//------------------------------// // Chapter Six - Desperate Times, Peaceful Times // Story: The Midnight Mares - Crazy Canterlot Catastrophe. // by Ausbrony //------------------------------// When Pockets awoke, it wasn’t in the castle. And… it was an odd feeling. Because she couldn’t feel anything. The trees moved with a wind she could not feel at all. And ponies walking by didn’t seem to notice her at all. Oh, and she happened to be lying right in the middle of a street in Canterlot. “Wh-what… what happened?” The unicorn whispered, groaning in pain as she felt her entire body ache. “Midnight! Slow down young filly,” she heard a voice call out… as a little thestral filly stopped next to her and turned. She knew that chocolate brown coat and that platinum blonde mane and tail. “Aww, do I hafta?” Filly Midnight whined. “You’re so slow Pops!” “What… how is this-?” Pockets winced as she tried to make sense of the world deciding to just lay down and follow with her view. This was so weird, she needed answers, she needed to know what was going on. “Yes you do,” a much younger and waay hotter Gossamer replied. Those firm flanks, that chiseled jaw. “The ice-cream isn’t going anywhere.” “But it might,” Filly Midnight replied with a cute look. “Talk about cute mares and hot DILFs…” Pockets chuckled softly, managing to find a way to stand up and waddle towards the little mare, “I wonder… Hey! Mister Gossamer!” She got no response, as Midnight rolled her green eyes. “Come oooon! Maybe I’ll get a Cutie Mark in ice-cream eating!” Gossamer just rolled his eyes and followed the blank-flanked filly. “These… were better days,” a voice echoed softly. “Who… said that?” Pockets looked around, that was most definitely not the voice she heard before. The world melted around her, like paint mixing with water before it took a new form. She saw little Midnight again, now surrounded by a bunch of unicorn foals. “What’s the freak doing here?” one colt spat. “I certainly didn’t invite it,” another stated. One didn’t say anything, instead zapping Midnight’s flank with a weak bolt of magic that made her yelp, tears forming in her eyes from the stinging sensation. “No!” Pockets stepped in, yet phased right through the group of fillies, “Gah, what is going on!?” “Stop it!’ Midnight cried as other foals joined in, causing Midnight to run away, their jeering laughter filling the air. Pockets scowled at the untouchable foals and followed after Midnight. “They were untouchable… Noble foals that could get away with anything…” “No they can’t!” Pockets growled, “I’ll make them all pay!” But like before, the world melted away… The scene now was vastly different. She appeared to be in a building of some kind and there were Guards everywhere. “I’m not even going to ask anymore…” Pockets sighed, calming herself down as she glanced around to look for wherever Midnight was. She soon found her. Her long and luxurious mane was buzzcut short, and her tail was just a small tuft. She grunted as she was doing wingups with a large pack on her back. “Hey!’ one stallion said. “Shouldn’t you bats be in the Night Guard? What are you doing in the Solar Wing.” “What does it look like?” Midnight snarked. “I’m not here for the food moron.’ “What did you say!?” the stallion stepped forward, before he found his world inverted. In the blink of an eye, Midnight had gotten up, and dropped and flipped him with a single motion. Pockets whistled, now that was more like the Midnight she knew and loved, not like the others weren’t incredibly adorable, “Well he earned that. Good job Middy.” “I said,” Midnight said. “That I’m sick of being pushed around. If I want something, I’ll take it with my own Celestia-damned hooves.” She frowned and let him go as his friends snickered at him for being trounced so easily. He beat a hasty retreat as Midnight got back to her exercises. “It wasn’t just them though…” A shift later, and Midnight was strolling through the Night Halls. Aesthetically similar to the previous building, only it was filled with Thestrals. “Oh look, it’s the sun-lover,” one said as everyone turned their heads. “What do you want… outsider?” “Even my own species… all because I wanted something for myself…” Pockets simply stared in sheer anger and disgust, Midnight never deserved any of that. The scene shifted again, and Pockets recognised this place. It was the living room of Midnight’s house. Her parents were there along with a Thestral stallion. Pockets… hated him. There was no other word. The smug look on his face, the confident posture. And the way he sized Midnight up like a piece of meat. “I refuse!” Midnight yelled. “I will not go through with this arranged marriage bullshit!” “Midnight,” Gossamer started, before Midnight ran out and Pockets found herself following against her will. “And that… led to what was possibly my greatest mistake.” Pockets was trying incredibly hard to not burst out in anger and lose control of herself again, this whole experience was killing her on the inside. What she was greeted with next, was seeing the emotional self destruction of the mare she loved. Solely and utterly to ruin herself for a marriage she did not want, she found the nearest bar and drunk herself stupid, going home with the first stallion that offered. Luckily, Pockets didn’t have to directly view the moment the thestral lost her innocence in such a way. But the after effects were something else. The stallion she’d been engaged to was furious, calling Midnight names that even Papa Spirit would think were offensive. “Since then, love was just… not something that should be cared for or sought after. It didn’t exist after all.” “No, that’s not true!” Pockets shouted from the top of her lungs, tears of anger forming in her eyes, “I love you! Stop this, stop feeling this way!” Another shift… and Pockets saw something she wasn’t sure she wanted to. Midnight Song and Moondancer, the thestral bugging the unicorn as she tried to study. “And then I met her, and… everything changed. I felt, as though I’d found somepony I could love. She loved me for who I was. All my quirks, my insecurities. She had her own after all. We were… happy.” Pockets wanted to be happy for Midnight, she really wanted to… but she already knew what would happen next. “Then they came…” Pockets had only read about the Changeling attack. But to see it up close like this was… something else entirely. Even though she couldn’t be hurt by the illusions, she still shrieked and ducked whenever one dropped from the sky. And then she saw her mare fight. It was a beautiful dance of death and destruction. She swept across them like the Reaper herself. But she knew it wouldn’t last. Pockets watched as her love was overpowered by sheer numbers. She watched as the Changelings drained the valiant thestral of everything she had and worse… before the pink light washed them from the city… just minutes too late. “It’s hard to remember what came after… for some time, everything is blank. Deep down I knew. But… I didn’t want to admit it I suppose. And once again, I lost everything. I pushed away the one that loved me…” Midnight sat in the hospital bed, her expression a blank slate and her voice had no emotion to it. Time and time again Moondancer would come, and time and time again, Midnight wouldn’t even acknowledge her presence. Then… Moondancer stopped coming. “I don’t blame her. If you tell somepony something enough times, they’ll believe it…” The smaller unicorn who had been seeing this all happened, just remained silent. She hated this, she hated seeing Midnight suffer, she hated it all. She just wanted to somehow jump in and intervene, fix it all up. But she couldn't, she could only watch. “And then…” Another shift. Pockets knew this place… she recognised the mare sitting at a cafe table with a cute dress and a wide brimmed hat as a purple blur pinched her purse. “I met her…” “Stop that thief!” Pockets blinked in surprise, “I remember those guys… and that guy, and…” She saw herself passing by with a wink that although was shot at Midnight, seemed to be directed to her own self, a purse in her grasp. This was last month… in Tall Tale. Midnight gave chase, looking like a deamon from Tartarus. But this time, Pockets was seeing her side of things. “That little scamp, taking my purse and running off with it. I’ll admit, letting her go like that wasn’t my best idea. But it turned out well in the end.” Pockets was treated to an abridged version of their adventures, seeing what Midnight had gone through when Drop Dead kidnapped her, the bats resolve, her Papa’s love… “And when she said… when she said that she loved me…” The world around Pockets seemed to grow brighter. She could feel the cool breeze against her coat, the warm sunshine washing over her. “She saved me. Even when I thought I didn’t deserve it. Or couldn’t accept it. She stubbornly stuck to me.” And she felt the Thestral that was hugging her. “I never… ever want to let her go. Not again.” “M-Midnight…” Pockets whispered, before quickly returning the hug, her body leaving a soft glow as one single, golden-colored tear fell from her cheek. “Stupid, you’re not getting rid of me that easily,” Midnight smiled and wiped away her tear. She kissed her gently on the lips and pulled back. “And it’s not your fault. I heard her…” She looked past the unicorn, at a shadow darkness that she hadn’t noticed behind her. “And I see her…” Midnight stepped forward. It wasn’t the blind fury that Pockets had seen when she fought Dead. Or the playful anger… this was a calm, controlled rage. And that made it so much more terrifying. “I know you’re there,” Midnight said, her voice colder than the frozen tundra. “You hurt my little Pockets. You made her cry…” She drew close to the shadow, seemingly staring into it. “I will return the favour. And when I’m