Power Ponies and Doom

by Architect of Realities

First published

Victor, not the normal child like others as he quickly had to 'pretend' to be normal. Who rooted for the villain that was worthy of his attention hoping to be the same when he grew up, well our watchers through the void, he has gotten his wish.

[This is a note, please read this boxed post just so that you and others who read this much understand that this may or may not be a take on someone dressed as doom and trying to be him, there will be flaws and maybe hopes to challenge myself in this setting but all I ask if helpful critic and if I need to fix a mistake just point it out to me in pm. If nothing else know that this is a test of my ability and I at least hope you enjoy this to some degree. Because after all, I am writing to bring enjoyment to myself and others.]
Doctor Doom, the name and persona screamed MANY things. But to one becoming a man by the name of Victor embraced the character whole heartedly, going so far as to wish on more than one occasion to be him.
At one convention he get's his wish come true when someone dressed as Handsome Jack with odd violet glowing eyes walked in his path dropping something on the ground, he stopped to grab what landed on the ground to be what looked like a handgun strait out of what doom would have used. Not one to leave his holster empty he placed it in and straitened up to only see himself in a alleyway, with a parchment.
[Note we added 'Random' due to other non-factored events or settings that may happen.]

Doomed Encounter and Disturbances

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Displaced Encounter and Disturbances
[Maretropolis – Bad part of town – Doctor Doom]
[Play]

My vision became clear and a frown formed behind my now metal mask, distant sounds of a busy metropolis filled my ears but it was off, no sounds of cars but there were sounds of wheels and a few walking that sound like clip clops, using my calculating mind to come to some obvious conclusions with a few simple tests. The first was to ‘smack’ my forehead to see if I was in a coma or dreaming, answer one was this being real and what I wore and saw was perceived as real besides the throbbing pain. Second was taking in my environment only to notice a few things, it was maybe midnight, the spot I was in was a dirty alley way, for I gaze around noting that there were lit skyscrapers and other lights above the clouds.

Opening my palms wide I point upwards at one convenient light overhead and the following pop as electric energy flowed from it into my armor, note to self the nearby circuit box ALSO blew open feeding MORE electricity into my body building up some type of boosted power generation system enabled. As the visual effect of electric power zapping along my armor was rather cool to note, besides the invigoration of a overcharge.

I’m hoping to have been ‘blessed’ by some god thing or worse simply dumb luck dropped the hammer upon me to get this possibility, I only smiled at seeing the power current from some of the nearby lights flicker in a shattering pop too while electric current coursed into my suit and body scorching the ground around my body.

Finally looking around just in case the noise drew anyone resulted in a floating ‘page’ that I just noticed simply being there, carefully grabbed that paper read much like a letter, cute, what it did say intrigued me but also infuriated my once hopeful optimism and perhaps my greatest wish came true with ‘issues’.

Dear ‘Doctor Doom’,
We hath seized the opportunity to recruit thou to be ‘our’ little human in this ‘piece’ of the multiverse! Thou should be rather grateful that it was time taken to give this page written form upon landing in this new world, it shall be a challenge regardless as for we found thou most interesting amongst others from where thou were previously.

Let it never be said we never gave thou proper warning that things shall be difficult if ill prepared, think of it as the best chance to embrace what thou always WISHED to be. We shall be ever Observing this adventure marking a new chapter in life, do survive for it would be a sad state of affairs.

Ever Observing, Architect of Realities.
P.S. Enjoy thou beginning good luck for now, make a habit to recheck thou digital manuals.

But I have to remember that there are likely unforeseen consequences to this ‘wish come true’ that has to be prepared for, such as anyone whom became my enemy from this happenstance, which knowing my track record is going to be a tub of honey to a bear. Like that onetime being cut up by my cousin who had a ‘bad day’ and no one warned me, the bitch is crazy and should have been in a straitjacket but no! ‘Harmless like a butterfly’ my ass, or more like my slashed up face, it left me with not just a couple of scars but I counted each one, lucky number thirteen and would have stabbed my eyes out…

Moving onto other thoughts I may have to fight Doctor Doom’s enemies, oh lady luck please let it not be the Fantastic Four! Those insufferable IDIOTS cause so much drama I could vomit and wish myself clean of their insipid ‘heroism’, who even call those who cause or equate property damage or invade a foreign power just to attack their leader in the name of ‘justice’ or crap like that which in ‘some’ viewpoints it would be the ‘correct’ course of action because of circumstances.

Knowing my luck I’ll likely have similar woes or the same ones, if I even see that Mary Richards I will just ignore her at best and make it a point to find someone better. “Help!” Oh great, someone is interrupting a good brooding process and if it isn’t shut up, they’ll draw attention, if there is attention there likely will be police of some kind or worse a ‘hero’ type. When there are those kind around then it is likely to turn out into a full brawl that insipid minded fools would rush into, which for these reasons alone I’ll just nip it in the bud and maybe kidnap someone to pump for information and basic knowledge before finding a spot to hide.

Following the audio pings with a minimap forming in my mask's view I soon see a classic mugging at knife point, my expression turned into a deadpan before lifting up my hand and sending out an electric charge strong enough to put down a healthy man into his ‘tacky’ greaser outfit. “There, now you can be a good ‘damsel in distress’ and run along or something. I have a potential information source and possible expendable thug to pilfer, if he’s dead I will just leave him here.”

I didn’t bother looking at her or the man I zapped, which was until a mint green color fur covered figure wearing a set of jeans and a white t-shirt with a lyre image on the chest, matching mint green jacket like her fur, her light blue and white hair style set back into a ‘ponytail’ fashion and finally her gold colored eyes shimmered when looking at me. Did I mention that she was an equine alien thing with human features? No? Well I do know it now!

(What? You expect me to add in all her physical features for my own later perversion of mental fapping? Fine you win perverted primal instinct, don’t give me that look I know you lot are in some way! It is how any human or creature could even get excited enough to reproduce.)

Her figure was rather nice, a bit shorter than me about 5’7” but from estimations she had probably a C cup bust that was rather absurdly perky almost, decent hips with a lovely ass but also some odd horn protrusion upon her head that may serve as a goring implement or a deformity. She had what I believed to be hooves while also showing humanoid characteristics that if I was to be stuck here may grow on me over time.

There was that half lidded look of a hunger which to a very ‘irrational’ tiny part of my brain hoped this place they were not carnivores and were instead herbivores, it would make intimidation and planning easier if it was to be that, added if they were half as (in)competent as the Fantastic Four or Avengers. Which she seems to be muttering something to herself before I broke her out of her own trance, no idea why some alien equine thing would react that way, I was sort of expecting some scream of bloody murder or was I just disappointed?

“What are you looking at insipid equine creature? Is there a language barrier of understanding or are you incapable of following simple instructions?” Admittedly my wording was harsh but she seemed to vibrate with excitement before uttering a couple soft words, that quite surprised me rather well to be honest. “I would very much like to thank you for coming to my rescue, by the way are you a human?” Her tone of voice was barely withheld excitement and hope, it didn’t matter why but at least she knew what I was. Also she seemed to have shrugged off my insults for now except for the back folding of ears on her head.

Narrowing my gaze upon her as she may have likely felt my irritation towards her rising before answering simply. “Yes, I would be the ‘Pinnacle’ of the Human species. Likely the only one to exist depending on your small minded reaction, are you a scholar? If not I have little use for dead weight, for I am pressed for time and to get my baring and hide no thanks to you creature.” Lifting my left hand to simply flick her nose on the muzzle sent her onto her ass with her tail laying out flat before than ‘procuring’ all of the mugger’s things on hand to examine.

Soon walking deeper into the same alley having bypassed the strange female, only I heard the scraping of ‘hooves’ and hoped she was walking away before she in a more subdued voice dripping with joy. Responded in hopes to continue following and talking I assume, wouldn’t hurt to have a hostage at worse or a momentary show of force to any bleeding heart types. But one positive was she had a good voice, NO, stop that thought Victor, do NOT think of the equine alien female as one of those aliens from star trek who would jump Captain Kirk's bones.

“Ooooh! I was right all along, eat that Bon Bon! I knew I wasn’t crazy and my wish came true, please can I stick with you? I promise to try and stay out of your way, maybe you can stay at my apartment if you like?” Stopping a moment as I had finished counting what was ‘assumed’ to be currency, gauged the knife to be only useful for a bludgeoning ‘weapon’ because of how DULL the edge was, at least it was made out of metal.

Looking back at her as my irises held a translucent white glow that left a minor trail glow turn towards her, with how she was acting I am left wondering if she’s some groupie or stalker for the ‘exotic’ type… The likely chances of ME finding a willing and friendly minion or henchwoman was fresh piss in Death Valley for a dehydrated man on death’s doorstep. “What would YOU do if I did accept this offer? I have no reason to trust you or believe you will keep my presence a secret, if you are telling the truth why would you do so?”

By whatever thing out there, her smile widened more than humanly possible. Wait I should have expected that but back onto task she’s responding. “Well for starters my name is Lyra Heartstrings, I would be willing to obey orders that I could accomplish sir. As for trust I would hope to build that up with you from scratch! You could even punish me for being a bad filly if you like.” Say what now? Never mind let us just focus on solving some urgent exposure issues as I stand out especially if I am not hiding during the day, motioning her closer I make it a point to grab her by the neck.

“No one Betrays Victor von Doom and gets away with it alive, understood 'Lyra Heartstrings'?” She nodded her head and just as I released my grasp on her neck she nuzzled my hand which earned an awkward head rub until she shuddered when I either rubbed her horn or ears maybe both. That made some kind of ‘mint’ smell in the air only for me to flick her muzzle to lead the way. “Lead on to your ‘apartment’ though know that if anyone else lives there and you did not tell me in advance, I WILL show you the same treatment as that last ameba of brain matter who thought using a dull knife to rob another would work.”

She took to thinking for a moment with that dreamy smile before looking back at me giving her response. “I live by myself but I have a couple neighbors on my floor who likely won’t be up at this time of night, though I am sad I cannot rub it into anyone’s face that I was right…” She sighed a bit and the ‘cute alien’ routine was getting on my nerves before I ‘politely’ told her to shut it so no one gets clued in on me, also that mysterious new slightly visible burn mark on her ass was not done by me slapping her. It was by electric shock from my fingers that acted more like a ‘weak’ Taser.

The equine Lyra took it in stride and seemed to be proud I did that, I swear if she has some weird shrine to ‘humans’ or thought of ‘humans’ I will burn it to ashes. But regardless if this ‘female’ pans out as a decent go to I might keep her on when I make headway of any sort to be true to my ‘new’ self, such as taking over this city to start if I am lucky though I will hold out to learn about any ‘hero types’ who might try to stop me.

[About 32ish minutes later]

Looking at the sign from across the street only made my brow rise up asking this question, it seemed rather important before continuing as it may have been one of those places that had ‘stars’ of an adult variety to live at. “You have got to be kidding me, here? It also looks like some brothel!” I waved a hand carefully in its direction, she gave a ‘slight’ sheepish response before rubbing her butt reminded of my last zapping. “Well I kind of just moved here to Maretropolis almost two months ago so I don’t have a ‘steady’ place yet but I just got a new job that should help Victor!”

I replied with the threat of zapping her as bolts crossed my fingers that soon clenched with a clank, that made her irises shrink a bit also a blush return harder. Sighing in response I look at her to say this with as much venom she could understand my ire for these conditions, let alone my tempted thought to do which will likely involve her. “For your sake equine, things better improve, for I’ll have to get my hands ‘dirty’ in fixing this situation. So long as I am forced to be in hiding you WILL act as my ‘public’ figure for when I do ‘acquire’ the currency called 'bits' to either move us out or forcibly ‘buy’ this place from whoever runs this stain of existence.”

Pointing towards the building now I make it clear she’s to go inside, to her apartment and open a window and wave her arm outside for me to see where she lives to get inside. While I have to wait I begin reading through the helpful ‘manuals’ my suit pertains along with a few basic spells with one advanced one labeled [Teleport], once seeing what looks to be an arm waving out from a second story alley side window I smile testing the boot thruster flight capability. Launching myself quickly across the street and awkward hovering before trying to teleport myself inside the room, with a good bit of success and proving that I can cast ‘magic’.

[Maretropolis – Filly Glade Apartment: Lyra’s Place – Doctor Doom]

Looking at the interior I was quite glad it was nicer than the building was, though admittedly it seems she had the place to match her ‘style’ of being also there was that intense mint smell again. Taking measured steps looking at everything, understanding that as for ‘tech’ was a bit lacking in my opinion, though she had a sort of older styled television with an odd arrangement on top that looked magical based, giving her a sidelong glance motioning the equine ‘lyra’ closer to talk.

“Tell me, how does your ‘land’s’ magic devices work and would you have any tomes on the subject of magic or spells? For at this time it would be foolhardy to go headlong into possible danger or death here, what being new to this ‘land’.” Saying this in my most calm and reserved tone yet only seemed to up her mixture of enthusiasm and worry, which also led me into a somewhat long break down of how the things she has worked even presenting me the books she had when learning magic from school which likely wouldn’t be enough.

The spells I saw were mostly useless and none were combative spells, though some defensive and illusions might prove useful besides my armor’s shields and weapons. Every time I start to think in on myself, I could see her obviously glancing at me and giving body reactions of wanting to say something. “What is on your tiny mind insipid equine?” She both perked up and lightly blushed before getting her question out of the way, which until now I completely forgot about until my stomach grumbled.

“Could I see what you look like under your armor? What do humans eat? Also I could make you something unless you wish to do that yourself?” She was beaming with so much hope and her tone was husky, let’s see how she reacts if my face is what I think it is. Taking to unlatching my face mask with careful ease, placing it within my lap as the growing horror upon her face with actual tears in her eyes showed me that was likely the case.

“I am an Omnivore, means I eat meat and vegies. As for all this, let us just say I became myself from others HURTING me, which resulted in scarring my once handsome face or otherwise. ” I wasn’t technically lying, I did get hurt a lot before, also wondering how distracted the equine would be. Which lead me to think if other creatures here will react similar or indifference, which was completely blew out the window by what she just did to me.

Appearing to have forgotten herself she tackled me into a hug and crying against my armored form seeming to nuzzle my chest and shoulder, the feeling from that action felt so ‘odd’ but the images playing across the turned on T.V. news report drew my attention about a series of blackouts due to ‘blown fuses’, having arrested a ‘stallion’ under suspicion that he was behind it perfectly showing the rather still shocked and ‘twitching’ male having not yet woken up, if ever. It made no mention of anything else but I could see six female costumed figures in the background to ask this question. “What group of six costumed individuals would work for justice?”

The question must have halfway broken the emotional equine out of her stupor of tears, blinking a few times before softly saying this. “Are you asking about the Power Ponies?” With a slow nod as my eyes shift keeping her in my peripheral view while seeing the report, that was before it finished and turned my full attention onto her. “Well they protect the city against criminals, super villains, monsters and alien-“ she stopped herself as slow realization came to her mind as WHY I’d have forced us to hide, stressing about not being in the open only to cause her to hug me more in some protective gesture. “I won’t let them hurt you…”

That simple phrase made me pause before softly now, even pointing out a flaw in her statement. “At this point if I DID fight them now you would be completely useless in holding them off, I’d have to make you a suit of armor or somehow boost your magic potential if that was to work.” My statement only gave her a sparkling of the eyes and I think a steeling of resolve across her face? Going so far to lift one of my hands I very gently rubbed her head and ears with my hand treating her like a dog unknowingly triggering something since I lack any knowledge on how these aliens function.

Until that was finally flicking her nose and pointing towards the kitchen only made her flop onto the floor and scramble to the kitchen giving out a ‘Sorry!’ response, but I think her blushing antics or dog like fanaticism or loyalty might grow on me yet for her obsession with humans. I will have to confirm if she does have some type of ‘shrine’ towards ‘humans’ or close variation, which lead me to wandering towards her room for the closet being the most logical hiding spot for one. I will not fall into that trap in case her motivations are less than honest, I have dealt with crazy before so knowing how crazy she is will give me a heads up on how to treat her to come.

[Maretropolis - Meanwhile at the starting alley to this story! – same night!]
[Power Ponies - Perspective]
(Please note their appearances are that of the mane six but as power ponies, here's a nice reference picture!) [Play]

The alley way that Doctor Doom appeared in earlier was better lit up by emergency mage light sticks as some detective ponies still covered the scene, though one spot in particular stood out more than just the burnt out lights and fuse boxes, there was a rip and wimble in the reality matrix and space time continuum that was infuriating Masked Matter-horn on how it could happen. Radiance had complained about how crime could happen in a dirty place, which got a chuckle out of Mistress Mare-velous and Zapp as they tried to help by looking for clues.

All the while Saddle Rager stood at the back seeming to sniff the air and mumble something quietly, Fili-second simply bounced about in a mock detective fashion before waving a couple times at the reader’s view of the story, which gave others who watched her antics either raised eyebrows or simply ignoring it. But The Masked Matter-Horn was staring at the epicenter that was unscathed in a perfect circle with a temporary magic ‘void’, that had been healing itself up but the situation only gave her more questions on what could have caused this or if anything came through.

“Girls we need to focus as whatever has caused this left and had possibly hurt that greaser stallion, and by how he’s dressed I wouldn’t pass him to be a part of Grease Streak’s gang of bikers. Hopefully he will have seen what or the being that hurt him.” She nodded in affirmation though put a hand onto her chin only for a ‘Humdrum’ young stallion with a purple coat and emerald eyes spoke up. “Don’t Greaser’s Thugs only fight, rob or intimidate other ponies? Than why was he alone and no one around?” These rare moments of questioning gave her more to think about and how to save everypony.

As the others looked around it was Saddle Rager who quietly spoke up this time, gaining their attention in more of a surprised fashion. “Um, well I smelled that there may have been another kind of stallion here, as well with a mare who might have been showing early signs of heat. There is that fresh ozone smell so he likely came from what twi- I’m sorry. What Masked Matter-horn has been looking at so maybe whatever came helped the mare from trouble?” She said meekly with a sign of a blush for what she was implying.

Only to cause a slight dainty cough from Radiance to add in her point. “Perhaps the one who caused the-“ She hid her disdain at poor fashion sense with a cough. “- ‘stallion’s’ current condition may have caused this mess here too? I would hope he would be a gentlecolt for any poor mare to be in danger, it would be marvelous if he was a darling knight in armor willing to save-” she was cut off by the hovering Zapp giving out an exasperated gesture around herself. “Radiance you have to know he can’t possibly be! For all we know it’s some kind of creepy alien come to conquer us all! I just hope it’s not the kind that puts eggs down my throat.”

Zapp said with a shiver and earning looks from the others even the detective ponies that heard it, except with a very thoughtful Fili-Second whom was a possible hindrance to come for narration only for her to smile knowingly before winking at the viewer giving a pointed finger shaking it in a no fashion at the Architect. “Well if my ‘Fili-Second’ sense-“ she emphasized with quotations around her name. “- is right than we’ll have a enemy maybe enemy/friend, oh I hope he loves PARTIES! It would be my first welcome to the world Mr. Alien AND a Enemy/Friend party!”

She said bouncing with unbridled joy as the others stared at her again with varied looks, of whom was holding out better but the Masked Matter-Horn said these words. “Number One Sidekick ’Humdrum’ take a letter please.”

[Canterlot Palace – Princess Celestia’s Chamber - Same Night]
[Perception Celestia]

I was having a rather wonderful dream involving a lovely variation on the Cloud Cake made at Rainbow Falls confectionery, which all blew away when a familiar sound of a magically sent scroll by my former student ‘popped’ above my head. Only for it to fall with a light thud causing my eyes to blink open as this time it somehow balanced itself upon my muzzle having tapped my nose, giving a small sigh glad to have no one in the room to see this. Taking the scroll soon after within my magic grasp moving to sit upright knowing my former student wouldn’t disturb my sleep unless it was important.

Giggling I remembered the time I taught her that lesson, though admittedly it was a bit cruel to ask her to do the entire year’s budget report for Maretropolis in a week. Cracking open the scroll’s seal having Twilight’s mark on it I began to read, only to drew concerned at the possibilities of alien life. By my sun if I don’t deal with this those mares may cause a diplomatic incident if her theories were proven correct! I have allowed them to be heroines of their city as it seems to build some character but going by their letters and the reports from my guards there leaves some bad character traits with the good.

“Twilight what am I going to do with you, I just hope it is not anything but just some minor blip that happens once in a while. But often enough the rumors of those were at a spot in the sea north of the Griffin Isles in some rough ‘triangle’ position. At least the ships now avoid that area properly and we have figured out the issue before it became worse and fixed it, it takes only one moment for my little ponies to panic at something or someone who is new or have not met my subjects’ kind to blow things out of proportion.” Charging a spell to send a mental summon to my younger sister in hopes we can simply arrange to go visit, at worse deal with any backlash.

