> Tales of the Sapphire Carousel: Beyond the Bordello
>  by Undome Tinwe
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Night On The Town
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Woo! Let's get this party started!" Ripple Seas called out as she stepped out into the cool night air, her arms stretched outwards in an open invitation to the gods to show her a good time. "So, where do we wanna go?"

Lily Petals shrugged, gesturing towards Shimmer Glass and Rarity. "Well, these two have the most to celebrate, so how about we let them decide?"

Rarity glanced at Shimmer. "Well, dear, you're the one getting engaged. How would you wish to spend the evening?"

Shimmer shrugged. "Rainbow's not even here, so it doesn't really feel right turning this into an engagement party. How about we just have a normal night out at The Dreamland?" Her suggestion was received with a chorus of approval, and together they set off towards the Sapphire's favourite tavern.

The Dreamland was located about a five-minute walk from the Sapphire Carousel, right off the center of the Lunar district. It was the tavern of choice for the locals because of its low prices and relative level of safety.

Ripple was the first to enter, slamming open the door and announcing their presence to the whole tavern. "Alright, everyone! The fun can now begin!"

The regulars all perked up at the stream of attractive men and women filing in. "Finally, some real entertainment!" a particularly drunken customer yelled.

Ripple blew him a kiss. "Sorry, Steel, we're off the clock."

Steel laughed, downing the rest of his drink. "Doesn't matter. It's always fun when you guys come around!"

"You know it!" Having set the tone for the night, the employees of the Sapphire Carousel made their way towards the bar, taking up the row of seats in front of the bartender.

Said bartender perked up from cleaning the glasses as she saw them approach. "Oh, hey, it's good to see you all again! Guess who's working here now!"

The group stared at her for a moment. "Incantation!" Rarity finally said, smiling widely. "It's wonderful to see you." She walked right up to her and gave her a warm hug, which Incantation eagerly reciprocated. "I must admit, I did not expect to see you here."

"Well, you know me, always looking for new things to try." The bartender gave each of the newcomers a hug, a huge grin on her face. "Gotta admit, I've missed you all, though. Working at the Sapphire was probably the most fun I've ever had."

Rarity pressed a hand against her heart. "What, it wasn't when you were assisting me in my shop?" she asked in mock outrage.

Incantation rolled her eyes playfully. "I love you, Rarity, but we both know I don't have a head for fashion."

"I suppose that's true," Rarity allowed. "It was still lovely to have you around, though."

"Aww." Incantation blushed. "Anyways, what can I get you all tonight?"

Each of them gave their orders to Incantation, and for the next few minutes, she busied herself with preparing drinks for them. Meanwhile, Shimmer made her way over towards Rarity, taking the seat next to her. "I'm happy everything worked out for you," she said.

"I am quite glad of that fact as well," Rarity replied. "I was doing much better but..."

"I get it," Shimmer said. "Just because you can live without someone doesn't mean your life wouldn't be a lot better if they were with you, right?"

"Exactly." Rarity smiled. "I thought I understood your devotion to Rainbow Dash, but now I realize that my journey is just beginning. I cannot wait to see where Twilight and I will end up."

"We'll be with you every step of the way," Shimmer promised.

At that moment, Incantation slid up to them on the other side of the counter. "Alright, you two, what can I getcha?"

"I'll have a margarita, please," Shimmer said.

"And I shall have a glass of the house red, if you would be so kind," Rarity added.

"Coming right up!" With an ease that seemed practised, Incantation grabbed a glass and a bottle from the shelf, pouring out the red wine for Rarity before quickly shaking up Shimmer's drink. "There ya go!"

"Thanks," Shimmer said, handing over the payment for the cocktail. "You're a natural at that, huh?"

"Aww, thanks." Incantation blushed, and it was positively adorable. "I just try my best."

"You do seem to have a knack for most things you put your mind to," Rarity said. "A shame you lacked an interest in fashion, or else you could have excelled there as well. Truly, you are a woman of many talents. You would make a great spy as well, I think."

"Ooh, haven't tried that one yet," Incantation mused. "Being a master of disguise might be fun, changing myself to fit into whatever role I needed to get some secret information or take out a high-value target." She giggled. "Maybe I'll try that next."

"Luna does like having her eyes and ears throughout the city," Rarity said. "Perhaps something could be arranged, once you tire of bartending."

Before Incantation could respond, Ripple Seas held up her glass in the air and called out a toast. "To love winning out in the end, no matter how long it takes to get there!"

There was a loud cheer as everyone downed their drinks. "So, Shimmer's gettin' hitched and Rarity's finally on-again with that mage," Candy Apple said, setting her mug of ale on the table for a moment. "Who do you think is gonna fall head-over-heels with someone next?"

"Definitely not me," Sunny Days said. "I prefer to fly solo."

"I— I think Trenderhoof and I might have something real," Satin Sheets said, swirling her cocktail around absently, her voice soft.

"Oh, honey," Lily said, shaking her head. "Don't tell me you fell for a client. You know that never ends well."

"He cares about me," Satin replied, a little more forcefully this time. "I know it."

Shimmer and Rarity shared a glance. They both knew enough about the reporter to know it wouldn't last, but they also both knew that the heart was a strange thing, and that it would be foolish to try to talk her out of it. The best they could do would be to support her, no matter the outcome.

"Well, as long as it doesn't stop you from hanging out like this, I don't care if you all end up married," Ripple said. "I've still got a lot of years before I'm old and tired, and I wanna spend them with all of you."

"I shall drink to that," Rarity said. "If there's one thing I've learned from all of this, it's that there's no place like the Sapphire, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

"You can say that again." Shimmer took another sip of her drink. "Everything's changing, but the one thing that won't change is how much I love everyone here."

"Alright, that's enough talking about big sappy stuff," Sunny Days said. "It's been a rough week and I need some stress relief from someone who actually cares about whether I have any fun in bed." She stood up and left the group, making her way towards one of the tables that was populated with some of her friends from the docks.

After that, the general cohesiveness of the group began to dissolve as everyone found their own ways to have fun. "So," Rarity asked as the two of them remained at the bar. "Have you set a date for the wedding yet?"

"Nope," Shimmer replied. "Luna's offered to let us use the Sapphire as a venue, which is great, but we still have to figure out what day works best for everyone."

"Well, if either of you need dresses, I would be honoured to create them for you." Rarity placed a hand on Shimmer's. "I haven't had the chance to thank you yet. Twilight told me all about her visit to the Sapphire, and how you were the only one willing to entertain my beloved. I am ever so grateful that you gave her a chance."

"Like Luna said, we all deserve a second chance." Shimmer smiled. "I'm just glad I could help. And hopefully I can hang out with her again under better circumstances."

"That would be lovely," Rarity replied. "I... I'd like her to meet all of you, eventually. Part of me is still nervous about such an encounter, but I know I need to move past that. Though, I will admit I'm still somewhat worried that Rainbow Dash may react rather violently to seeing her."