done…” She smiled sweetly. “You will all but beg for death you little bitch.” The world seemed to froze around them, and a soft giggle could be heard, a devilish, mischievous giggle, “Oh, well would you look at this. I didn’t think you’d have enough mental strength to see me dearie. When I felt something wrong happening with my dear cousin’s spell, something I did not expect, I just had to follow. I must say, your life story is quite… depressing. All the sadness, the anger, the frustration, it’s like a fairy tale for me. I wonder… if I can bring all those feelings to their full potential.” The shadow approached with a laugh, enlarging with every inch it moved. “No!” Pockets growled, the shadow screeching in pain as it crashed into a golden force field, stopping her from advancing, “Whoever you are, you will not lay another dirty hoof on Midnight ever again!” “Oh my little cousin wants to play, so that is how things are.” The shadow hissed, circling around them, “But it is obvious I can’t win here. Let’s make a deal, shall we? Two days from here, when the full moon is out, we shall meet on the old abandoned park in the south part of the city, you will find me, I trust you will.” “And why would we ever do that!?” Pockets scowled. “Because… if not, your little pegasus friend from the gate will begin to see the full extent of my curse.” She grinned, “You really thought that with your undeveloped, uncontrolled, pitiful powers you’d be able to fully break it? Please. At my command, she will experience fear like never before, enough fear to make her run from every living being she sees, enough to drive her to insanity and who knows what else! If you fail to appear, you will see that stupid little pony perish. Is that clear?” The voice said calmly, with an incredibly innocent-sounding voice for someone of that nature. Midnight didn’t waver. A small smile crossed her muzzle. “Oh. And here i thought you could not get any stupider,” she sighed. “I trust Pickett with my life. I have before and I will again. And Secure is a guard through and through. After all the crap she’s gone through in her life, you little scare is nothing! She’ll bend, but breaking her is impossible.” Midnight’s eyes narrowed as they flashed a deep crimson. “We’ll be at your little meeting place. But I have one request… enjoy the night sky while you can. When I find you… It’ll be your last!’ She slashed with her wing, destroying the shadow as she sighed. “Seriously Pockets, you have the weirdest bucking friends.” “Well I mean, just look at my marefriend.,” Pockets snorted, before turning and tackle-hugging Middy, “I’m so sorry, so very sorry for what happened to you… I… I had no idea you had such a hard life. If I had, I would have tried way harder to be the best bucking marefriend ever, I—” Midnight rolled her eyes and shushed her with a kiss. One the unicorn was surprised at, before leaning into it. Once it broke, Midnight cupped her cheek with a hoof. “Is that what you saw? That my life was hard? Depressing?” “I saw you crying so many times, angry even more, and… I saw how everyone treated you, what your life was.” Pockets looked away, “I honestly couldn’t take it, I wanted to get in there and tell you it was alright, to tell you I was here and fix it all… I couldn’t stand watching you be so sad.” Midnight smiled and kissed her lips again. “Okay, I’ve never… been inside my own head before. So forgive me if I can’t steer it straight.” The world shifted. It was the scene with those foals again, the ones that teased and beat her up. The stallion that led the mob last time, a smug little white unicorn with a foppish blonde mane and tail. He was now picking on one of the other foals, a chubby little filly that looked familiar for some reason, simply for being of a larger size. And that was when filly Midnight had walked right up to him. “Oh, it’s the fre—” *smack* That buck made him arc beautifully. A full ten point landing right into the fountain. “Now that you’re done being a jerk,” Midnight said as she helped him out. “I have ice-cream and board games at my house. Do you all wanna come play?” The mob was silent from the sudden attack. But some scenes flashed to show they’d remained friends. “Hurry up Cure!” Midnight giggled as she tagged her and ran away, the little winged pony laughing and giving chase. Another scene, this time at the Guard academy. Midnight Song laughing with a mix of Thestral and Solar Guards as they pranked one of the commanding officers. Pink dye in the shower’s water supply was always great. “See,’ Midnight smiled to her marefriend. “My life’s had it’s downs. Sure. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m the mare I am today because of all of it.” “Well if you put it that way… I guess it makes sense. “ Pockets chuckled, “Gosh, look at me, ever since I started dating you I've become way more emotional and cheesy… is this what being an actual girl is like?“ “Yup, soon I will have you wearing pretty dresses and drinking tea,” Midnight giggled. “Now… how do we get outta here?” “I have no idea.” Pockets blinked, before shrugging it off, “But hey, we're in your head, how bad can it b— never mind where's the exit, my sanity is in danger.” Midnight gave her a flat stare. “I’m going to remember that and punish you later. They do sell dragon-sized versions of that toy…” She leaned in and kissed her again. Maybe her powers were key to their escape. Pockets giggled into the kiss, before returning it with passion and oh so much love. A small thread of golden magic left the unicorn's horn as the two mares melted into the kiss, the world fading around them… but they didn't really care. Right now, they simply focused on the tender kiss. The first thing Pockets noticed when she woke up, was that her head hurt like crazy. The second thing was that she was in what seemed like a hospital bed with Midnight so it didn't matter. And Cadence was standing next to them, a look of worry and yet at the same time, relief on her face. “You finally woke up,” she said and leaned down to nuzzle Pockets. “I was so worried. After that flash and you both collapsed…” “Yeah… apparently my ‘cousin’ whoever that is, was the one making my magic go all crazy and unstable. But that doesn't matter,“ Pockets groaned in pain and looked at Midnight, “She does. She hasn't woken up yet.” Cadence smiled as she fixed Pocket’s blanket. “Actually…” Midnight stretched and yawned. She rolled over and looked the unicorn right in the eye. “About time you got up. I was gonna bite your butt again if I had to wait much longer.” She smiled and licked her fangs. “Maybe I’ll bite it anyway~” “Oh you bastard.” Pockets laughed and pushed Midnight away on a playful manner, before hugging her and nuzzling the taller mare, “We did it. We got out of it, who knew all we needed was a joke and a kiss. But… I'm sorry I failed, couldn't fix your emotions.“ Midnight blinked and then turned to Cadence, both mares smiling widely. “What? What did I miss?” Pockets looked at both mares in confusion. “Pickett,” Cadence smiled and nuzzled the unicorn. “You didn’t mess anything up.” “I haven’t felt this great since… forever!” Midnight cheered and flew up into the air, doing a small loop and smiling brightly. “Seriously Pockets. I don’t think i could ever repay you for this.” “Eh it was no biggie really.” Pockets shrugged… before tackling Midnight into a hug with a vibrant laugh, “WOO! I DID IT! Heck yeah Breezie powers!” Wait… how did she get up there? And…. where those magical butterfly wings? “Pockets…” Midnight said slowly and then pushed the mare away as she floated in the air. “Hoowwwww are you flying?” “What are you talking about?” Pockets chuckled… before noticing the golden magical appendages. First, a scream of shock, then a thump as the wings disappeared and the unicorn fell into the ground, and then another scream, “What is happening!?” “I… have no idea to be honest,” Cadence said as Midnight flew down to nuzzle her marefriend. “It could be another aspect of your powers.” “Well I hope not, I know she’ll freaking convince me to take flying lessons or something” Pockets said flatly, before hugging Midnight, “But can’t lie, the idea of having awesome magical wings does sound pretty badass.” “I have a flying buddy!” Midnight said with gleaming eyes. “Oh my gosh, and I can totally teach you about mid air sex and—” “Easy there batty, first of all those things barely lasted right now so let me learn how to control them first.” Pockets chuckled, gently placing a hoof over her lips, “Second, we have company ya shameless dingus.” “Oh, don’t mind me,” Cadence said with a small nod. “Would you like some tips? having your wings lock up mid air is kinda dangerous.” “Oh sweet Celestia… you’re awesome!” Pockets laughed, “Now how the heck am I supposed to decide who best princess is though?” “You are,” Midnight hummed and nuzzled the unicorn. “My cute, tiny fairy princess is Best Princess.” “Geez Midnight, that’s way too cheesy for me. I have a reputation to keep.” Pockets taunted with a smirk, before nuzzling her back, “I love you my sexy, valiant bat-knight.” “I am the Batknight!” Midnight rasped in a low voice and then vanished into the shadows… quite effectively actually. Cadence and Pockets looked around, before Cadence was tackle-hugged by the thestral from another part of the room. “And you helped, so you get hugs too,” Midnight beamed. “I don’t think Shiny-heiny would like my usual methods of thanking ponies~” “Are we having a four-way with royalty? Because I’m totally up for that!” Pockets asked with a grin, a part of her just joking… while a part of her really meant it. Midnight looked expectantly at Cadence. “No Midnight.” “Awww,” Pockets and Midnight whined. The alicorn just shook her head and sighed. As long as Midnight never got it in her head to visit