A moment later with a ‘pop’ I blink once seeing my younger sister Luna dressed in her ‘Batmare’ costume, giving the biggest grin and making me wonder how she had the time to change into that or that she knew I’d call her. “We hath come our sister! We doth be ready to visit Maretropolis, in hopes to wrestle with curs whom rise up from its underbelly!” I soon after gave my sister a slight tired deadpan as she’s gotten into dressing up as her ‘Batmare’ costume that was very flattering to her figure and armored similar to olden times. I knew I shouldn’t have gave into my sister’s request to have personally made our costumes and fight crime that time, and the seven others after it…

Sighing as I summon a suitcase to appear and levitated my garments into said case looking up at my sister pointedly for her to do the same. “we’ll go in a few days Luna but please, get out of that costume before the servants see you in it again, it took me an hour to convince them last time that I had invited ‘Batmare’ to late tea and to be assured of ‘your’ intentions.” During that little distracting conversation I had snuck in my Mare Do Well costume, which my sister saw after she came in for a hug wishing me pleasant dreams and a knowing look.

I do NOT have a joy in being a super heroine, or using that identity to go on small ‘vacations’ once in a while, or just so I wouldn’t have to do my regular regal persona in front of others. Now that I think about it, DO I? Sighing at this final thought seeing my younger sister had left and a fully packed trunk, I lay my head back down to rest with a sigh, it’s going to be interesting to come and I have placed my former student’s letter on the night stand.

Dear Princess Celestia,

I am VERY SORRY for writing to you so late tonight but I have fantastic news! Earlier tonight we were called to the scene of a VERY mysterious incident and we have come to the conclusion that some alien lifeform had emerged in an alley way close to the crime scene, but from what little evidence we were able to find.

We know it is some possibly intelligent life form that has an affinity perhaps to electricity or Pegasus magic, due to the electrical disturbance of blown lights and a nearby fuse box. The crime that was stopped appeared to have been some kind of nefarious meeting or mugging which ended up having the stallion from Grease Streak’s Biker Gang be shocked into an unconscious state yet to wake up, his pockets were emptied out and were possibly taken to try and learn about us or was perhaps probing him as his pants was not at his knees.

I am writing this in the hopes you have ever encounter alien life before, when we can find it I hope to confine it and initiate some form of safe first contact. Hopefully it’ll let me study it!

Your Former Student, Twilight Sparkle

Of Man, Lyrical Lyre and Ponies

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Of Man, Lyrical Lyre and Ponies
[Maretropolis - Filly Glade Apartment: Lyra’s Kitchen – Afterwards]
[Doctor Doom’s – Perspective]

Sighing I look across the dinner table seeing a both blushing and embarrassed disheveled Lyra Heartstrings, after the apparent mistake on my part which earned me embarrassment in return as she thought I was being a naughty ‘colt’ in her view. Looking back on it now, it was rather stupid to look in her closest for any crazy shrine of horrors or trophies to be hidden there, which was NOT what I found when going into her closest.

-Flashback-

[Lyra’s Bedroom]

It was rather innocent looking in her bedroom, a book shelf with books and photo albums, a queen size bed with a stitched ‘I Heart Humans’ on a body pillow. Let us look behind door number one, which is a decently clean bathroom having mint accents of leaves? Must be to compliment her taste though it’s a bit bare for a single individual living here, leaving the bathroom looking at the other door in the room besides the one leading into here I walked over to it and began to open it.

Right then was hearing a voice that made me turn my head, to Lyra Heartstrings entering the bedroom with a smile. “Hey victor I heard the bathroom doo-“ There was silence for a few moments as a heated blush flashed onto Lyra’s face before she continued in a more ‘aroused’ tone. “Victor I didn’t know that you were a naughty colt, wanting to see what naughty clothes a mare would have. I would have gladly shown you each of them by wearing it if you asked.”

I blinked and looked into the said closest and sure enough half of the clothes to me didn’t seem fitting for a ‘public’ showing, which made me gawk for a moment and rethink my horrid, stupid, idiotic half brained idea of that being a logical place to hide creepy things. I return eye contact from my stupor only to shut the door in same motion. “I was simply looking if you had any um, written ‘studies’ on what you have been researching on my species or weird creepy ‘human’ shrines hidden away…”

Even hearing myself say that sounded lame and unsure, just the situation alone of awkward silence for several moments before a tingle. was felt to my left turning my head to see a scrapbook the size of a TOME, levitated over from the bookcase from the far side of the room with the spine on it reading ‘Lyra’s Theories on humans!’. She was writing in something large like that, based on thoughts or ideas of my own species? “…What is this?” That got a sheepish response as she may have noticed the large size of her ‘book’ until speaking her mind it seems. “Um, sometimes I get these ‘glimpses’ that are your species?”

Sighing as I fold both palms onto my face when dragging them over my mask, though her sentence caused my attention to regain. “Well I understand that humans go into heat cycles when they get their first period from what I’ve gathered!” My eye twitched at that before understanding the implication of it. “We don’t go into heat, in a way we are ‘always’ in heat when we reach a certain age unlike animals and can reproduce most of the time.” Her response was of shock then that half lidded smile propping herself against the doorframe towards me.

“Would you be willing to unleash your virile stud self onto a willing thankful mare?” This is sooner or later going to end up like some willing alien slave girl thing or something isn’t it? No, I won’t reduce myself to that way of paying her back for the current help and sheltering. It would not be honorable, also she’s not human no matter how much of one she reminds me of with that posed look of lust, oh wait she’s swaying her hips coming closer with that smile. ‘Oh god she’s leaping at me?!?’

She leapt into the air as my hands reached out in a catching motion only for her to stop in midair with a green aura around her body and my furthest hand having the same giving her a shocked reaction like I am currently processing. After recovering enough to try being gentle with her I slowly positioned her over the bed before ‘letting go’ and seeing her flop onto the bed with a happily given whinny, which made me think it was a horrid choice.

-End Flashback-

[Maretropolis – Filly Glade, Back in Lyra’s Kitchen – Same night]

Taking a bite out of the grilled cheese sandwich that she made for us, I looked up from the plate to her smiling face as she took that opportunity to talk. “I hope to help your heart open up to being ready for a very loving mare victor, because nopony else will ever be good enough for me like you.” She had spoken over my thoughts of what happened earlier, making me realize she’ll keep trying to win me over. It’s funny how my grandmother told me that it’ll take a special kind of girl who would be stubborn enough to stick around me. ‘Bet she didn’t think it would be an alien girl.’

Looking into her eyes with a sigh, taking another bite before speaking. “Well that might be a very nice sentiment but it will take a lot to change my view on ‘dating’ outside my species, which brings me back to your book!” Pointing at it opened on her side of the table with scratched out sections, torn pages or even just oddly left as is. She looked down at it then back up at me with a smile returning, her eyes sparkled with excitement from what I understand being her favorite ‘topic’.

Taking a swallow from an earlier bite while I spoke, she smiled and responded saying this. “Well Victor I haven’t heard so much about humans before tonight, it is so exciting! Though being a human must be a nice and hard. Your kind just do their best to improve at anything even without magic! Well you are VERY special to me by the way.” She added with a pony equivalent of a heartwarming smile and flutter of the eyes, which was still new and weird to myself. She seems to take my harsh and critical attitude with stride trying her best to get me to warm up to her.

I will have to find out where this ‘Black Cauldron’ bar is, learn of the criminal element here to see about expanding my repertoire of magic and resources. Get a true ‘proper’ base of operations set up so that I won’t have to rely on her strained resources, repay her aid in full and if she still wants to follow me make her my minion, she’ll have to earn the ‘henchmare’ position as she opted to call herself earlier that still sounds weird to my ears.

It doesn’t help that Lyra Heartstrings WISHES to help and protect me from any ‘meanies’ who may attack me, though I did learn that ‘dangerous’ knife I took is used to channel magic into it to make it scary against those on the wrong end of it. Some brand at the bottom of the handle says ‘Flim & Flam Quality’, which is complete and utter bullshit after I showed her that I could literally bend it and told her it was made from cheap metals only to change subject. “I do have to admit, for a quick made meal the cheese and bread taste much better than from where I am from.”

She smiled and somehow soundlessly got closer by a near full table rotation to be in hand reach, that caused me to blink when she offered her head giving me those soulful lovely gold eyes, seriously how can her species or her for this matter be so adorable? I shudder at the thought before giving a sigh working her right ear in my fingers again to rub her still disheveled mane from the earlier Incident, that only make her look a bit more ‘wild’ in natural beauty.

Seems that mint smell is back with vengeance though the triggers seem to be when I am rubbing her, when she thought I was being ‘naughty’ or when she seems ‘excited’ from what I can identify. Makes me wish I studied horses or such to get a better read, dogs and cats were always easier to read from my point of view. “So you would be serious about helping me?” She nodded dumbly under my fingers ministrations, even grappling onto my waist when I tried to pull away.

The look she gives me is a hurt reaction that makes me continue. “You know in some ways you remind me like a dog, not that you are one!” I stressed that point when she gave me a look, one of her brows had raised as if silently asking me to continue. “I am just not use to other sentient female species with well, animalistic traits. I have no point of reference literally other than what thoughts or concepts put together from my own deductions as you can clearly guess how that has led me so far.”

She gave a blushing (lewd?) smile only to lean closer and start rubbing her nose and lips against my armored neck and mask side, she even giggled at my stumbling when she explained. The action behind it also her smile grew when she saw I didn’t back away from it, still reminded me of a cat or dog so I just rubbed her head more and asked if she had an anatomy book. “Why yes I do victor, though wouldn’t you want to have an in depth ‘study’ on a loving unicorn mare’s body to better understand?”

Giving her deadpan look at her ‘subtle’ hints, I wave that off for now opting for the book. Which I am only yet again reminded of her monetary situation with a grimace having to have sold her academy books last month. “You do realize I WILL be helping you fix this in my own ‘way’, do you not?” I gave emphasis to that by sparking of electricity between my fingers, which was until an older newspaper caught my eye. “When did this happen?” Bringing it over to show her what I mean when I saw an Astronomy exhibit in a museum of a rare space metal being on show.

Blinking once she smiled at the change in topic as she felt quite embarrassed that she couldn’t show off being able to care for me, her thinking of me as a ‘hopeful’ stallion in her life. I find that refreshing and ‘odd’ that the females are the ‘dominant’ type in the relationship, though she finds it exciting and admitted having gone ‘weak in the knees’ seeing my teeth. It must be some herbivore thing towards either predators or omnivores, it would explain how their relations to these ‘griffins’ are at times very rough.

Going back onto subject Lyra brushes locks of her hair out of her vision making it of a show to my view before she started. “Well Victor this was put in at the Biggest Museum in Maretropolis, the royal sisters exhibit will be there for another few weeks before circulating to Trotam City’s next.” She said in a general knowing fashion with pride having remembered the schedule from a more museum type pony’s talking from lunch today.

Looking back at victor with a tilt of her the head that ‘just’ so happens, to place it leaning on my shoulder now. Looking down at her slightly unamused before looking back at the paper and the story with thought and asking this question. “Would there be any gems or such be among this ‘collection’ from the royal exhibit along with this metal that is in the Astronomy section of the museum?” She nods with a smile as she gives an answer to the question wondering why. “I think there is as I heard both exhibits were right NEXT to the other, why do you ask victor?”

Shrugging finally to loosen her head from my shoulder to say this, smiling behind the mask in the process. “Well I believe we will have a museum to rob in over a week, though first preparations come before that.” Pausing for a moment to see how she will take the news as this will be a ‘make or break’ type of going forward, her eyes shrunk to pricks before slowly stuttering out. “You would be robbing from the princesses? Why?”

Pointing towards the paper again tapping on it with good measure to make her look at it than back to me. “It would cover a few things really, first if we were able to steal the regalia and gems this exhibit boasts than that would be the start to my ‘war chest’ of funds if they can be sold to any kind of competent fence or foreign individual who accepts second hand goods.” Taking a moment to tap the paper’s image of older crowns.

Continuing to speak my thoughts. “Second would be the ‘infamy’ among those in the criminal community will know there is a big player in the city, third it would be putting everyone else’s actions to shame for a good while.” I would get quite the ego boost if everything went smoothly, though there was always chances of problems arising if I told anyone but lyra currently. “The question I have for you Lyra Heartstrings, would you be willing to work with me to make my goals and future deeds of what will pass come true?”

She thought it over, looking up into my eyes as I dared not to break eye contact with her. I had to see if there was to be hesitation or weakness before she responded. “If I help you victor, will you promise to make me your Henchmare?” She gave an adorable smile amazingly enough brimming with hope, as she seems to be hinging her cooperation on me agreeing for her to become that. “Fine, but I WILL have to TRAIN you to be COMPETENT for MY standards. Also first find an easy bank to rob.” I responded pointedly as she both looked excited and folded her ears back.

[Maretropolis – Power Ponies HQ – Lab Investigation Projection System]
[Twilight/Masked Matter-Horn - Perspective]

It was so frustrating, the criminal from earlier was ‘transferred’ to an unknown location by false records right out of the hospital when we got there. It’s likely Grease Streak who may have paid somepony to do it for him, it is still hard to see how anypony would do such things just for bits! “Spike have any finger prints been found on those documents yet? Or identities to match the couple posing as the stallion’s ‘parents’? Or if there was any other signs or sightings of the alien?!”

I ‘might’ have been worked up about the scientific find of the century let alone Equis, I find it hard that other species still argue on what our planet should be called when it comes to outer appearances. Maybe there should be a scientific council of every species put together to come up with a fitting name that everypony would agree upon? STOP! Focus on the task at hand, the princesses are counting on you! All of pony kind is holding their breath at what scientific discoveries that this alien could bring to our world! I’ve even compiled a list of experimental proced- “Twilight you are doing that overthinking/panicking pattern again, last time you went into that you paced and locked yourself in the library/lab section of the tower for a week and a half.”

Pointing at me sternly with his teen draconian claw, making me wonder who the adult is at times. “I had to lie to Fluttershy that you were performing cruel experiments on her pet angel bunny to break into your lab to give you a full course meal, a full shower and PROFUSELY APPOLOGISE to her for lying!” He gave me a hard look still before lightening up finally to his trademark grin. “Now that is done with, only partials but nothing concrete, the ‘couple’ were someponies who were homeless and got paid to help out with somepony in need. Finally there had been NO sightings of this alien you, rainbow dash and pinkie have been going on about. Now if you’ll excuse me I am off to bed.”

He walked out of the room as I called out to him. “But spike what about the case? It won’t hurt to pull another all-nighter like before!” His response shocked me to the core. “You will end up alone with no special somepony if you keep this up twi! Get some sleep as I need to clean this place up for the princesses.” My mind went into a full stop, teleporting out of the lab and right in front of spike causing a collision. “What do you mean the PRINCESSES are coming?!?”

He quickly backed up a few steps and I matched his movement. “I put the scroll in the ‘in tray’, it’s not my fault that you ignore what I say half the time when you go into these episodes of ‘investigation’ or ‘science’ or ‘studying’.” Giving out a huff with a raised eyebrow that got me to chuckle sheepishly at him, only to hear and see that familiar ‘uh huh’. “Have I become that predictable spike?” I should have known as he gave me a deadpan look that clearly showed he’s been through this more than once, I’ll have to figure out a way to fix my mistake on that or minimize it at worse.

I teleported into my room seeing the scroll that was left where spike had told me, making me proud that he kept to the system and abashed for having doubted him. Opening it up and following that with a gasp I knew what I had to do, it will be intensive but I will put together their room arrangements! “I should had fixed them sooner from my last magical experiment mishap that brought in a tentacle horror, who somehow was afraid of pinkie pie of all ponies? I will learn your secrets one day pinkie.” Giving a grimacing sigh I start a check list for tomorrow.

[That same moment in Power Ponies Kitchen]
Pinkie Pie looked up above her at the viewer’s direction doing a ‘shhh’ motion with her fingers as she appears to be making a white and blue cake for the princesses in a few days, also one on the side with vanilla flavor with green icing.

What added to the strangeness more she even felt her pinkie sense that Twilight will try to figure her out again in the future, only to give a chiding sigh a foalsitter would to a former cutie mark crusader who hadn’t broke down from their antics. “Twilight’s never going to change, OH! I should make a ‘Sorry that you cannot figure out my pinkie sense!’ party when she does get frustrated again!”

[Maretropolis – Lyra’s Bedroom – After Dinner]
[Doctor Doom’s - Perspective.]

Sighing as we had finished dinner as she rather ‘insisted’ that she should hold it in her bedroom since ‘everything’ is there and all I would have to do is sit and listen, I could see the skip in her step and the confident look upon her face. ‘I will have to learn their social cues, maybe develop an alien social facial recognition program since my ‘manual’ says I could program and interact with technology on an intimate level because of one power I have affects only technology.

Upon entering her room I was herded over to sit at the foot of her bed aimed to look out her closed curtain window, which wouldn’t show much if anything from where she lives. Just another reason why I should ‘uplift’ her current living conditions, though it wouldn’t be right if I did end up causing her distress from any negative backlash. Perhaps if it comes to that I will play it off that I had forced her into assisting me so she would be let off.

My thoughts were cut off rather by the gentle flicking of strings of this ‘performance’ she wished to show me, sure enough she was slowly walking out of her closet and I heard her give a soft hum. When she came back into view again I was rather surprised by seeing her in a fitting strapless red dress that had orange pattern a cut in the side of the dress up her leg showing her cutie mark halfway and her hair combed into a ‘bouncy’ fashion covering one eye presenting a purple flower in her mane. “Well Ms. Heartstrings you do dress up rather nicely, though I presume this is all just for me?”

Giving a nod with a glowing smile as her horn had a yellow glow when a Lyre and Violin floated over to her, the first placed in her hands when she closed her eyes a look of concentration took hold. She then started to [play] both instruments at a gentle loving pace, the music warranted even recording this moment of stunning play. In the moonlight from the curtain she radiated in that moment of music true pure beauty beyond words, so entranced I was I didn’t even notice when she had finished.

Only that she was smiling softly with a passionate halflidded stare, when I saw her lips move it finally broke my befuddlement. “I’m glad that the hard work I’ve put into playing two strings went over well with you victor, I even fancied myself up to look my best for you too. Since I would love it if you might hopefully accept sleeping in here with me?” Damn that adorable alien expression, makes me just want to have her sit in my lap and pet her.

Breathing out a heavy sigh, I get up from my position to say this to Lyra. “As much as I would enjoy that, it would be in my opinion rushing ‘any’ sort of progress. I’ll sleep on the couch but just know that your music had indeed touched me, we’ll see how things go from here on, my little lyre.” Moving to close the door to her room I clearly heard a mix of a sigh following a loudly whispered ‘YES!’ that got a first honest chuckle out of me, only to darken my expression again to move into the living room to take a seat looking at my digital manual before I to begin to dose off with the coming morning.

[Canterlot – northern Airship Docks, On a Warehouse – earlier that night]
[Princess Luna/Batmare – Perspective]
[Play]

I feel the evil in the air, injustice being wrought under my hooves down below. I see that the ‘remnants’ of that earth pony’s clown gang appear to be leaving canterlot, listening with my enhanced magic hearing through enchanted cowl of my own design. “Are you guys sure the boss lady said Maretropolis and not Trotam? Because it is rather weird we’re going somewhere new again, though admittedly I guess we all know why.” I smiled from my perch on the roof when they all visibly shuddered from thinking of me, Batmare!

Ducking lower I move closer with a predatory grin upon my muzzle, setting myself up for a perfect ‘drop in’ onto these criminal scum. I took great joy having already handled their griffin lookouts from earlier, they may be twins but I proved better by combat. It also didn’t hurt that they were never right after what that ‘laughing potion’ did to their brains that one time, they give themselves away laughing or giggling like hyenas at times. Though it didn’t hurt that their ‘princess’ of crime is a Hyena in the first place in a custom purple suit attire, her smaller stature and twisted grin reminded me of nightmare moon.

That only made it more of a reason why to take her down when I learned that inside that sick twisted head of that bitch was my darker half pulling at the strings, but at least I knew now where she had scampered off to this time and only more so as for why we should go. I should inform my sister of her presence let alone being in that unnamed whelp, she had no identity, no finger prints on record, even her story changes on how she got her scars!

By this point having leaped down to dispense with divine justice, dealing a blow to the neck knocking out the first of the five that were loading a container, only to roundhouse kick the next closest thug in the side of the muzzle sending him flying into some crates with a cringe seeing blueblood’s mark. The third one tried to whack me on the head with a club only to duck their blow and strike both their throat and gut to send them sprawling on the ground gasping with a cough for air.

The last two looked at each other than myself only to strangely enough do boulder, shield and sword. Than immediately run in opposite of each other’s direction only to be lifted by my magic and flung back into each other striking their noggins twice knocking them out. Looking within the container they were loading up to leave on the Airship to Maretropolis in the morning made me wonder about nightmare’s true intentions.

My eyes narrowed when having seen that this was only a fraction of what she’s stolen from her spree in canterlot, presuming that she has to be with the rest of the fireworks, cannons and guards armor she’s stolen along with her gang of hyenas. If it wasn’t for sister’s laws against sentencing criminals to death I would have taken care of the deranged pup long ago and saved many others the horrid travesties she’s committed, even had been able to properly bind nightmare moon this time.