Shimmer giggled. "Don't worry, Rainbow just wants you to be happy. We all do."

Before Rarity could reply, a voice called out behind them. "Hey, Shimmer! You up for a rematch?"

Shimmer's grin grew wider as she turned around. "Burnt Oak!" Standing up, she waved at the older man. "Sure, I don't mind beating you again."

Burnt Oak chuckled. "Them's fightin' words, missy. I ain't going down easy this time."

"Lead the way, then." Shimmer allowed herself a little bit of playful swagger as she stood up and sauntered over towards the day board. She turned to wave goodbye to Rarity. "I'll see you around. "

"Good luck, darling."

As Shimmer picked up her darts, she felt that familiar bubbly happiness in her chest that had become her constant companion. The past few years had changed her life in ways she couldn't imagine, and she couldn't wait to see what the future would bring for her, and for the rest of the outcasts who had found their home in the Sapphire Carousel. 
> A Lifetime of Learning
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Education was a lifelong journey.

That was Cheerilee's guiding philosophy, and one she tried to impart on all of her students. Learning didn't stop just because you were outside of the classroom, and learning wasn't just limited to reading books.

No, the world was filled with opportunities to expand one's knowledge of the world, to enrich the mind and broaden one's horizons. And Cheerliee tried to live that truth every day, to seek out new experiences so that she would have more to share when she taught.

Though, this was one experience she probably wouldn't be telling her students about.

Cheerliee took a deep breath as she stood at the entrance of the Sapphire Carousel. Her heart was pounding so hard it felt like it'd leap right out of her chest, and try as she might, she couldn't make herself step forward.

She shook her head, chastising herself internally. This wasn't the first time she'd ever been here— hell, this wasn't even the first time she'd been here this week. Of course, the reason for her visit was completely different from all her previous ones, but still. This wasn't some evil fortress of sin, and Cheerliee knew that very well.

"It's all in your head," she muttered to herself. "Institutionalized shame resulting from a lifetime of living under society's mores." Those words gave her just enough courage to walk forward and push open the door.

Inside, Aqua Swing waved at her. "Oh, hello Miss Cheerilee!" she said. "I didn't realize you were coming in today. Which one of the little scamps are you tutoring today?"

"I, umm..." This shouldn't have been weird. After all, Cheerilee had spoken to Aqua many times before, had literally just arranged next week's lessons with her yesterday. And yet... "I'm not here on business this time. Err, not my business. What I mean is that I'm here to hire a sex worker."

Aqua's eyes widened. "Oh!" Ever the professional, she quickly composed herself. "Right. Umm, let me lead you inside and you can see who's free right now."

"Thanks, Aqua." Cheerilee waited for Aqua to walk around the reception desk, trying to ignore the butterflies in her stomach.

Aqua noticed her distress, bless her, and patted her gently on the shoulder. "Hey, don't worry about it. You know everyone here's cool, and we're literally the last people who would judge you for doing this."

"I know that, intellectually," Cheerilee replied as they made their way towards the main area. "But it's hard to internalize."

"Well, if it helps, you're still not the most nervous client we've ever had to deal with." Aqua smiled. "At least you're probably not going to pass out the moment you see how sexy everyone is, I hope."

"No promises." Cheerilee gulped as Aqua pushed the door open. This was it.

From her previous visits, Cheerliee had learned that this entrance was used by potential clients who wanted to hire someone for the night. All the men and women who didn't have a prior appointment would wait here, dressed in their most enticing clothes as they readied themselves for any visitors.

Thus, when Cheerilee entered, she was greeted with the sight of a number of people she had come to know quite well, all posed provocatively and showing a scandalous amount of skin. Despite having spent time with most of them and thinking herself accustomed to their attractiveness, Cheerilee couldn't help but suck in a breath at the sheer beauty overwhelming her vision.

"Hey, everyone," Aqua said. "We've got a new client."

There was a ripple of surprise as the assembled employees all realized that Cheerilee was the client, which did nothing to help her feelings of self-consciousness. Fortunately, they were professionals, and as Aqua had said, had experience dealing with shy visitors. "It's lovely to see you again, Cheerilee," Shimmer said, stepping forward. "Please, feel free to take as long as you want to make your decision."

"Thanks, Shimmer," Cheerilee replied. For the first time since Luna had invited her here years ago, she allowed herself to look at her friend in a sexual light. Shimmer Glass was beautiful, with a body Cheerilee would have killed for, and a kindness that Cheerilee desperately needed right now. She would have been a good choice. 

But, there was someone else in the room that made Cheerliee's heart race faster, someone that had, to her unjustified shame, fantasized about even before today. He was standing on the opposite side of the room, shirtless and showing off his muscular body as he leaned against a wall. Their eyes met, and an unspoken agreement passed between them as Cheerilee silently pleaded with him.

"I can take care of ya, if you'd like," Big Macintosh said, stepping forward.

Cheerilee nodded mutely before finding her voice again. "Y-Yes please, Big Mac."

He nodded and reached out a hand, which Cheerilee gratefully took, taking comfort in his strong, gentle grip. He led her away from the room, from the small crowd of men and women who were smiling and silently cheering her on, genuinely happy for her.

Neither of them said anything as they made their way towards one of the many bedrooms in the Sapphire. Big Mac pushed the door open, and gestured for Cheerilee to enter. "Ladies first," he said.

Cheerilee let out a nervous little giggle at that. "Thank you."

Once inside, Big Mac closed the door behind them. He turned back to face her, and Cheerilee felt her cheeks grow even warmer as her eyes roamed up and down his perfectly sculpted body, tracing the lines of his taut muscles.

"So, what happens now?" she asked, dreading and anticipating the answer.

Big Mac shrugged. "Well, Miss Cheerilee, you've got me for however long you're paying, so I should be the one asking you. Do you wanna go slow or fast?"

"I—" Cheerilee's voice caught in her throat, and she had to take another breath to calm herself. "I don't know, honestly. I've never done anything like this, and normally I'd be really excited for a new experience, but this time I'm also so nervous I can't really think straight." It sounded so pathetic to her own ears, and she burned with shame as well as embarrassment now.

"We can just talk for a spell if you need time." Big Mac sat down on the bed, and patted at the opposite side, keeping a respectful distance between them.

With a sigh, Cheerilee flopped down, lying on her back and staring at the ceiling. "This seemed like a really good idea this morning," she mumbled, picking up a pillow and hugging it to her chest. "I've been feeling really lonely lately and having... urges, but between teaching at the school and tutoring here I just haven't any time to find the right person for a relationship."

