Everything from food to clothing to weapons to ceramics could be found. A mix of cultures and customs all on display to be bought and sold. A few of the ponchos and hats caught his eye. He would have to stop by later and grab something for Andromeda.
The inhabitants were an interesting mesh as well. Ponies, griffins, Zebras, antelope, caribou, even the odd diamond dog, there didn't appear to be any species missing. It was all so intimidating. Many spoke in strange tongues he barely recognized. The few that he did understand were with accents or in dialects completely unfamiliar as to have been entirely different languages all together. Every creature he passed had a story written on their body. Scars to their piercings to their clothing, they all came from different backgrounds, from different places, yet oddly enough, like Cypress himself, their paths had all led them here. He would have been excited had fear not overtaken him instead.
He quickly darted down the crowded streets, away from the shipyards towards the center of town, and hopefully towards a hotel.
"Excuse me. Pardon me. Ah, uh, sorry, sorry, I'll just..."
Eventually he arrived at his destination. It was an old three story mud brick building that sat in the shadow of a much larger pagoda. The metal gate in front of the door didn't bring much comfort. Still, he took a deep breath and stepped inside. The paint was peeling and the air reeked of mildew and moisture. Up on the ceiling, the classic brown and yellow stains of water damage were on hot display. An older earth pony mare sat behind a desk reading a periodical.
"Hi, uh, I'd like to rent a room for the night?" Cypress asked.
The mare didn't even flinch, as if he didn't even exist. Her eyes continued to move through her magazine.
"Uh, miss? I would like to rent a room?"
Still nothing. Silence.
"Miss?"
Nothing. Cypress frowned as he noticed a small bell on the desk. He cocked his head and stared back at the mare. It was worth a shot. He raised a hoof and gave it a firm tap, and stepped back and waited.
"Sorry! Sorry!" A voice came from a back room.
Cypress frowned and leaned forward. A younger mare with a tan coat and brown mane stepped out into the lobby. She looked slightly flustered as she took her place behind the desk.
"Sorry, uh, I was a little occupied. Yes you would like to rent a room for the evening, yes?" She said with a somewhat forced smile.
Cypress raised an eyebrow. "Yeah... uh, yeah, I'd like a room for the evening."
"Oh, uh sure. Anything in particular?"
"Um, let's see, anything on any of the other floors?"
"Yes, um, something on the third floor alright?"
Cypress nodded. "That would be perfect."
"Alright." The mare said producing an old fashioned metal key and chain from under the desk. "Your room number is 312. That will be 50 bits for the evening."
"Right." Cypress said, producing the coins from his saddlebags and depositing them on the counter. He gave a passing glance at the older mare, still reading her paper. "Um, out of curiosity, is she..."
"Oh, uh, yeah, I'm sorry about her. Nana's hearing is all but gone these days." The mare smiled sadly. "But, uh, enjoy your stay here. And, uh, do try to be back before 10 O'clock tonight, if you plan on going out. We typically lock up by then."
"Anything you want to keep out?"
"It's not the best to stay out at night. And, uh, do hide any valuables you have. This isn't exactly the most honest town in the world, and uh, forgive me but you don't exactly fit in here."
Cypress rolled his eyes. "Yeah, something kinda gave that away already."
The mare laughed. "If you need anything, just ring. I'm Tiff by the way. Enjoy your evening sir."
"Tiff? Short for anything?"
She smirked. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
"Maybe I would."
"We close up at 10. Be sure to be back by then and maybe I'll tell you."
"Alright. 10 O'clock then." Cypress blinked.
"Don't be late big boy."
"My name's Cypress, actually."
She smirked. "Welcome to Front City."
With a sway of her hips, she trotted off. Cypress levitated the key up to his eyes and sighed. This was going to be interesting. He quickly trotted out of the lobby and down the hallway. After passing a series of rooms, he finally found the staircase and made his way up to the third floor and quickly found his room. He was slightly relieved upon entry. Compared to the lobby, the top floor was relatively clean. The carpet had rips in some places to be sure but there were no stains or signs of water damage or any offending odors which was completely welcome. Cypress lit his horn and performed a quick scan. No bugs or any other unwanted creatures. He quickly performed a sterilization spell just for safety. On the far side was a door that led out to a balcony. A quick check of the bathroom revealed, thankfully, running water. He stared at the mirror. Next to a few large cracks that divided his face, it was perfect. He could make it work.
He quickly tossed his bag onto a nearby chair and removed anything valuable he had on him. Most of his money, his soundstone, a few gems and a necklace with a flower charm on it. He gave it all a quick scan before his horn ignited again and the items disappeared in a flash. In their place, a small object shaped like molar. He quickly levitated up and gave it a firm chomp before returning to the bathroom and giving himself a quick once over. In the back of his mouth, where his farthest, lower left molar used to be was now a false tooth that held a chrome metallic sheen about it. Perfect. If someone wanted to mug him, they would have to go to some extreme lengths to do so.
He rolled his jaw and returned to his bag. He quickly scanned through his items. Mostly just changes of clothes. Mostly more durable things designed to last a lot longer than the suit he was still in. Some survival gear as well. Plan ahead, as father always said. He didn't exactly know when he was going to be back. He quickly removed the suit and deposited it back into his saddle bags before quietly locking his room and leaving. He stepped into the lobby and gave a quick nod to the old mare behind the counter, whom he was still pretty sure hadn't even realized he'd checked in, before trotting out into the city.
A plan needed to be made. A next step needed. He certainly didn't plan on staying here forever, that was for sure. A next destination would be good. Still, a walk to clear his head would probably help things along as well.