“I will catch her next time, when I do she’ll hopefully receive a one-way banishment to the moon and die there.” Gritting my teeth once before sending out a flare signal before vanishing into the shadows as I rather enjoyed playing ‘vigilante’ hero for my ponies’ safety, it also makes things easier when dishing out justice and not having to fear political recoil from my said actions by others or even foreign nations. “There is that risk of being caught with our cowl down, though it is also flattering that I see myself and ‘batmare’ working side by side together.” Lightly chuckling at that one foal dream, it also felt odd receiving courtship or sidekick requests.

Seeing the lunar guard quickly arrive and quietly giggling at the scene they came onto, though poor Captain Nightshade has been rather frustrated at ‘batmare’ accomplishing the task that the royal guard should be doing instead of a citizen mare taking the law into her own hands and risking harm against dangerous criminals, though my hero persona has been warming her up since I leave them gift wrapped and not as broken as my earlier crime fighting jaunts. “Just great, knowing prince blueblood he’ll put a bounty on Batmare for breaking his property…”

[Maretropolis – Filly Glade Apartment, Lyra’s Place – shortly after song]
[Lyra Heartstrings – Perspective]

Opening the door from my bedroom I slowly walked down the hallway to check on victor before going to sleep, but when I entered the living room I stopped at seeing victor sitting on the couch with his arms folded and his head laying back with a light snore leaving his mouth. ‘By celestia, he still smells so nice. It wouldn’t hurt if I snuggled with him for a minute right?’ Nodding to myself with a light grin as I opened a hallway Closet and levitated a blanket over to the couch as I carefully molded myself against his side.

Leaning my head to rest into the crook of his neck I smile more after wrapping us in the blanket, only to feel safe and drowsy in victor’s arms, even feeling one of his own arms wrap around me to become more comfortable. By luna he felt powerful, are all humans like this, or is it just my specialsomehuman? Gazing softly with tired eyes up to victor I gently nuzzle his neck and give a lick. “Goodnight victor, please don’t leave me.”

His hold only tightened more before my eyes closed feeling safe in his strong arms, happy that my wish came true. Even if he may be distant or grumpy I will show him only love, as to me that is what I think he’ll only need from me. ‘It would only make me happier if he opens up more like when I played for him, maybe I should do it more often…’ Right at that moment I finally drifted off to sleep happy in my human’s arms, with not a care in the world what might bring.

Black Cauldron, a Bank and Shocks

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[Title] Black Cauldron, a Bank and Shocks
[Maretropolis – City Limits towards the Everfree Forest – Two days since last chapter]
[Doctor Doom’s Perspective]

Looking into the quite obvious looking ‘evil forest’ that she kept saying this place was at from her using a locator spell, having taken the time to learn it as well which got her bouncing that somehow kept her in step with me when we left. I was rather surprised how limber she can me, from my own guess I presumed that the unicorns were the most frail out of the three types of ponies, but it would be accurate that pegasi were due to flight muscles and bone structure. Though griffins and their ‘supposed’ stronger flight builds as omnivores could possibly be better but not faster from what is eluded to.

Taking a long slow breath as I look back to my side to somepony in a rather strangely ‘covert’ outfit, Lyra Heartstrings under my expressed wish for her identity to remain a mystery for her own safety. Bore her in ordering a ‘spy on your coltfriend bodysuit’ which only needed one of those ‘bondage’ full head mask with night vision goggles, her mane and tail done in a simple ‘ponytail’ covered up fashion when I let slip I liked that and that other fancy style. Thinking back on this I wonder if it wouldn’t have been better if I hadn’t overreacted after that first time seeing her dressed like this.

-Flashback-

[Maretropolis – Lyra’s Kitchen – Early that evening]

Sighing at the meal that apparently Lyra had made for me having bought actual meat from a griffin butcher, seems that was why she looked ‘mildly’ disturbed in having loss some of her mint color. She bought me MEAT, even did her best trying to prepare it. What did she end up settling on buying after what may have been an herbivore’s nightmare made manifest? Bacon, which one simple word gave me both joy and now realized grim feeling from just how far she’s trying to make ME of all beings truly comfortable, it is the strangest feeling to be put first.

I was so enthralled in my thoughts and having taken a first few bites when Lyra had to excuse herself after ‘cooking’ my bacon at the other end of the kitchen, with the window open, doing so by her magic and a magic run stove. It’s funny how if put to certain functions it can apply, even reminding me of my uncle who made me bacon for lunch at his junkyard business showed me what even second hand goods could do if reworked or melted and made again.

Though my moment of peace was destroyed when I heard a voice whisper near my ear this one word that sent me into action. “Surprise.” Whipping my head around to the right to see a fucking NINJA alien fully garbed with a weapon on their belt yet to be drawn, narrowing my eyes assuming there were more than one assailant I took charge by palm blasting them in the face to try and stun them. But they ducked as my following move was a thrown chair to rush Lyra’s room to try getting her to safety, only to be surprised that she wasn’t in there but the bathroom door was open, charging in fearing the worse only to see nothing but hearing some ‘hoof’steps approaching now I stood guard ready to face whoever sent this ninja after me.

Only to be twitching an eye at seeing said ‘ninja’ from earlier now unmasked with a familiar anthro pony who let me stay here, words could not DESCRIBE the shit I was feeling for attacking her. A strange bought of paranoia has been forming since I got here and nothing bad had yet to happen, which left me trying to see if she was alright only to get my response by a bloody muzzle from my ‘chair throw’ technic earlier having got her when my palm blast didn’t. On the plus side I got to try out that minor healing spell she knew from living in this nearby hamlet outside of the city called ‘Ponyville’, when I first heard that name I laughed.

Sighing as I carefully moved to hug her earning a slight flinch a frown from me, looking into her eyes as she could tell I overreacted. “I am at the crossroads of sorry and regret, if you will let me help heal you to try making amends for that I would be happier than I am now.” I tried being ‘open’ with her seeing as this is the third or fourth time now that something like this has happened, though the first time it’s caused actual blood that only makes it worse for me. ‘I must be the biggest ass to my current ‘henchmare’ host, even after the nice breakfast. I hope I didn’t break anything or burn her wall…’

She gave me a contemplative look having somehow gotten two tissues during my brooding before answering with a smile. “I will if you let me snuggle you and be close to you again like our first night, because it is nice being with you victor.” It is funny how she only agreed if she got snuggle privileges back, these ponies are so weird by their social intimacy standards especially to friends and relationships, that got me thinking again before giving the base of her tail a mock pull.

Made it a note of reference to ask and test carefully these sensitive spots that ponies had for in case of close quarters combat, would be useful to cripple a Unicorn by whacking their horn, a Pegasus by pressure points in the wings and for the universal places on the pony from an old pony anatomy book Lyra had and recalling acupuncture classes. But her current reaction of a stiffening body with a shuttered breath only ‘triggered’ her heat arousal only to be brought back by both a light zap from the same hand on her covered tail and her snout.

Sighing I drew her back to the living room and sat her on the couch looking over the damage I caused, also seeing her mixed reaction of apparently trying to enjoy my touch again despite her pain and nosebleed before I focus on the slightly improved healing spell that I carefully took my time mending and rubbing her snout gently and muzzle. “If you can, please try not to sneak up on me in the future so I don’t think you are someone out to get me. Ninjas can be a rather frightening prospect to consider, but at least you have something decent to be in while acting as my henchmare.”

She gave that strange cute noise when smiling again like what she’s doing now, and clearly overlooking her proud ‘YES!’ declaration sounding like joy. Also informing my little accomplish of our endeavors for our night as a villain first to this ‘Black Cauldron’.

-End Flashback-

Looking back to Lyra’s support position having her keep an eye or two out when we go into this area since from her intel there is more wild animal attacks at night, I only got a couple possible types from what she’s heard or seen in papers when regarding this which is why she’s extra skittish for our ‘journey’ to this bar. Got to admit someone has to be pretty ballsy to build a public like establishment in the woods, though have to take note there is also a zebra whom also lives in the area that runs a ‘voodoo’ and medicine business. Likely would be useful if she’s as friendly as lyra says.

[Maretropolis – Everfree Forest/Territory – a couple hours before midnight]
[Doctor Doom – Perspective]

The instant we entered the woods she went from happy to clearly on alert, oddly enough also doing a decent job in blending into the darkness of this forest while walking on this path. Though that golden glow from her night vision is from what I learned influenced by magic aura of the pony in question, but also improving her vision at night like I had assumed due to magic enchantment on them for it to happen. It is a rather running theme that more than half of their advances are magic alone so I can see how their civilization is both backwards and up to ‘code’ from my perspective.

Keeping a careful eye out for trouble with having a reviewed mental list of my offensive and defensive manual checked abilities on the go, oddly enough it feels as if there is more to be written in but clearly in a magic advanced world I’ll need plenty to work with to have the ‘tools’ for most or all moments while finding a place to start building tech parts from a front type establishment. Maybe if I was able to rob a bank enough tonight to either buy Lyra’s building or a ‘wrangle’ first a junkyard from yesterday’s peak at the city’s junkyard had shown opportunities for resources.

Though it was at that point that a rumbling of some bushes caught my attention while Lyra pointed nervously at the foliage in question, the most perplexing sight I beheld was what LOOKED like a ‘wolf’ walk out of said bush with obvious glowing green eye sockets and slight wisps between its joints coming from the chest. “Well if that isn’t one of your ‘timberwolves’, I wouldn’t know what would count as one after this at some point.” Feeling rather confident about this until about seven others came out following it while they eyed me with unusual unease with Lyra making a comment.

“Um, why aren’t they howling or charging at us yet..?” She was far more unnerved than I was becoming as I tried to keep them all in my view only giving her a careful reply with my fingers sparking with electric charge. “Stick to me and make sure there isn’t anything trying to circle around us from behind.” I clearly heard her neck move that sounded like a crack that drew the wolves to give a ‘cautionary’ move to spread themselves out with the first one snarling softly. Magic or not, they were displaying pack like tendencies and that means some form of intelligence and instinctual responses like Lyra.

Roaming my gaze over each of them as Lyra gave out a quiet whimper informing me there was likely a few more. “There’s two more from the other side victor.” I couldn’t feel it but I knew she wrapped her tail around my waist for possible comfort? The second one from the left looked to be tensing up for a leap only to deny that by jagged bolts of lightning shooting from my fingers setting it ablaze that only made it yelp and howl in agonizing pain with the others taking that as their time to attack. Here’s hoping Lyra remembered our game plan of using her levitation magic to throw them to the front of my vision so I can deal with them, otherwise maybe she’ll use her magic blasts to stun or disrupt what’s holding them together.

The two on my far right try taking that chance to attack only for one to be hit by a palm blast causing its head to fly off, and clatter on the ground and the second to be enveloped in levitation by pointing at it and commencing with throwing into the one currently thrashing on the ground from fire. Right about that time I saw something fly overhead crashing into three in the middle of my vision only to unleash the raw lightning onto their combustible forms, taking note of the headless one now having its head reattached by some force I shoot at its chest causing it to fall apart with a slightly moving heart shaped wood sticking out.

By that point I mentally counted four still active only to put that to three when I notice Lyra threw the last one behind us at one of two fire mounds I started, in a rapid fire succession for disabling or breaking apart their forms I blasted either heads legs or chests of the remaining active pulling Lyra along quickly in case others come to investigate with it being close to the city limits. It’s funny how some self-indulgence makes you forget about possible threats besides wildlife, though being glad nothing else has happened with some distant voices of what seems to be a fire marshal and wing flaps. Right, these pegasi control the weather so it would be rather obvious perhaps at this point as first responders.

Once feeling relatively safe I had lyra cast her tracking spell again while I use one of her hair for our current location to mark our path and the location of where we were heading, which will take about an hour. That is if the distance on this map is right, but at least Lyra’s happy about our first fight which is rather cute. “Victor that was amazing what you did! I thought lightning only came from clouds not anyone, though that would explain how you keep giving me little shocks sometimes.” She said that last with a flirty tone I have come to recognize only to sigh rolling my eyes giving her a response. “If you get that much joy out of me keeping you on focus perhaps if the entire night goes well enough I will reward you with what you call tail tugs.” That somehow got her to visibly blush through her mask and those golden glowing lenses turned pink for a moment.

[Roughly 40 minutes later]

Okay, would it kill this forest to try and NOT kill us! I swear to whatever is out there these things kept coming, mostly it were those ‘timberwolves’ though a couple of dead cockatrices that Lyra had somehow bagged saying she could get us a deal if we brought them to the griffin butcher she went to last time. Odd as it was with her holding a bag with two chicken lizard abominations that could be edible to me was astounding, apparently they are to some griffins a delicacy, or even more common to these ‘Diamond Dogs’.

But I shook that off at the more comical thought of causing an oversized manticore look at me and my lightning charged hand of death, simply gave what looked like a ‘NOPE!’ reaction, turned and ran as far as it could towards the direction we were not going in. I am not going to lie, that fucker looked like something out of a nightmare that could have easily gone to town on someone and left not even a doggy bag. Leaving Lyra stunned and cheering at my human ‘greatness’, often times I am left wondering how she can be so optimistic or cheery even in this forest while with me. But all thoughts would come to an end soon as I start to see a glimmer in the darkness as we get closer to our target, at least during this whole time my suit’s internal mini map has been updating on my mapped path.

Carefully wandering out of the vegetation coming across a path that led in the direction to ‘Ponyville’ that made me sigh, should have KNOWN there would have been some path to a bar but from the looks of this and Lyra’s reaction this must also be that zebra’s place by the voodoo theme, though it seemed bigger and rather well built to blend in except for the front.

[Everfree Forest – The Black Cauldron – a few moments later]
[Doctor Doom – Perspective]

Having informed Lyra of how things should go, I told her to keep her silence. Which disturbingly enough was a ball gag that was pulled out of possibly nowhere, was now being fastened and hidden under her mask before fixing that part of it too. In which she gave me a flirtatious wink showing a finger trail over it showing she can whistle through the hole in it, before putting on the goggles again. I will NEVER understand females of any species, EVER. Taking a calming sigh I look at the door before pushing it open ready to see what’s to come.

Which looks like an indoor tiki bar, a tacky one to boot that is pretty busy, with an apparent crowd with some guessed zebras and griffins being about half of those present. Looking through the crowd there are some types of ponies as well, the first step inside got noticeable feathers and wing movements of the fliers in the crowd turning towards me. There was a blinking of confusion as I raised a skeptical eyebrow they have not seen most likely with Lyra seeming to take a nervous shuffle, behind my back from the stares before they cautiously resumed their drinking or talking.

It was quite apparent that they were still watching, just trying to play it off as they weren’t. But wandering in deeper as any of these beings whom had wings made room with what gave off a type of unease that the manticore gave me earlier during the trip. The path led to the bar with each step noticing some zebras whom appeared to be employees here moved with flowing ease and one whom ‘manned’ the bar where their gazes drifted to seemed to be the one running the place.

Upon measured approach to the counter I could see Lyra concealed in their view as a more ‘tactical’ vibe knew she was a unicorn until I heard the zebra at the bar counter speak. “Dark stranger whom hides in cloak with cowl while trotting be of heavy metal clanks from hoofsteps do come, what manner might this humble practitioner be willing to impart?” Her eyes shown with foreign curiosity and some well cultured leadership tone of calm collection, her eyes even for a moment trail over Lyra’s attire of basic preparedness. “Would words spoken in security with fewer ears, be more to what we come to suggest be the requirement for words of play?”

With a slow nod in return added onto it with a gestured hand to lead on, her gaze drifted to my hand for a moment in some ‘glint’ of understanding, before giving a small smile as her ear flicked a few times in some kind of message. Before she left the counter with another younger zebra waving once at me taking her place while following the zebra most likely being either ‘Zecora’ taking her time in walking to a door further back as whispers become more apparent while the front door opened just before fully entering this back room, I think that may have been a ‘Thestral‘ from that anatomy book.

Blinking at a passage way that was concealed by two large shelves with three armed dressed guard either to protect this room or maybe settle trouble out front, though I wouldn’t put it pass me that those waiters may be some type of ninjas’ call it an instinctual vibe. Soon enough after traveling in a lit dug out tunnel we came to a room suitable for this kind of meeting, though with the runes running on the corners of the room show to be enchanted as my suit identifies it as some type of silencing spell or non-scrying. “In this chamber may we speak without much worry over being heard by ears of both friend or foe alike, take comfort in this fact for it is good for me as it is you.”

Nodding as I glance at Lyra as she rubbed her head making sure from the thumbs up that this zebra spoke the truth before sitting down next to me in a seat giving a nuzzle. “For our first meeting I offer a name to go by for future encounters, for there likely wouldn’t be another like me. My name to you is Doctor Doom, you can say I am new to this foreign land and my Henchmare here would be Lyrical Silence.” Having to take pause as both I and Zecora watch her squeal in joy at being acknowledged as such to someone else.

Taking a moment to compose herself as this Zecora, whom looked very well fit even under her modest if suggestive natural ‘clothing’ made from leaves and vines skillfully put together. “Zecora be my name, from parentage it be made. For one whom be a Doctor portraying of Doom, we would be willing to bring advice or service for your first two trips back after this first greeting.“ She smiled in what might apparently be a genuine tone before tapping her hoof in two quick beats before a delayed one beat as another message.

During this whole process I have been watching her and the door we came in while my onscreen detected another movement above, only to see a large envelope is dropped with a light *thump* next to her causing my eyes shift up enough to see a retreating hand, fucking striped ninjas. Lyra was caught by surprise by the action, though Zecora only seemed more surprised how I didn’t react in which I responded to why. “By the things I have come to experience, let us just say I am always suspicious of those who have a ninja capability. Though I have to ask what is in that in assumption be it for me.”

She had that curious look on her face again before smiling gently, maybe a rare reaction to not catch someone unaware. “This gift would be of good tidings for one whom is new to ‘our’ type of environment if things as to be correct.” She picked it up and carefully presented it to me with one hand, perhaps the sort who enjoys strange friends or getting in their good graces even in her ‘territory’. “So this would be a ‘welcome to the club’ type of information?” Only for her to give now a sagely nod in a calm deadly glance to make it clear, also still baring curiosity while seeming to look me over.

“You travel heavy for one in armor expecting trouble, even companion too dresses in a complimenting fashion of style for subtle arts. Perhaps she may garner from learning of it further with permission for her to receive a gift?” Blinking at Zecora once as a gentle tug from my side showed a nodding Lyra making a ‘please’ gesture, only to sigh and nod with her bouncing visibly with joy. “She be young and full of excitement for perhaps willing service to one whom brings unease to even those of flight and war?” She must be referring to the griffins from in the bar half earlier, she wouldn’t be wrong there but best not give away anything concrete.

Leaning forward slightly as the white glow of my eyes shown now. “It wouldn’t be wrong, though it hasn’t hurt for her favoring a road less traveled by most of her species. Though from what I see from you is that not all things are simply black and white as most would say by looking at your stripes alone, for the world has shades of grey in between it all.” That got her smile growing into something mischievous perhaps at this verbal play though there is something about her that screams out to me as she says these words.

An honest expression shown with pride and her body relaxes. “Befriending others can be rather difficult, especially so when I and my kin live isolated near pony towns. The town fears while the city ignores, even though one may be closer than the other it warms my heart to be seeing mind to mind on some facts so far by one whom remains cloaked in mystery.” There was a playful banter there though I had to ask this now. “I’m rather curious would this ‘welcome to the club’ include information on banks and whom owns which for an easy fulfilling hit?”

Her eyebrow rising with a gentle smile she asked this. “Would it matter if it be one from which hate boils from the heart?” Shaking my head no only got her writing on a waitress pad with a quill for a location and its name, once getting the small paper I read it over carefully. The writing is rather nice though in such a way that the paper has a ‘forest’ scent to it as one look at her shows where she kept it under her leaf skirt.

Near the street of Trothoof third and Flutterbreeze street
Would be a bank by name: Gilded Bit of Trust
If opportunity strikes please recover contents of deposit box 145, is possible leave it unopened and brought upon next visit from the back door.
They have received shipment from the mint only pass noon so the newest three employees be there still under watch of the manager whom runs it.
May you hopefully accept my welcome as a new friend, Zecora Chief of Whisper Clan.

Looking at her eyes with a raised brow before looking at lyra again, saying this in as much to try and embracing her culture a bit. “If you wish to be my friend, than as ‘Lyrical Silence’ here states often starts off with a ‘hug’. So you may have my second hug to this land..” Catching her by surprise by a careful cautious hug only for her to embrace it more so, when it eventually broke, she immediately hugged disguised Lyra happily before recomposing herself with a grin.