The bed was really nice, with soft, silken sheets that kissed her skin. "I mean, I could probably go to the bar and get sex if I wanted to," Cheerilee continued, running her hand back and forth along the bedding. "Even if I'm a frumpy old schoolmarm, it can't be that hard to find someone to have a one night stand with. But, I didn't really want my first time to be with some stranger. And then I remembered that I literally moonlight at a place that does this kind of thing professionally."

She chuckled dryly at that. "It seemed like the perfect solution. Just, pay someone I trust to give me the time of my life, and work out the tension that's been bugging me. But now, I'm terrified, and I don't really know why."

Big Mac stared at her, not saying a word. Still, his presence was a comfort to her, and the complete lack of judgement in his expression put her mind more at ease, let her think clearly for the first time since she'd left the schoolhouse intent on losing her virginity in this place.

"Okay, I know why," she confessed, her cheeks burning with shame. "I've studied enough sociology to know that I've been conditioned by society to think that sex is some transcendant expression of love, and that even caring this much about my first time is indicative of that conditioning. But it doesn't change the fact that I feel like I should be ashamed for winding up here, that if I was more desirable or something this wouldn't be happening. Which is dumb and wrong but sometimes all the facts in the world won't change our feelings."

Big Mac nodded, and Cheerilee knew he understood her.

"I just need to get over it," she said, determination welling up in her heart. "I came here to have a good time, and by God, I will. You are a very attractive man, and I can finally let myself think that, and I'm going to enjoy every moment of this."

Big Mac smiled, and Cheerilee felt a surge of pride as she reached out to stroke his leg with a hand.

"Thanks for listening." Her hand kept running back and forth along his muscles, and Cheerilee's anticipation grew. "I'm probably not the first person to have this problem, huh?"

"Eenope."

The familiar response made Cheerilee smirk. "Well, anyways, I'm glad you're such a good listener. I think I'm ready for the session now. So, do we just, uhh, start?"

"Eeyup." And then Big Mac's hands were on her, and Cheerilee was in heaven. "And yer not frumpy or old."

He probably said that to all the self-deprecating girls who hired him, but Cheerilee chose to lean into the fantasy of the experience, to allow herself to believe. "Oh?" she asked coyly, batting her eyelashes at him.

"Yer beautiful, Cheerilee," Big Mac replied simply. "And I'm real glad you're trusting me with your first time."

He leaned in to kiss her, and Cheerilee prepared herself for the most enjoyable lesson of her life, one that would be worth every penny she paid for it.
> Amethyst Locks
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A dear friend of mine once told me she didn't understand why I chose to sell my body for money.

She wasn't the first to do so, of course. There are many who don't understand my profession, and have no reservations about telling me so to my face. 

Some, like the woman who had raised me, stated this fact with disgust and anger. She'd told me that we had money, that I didn't need to sleep with strangers for a pittance compared to our fortune. Those words had stung, certainly, but even as our screaming match over my life choices had devolved into objects being thrown, I hadn't truly cared about her lack of understanding. I had only wanted her to accept me, and to tell her that she still loved me.

Perhaps one day I'll hear those words.

Others, like my clients, said it with gratitude, like they had been graced with a miracle which they didn't think they deserved. Whether or not they were right would likely depend on your opinion of capitalism and the value of labour, as my dear friend would have said. Though, I am a miracle, certainly, and I cannot fault them for believing me an angel who had chosen to bless them with my divine beauty.

Oh, shush. Don't look at me that way. One doesn't become as in-demand in my trade as I was without merit.

Still, I was used to them saying all sorts of things in the throes of passion, and I paid it little heed. After all, when a man tells you he loves you once a week but won't even acknowledge your existence when you walk past him and his wife in the streets, you tend to become rather dismissive of his opinions.

And then there were my friends. Well, most of them were in the same profession as I was — it's rather hard to make friends elsewhere when you live in a brothel. My other friends were generally polite enough not to voice their lack of understanding, with the exception of Rainbow Dash, bless her soul. Despite working as a bouncer in the very establishment I plied my trade in, she couldn't quite wrap her head around why I was here, and had no compunctions about saying so out loud.

For her, it didn't really matter. She didn't truly care why we were here, as long as it was our choice to enter the sex work industry. And we all appreciated her for the positive energy and crass humour she brought into every room of our odd home.

Even my former beau couldn't comprehend why he had to pick me up from such a salacious locale for our dates, even though he promised me that he would never feel jealous over the many men and women who had partaken in my body. And in the end, he was true to his word, his faith in my fidelity never wavering even as I broke up with him over our other incompatibilities.

A shame, really. I think I could have been happy with him, if not for the fact that I was still pining over her.

My dear friend, Twilight Sparkle. A mage from the north who had come to our grand city to study under the tutelage of the great Lady Celestia. A woman who had grown up in a society so... traditional, that she hadn't realized that her romantic interests leaned towards the fairer sex unti she was fully an adult.

A brilliant scholar whom I had fallen in love with.

I'd hidden my profession from her, for many reasons. And when she had discovered the truth, she had ended our friendship just as it was on the cusp of blossoming into something more, telling me that she hadn't understood why I was a sex worker.

That was the only time that statement had ever bothered me.

More than bothered, really. Her words were like a sword, piercing me right through the heart. And it wasn't because she had wielded her rapier wit against me as a weapon instead of using it in a playful exchange between us, but because she had said it with such raw sincerity and pain that I had understood why we could never see each other again.

You see, Twilight Sparkle was a scholar, through and through. She was the kind of woman who sought to understand everything in the world, from the grand mysteries of life and death to the size and weight of a fictional dragon in a storybook she was reading. She couldn't accept something without understanding it first.

It was how she was, and in some ways, I loved her for it. Her curious mind was a font of fascinating conversation topics, and her insights often left me quite impressed at her intellect and cleverness. It gave her a certain charm, and allowed her to match me as I played my verbal games with her. Her constant search for knowledge ensured that we'd never grow bored, and pushed me to broaden my own horizons.

And then she told me she hadn't understood who I was.

And I knew, in my very soul, that we could not be together while this gap existed in her knowledge.

It would be too painful to spend more time with her after that, both of us desperately wanting what we could not have. And so, I had angrily told her to leave me, to abandon the connection we shared, and to enjoy the rest of her life with her close-minded ways and her closed-minded teacher who had once rejected me for trying to be who I was.

That should have been that. The end of our grand romance, culminating in a dramatic tragedy. Forevermore would the two of us wander this world, seeking out a happiness we could never achieve, haunted by the knowledge that we could have had it all, if only she had been able to understand.

And that was why, when the Lady had given me her research notebook, and I had seen the pages and pages of notes scrawled upon then, the analysis and cross-references and even the transcript of the interview she had conducted in secret with one of my colleagues, my heart soared, and I felt hope for the first time in far too long.

The carriage was taking me to her now, and even though I was prepared to say goodbye to her again, to have her tell me she had tried and failed to understand sex work, I knew in my soul how this conversation would go.

