Spike has been kidnapped and it's up to Pinkamena to save him from the gold city of a wicked Diamond Dog.
El Dorado is a city few ordinary ponies know. It's said that whoever goes there can find success and have their dreams come true, and find wonders noone can find anywhere else. For a price, or so the rumours say.
Spike has gone missing, and the sole clue points to El Dorado, and Pinkamena has taken it upon herself to find him and solve the mystery of El Dorado.
But ponies who try to uncover the darkness hidden beneath the shine of the City of Gold tend to never be seen again...
On the bottom most podium, a set of stairs behind leading up to a larger podium stage higher above, was a small bipedal dog, about the size of a filly at the tallest, wearing a stylish purple dress and a stylish curled purple wig. The dog smiled at the large audience before him and began to sing, holding a golden microphone to his lips.
“One Two Three You have found it A place of golden dreams.”
“Let your dreams come truuuue~” Unseen backup singers chimed in.
“At El Dorado.” The dress wearing dog continued, strutting his hips as he performed, his singing voice quite beautiful.
“Five Six Seven Are you okay? I understand your awe”
“Let your dreams come truuue~”
“This could be your big chance~”
As the song continued, a pair of small elevators rose behind the dog, revealing two more taller, larger dogs, one wearing a bright red vest and the larger one wearing a black leather jacket, the pair stepping forward as the elevators lowered them, dancing to the beat with the singer, who began to dance more energetically, hopping and twirling as the tempo slowly rose.
“Be it an Angel or a Devil Noone can escape The absolute allure Of their dreams coming true! So what are you waiting for? Challenge the roulette We offer you everything!”
“Let your dreams come truuuue~”
“At El Doradoooo!”
The tempo began to rise more, the three dogs dancing more and more energetically and once the music reached a crescendo the three dogs turned, gesturing up towards the flight of stairs behind them, a spot light shining on yet another dog: this one wearing a golden top hat, clashing with the silver button up jacket she wear on her grey torso, gold rings and bracelets decorating her wrists and fingers as she held a long gold staff with a microphone atop it, her fangs bright gold and gleaming in the light as she sang.
“Ooooooooh! Forget your fears! Take a dive! Be sure to bet it all!”
‘Let your dreams come truuuue~”
“Or you may lose it all”
The dog slowly skipped step by step down the stairs, spinning her staff in her hand as she sang, the spotlight still on her
“Life’s not worth living Without some risk So believe you me”
“Let your dreams come truuue~”
“Because you’re a winner! Angels and Demons Know it to be to true Sometimes you gotta bet on Dreams of gold!”
As she hopped down, standing in the middle of the triangle formed by the other three dogs, she held up her hands in the air as the other dogs gestured their arms outwards towards the audience, singing together as one.
“GOLD AND JIVE! Such lovely music To our ears! Dive in! Let your dreams come true!”
The three dogs surrounding the top hat wearing one danced and hopped and twirled around her while she gestured upwards, fireworks exploding in the air and dancers, acrobats and jugglers rising from elevators onto the other podiums, performing in time with the music. As the music reached a crescendo, the leader spun her staff, pointing it to the crowd as holes opens on the podiums extending out into large tubes and began pouring rivers of silver discs onto the audience.
“GOLD AND JIVE! A LIVE WITH NO RISK IS NOT WORTH IT! COME ON! LET YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE! GOLD AND JIVE! SUCH BEAUTIFUL WORDS MAKE THE WORLD GO ROUND COME ON!”
The top hat wearing dog flipped her top hat over in her hand, holding it out towards the crowd, revealing a long tuft of green hair that curled over her right eye, a sinister grin on her features.
“Make your dreams come true.”
Down among the crowd, as ponies desperately clambered for the silver discs, one pony in particular was less interested in the excitement and glared up at the podium as the dogs and their robots sank back down out of sight, the podium itself starting to fold in and lower itself.
“Yeah, I’ll believe it when I see it.” Pinkamena grumbled.
-----------------------
A couple days earlier....
Spike looked around as he walked around into the tunnel, sniffing as Pinkamena walked along beside him.
“Wow...” Spike breathed in wonder. “There’s...there’s so MUCH down here!”
“Yep, this is why I moved here. No other place I’ve seen has such a large collection of minerals, precious stones, crystals and metals all in one location. The perfect place to set up a mine.” She trotted ahead, leading spike along.
“Okay so...why invite me over here? I mean not that I’m grateful but...” Spike stammered. He wasn’t too sure what to say about this, Pinkamena kinda intimidated him; she was after all not afraid to speak her mind and was a very hard pony to read. Plus she kind of came off like a jerk.
“Well, your dragon sense of smell could be useful for me to pinpoint specific materials. Even earth pony magic has its limits, and I know nothing about Crystal Pony magic. But you? You can identify where say a ruby is without even needing to GUESS. How is that valuable for my profession.” She glanced back at him. “Besides, I like you.”
Spike sputtered. “W-wha!? What do you mean you like me? You don’t like ANYONE!”
“That is true, but you’re someone I see a lot in common with. We’re both intelligent people surrounded by idiots, we both react to said idiocy with snark and sarcasm, plus you’re stronger than you seem, you’re capable and diligent and unlike other ponies I don’t judge your ability by your size.” She walked to a spot at the end of the tunnel, large sparkling crystals decorating all along it. “But as I said, it’s mostly cause I find your skills useful.”
“Gee, thanks, glad to be appreciated.” Spike folded his arms, rolling his eyes.
Pinkamena frowned, looking at him. “But I am serious. I do like you. You and Rainbow are the only ponies are actually have some respect for....wedding insanity aside. Especially since you helped me when Discord...” She shivered, the memories of that time starting to flood back before she shook her head. “A...anyway. What can you tell me about this patch? I’ve been hearing some strange noises coming from here on occasion, and I figured you might be able to help me figure out what’s going on.”
Spike smirked and chuckled, stepping over. “What, is mean ol’ Pinkamena getting scared over some noises?”