[Maretropolis – Gilded Bit of Trust – close to midnight]
[Third Pony – Perspsective]

It has been a grueling day for the accounting department as the senior staff got off earlier because they got that option, but the newer staff for this shady bank didn’t as it was barely a secret that most of their customers were related to pony criminals or their respective mobs. The only true saving grace was the cut throat methods of generating interest or tweaking the system, leaving non-ponies high and dry if they thought to open accounts here from some species views. Three mares and one stallion were working with one of those said mares to be eyeing the ‘newbies’ critically, having made it clear that ‘shortchanging’ results in a visit or two from ‘friends’.

They knew from first day orientation that the one who owned this bank was THE Filthy Rich, public made riches and criminal mob boss to the second largest pony mob in the city. The first biggest came from somewhere in prance, they didn’t know where but so far they have been ‘friendly’ for the last couple decades to keep a low profile from the princess. A fitting phrase here when involving criminals have been ‘out of sight, out of mind’, the pristine walls, actual oak tables and moderate chairs for both parties to sit in made this place all the nicer. That is until there was a strange sound that got all of their ears turning here and there distracted for the source, finally there was a slight ‘twang’ before three out of four suddenly turn to their manager only to see her crumpled on the floor.

Their eyes grew owlishly large with a silently cheering fully covered unicorn mare wearing enchanted night vision goggles, having bandoliers with individual pockets on them and the extra on her hips bouncing in tune with her bouncing hops before making a move to zip tie their manager than raising a hand to them in a ‘shush’ or quiet motion before pointing at them and their manager. “If we um, face down. Will you not hit us?” One of the two younger mares shivered speaking up with apprehension, only to get a nod in return with a raised thumb.

They suddenly felt a couple tons of pressure forcing them flat on their muzzles and saw it wasn’t the mare’s doing, they were all surprised that even while held they physically couldn’t MOVE in any way which proved far more terrifying to be under such a spell. But this thought was distracted as the same mare from before was moving her tail happily to her swaying hips that they KNEW were showing off for a stallion, what that the one who was holding them down? The stallion had his hands ankles and wings zip tied to ensure no escape while the two mares were earth ponies, frightened of being hurt by possibly two unicorns with magic.

But their assumptions were torn apart when the sounds of heavy clanking echoed on the marble flooring, only the more fearful mare saw a cloak and cowled mystery pony speak up and they guessed he was wearing guard armor perhaps. “Lyrical Silence, take this more seriously. Just as your name implies, I will be cross if it doesn’t.” He raised an armored fist in a threatening fashion in which something glowed that they couldn’t see that caused the mystery mare to flinch. The other two mares stared daggers at him for that while the stallion was rather shocked by such a display of social aggression, it’s hard to ever see that or even WITNESS it happening in this day and age. It’s often the mares who did that if at all.

During this moment it took them by surprise as the mystery stallion looked over the open vault door before levitating the doorway wider as he continued. “Keep a watch on those three and whistle if there is trouble, I have some forced withdraws to make…” He trotted slowly into the vault and after a few moments the sounds of defensive enchantments against damage started to go off while a few flickering lights inside illuminated, an intense ripping open of each locked drawer could be heard of screeching metal before pieces of them were thrown clattering to the floor with a mare saying this. “That shouldn’t be possible so quickly, some of the best theft deterrent spells are laid in there.”

At hearing that this ‘Lyrical Silence’ took a proud stance with a happy movement of her tail in a crooning fashion that’s muffled. The next sound was things being scraped into maybe a bag and the deposit boxes, they could see were being twisted and pulled violently until the enchantments failed making a whole row of them clatter with a bag floated closer to receive items, the most shocking was some of which were stolen goods now being stolen from whomever took them! “You could get a reward for turning those things in!” The stallion tried to helpfully chip in with his opinion that earned him looks from all three conscious mares now, only to look sheepish from realizing again that they were in a bank robbery by two masked mystery ponies.

There was a pause from inside the vault as if the mystery pony was considering it, only to reply with this supposedly to his henchmare. “Lyrical can you zip tie their muzzles too? Don’t want them offering any more helpful ideas and be considered accomplices to this.” The three captive ponies blanched a bit under that idea only for them soon to be zip tied around the muzzles causing them to be muffled until a groan of somepony waking up got their attention until the Lyrical Silence pony mare whacked her on the head with a branch they didn’t see until now.

But not until she made a whistle sound causing the mystery point come out while they still couldn’t see his face, it was both intriguing and frustrating at the same time to the captive pony ‘audience’ that caused him to ask a question. “What is the problem?” This Lyrical Silence pointed at the knocked out manager than the flashing crystals above showing the alarm going off, that made him face muzzle into his cowl with ‘five’ fingers? That baffled them until he ordered her to fill up the bag with bits and items from the vault while he puts the hostages in there with her, their eyes widened again even as she levitated them in one at a time until doing as he beckoned.

That is until about three minutes later a loud ‘whoosh!’ noise came with the front doors still locked blew open revealing two super heroines. The first one whom is known as ‘Zapp!’ is a pegasus flapping in the air with a smirk on her face while having an athletic figure with a larger C cup bust and toned hips and ass wrapped in a mostly blue body suit with white boots and gloves having electric bolt flare even with her mystical lightning bolt necklace around her neck. Her eyes glowed pure white while her rainbow mane and tail flowed up and behind her with well-muscled wings, as lightning jolted from the necklace around her in a brash stance in the air.

The second one zoomed in next to her holding a donut box with the label reading ‘Donut Joe’s to go!’, the earth pony mare was in a tight air resistance reducing fabric that gave a good image of her D cup breasts held up while her body looks like it could burn any fat away no matter how much she ate while the story is describing her body in detail she’s plopping a donut or two in with joyful glee as if hearing a unknown compliment. But continuing on her pink mane and tail look like a cotton candy trail that looks curved for more of her running speedster style, bouncing soon after in place to give the viewer of this story a good look at her body in a bubbly manner that got the mysterious cloak and cowled pony in possible armor to point a armored gauntlet in question.

“It’s Fili-Second just being herself, just go with it because she does weird stuff like this.” Zapp said in a frustrated tone, only for her friend Fili-Second to speak up with a cheer. “Well Zapp I am so happy because we finally got to show up in the story again! Even though it’s been a minor show in for me a couple times, but I’m happy because we get to fight our possible friend/enemy!” That earned a blink in confusion before the mystery pony spoke up this time as if to derail any future argument that looked to have been rolling out. “I hate to interrupt you both but, would it be too much trouble to deal with each other? I have a schedule to keep to, also it bites into that the longer you argue and I am not a ‘stallion’ who will dishonor you both by sneaking off before fighting you.”

That earned confused looks from them both before they start a form of rock paper scissors with each other, with Zapp apparently winning the first to attack. The mystery pony having taken a stance waiting for her now as he casually spoke saying this, with both eyes set on them. “So you both will fight me at once or one at a time?” the answer he got was zap flying at him rearing up a punch only to be knocked out of the sky by a couple of thrown chairs with a glow of one hand, with his other hand pointed at Fili-Second stopping her dead cold for when Zapp saw this she blanched at seeing someone capable of literally stopping her. Only to come back into action using the power of her necklace to try striking him with lightning to knock the stallion out, only to see the electricity condense around his five fingers flowing into him while taking the wind out of her body.

Blinking at the action before looking back at Fili-Second saying this to her. “When you and your friend wake up do tell her I am sorry for this part, it’s rather belittling to strike down two mares who are outmatched.” He said almost casually with some regret ebbing out, with another fully masked and suited mare came out the vault brimming with four full bags and whistling at him. “Right, I am just finishing up here.” He said soon after zip tying Zapp from a distance before knocking out Fili-Second as she heard this last part. “Well at least with this pilfered loot I will be able to start my war chest, and start paying you back-“ Her vision faded to black with the masked mare nuzzling the mystery stallion whom she knew was Doctor Doom for some unknown reason.

[Maretropolis – Gilded Bit and Trust, crime scene – After midnight]
[Masked Matter-Horn – Perspective]

I came rushing as quickly as I could after gathering the girls, upon our arrival there was both Zapp and Fili-Second sitting on the sidewalk with Zapp still winded as if somepony had bucked her stomach repeatedly. Rushing up to her as I begin doing a diagnostic spell to see what’s wrong while my erratic slow token of speaking was so shocking I lost track of what I was doing to just STARE at her, she was speaking in a depressed tone muttering about a stupid author for being a meanie.

That was until Zapp spoke up telling me what had happened in her own colorful way, even cursing at this strange ‘mystery stallion’ that somehow drained her when she attacked with her magic. That caused me to panic if there was anypony capable of draining magic! “Are you SURE he drained you? Because from what I am getting is a mild case of weakness.” I spoke shakily, historically there was only one such pony who could do that and he wasn’t a pony at all. He went by the title and name of ‘Lord Tirek’ who died long ago in tartarus of mysterious causes, even more confusing was how nopony saw who did it and there was no magic signature either for any death spell. Only just one hole in his forehead, it is the biggest mystery of all time second to Starswirl the Bearded’s disappearance.

But going by both of their accounts this mystery pony was indeed powerful, was capable of using magic and somehow got the upper hand against two of the fastest heroines Equestria has ever known! This is BIG TROUBLE! ‘Breathe twilight, follow through on your foal sitter’s relaxation technic. You can do this, you are Princess Celestia’s top prized pupil and can do this.’ My thoughts were interrupted this time by my sidekick Spike disguised as his alter ego humdrum, all because of my illusion spell. “twi- I mean Masked Matter-Horn I got the eye witness reports from the detectives inside, word for word like you would have asked me for. There were two suspects, one of them a Mysterious Stallion wearing a cloak with a cowl making any facial recognition impossible and said he was wearing armor of some kind with only gauntlets and hoof greaves being sure.”

He gave me time to process internally the main culprit whom hurt my friends, until he distracted me with details on the stealth mare named ‘Lyrical Silence’ with him, by the description it made me wonder if she was some mystery mercenary for hire. Was she this new mystery pony’s henchmare or victim? Was she mind controlled to do as he desired in dark places?!? “Masked Matter-Horn you’re doing that over reacting thing again, we need to help the girls. Panicking won’t help us and we can inform our guest heroines tomorrow when they get to the city.” That kicked me into gear and storming into the bank with a mission as the four bank employees here were still with detectives as a fifth was talking to them as well showing a brown earth pony stallion with a black mane and tail asking them questions and berating his hard earned tax bits on the police.

Only when I reached the vault did some things catch my eye, in one of the broken open deposit boxes was a gem from a stolen collection last year from the prench embassy, looking into another showed a stolen wonderbolts mint collection of the members a century ago focused on Blitz Flight. Looking back onto the detective ponies I said this loud enough for all of them to hear that caused Filthy Rich to pale a bit. “I need some warrants to be done up for the remaining deposit boxes as just glancing at two alone I can already identify two items in separate boxes that these are stolen goods.” With a resounding yes chorus making sure to double check my trivia facts on crime cases just to be sure, until I wonder back into thought wondering what kind of stallion would steal stolen goods and rob a bank at the same time?!

[Maretropolis – Filly Glade Apartments, Lyra's Place – after heist]
[Doctor Doom’s – Perspective]

Okay, good news is I went to a bar run by a zebra named Zecora, got the deposit box she wanted when I was robbing said bank and got at least ‘most’ of this supposed shipment by stacked amount of ‘bits’ that were placed in the vault on a trolley cart. Lyra’s demasked herself and bouncing in glee and was rather shocked how I handled two of the fastest heroines of the city, it felt as if I was fighting children. Only for the fact it felt like that after I was absorbing that ‘Zapp’s’ lightning attack, she looked physically drained when it kept feeding into me.

Maybe that’s why I felt super charged from when I saw how slow that pink one was moving when I struck her with immobilization hoping it would work. “Maybe it would still work, though my normal senses may not be able to keep up with them because I had the element of surprise on my side. Also I was indoors compared to that ‘Zapp’ while the one named ‘Fili-Second’ would normally have the advantage unless I was flying.” While I was thinking on this topic I saw Lyra appeared in my vision again grinning proudly as she hugged me by wrapping her arms around my neck.

“We did it victor! Hehehe, I was so nervous I was shaking inside the vault when I heard them and you talking outside. I froze up inside there and didn’t come out to protect you…” She visibly deflated in front of me looking rather depressed, it was hard to take on seeing someone try to cheer for me only to fail when it came to the bank heist. Maybe she’ll grow out of it or maybe I’ll need to just make sure she’s safe in the background…

Taking a sigh I move my fingers to draw her from the crouched position holding my leg shaking like a leaf until I carefully bent down to pick the mint unicorn up to stand again, making her look into my eyes as I took off my mask to show her my face so she knew I wasn’t upset with her. “Lyra Heartstrings, who was the mare who went out with me tonight?” She looked into my eyes after raising her chin a bit. “I am that mare. “Whom was the one who had my back when fighting nine ‘timberwolves’ and saw me scare the daylights of a ‘manticore’?” Lifting her head more confidently with a weak smile saying this now. “I helped you there victor, it made me happy.” She shuffled her hooves in an embarrassed fashion soon to ruffle her mane into a bit of a bounce let down look. “Who is the sexy mare that had my back when we went into a definitely dangerous bar in the middle of the woods where we could have been killed and buried?” She blanched a bit and recovered slowly by saying this with a bit more confidence. “I am that sexy mare.”

Smiling softly at her as I rub one of her ears getting a full brimming smile now as I say this. “Lyra, I may not have looked it but I was scared too. I had possibly thought of ‘THE. WORSE. POSSIBLE. THINGS.’ That could have happened to us tonight, but do you want to know what kept me going and collected?” She looked at my face wondering that until I said this. “A cute mare who had my back gave me the confidence to push forward even if we got into quite a bit of trouble tonight.” It was at that moment where she got those renewed ‘bedroom’ eyes and jumped me taking a first pony to human kiss, her lips were surprisingly soft and that tongue that soon slithered into my mouth sent shivers down her spine when touching my canines that made her lose the strength in her legs with her mane and fur slightly statically charged.

[Third Pony Perspective – the news!]

The screen plays showing the bank heist scene where the Power Ponies were gathered and said that two of the six had apparently briefly fought a villain in their fair city of Maretropolis and descriptions are sketchy at most of a duo pair of a Stallion shockingly leading this time and a strange professional mare who may be a mute due to the name disclosed as ‘Lyrical Silence’ being a unicorn in question, while the mystery stallion in cloak and cowl stated to be a unicorn also who may be wearing armor.

Nothing can be sure at this time but the Power Ponies have given their assurances that they are on the case! Tune in next time as we’ll try to hopefully be on the scene if we are lucky to cover said confrontation that dares to threaten this city, also in other news the bank Gilded Bit and Trust is now under investigation for being a place to hide stolen goods!

[Maretropolis – unknown apartment – later that night]
[GBT Mare Manager – Perspective]

Having entered my apartment and checking everything for tampering or sabotage I release my form revealing a black chitin exterior that appears after green fire encases my body allowing me to finally relax and was quite glad that my disguise didn’t fail from the blow to the head. Looking over my appearance in the mirror with a grimace from the subtle bruising from being knocked out twice by blunt instrument, only to sigh and try focusing on the spell my queen taught me when she comes into focus on the mirror saying this. “What happened to you drone?”

Pilfered Gains, Friends of Crime and Realty

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[Title]Pilfered Gains, Friends of Crime and Realty
Maretropolis – Filly Glade Apartments, Lyra’s Place – Well pass Sunset
[Doctor Doom - Perspective]

Having rested from the heist last night, we had started organizing what items we had taken from the bank which to be honest. Was the weirdest experience I had to go through at seeing references from where I use to ‘live’, which didn’t help when I felt power coming from them and some ‘inkling’ as for what they may pose as some type of summon. The question now as I look at that organized pile was ‘should I test them later when I have the equipment, so they don’t outright kill me or be an idiot and risk it?’. I’ve come to recognize a few of those objects, a black obviously enchanted spell book that upon touch I feel something watching me, a Hyperion beacon of sorts, that even had a sales pitch.

*Unknowing to Doctor Doom at this time a Token Comic Book for HIM starts appearing in different locations in the multiverse that have slight traces of chaos magic, showing his current progress in his universe with future events left blank to the readers with the mark at the very end on the back cover.*

The more creepily familiar object was a damned Tesseract, too close for comfort from that thing, maybe it isn’t Wade Wilson? There was a couple of ‘overlord’ tokens, the strange part was that one of them was a ‘Overlady’, knowing that game I’d have to be on my toes though that ‘Don’ overlord might be interesting… There is also a weird type of omnitrex device that’s if I got that right belonging to a ‘Jason’, I am starting to think all of these things are either high risk summons that may be helpful or not. But at least the ones asking for payment brings out a logical argument, payment for services rendered, there is even a couple of sith summoning pieces too which sounds more of my childhood.

That one of the many possibly more ‘tame’ out of these seem to be a D6 mentioning some ‘Dox’, a ‘summon’ for team rocket, some of these are really hitting my childhood again, maybe I’ll try summoning one of them in an emergency to cause a distraction. But I have noticed a ‘trend’ with these ‘summoning’ items, most if not almost all would attack me from the likely ideals I hold. Perhaps not if I came up with the needed arguments to come, but that would require planned summoning beforehand. With only a few of them seem to fit more of a ‘business’ vibe, a CEO of a borderland’s company, and two strange merchants with one of them sounding resident evil.

Sighing over the ‘summon’ items with apprehension, maybe try summoning the merchant types first to see what could be acquired. Though Lyra’s in good spirits at the other things that I deemed not summon items or possible dangers, like supposedly lost or stolen relics or mainly jewels and art held in surprisingly small containers. I’ll just call it [Hammer Space] enchanted containers, though it’s a good thing that these things had no tracking devices, also Lyra being disguised would have later exposed her to repercussions.

But I am rather happy about my little ‘haggling’ session with the former Landlord, who looked like an over glorified mule pimp who got the receiving end of it until agreeing to my ‘easy terms’.

-Flashback-

[Filly Glade Apartments, Landlord’s Room]
[Third Pony - Perspective]

The room was dark, with a slight rancid smell, soon a gruff snickering was heard from outside the unlit room. The jangling of an oversized key ring drew the lone occupant’s attention from inside the room, the only thing was an easy colt chair turned to face the window as it looked comfortable to sit in. It sat facing away from the front door, when the door opened letting light into the room from the hallway outside the apartment. A grumble from stumbling was met with the shattering of a dropped once half-filled bottle on the floor. “Fuckin’ brittle bottles, wonderin’ why I buy that cheap stuff. Where’s that light switch?”

The light flickered on in the room as the drunk took notice of the easy colt chair being out of place, stumbling over to it cursing along the way, with a new figure emerging slowly from the closet by the front door. His right gauntlet covered hand upon touching the door closes with a click thus locking it, flicking a finger from the same hand up into the air as the donkey didn’t notice the [Silence Spell] go into effect. The chair forced to turn and to face the Donkey leaving him befuddled until the cloaked and cowled stranger pointed his finger trapping the donkey in one movement, before drawing the frozen landlord closer to see whom was in his apartment no less.

Metal graved steps were made before the mysterious figure approached, while keeping digit pointed at the drunk donkey. “Mr. ‘Grump’ I would assume? There is no point in trying to talk or scream, as the gesture would be ‘pointless’. I could even KILL you without even a mouse hearing it, by the reaction of your paling coat. Humorous I might add that you ‘understand’ what I am capable of if pushed, now I will allow you to speak but nothing else, the suggestion here would be ‘obey’ and live.” Cloaked and cowled figure spoke in a clear flat tone that was bled dry of any emotion currently.

Lightly flicking his hand that held the terrified ‘Mr. Grump’ tossing him forward face first into the easy colt chair in front of him nearby causing him to flip him and it over. “GAH! Fuckin’ magic ponies and their magic spells, what do ya want? Because I’ve got ‘protection’ from a wise stallion already.” The reaction was a mostly repressed chuckle in response, only to give the donkey a sound backhanded slap across the muzzle this time, but the reaction from Mr. Grump was of shock instead as something levitated into Mr. Grump’s view.

Drawing him much closer to the document than desired with the mysterious cloaked unicorn speaking up, showing predatory eyes with near white irises. “What I ‘need’ is you to sign over your ownership of this building, on THIS piece of paper. Then take the earliest transportation out of the city, if you deviate from this action in the slightest.” Pausing just long enough to make the point clear as electricity arcs between a now seen gauntleted fingers. “I will be sure to leave your body lifeless in an alley like an accident victim to electric discharge.” The point was driven home when the metal gauntleted hand came in swiftly to cling onto his forehead.

The currently green glowing one idly floating the paper down in front on the coffee table, while making a stack below it with a quill and inkwell to follow. The hand clamped onto Mr. Grump’s Forehead applies electric shocks into his head, at a low enough volt to not cause permanent harm but show that it can be fatal. Though it’s a good thing the room was silenced as the landlord silently screamed, as if his balls were being cut off. Giving him a breather only after ten seconds of applying voltage to let a voice be barely heard. “Where do ya.. Want me to sign..? Just no.. More of that… Please..?”