Because Twilight Sparkle was a brilliant woman, and when she put her mind to it, there wasn't any mystery that she couldn't solve.
> A New Generation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Are you sure we can just walk in here?" Sunny asked, looking around nervously.

Zipp shrugged, pushing open the door. "I'm technically a co-owner of the studio, so yeah, they can't stop me."

Two muscular guards stood in the main foyer, a man and a woman. "Please state your business," the woman said.

Zipp reached into the pocket of her leather jacket and pulled out her ID. "I'm Zephyrina Storm," she said, her voice uncharacteristically formal. "I have urgent business with my sister."

The woman eyed the documentation suspiciously, while the man grinned. "Oh wow, I can't believe you're actually here, Miss Storm!" he said, his eyes filled with awe. "It's an honour to meet you!"

"Thunder!" the woman admonished. "First of all, we don't know if she's telling the truth, and second of all, if she is, you're supposed to be respectful towards her." She scanned the card with a device she pulled from her pocket, waiting for it to beep. "Apologies, Miss Storm," she said politely. "I'll take you to Miss Petals right away."

Sunny tried to act natural and aloof as the woman glanced over at her and Izzy. It didn't help that their baggy hoodies, which were necessary for hiding their identities, also made them look incredibly suspicious.

Still, they had Zipp, and no one would dare speak up against her.

And so, they made their way through the front entrance. Zipp held out an arm half-heartedly as she said in monotone. "Welcome to Sapphire Studios."

"Ooh, pretty!" Izzy was immediately everywhere, almost pressing her nose right up to the number of giant photographs hung onto the walls, depicting various scantily-clad men and women posing seductively for the camera.

Sunny, meanwhile, couldn't help but notice that all of the stars were clearly from Zephyr Heights. She let out a sigh, thinking of how much they needed Harmony now, more than ever.

Zipp made her way to the front desk, where the receptionist started as she realized whom she was looking at.

"Miss Storm!" the receptionist exclaimed, hastily typing away at her computer in some attempt to look busy. "How may I help you?"

"I need to talk to my sister, Skye," Zipp said shortly.

Skye's smile grew brittle. "Right. She's just about to finish up a livestream, so if you want to wait—"

"I know where to go," Zipp pointed to Sunny and Izzy, the former of which had returned to them after her impromptu tour. "I just need guest passes to let these two go with me to see her. All-access, please."

"A-All-access?" Skye gulped. "That is highly irregular, Miss Storm."

"Well, I'm a pretty irregular woman," Zipp replied, her humour fading as she frowned. "Is that going to be a problem, Miss Silver?"

Skye shook her head. "I'll just scan these into the system," she said, picking up a pair of badges and putting them onto lanyards.

"Wow," Izzy said, "this place is so much fancier than the club I used to dance at."

"Doesn't matter how I feel about this place, they do take safety pretty seriously here." There was pride in Zipp's voice as she spoke, the first time Sunny had heard it since they'd first met.

"That's good to hear," Sunny said sincerely as they made their way down a series of nondescript corridors, which looked the same as in every other office. She supposed there wasn't any reason why they would look any different just because of the kind of business this place was engaged in.

Zipp reached a particularly fancy door with a placard beside it that said "Pipp Petals, CEO." She pushed it open with little fanfare, revealing yet another receptionist's desk. "Dazzle," she called out, "I need to talk to Pipp."

The woman in question looked up at Zipp, hiding her surprise much better than everyone before had. "Miss Petals still has five minutes left in her livestream, at which point she will need another ten minutes to make herself presentable. Would you like to wait here until that time, Miss Storm?"

"Yeah, sure." Zipp plopped herself down on one of the plush chairs in the waiting area, her legs shaking impatiently. She glanced over at Sunny and Izzy. "Pipp's in the studio on the right, doing a super-exclusive livestream for her top supporters. If you want some free access to what they're seeing, you can pop by the editing booth and take a look. It's the door on the far right."

Sunny raised an eyebrow. "Can we do that?"

Zipp shrugged. "All-access means all-access. I'm not going in because eww, that's my sister, but if you two are curious..."

"Ooh, I wanna see!" Izzy had already taken off before Sunny could say anything. After a moment of deliberation, she decided that she was curious too, and followed after her.

Sunny made it just in time to stop Izzy from slamming the door open in her excitement, pushing her away gently so she could open it as quietly as she could. She held a finger to her lips to indicate to Izzy that they needed to be discreet. Fortunately, the door was also well-greased, and they were able to slip inside without alerting anyone.

Inside, there was a man sitting in front of a series of monitors, displaying all sorts of technical information that Sunny couldn't even begin to understand. The monitor in the middle, however, had something that Sunny recognized, her body immediately reacting to the video feed.

"Hehe. You say the sweetest things, Mister Moneybags." Sunny had seen a few pictures of Pipp Petals before in the newspapers around Zephyr Heights, but this was the first time seeing her performing, and it was nothing short of breathtaking. The way her laugh turned into a throaty purr had Sunny turning red within seconds as her brain shut down.

"Wow!" Izzy said, walking forwards as if in a trance. "She's so pretty, and her sparkle is so bright!"

"I wish you could be here too." Pipp's voice dripped with sensuality as her hands went... places. Sunny shook her head in order to clear her mind, realizing too late that the man at the terminal was staring at them in shock.

"It's okay," she said quickly, holding up her badge. "We have permission to be here!"

That calmed down the technician, right up until Izzy rushed up towards the main monitor and tripped on a cable on the floor. She barely caught herself from falling, but in the process, her hood fell back, revealing her head and face to him.

The reaction was immediate. The technician shot straight out of his chair, backing away from them. "Aaaaaaah!" he screamed. "Please don't hurt me!"

Izzy sighed. "I'm not gonna fry your brains, okay? We're just waiting to see Pipp."

It didn't matter. The man continued backing away, before he also tripped on one of the wires and fell, crashing against the terminal.

Immediately, the monitors shut off.

"Uh-oh," Izzy said.

"We should probably go," Sunny said as the technician screamed and ran around them and out the door. "This is seriously starting to get old."

Izzy snorted. "Yeah."

They made their way out into the main area, where a very angry Pipp was currently glaring at the technician.

"Ruddy!" Pipp said. Despite her small stature and being clad in only a fancy towel, she projected an aura of anger that made her seem larger than life. "What the hell just happened! My fans are saying the feed cut off?"

The technician— Ruddy— cowered before her. "M-Miss Petals," he said. "I was attacked by..." he turned around, eyes widening further when he saw Sunny and Izzy standing there. "I'm not going to stay and get killed by them!"

With that, he ran out of the office, leaving behind an awkward silence.

Pipp immediately turned her attention to the receptionist. "Dazzle," she said imperiously. "Send out a message apologizing for the technical difficulties, and tell them I'll make it up to them later. And contact security and tell them to make sure Ruddy doesn't cause a stampede."