“If said noises could result in an unexpected cave in while I’m mining, YES I AM.” Pinkamena glared at the dragon.
“...You raise a good point. Snark retracted.” He placed a claw on the wall, sniffing at it, frowning. “Hmmm...Jasper, Ruby, LOTS of Star Stone...hmmm...There’s...there’s something else. It’s...” His eyes widened. “Something’s MOVING in there!”
“What do you mean MOVING?” Pinkamena looked to him, eyes widening as she tilted her head in puzzlement.
But before spike could answer the mine began to rumble, cracks appearing in the mine’s walls around them and soon it began to collapse, Pinkamena gasping as she rushed to pull Spike back from danger...only for the stone around them to move unnaturally and push her aside, and she looked over, seeing the stone form into a massive canine face that closed its jaws around a scared looking Spike and disappearing back, leaving behind an empty wall, devoid of ANYTHING.
Pinkemena rushed over, touching the wall, trying to dig through, only to find nothing but rock, no tunnel behind, no nothing. In fact, from what little she could glean with her Earth Pony magic, not only was Spike gone...but so was every stone and metal in her mine.
There was nothing left.
She stepped back, face pale, hooves trembling as she noticed something glinting below her. She looked down and reached to pick up...a gold card. One marked with a stylised dog’s head while framing the words ‘El Dorado’.
-----------------------------
Later, everyone had convened at the Library, one of the Ponyville Royal Guard, Striker, sitting at a large table with the other Element Bearers, the golden card Pinkamena had found.
Stiker looked at the card, frowning, before looking back up at Pinkamena. “And this was all you found?”
“Yeah, and it definitely wasn’t there before...” The pink pony replied, her expression dark.
Rainbow, eyes looking tired and scared, looked to the guardsman, “Do you...know anything?”
“I won’t sugarcoat it, this is BAD.” Striker, looked down. “Because, if this is any indication, then whoever did this is most like from, or at least staying in, El Dorado.”
Twilight Sparkle raised a brow. “Are we supposed to know what it is?”
Rainbow shook her head. “A small town like Ponyville wouldn’t know about, and even I only know bits and pieces. It’s a popular vacation spot for rich ponies.”
Striker nodded. “Yeah,I only know of it cause Captain Blueblood informed EVERY branch of the guard about it. It’s a popular vacation spot, yes, but for some reason some ponies who go there just...never return. The guard’s been trying to investigate it for a long time, but for some reason certain countries won’t allow anyone to even TRY.”
“What s not even Celestia can just do anything?” Rainbow asked, raising a brow.
“Yeah, even when she’s tried to negotiate, some countries have been...adamant about no one going in.”
“That’s...REALLY suspicious.” Applejack chimed in.
“Totally.” Rarity agreed.
“Yep, definitely.” Rainbow added.
“Yeah well, we can’t really do anything even if it is INCREDIBLY suss.” Striker said. “We don’t have ANY actual PROOF that El Dorado is actually really connected to the disappearances and even if it was, if we tried to investigate we’d have to deal with the response of the other countries, some of whom are ITCHING for a chance to dethrone Celestia.”
“Yeah well, not every country is run by ponies, and even the ones that are don’t all share our views of the Princess. The fact is, while everything SEEMS nice and peaceful, there’s a real danger someone could...tip the scales and lead to all out war.”
“So we charge in with the Elements and save Spike!” Rarity said excitedly. “We haven’t gotten like ANY chance to use them, something stupid has ALWAYS gotten in the way!”
“Oh yes, and I’m sure just barging in and blowing up such an apparently important place WON’T cause an international incident!” The bat pony raised his hooves in exasperation. “Besides, NOONE can force themselves in, El Dorado is built like a FORTRESS, it’s completely sealed by a WALL of pure orihalcum and double layered with the toughest metals known to Equestria, so even if we WERE willing to make a HUGE risk, we wouldn’t be able to scratch a DENT.”
Fluttershy pouted. “Lousy stupid hand wavey stupid dues ex machine stuffs...”
“The ONLY way someone can get in is by buying a ticket,” Striker pointed to the cad on the table, “or by being given one.”
Rainbow frowned. “And not just ANYONE is given one, right?”
Striker nodded. “Most folks wouldn’t risk the loss of the opportunity of going to El Dorado, as WAY too many ponies buy into the rumour it ‘makes dreams come true’. There are even rumours that many of the noble families in Canterlot got their wealth BECAUSE of El Dorado.”
Applejack looked at the gaudy gold card. “So whoever took Spike probably WANTS us to come. Or at least one of us.”
“But why...?” Twilight wondered.
“Doesn’t matter.” Pinkamena said. “I’m going.”
The others stared at her. “WHAT!?” Even Fluttershy was shocked.
“Spike was taken because I took him to my mine. It’s MY fault. If only I hadn’t decided to let him assist me...”
Again, everyone stared at her in disbelief. Even Fluttershy, who slowly started to grin.
“I kneeeeew you were a nice pony beneath it allll!”
PInkamena’s eyes widened as she shook her. “What? No! I’m...I’m not...! I just feel like I’m indebted now and don’t like having debts!”
Fluttershy giggled as Rainbow shook her head. “Anyway, let’s not be silly, I’m sure if we just all come together and use this ticket we can all get in and find Spike, figure out who took him and the missing ponies and bust them all out with the Elements.”
Striker frowned. “And risk losing BOTH the Elements AND the Bearers? That’s not a good plan! We have no idea what’ll happen!”
“We won’t know unless we try!” Rainbow snapped back. “Spike is FAMILY, I’m not giving up on him!”
“Precisely!” Applejack added.
“One for all, all for one!” Rarity shouted, standing on the table.
“Rarity, get down.” Rainbow scolded.
“Yeah!” Fluttershy cheered.”Spike’s super adorable and nice! NONE of us would let him be in trouble!”