the Crystal Empire… Celestia’s jaw was set into a terse expression as she stared at the leader of the enigmatic group she’d requested assistance from. A group said to have began as an elite group of knights from Griffonstone back when it was an empire of its own, later developing into an international agency of spies and mercenaries of different kinds and talents. They were known by many as the Golden Swords, and their leader, a slim, pure-white griffin who everyone knew only as Golden Quill, had fame of being both brash, blunt, and incredibly deadly. “So, let me get this clear your Majesty.” Said the griffon as he circled the small spoon on the still full teacup. It wasn’t really because he didn’t like tea, but rather due to his philosophy of never drinking any tea that wasn’t prepared by him and him alone. The number of deaths caused by poisoned tea was quite impressive. He held a flashy silver and red military outfit with an old griffin insignia accompanied by the agency’s own, a golden sword and feather crossed in front of a silver background. On his belt rested his signature golden-coated battle long sword, which held legends of its own, “You want to hire our services to deal with the problems your army is too incompetent to deal with, isn’t that right?” “Not incompetent,” Celestia replied as she sipped her tea. Benefits of being an alicorn, immune to poisons. She could always tell when her tea was poisoned. It added a nice kick to it. “They are dealing with a still unknown magic, a group of species varied thieves and an escaped mass murderer. I’d rather not reduce my own city to glass dealing with them myself. And, you owe me for that lovely operative in Tall Tale. You remember her yes? female griffon? Fond of explosions and sleeping with one of my guards?” Golden Quill took a deep breath, the memory still fresh, “You do not need to remind me of her little stunts, no. But what Rose Quill did back then is in the past, and in the end it did help your guard take down Grumble, who mind you, we knew was involved in deep corruption far before you did. Of course if you were more focused on the smaller towns than in the progress of your prodigy student, or the safety of this city where you reside, you would have known that as well.” He cleared his throat and gave Celestia a most definitely fake, yet still convincing smile, “But we are not here to judge each other’s methods now are we? We’re here to do business.” “Oh of course,” Celestia replied with a small smile. “After all, it’s not like you’re to blame for the civil war that has plagued the Griffon lands for the last three decades. Or the destitute state of half your towns. Methods aside, I do hope this might help our two races grow a little closer. Why, if my guards weren’t dealing with such nonsense, they could assist you after all.’ “Oh I assure you Princess.” Golden shook his head, “The agents I have prepared for this will need no help. When the news of the intruder who attacked the gate arrived to us, they were the firsts to offer to help, even without payment. Of course, now that you’ve requested our aid, they are more than ready to come here… that is, if you’re willing to pay the price.” “And, what will the price be this time?” Celestia said, agreeing to nothing so far. “For once, we do not need more money.” He said in a calm, seemingly unbreakable demeanor, “We only want one thing that will help us both, to keep the prisoner, the intruder of the strange, long lost magic, in our own dungeons.” “And if I may ask, why would you want that?” Celestia said, rather than asked. Golden chuckled, “Why isn’t it obvious your Majesty? Imagine having such mysterious power in our side, the power to form armies with nothing but a simple spell. Of course, it would require some convincing and some… training. But with enough time, we could use her talents. After all, we have years of experience turning wanted criminals into valuable members of society.” “So, you want her as a weapon?” Celestia said with a raised eyebrow. “You know I cannot possibly allow that.” “Well, ‘weapon’ is quite the… ‘strong’ term is it not?” Golden chuckled softly, unfazed by the decision, “But you see, my organization needs new members, we are lacking agents in other nations, and she could be very useful to us. But oh well, if that is the case I guess the deal is off… and I can’t share the information we have gathered on the group of thieves anymore.” He said with a sigh. “It is a strong term, but it is the correct one,” Celestia said. She floated out a piece of paper and looked it over. “How curious. Did you know a griffon matching the description of the one in Tall tale was spotted in Las Pegasus? She is still wanted for crimes of arson, assault and murder. I wonder Golden. What would it take of you to make those charges… get lost in red tape?” The griffon remained silent, “Well, well, well. Someone is learning from our last encounter.” He let out a soft grin and took a look at the cup of tea, his claw once more playing with the small spoon, “So we’re in an impasse here it seems. I want the intruder on my lines, yet I also have to keep Rose Quill safe… hmm, what could I possibly do.” He took a few seconds to think, before a grin formed on his beak, a devilish grin, “Then let us change the terms, shall we? Make this a bit more… exciting.” “I’m listening,” Celestia replied, sipping her tea once more. “Oh, arsenic. You haven’t used that in a while dear Golden.” “I try my dear.” The griffon chuckled, before deciding to lay the cards on the table, “I need this intruder, I lied about the shortage of agents, we have more than enough really. But this power… this power is something we have never seen before. You already have the unicorn, we know she holds that power as well. But to make this… more reasonable, and to save my dear Rose Quill… then this is my proposal…” He spoke calmly, like a true businesscolt, giving it all into this agreement with the hopes of getting somewhere. “So, you want the other side of the coin,” Celestia said. That… was a point. They did have a user of that power, which would deter them from using it against Equestria. And she might not be an Equestrian citizen either. “I think I have a few requests of my own. Now to start…” “Unbelievable!” To say that Sweet Aroma was not happy was an understatement. She was pissed furious, annoyed to an unholy extent. “One day, one day has passed and she can already control the Golden Magic! Stupid old spell, it was supposed to let me find her, to let me set her emotions wild, but it ended up stabilizing them! Tsk, should have expected less from a spell created by my foolish mother.” She mumbled something under her breath. Every step she made left a trail of red magic, the ground beneath her cracking slightly with each rage-filled stomp. She had work to do, she had to get ready for the great meetup, the moment of truth… the moment where she’d end the life of the one who could ruin everything she worked for. She took a few moments, breathing in and out slowly until she managed to calm herself down. “OK sweetie, you have to be strong. You only have three days left until the polymorph potion runs out, more than enough time to find that annoying cousin of yours and destroy her.” She said to herself with a devilish grin and a cold chuckle, she walked out of the old office and into the rest of the factory, the legions of stallions turning to her with cold, seemingly dead stares and wide excited grins, “Dearies, I have work for you~” She sang, flying up to a tall platform, “I have to deal with my cousin, yet to do so, I first must get rid of that pesky bat! If the bat is taken care of, Primavera’s powers will grow unstable and her anger and grief will take over, weakening her. So, in order to bring her out of that castle, we will have to cause enough trouble so they will run out of available guards and have no other choice but call her.” Her magical wings sprouted from her back, taking her further into the air. “Two days from here, we will cause chaos, two days from here you will bring me that mare, two days from here… my cousin will fall! “ “Yes, Lord Aroma!” The stallions all said in perfect unison. “Oh that never gets old.” The deer giggled. It was time for some chaos! As Luna’s moon shone above Canterlot, two incredibly well dressed mares walked through the busy streets of one of Canterlot’s finest areas. Yet much to the smaller mare’s annoyance, they were not alone. Behind them four Royal Guards, two mares and two colts, all of them thestrals, kept an eye out for anything suspicious. “Do they really have to follow us in our date?” Pockets quirked a brow. This was supposed to be special, now it was just weird. “Unfortunately,” Midnight replied and leaned across to nuzzle her.”Don’t worry, they’ll be waiting outside, so we can dine in peace okay?” “Ok…” Pockets replied, still a bit annoyed. Yet she soon shoved all those feelings away, looking at Midnight with a wide grin, “Oh this will be so freaking cool! I’ve been looking forwards to this day for freaking forever… well not really just like a week or two, but you get the point.” “Yes I do,” Midnight giggled. “Also, that dress looks amazing on you by the way. Did Cadence help you pick it out?” “Oh this old piece of cloth?” Pockets chuckled, doing a quick spin, and showcasing the beautiful piece of garment. It was a long purple nightdress with detailed white lining across its upper part. As she walked, the dress trailed behind her giving an exquisite feel of class to the atmosphere, a gorgeous large violet ribbon that rested behind her head catching the eye of many passerbyers, “She picked it up from some of her old clothes when she lived here, says it’s a special dress for a special night and for a special mare.” “So one of Cadence’s old dresses?’ Midnight looked her over. “Huh, who’d have thought she’d still have her Cute’Ceanera dress.” “Oh you asshole.” Pockets rolled her eyes and bumped Midnight’s flank with her own, giving her a playful grin, “There is shrinking magic ya know? Not everything my size is made for teens… well most is, but that’s irrelevant!” “For now,” Midnight chuckled and kissed her cheek. “Okay, so we remember the rules yes? No stealing the fancy silverware. And if you don’t know what it is you’re ordering, ask me okay?” “Got it! Also, try to act like a somewhat normal pony in fronts of others, and doesn’t matter how shiny it is, I have to keep my hooves or my magic off it.” The unicorn nodded. She wouldn’t let her thief instincts screw this up. “And thirdly and most importantly,” Midnight replied with a sly smile. “If you must, don’t let me catch you~” “Oh this is why I love you.” Pockets giggled., before turning that giggle into a look of sheer awe and amazement. The restaurant lay ahead of them, it looked, not like a place that should be in Canterlot. The building was made of wood, and looked kind of like a giant doll’s house. Some displays of large, red-capped mushrooms and beautiful flowers made Pockets think the place was run by fairies or something. The outside was lit by two iron-cast oil lanterns. “This is the Meadow’s Song,” Midnight said. “A place that I knew I just had to bring you to.” “Daaaamn.” Pockets whistled. “Don’t you think it’s a bit too much though? I don’t want you spending all that money on little ol’ me.” “Like you aren’t worth it,” Midnight smiled and nuzzled her behind the ear. She wasn’t going to tell her that Celestia had given her a nice hazard pay bonus. It’d ruin the magic. “So, ladies first?” And with that, walked ahead of her. Pockets narrowed her eyes. But in reality, the joke was on Midnight because from back there she could get a really nice view of that good ol’ bat booty. And what a booty! She’d taken a lot of time brushing and getting her tail styled. She was wearing a small, silver chain that clipped to her tail hair, a thin, shimmering veil of crimson fabric connected to it. She wore a matching chain around her neck, devoid of the book-shaped locket that used to be there. Pockets smiled. Yes the thestral was sexy, she always was. But… this time, she just admired her attention to details, the effort she probably put on that outfit, on getting a reservation in such a fancy place, on just planning this whole thing up. She just wanted to admire the beauty of her marefriend, and she was going to make sure this was a great day not only for herself, but for both of them. The restaurant itself, it was beautiful. Though the outside was impressive in design, the inside was just outright magical. The walls were a light cream, with detailed, intricately carved wooden beams along the ceiling. Large curved windows overlooked the edge of the city, spreading out into a panoramic view of Harmony Valley below. But that wasn’t the greatest detail. What was, were the countless white flowers that wove in and around almost every inch of the walls and ceiling. Little fairy lights were strung up, like shimmering vines that laced the ceiling. It was like stepping into a magical grove, and the best part? They had the entire restaurant to themselves. Only a single table sat in the center of the room, and instead of a chandelier, it was lit by a bouquet of luminescent flowers, Ones that chimed softly when you touched them. “Woah…” Was the only thing Pockets managed to say when she walked in. The place was just truly magnificent, the scent of the flowers, the dim romantic lighting, the calm background music. Usually, it wasn’t her cup of tea. But right now, here with Midnight? It was the best thing ever, “Please, tell me this is not going to cost me my next salary, and the one after that, and the ones following until the end of time.” She quipped, yet her jaw was still pretty much on the floor. “No, it’s all paid for but don’t worry about that,” Midnight replied as she moved to one chair and pulled it out. “Cost is meaningless when it comes to you, because you’re always worth it. Now, take a seat.” Pockets almost shed a tear from that, a vibrant happy blush now taking her muzzle, “Come on Middy, you’re being cheesy and making me enjoy it. I have a reputation to keep.” She giggled and sat down, “This is… just… wow. You! You are… just… wow! I can’t believe this is happening. And for once, I don’t want to go around stealing everything in sight. That, coming from me, is saying a lot.” “I’ll bet it is,” Midnight giggled and kissed the top of her head before pushing her chair in and making her way around to her own. Once she sat down, their waitress approached. She was a tall, slender unicorn mare with large eyes. her deep purple iris’ almost took up the whole eye as she looked at the two of them. She had a long, straight black mane and tail, and wore a dress with wide sleeves. Her Cutie Mark was… a pair of fairy wings? “Welcome, most esteemed guests,” her voice was like a light summer breeze. gentle and oddly relaxing. “I trust that our establishment is to your liking?” “Let’s see. Amazing decoration? Check. Nice soothing music? Check. Beautiful thestral mare in front of me, looking at me with the most beautiful emerald eyes in the world, which are now rooolling around because I’m a silly butt? Check. And the service is not that bad either from the look of it.” Pockets grinned at the waitress, “Yes, I love it!” “Then we are most glad to hear so,” the waitress smiled. “And am Fairy Wind, your hostess for this evening. Are you ready to begin, or do you require some more time?” “We’ll start with the usual,” Midnight replied and winked at her. Fairy nodded and made her way towards the back so smoothly, she looked like she was floating. “The usual?” Pockets couldn’t help but ask. “I guess you’ll have to wait and see,” Midnight flashed her a sweet smile and tapped the flowers, letting off a small chime. “Everything is planned, you just gotta trust me okay?” “Alright. Damn…” She leaned back and raised a hoof to touch one of the flowers, a small petal falling on it, “This place just… damn. Didn’t take you for the romantic kind of mare to be honest, even if filly you would have totally loved this.” She couldn’t help but tease, “But I’m glad I was wrong. This… just means so much for me.” “Not the romantic kind?” Midnight pretended to be offended, but shrugged. “Yeah, I guess I can see that. I don’t exactly go for the whole ‘fancy dinner’ and the like.” She smiled and took Pocket’s hoof, kissing it. “But as I said, you’re worth it and then some.” “Hey, you know me. I’m not one for romantic candle-lit dinners or fancy restaurants either, but… being here with you, just changes everything.” Pockets smiled, “Last time I had a romantic dinner was at a fast food restaurant’s parking lot. At least the hay burgers were decent, and the hobo nearby was kinda funny. So yeah, this is quite the change for me.” Midnight swiftly decided she was going to use tonight to bury that memory in the core of the planet. Luckily for her, Fairy Wind returned, a tray in her magical grip. She placed to wine flutes on the table. Pockets expert eyes going to work right away. the base was made of pure gold with some silver inlay. And the glass itself was fine, Northern Crystal. This single glass alone could go for… “You okay?” Midnight said. “You’re staring pretty intensely at that glass. Did it insult your mother or something?” “No but it sure as hell is insulting my self control.” Pockets bit her lip, and shook her head. Nope, bad Pockets! Bad! “Nevermind that. This…” She gave the wine a good look, “Looks like either a very fancy juice, or a very fancy alcoholic drink…” “This,” Fairy explained. Is a bottle of Grande note, cultivé sous la Lune Rouge, à partir de Prance.” What... What... “What…” Was the only thing Pockets managed to say, followed by another “”What….” “It’s Prench for ‘tasty wine’,” Midnight giggled. “What she actually said is the wine’s full name.Grand rating, grown under the Red Moon, from Prance.” She poured two glasses, the rich, crimson-hued liquid filling the glass. “You had me at wine, and lost me at the rest. But wine is wine so...” Pockets lifted the glass and smiled, “Cheers, for the two sexiest, craziest, most amazing mares in the universe.” “I’ll drink to that,” Midnight smirked. “Though, why am I toasting for myself and Fairy here?” Pockets quirked a brow, “Huh… I thought we were toasting in me and Quick Step’s honor? We do look hella nice on a maid outfit. You… eh, you’re ok I guess.” She smirked tauntingly, blowing her a raspberry. “Cute,” Midnight retorted. Dang, Pockets got her good there. She couldn’t argue that they did indeed look good in those outfits. “I also bring you these, to whet your appetite,” Fairy Wind said and placed some divine-scented breadsticks on the table, before bowing politely and taking her leave. Pockets’ gleeful smile was soon cut by the long breadstick she quickly began to devour, humming in delight as the explosion of garlic flavors partied inside her mouth, “Sooo good! You have to try these!” She picked up another one and moved it towards Midnight. Midnight took it and smiled at her. There was that mischievous glint in her eyes as Pockets realised the shape of the breadstick. But to her surprise… and somewhat disappointing, Midnight ate the bread like a normal pony. She was really going all out to make this night more romantic than sexual. “Now this, this I didn’t expect. Midnight Song acting like a normal pony? Damn!” The unicorn whistled and tossed half a breadstick into her muzzle, “So, what shall we talk about in this lovely evening batty?” “Anything you’d like,” Midnight replied as she finished eating. That had taken some effort not to do something perverse. “Hmm, who in