"Yes, Miss Petals," Dazzle replied as she began typing away at her computer.

"As for you two..." Her eyes narrowed, then widened as they focused on Izzy. "Oh my gosh, Ruddy was right!"

"Wait!" Zipp stepped forward and grabbed Pipp by her arm. "It's fine," she said before Pipp could do anything rash. "They're my friends."

Pipp glanced between all of them for a few seconds before she scowled. "I am not having this discussion naked," she finally said. She turned around and walked back towards the studio in silence.

"So, uhh..." Sunny wasn't entirely sure what to say after everything that just happened.

"Your sister is really pretty." On the other hand, Izzy didn't seem to have any trouble making conversation, bless her heart. "I mean, you're also really pretty, but I haven't seen you naked, and wow." She fanned herself with a hand.

"I get that a lot," Zipp said, annoyed. "It can be a little hard on the ego when your sister is a famous porn star."

"Yeah, I can imagine," Izzy replied. Another awkward silence followed.

"Are you sure she's going to help us?" Sunny asked, trying to get them back on something realizing the track. "Gonna be honest, I'm still not sure a CEO is going to be on board with our plan."

"Look, even if we don't exactly get along right now, I know Pipp's a good person," Zipp said.

As if on cue, they heard the studio door open, and a moment later, Pipp stepped back into the reception area. She was dressed in a crisp suit, her attire perfectly businesslike and boardroom-ready. "Someone needs to tell me why it was so important to see me that you ruined my livestream and brought one of them here."

Izzy waved cheerfully as Pipp pointed an accusing finger at her. "Hi!" she said. "Sorry about the livestream— you were doing really well working up your viewers. Your technique is really good."

"Thanks," Pipp said absently before glaring at Zipp again. "So, what do you have to say for yourself, sis?"

"We've made a huge breakthrough," Zipp said, gesturing towards Izzy and Sunny. "Izzy's from the Dominion and Sunny's from the Republic, and neither of them have any magic. Haven't had any for a long time."

Sunny decided to throw off her hoodie, breathing a sigh of relief at being free from the stifling heat. "But we're hoping we can bring it back, with your help."

Pipp's eyes narrowed. "And why should I trust someone from the Republic?"

"Because one of my ancestors was an employee of the Sapphire Carousel," Sunny replied.

"And one of mine used to cater for them!" Izzy added, nodding profusely. "We found their names in the old records."

Pipp sighed. "I can't believe you're still hung up about that old document, Zipp." She shook her head. "And now you've brought in more people into your obsession." At the very least, she didn't seem openly hostile to Sunny and Izzy now, which Sunny chose to take as a win.

"I mean, you're the one who's milking our connection with the original Carousel in your marketing," Zipp shot back.

"I'm keeping the memory of the Sapphire Carousel alive and building on their work to advocate for sex workers everywhere," Pipp replied, her own voice heating up in response.

"Oh yeah, because asking other corporations to donate a fraction of their profits to a few charities in order to get tax breaks is what Lady Luna would have wanted when she founded the Sapphire." Zipp's voice dripped with sarcasm. "I was at least trying to do something good at a grassroots level."

Pipp scoffed. "And look far you got with that. At least my narrative produces results."

"Your narrative that completely erases the fact that the people working at the original Sapphire Carousel were from all walks of life, which means that their descendants are living in the Bridlewood Dominion and the Maretime Republic on top of the Zephyr Empire."

Pipp sighed. "We've had this argument a thousand times before, Zipp. What do you want me to do? If I admit just how diverse the Sapphire Carousel was, I'll lose a lot of the popular support we've worked so hard to build up."

"We reunite Equestria by bringing magic back, and use the fame we get from that for our advocacy." Zipp gestured at the two foreigners in the room. "Izzy's an exotic dancer back in the Dominion, and Sunny's an escort in the Republic. If we can get you on board too, we'll have sex workers from all three nations working together to bring about the greatest revolution in history."

"All three nations are already on the brink of war," Sunny said. "I've heard it from some of my high-profile clients— tensions are already so high that Izzy and I couldn't walk down the street here without hiding who we are, and only the belief that the other countries still have magic is keeping things from escalating. The moment it gets out that you don't have flight, or that the Dominion doesn't have magic, things are going to get very, very bad."

"Wait, the Dominion doesn't have magic?" Pipp's eyes widened as she stared at Izzy.

Izzy shook her head. "Nope, it just went 'poof' one day, and then, no more magic. Just like in the Empire."

"We came here hoping the Empire would know how to restore it, but it looks like you all lost it too," Sunny explained. "Then Zipp showed us the notes from Lady Luna, which I combined them with the research logs from Lady Sparkle, and it turns out that in order to activate the Mana Engine and bring magic back, we need a bunch of keepsakes from the original members of the Sapphire Carousel."

"Which is why we need access to the vault," Zipp finished for her.

"You need Rarity's lipstick," Pipp said flatly. "The symbol that I've been using to promote our movement, that's been the rallying point for everyone involved in trying to make the world a better place."

"Symbols are great and all, but actually bringing magic back will change everything. Please," Zipp pleaded, "we already have Shimmer Glass' ring, and we're pretty sure that Sapphire Snow's keepsake is in the Republic. We just need the lipstick, and we'll be on our way."

"You're insane," Pipp said. "You know that, right? This, all of this, is completely insane."

"C'mon, sis, you're a sex worker trying to fight centuries of stigma and systemic discrimination. We're all insane for thinking we can actually make a difference." Zipp flashed her a cocky grin. "So what's another leap of faith? Rarity walked on water because of her faith in magic."

Pipp sighed. "Dazzle, cancel all of my appointments for the next week, and tell Shutter Snap that I need to postpone our interview and that I'll have a huge story for him when he gets back. Oh, and don't tell anyone about what just happened here." She glared at Zipp. "You'd better be right about this. I'm risking it all for you."

"I'd never let you down, sis," Zipp promised.

"Alright, let's get to the Vault right now and then dip before someone calls the cops on you two," Pipp said, gesturing towards Sunny and Izzy. "We don't need that kind of attention."

"Agreed." With that, they took off, Pipp leading them through the office building after Sunny and Izzy put their hoodies back on. Eventually, they reached a door with a guard in front of it, but he quickly stepped aside when he saw two co-owners of Sapphire Studios approaching.

"Here it is," Pipp said, entering the access code onto the keypad. The keypad beeped and the large metal door swung open, revealing an empty, sterile room lined with drawers along the walls.

Pipp made her way inside, the others trailing behind her as she reached the far end of the wall. She pulled out a key from her purse and slid it inside.

Sunny held her breath as she waited for it to open, feeling the momentous weight of history on their shoulders. This was it, a chance to see one of the most prized possessions of her childhood hero. A moment later, the drawer was opened, revealing a small jewelry box.