Pinkamena put her hooves together, frowning. “And what if someone attacks Equestria or Ponyville?”
“Wha?” The others turned to Pinkamena again.
“If El Dorado is as impenetrable as Striker says, then we wouldn’t have an easy way to get out, even with the Elements. We’ve dealt with enough to know the Elements might be needed. After all, Sombra and Tyrant Monarch are still out there, and who knows what else could be lurking we don’t know about.”
“But...!”
“But the risk is too great.” PInkamena continued. “If they wanted to hurt Spike they wouldn’t have taken him so we don’t have to worry too much about his wellbeing compared to the safety of the country, and if this is a trap at least you’d lose someone no one would miss.” She gazed at the card coolly. “You can always make a new friend to take up the Element of Honesty should anything happen.”
Fluttershy stared, tears in her eyes, Applejack leaning in to place a hoof on Pinkamena’s. “Darling, don’t talk like that...”
Pinkamena pushed Applejack’s hoof away. “No. We all know it’s true. And this isn’t just something simple. Ponies have gone MISSING, and magic won’tjust easily solve everything. This is MY mess, and I’M fixing it. WITHOUT the Elements.”
“Now, Darling this isn’t...!”
“Striker close your eyes.” Pinkamena blurted out, tossing a small blue gem from her hoof, her eyes shut tight.
Striker’s eyes widened before he shut his eyes tight, the others blinking in confusion before gasping as the stone flashed a bright light as Pinkamena smashed in her hoof, everyone who had their eyes open collapsed to the ground.
Striker opened his eyes. “W-what the...!?”
“Rest Stone. Uncommon, fairly fragile. Releases a bright light that knocks ponies out for thirty minutes when crushed.” She got up to her hooves. “What, did you think I wasn’t going to be prepared at ALL? Just cause I won’t have the Elements doesn’t mean I’m defenceless.”
“Are you...sure about this..?” Striker looked at the sleeping Bearers in concern as he got up.
“Please. I never do anything I’m not sure about.” She picked up the card with her hooves. “Now, let’s not waste any time. We can’t have them trying to help me, not when they have other things to worry about here.”
As the two ponies began to walk out, neither of them saw one of the supposedly knocked out ponies in the Library slowly rise and begin to sneak off after them, nor could any of them have noticed that in the ground beneath their feet a strange dog waited, a large metal device strapped to his head as he recorded everything, sending it off to his boss.
----------------------------
In an opulent officer decorated with red silk carpets curtains, white marble walls and columns, was the owner of El Dorado, sitting atop a large, comfy red silk couch. She was a white diamond dog, sitting casually upright on the couch wearing a black tailcoat suit top, gold rings decorating her fingers as well as a large spiked collar around her neck, hanging from which was a chain connected to a yellow gem shaped like a seven pointed star, her tuft of green hair slicked over her right eye. In one of her paws she held a device to her ear before placing it down, grinning to her guest.
“Seems one of them, at least, is coming over.” The female Diamond Dog spoke. “Shame she doesn’t seem to be bringing the Elements, would’ve made for some nice merchandise to go along with my other prize.”
Before her stood a rather tall figure, hiding their features under a heavy brown cloak. “Capturing at least one of them should at least leave them more vulnerable for our plans.” The figure reached out from under the cloak, revealing a thin red arm and slender fingers. “Together, you will find we will rule Equestria.”
The Diamond Dog leaned back, laughing. “Oh, you seem to misunderstand. I Have no interest in becoming one of your ‘Corruptions of Ruin’, nor do I have any interest in deposing Celestia or ruling anything. I’m perfectly fine with the arrangement I set up over here.”
The cloaked figure withdrew their hand. “Then...why assist me?”
“This is just a mutually beneficial business arrangement. Taking out that mine and procuring that dragon are as good for my business opportunities as it is for your ‘plan’. Speaking of, it honestly doesn’t matter to me who rules Equestria, for regardless there’ll be people needing my services, desiring to money and the power to ‘make their dreams come true’.”
The cloaked figure frowned, though the Diamond Dog couldn’t see it. “A shame, you would have made for a fitting addition to our group. I suppose that brings us to the main reason behind our alliance...is it true? Do you have it?”
The Diamond Dog grinned, snapping her fingers as another Diamond Dog, a male wearing a red vest, black sunglasses over his eyes and a pair of large, bulky headphones over his ears, stepped into view, placing a black leather bag on the table in front of the cloaked figure, the bag about as big as a person’s fist, occasionally beating softly like a heart.
The figure gazed at the bag covetously, glancing at the female before him warily. “How did you get your paws on this?”
“I have scouts searching everywhere, plus I have PLENTY of people in my pocket, be it by money or by...other methods of coercion. All you need know it took a LOT of time and effort to find it, and you’re lucky I didn’t sell it in one of my auctions already.”
The figure reached a slender hand for the bag, only for the dog in the red vest to growl warningly, the female chuckling. “Now, now, don’t be greedy, I don’t give rare artefacts like this for FREE you know? And regardless of who you are, I wouldn’t test my friend Rover here. So...pay up. 9000 bits.”
The cloaked figure nodded, pulling out a large bag of coins that was tossed towards the female Diamond Dog, who pulled out a coin and bit into it, not noticing the spark of black magic that hit her finger as she touched one of the coins. “Alright, tastes genuine, you may go. Oh, and, good luck with your ‘plan’.”
“Do not think I am as weak-hearted as your shills, Crunch. Should you cross me, I will ensure you pay.” The figure growled, gripping the black leather bag in a hand before turning, stepping into a black portal that closed behind them and vanished from sight, leaving the Diamond Dogs alone.
“You sure he won’t be trouble, Miss Crunch?” Rover said, arms folded behind his back.
The female Diamond Dog, Crunch, chuckled. “He’s a VILLAIN, of COURSE he’s gonna be trouble, but he’s one we can deal with. After all, I’m sure Celestia would like to know about his regicidal plans, that should be enough of a threat to him to keep him off our backs.”