their right mind thought a backalley burger joint would make a good date? I’ve seen Diamond Dogs with more class.” “Ouch! That totally hurt.” Pockets grimaced, a way too forced grimace, “At least I don’t smell my own butt… anymore.” The mixed expression of horror and, slight disgust on Midnight’s face quickly shifted things to a well deserved explanation, which was far more simple than one would expect, “I was a filly, I was kinda dumb, I had a little pup, and he always did that. I wanted to know why, regretted it immediately, and end of story.” “Only you…” Midnight sighed and facehooved, but Pockets could see a wicked smirk behind that hoof. “Well… at least you didn’t take up licking your crotch~” “Aaaand that’s a mental picture I did not need!” Pockets groaned and threw her a breadstick which landed in the bat’s waiting mouth, “Middy, I think we may or may not be kinda weird.” “Only the best are weird,” Midnight agreed and licked her lips. She took a sip of her wine and sighed. “Mmm, this is nice. I want more nights like this one.” “You mean without crazy corrupt old guys, dangerous mercenaries, and weird-ass thieves? Yeah, it’s pretty nice.” Pockets hummed and held Midnight’s hoof, “But want to know something funny?” “Oh, do tell,” Midnight said, batting her eyelashes at her. “I honestly am no longer scared about what might happen.” She said and drinked a sip of wine, “Because I know that no matter what sort of trouble I might get myself into, I can always count on my amazing guardian angel, or demon depending on how you see it. And that together, we can kick anyone’s butt! Because… no matter what happens, no matter if I have to go to Tartarus itself just to find you, to rescue you. I will do it, I will always be there for you… and I know you’d do the same... “ She trailed off with a soft smile, before blinking and shaking her head, “Gosh that was so cheesy! What are you doing to me!?” “Oh, your street cred just dove off the side of Canterlot,” Midnight chuckled and took Pockets hoof with her own. “And yeah, I feel the same. No matter what, I’ll always be here.” Any further sap was prevented by the arrival of Windy again. She presented two plates of food and it looked good. Your entrée,” she smiled and placed them on the table. “Tomato and caper linguine.” Pockets clapped her hooves and took a good bite of it… and squeaked in pain because it was too hot! And now her tongue was slightly swollen, she was probably looking like such a fool in front of Midnight.... Midnight just smiled and motioned to her glass of wine. Pockets took the glass and gulped it down, sighing in bliss as the feeling went away. She blinked, and quickly regained her ‘mature’ composure, this was a formal dinner after all, “S-so… how’s the investigation going?” Really? Did she really bring up work in the middle of a romantic date!? God dammit Pockets. “Not as well as I’d like,” Midnight sighed as she started eating her own food. “I still don’t know who those thieves are, it’s just… there’s a ton of questions and for every answer, there’s another twenty questions.” She groaned and put a hoof to her head. “Sorry, this is supposed to be about you, and I’m bitching about work.” “No, no. I‘m the one who brought it up.” Pockets sighed as well. Well this was going fantastically! Couldn’t they just talk about… well… I mean… what did couples talk about during dinner time, “Uhm… you know, I once helped kick a giant monster out of Tall Tale. With big boulders” Midnight’s eyebrow slowly arched. “Um… wat?” “Big guy, a cyclops. They have catapults that they use for stuff like that, and well this mare!” She pointed at herself, “Hit him right in the eye! And the rest was history. Except for the fact that I’m skipping over the guy I saved, the building that almost fell on me, and the cheers followed by the cops trying to catch me.” “Un-freaking-believable,” Midnight replied and drained her wine glass. This mare… she prayed she never got ahold of siege weaponry again. She’d likely take over the world. “Only you Pockets. Only you…” “The one and only.” Pockets smirked and hummed in thought, “You know, I have a question I’ve been meaning to ask. Dunno if I should though…” “Oh? What kind?” Midnight asked as she took another bite of her food. “Well… of the name variety?” The unicorn grinned awkwardly, “Most precisely, why do some ponies call you Moonlight. I… I know I said I would try and not go too much into your past and stuff but… I really want to know. If you don’t want to, or can’t tell me, then that’s fine. Still, I needed to ask.” “Oohh,” Midnight nodded twice and closed her eyes. “Yeah, i can see that getting confusing for you. It’s not that big a deal really. It’s just my other name. The name I’d use if I was back in Roamania.” Seeing that Pockets was still confused, she explained further. “Okay, you promise not to freak out?” “Promise!” Pockets raised her hoof excitedly, already dying to know the rest. “My other name… is Lady Moonlight Silent Sonata. My uncle is… well he’s kind of the Baron in Roamania, that being the highest point of authority. So, as the oldest daughter of his brother… it also sort kinda puts me in place as the next ruler. In Equestrian terms, I’d be closer to a Princess…” Pockets would have replied. She would have said something about it. But it would seem like Pockets’ mind had stopped working. “You promised you wouldn't freak,” Midnight replied, looking down as her ears flattened. She hated bringing that up, now the unicorn would treat her like a little porcelain doll, just like everypony else that knew... “You…” Pockets’ brain finally went back to work, “You are the most badass Princess ever!” The smile on the unicorn’s muzzle couldn’t have been wider, “Just think about it! You could live a life of like richness and luxury, but instead you chose the super awesome life of a super soldier bat and… and… it’s like a frigging superhero! You are a frigging superhero! Gods I love you so much my awesome princess of awesomeness!” “You… are such a dork,” Midnight giggled and wiped her eye. “I love you Pickett.” “I love you too batty,” Pockets chuckled. And then her ‘This may sound bad but…’ face was on. And when that face was on it probably meant that Midnight was about to get really, really upset. “But I have a question. Just how close would you say that you are to your uncle?“ “Well, we don’t exactly exchange letters every week,” Midnight replied. “I haven’t seen him in years really. Roamania isn’t exactly close. nearly a week by airship.” “So that means…” Pockets motioned her to continue. “Distance doesn't matter, if he dies or steps down, they’d come for me even if I was on the other side of Equestria.” Pockets sighed, “Yeah we'll get to that later… as in probably a couple of minutes or so. What I want to know is if you and him are close, like, on a personal level. Because depending on that I may feel better or worse about stealing around twelve thousand bits worth of merch from Royal Roamania ships…” She bit her lips, and tried her best at an apologetic smile. Midnight blinked… and then broke out into loud laughter. “O-Oh my gosh… that… that was you? He was pissed at that! Ahahaha, oh Sweet Celestia’s Sunny butt. I thought he tasted a rainbow with the colours he turnedaahahahahaha!” Yeah Pockets was confused again, “First of all, thank you I'm very proud of that one. Second of all, the buck did I miss? I thought you were family and stuff… then why do I feel like if I just brought Grumble down a second time and didn't even realize?” Midnight finally calmed down and refilled her wineglass, taking a sip. “Oh no, it’s just. I offered to guard that shipment. So yeah, in another life, you’d have met me much sooner. But his words were, ‘A Princess doesn’t swing a sword around. That’s a stallion’s job’. Soo, yeah. I laughed my flank off when he got robbed. By a tiny mare of all things. Oh, the irony is delicious~” She looked at Pockets and smiled. “Uncle’s nice, but he’s a bit of a misogynist.” Pockets couldn't help but chuckle at that. Midnight was right, the irony was quite tasteful that night, “Well I’d love to see his face now. The Princess Moonlight Sonata, now Specialist of the Royal Guard and all around total badass mare, Midnight Song. Swords? Please,” Pockets smirked and held Midnight’s hooves, “She only needs these to mess your day up. Isn't that right, my awesome princess?” Midnight groaned, seems she had a new nickname now. “Well, you’re not wrong. Especially with what I’ve learned from Ace.” During this point, their second entree arrived. “Hello again Esteemed Guests,” Fairy Wind greeted them. “Your next entree, Griddled vegetable and feta with tabbouleh.” “Ohh, this looks delish,” Midnight cooed, her ears wiggling cutely. Pockets giggled, and took a good look at the dish as well. A warm smile resting on her muzzle. Yet… she couldn't help but sigh in slight worry. There was one final thing she had been wanting to ask, but that was probably for another day. Tonight, it was all about making each other happy. And happy did she feel when the first spoonful of salad went in. It… was… “Woah!” “Yeah, this place is pretty amazing alright,” Midnight nodded and giggled when Pockets looked up. Midnight leaned forwards and licked the bit of fetta cheese off of the unicorn’s nose. Pockets squeaked in surprise and almost fell on her back. Her angry blush was just the cutest thing. Midnight just giggled and kept eating her meal. And then she got a piece of fetta cheese fired right at the tip of her muzzle. The thestral blinked and looked at Pockets. “Oh, you did not just throw food at me.” “Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t. Whatcha gonna do about it?” The unicorn smirked. Midnight shrugged. “Nothing right now. Just know that I will get my revenge. Anytime… anywhere. You will never see