Pipp reached inside and took the box, popping it open for all to see. "Well, this is it. The tube of lipstick that Rarity carried with her until her death."

It looked like a perfectly normal tube of lipstick, but Sunny still picked it up with reverence, holding it as gently as she could. "I've read so much about her," she whispered. "I never thought I'd get to touch something that used to be hers."

"It's a powerful symbol," Pipp said. "I hope you know what you're doing."

"We got this," Sunny assured her, feeling it in her very soul. They would restore magic to the world, and show the world that fear and distrust were not the answer. And when there was harmony, then she would finally be accepted for who she was.
> The Storyteller of Canterlot
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

North Ridge had lived a long, full life.

He considered himself the luckiest man in the world to have been blessed with good health, modest wealth, and the most beautiful woman in the world as his wife. Granted, it hadn't been easy getting to this point, and that good health had been threatened far too many times for his liking, but he had grown from those experiences as well.

Granted, he could feel that good health being threatened again as his lovely wife stomped into their workshop. "Wajinga!" Frost Flower shouted, standing imperiously over him as he vainly tried to hide the markings on the floor. "I felt the Veil magic from the other side of the house. What fool thing have you done now?"

The symbols on the ground were glowing purple, and North Ridge smiled sheepishly. "Okay, so I was discussing the theory behind divination runes with Twilight Sparkle, and she had some very interesting hypotheses about how to use the Veil runes to do more than look into other worlds."

Frost Flower stared at the patterns on the floor, letting out an untranslatable curse. "We do not use those runes for a reason, husband. Even the shamans do not understand the full power they hold."

North Ridge shrugged. "Relax, my flower. I'm just trying to bring a small object over from another world. I'm sure bringing a rock over won't be too dangerous."

"Your arrogance shall be your downfall," Frost warned. "Unfortunately, I see that it is too late to stop the spell safely before it completes."

A moment later, a bright beam of light shot into the air, passing through the ceiling like it was nothing. And nothing was exactly what happened next, as the light faded from the runes with no extra-dimensional object to show for it.

"You are fortunate that did not work," Frost Flower said, shaking her head. "Some days, I do not understand why I married such a fool."

North Ridge stood up and swept his wife up in a hug, pressing a kiss against her cheek. "Because I'm charming?"

Frost sighed. "I suppose you are, husband. But that will not save you from my wrath if you ever try to play with this magic again. My people entrusted you with these secrets because we believed you would use them for good, not trifle with powers beyond your comprehension for your own amusement."

"Are you still going to hold to the promise you made that shaman to execute me if I go mad with power?" North Ridge asked.

For a moment, it looked like Frost Flower was seriously considering her answer. "We shall see, husband," she eventually said before walking out of the workshop.

"I love you!" North Ridge called out, grinning. She wasn't going to kill him. Probably.





A few days later, North Ridge was still alive, and life had gone back to normal.

Frost Flower had made sure to be present when Twilight Sparkle had next visited, and had given them both a lecture on the dangers of Veil magic. The fact that Lady Celestia's student had been taking notes the whole time was probably not going to be a problem, but North Ridge resolved to pay a little more attention to their conversations in the future to make sure she didn't do anything rash.

From what they could tell, North Ridge's spell had randomly swapped two spaces around the volume of a small room with each other, one from their world, and one from another world. The chances of anything dangerous were absolutely astronomical, given how much of the universe was simply empty space.

That being said, the risk was enough that North Ridge decided to put away the Veil runes for now.

Life continued, business was enough to keep them afloat, and then, on the fifth day after the incident, North Ridge heard a chime at the entrance. "Good morning, stranger," he said, putting on his best Mysterious Shopkeeper demeanour. "What brings you here today?"

At first glance, there didn't seem to be anyone at the door, despite it being opened. Then, North Ridge heard his own voice speaking back to him. "I seek answers, and a way home." There was a dry humour in the tone that he was very familiar with. "And now I think I shall find at least one of those here."

It took another moment for North Ridge to look down, at which point he saw what appeared to be a small pony trotting into his shop, with the same mane colour as North's hair, and the same coloured eyes as his eyes.

Years of adventuring had taught him to think quickly, especially when surprised by the impossible, and he managed to hold on to his mysterious smile. "A traveller from another world, I take it?" he asked, trying to feel out how much this newcomer knew.

"Not by choice," the pony replied. "I am North Ridge. I trust that name means something to you?"

North Ridge laughed. "When I hear that name from my wife, I know I am truly in trouble, and that many apologies will need to be made."

For a moment, he saw the pony's smile falter, but he recovered quickly enough. "In her defence, you likely deserved her scolding if it comes to that."

"Perhaps, but I would be a fool to admit it, no?" They shared a good laugh at that, and North Ridge calmed. Whoever this pony was, it seemed they were more alike than different, and he could work with that. "So, how did you come to find my shop?"

"I traced the Veil magic that brought me here to this place," the pony replied. "It seems that you also learned the ways of Rune Magic in this timeline. I guess that's not a surprise if you married Frost Flower as well."

"The parallels are quite fascinating," North Ridge admitted. "I do apologize for bringing you here, then. My spell was meant to bring an inanimate object over, but there were some miscalculations." He opened up the latch that led behind the counter. "Would you care for a cup of tea while we try to sort this out?"

"That sounds lovely," the other North Ridge replied. "Sapient ponies do not exist here, from what I have gathered, so it has been difficult getting anything to eat beyond grass."

"I'm guessing it's not your first time living off the land." They made their way through the back door and into the sitting room of North Ridge's home. "Though I will admit it's never a pleasant experience."

"No, it is not." The pony took a seat on the couch, his legs curling under his barrel, which worked well enough, North supposed.

North Ridge disappeared to the kitchen, quickly putting the kettle on the stove before returning to his guest. "I made us some Earl Grey. It's my favourite, so I hope you'll be partial to it as well."

"Interesting," the other North said. "I never developed a distinct preference for it. It's a fine tea, but just like all others, in my mind." He tapped his chin with a hoof, an odd equine mirror to North Ridge's own habit of doing so. "I wonder if this difference is significant?"

"Hmm, I believe I learned to love it upon my return to Canterlot," North Ridge replied.

"Then perhaps this is a glimpse into my future instead," the other North said. "You seem quite established here, but I have only just returned to Equestria."

"Well, Frost was the one who fell for it first." Warmth filled North's tone at the mention of his wife. "Perhaps you'll return to your world to find your wife waiting for you with a cup."

The pony's eyes widened in shock at that. "Wait, your Frost Flower—"

His sentence was cut off by the sound of the back door opening. "Husband, I spoke with Twilight Sparkle, and she informed me that—" She, too, cut off when she saw him. "Oh, do we have guests?"

North Ridge cleared his throat, a sheepish smile on his face. "Ah, yes, my love. A guest from another world."