Rover nodded. “Spot seems unsure about the plan.”
Crunch rolled her eyes, resting in her chin in her paw. “Spot’s unsure about EVERYTHING, but he’ll fall in line. He ALWAYS does.”
Rover nodded and stepped back. “I shall watch over things, Boss.”
Crunch the Rock Dog grinned cruelly. “Good boy, Rover.”
As the carriage trundled down the road, a massive structure loomed large before them. It was a massive octagonal structure, made of a rough, blue-tinged metal, a large gate on the front. The gate was much more colourful compared to the rest of the structure, being made of shining gold with bright red lights flashing repeatedly around the words ‘El Dorado’, which were written in bright platinum cursive engravings.
As Pinkamena stepped out she trotted toward the building, Striker flanking her side. The gate opened, a dog wearing a red vest stepped out, a pair of red rectangular shades and a set of gold headphones.
Pinkamena scowled at the dog. “Who are you supposed to be?”
“Rover.” The dog replied tersely. “Head of Security.”
“What’s with the welcome wagon?” Striker asked, brow raised.
“What, a couple ponies waltz over here and we’re supposed to just let them?” Rover scoffed. “We have rules here. I thought you ponies were supposed to RESPECT rules, harmony and all that.”
Pinkamena reached into her bag, pulling out a ticket. “This is what you need, right?”
The dog looked it over, sneering. “Hmm. Very well you may pass.”
The pair of ponies started to step forward, only for Rover to shove his arm in front of Striker.
“ONLY her, of course. YOU don’t have a ticket, and thus, no permission to enter.”
Striker glared up at the Diamond Dog, frowning. “Well, not like I wasn’t expecting this...”
“Wait!” a voice called out from the caravan as somepony leapt off from the back to trot over.
Pinkamena and Striker looked behind themselves, eyes wide as they saw Twilight trotting over.
“Wha...what are YOU doing here!?” Striker exclaimed.
“Well you shouted at Mr Striker to look away and well...I did the same thing.” The unicorn smiled sweetly. “After, I followed you and hitched onto the carriage.”
“I mean WHY are you here!?” Pinkamena fumed. “remember, only I’M supposed to be here. You don’t even talk to Spike that much!”
“I just want to help.” Twilight replied. “Having you come here without one of your friends along feels far too lonely...besides, Spike is a dear friend even if I am not that close to him.”
PInkamena sighed and growled. “Well...you’re not gonna let us send you back, are you?”
“Nope!”
“....guess we’re stuck with you.” Pinkamena huffed in defeat.
Rover folded his arms over his chest, sunlight glinting across his glasses. “Does SHE have a card?”
“Uhh...no?” Twilight admitted.
“Then no entry for her, either.”
“Oh dear too bad looks like you’re gonna have to head home....” Pinkemena said to Twilight sarcastically. “What a shame...”
“Now, now, what’s all the hubbub here for?” a new voice spoke up, a female one.
Rover’s eyes widened as he looked behind himself, a female diamond dog wearing a white suite and matching top hat sitting atop her green mane stepping out through the gate from behind him. She looked over the ponies in front of her and smirked, her eyes turning to Rover.
“B-boss I-I don’t think you need to be out here just for these ponies...!” Rover spoke up nervously.
“Nonsense, Rover. These are VERY special guests after all, and i think we can make some exceptions for the Elements of Harmony.” The female Diamond dog bowed with a theatrical flourish, her left arm across her chest. “Welcome to El Dorado. I am the owner of this fine establishment, Crunch.” She flashed a wide grin, showing off a couple of golden teeth among her sharp fangs. “So, my associate here is giving you a rough time? As head of security he can be a bit of a stickler for the rules, but seeing as the two of you ARE celebrities, I see no problem in allowing you both to come in together, even if only one of you has a ticket.”
Pinkamena frowned, giving the dog a sceptical look. “Just like that?”
“So long as the two of you are willing to follow our rules otherwise, yes.” As Striker stepped forward she gave a warning growl. “Oh, but only you two. Your...ride here will have to sit outside.”
“wha!? Come on!” Striker yelled in exasperation.
Twilight looked at the Nightsteed sympathetically.” Think this’ll be the best they’ll allow...”
Crunch chuckled. “Don’t worry, sir royal guard, they’ll be quite safe here. Just like all of our honoured guests....”
Striker frowned but nodded slowly. “Alright...you two take care....”
“Hey, take her away!” Pinkamena hissed, pointed at Twilight. “She SERIOUSLY doesn’t need to come along!”
“And I’m not taking no for an answer, Pinkie!” Twilight snapped. “I’m not letting my friend go off alone in a shady place, and that is FINAL.”
“Don’t...” Pinkamena glared.
Twilight nodded. “Yes, yes, don’t call you Pinkie, I’m sorry, I just...look, I want you trust me, in my ability to help. Or do you seriously think you can search for Spike on your own?”
“Well...” PInkamena began.
Rover growled. “Alright, enough, the boss said you can both come in, so...GET IN!” He lifted the pair easily by the scruff of their necks and roughly tossed them through the gate, snorting at Striker before walking through the gate alongside Crunch. The gate’s doors closing shut behind them with a loud, booming, metallic thud.
“Great...So now we got two bearers stuck in there...” Striker sighed.
---------------------------
Luna and Celestia sat in the throne room. Standing before them was Blueblood, the current Captain of the Royal Guard.
Blueblood gazed sternly at his aunts. “So, I am to take it that even with TWO of the Bearers of the Elements in that wretched hive, STILL you refuse to mobilise us?”
Celestia sighed. “This is a...I have...a lot of complications to deal with here.”
“what, like some rich snobs trying to protect their favourite vacation spot?” Blueblood replied incredulously.
“That IS part of it, and I wouldn’t consider the current ruler of Zebica and other foreign ambassadors merely ‘rich snobs’.”
“The Zebican...? What?” Blood sputtered in disbelief. “Why?”