it coming either~” Pockets eyes widened. Oh this was bad. She giggled awkwardly and tried tossing another piece of cheese, yet failed miserably, “A-are you sure you don’t wanna get your revenge right now? B-Because that sounds pretty frigging scary.” One thing was revenge, that, she could deal with. Another completely different thing was a Middy-revenge, or as she liked to call them Middivenges. Now those were frightening. “I’m sure, tonight is for romance, not revenge,” Midnight nodded as she finished her plate. Once Pockets had finished hers, Windy appeared to taken them away, saying she’d be back soon with their main course. “Time for some more quirk questions!” Pockets sighed and tapped the table in thought, before coming up with a rather simple one, “I already know you’re pretty freaking awesome and all, but I have to ask… what is the craziest thing you’ve defeated?” “The craziest?” Midnight tapped her chin and hummed. “Well, let’s see here. I guess… Princess Luna?” Pockets’ jaw dropped… she raised her hoof to signal Midnight to wait, took the glass of wine… and then she made a rather impressive spittake, her jaw once more on the floor, “WHAT!?” “Yeah, I was the one that helped when her body was getting used to not being controlled by Nightmare Moon. She’d have these wild surges of magic and strength, so I was the one that was called on to give her some combat training, as a way to help her body regulate. She’d have moments where she couldn’t outmagic a regular unicorn, so I beat her into the dirt more than a few times.” Midnight wiped her face with a napkin. “Also, don’t spit the wine, it’s expensive.” “I thought it was necessary to get the point across.” Pockets shrugged, “Don’t worry about it I’ll steal a new one for you later. And yes that was a joke, if I came across one of these I’d drink it alone.” She smirked playfully and blew her a raspberry. She took another sip and actually drunk it, before going back into the conversation “But for realsies. I can’t state enough how badass you are! Like, not only are you a super powerful god-like princess from a faraway land… but you’re also a super secret super guard bat who kicks major ass on a regular basis!” “Nah, Luna gave as good as she got, and one round left me in hospital for a week,” Midnight replied. “And she cheats. trust me, do not fight Luna. She is a rotten cheater.” Midnight did not want to tell of some of the dreams she had. One sexy one turned into… well… It involved Midnight and a cave full of Diamond Dogs. Then Luna got… inventive. The thestral let out a shudder and shook her head. “Ok, question. She invited me to play the Mokepon trading card game next week. If I win, from one to a ‘It was nice knowing you’... how screwed am I?” “Aww, that’s cute,” Midnight chuckled and ruffled her mane. “You think you’re gonna win. She loves that freaking game. Still, if by chance you do win… well…” She tapped her chin. “How do you feel about Diamond Dogs?” “Judging from that face, something tells me it doesn’t matter anyways because she’ll traumatize me with them anyways.” Pockets said nervously, before smirking, “I’ll still kick her ass though. Just wait and see!” “Well, your funeral,” Midnight shrugged as Fairy Wind brought out the main course. It was an Eggplant Parmesan. The scent was just as divine as the previous dishes. “Ohhh, this looks so frigging good~” Pockets giggled and immediately took a bite. Her eyes shot open, her heart stopped, her mind ascended to the heavens… she was in culinary paradise now. “Midnight…” “Mm, yes dear?” “Can I do something illegal?” “You cannot kidnap the chef,” Midnight pre-empted her. “I’d have to arrest you and I won’t use the funtime hoofcuffs.” “What if it’s not a kidnaping, just a friendly borrowing without telling anyone?” The thief questioned, her face still froze in the ecstatic trance. “No, Pockets,” Midnight rolled her eyes as she ate. She had to admit, it was pretty damned good though. She really wished kitchens didn’t burn down around her. She’d love to make a homemade meal for Pickett sometime. Pockets happily ate the dish down with an excited wiggle of her tail and the most gleeful of hums, munching on a good portion of the dish and gulped it down, sighing competently before waving the wine glass in circles like she’d seen fancy ponies do and just waiting there, looking at Midnight, seemingly waiting for something to happen. The thestral was oddly silent though, her eyes occasionally shifting to the kitchens. “You know,” Pockets quirked a brow with a playful smile, “I’m not the only one that should be starting the conversations during a date. I’m starting to think you’re not enjoying this.” “What?” Midnight flinched and looked at her. “What, No! I’m having the time of my life here!” she put on a wide smile and nodded. It was around then that Fairy Wind brought out their desserts. Both were covered by a silver tray as she set them down in front of each mare. She removed Midnight’s first, a mango parfait. Pockets giggled and shook her head, that was so incredibly cute, “I’m just playing around you dingdong. I’m having the time of my life as well. Then again.” She narrowed her eyes and lips and the most faked, forced, and amusing soap-opera-like romantic voice came from her mouth, “Every moment I spend with you is the time of my life.” She whispered with a terrible Colta Rican accent. Midnight just shook her head and chuckled. But that breath was suddenly held as fairy removed Pockets’ dessert cover. Well, it was now or never. Either this would go wonderfully… or Pockets would back away from her… advances. The dessert itself looked delicious, a decadent chocolate lava cake. But, it wasn’t the dessert that caught her attention. On top of the dessert, sat a tiny little parcel wrapped in gold ribbon. The unicorn blinked in surprise and levitated the parcel with her magic, “Uhm… Midnight, what’s this?” She shook it slightly, it seemed to be quite light, and heard absolutely nothing. She didn’t wait for an answer, and simply undid the ribbon carefully. Wow that was some tight wrapping. The ribbon fell off to dish’s side, and now the only thing left was to open the parcel… and her eyes widened at what was inside. It was a silver horn-ring, two musical notes adorned the top of it, an octave and a quaver to be exact. Inside the circular parts of the ring, sat gleaming blue topaz. “It’s… a promise ring,” Midnight replied said in a quiet tone. “A promise that no matter what, I’ll always be here for you. No matter what. And that someday, once our lives are a little more settled. I’ll… give you another kind of ring.” Pockets was stunned, shocked, tears began forming on her eyes. And then the most beautiful smile Midnight had ever seen, a smile that was soon covered by the unicorn’s hooves. She giggled, and grabbed the thestral’s hoof, “M-Midnight… I can only accept this if you let me promise you something as well. That I’ll always be there for you as well… and that I won’t let anyone get in our way. That… I will do my freaking best to make you happy. Ok?” “You already make me the happiest mare in Equestria,” Midnight smiled and kissed her hoof. “Just by being you. I love you so much, my cute little thief.” Pockets vanished in a flash, just to appear right on top of Midnight’s lap, tackling her to the ground and kissing her tenderly. Right now, she was quite possible one, if not the happiest mares on Equus. Once the kiss broke, she held Midnight’s hoof which moved up to clear her tears of joy, and the unicorn only mouthed a honest, heartfelt “Thank you…” The ring was engulfed by her magic, and it slowly levitated in the air, hovering above her horn and gracefully falling down. Pockets’ muzzle mouthed another “Thank you…” before nuzzling the mare of her life’s neck, the source of her happiness, the one she loved the most, her beautiful, brave knight. “Never thank me for loving you, because I’d do it again in a heartbeat,” Midnight said, returning her hug. The thief sighed and raised her head, her muzzle inches away from Midnight’s. After that? She had no fear of asking anything anymore, she had no doubts about asking her what had been in her mind all day long, “Midnight…” She whispered, taking a small breath before offering a warm, loving smile to the thestral, “After all of this is over, after we’re done fighting weird deer creatures with a bad attitude and thieve groups that come out of nowhere and smell bad. Would… would you want to move to a house, an actual house together?” Midnight blinked and looked at her. “Well… that’s annoying.” And now Pockets’ heart was shattered into a million pieces, “W-what…? B-But… oh gods I’m totally rushing this aren’t I?” “Tch! You steal my thunder in fights, now you totally stole the question I was going to ask you,” Midnight replied and folded her forelegs. Pockets’ deadpanned, hard. She could probably freeze the sun with that glare. “You have no idea… of how freaking scared… I WAS RIGHT NOW!” She punched Midnight's shoulder, albeit not a strong punch by any means, and huffed, “You’re mean, you know that? Great job breaking the romantic mood by the way.” Midnight rubbed her shoulder, before pulling Pockets into a hug. “You’re right, that was thoughtless of me.” She kissed the top of her head and stroked her mane in that way she liked. “And yes my love, I would love to live with you.” The thief giggled and gave Midnight’s cheek a kiss, “Glad to hear that batty. This… has to be one of the best nights ever.” “The first of many, I promise you,” Midnight smiled back and gave her a tender kiss, her lips meeting hers gently. “But, our night is far from over, so let’s eat our dessert. There’s still a place I want to take you.” Pockets took a bite of her yummy dessert and hummed in delight. She was really looking forwards to what was coming now, not only