"Frost Flower?" There were a multitude of emotions in the other North's voice as he said the name. Unimaginable pain and grief blended with hope and joy as he stared at her, enraptured.

Frost Flower glanced at the pony, then at North, and her eyes narrowed. "What have you done?"

"It seems my spell brought over another version of myself who happens to be a horse," North Ridge quickly explained, his eyes fixed on his guest. Tears were streaming down his eyes, and a creeping suspicion was beginning to sneak into North's mind.

The other North smiled through the tears. "It is an honour to meet you," he said, bowing respectfully. "And it is good to see that some things do not change, even between worlds."

Frost Flower recovered quickly, smiling back. "It is a pleasure to meet you as well," she replied. "I am sorry that you were pulled away from your own world."

"It's okay," the other North replied. "I'd already played my part in the stories of my world, and..." The tears were flowing freely now, but his smile only widened. "I think this might have been the best thing that could have happened to me."

It was quite obvious what was going on, but North still needed to confirm. "Your wife, she..."

"I buried her beneath the Great Fruit Tree," the other North said softly.

"I'm sorry," North Ridge knew how little that statement meant. He couldn't imagine continuing to live without Frost Flower, and even the knowledge that another version of his wife had passed cut deeply through his heart.

"It's alright." There was peace in the old stallion's eyes. "There is no such thing as a good death, but Frost died for a good cause, and I must respect her sacrifice."

"Did you repay the debt in your world?" Frost Flower asked, her voice stern.

The other North Ridge nodded. "Frost died doing so, but the debt was paid, and peace was restored to her land."

"Good," Frost replied, satisfied. "Then it was worth it."

North Ridge winced at his wife's bluntness. "Ah, my love, perhaps a gentler touch—"

Before North could finish his sentence, his counterpart laughed, deep and rich and genuine. "Oh, you truly are an alternate version of Frost Flower," he said, a few stray chuckles escaping from his muzzle. "She would have reacted the same way." His humour faded as he stared at the two of them. "And in this world...?"

"The same as well," North Ridge said. "But Frost and I may have gotten ourselves exiled in the process of getting there, which is how we ended up in Canterlot."

"That's good to hear." The pony settled back down into his seat. "It warms my heart to know that things turned out so well here. And knowing that Frost Flower lives in at least one other timeline does provide some comfort to me." He downed the rest of his tea. "But enough about such dour topics. It's not every day I get to talk to another version of myself from another world. Tell me, what stories are there to tell in this world?"

"Well, right now, the talk of the town is Lady Celestia's protégée being seen with the Lady's estranged sister, Luna." North Ridge chuckled. "Not quite as exciting as our adventures in the West, but a little bit of gossip is good for the soul sometimes, and Twilight Sparkle is the kind of woman worth keeping an eye on."

The other North perked up at that. "Twilight Sparkle, you say?" He grinned. "Well, if she's anything like the one in my world, then she truly is someone to watch out for. I don't suppose she's a lost princess of legend in this world?"

Frost Flower snorted. "She's a mage with more curiosity than caution, like all other mages. The girl has a good heart, though. She'd have made a good princess, in another life."

"I had the pleasure of travelling with her marefriend for a few weeks," the pony North Ridge said. "I don't suppose the name Rarity rings any bells, does it?"

The room fell silent as North Ridge shared a glance with Frost Flower. "What are the chances that the worldline parallels would go that deep?" North eventually asked, trying to hide his smile.

"Your spell pierced the veil between worlds, but did not reach far," Frost replied. "And yet, you found a world of talking ponies and walking myths. For our two worlds to be so close, there would have to be many threads woven into the same pattern atop such a different canvas." For the first time that day, she cracked a smile. "That would explain Miss Sparkle's encounter with the Lady of the Night."

"I see there are still stories yet to be told here," their visitor said as he listened to their conversation. "Looks like being stuck here for a bit won't be so bad."

"We'll try to get you back to your homeworld as fast as possible," North Ridge promised. "I'm sure between the three of us, we should be able to figure this out."

"And between the two of you, I am sure I will get plenty of practice in making healing salves for burns." Despite her words, Frost was still grinning at them. "For now, you are a guest in our house, North Ridge."

The pony nodded in solemn understanding. "I thank you for taking me under your roof, and I shall endeavour to be as gracious a guest as I can be."

"You'll probably do a better job than me when I first met her," North teased.

Frost Flower sighed. "At least you are older and somewhat wiser now, husband. I can only hope your other self is the same."

"I like to think I'm still young at heart," the other North Ridge quipped. "But time does have a way of wearing down a stallion, it's true. It will be nice to have some peace here."

"Peace, yes." Frost Flower nodded. "That we can grant you. Peace and stories."

"There is little more I long for, these days." A wistful gleam shone in their guest's eyes. "Well, I cannot have that which I truly want, but I thank you for giving an old stallion some comfort in his sunset days."

A moment of shared understanding passed between them. "Will you tell me of your wife?" Frost Flower asked. "I know the shamans warned against learning of our other selves, but I am also old and finished with my work, and no longer desire glory."

"I would be honoured to share Frost's life with you. She would appreciate it, I think."

"I'll fetch the tea," North Ridge said, standing up. He gave his guest a polite bow. "Welcome to Canterlot, North Ridge. I hope you enjoy your stay here, and I apologize for dragging you into our world."

North Ridge shook his head. "I should be thanking you, my friend. You've granted me one last story to tell, and many more to listen to. What more could a pony want?"
> Innocence, Part 1: Some Are Born To Sweet Delight
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pinkie Pie hummed to herself as she knocked on the door. A second later, she heard a voice calling out to her, and her heart fluttered at the sound.

"Come in," the most beautiful woman in the world said, and Pinkie did so.

Pushing open the door, she smiled even wider as she saw Luna sitting at her desk. She looked like she was frowning, as usual, but Pinkie knew that some people smiled on the inside and the outside. Luna was one of those people, and Pinkie was one of those people who could see the smile on the inside, and Luna's shone so bright it was almost blinding.

"Special delivery for the very special lady of the house!" Pinkie announced, holding out the cupcake in her hand. It was blueberry, Luna's favourite, with dark blue frosting and a white chocolate wafer in the shape of a crescent moon perched on the top.

"Thank you." Luna took the cupcake with a nod of gratitude. "How much do I owe you for this?"

It was a little game they played. Every time, Pinkie would bring a cupcake, and Luna would ask that question. Then, Pinkie would shake her head, like she was doing now, and say, "it's on the house, for my best customer!" like she was doing now.

Then, when it came time to settle the bill, Luna would add the price of the cupcake anyways to the tip. It was her way of saying thanks, so Pinkie didn't say anything about it.

"I take it that the delivery to the kitchens went without issue, then?" Luna asked.