“I know not but even if that weren’t the case...”
Luna frowned, eyes narrowing. “MORE secrets, sister?”
“I’m just...I’mnot sure if either of you would understand...” Celestia closed her eyes, steeling herself. “There is...another reason for why we can’t just send the royal guard to investigate. The locals are concerned we might incite the wrath of...the Rock God.”
“The...the what now?” Blueblood’s brow rose, head tilting quizzically.
Celestia gazed over at her nephew, giving a heavy sigh. “Several years ago I did go visit that place, to ascertain the goings on there. When I visited, it was explained to me that the land was cursed, haunted by an entity known as The Rock God...it was a powerful, massive and malevolent entity....”
“And...a VACATION RESORT is built where this entity resides?” Blueblood asked. “Sounds a little farfetched...”
Celestia nodded slowly. “I was sceptical myself...and then the creature appeared before me. I managed to fight it back with my magic, but it claimed it would return....”
Luna frowned sceptically. “So...a popular vacation spot is haunted by this...rock god?”
“The most popular resort visited by numerous wealthy people across the world, at that.” Blueblood added. “With no one seemingly bothered. Very suspicious. SO, what, are you suggesting the ‘Rock God’ is the cause of the disappearances? That doesn’t explain why they wouldn’t even inform us, let alone impede us from investigating.”
“Well, the point is the rock god is the reason they keep most ponies out. They don’t want any outsiders upsetting the Rock God. Supposedly, the good fortunate and happiness of their wealthy visitors keeps the Rock God at bay...somehow.”
Blueblood and Luna’s eyes narrowed as they gazed at Celestia judgementally.
“L-look, I’m as bothered by these disappearances as much as you two, but we have no evidence that El Dorado is even connected let alone responsible. We can’t just send an army, that’s not how I do things, and I don’t want to risk enraging a powerful supernatural being. Not to mention the other big leaders of the world threatening Equestria if we even DARED to try regardless.” She sighed, looking down forlornly. “I...am well aware how...disappointed you are with me. Between how I handled Grand Heist, the fact i not only didn’t notice the ridiculous deception Cadance and her spouse pulled on us as well as making them believe they even HAD to do such a thing in the first place because they didn’t trust me.... I have tried SO hard to maintain an image for everypony but you’re both right about one thing...I’m NOT perfect, this job is VERY difficult, but I promise you I at least have good reasons this time, at least. Between the Rock God, lack of evidence and the possibility of a full on war being declared on us should we try anything...I had to be idle.”
Blueblood huffed, looking disappointed. “Sounds like nothing but excuses to me...” He smirked. “Of course, I had my own ideas to deal with the situation.”
Celestia looked at him, her eyes the ones to narrow this time. “What did you do Blueblood.”
The stallion shrugged, smiling reassuringly. “Oh, I just let a couple friends of mine go have a vacation... I jsut happened to have gotten a couple tickets and decided to give them a couple ponies who’d appreciate them more.”
Luna tilted her head, brow raised. “Friends?”
“Oh, I’m a popular stallion, auntie.” Blueblood chuckled. “A generous one too. Don’t worry, I didn’t send any of my royal guard, that would be far too on the nose, so any disgruntled foreign dignitaries can’t raise a stink if they found out.”
Celestia sighed. “So despite your coming to me about this, you went over my head and sent in spies without my approval?”
“Oh no, as I said they’re friends, not spies, and anyway, is it not better for me to go against the rules in this case, rather than have you be of any blame in this situation?”
Luna smirked. “You’re a devious one.”
“well...between your ‘friends’ and two of the bearers being in there...perhaps something CAN be done about this...” Celestia leaned back, sighing. “I only hope nothing happens with two bearers away and unable to help...”
--------------------------
Pinkamena and Twilight trotted along as Crunch and Rover walked ahead of them, leading them through a small tunnel. Soon they stepped through the tunnel, revealing a massive town square, buildings decorating the surrounding area with a giant gold fountain sporting a diamond statue shaped like Crunch holding up a top hat, water streaming from the statue’s hat in four wide arcs that stretched high above the statue.
Crunch turned to the two ponies with a grin. “Pinkamena, Twilight Sparkle, welcome to El Dorado, capital of dreams! I hope you brought plenty of bits, because over here there’s one rule: if you want a good time, you need a lot of gold!”
Pinkamena rolled her eyes as Twilight spoke up. “Umm...what if we...DIDN’T bring any bits?”
Crunch laughed. “Well, in that event, you can play one of our many fun games carefully designed by our head engineer! If you win them, you’ll get a HEFTY cash prize!”
“Well, my dear, in my experience, when it comes to most ponies and others, the only reward worth playing for is money. It makes the world go round, after all.” Crunch grinned widely. “Feel free to dine at one of many restaurants too! We serve only the best here for honoured guests! But don’t take too long, we have a big opening ceremony lined up shortly, you wouldn’t want to miss it!”
Twilight giggled. “Sure! I’m sure it’ll be a grand spectacle!”
Crunch chuckled and turned to walk away. “Oh it will be.”
As the two diamond dogs walked out of earshot from the two ponies, Rover stepped up to Crunch’s side. “You sure it’s a good idea to let TWO of them here? They don’t even have money!”
Crunch waved her hand flippantly. “Relax, Rovs, unlike our usual rubes, I didn’t invite them here to get their MONEY. No, I have better things in mind for THEM.”
Rover narrowed his eyes under his shades. “Do you NEED to be so ‘mysterious’?”
“Never know who might be listening.” Crunch smirked at her associate. “So, how’s our little prize? Comfortable?”
Rover snorted. “He’s not going to die at least. Can’t believe you managed to snag something like that.”
“Oh, it was a surprise for me too. I wasn’t expecting it to be there, but...it turned out to be a greater asset than I expected. I’m sure the auction will get a great turnout once word gets out...you DID make sure word got out?”