There was a blink before the cloaked figure looked down at his own hand, saying these words that shocked the donkey worse than he felt. “I thought we would be at this for a few hours, but it seems most species here, are ‘weaklings’.” There was a glint that made Mr. Grump shudder like a foal before being forced forward to lean towards the paper pile, still jittering from the shocks, flinching even as the figure reached forward to produce that terrifying electric arcing hand. Pointing at the stacks of paper next to the document.

It came into view and surprisingly was a form of transfer Ownership of Property, looking up at the figure again as he felt it was a mistake having that predatory gaze bore down into his lower seating. Half drunkenly almost cringing away but held in place be the hand on his throat and the other half out of fear driving himself to grab a well-used quill and half empty ink well, before even putting his hand to the paper it felt trapped again as the voice spoke up again. “I will punish you, if you do not write neatly and clearly before signing that document before your eyes. Let us say each ‘jolt’ will be for every MISTAKE, parchment is a resource after all.”

Once Mr. Grump’s body was freed again he grabbed the closest parchment he could trying to ease off his jitters while crudely signing his name over and over again, desperation in his nervous eyes for once in his life was he terrified. All the while a VERY silent Doctor Doom patiently waited, looking down at his own hand before returning a hard look at the donkey before him. ‘This will be but one of the first steps in coming to achieving anything I desire, under my iron will from here on. But let us hope this move will be worth it.’

-End Flashback-

Smiling under my mask seeing Lyra’s happy antics as I get back to sorting these summons and the stolen goods of a more historical sort, making my head shake at Lyra wearing what is apparently ‘Princess Platinum’s‘ Crown and cape from before the ‘unification’ of three pony races. Though she did tell me earlier of a visiting griffin whom became ostracized from the hamlet known as ‘Ponyville’, when she from my guess went to visit a famous pony friend but they couldn’t handle her abrasive nature. Likely a natural instinct that causes it, or a mix of both social and biology from timid herbivores to aggressive omnivores.

But the rather interesting ‘bit’ of news in my membership package was that the variety of fences available, though it also shows the ‘cut’ they would take overall. A new griffin’s name caught my attention literally, due to the absurdity of it possibly being the same one I heard about from Lyra before is rather strange. Going by the name ‘Gilda’ could be of use and apparently was the same one that was driven out by her friend. Shows me just how most ponies treat different species, as ‘friends’ who abandon long time childhood friendship just shows me how much these ponies loyalty can be.

Lyra on the other hand simply just takes everything, from praise to criticism but when she has time she’s been snout deep reading that ‘Shadow Guide and Basic Technics’ book from that zebra Zecora. Perhaps it is just me being here that ‘influences’ her behavior to try new things, also apparently she is a type who snuggles with me or perhaps she has insecurities about herself. Even how fragile she can be in hoping I won’t just ‘disappear’ on her, like some ‘good dream’ which little habits like pinching herself or simply asking for little ‘punishments’ from me so easily. Which just to humor her is either a spank or flick of the ear, which is most often flicking her ear a couple times, which makes her shiver.

“Lyra, we need to prepare to go out to that bar again.” She looked to me in thought with that blushing smile most likely hoping to take another kiss from me, but at my getting her attention the sound of a pop told me that she closed the distance using [Teleport] appearing on her knees smiling at me with her tail waving higher with that mint smell again. “What is the task for tonight besides that victor? Because I know we would see Zecora, is it something like training? Or something big again like last night?” Smiling softly I fished out the documents for Lyra to see, her eyes comically bugged out with owner transfer papers and the Build’s Deed.

The funniest part that I will NEVER forget was how ‘Mr. Grump’ took only two suitcases and booked it, running like a retired Olympian who had the privilege to commit to their version of sprinting while the effect made him seem like a tiger was chasing after him. Straight to what looked like the nearest long distance Pegasus carriage service to leave the city, I heard him shouting about taking him to ‘Dodge Junction’ at the end there, which ended up when looking at a city map to be somewhere northwest of the city. Though cute as Lyra’s vision is still stuck looking at the documents as I brought her back, by lightly flicking her ear making her shiver for a moment only for her gaze to shift onto me with that lustful gaze. “We need to get your signature on this, also arrange this new property ownership.”

Predicting her glomp this time I leveled her a gaze, telling her to sit next to me by pointing at my side. Which she more than eagerly complied looking up at me, with that stare, she lays everything bare to me and the creepy thing still is that she wouldn’t refuse me no matter what. It is like years of being bottled up is uncorked, she fawns over me like a bunny to her mate with an adorable ‘sexy’ pout reaction to my enhanced methods of ‘force’, if you can call it that. Though that brings up the point where a normal human would die from a lightning strike yet here I am, a walking power generator, just one of the many things besides having technological manipulation of some sort.

Looking up at the clock giving a sigh saying this. “Grab the things we’ll need, also when you do keep them safe. Wherever you keep most things, as we have a long trek.” Her response is a nuzzle before using some type of teleportation using smoke to conceal her grabbing her ‘sexy’ villainous outfit and the things we’ll bring along to speak again.

Maretropolis – Power Ponies Tower, Mission Room – Before sunset
[Mare Do Well/Princess Celestia - Perspective]

My precious if overly excitable student and her friends, threw us a welcome party upon our concealed arrival safely to the upper floors. It was endearing and poor Luna is trying her best, perhaps if she tried to go out more, NOT in costume as ‘Batmare’. Perhaps a charity event, an informal party or maybe a friend circle! No, knowing her tastes she would likely choose an informal party just to placate my frustration. She’s a bright strong bodied mare who should know that all of our ponies welcome her back with open arms, but some good news is that some Thestrals from that abysmal country had flocked to welcome her wholly which has improved her mood since her return.

Hmmm, perhaps if I asked Luna to throw a Costumed Party here in Maretropolis on nightmare night she would surely be a happier mare after! Now I just need to be careful in subtlety having her come up with the same result, she is rather sharp so I need to play innocent and try encouraging her. “Twilight, has there been any updates about that bank robbery? Or more importantly, the Alien you believe came through has there been any other sightings? Hopefully of a friendly sort this time.” Seeing my student’s eyes shifted had my suspicions think ‘no’ on the later issue account but she focused on the first knowing I knew from that shake of the head. “Sorry princess, but it’s rather strange that nothing came up since then. Also I am not sure why you would want us to keep an eye out for any intelligent life while crime fighting. But there has been progress in the bank heist!”

Watching rainbow dash walk up in front looking uncertain at my student, seeming to be reassured about a possible spell she was about to use which I had a good guess on for how her friend was seating facing the wall we all were. “Well princess from digging up a memory projection spell, I was able to retrace Rainbow dash’s moves from when they arrived to when they left. Though oddly enough the same thing couldn’t be said about Pinkie when I tried for a collaborative cross examination, only to find NOTHING at when she got to the front door of the bank to when she woke up.” Giving an auditable grunt to Ms. Pie whom seemed strange from that, perhaps a concussion could had caused it?

But moving the discussion on with a wave of my gloved hand she started playing the bank heist from Ms. Dash’s view, but the voice of that stallion was vaguely familiar, as If I met him somewhere before as his annoyed tone made me quietly giggle with Luna at their trying to decide who fought him first. But this pony got my attention by what happened when he took Ms. Dash’s lightning strike, expecting the pony to fall over knocked out, only for him to absorb the strike than apologize to her for being weak even to Ms. Pie. Luna looked excited at the prospect of a strong challenge whom was different from the normal, though the air he gave off in that projected memory was of confidence and power that in Ms. Dash’s words would be ‘facing a storm that knew how to fight’.

When that ended my student spoke up once more now displaying organized documents of the bank and its history, which looked troubling as I skimmed through it quickly reading each page. “On the surface the bank is above bar and meticulous in keeping proper records, even projections that would sound reasonable to somepony who was willing to overlook a few mistakes. But when comparing these notes over a larger period does it start to look fishy, the final nail in the bureaucracy nightmare of even TRYING to get names to the deposit boxes resulted in NOTHING. My mane and tail went inferno by what rarity has told me, though she was able to get that the employees were TOLD to keep their snouts low and cause no waves or they would vanish.” Sighing softly as she looked away, rubbing her arm in the process told me that something happened to one of my little ponies. “That pony who rarity talked to was reported missing a little before you both arrived by the stallion’s mother.”

I looked to Luna whom wore a grim visage, she’s seen how some of the worse crimes can be in trotham, some of her stories makes me wish to rouse the royal guard and do a grid cleanup of that place. But Luna’s been assuring me that progress is being made officially and unofficially. Hopefully this time we can save this one from whatever cruel things happen behind this bank’s strings.

Everfree Forest – Black Cauldron, Back area – Tenish that night
[Doctor Doom - Perspective]

Lyra was quite on the ball this time with her alert ears swiveling, turning her head to focus on spots with the slightest of sounds, only to arrive at the back of the establishment with careful pacing from before. It is not every day I walk up to the back door of an establishment built in a dangerous backwoods, of possibly one of the short list of highest danger zones in this country. Though it makes me wonder why there wasn’t a proper defensive wall or something set up near that hamlet called Ponyville, bringing its name up for how it is just screaming speciesism, which oddly made Lyra become curious why she hasn’t thought of it like that before.

Giving the door a careful once over look, noting that it was solid but painted to blend in with the foliage nearby. Soon enough raising a armor covered hand to deliver the ‘message’ to use on it, three short knocks and one jiggle of the door knob with a final knock was a clear code in the ‘welcome package’ given last night. Which resulted in waiting a couple of minutes before the door opened, revealing the just as scantily leaf outfit wearing toned zebra named Zecora with both a headdress and a smile on her muzzle. “My friends of mysterious intentions, whom see the world in shades of gray and not simply a stripe of either black or white. Come inside and warm from the chill that be outside.” She greeted just more openly than last time at the start of our meeting, very happy perhaps.

Though it didn’t take us long for the familiar room to arrive again, stepping pass it’s threshold and gazing about showed no one else in here like before though there were a few other ways in cleverly hidden. It shows that time was taken to set this place up, but moving to sit down again seeing Lyra whom dressed as she is now is referred to as ‘Silent Melody’. “Seeing as the three of us have come together again, you likely know I brought what you desired. Also I wish to bring up something else on a subject I would enjoy your lovely aid in my exotic friend.” In a land of ponies sometimes a compliment or something nice said to someone who stands out can open paths.

Zecora beamed from that as she accepted the deposit box with its seal still intact, showing her that it was done in good faith instead of being ‘sloppy’ as most might. The curious part was when she brought out two sets of keys, inserted them inside then unlocked it with ease. Quite well showing me this was likely some kind of test, to prove myself perhaps? But her smile only intrigued me more when she pulled out a pendant and a small journal written likely in her language. “My night is brightened as if it were day full of spring warmth, to see what belongs to me returned unharmed.”

Blinking a moment before seeing her look them over, turning her gaze back onto mine as he reverently place the two items down on her lap. “I guess they did not want you to close an account or something of that nature?” Earning a gentle nod in return before smiling warmly ever more, as I could tell there was deep sentimental value there. “Indeed it would be true, for practices of foul with no honor among like minds barred our possessions returned. But let us wade beyond such topics, paddling ever more to what you have wished to reveal.”

Moving my hand back into my attire fishing out the document and signed paper for why the signer couldn’t be in person for the final parts of this ‘transfer’. “Do you have any loyal to you whom own properties in the city, or say the outskirts?” Upon receiving a ‘no’ shaking of the head, for her eyes to widen a bit. Continuing by saying this with some joy. “Because I believe that may have to change as of this moment, I am requiring of someone to act legally in buying for my stead. The only requirement for the choices would be the following is a list of properties for sale that can be bought legally. As ideally buying a junkyard is a start, with a small factory likely near there if possible bigger deeds.” Stating this as calmly as possible to see how she would react, only to earn a smile on her muzzle giving a nod.

“Such places both visible and translucent of requests would be fair, but from what I see of pieces being realty would take time to find. Would it be of comfort to come seek, bringing such answers another night while it is sought for satisfaction? Though for one whom would act in practice of wishes told, we would trust our niece to be of mind willing to accomplish this task laid to bare. For she will come to introduce when it is arranged.” She smiled moving closer giving me hug that couldn’t be felt through the armor, but if things go well. Perhaps in a few months and some more decent actions will have laid the groundwork for the progression of my ambitious goals, but I need to pace myself from risk verses reward to not leave myself exposed.

Giving her a hug back until one of my hands holding her accidently zaps from static electricity, I clearly see her shiver with a smile as her head looks towards Lyra in disguise. “Does his touch bring spark to the soul with a shocking bite each time?” Earning a nod that got Zecora giggling and an added nuzzle, though I take this time also to bring up another point. “Would you also have knowledge on countries that are not stable or are currently in turmoil of any sort? For it would help me even more in the long run.” Which got a curious look likely from the both of them, though Lyra likely a bit more confused than Zecora as her eyes glimmer in interest. “Realty of countries often is a greater gambit of which many a fool have been bitten or entombed.”

With that slight concern and that wording means there have been attempts before, but they over extended and lost or died, that’s quite a challenge to overcome. If the first time can work what will stop me from trying to ‘expand’? “If or when there is one success, won’t it provide new paths of travel or safe harbor for those whom travel in our circles or beyond?” That got a strange look as she contemplated this most likely, turning to give a hardened look giving a response that was rather strange for well. Being a new friend alien or not for concern, though the one most likely to be concerned about screw ups is myself with Lyra being a narrow second. “For safe harbor you wish to make bloom afar, would only be done with plans of entry and escape made for it to be assured. But vessels and carriages do not hide well, which would tell where one comes and goes.”

Giving a greater smile in response I spoke conspiratorially. “I have more than a couple plans, but one of them requires the building of a ‘special’ kind of vessel. Only when the things I have are underway to securing that far ahead goal, will I act in caution. But I will say this, when it is done, the world at large will LEARN of my name and the power I wield. Though it will be humorous, as even if those back from where I use to harbor would scream; ‘how dare he make something from SHIELD!’.” That end half spoken was in a mock of angered tone before giving a chuckle of amusement while Zecora looked skeptical but nodding as she made the arrangements with Lyra I believe to be shimmering and overly nuzzling my side.

Maretropolis – City Limits, Metal Jaw Junkyard – A hour or so after said meeting
[Alpha: Sharp Tooth - Perspective]

The cool air whiffed across my muzzle, for months now I’ve been scaring off greedy ponies trying to buy clan’s debt. It was one of the main reasons why I fought for Alpha position among our clan, stupid ponies just want only the land, don’t care about dogs. That always rubs my fur the wrong way, most ponies only care about what they like, but last alpha was stupid and wasted what little pony bits we had. Now I am the alpha! But I fear for my clan and my growing pup, she is bright like a flawless gem! Not like me or most dogs, it was a good thing we named her ‘Tempered Steel’ for big smarts and toughness like me.

But she won’t get anywhere like we won’t if debt destroys our clan home, it isn’t pretty but we make it strong and safe. But this smell is of ponies from the forest, they always smell like leaves, wood and danger like forest. ‘Why would this pony come out so far to here? Did they wish to buy something dog made? Did they need something fixed? What did they wish?!’ The sudden cough from behind me did NOT make me yelp like a pup, or flail swinging big wrench, but this pony is striped and dodge my swings like a snake. “What does pony thing want!” I may have nervously snarled…

My strong Pit Bull dog body was not intimidating to the smaller pony, she did not flinch but looked at me as a dog would sizing another up to fight. I readied myself to fight, only for the strange pony to speak in weird city pony way instead of confusing forest pony way. “Mr. Sharp Tooth I would humbly come to assume?” I grunted raising eyebrow at strange striped pony, she sound young like my pup. “I have come on part of another, as we were curious if you would wish to sell the Junkyard at this time, for we’ve come under the assumption if your debts are not paid off sooner or later you’ll lose your home to those whom have no heart.”

I only saw red when I heard strange forest pony mare speak of ME selling clan junkyard! I lunge at her only for her to disappear and strike my belly, I slide onto the ground grabbing and pulling off a nearby carriage door to use as a shield and charged the strange pony! Only she vanished AGAIN! STOP VANISHING PONY TRICKS! But she grabbed my tail and smacked my neck with hoof! I try to swing around but my footing is weak and I fall against tough ground. “Metal Jaws will not lose home even to strange ponies!” Only to get giggling from pony..?

Blinking the dizziness from my eyes I narrow looking at young strange stripe pony. “Why is pony laughing at dog troubles?! Dog troubles not funny and ponies should stay out, why do ponies keep try to buy our land?! I know crafty ponies will try to kick clan out moment we do!” That only got strange pony giggling more only to growl out our hate, but strange pony say this that confuse me. “Mr. Tooth, it is not I who would be buying. But of another whom would likely see your plight and perhaps wish your stay, though if that isn’t convincing enough. Perhaps another night I may bring him here to test?” Strange pony looks to be making crafty tricks again, but young strange pony said not pony buying?

Pony must have saw suspicion as strange pony continued talking. “He is quite a strange foreign newcomer, though he does have strength and power to have fight tougher ponies like those known by ‘Fili-Second’ and ‘Zapp!’. Perhaps your clan might embrace him if given the chance, for a second chance of your clan could be assured to continue.” Strange crafty pony, seems to be helpful? Is it another trick by city ponies to sell land and home? I need to see to be sure if pony isn’t tricking, because crafty ponies never show their tricks and give me time to get pack together to see.

“Strange pony may bring non-pony, if he as pony says clan will talk. If not we kick you out at best, at bad we beat in skulls and throw out into forest.” My tone was dark like practiced, though young pony didn’t flinch again, she only nodded and calmly left with saying words. “He may change your opinions on things to come, if time is allowed.”

Watching strange pony left and smell in air clear only for Tempered Steel to come up from nearby hole, she cute healthy beagle like her mom. “Daddy, were you fighting with a pony just now? You know that is bad to do, because they will call the pony guards like uncle ruffles.” Scowling a bit I scuff the tough ground before grumbling, about stupid ponies and their stupid weak pony guards who cheat with magic and wings! “I am just protecting clan grounds, but strange forest pony say that non-pony wishes to buy clan land. We get dogs of clan together to meet them up here next night just in case.”

Tempered Steel always a smart pup, she pointed at her eyes then me! Means I should try to behave, or I’ll get talking to by her. Just like her cute mother, I am only feeling rain which is in my eyes! Not crying because of sad things, life is unfair to dogs who try to live in pony land. Their whining and pushing dogs away to keep dogs stupid and out of pony schools, was no better with old alpha had clan stay away from ponies so wouldn’t learn pony secrets.

Maretropolis – Griffin District, The Wet Beak – Early that morning
[Gilda- Perspective]

Tonight’s been rather rough, a griffin can only get a break from thick headed biased ponies. At least I THOUGHT dash was still cool to hang around with, definitely wasn’t like the rest during our days at flight school. Not as bad as this week, but getting bullied by fucking herbivores is low for any griffin out there! “I want another strong ale with ice, if you can keep them coming for a few more I’ll be happy as a feather in its prime.” There was two others sitting down near me, by the reaction of the bartender’s wings he’s nervous about these two. Maybe the drink’s dulling the senses, but at least I know they are likely hardcore.

Taking a look I noticed the strange sight of a completely black form fitting pony mare unicorn with night vision goggles and bandoleers on her torso and waist, definitely decked out for a fight if she’s hiding magic charged crystals. Also a carved wooden bat on her waist, likely to be untraceable if used on somefeather or somepony. But seeing those ears flick around just shows she’s on alert for some reason while that cloaked and cowled pony is sitting there, looking relaxed and ahead something about this pony was getting me on edge. Like a powerful lightning storm was only more than a foot from me, just ready to strike me dead on the spot, but feelings like that came only from the storm god.

I snapped out of it as his rugged voice innately commanded attention, even if he was speaking in a calm leveled tone. “Ms. Gilda, I read that you would be willing to sell bartered goods? Because just like you, I wish to help someone new in similar circles. Bar keep a water for now.” When that was said, I must have looked stupid as I dumbly nodded, even the scarred barkeep who never spoke a word was making way. “…Um, ya I could do stuff like that for ya. Though feeling as if being put on the spot, maybe we can meet up or go wherever you want?” Hoping I didn’t stutter or losing my cool I try to get my head into the game. ‘Get it together gilda! This could be my big chance, or also your final stop if he doesn’t like me.’

Giving a shudder before looking back at who he is, only to see white irises, sparking with lightning. Am I dreaming or is his eyes doing some magic trick, but it isn’t as I can feel those sparks from here. This must be what it’s like for ponies to face us, because the weird part is I am kind of getting warmed up by his eyes trailing over me. Trying at this moment to stretch out my wings, curve my body to give him a look to see if he likes it. ‘He’s looking at my wings, he might be a wing stud. Might also mean he likes those who a toned figure or an athletic build, heh if dashie were here maybe if it wasn’t business we could double team him.’ He must have saw the look on my face for when he touched my hand with his gauntlet, I felt sparks like they say when you kiss somefeather you like.