the rest of the night, but the rest of her life as well. With this mare around? She was happy. And that on itself was an amazing thing. Once dessert was eaten and laughs were had, the duo of mares, followed by the thestral guards, walked once more through the dark streets of Canterlot. Except this time… Pockets was for some reason completely blindfolded. “You know… this is way harder that what the movies make it look.” She grunted as she clumsily followed Midnight. Midnight rolled her eyes and Pockets found her hooves leaving the ground as she was placed on Midnight’s back. “Better?” Midnight asked with a small smirk as Pockets heard one of the guards chuckle. “Not by much. You know just how much I love flying.” Pockets gulped, hugging her marefriend tight and shaking slightly. “I’m not flying you dingus,” Midnight retorted, tapping her hooves on the cobblestone. “Just chill. We're almost there.” “Sure.” Pockets sighed in relief, trusting Midnight and whatever she had planned. What could go wrong? After all, the thestral did say Pockets was gonna love whatever was coming. When Midnight stopped, she set Pockets on the ground and removed her blindfold. In front of her was an old church, from the days when Celestia was worshipped as a deity. An old wooden sign hung over the door. ‘The Belfry’ “And here we are,” Midnight smiled. Pockets blinked to clear her vision, her eyes slowly widening at the sight ahead, “Well now isn’t this a romantic place?” She snorted. Truth be told, it was freaking creepy, but at the same time kinda cool, “What is this place? Didn't really take you for the religious type.” “Mmm, not quite,” Midnight said. “I’ll tell you later, but now’s not the time for a history lesson.” She walked up and knocked on the door, a panel slid open. “Password.” “Let me in or I’ll break your Luna-damned balls,” Midnight said. The voice on the other side paused and Pockets could almost hear the pony sweat. “Aha, right, of course. Welcome back Middy.” The door creaked open and Midnight led Pockets inside. What the unicorn saw… was not what she was expecting at all. The entire building had been converted into a bar, and it was filled with batponies. A few normal ponies and a griffon or two… but mostly thestrals. “Holy… butts…” A whistle came out of the unicorn’s muzzle as she checked the place out, “Now this is more my style. You come here a lot?” She asked Midnight yet kept her gaze on the different tables, checking all the customers. “Not for a while,” Midnight admitted as she nodded to a few stallions. “Well, not since returning from Tall Tale anyway.” “Yeah, we missed you Songbutt!” One stallion called out. “Indeed we did,” another mare replied as she glided up next to Pockets. She had a smokey black mane with a charcoal grey coat. Her eyes shone like gold as she looked Pockets over. “And pray tell Little Song, who is this delicious little morsel?” “Ap!” Midnight pushed her back with a hoof. “Mine. Go get your own.” “Aw, you don’t want to share?” the thestral mare said and then drew Pockets in for a deep kiss with a lot of tongue. The unicorn could taste the sweet alcohol on her before the mare released her and licked her lips. “Mmm, chocolatey~” “I have no idea what just happened but I’m not complaining.” Pockets said in extreme confusion. She had a lot of different experiences with places like this, so a drunk kiss wasn’t anything new. “Ember, I am about to murder you,” Midnight growled and the flirty mare just giggled and flew back to her table. Midnight sighed and looked at Pockets. “You okay?” “No…” Pockets sighed, before giving a wide ear-to-ear smirk, “I’m better than okay! This place brings back so many freaking memories. Oh you should have seen me when I was living in Manehattan, these kind of places were home to me. Now show me around you sexy batmare, let’s have some freaking old school pub-fun!” “Hoo boy,” Midnight sighed and led her to the bar, where a rather voluptuous thestral mare was cleaning a glass. She looked older than Midnight, but still had ample curves in aalll the right places. She glanced up and the two and once they reached the bar, she leaned across to hug Midnight. “Middy, it’s been way too long. Where have you been?” she exclaimed, having an accent that Pockets couldn’t quite place. “She’s been with the most awesome smol unicorn ever, just that.” Pockets smirked and gave Midnight a good kiss on the cheek. “Ooh, somepony has a marefriend?” The thestral then yanked Midnight over the bar and down behind it. “Okay Song, spill it. I want all the details!” “Not much to tell,” Midnight said. “We’re together, as in, I see her exclusively on a regular basis. What else is there?” The mare sighed and placed Midnight back next to her marefriend. “Well… if that’s the case…” She stood up on the bar. “Oi! Everypony!” She was met with total ignorance. Some fool was dancing on a table and hogging the attention. He was no longer doing so after a barstool was thrown at his head by the barkeep. Ascultați cei care te bădărani la beție! she yelled out in an odd language that Pockets didn’t recognise. “Midnight Song here has a marefriend. A permanent one! So pay up!” A round of cheers and grumbles echoed through the bar as bits were exchanged. Midnight blinked and looked up at the barkeep. “Tappy! What the hay?” “Huh, oh there’s been a bet riding on whether you could be tamed or not for ages,” Chilled Tap replied and winked at Pockets. “Oh she can’t be tamed really.” Pockets chuckled, “I’m just surprised she hasn’t bitten me… that much.” “Can I?” Midnight said and leaned in close, her fangs combing through the fur on Pocket’s neck. “Middy, you know the rules,” Tap said. “You wanna do that, use the back room.” “Mmm, but you know I like an audience~” Midnight purred as she nibbled Pockets again. “Midnight, no. Even though a part of me kinda wants to say yes. I don't wanna get in trouble again.” The unicorn gasped as Midnight's fangs sent shivers down her spine. She managed to break free of the fang-attack. “Save it for later batty. Oh by the way, name’s Pockets, didn't get to say it. “ “And I am Chilled Tap, best barkeep in the best bar in Canterlot,” the curvaceous mare smiled back. “Nice to meet you dear.” “Same! So, got any juicy embarrassing stories ‘bout a certain sexy thestral mare ya think you could share?” Pockets smirked and wiggled her brows, glancing at Midnight. “Oh do I ever,” Tap grinned back. “I should mention the time she and some drago-mmph?” “Aaaand that's enough story time,” Midnight blushed profusely as she gagged the mare with a hoof. “Awww, come on! It was getting good!”Pockets pouted, “Fineee, but what’s up with you and dragons? This is the third time I’ve freaking heard about one.” Midnight sighed as she released Tap to tell the story. “Okay,” the mare giggled. “So It's like this. Middy here comes in after a rough day at work, and decides to get blind drunk. And well, we had some young drakes visiting… to make a long story short. She took both of them. At the same time.” “Whaaaa!” Pockets’ jaw dropped, looking at Midnight with a ‘Really!?’ expression. Now that's talent right there. “Oh come on, I've done way better stuff,” Midnight pouted. “True, the bucket of ice water above our dear Princess Celestia’s door was a good one,” Tap nodded in agreement. Several more thestrals had come to listen to the stories. And the flirty one from before was already snuggling up next to Pockets. She didn't really care though, as the small thief gave the bartender mare every single bit of her attention. Her smile widened with every passing minute and every new story, gasping at the suspenseful parts, laughing at the shenanigans, and smirking as her collection of embarrassing Midnight moments grew. She managed to break free of the now doozy mare that was snuggling her and pulled Midnight into a hug, nuzzling her, “Ya know, these stories are only confirming what I already knew. Wanna know what?” “I haven’t the faintest idea,” Midnight sighed as the bar laughed at another tale of her escapades. “That my marefriend is the most amazing mare on the world.“ Pockets nuzzled her… before a wide smirk grew on her muzzle, “Well, second best.” “Second huh?” Midnight smirked at her. “So I guess you're a glutton for punishment, huh sweetie?” “Hey, this mare has to keep her status as best pony. “ Pockets chuckled, rubbing her shoulder with a smug grin, “After all, all those stories are cool and everything. But you're talking to the prank master, the most devilish of mares. I've had some legendary stunts myself.” “Hmm, we’ll see,” Midnight mused as she took a large wooden mug of ale and chugged the contents down, exhaling loudly once she had. “Ahh, that’s the stuff!” “Hey I thought this was a date. Aren't you going to get your mare a drink as well?” Pockets asked the thestral. Midnight moved in in front of her, holding her with one hoof as the other held the metal tankard. “Oh but of course. Would you like a mug…” She licked her lips and leaned in close. “Or drink from the source perhaps~” Several mares and stallions blushed and gulped heavily. “Hmmm, I don't know. I'm not sure there's enough to quench my thirst…” Pockets smirked. Midnight smirked back and took a mouthful of ale before pressing her lips against Pocket’s ones. The unicorn happily returned the kiss and drank up, humming in delight and even giggling a bit from the expression of the thestrals around them, even shooting a wink at the flirty mare from before. “Oi, what have I said about that?” Tap scolded Midnight as the thestral shrugged and broke the kiss. “Honestly, kids these days…” “Oh fie, we’ve had some crap days recently,” Midnight replied and hoofed over a mug to Pockets. “Between racially diverse thieves, vengeful relatives and weird-flank magic... “ She groaned and downed another mug. “Fuck our