“The Dig Dogs are on it. Wejust gotta get it presentable.”
“Oh, it WILL.” Crunch grinned ruthlessly, gold teeth glinting in the light.
----------------------
Spike looked up at the dark ceiling above him. Granted, EVERYTHING was dark here, but between the dim lights and his adjusting eyesight, it wasn’t a huge deal. Compared to being stuck in a cell with a heavy orihalcum collar around his neck holding him close to the wall by a sturdy chain, a little darkness wasn’t an issue.
“How you holdin’ up?” A voice from the cell across from his spoke up.
Spike gave a playful smirk at the taller, red dragon before him; there wasn’t anything else to do in here so the pair had been talking for a while. “Could be better. I could use furniture, for starters.” He gestured to his cell, which lacked even a semblance of a bed let alone any chairs or anything else.
The red dragon chuckled. “You really don’t let anything get to ya, huh?”
“I mostly get by with a sharp tongue.” He winked. “Plus my friends are gonna rescue me, you can bet on it.”
“Friends huh...” The red dragon looked down, slumping and looking depressed. “I thought I had friends...we’d go around and cause trouble....but I haven’t seen them since I was captured a few days ago. Guess they either couldn’t get here...or...”
Spike looked at the other dragon with sympathy. “Hey, I’m here at least. I can be your friend if you want me to.”
The red dragon lifted his gaze. “Just like that?”
“I’ve learned a lot from some lovely ladies, and we’ve been chatting for a bit anyway.” Spike grinned. “Besides, having a friend here will help.”
“And you think these friends you mentioned will come here?”
Spike smirked. “Garble, I’ve seen these girls fight way worse. I believe in them. You’ll see, they’ll blast this dump to PIECES to get me back.”
-----------------------------
Pinkamena and Twilight were snacking in a restaurant after having watched the big opening musical number performed by Crunch and what seemed to be other some other staff members, seeing as Rover was among them. Pinkamena ate some grass fries, while Twilight chowed down on what seemed to be a burger, making Pinkamena glare in disgust while a pony sporting a gold collar who had served them stood near their table.
“Do you have to eat MEAT? In front of ME?” Pinkamena growled.
“Hey, I’ve never tried it before, and we CAN eat it. Besides, it’s not like they use PEOPLE meat.” Twilight gulped down a big bite. “That’d be WRONG.”
“What, the place that kidnaps ponies doing something WRONG? Colour me surprised.”
“You don’t KNOW they’re kidnapping ponies.” Twilight countered. “I mean, there might be a different explanation for why some ponies are disappearing...”
“They’re doing SOMETHING. This place REEKS of deceit.” Pinkamena said, gazing around with narrowed eyes. “We have to be careful, Sparkle.”
The collared pony gestured to her collar. “Umm...would you like to umm...give a tip?”
Twilight frowned softy. “Oh...sorry, we uhhh...didn’t bring any money, I’m so sorry...”
The pony flinched, making Pinkamena narrow her eyes as the pony spoke up. “Oh...that’s alright....umm...enjoy your food.”
Twilght grinned. “Thanks! I cna’t believe we don’t have to pay for any of this!”
The pony averted her gaze, forcing a smile. “Oh, well, El Dorado strives for a fun time for it guests...so....you know...”
Pinkamena raised a brow. “No, we don’t know...”
“W-well, I-I should get going! I-I have lots to do s-so um e-enjoy yourselves!” The pony quicly turned and trotted off away from their table.
“Weird...” PInkamena muttered. “The employee uniforms are weird too...and what was that about tipping? She looked really uncomfortable talking to us...”
Twilight shook her head sadly. “I jsut wish I could’ve given her something, even if it wasn’t some money. A shame she seems so busy, we could’ve asked her about some stuff,like if she heard anything about a dragon being seen here.”
“Yeah...” PInkamena replied.
As they sat at their table and continued eating, a couple of familiar ponies trotted over to them. “Well! This is a surprise! What are you doing here, Miss Sparle?”
Twilight blinked and looked up with a gasp. “Jet Set! Upper Crust!”
Twilight nodded. “oh, you don’t remember? These two were at the Gala. They were among the only ponies to show me any kindness that...well, that night...” She trailed off, looking down, clearly still troubled my memories of that disastrous event.
The stallion smiled at Pinkamena. “I’m Jet Set, this is my lovely wife Upper Crust, and we’re just a couple of useless rich ponies who spend their time traveling the land and making friends! This is our first time coming here, and we have to thank our dear friend Blueblood for this rare opportunity!”
Pinkamena tilted her head. “You know Blueblood huh? You guys have friends in high places then.”
“Oh pish posh!” Upper Crust waved her hoof dismissively. “It was years ago, back when I first tried to get into the Royal Guard to catch his attention.” She frowned shamefully. “Sad to say, I wasn’t always the best pony...”
“Oh, I dare say NOONE was a saint in Canterlot’s nobility back then.” Jet Set said. “Though he IS a fetching stallion, I’d dare say I’d eagerly join myself for a chance with him too!”
Twilight smiled brightly. “So you two are vacationing here thanks to him? I hope you’re having a good time!”
Upper Crust nodded enthusiastically. “Oh Absolutely! The food here is quite good! We’re about to head off to try some of the games here, would you care to join us? I dare say it’ll be far more fun going together than just splitting up again!”
“Sure!” Twilight grinned back.
Pinkamena grumbled and stared coldly, leaning over the table to speak into Twilight’s ear. “Sparkle, we don’t have time to ‘have fun’. As I said, I don’t trust this place, and we NEED to find Spike.”
Twilight nodded, whispering back to her. “I know, but we need to find clues first. Maybe we’ll find something at the games, or Jet Set and Upper Crust might have heard something and joining them will make them more at ease to tell us something, you never know. I’m not just forgetting things.”
Pinamena frowned deeper but closed her eyes and sighed after a while. “Fine, fine, just lets finish and get going.”
Twilight smiled and turned to the couple again. “We’ll be coming with you two then!”