I tried not to blush, I really did and that masked unicorn saw me too. “Um, nothing to do tonight so I could come along now if you want?” I regretted him letting go of my talons when he dropped bits on the table after emptying his drink, never saw his face yet as he was even a gentlefeather too for helping me up and we walked outside with that pony following behind me and me behind him. “So what’s your name?” I asked when we got into the alley way when he stopped and grabbed onto the two of us saying his name that I will remember.

“My name is Victor Von Doom, though my enemies call me Doctor Doom.” The feeling of electricity flowed through us as he casted some spell, and I blacked out.

*WARNING* Exotic Hire, a 'Rat Pack' and One Shocking Deal *NSFW*

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[Title] Exotic Hire, a ‘Rat Pack’ and One Shocking Deal
Maretropolis – Filly Glade Apartments, Landlord Room – The moment after last time
[Doctor Doom - Perspective]

Upon our arrival in the former landlord’s apartment still trying to get use to teleportation, as for me it leaves an ozone smell in the air that momentarily lasts before the alcoholic scent starts to replace it once more. I had hoped to start right away straight to business to get away from the smell, only to now feel a slight weight lean against me from the side with inebriated female griffin Gilda. Looking towards the said aerial omnivore I couldn’t help but sigh, seeing that she was out like a light. Lifting a finger up I cast a Silence spell, to keep the other tenants from likely hearing in on this discussion.

I should have seen that my teleport would have some kind of effect on others, especially perhaps on the type of status afflicted sort. Though Lyra was acting ‘perky’ even for her, by bouncing and visibly showing a ball gag restrained smile through her costume’s mask as the physical actions she is portraying are rather ‘odd’ by my standards. “Are you alright ‘Silent Melody’?” It never hurt to ask while also carefully adjusting to hold up a well-toned griffin build that, with her current attire made it seem like a swooning biker chick.

With my free hand I simply face palmed at what I just thought out, while Lyra pops into my vision giving a shimmer of that estrus excitement rearing its head again. Nodding her head before I pointed at our griffin guest, and to the couch to make getting the point across easier for my intention. Helping me by using her more finesse levitation skill, so that no unintended harm happens to our guest. Which after the task being done, left Lyra’s energizer ‘bunny’ attitude turning lustful mare which I tried to quell down. Before that was until she leaped at me on a pivotal moment knocking us to the floor, I tried to reason with my estrus induced henchmare.

Which having utterly failed by seeing her rip off the front piece of Lyra’s mask exposing her snout and drooling lips, the scary part was her horn lit up and vaporized the ball gag she was WEARING. Leaving behind loose hanging straps on either side of her muzzle, having her full lips be licked in a seductive manner. Shooting my hand up to grab onto her ear which subdued her for a moment, the accidental tug with pressure got Lyra to let loose a mix of a pleased whinny and pain. As I rather unceremoniously kicked her off of my back prone body only to leap onto my feet with a clang, only to see her lifting her night vison goggles giving an adorable pleading look of the eyes, begging me to help her relieve the stress of estrus.

Upon receiving a no, that once adorable sad pleading look turned monstrous. A mare whom has been holding back on estrus is one scary pony to be around, She lunged at me but I was prepared this time and I won’t proudly say this but it devolved into a literal brawl in the living room, transitioning into the bedroom by her having thrown me into there to me throwing us out of there and into a better space to fight and not be confined. If my guess is correct, it will hopefully have the intended action to help my little henchmare.

But before I could even get her locked down, she used one of those tricks from that book Zecora gave her. Ended up blasting me in the face somehow having moved the easy colt chair into my backward staggering path before finally plowing into me forcing me to sit down in the chair and her to remove my mask kissing me, AGAIN! But the up side is she’s a great kisser compared to me who isn’t as well skilled It seems, though she doesn’t seem to mind and once breaking the kiss she actually giggled with her clouded eyes gazing hungrily upon my form. “Let’s have some REAL fun victor; because I know I won the tussle this time. As wouldn’t the winner get her prize~?”

*Lemon*

Giving her a look after hearing her lustfully sang out those words, now gazing at her leg spread form sitting in my lap literally pinning me down rubbing her hips into mine with her bodysuit torn leaving her exposed in all the right spots. Even her sitting exposed in my lap on the easy colt chair, shows off that some areas she must have intentionally ripped to make having my access to her easier. I had not even a moment of registering that observation before pushing her breasts against my exposed face growling out in annoyance. “Bite me victor! Show me what those HUMAN teeth are capable of!”

My brow rose at that before without question, I bit into her right nipple that was offered to me experimentally. Causing Lyra’s shudder to escape with my canines upon her softer flesh, which strangely enough rewarded me with minty milk? Figure that logic out later, as I can hear her nails sliding along the main helmet around my head, as if hoping to slide her fingers through my hair and undress me more. Sadly for her she only saw me take off my mask to my knowledge, though there was those few odd times I was in the bathroom showering up to get the smell off. Fuck, she likely did that scrying spell on that hand mirror she had each time I went in.

A noticeable blush somehow coming through the mask she’s still wearing, her husky breath enhanced by the now gone ball gag she wore now showing her larger equine pony tongue rolling out in a soft whinny when I tugged upon her nipple. Distracting her while my each with one moving to her heated drooling pussy while the other not grabbing her tail base making her shudder out in a near stiffening motion, her eyes fluttering close when I pulled on her tail in my strong grip working to regain control. Only to hear something splatter onto the ground with another voice I couldn’t hear. “Pluck, she’s rearing to go and he’s got her by the tail with those five strange fingers?”

The whine that followed of my fingers resting on her pussy got me to chuckle a bit, soon only pushing her closer by her covered tail saying this up to her sensitive equine ears with a heated voice. “So my little henchmare, you desire something from ME?” I could see and actually feel her vibrate in my grasp in my lap, such a hungering intensity burned in her clouded eyes looking down at me. Which was rather shocking to say the least besides vigorous nodding, following up with a pleading action with her gloved three fingered hands pawing at the back of my head and down my chest, leaning in to nuzzle my exposed face as I saw how she needed this.

Still pressing her muzzle to the side of my head breathing deeply, likely taking in my scent with a throaty moan. “PLEEEASEEE! It hurts so BAD not being filled up! I need my HUMAN!” I would give her a response to that but stopped as I heard her say that, if I give in I would only make her worse from what I understand. Coming to a conclusion as I yank on her tail making her bolt up, only so I can latch onto her throat biting lightly. That action alone gave another hitched gasp with my thumb resting upon her clitoris, working it in taunting circles before zapping her with a light shock that sent a literal wave along Lyra’s coat to her tail and mane as if each hair shuddered as each follicle felt compelled to ‘wave’ like a crowded stadium.

Through my light biting upon her neck, I could have sworn I heard two separate moans which got muffled Lyra’s whinny of orgasmic pleasure, nickering as if pleading for more of my attentions. Said henchmare Lyra looking very ragged, possibly an estrus induced mess, she was already starting to recover her stamina to undergo another round of pleasure to release. Giving her tail a tug eliciting another soft moan that hitched with her voice, following with a wide smile I could barely see forming on her lips before moving my hand resting on her exposed pussy, having initially cupped it to tease her. Seeing her breath only catch soon after in her throat when my possibly colder metal gauntlet covered fingers touched her welcoming heated winking pussy.

Her pussy walls radiating with heat acted as immovable vice greedily trying to welcome my invading touch deeper with careful ease, applying enough pressure with my stroking fingers at the edge of her tight passage. Pulling back my head just far enough gives me the sight of my work upon her estrus addled body. Now though was when I inserted a finger tauntingly inside making her growl out with a mix of agitation and pleasure, maybe it is confusing to her for which to go with until I started inserting a second finger harshly making the latter her wish.

In a better setting I’d be studying this for similarities but I’ll have to settle for ‘playing’ with my henchmare, as I move my thumb on her clitoris to taunt her more so she may beg for another jolt of my electric ‘touch’. Making Lyra’s once lidded eyes snap open in a shocked moan of desire shuddering worse now caused by my index finger quickly inserting, stirring in her wild rhythm to her movements learning her ‘pace’ and so that she could be ‘trained’ if this is how it will go. “Who is a good little filly for me?” Her response was a nuzzling whinny as she looked to weakly grip my shoulders now while rubbing her exposed leaking nipples against my armored chest.

Her clouded lust hunger filled eyes somehow told me she was needed this, but relishing in this new contact as I felt her tail rise the highest it could go before gripping it causing small amounts of sparks around her horn. Attempting to pull my intruding fingers deeper inside her heated tight enveloping wet embrace desperate for another release, as I work the pace of jolting her clitoris to try and catch her off-guard or better yet to weaken any resistance to holding back from this reward. ‘I believe if her performance improves because of what I am doing now, I might be tempted to use it to motivate her incentives are nice to loyal minions.’

When I send the next jolt of my electric power into her clitoris, I took the time as I gazed upward at her face, only to see her horn igniting with sparks shining brighter. Which gave me a devious thought, angling my two fingers inside of the welcoming ‘prison’ at this time. Taking my time by her apparent disapproving animalistic grunts, delaying her next orgasm to search for her possible ‘g-spot’, to enact my plan. All of this, just to see how EFFECTIVE this all will be for my henchmare’s estrus addled state, as it seemed she’s been ‘holding back’ which can be quite bad so I may as well make this good even if I wasn’t ready for the full course.

I did find it only when she went almost completely ridged in an exaggerated moan, when I simply brushed across it with my fingers, noting it’s slightly deeper positioning before testing it with a jolt. She went silent with her mouth open, violent shudders broke out as her horn’s sparking exploded in light leaving trails of a yellow magic residue. Slumping against my armor’s frame weakly attempting to stay close. Her breath was haggard beyond understanding, as I wondered how effective my base of lightning truly was in this magical world. But a slightly more excited muffled squawk of pleasure drew my thoughts and attention, to a rather curious sight I get to experience.

But Lyra was oblivious to what I was gazing upon though I could see her eyes were clearing and becoming coherent again, she was giving a loving if happy expression, that she still kept muttering MY name. Mewling it out in happily muffled tones by being muzzle first into my neck licking my armor up to my exposed scarred face. Which at that point, her eyes became curious at what I was staring at which happened to be the couch, the sound of soft moaning with movement from the couch behind her caused Lyra’s body to shift tilting her head towards the noise I was watching. Which happened to be our now sitting Griffin Fence, who had her eyes closed still with a talon under her tank top shirt groping herself as her jacket was tossed on the couch while her pants undone seeing her other taloned hand actively fingering herself with a noticeable damp stain on the couch.

Gilda must have thought something was up when the room went silent, only to open her eyes gazing at us looking at her, which to be honest. Which was funny seeing a now flustered, if deeply blushing lovely Female Griffin whom has by all rights, one hell of a toned body that showed physical training, likely some type of military academy because I noticed not everyone is well fit. Which made things worse as she tried to make herself presentable, while Lyra much to her chagrin, teleported behind the easy colt chair I was sitting in still. “I believe the three of us will require a couple minutes, Silent Melody; do get some of the items I told you about earlier. After being made presentable, of course, while I stay to entertain our guest.” (In progress)

*Lemon End*

With a smoke filled pop Lyra vanished and once the air cleared there was still the embarrassed griffin only just not redoing her buckle and followed up by straightening the shirt with her biker jacket on her lap draped. “…So, that was rather cool?” Was what the Griffin named Gilda said, only to earn a face palm by me in response to that, before waving a hand casting a cleaning spell on my armored form to clean up the mess my henchmare made having left in a hurry due to embarrassment.

Once looking back up into Gilda’s eyes I noticed a flustered look much subdued to how others with wings tend to react around me. “Indeed, though it would have been nice if the mare wasn’t in heat, but there are advantages and disadvantages to any species.” Seeing her give an odd look before continuing onto another subject more suitable. “Moving onto other subjects would you be interested in a position under me?” It took me a moment by her blushing reaction and shifting her gaze to my lap was all it took for me to ‘correct’ what I stated in question. “Do you wish to be employed?” It was a rather simple question though her wings flittered and stayed out halfway, seems Lyra’s and my little accidental ‘show’ got her worked up too which might actually work out for me, maybe...

She looked to me than herself once more before asking a few questions as I drank them in. “What benefits would I get; like that unicorn? So how much would I get paid? There’s also the most important one of would you EVER betray my loyalty?” She gave a decent hard expression about that last one, though the other two were flirtier and straight forward before then, which shows trust issues from whatever really happened in that hamlet next door. I could tell she wouldn’t move on that subject, which being doom, I wouldn’t betray her trust if she put it in me or any dealings.

Taking a slow breath I refocused on Gilda’s eyes leaning forward to place my elbows on my knees to give her an answer I knew I could do. “I will NOT take loyalty for granted, it is how I have my current Henchmare, whom is named Silent Melody. As for payment we will arrange for it based on work and time of your effort, but as for benefits. Perhaps If things develop, as you are a rather lovely griffin to my standards, but I am a foreigner to many a land known.” Smiling more now as I lean my hood back far enough for her to see my scarred human face, that was until I picked my mask back up to put it on again. “For I am in a way, ONE of a kind.” She blinked tilting her head a bit as that beak of hers opened up. “What the fuck are you?”

Smiling at her before coyly responding in kind which might get her laughing or blushing. “Well I am a mystery for now but my name is Victor Von Doom, the ‘stallion’ you watched finger fuck a unicorn mare in heat, when you were out and woke up to sit in on the ‘show’ you clearly enjoyed.” Squawking in surprise before she started bursting out laughing with me for throwing that bit into her face, though I could only raise an interested brow in mid laugh when the Gilda in question threw this at me. “Well I am a rather open minded feather who enjoys both genders.” Which she added with a sensuous lick of her beak before winking at me, making me wonder just how things will go.

Maretropolis – The ‘Poor quarter’ Sewers, following a lead – couple hours until dawn
[Doctor Doom - Perspective]

Carefully walking on the more traversable paths, down here is not so much a challenge but following a lanky rat, whom had the ‘audacity’ to try and squeeze my undisguised Lyra who answered the door. Apparently the donkey wasn’t lying about a ‘wise stallion’ except about his species, who made an attempt to get Lyra to pay protection, I told her to after having cast a tracking spell on a couple bits thrown into a bag. Though these tunnels so far are rather nicely made, more than big enough to support a city this size which is a must.

But even without lights in some parts I saw in the dark clearly due to my mask, and thermal imagery might be iffy, but at least the rat was being predictable in this maze of a sewer. Glowering from the memory of that fucking RAT, whom had the gull to threaten what rightfully belongs to DOOM.

*Flashback*

[At the Landlord’s Apartment]

Both Gilda and I had come to an agreement on the starting conditions of her work for me, as for also coming to this apartment building to receive either items to fence for me or jobs in which I required her for. Which when it would happen likely involve in something moderate or big, such as a bank heist or other more ‘unsavory’ deeds, which she took rather well. She isn’t as squeamish as Lyra likely will be, but hopefully it’ll- *KNOCK KNOCK* We looked towards the door as there was a tapping outside, looking to Lyra as she in a cloud of smoke changed for the first time into her undisguised form giving us a wink walking to the front door.

I looked at Gilda motioning her to stay as I moved closer to the corner leading there having a mirror in hand to see what’s going on besides hearing it. The image I saw was of Lyra’s tail tucked a bit but not out blown fear, good mare, and a lanky brown coated rat wearing what looked to be a suit. Something about the hat too that made me think he was trying to dress himself up as a mobster until he spoke. “Where’s that donkey at pony? I’ve come to collect his ‘protection’ dues, so unless he’s giving you to me to give him a day I won’t mind.” He shrugged and I saw her bristling, and he caught on quickly too it seems as her horn flared.

I gestured Gilda to give me a coin purse only to toss it into my hand, I gave her a look before casting a tracking spell on said purse and coins in it. “I have no idea whom you are, but from this day on I own this property, so you can buzz off for all I care. Besides we have protection from somepony else, so unless you want him mad you can run along. But wait I think I have some ‘change’ for you.” She spat after I sent her a message that worked rather well if you focus it on a unicorn horn, a sort of ‘magic’ instant messaging. But she stomped overlooking rather angry, until rounding the corner to meet me and hug me before smiling and taking the bag. ‘Let us hope rats are stupid when it comes to magic.’

Which the rat caught it when she threw the bag at him, shutting the door magically in his snout causing him to curse out. “Fuckin’ nose! ALWAYS THE NOSE! I’ll remember to have that mare foalnapped for the trade.” I looked at both women when that was said and noticed two different reactions, Lyra was rather concerned/scared while Gilda narrowed her eyes with a set beak. Giving both females a look before speaking up finally. "Silent Melody; stay here with Gilda and go over some of the items for her task, I have a RAT to ‘discuss’ with…” Gilda and Lyra looked ready to object until they likely saw my eyes, which might have been sparking about from my anger. “No one takes what belongs to Doom.”

*End Flashback*

Tightening my fist quite a bit more, at the thought of something taking what is MINE, but that RAT and whoever or whatever they are working for or with will be sure it’s something to remember. No one crosses doom, that will be something that any of these alien species on this planet will come to know and fear above all else when dealing with me. ‘Let us be sure they first don’t have anything of significant or moderate use first, don’t want to be wasteful now. But I don’t need corpses…’ Soon enough the sounds of others talking soon reach my ears in my musings, giving me ample time to prepare a ‘cover’ story as for my business.

Seeing him stroll up to a door with a ‘maintainance’ sign on it with a mark on the door likely shown this to be a hideout, if they were anything like rats he had heard of about nesting in large groups. There likely would be most or all of them holing up here, though first ‘impressions’ need to be made for this lot. Looking myself over once before casting a cleaning spell once more, just to be fucking sure nothing from this place got on me, I walked over as I knew my armor wasn’t subtle. Lifting my fist I knocked once upon the door hearing some muffled voices, until a view slider opened as I saw that questioning look in those rat eyes.

“What’s you want?” Looking either direction to make sure no one else was coming, I calmly as if speaking to a moron would in this case. “Why would I be down here, if not to do some kind of business that isn’t found above ground?” The slot closed just as quickly with some more muffled speaking behind the door, I should look into starting upgrading this suit and adding features, having this ‘hammer space’ that ponies do would make carrying things a lot easier when doing tasks of my nature. The door started to open, revealing a rather burly rat whom was the muscle, just beyond him was some slick looking rat in a nice suit while that lanky rat from before is now seated at a table joining in a card game.

The slick looking rate smiled toothily in what they might consider ‘suave’ before speaking up. “Nice to meet you, my name’s whiskers. We run this little nest and seeing as you’s a new customer we thought we’d like to see what you are looking for, or even show you what we got that might tickle your fancy if nothing else.” Offering a hand out that held at least two rings, likely a lieutenant if anything but let’s see how he reacts to me not shaking his paw. “I reserve shaking hands for when agreements are involved or other more special occasions, it is part of MY culture.”

After being invited in I made sure to give a brief glance noting around fifty or so rats maybe, the count could be higher or lower but let’s go along with it for now. “Let’s start off with the small stuff for now and see what you will like won’t we?” The slick rat motioned to a more ‘presenting’ table at the far end of the room as the larger rat stayed at the door, seeming to do not much else than bite into a cabbage with a raised brow at the one talking to me. “So what things are you looking for to start? Because if you say it we likely have it from no questions asked, as we all know how things are gotten don’t we fellas?”

It would be rather trivial to be told that particular bit, but I thought to start off on the basics of what I’ll eventually need in mass quantities. “What kinds of metals do you have that’s good for air travel, crystals for varied uses to gold, and more vessel worthy materials?” My answer was gotten rather quickly by another rat who piled several materials on the ‘presenting’ table in front of me, looking it over I found it odd that my mask would list off the materials by name, ‘sky iron’ made for a strange concept but okay, ‘blank’ crystals more of the basics that could be turned into the start of an electrical system.

Though if I wish to be smart about this, I could build something that could assist my advancements as this world’s introduction to my Doom Bots, careful programming and design so they will only serve me and not go crazy and try to replace me. Doubles will have bombs inside just to make sure nothing funny happens, but it seems that Slick type of rat has a glint seeing my thinking pose. “How much of these materials do you rats have?” He outright smack’s another rat who looks bookish and gets a parchment looking it over before pointing what’s on the table only to get a nod in return as he hands the pages to me, by the gods these buggers are outright hoarders if anything else by flipping through them. “Let us get to the pricing of these after you finish showing me some of your high value items.”

At that point I swear I could see the image of gold BITS form in his eyes and some cash register noise from where I won’t question it, which he instantly earned a big grin on his face saying this. “Well we rats got our maps, networks and other hide a ways, you got hot merch and we can move it somewhere you say back into your paws. Need some muscle and we’ll squeeze them to give or make them disappear, heck we even have a line for cross sea sentient selling trade, or slaves for short if you like that phrasing better. A portion of them lately have been going to the Griffin territories, some of them have quite the ‘palate’ if you get my drift, but others go to spots like Saddle Arabia or farther still to the dragon isles but anywhere there’s a market we’ve sent them.” Rubbing his paws together as I was rather glad to have a metal mask, wearing on my face so the game wouldn’t be given up.