life. Seriously.” “Hey don't say that. At least you got this little unicorn at your side. “ Pockets grinned, nudging Midnight, “Me, and this wonderful booze. So let's have a cheer for the fact that it could be worse!” “And now it will because you said that,” Midnight sighed as she refilled the unicorn’s mug. “Now this is called Dusky Cloud. It’s a thestral spirit and has a little bit of a kick. Not the strongest, but just take it carefully hm?” “Oh please, I'm from Manehattan remember? I can take a couple of drinks.” Pockets snorted and slowly yet surely gulped the drink down. Once over, she slammed the mug on the table and with a happy sighed, she asked… “Another!” “So there I was. Me, versus Green Lead and fifteen of his colts right behind my tail with nothing but my wits, my speed, and a warehouse full of containers which were filled to the brim with fresh, stinky fish that was going to be exported to the griffons...” After the sixth story, and the third jug of Dusky Cloud, Pockets had decided to start telling stories of her own, most of which were pranks that she had made to Grumble and his friends over the years. And whether it was because of her talent or because of her drunkenness, her storytelling was on point. With every intense part she raised her voice, with every shocking moment she shouted and teleported to a table, and with every punchline she leaned on a wall, going all over the place to tell the story at the best of her abilities, even making some fairly good imitations on the voices. “So, I let the bastards follow me all over the place, making sure to keep a good distance between us, right? And it looks like the bastard Green Lead is going to get to me… but then, I teleport!” And with a flash, she was on top of another table, earning some gasps from the audience, “And wanna guess where I was at? Why on top of the freaking container of course. And so with one quick PEW the door of the container is open and boom! Fish begins raining over the cops, oh so much freaking fish… and the glorious smell they had. Let me tell ya some of those cops smelled like raw fishie for freaking weeks! Oh… but that’s not all.” She grinned and walked down the table and towards the counter, “They decided to keep following me… and because I knew the city so well, I knew that there was a pet shop filled to the brim with hungry dogs and cats a few blocks away. One flick of magic, and whoops, who let the dogs out? Why this mare. Oh… and do you wanna know what the cherry on the cake was?” Pockets quirked a brow with a smug grin, leaning on the counter next to Midnight and chuckling, gripping another jug of Ale, “One of the dogs? Well… let’s just say he had an appetite for meat, and that since that day Green Lead started to be known as the… ‘Compensator’.” And with a smug grin, she chugged the ale down in one go, and sighed, waiting for the reaction. All the stallions in the room whimpered and placed their hooves over their legs as the mares cackled with laughter. “Oh dear,” Midnight chuckled as she watched her marefriend. “She’s so wasted right now.” “I’m no wasted love, I’m just…. wasted.” Pockets snorted with a half-laugh and leaned against her, “This place is fuuuun~ Why didn’t you tell me about this place before? Didcha want all the fun for yourself or sumthin?” “Because I knew this would happen,” Midnight rolled her eyes. “You’re going to hate tomorrow. PT is no fun when you’re hungover.” “Ehhh, I’ve had hangovers before. But no worries, I’m actually not that drunk… I think. I can still recognize my beautiful sexy batty between all these thestrals.” Pockets grinned and pecked Midnight’s cheek, “Hey, can I ask ya something?” “Always” Midnight said and kissed her back. “Have you ever thought about the future and where you see yourself in like, ten years or so?” Pockets asked with a slight drunk tone, playing with her glass of ale. “More than once,” Midnight said as she sat back down. “The outcome tends to change depending on where my life is at the time. So… I guess I’ve never really had a clear answer.” She put her wing around Pockets. “And you, my drunken little pony?” “Same. If you had asked me a year ago where I’d be in ten years or so, I’d tell you either in jail or in the streets doing what I do best. Who’d known I would end up with someone who would take me out of that life and turn me into an awesome law-enforcer?” Pockets chuckled and nudged Midnight playfully, “But… ya wanna know my new answer?” “Do enlighten me,” Midnight nodded. “I see myself, married to a beautiful, beautiful thestral mare, getting ready to kick some criminal ass together. Who knows, maybe a nice lil’ adopted filly, I’ve always wanted to adopt a filly and spare her from the hell orphanages are.” Pockets mused with a smile, “Or maybe a bunch of cats and stuff… I want another drink.” “Marriage? Adoption?” Midnight… did not want to admit that she panicked slightly at those words. How fast was this mare wanting to move? And that was when Tappy pulled Pockets aside and behind the counter. “Hello there,” she said. “You and I are going to have words.” “Why hello there, where’d you come from?” Drunk Pockets grinned, booping Tappy’s muzzle, “What’s up?” “Are you serious about that?” she asked the mare. “About marriage and all that junk about foals and cats?” “Is this a trick question?” Pockets snorted, before shrugging, “Dunno, would be nice. Of course I ain’t saying right now, like, there’s still someone trying to kill me apparently. But like come on, with a mare like Midnight who wouldn’t want to spend a life with her?” “A mare that had her last engagement ruined by those damnable bugs,” Tap said seriously. “She used to be engaged to this nerdy little unicorn. But that was utterly ruined.” She looked at Pockets and smiled. “I’m telling you that you shouldn’t do it. Just… tread carefully alright. You have all of us to count on for help as well. Middy deserves at least that much.” Pockets actually was silent for a few seconds, before nodding, “Alright. Don’t worry! Imma take good care of her, and do my besty best, alright?” “Good girl,” Tappy nodded and booped her nose. “Don’t forget, you have us to help you too.” She stood up and placed Pockets on the bar counter. “Let’s hear it for Pockets, our new honorary Thestral!” The bar erupted into cheers as another round of drinks was passed around. One was given to the unicorn, a dark liquid that looked like death itself. “The Nightmare,” Tap explained much to Midnight’s horror. “One sip, if you stay standing, you’re one of us.” Pockets narrowed her eyes and looked at the drink with a furious, determined gleam in her eyes, “Bring it on!” Pockets grinned before grabbing the drink, and without hesitation gulping it all down. And then it hit her like a mini-truck. Her throat burned like Tartarus itself and her head became foggy, her muscles shaking and trembling before sending her world into a frenzy. That drink sure lived up to its name. The world shook, and her head spinned… yet much to everyone’s surprise, with a loud unladylike burp, Pockets remained in place… barely. Everybat just stared, wondering if the mare was still conscious, or had fainted sitting up. “You… okay little mare?” Midnight asked and gingerly poked her with a hoof. Pockets mumbled something under her breath, before burping again and looking at Midnight with a quirked eyebrow, “Have...you ever thought about how beds are shelves for our bodies when we’re not using them?” She asked her, before smirking and pushing her away playfully, “Oh pleaaase. I am from motherbucking Manehattan! You’re gonna need far more than that to knock me down!” She laughed and spinned in place, before grabbing Midnight and giving her a sloppy wet kiss… Except that wasn’t Midnight at all. Midnight raised an eyebrow as her marefriend made out with the flirty thestral from earlier, Ember Skies. Somepony hoofed over a camera and Midnight took a photo. That’d be great blackmail for later. Pockets broke the kiss and looked at the mare, narrowing her eyes before chuckling, “You ain’t Midnight… my batty is a waaaay better kisser.” “I feel as though I should resent that,” Ember frowned as Midnight pulled Pockets away. “What can I say?” Midnight shrugged and nibbled the unicorn’s neck again. “Everypony is Songsexual~” “Sorry love, you weren’t bad, just not as good.” Pockets chuckled and nuzzled Midnight with a giggle, “Hehe, did you see that save? Pretty good huh?” She asked her favorite thestral mare. “Uhuh, you still kissed her,” Midnight replied and booped her nose. “And it wasn’t a bad save. You’re just lucky you're drunk and seeing you make out with another mare is pretty hot… aww, I miss Sphinx.” “She was a pretty damn good kisser. Who knew beaks were so frigging hot.” Pockets sighed, before smiling, “But hey, I got you. And you’re far better than any sexy deadly spy gal.” “Damn right,” Midnight nodded. “Now come on, let’s get you home. We have a long day tomorrow and you’re gonna feel like death warmed up as is.” “Awww. But Middy!” Pockets pouted. She was having some serious fun in there. Midnight sighed and rolled her eyes. “Fine, we’ll stay and you can play with your new friends some more ya brat.” “Yay~” Pockets giggled and hugged Midnight… only to sigh and fall asleep with her head on Midnight’s back. The thestral snorted and shook her head lightly. “Who needs foals when I have her,” she said with a slight smirk. “Well, it’s been fun. Thanks for making her feel welcome guys.” “Our pleasure,” Chilled Tap nodded and gave Midnight a nuzzle. “Take care on your way home.” “Of course,” Midnight said. “Later guys.” She left the bar, still carrying Pockets as she started heading back to the palace and the barracks there. She wanted to put an end to this crap that was going on in the city right now. So Pockets could get that future she wanted.