By now the sun was beginning to make it's climb down beyond the horizon. There was still enough light out but it was becoming obvious that wouldn't last for much longer. Cypress watched as his shadow slowly began to get longer, stretching along the dirt roads. Another thing that stuck him was the number of creatures and ponies out and about had free fall dropped. Something about that didn't sit right with him.
A loud crack followed by a scream in the distance made him jump. Within the maze of buildings, it was almost impossible to tell where it came from but the sound was familiar to him. A firearm. They were rare in Equestria due to them being a unicorn exclusive weapon but Interspecies Histories 101 had taught him that other races certainly didn't have a problem using them, particularly griffins and diamond dogs. He frowned. Perhaps it wasn't best to stay out much longer.
He quickly headed over to the stall he saw earlier. Thankfully it was still open. He quickly selected a blue poncho and a rain hat with a wide brim. The zebra operating the stand bowed as he paid before he quickly trotted off back to his hotel. As he left, he noticed the zebra quickly close shop and begin to rush out of the market place. Cypress quickly scanned around. Nothing yet.
He clutched his new items close and began to trot briskly. The sun was gone now and the only lights came from the windows of nearby buildings and the occasional street lamp. The streets were mostly quiet except for the sound of strange music in the distance and the occasional scream or accompanying yell. The air began to cool and his fur began to rise. A strange feeling overtook him and took a deep breath. He quietly pulsed his horn. His eyes grew wide. He was being followed.
"Heya, brother!" A voice said behind him.
Cypress sighed.
"Heya, brother. You, ah, looking for something, sasa?"
A diamond dog quickly appeared on his peripheral and rushed up to meet him. Cypress gulped. The canine leaned against a street light in front of him, blocking his path with a twisted smile on his face.
"Look buddy," Cypress sighed. "I'm just trying to get back to my hotel, here. Alright?"
"Hotel? Ah! I know plenty of hotel in FC, sasa? I can show you for cost, yah?"
"No, uh, I already have a hotel. Really, I'm fine."
The smile began to disappear. "For cost, I can show you, brother. Sasa?"
"Really. I'm fine." Cypress said, moving to trot around him. "Now if there's nothing else, I'll be only way now and-"
A cool pinch of a shiv against his throat gave him pause. Cypress stopped.
"I doan' think you heard me, brother. Cost. I show. Now. Please." The diamond dog snarled.
Cypress frowned as his mind slowly began to process what was happening. He was being mugged. So this was what this was like. A strange creatures just shoves a blade in your throat and demands everything you have. There was something oddly relieving about it so far. For some reason he expected it to be worse.
Cypress backed up. "Look, buddy. I don't have anything to give you. Really."
The canine gave the knife a gentle shove, forcing him back against the wall. "Bags. And fast, sasa?"
"There's nothing in there for you. Just a few gifts for my sister."
"Give." The dog said, holding out a paw.
Cypress stared at it and then back up at the creature. "Uh, no."
His attacker reeled back. "What... did you just say, walla?"
"No."
Suddenly Cypress felt himself being thrown against the brick wall behind him and being slowly driven up against it, his throat slowly being crushed under the dog's forearm while his other paw held the knife to his face.
"Give. Now."
Cypress dropped his bags and moved his hooves up to his throat, slowly trying to pry the creature's paws off of him. His horn began to glow.
"I said... No!" He coughed. In a flash of white light, the diamond dog vanished and Cypress fell to the ground, coughing. The faint clatter of a knife on the sidewalk barely registered to him as he struggled to his hooves. His hat and poncho were still on the ground. He quickly collected them and searched for his attacker. On the far side of the road, the diamond dog lay crumpled in a heap. A dull whine escaped his lips. Behind him, a mud brick wall showed signs of damage, a series of cracks emanating from a spot a few feet above the ground.
Cypress coughed again. It had been a while since he had to use any stunning spells like that. The concussive blast alone had taken a lot out of him, mainly due being out of practice. But it had done it's job well.
He swallowed and quickly scanned the buildings around him. Hopefully no one heard that. Thankfully there was only one light on, near on of the top floors of a nearby pagoda. He quickly scrambled down the street, back to his hotel.
The gated building was a sight for sore eyes as he approached. He quickly rushed inside and closed it behind him, his breathing rather labored. Seated behind the desk was Tiff, her nose in a newspaper. She looked up at him with a frown.
"You're late. We lock the gate at 10." she said, dropping her paper and stepping out from behind the counter.
"Uh, what time is it now?" Cypress huffed.
"Don't you have a watch?"
"Must've left it in my room."
"It's 10:13. Once again. You're late."
"Sorry, uh, I got a little, uh, sidetracked on the way back."
Tiff rolled her eyes. "Someone tried mugging you didn't they?"
Cypress frowned. "What gave that away?"
"You're breathing heavily and your neck is bleeding a bit, baka."
"It is?" he said raising a hoof to his throat. Sure enough, the tell tale warmth of blood was there.
"Yeah it is." She rolled her eyes. "I told you not to stay out too late. This city isn't the safest for ponies like you."
"Ponies like me?" he asked.
"Yeah, baka. Out of town travelers like you. The local dog packs just love picking on tourists like you."
"Well, I made it out in one piece."
"No clue how you managed to do that."
"Just lucky I guess."
"Yeah. Here." she said tossing him a towel. "Hold that there and follow me. We'll get you patched up first."
Cypress cocked his head and held the cloth over his wound. "First?"
"Of course." She smirked. "After that, we're heading to my room."
He rolled his eyes. "Of course we are. I hope I get to sleep in late tomorrow."
"Count on it." She said locking the gate. "Now come on, before anything else happens to you."
Cypress smiled and trotted after her. Perhaps tonight wouldn't be so bad after all.