He smiled a bit more before saying this. “You know the boat’s coming in a couple days so you have time to do some choosin’ if you are of the right persuasions, nothing like plowing one of those ponies in heat when it’s their time of the spring to fall seasons.” He looked to be gesturing me to follow him as I place the papers down on the table, humoring him for now as so far depending on their condition might just settle my own internal struggles, if they willingly went into it as surfs that is fine. The forced no so much ‘desired’ in my book, but taking over a country always has its faults needing to be fixed, perhaps my future will be rather interesting.

We had wandered down a hall leading to five pits, with bars over them and chains connecting to the ceiling. Looking at their condition showed me how hospitable their environment is, plenty of them backed away and some outright broken and protected by the others. The day I condone barbarism treatment of this level is when I have likely lost my own honor if it’s in my territory, though I may have a few if not more ulterior motives than just freeing them. Though a rather strange taller white coated mare with a pink mane and tail caught my eye as she LOOKED at me, passionately glittering at me as her gaze never left my body as I strolled around looking at the others. There were a couple baby ‘dragons’ I think they were referred to as, though clearly muzzled to keep from making fires perhaps, though there were more than a few non-ponies here too.

But there was that tingle that brought my gaze back to the white and pink mare whom was looking at me with a sort of happy familiarity, that threw me off as I don’t know why. “Tell me about that one pony.” I pointed to the one gazing upon me, her clothes were torn but her cutie mark as her hips show a French fleur di Lis like on some flags or those spikes on metal fences for the fancied living. The Slick rat peered his head over the hole to the one I gestured at, giving a scrunched look before giving a lewd smile once more.

“That there would be one of those rare and mysterious Sirens, they do stand out from those normal unicorn type ponies but they look similar if not the same to each other, though this one was weird because she came down here a couple days ago and asked to be put into the pit with the others.” He scratched his head before shrugging, offering to lead me on saying this with a cheer. “If you are interested in her, we’ll take high payment to get her off our paws, come let’s go to the Big Meeting room as we could display some of them up for you.”

As I followed the rat out, I barely heard her speak but it was rather hard to tell. ‘What does ‘Mon amour, please be safe!’ mean? It sounded French, was sadly all I knew besides the latter half I could understand.‘ We will figure it out later, for now we have a SHOCKING deal for all of them. But let’s make sure this rat calls everyone else in to ‘join in’ on it, also to lock the doors before the fun starts, I give the leading rat a smile, one that may just be close to what my crazy cousin would likely have given me.

Maretropolis – Rat Den, ‘Big Meeting’ Room – Dawn
[Doctor Doom - Perspective]

‘Whiskers’ from taking over his mind, provided to be a rather skilled and sociable ‘character’ among his friendly rats, not boss material but was able to gather most of them together as the others were busy out of town or on that boat. When the room had filled I had him bar the doors secretly, before moving back into view on the lowest platform where my body was sitting comfortably. Though now it was time to stop playing around, the room was fairly circular set with the focus to be one who was in the middle like I was at this time.

They seemed rather confused as to what was going on and even when ‘whiskers’ rejoined my body on the stage, ending the control he staggered blearily before turning to face me as I latched a hand onto his muzzle. My eyes were crackling white as I had cast a lock and magnetism on the four doors into this room, they knew I casted magic by the glow of my hands and looked ready to jump before I began speaking. “Greetings you vermin; on the genetic pool of life. I have indeed come down here in regards to making a rather large deal, the biggest ones of your lives in fact, for I had only learned of your mere existence when one of your own ‘threatened’ a property I secretly owned. I have a simple question, what happens to those whom threaten what belongs to me?”

The sensation of lightning coursing through my arm into Mr. Whiskers was rather enjoyable, seeing his expression turn from panic to fear then soon enough to possibly his luck unconsciousness. Because I continued pouring juice into the body which started to make a cooking smell starting from the point I was holding onto, lifting his body higher off the ground as it literally squirmed in my grasp. I couldn’t detect a heartbeat in the now slowly cooking rat on lightning ‘starter’, they knew what I was doing even as his suit started to catch alight before I dropped him onto the ground unceremoniously like a rotten sack of potatoes.

When he had hit the floor that was when hell started to break loose with many of them drawing out metallic weapons, others looking to assist them as well. Their snarling, howling faces of anger washed over my form. Pointing at them with an open fingered palm with having electric charge building up on my arm, gazing at them speaking these words. “Chain Lightning lance.” Slamming my fingers together pointing said hand at the closest rat causing a thunderous CRACK sound out, I should find the situation ridiculous but when you see one fully powered attack like what I just unleashed, ripping a literal HOLE through every rat in the room twice over.

I was at a loss for words almost, looking down at my former guide, seeing his charred expression while looking at the other rats, where they merely bore a hole the size of a bowling ball through them. They each were hit twice, I am honestly not sure by what stroke of deity felt MAYBE having guided that strike only for it to return a quarter strong than it left reverberating back into my body, leaving me not truly winded. With a grunt I look at the mass murder of most a clan, of opportunistic rats I have seen. Not sure how if all of their race was like this so I may as well start piling the bodies, than get to those slave pits.

Maretropolis – Rat Den, Slave Pits – Late Morning
[Fleur De Lis - Perspective]

This was the MOMENT! I have waited for so long, but my ‘Heart’ he was revealed to me by the ‘pull’ that I felt down to my very soul. Knew he would come here, I didn’t know when but I felt it to be true, he is so lonely and hurt inside, I SAW him when we made eye contact. All that he was and all that he is in those short minute of staring I KNEW him better than he did himself, by the sea, he is a true storm whom swells and rages the waves with power radiating the force from untamed skies.

But it was strange, I could feel the ‘pull’ but he did not react the same, he was confused wondering why while I learned a sad truth. He couldn’t feel my ‘pull’ because he CANNOT, while time to understand for a siren would be nothing, but to my ‘heart’ he will simply get to hopefully enjoy learning all of me. For he is new and fumbling in this world that he fears would shun him at best or kill and dissect him at worse! That will NOT happen for I will do all that I must to bring him joy, as a ‘man’ may find my methods of advance most worthy for a mare of my grace.

I knew what his plans were for these dishonorable pack, the moment I locked eyes with him I knew he was contemplating a full out attack to scatter them to the winds or if he successes to destroy most of them in one room. I hope mon amour is successful, though he may be tired when he comes. As his mare to be, I will do all that I can to make his burdens less. For true love from a siren is nothing to be balked at for dedication, it was why I was chosen in the first place to welcome him. For his character and soul are ideal to us, his image in our ballads and ancient submerged halls shown depictions of him long ago facing the accursed bearded Unicorn whom sundered my species once beautiful city at the bottom of the sea.

Banishing our three ladies whom done battle against others and had driven away the Chao Spirit, but at the price of being weakened in fighting that one whom stole from us knowledge now lost. But the sound of a single set of ‘feet’ approaching told me it was HIM, mon amour is coming to free me and the others! When he entered, he must have been surprised to see me smile at him giving a respectable curtsy that I knew would flatter his pride. A healthy confident ‘man’ is a loving passionate ‘man’ whom values honor and loyalty, oh the things I hope to share with him!

The cage door opens and I am the first to approach him with a loving warm smile, the others likely wouldn’t understand, but all I care for was to be with my ‘man’ from here on. Please may mon amour not refuse me, for it would be wondrous to be kept close even serving him. For he is my heart, and my specie’s future, as was foretold long ago of the one whom would be the Storm God as I was told to be she who finds him and return to unseat the pretender. "Mon Amour, my name is Fleur De Lis. May I join under you in solely your service with utter joy?" He is so cute when he looks flustered, leaning in I smile gracefully giving his masked lips the most sweetest of kisses I could muster before nuzzling his stilled form with joy!

Oh yes, I should help free the others too as he would be a good first sign of my ability as a favorable mare, for one whom is dark and joyous of what he embraces. I even giggle at his response too, for how adorable he is! "...Um, sure you can though we'll talk later at a better timing.." Lifting open the other cage doors with my magic I smile lovingly at him as he looked to be contemplating my intentions, it might be true that I sought him out, but in the end it is all for love and his wishes first. 'He might be surprised if overly cautious as unlike many a stallion whom would have thrown themselves at me, I will bring out your love for me in time mon amour! OH! I wonder how my friend Fancy Pants is fairing?'

Day of Mares and a Twisted Encounter

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[Title]Day of Mares and a Twisted Encounter
[Equestria – Canterlot, Fancy Manor – Early Morning]
[Agent Honeypot - Perspective]

I woke up early, my body felt sore if not satisfied and hungover. Looking blearily to my left, I see Fancypants with a gold breakfast tray in his lap and his hands folded neatly. Showing me his knowing dumb charming smile, with a gesture of his fingers I felt a weight on my lap only to see his maid Neat Bun having placed a similarly filled trey in my lap offering some medicine for my headache. “…I still cannot believe you somehow convinced me into your bed last night.” I spoke softly after downing the medicine, with my eyes looking to find my SHIELD bodysuit and gear folded neatly on the chair at his desk facing towards us from my side of the bed.

He gave a chuckle in response as I took a piece of Prench bread in my muzzle chewing on it, checking over my gear looking back at him seeing a few marks on my golden coat with a cut short brown tail stained from last night. Stretching my lithe unicorn figure knowing that he was looking, but sadly not ogling me. “Well my dear, I thought it was a travesty that a mare of such prowess wouldn’t mind having shown off at least some of her talents. If from what I heard of Shield is anything to go by, possibly being outfitted with the best.”

His hand patted the bed, likely requesting me to come back to join him only to give a small smile in return. “I’d possibly love to continue what happened last night, but some ponies have to be serious and do their duty, which doesn’t include bucking their charge into the sheets until he is beyond from rising out of his own bed.” His mustache twitched at that but he held that confident grin, looking to Neat Bun only to take the robe she was carrying from the bathroom. Only to telekinetically take it and throw it at his face, before sauntering towards the bathroom. With hopes that I could at least clean this mess off my coat and mane so that I wouldn’t look like some whorse that was picked up.

“If you want to join me in the shower, I wouldn’t mind Fancy!” I soon enough called from the Bathroom, only to feel him brush up from behind to massage my flanks pushing me into the shower stall. ‘At least this assignment will be a fun one, unlike when I had to stay at Ponyville to observe the Element Bearers a few months back.’

[Equestria – Maretropolis, Filly Glade Apartments – Morning]
[Lyra Heartstrings - Perspective]

Bounced lightly with each step, feeling light on my own hooves as I have been a good filly for victor to give that Gilda Griffon the easier items she was to fence for him. ‘Though her questions on how the sex is, kind of dampened that knowing that he is opening up to me but I wished I met him before my estrus. By Celestia, those FIVE fingers felt good. I wonder how they would be uncovered?’ Shuddering in pleasure holding myself in a tight embrace as I felt magic flow into my horn, once more sputtering at those memories of his covered shocking fingers probing my folds.

‘Reign it in Lyra, you can’t lose control. Victor’s counting on you, also Bon Bon is coming cover to help out! What would she say? Oh no, I’d have to lie to her about what he is, maybe I should refer to him as a griffon?’ Suddenly took on a contemplative pose sticking her tongue out to the side. Narrowing at long last before smiling with a nod, only to turn dreamy a moment later with a lidded bedroom eyes stare with a sloppy smile. “By Luna he knows how to bite a mare, I just hope we could go even further next time. Without interruptions…” A sudden cough made my neck snap in the direction of it igniting my horn defensively, only to see my friend Bon Bon, standing there at the opened front door to my new landlord apartment, with her arms folded under her breasts giving me a questioning look.

“So who is the stallion that has my friend giving the ‘I will rut him into next month’ face? Because I didn’t know you got a biting fetish from last time we fooled around Lyra.” She is wearing a fall jacket fully zipped over what looked to be candy shop Shirt that hides her heavy bust, making me worry about myself if victor likes mares with a bigger bust or not. That was until my best friend snapped me out of it by snapping her fingers, making me blink. “Well seeing as how you seem to be overly worried about your coltfriend, we could talk about it while I help you clean up the new room you have. I was rather surprised when I got your letter about YOU of all ponies getting a whole building as a gift by somepony.”

My face felt hot as I looked down trying to avoid my friend’s smile, likely confirming that bit. “Victor was paying back my hospitality, he’s nice, handsome and smells so good.” I quickly whipped away my drool blushing harder with my tail flicking the thoughts away, though Bon Bon could read right through me with a concerned look. Giving her my best smile finally looking back to her face as my hips wiggled, thinking on him just makes me so happy. “Well he isn’t, a pony. But before you say anything, he makes ME happy. I am just lucky he came into my life, let alone how he treats me.”

By the look she was giving me all I could tell is that she was thinking hard, I knew her as a very if not overprotective type of mare, but perhaps she can see to reason. “I’d hope He’s a horse or at the least one of those minotaurs, because you know I’d feel if he wasn’t. By his name I’d say he was raised by griffons? Because you know how those aggressive those winged bucks are like, Unless he was adopted by one of those what do those shifty zebras call them? A Lion?” I was starting to sweat a bit in thought before just smiling softly, hoping that this could be held off for another time. I was Really glad that he wasn’t here as I have forgotten how Bon Bon can be a ‘bit’ speciesist. “So would he be here now or is he already at work?”

Leaping at it while corralling her into my new larger ground floor apartment, closing and locking the door with my magic. The living room to be cleaned and worked on, chuckling happily as my eyes look around to start this task on. “He had to go take care of things though he is more of a nocturnal sort, as he’s still new to Equestria and enjoys the night life so far. Also I made him beacon the other night-” I blinked as she spun around grabbing me by the shoulders staring hard into my eyes, making me rather nervous and wither under her sight. “I did it to surprise him since he’s an omnivore…”

“Lyra; I am going to be as calm as a pony can be, hearing that her foalhood friend just said she cooked MEAT for something else. Added earlier about you enjoying being bitten? Something’s wrong here and YOU are in estrus, why the buck did you let him get close?” She was giving me a look of great disapproval and I was wondering why until she continued, which hurt for how she was speaking now. “How could you even BUY meat? Don’t you know something died to end up there, it could have been pony meat for all you knew?!” I narrowed my gaze at her for that last comment, trying to make sure she knew it hurt that she thought I was stupid enough to not be careful. ‘Besides, I didn’t want to give victor something that could make him sick.’

Using my magic I took her stronger earth pony grasp off of my shoulders, placing her back a couple steps before saying anything else. “Bon Bon; I even asked for advice from coworkers at work who knew somefeathers that were vetted, do you honestly take me as some stupid mare who wouldn’t be careful in something I have no clue about?!” My anger was leveled at her for thinking that I couldn’t take care of MY ‘to be had’ coltfriend, besides there were cross species relationships before. Though admittedly I would likely be the first Pony and Human, but that doesn’t matter as I need to mare up and provide for my handsome human.

Bon Bon for her credit, shut up any retort she was likely to dish out when I showed her my trained ‘neutral’ face like the book detailed about. ‘Hide your expression but let the eyes sow fear into your target.’ Seemed to be sort of paying off at seeing her huff and get to cleaning with me following after, by levitating a couple scrubbers against the wall closest to me which my oldest friend Bon Bon commented onto my joy. “Lyra, have you been improving your magic skill? Before I could only see you lift a sponge or your lyre before, you aren’t even breaking a sweat.” That got me thinking, ever since Victor and I had our interrupted first time ‘fun’. I felt stronger, like I could do more than before, maybe I could try to learn a few more spells?

We spent more of our time in silence until the door was knocked on, I walked to the door opening it to reveal a rather surprising guest. By the looks of it she came over to help? Oh no, how will Bon Bon act around her?

[Maretropolis – Waterfront District, Foreign Dockyard – Morning]
[Gilda - Perspective]

Drinking a cup of coffee to liven my senses, also try to ease off that growing hangover from drinking my beak off, glad that I knew a couple feathers in this city to help. Which leads me to a airship from Equestria’s ‘Foreign Relations’ Branch that freely gives travel to any sort of dignitaries, seeing that I could sell these jewels off to a collector who came along on some trip. Likely some diplomat who is willing to buy on the side, or somefeather from the Griffon Empire who has more wealth than they know what to deal with. ‘Which Hopefully things go well, as with this gig all I’d have to do is pass this stuff off to some other featherbrain or foreigner and they will take it for a price.’

Letting out a breath looking out at the dockyard, seeing all kinds of mariners from Ponies, Horses, Minotaurs, Griffons, Some Zebras, Thestrals and others I don’t even know. But taking my time looking them over, I could spot a group that looked like who’d be willing to buy aboard the Diplomatic Airship; Royal Dawn. It’s one of the Oldest if not most well-known airships from Equestria, a funny joke or two has been made from how ‘when there is gravy in port, it is because the Princess’s gravy boat has docked’ so come on down and don’t ignore it or the princess will find out when it returns. The more ridiculous history is that this ship’s survived centuries by the Princess’s enchantments on it even now it ‘glimmers’ in the light at her morning.

But shifting my focus onto a particular group aboard said airship, in some sort of open air ‘lounge’ near the ramp. My memory of the Griffon in the group is Viscount Gaston of House Stormfeather, not the head of said house yet but he gives off as charming if having a good Game hunter vibe. He is a head taller with a very well-built body compared to the average feather out there, though he also has his looks going for him too with his styled back plumage. Having black tipped feathers with mostly white, a strong face with a managed beak, able to get any feather who has his interest. ‘But there’s a strange sort of smell that I cannot quite put my talon on, he seems to use a lot of natural scents.’

Nearest to him looks like one of those weird Thestral Mare Nobles under a very shaded spot, wearing a contrasting white curve hugging dress with rubies in the shapes of tear drops, silver hoof shoes with her ‘House’ symbol on them I guess and her eerie slitted red glowing eyes on me. With having a Thestral translator next to her dressed in how a butler would, a white shirt with a vest fitted with silver buttons and a watch showing that same ‘House’ symbol on it. Oddly reminds me of a pattern from that Doom guy, but talking to her will likely be a pain because of her needing a translator, which might be a problem. ‘She seems to be tall and white coated for a Thestral, maybe a head shorter to that pony princess’s height?’

Though the other one across from her looks to be a younger built Zebra, wearing some kind of regalia so maybe royalty or even just another noble like those two. His striped chest left nothing to the imagination, while his jewelry was clearly for show on his arms, torso and head showing off his wealth I’d be guessing. The hoof length skirt or whatever they call it also looked fancy with stitched designs, showing others bowing before an image of himself standing high on some ‘glowing’ mountain. Also seeing two pouches with what looks like throwing knives of a similar glowing stuff, must be made of something magical. ‘So far he must be talking their ears off except for Viscount Gaston, only time he’s lively is when it’s about hunting something.’

But the last one is known as ‘Maw Caster’ a dragon that literally towered over every being else at fifteen feet, with shining purple and green scales that held a body with muscles for days, with how he’s dressed wearing a loincloth with attached scales of different colors likely those he’s fought before. The strong posture likely an elder if my academy teaching is right, which means if he’s around likely to represent the Dragon Elders, but they don’t really care about us ‘weaklings’ so if a Elder’s come something big is likely to happen. ‘Makes me wonder why they’d send the most ‘outspoken’ against dealing with other species, funny there is supposedly at most seven talons worth who he likely halfway respected. Would they be those among the living, or those dead?’

Getting back to task was the funny part, as that Human Doom was strangely on the money about this. Telling me to sell these jewels to ‘Evil looking foreigners’ from a ‘outsider’s’ view because how they are less likely to bring it up and how they might like more rare valuable things. Taking a breath placing my empty mug down giving my wings a stretch to pop a few joints, before strolling towards the ship with confidence. Putting on my best beaked smile giving a nod to some of the mariner workers, rolling my eyes after that when stepping onto the ship’s gangplank strolling up onto the deck. Earning a strange look from the Thestral female, by her narrowing slitted eyes and ruffled wings I could be reading it wrong.

But she looked interested upon my approach earning a raised brow from both Viscount Gaston and the Dragon ‘Maw Caster’, though the first was looking at my curves while the latter was gazing with a hard look before snorting smoke once gazing out to be waiting for something. When her thestral translator spoke in a heavy Equestrian accent, I knew he seemed confused but seemed to put his ‘best hoof’ forward saying this when I got close enough. “Greetings stranger, you carry on wing a scent of old. Would business be had young chick?” That drew raised eyebrows from every being including myself before recovering, with a cough before saying in a hopefully more confident tone.

Shuffling my wings reflexively making sure they weren’t numb in case I had to take flight, with most company present that would be an issue. “That could be true, though my client is wishing to sell items of a ‘sensitive’ nature, to one who wouldn’t have issues where it came from…” Looking at each of them while the translator was perhaps doing his job, though the dragon and Lord Gaston’s attention were held even while the Thestral mare started speaking again which got the translator who had a cutie mark with what looked like speaking with a silver forked tongue.