“Oh, smashing!” Jet Set grinned, pumping his hoof in the air. “I’ve heard the games here are quite a sight and are all custom made!”
“Ohhhh that sounds AMAZING!” Twilight cheered, stars in her eyes.
A mare with a black coat and long silvery hair glared in annoyance at the loud and cheerful group, sipping at hr soup. “They’ll let ANYONE here...” She muttered, waving off the collared pony serving her.
While all eyes were on Twilight and her friends, Pinkamena quietly pulled out a small, green pebble from her little sack at her side and dropped it into a hole under the table she had dug out with her hind hoof, quickly covering it again.
-----------------------
Soon the group of four ponies had trotted past a few buildings and into what seemed to be a large circus-esque tent situated in the northern portion of the resort. Within the giant red tent were several golden structures and machines, Twilights eyes widening in awe at the sight before her. The machines were tall and golden, with several big lights affixed along the sides, a large chimney-esque opening on the top and a set of large purple buttns with shapes drawn on them affixed to the floor at the feet of the machine, a large hole on the front.
As they approached one of the machines a very large diamond dog, with arms so heavy and big he literally dragged them along ground, stepped out from behind it, wearing a bright pink jacket and black gloves on his hands, his gloves decorated with gold stars on the knuckles.
Jet Set and Upper Crust waved at the dog, smiling widely as the stallion spoke. “Greetings! Are you in charge of the games here, sir?”
The diamond dog chuckled and folded his arms, smirking proudly. “I’m not JUST in charge here, I built every machine here by paw. Well, every machine in El Dorado, in fact.”
Twilight gasped, trotting over, stars in her eyes. “Whooooah! You NEED to show me some of your work! It’s so rare to meet a fellow inventor! These machines here look GLORIOUS!”
“Hehe, thanks much.” The diamond dog snorted, grinning with even greater pride. “Name’s Fido, by the way.”
PInkamena looked around, seeing yet more employee ponies trotting around wearing those disntictive gold collars. “What’s with the..uniform.”
Fido shrugged. “We’re dogs, so the collars jsut sorta fit the theme. You ponies have dogs for pets right? Well the ponies working for us are kinda like pets to us.”
Pinkamena glared. “That’s a little insulting.”
Fido growled. “We don’t take offense to you having our non-sapient relatives as your pets. Besides, it was a figure of speech. Oversensitive much? Anyway.” He grinned and gestured to the large machine behind him. “Could I interest you in a game?”
Jet Set rubbed his chin in thought. “Hmm, well...I AM intrigued.”
“I’m more interested in the machine itself, honestly.” Twilight said, smiling. “But I’m always game to try something new.”
As they spoke a tiny diamond dog wearing a cute pink dress walked over, looking a little timid and nervous, holding up a plate of six drink mugs on one paw. “U-Umm...I think you can....wait a bit, you don’t wanna rush into the games too quick. There’s a lot of other things you can do first...”
Fido glared at the smaller dog, growling and snorting testily. “What are you doing here, Spot?”
“w-well I...I was getting drinks for the guests eating and I noticed these ponies coming here so I thought I’d um...”
“That is for the ‘employees’, SPOT.” Fido sorted again. “You have better things to do than the menial work the less...the pony staff do. Especially not butting into the business of our guests who want to have fun.” He looked towards the ponies in front of him. “Don’t worry about him, he’s a worry wort.”
Pinkamena raised an eyebrow, looking at the tiny diamond dog. “He’s a guy? ...the dress looks good on him.” She blinked and shook her head. “Okay, not important. Is there a REASON we shouldn’t want to play...whatever game these machines...do?”
Spot shivered, looking up at the glaring Fido. “U-umm...I...n-not that...umm...well you see, It’s a game of chance, you could...win big...and...lose big.”
Fido laughed. “Don’t worry about it! These games are fair! Even a single bit is enough to play!”
Twilight frowned. “I...didn’t think to bring any um...money.”
Fido laughed harder, grinning wider. “Well then, I’ll let you have a free spin. Look.” He pointed to one of the other machines as a griffon cheered, lights lining the machine flashing brightly and playful music and sounds playing from it as a river of bits poured out from the top of the machine. “See? It’s fun and easy. Just press a button in front.” He gestured to the buttons, six of them in total, marked with a star, a heart, a horseshoe, a four leaf clover, a rainbow and a gold coin. “A voice will play and you have to press the button the voice says in sequence. If you press even on wrong button, you lose.”
Pinkamena glared suspiciously. “Sounds like a pretty simple game, like something for a kid.”
Fido waved his hand. “The best games are deceptively simple, it gets PRETTY tough.”
Twilight frowned but smiled. “Well, if it’s free, then sure!”
Fido grinned. “Then step right up. Press a button.”
Spot whimpered as he watched the purple unicorn step forward, opening his mouth to speak only to yelp and look up at his larger co-worker place a hand atop his head, giving the smaller dog a meaningful gaze.
PInkamena frowned, sensing something wrong but as she didn’t know the specifics and didn’t think such a simple game could be THAT risky, she just watched, ready to act if she needed to.
Twilight smiled to herself as she stepped on the horseshoe button, the lights of the machine flashing. “clover.” A voice spoke from within the machine.
Twilght grinned. “Oh my gosh! How did you get it to do that!?” She giggled as she pressed the corresponding button.
And so it went. Starting slowly at first, the machine started speaking each button sequence faster and faster, twilight panting and grinning but clearly enjoying herself, the sequences becoming longer along with the speed, somehow still managing to keep up, putting up a sweat. It looked like she’d possibly win even as she was clearly reaching the limits of her stamina.
Until.
“Bird.”
Twilight blinked, freezing for a second. That couldn’t be right, she could see all the buttons before her. That wasn’t even an option, let alone matched the sequence. She looked around, growing desperate, eyes widening as she saw that high on the machine’s surface an imperceptible tile had flipped, revealing a new button marked with a bird.
“What the...?” Twilight stared. “H-how am I...? Why?”
“Time’s up.” The machine’s voice said, the air feeling heavy like a weight. “Please insert your fee.”
“F-fee...?” Twilight’s face paled.
Fido sneered down at her. “It takes a lot to reset the machine, so some...compensation is required. Did I forget to mention it?”
Pinkamena glared. “Who would play a game just to have pay when it ends!?”
“Hey, usually people here are big spenders, they barely notice.” Fido folded his arms over his chest. “And they don’t usually have NO money to pay with...”
“You said she could play for free!” Pinkamena snapped.
“You have a problem with how I run my part of this resort?” Fido snorted. “Take it up with management. No matter, we all know what happens to ponies who can’t pay up in El Dorado.”
Twilight blinked, staring up at the massive diamond dog. “W-what do you mean...?”
As everypony stood there was a rumbling around them, large metal doors rising around them and blocking them off from the other parts of the game area and from the eyes of the other guests as Fido stepped back. “Fortune and wealth keeps the Rock God at bay...but misfortune and poverty calls him here as sacrifices....”
The rumbling grew in intensity as the very floor rose up, forming into a huge, muscular dog-like creature, diamond eyes shining as the lights around every dimmed, the massive creature looming over Twilight.
“The Rock God!” Fido called out, gesturing his arms out towards the massive creature.
The Rock God grinned wickedly. “You cannot pay, then you must stay. You will remain here and work, until your debt is gone. Money makes the world go round, and the penniless are the cogs that let that happen.”
The Rock God laughed coldly as something fly out from its body and flung around Twilight’s neck: a huge gold collar decorated with spikes.
Twilight’s eyes widened. “H-huh!?”
“If any guest is unlucky enough to lose everything and not be able to pay back the debts they accrued, they have to work here until the debt is paid.” The Rock God spoke. “You will LIVE here now, Penniless, and you will WORK. Without break, without sympathy, until you pay back every bit you owe. All 15,000,000 of it.”
Pinkamena gritted her teeth, snarling. “How much!?”
There were footsteps as Rover approached from behind, the Rock God disappearing and returning the floor to its original state. “Entry fee, fee for the opening ceremony performance, fee for food, fee for what you owe for playing one of our games, fee for repairs to fix the machine after its been used, fee for Fido for needing to use his own wages to pay for your attempt at our game, fee for angering the Rock God, fee for disturbing our guests for causing the Rock God to appear, the list goes on.”
Upper Crust stomped her hoof, an uncharacteristically angry look on her face. “That is OUTRAGEOUS.”
Rover shrugged. “That’s just how it goes here. If you have enough you get to enjoy yourself...and if you DON’T you have to SUFFER. Because those without the cash are worth NOTHING in this world.” He gestured his hand up as if gripping something, Twilight gasping as her collar glows and she’s pulled towards him.
“Sparkle!” Pinkamena exclaimed.
Tiwlight looked scared for a moment before taking a deep breath and looking at Pinkamena. “Don’t...Don’t worry about me. You have something more important to worry about, PInkamena. And Mr Jet Set and Miss Upper Crust, this is my fault, don’t let me ruin your vacation. Just...you three do what you have to, I’ll be fine.”
Pinkemana stared at the generous pony. “You don’t know what they’ll DO to you here. We don’t know how they treat their ‘employees’ here, but i can TELL it’s not gonna be good.”
“I’m a farmer, I can handle rough conditions.” The purple unicorn grinned widely.
Upper Crust and Jet Set looked at each other, nodding and looking resolute before turning their gazes towards and Fido and Rover. “Can we pay off her debt?”
Rover nodded, pointing towards a little hole on Twilight’s collar. “Oh yes. Just slip a bit in here. Of course, that’s only one bit PER PONY. That’s the only way we’ll accept hr debt being paid.”
“W-what!?” Jet Set gasped, eyed wide. “W-why would you...she’d be here for YEARS with that sort of system!”
Rover laughed. “well, she should have thought of that before coming here without any money!”
Twilight frowned, looking towards everyone. “I...see. I...guess those are the rules. Don’t worry everypony, I’m...I’m sure I can deal with it.”
“Not like you can do anything!” Rover laughed.
Pinkamena closed her eyes and breathed. Even ignoring her newfound promise to be a better friend, the blatant unfairness and cruelty being displayed were beyond her professional limits. But, she still knew when to keep her wits about her. “...FINE. I wanna talk to your manager then.”
Rover chuckled. “You mean Crunch? She’s the one in charge of everything here, the only person with the authority to run this place and keep the Rock God in check.
“Well I wanna speak to her about this Rock God then.”
Fido shook his head. “Hah, there’s no way she’d....”
He stopped as there was a noise rom Rover’s headphones, Roveer listening to something through them as he nodded, speaking to someone who wasn’t among them. “Right. Got it.” He looked down at Pinkamena. “Okay, Boss says you can go talk with her. Go find the big Emerald Castle towardsthe back end of El Dorado’s Main Street. She’s waiting for you on the top floor. Don’t keep her waiting.” He turned brusquely and dragged along an unresisting Twilight behind him through what seemed to be some invisible leash.
Pinkamena looked at Jet Set and Upper Crust. “You two...do whatever you want.”
The two upper class ponies stared at Twilight’s disappearing form before looking at Pinkamena as Jet Set spoke. “If there’s any way we can help, just ask. She is our friend too, and we want to help stop this place’s cruel actions.”
Upper Crust nodded. “You’ve seen the ponies with collars too. IF they’re all like Twilight then...”
“yeah this place is rotten, has been for years.” Pinkamena glared around herself. “At least we know what happened to the missing ponies more or less. But that raises more questions. Now, I’ll get back to you, cause now I’m gonna go get some answers to those questions.”
She turned and trotted off, nopony having noticed that while Twilight played her game PInkamena had dug a little hole and put in a little pebble.