The thestral stallion in question looked at me and gestured towards the retreating regal Thestral female into the ship, giving a smile at the same gesture to follow. “You are invited by Countess Blood Fang to join her for breakfast before she rests, as she wishes to learn more and hope your employer would be of an old friend she had the pleasure to meet long ago.” That raised eyebrows again except for the towering elder dragon who gave a snort of indifference, but while I was following I could see the other three were watching me as I turned to head inside.

But Lord Gaston was clearly heard that made me shiver from what he said, that made me rethink if I was to be eating with or served to her. “Let us hope she doesn’t drain that lovely young chick dry, because from her feathers I’d say she came from a good line..” Even that licking of his beak creeped me out as I followed the strange Thestral ‘Countess’ inside the ship, not even gaining curious glances as some of the ship guards look dazed while we passed. As her translator followed behind me, possibly to cut off any retreat or if things go well, I don’t freak out by my own imagination.

[Equestria – Maretropolis, Filly Glade Apartments – Slightly Later Morning]
[Xena - Perspective]

I blink upon the reception I have gotten, from a surprised mint green unicorn mare at the door to this apartment. The directions I got from my aunt Zecora told me that her newest friends would be here, but from the build of the mare before me gave a strong impression she was the one that came with ‘Doom’ that night. But a familiar frowning look of the earth pony mare behind her told me that, the stallion I got to see that night he came wasn’t present if this is the right place. ‘Should I assume or simply play it by ear for now? Let us try it be ear to see how if she is ‘Silent Melody’ will react.’

Clearing my throat with a calming smile and a neutral expression besides that, I began smoothly. “My aunt sent me along after a mutual friend of hers said he’d given this place over to somepony, she asked me and a few friends from the neighborhood to drop by to help him and you out if it’s true.” Her reaction told me that this was so, an easy to read dreamy look said it all, until shaking her head giving room in the doorway to allow me inside grinning back with a welcoming smile.

Though the Earth Pony mare, seems to be narrowing her gaze at my entry. She has a very light yellow coat from my perception, the two curled tone hair of a mostly blue with a line of pink in her mane and tail. Wearing a jacket for the cold city most likely, giving a ‘smile’ towards said earth pony mare than to ‘Silent Melody’ to introduce myself. “Well I am Xena, I am hoping we will become good friends or even if a room becomes available, perhaps a tenant too?” The reaction was a squee from the mint green unicorn while the faded yellow earth pony gave a scowl, only confirming bias or at the very least ‘tolerance’.

Watching her move closer to the unicorn, she spoke in a ‘whispered’ questioning tone. “Lyra, are you sure about letting in this questionable mare? Let alone her friends to supposedly help you out with cleaning up this place? Because I wouldn’t trust one of her kind around these parts let alone those from that Everfree Forest, they would as soon as curse you instead of helping you out. At least the ones you see in the city would rob you blind, or is it those Thestrals?” My face within fell flat, it is rather humorous how most ponies here. Thinking they are being quiet when she isn’t exactly ‘hiding’ her distaste, even spoke loud enough for me to hear.

But with a whap of this Lyra’s hand on her ear made the other mare flinch, earning points in my ‘book’ before regarded me again with a friendly natural smile with an apologetic look of her eyes. Likely for her speciesist friend, which is rather common a sight among normal ponies. UNLESS you are somepony important or had been around a princess, but I find this completely strange in how my Aunt upon getting her possessions again to tell me to stay near her newest friend and his pony henchmare. ‘Perhaps she has seen a vision, or communed with the spirits as for why? Or more mundanely as possible, she could be throwing me at this. Because of how often I have complained, for about nothing to do of interest…’

Taking a silent sigh I give the unicorn another smile, before moving to help clean this place. Starting with the bedroom would be nice, only to deadpan at how worthless the bed was in its stained ‘glory’ before returning to the room giving a twitching smile most likely. “Perhaps a new ‘Clean’ bed would be VERY helpful?” Flicking my ear at the room while moving over to deposit the glass bottles into a clearly marked bag for ‘Recycle’ with two others labeled ‘Waste’. This dirty place with an untrained but strong earth pony nearby puts a hamper on getting any development with the mint unicorn, at least I know she is a good pony. But with the ‘offhand’ comments the earth one makes at times or abrasive attitude, irks me that I cannot simply stick her to a wall with a couple throwing knives, or use a blow dart to knock her out.

[Maretropolis – Rat Den, Work Room – Almost Noon]
[Fleur De Lis - Perspective]

I joyfully smiled at my heart, he who is called a human and quite very special as the only one to this universe. He is quite cautious though his curiosity grew after careful discussion of my skills and knowledge of a finer sort of military background intrigued him, as I could sense through my bond with him. But he first desired to know of the spell I had cast upon the former foalnapped beings, to strip them of the memories of our presence before having them placed in the Memory Orb from my recovered belongings. In their state of mind, they will truly lose the way back to us, buying some time for what he hopes to do.

Even teaching him the spell was simple, though I had warned him that it takes time to master it. But it gave me joy to be of use to my heart, to see that he has use for me is a good first step even if he does think for now that I could be an asset to him. Seeing him experiment with using his powers to heat the metals, shaping them using his covered hands to make crude versions of what he hopes to use. ‘Though seeing him build such crude golem machinations in mind, a ‘Doom Spider’ as he calls it with what is available at hand will be quite useful though it worries me that he doesn’t rest.’

I have taken it upon myself to telekinetically lift the materials to the table he has been heatedly hand shaping the metal and pieces similar to a Star Spider, except for the size being that of a dog with its leg ends having joints fitting for fingers if thin like razors to even a thruster shaped a bit like his own to make ‘jumps’ which is lovely as he will not need to dirty himself by places such as this. But from his eyes I can see he hopes to craft one more of these complex golem constructs of his design, with my assistance he shall not need to move as I get what he wishes.

But even I had gotten him to stop momentarily to eat together, at the same table he has been working at. “What would mon amour have need of this ‘Doom Spider’ for? As the appearance can be quite terrifying, let alone the size.” His gaze falls onto me there is a gleam in those white and stormy eyes that makes my heart flutter, it is the sight of gazing into a predator preparing for battle. His gaze fell back onto the said spider, while taking his time to eat a morsel of food I’ve prepared for him to help revitalize his stamina. Besides the six sockets for its torso I could see this is a crude make due to pressure. “This, Fleur would be the making of a dual purpose Scout and Scavenger.”

He took a moment to chew on the meager food I have prepared, while I had moved to gently rest my head onto him, he had stiffened only momentarily before eating again. “oui, they could be useful. Though mon amour from what we remember, the quality of design and materials go hand in hand for its strength.” He gives what I feel through our bond a smile towards me! Now I am likely blushing as a defenseless filly before her heart, which his smile only grew behind that mask when I gaze into his eyes, those beautiful intense white and shifting cloudy colors.

The gaze of a young god born again among us, oh I hope he will see all that I could offer onto him in time, no matter the wish or better yet His desire… Though his words brought me back to what is at hand, his dish empty but moved aside while he mutters with strange images flashing before my eyes making me wonder how such tasks could be done. “Hmmm, thinking over the materials for a longer term goal for my Command Vessel. A classic Nimitz Aircraft Carrier weighed just over one hundred thousand tons, taking that into mind I will need secluded space of almost one thousand one hundred feet in length with over two hundred and fifty feet wide?”

I silently if dreamily watch My Heart continue his devising muttered discussions for his future plans, even offering my own suggestions from what I knew from being a former royal Knight. “Mon amour, you would need plenty of space would you not? For it would be useful if you build it hidden in the mountains, a place where such a feat is to be realized.” He took a moment to gaze long into my eyes, making my heart flutter with a smile gracing my muzzle, he does seem to accept it so far. I must have shivered in excitement because he’s treating me with respect so far, despite him being careful, the sparks from his eyes showed he was giving me a chance.

His idea has sparked a minor discussion, bringing up the earlier alien measurements would make such a vessel much larger than most ships ever heard of. But the one in the history books that was about the same ‘size’ was a metal beast called The Leviathan, which he came to agree that it would be a suitable name for his ship that will be. Though during this discussion, I wormed my way from beside him to between his legs. Though I may be taller than an average pony, my figure and coat must have an effect on him, for I could feel his reaction to my graceful caress from his leg plates to his lower stomach.

A hunger was there but carefully he gave in, still wary but I smiled lovingly when I felt he would continue to give me a chance, moving slowly on the dirty floor letting my knees rest on it comfortingly while my head nuzzled into his lap. ‘I will lower myself to be treated as his pet, to show him ANYTHING that he wishes or desires I will whole heartedly do. For what else be there for he who is My Heart?’ I made a silent promise to myself, the longer I gazed into his eyes the more I knew of him. I would purr softly with lidding my eyes, nuzzling him with love as he began on the second spider. “Would mon amour be willing to accept moi? For all that I am, it would be for only you mon amour..”

I felt his hand come down to rest upon my ear, in response I must have moaned when his metal covered hand to rest upon my mane, with him slowly to start to rub my head. By the purest of songs from the seas, his touch upon my fur is invigorating to the soul. “…That, was something. I didn’t know, how much you ‘ponies’ love this.” Giving my beating heart a flutter upon contact, as moved my muzzle in turn nuzzled in closer with my purple eyes gazing up into his eyes taking deep joyful breaths of his scent to remember. I am with difficulty from the attention of his covered hand’s ministrations upon my more than willing acceptance, which has proven difficult because of one simple thing my heart is doing.

His right hand shifts from stroking my ears or horn, I shivered softly in his lap, letting out soft moans of delight from such intimate attention for a mate to do. ‘Oh how he doesn’t know what this does to a mare!’ My flawless muzzle must be burning crimson with his touch, almost quietly we lay our head in his lap mewling happily with my instincts are tempting me to mount my heart, to show him what is coming about from his ministrations of so intimate a nature. To tell him of what this does to a mare, but I am torn due to my love is rubbing me affectionately, in the end I decided to speak of this. “Mon amour, you give great pleasure that only a mate would when rubbing. Mmmh, the inside of our ears and more lewd our horn…”

But from my own sorrow of his hand leaving my head upon his lap still if heatedly breathing him in, slowly but deeply the smell of ozone and power licks at my snout and horn respectively from his buildup of his energy being cast. But I have to remain strong for now and just bask, though the sound of him touching up this ‘programing’ for it to have a mind is a concerning effort. “Fleur is it? When I’ve completed this second Doom Bot, it will lessen my burdens while enhancing what my current capabilities are. A loyal servant to his maker, a weak guard and many other versatile things.”

He had paused for a short moment, I could tell he was thinking on this as he brought to life his two golems before speaking again. “But remember this IF you are to stay with me, I will be a king one day, it will take time but surely I do not expect everyone who is with me to make it. But it would be a rather nice surprise if everyone I call ‘friend’, ‘ally’ or those whom are close did.” He took a pause when he finished to gaze down into my eyes, I could see the weight he’ll have to carry, even now he has to remain strong having little to no ‘rock’ to rest on besides this ‘lyra’ unicorn, perhaps with effort I will become a more ‘suitable’ support for MY Heart…

Blinking in mild surprise seeing the construct starting to shift on its own while my coat, mane and tail still tingled with power as seeing his free hands send jolts of a weakened flow of lightning into the golem’s body. Those six eyes it beheld started to glow a deep red, sliding off the table to stand on legs familiar to that of a spider. “With all of mon heart, I will stay as your faithful if not graceful Knight and amoureux.” He gave me a confused look before I spoke the word he was confused on. “Mon amour, it would mean ‘lover’ as it would in Prench.” His expression on the outside may have looked ‘flat’ but inside he was how one would say, a nervous fish before sliding a hand on his face.

Smiling at his work even as it had flexed each ‘finger’ and joint as well, though I doubled what smaller gains of value that were organized pile to only be more helpful, only to be more than welcoming MY reward when he rubs the inside edge of my ears again. ‘Should I get a formfitting bodysuit and purr for him? OH, add a Lovely collar I will always wear to show that I am his…’ A grin broke out wider even as he is gently rubbing near the base of my horn making my loins tingle with desire.

[Equestria – Maretropolis, Harmony Tower (aka Power Ponies HQ) – Noon]
[Princess Cadence - Perspective]

I have thought to come visit Twilight after so long, though admittedly it felt more like an excuse then to only see her. With how my Aunts have been acting lately, well it would be more along the lines of a couple months to most of a year. ‘It isn’t a coincidence that they used this timing as to speak to all of the dignitaries, instead of waiting for them to come to Canterlot castle. Oddly Auntie Celestia has made it a point to have them brought there, perhaps just to show Equestria’s prosperity?’ My musings were interrupted when I heard a heavy thud from the main meeting room, even now I am curious in seeing what the problem is. ‘It wouldn’t hurt to peek in now, wouldn’t it?’

Looking back down the hallway from where I came than ahead once more, seeing no pony around I carefully took a breath before casting a peeping spell auntie Luna taught me. What I came to hear, shocked me deeply as for whom they are speaking with. His deep voice sent shudders down my spine and feathers, my body felt repulsed by each word he spoke if not just a few. “It would seem your ‘whelp’ of a sibling still enjoys her, pitiful tantrums. Why did you include her at the table meant for Adults?”

I cringed slightly, before hearing a snort come from Auntie Luna. “We should smite your evil down, not do dealings with monsters.” I blinked at this in confusion, though it’s true I was always sent away or kept busy whenever there were delegations that my Aunt had received since before Auntie Luna returned. Which has been rather exciting, to have more family made me rather happy if not a bit awkward when we met. ‘Admittedly she felt more nervous than I did, but everything worked out in the end with common ground in some martial training that I had took from Auntie with a side of disliking Blueblood.’ Peeking either end of the hallway as I resumed listening again.

“Why is it that the last of my departed broodmate’s last laying of offspring, had not yet been handed over to me? From what I know the whelp has been acting as a servant to YOUR student, whom apparently hatched him with her magic.” I heard a growl from within, holding my breath at what I have heard as I recalled back on how many times I’ve interacted with Spike and Twilight over the years. ‘He’s the son of Maw Caster the Devourer? I thought he was just from another of that brood, it would have been less terrifying at least if he was…’ Frowning at that last thought before staring at the wall, which was until a sudden pop made me quietly yelp.

Spinning around to see Auntie Luna frowning at a Parchment in her hand while she wore her form fitting traditional garb, her gaze shifted up to me giving a wistful smile before offering her wing to guide me along with her. “Niece, we would wish for you to accompany us. For we would need one of a more pure heart then whom we’ve had to sit with until a bit of troubling news reached us.” She may have looked to have been trying to be assuring, but I could tell that she isn’t exactly the ‘motherly’ sort like Auntie Celestia was but at least she is always honest. Though I couldn’t hear what was to be said next when I was pulled into her wing and walked slowly with her down the hallway from when I had originally came.

“Niece have we ever told you of the encounters of one whom we saw as our greatest if not honorable enemy we see as a rival?” Blinking at the question, I slowly shook my head no when having seen that she started up with a small story. “We first met him long ago, for he was unlike anybeing we had yet to ever see another of his species. He always wore full armor over his form, his intense eyes that when we first struck during said encounter near end of the Pre Classical Era with Starswirl the Bearded in his late prime. He had somehow convinced the greedy Griffon pirates to siege the port city of Hornia which resulting from that relocated founding, what would become Trotham today. But the strangest of things was that he invaded Starswirl’s tower yet took nothing, much years of paranoia and to our sadness that loyal Starswirl vanished some years later.”

[Equestria – Maretropolis, Near the Lower Sewer Junction – Late Afternoon]
[Captain Nightshade - Perspective]

I am having more than ‘just a bit of nostalgia’, by the events that had transpired upon my arrival with the Lady of the Night. She upon personally reviewing what ‘collage’ of memories were copied onto Memory Orbs for the newest case of foalnapping on a rather large scale, gained an old if familiar predatory smile that made me wonder. It wasn’t until after the events were spoken by her words did we rally ourselves, for her summons of the Lunar Knights has put each of us on edge for the possible clash, I am wishing to be of immediate use to my Lady of the Night. ‘Perhaps this time will finally provide me a redeeming chance, to offer up what my lady desires most for if things go well.’

‘Aiding her chase her greatest rival/’interest’, I am simply happy to be of personal use again besides regulated at the Captain of this new Night Guard. But I have informed her of the Hyena criminal whom now prowls this city, who somehow places her victims into either a coma riddled nightmare from a strange dark magic, or maul them with teeth and blades.’ But refocusing onto the task at hand the condition of previous cadavers that were described to me, by my Lady of the Night only paints an image of Doom the Impaler. ‘Oddly enough it was he who gave the Lady what would lead to the first Vamponies, I am not sure if I should respect him or hate him.’

Though the trail left behind by those who were foalnapped was convoluted at worse, was easy to follow if we were not blind. The issue at hand has been the ‘wildlife’ that had been riled up by said retreating victims to sanctuary with only two ponies who weren’t blindfolded, but instead had eye guards to keep them looking ahead thus forcing their heads to turn. Our physical gifts gave us night vision to make combatting these beasts better, even having come prepared for a fight with both melee weapon and magic rifles at hand. “Quiet our little ponies, something is transpiring ahead. Let us observe and if need be, intervene as it may expose our quarry.”

There were the sound of two sets of steps, the first to appear is a mare unicorn knight of some mercenary nature. ‘Though she could be an amateur because of all the mismatched pieces, or wearing armor of those she has fought. If it’s the later, then she has a decent amount of experience behind her. Though her coat and mane are obscured by a bodysuit under the armor.’ The next individual made our blood run cold and from out of the corner of my eye, I could tell that my Lady of the Night had caught her breath. But that expression on her muzzle was shifting to delight, she tended to have a habit of licking her lips when catching sight of him.

As we thought it was a bit, ‘uneasy’ by how she would openly fight with those she fought in the field that catch her eye. How she would spend days on end improving herself just to defeat her rival, but the question here was this to my perspective. ‘Why is he here? He’s skulking in the dark, leaving behind a tall tale sign of being in this city. It won’t matter for long if we have success, for I will not fail in my duty to my Lady of the Night’ Steeling my thoughts, gazing at the other three knights brought for the Princess’s protection than onto her who is giving a excited grin until anger crossed her features confusing me.

I am interrupted from my musings, by my tuffed ears picking up the sounds of a scuffle and a Prench accent. “Well at least we know, he has been quietly hiding in Prance..”

[Equestria – Maretropolis, the Lower Sewer Junction! – Late Afternoon]
[Victor Von Doom - Perspective]

I still couldn’t believe how from among those outfits that den held, she had put together an armor set almost fitting to her rather tall size, even to me as ‘Doctor Doom’ being 6’2”, she was more than a head taller than me. It didn’t make it any less awkward knowing she’s a former trained knight, having a Minotaur Round Shield in hand while she had two balanced if used long swords sheathed at her hips. She held her gait with a sway of the hips giving my face a few ‘flirtatious flicks’ of her tail, only to further show that she’s comfortable about her former occupation that brings out more questions. “Why was it that you would quit a position as a ‘Solar Knight’? Because from that, to becoming a ‘model’ is a rather drastic step. Besides to claim association to me, would ruin those prospects.”

Her response was a graceful titter as her lilac colored eyes held that strange loving look when gazing at my eyes, with a light blush to her cheeks that could be shown as cute, as in response her hips swayed a bit more before I halted her movements with a raised hand while her ears twitched further down the way. Noting the practiced ease she drew out the swords on belt, in an angled manner taking a likely defensive stance with a sound barely coming into my hearing range of padded steps. But taking my own weaponless fencing stance with a glance or two behind us, motioning her to come until a glint from my night vison of a knife came out only to smack it away with the shield as the offending strike hit the ground.

Forcing my own gaze back showed that Fleur had side stepped into stand guard giving me a few moments to look at the deflected if well-crafted knife on the ground of a tribal nature, might be African in origin I think until an oddly giggling bark pulled my thoughts, to two brown eyes from a hyena anthro? “I knew that we would ‘bump’ into each other eventually my dark and stormy doom, but to think that you would find me? You must have finally realized how we were meant to be, or at the very least willing to deal with me.” That look in her eyes was all I needed to know that the literal bitch and not the figurative kind, was fucking crazy. It was gazing into malicious obsession, but there was something else she was giving off.

“De le marees, mon amour stay back from such Sombre Magie!” Fleur is likely picking up more on what I am guessing is a ‘less then pleasant’ experience, which only hardened my stance more with a palm blast in one hand and a charge of lightning in the other. But that Hyena as she came stepping into the light, looked to be grey with black spots. Wearing a sort of red and black body suit hugging her athletic if shapely predator body frame with an open short purple coat that might barely reach her bottom most ribs hung on her body with her hand pulling out another knife.
“Immonde Obscurite, stay back from where you came!” As an idle note, it seems this Fleur seems to ‘slip’ into French whenever passionate, though by how they are standing I can tell both females have more combat experience with weapons. The more disturbing feature was this new girl, licked her weapons while giving a feral grin with a wink.

“Aww, do I have to break your toys to get to play with you again doomie?” This likely will get ‘messy’, for whomever this hyena is, or myself… ‘Really? Can’t whoever this is have thought up another nickname? Besides how does she even know me?’