"Well, duh," Pinkie said, rolling her eyes. "I am a professional, after all. You're all set for the soirée tonight, with plenty of treats for the girls too. Oh, and I added extra vanilla and red velvet cupcakes, since you mentioned that they sold out last time."

"Good." There was a moment of silence as Luna flipped through some of her papers. "I'll have the invoices paid and the money delivered at the usual time. Will that be all?"

That was always how Pinkie knew their chats were really starting. She walked up the desk and sat down on the other chair opposite from Luna. "Well, a little birdie told me that Rarity's found herself a very special somebody."

Luna snorted. "My sister's student," she said, shaking her head. "Fate does enjoy her games, does she not?" The way she smiled had Pinkie's heart beating a little faster. All of Luna's smiles were beautiful, but Pinkie loved the secret one she had when she was in on a joke that nobody else seemed to know about. It was always nice to know that there were sources of laughter that Pinkie hadn't tapped yet.

Not to mention how pretty she looked when she was smiling.

"She seems nice," Pinkie said cheerfully, letting her eyes linger on Luna's face. "I know she's giving Sweetie magic lessons, and she did that even before she met Rarity."

"I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting her." And now Luna's smile was playful. "Perhaps I should pay my ancestral home a visit." The smile faltered. "I wonder if Celestia is still the hypocritical bigot she was when we last spoke."

Oh no. This always happened when her sister's name came up. Luna would get sad or mad about it. And, well, this time, something worrying occurred to Pinkie that made her frown too. "Do you think... do you think maybe Twilight might be like that too?" Rarity was a great person, and it would be horrible if she got her heart broken.

Luna sighed. "I do not know. For all our sakes, I pray that she is more sensible, but you know what those of her station can be like."

Pinkie nodded gravely. "Some of them can be real meanie-pants because they think they're better than us." She paused. "But Twilight didn't seem like that. She didn't really seem to notice that kinda stuff."

"Then perhaps there is hope after all." And there was that pretty smile back on her lips. "And until that reckoning comes, it will be most amusing to see Rarity wrestle with having her heart stolen away."

That got a snicker from Pinkie. "She's really gonna turn up the dramatics, huh?"

"I daresay we shall have plenty of entertainment in the weeks to come." Luna absently picked up the cupcake and began nibbling on it in a way that Pinkie found really cute. "It will be a welcome distraction from trying to find a replacement if Shimmer Glass decides to take her leave from us."

"Oh, did you manage to get her the job at that place at the Sun Pavillion?" Pinkie asked excitedly. "That's great!"

"It's valuable for me to have eyes and ears throughout the city who feel some degree of gratitude to me, yes." Luna always talked like that when she helped people out. Pinkie thought it was silly to try to hide the fact that she just liked to make people happy, but then again, people thought a lot of the things Pinkie did were silly, so who was she to judge?

"Well, she'll still be around for us to talk about stuff." Pinkie leaned forward. "Did I tell you about the recipe for a cinnamon-ginger apple tart that she came up with when she was talking to Sugar Belle at Sugarcube Corner?"

"You have not," Luna replied.

For the next little while, Pinkie told her story of the two of them experimenting in the kitchens, and how delicious (and not delicious) some of the results were. Luna listened intently, just like she always did, and said that she'd love to try some of the tarts the next time Pinkie came over. Pinkie promised to bring her some, and then they started talking about Ripple Sea's birthday party.

Pinkie loved these chats with Luna, because Luna was funny, and smart, and pretty, and just lots of fun to talk to. That was why she made sure to always do the deliveries to the Sapphire Carousel.

Still, they both had work to do, so eventually the conversation had to end. "I thank you for the distraction from the tedium of paperwork," Luna said as Pinkie stood up.

"Aww, I love talking to you too, Luna." Pinkie walked around the desk and, as she did every time she made one of these visits, wrapped her arms around Luna in a quick hug. For a couple seconds, she let herself enjoy how warm and soft Luna was, and how nice she smelled, like ink and wood and nighttime all rolled up into one.

Then, she let go, holding back a sigh, and put on her biggest grin. "Catch you later!" she said cheerfully as she made her way out of the office, skipping the whole way out of the Sapphire Carousel as her heart beat just a little bit faster.

Luna was great, and Pinkie was so lucky to have the chance to talk to her whenever she made a delivery.

She couldn't ask for a better girlfriend.
> Innocence, Part 2: Some Are Born To Endless Night
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The paperwork never ended.

Luna signed off on another form and put it in her outbox before picking up the next one and looking it over. At least this one was just an invoice from Carousel Boutique, and only required a brief read to ensure there hadn't been any mistakes. Rarity would never try to deceive her in matters of business. After that were the schedules for the various employees, which were tedious at best to review, and mind-numbing at worst.

Still, the tedium was better than letting her mind wander to one of the many worries that now plagued her.

Luna sighed. It seemed as if Fate was insistent on ensuring that she would be caught up in whatever webs she was weaving around this city. It was likely karmic punishment for something, though Luna could not recall what she had enjoyed so much to have deserved this.

The knocking at the door cut off her thought and her work, and she suppressed another sigh as she recognized the cheerful cadence of it. At the very least, she could resolve one matter right now, for better or for worse.

"You may come in," she called out, and a moment later, the door opened to reveal one of the brightest spots of her day, holding out a cupcake that looked as scrumptious as Luna knew it would taste.

"Special delivery for the very special lady of the house!" Pinkie Pie announced as she walked into the room, as she always did. Odd that a woman as chaotic as she would adhere to the arbitrary rituals they had established for themselves, but then again, Luna had learned to expect the unexpected from the cheery baker.

"Thank you," she said, taking the cupcake. "How much do I owe you for this?" Her heart was beating faster, as it always did when Pinkie was around, but she tamped down the feeling, concentrating on the beautiful woman in front of her.

As usual, Pinkie said it was on the house, and Luna made a note to amend her next payment to Sugarcube Corner. Then, Pinkie sat down opposite her desk, staring at her in a way that she was unfortunately far too familiar with. "So," she said, uncharacteristically solemn, "how's Rarity doing? I tried to give her a red velvet cupcake since it's her favourite but she wouldn't open the door."

"Rarity will survive," was all Luna could say. "Her heart is broken, but it will heal in time. Hopefully, she will have learned a valuable lesson from this experience. And there may be hope yet for Twilight Sparkle, though that is no business of mine." As angry as she was at her sister's student, she had seen the pain in her eyes when Rarity had walked away from her, and her actions up to that point were not that of a clone of Celestia.

Perhaps this terrible cycle could finally be ended, and comedy could win out over tragedy for Rarity and Twilight Sparkle. But for now, there was another relationship to attend to.

"Pinkie Pie." From the way Pinkie's eyes immediately focused on Luna's, it was clear that she understood the seriousness in the Lady's tone. "We need to talk."

Pinkie's head tilted in curiosity. "Oh? About what? Is there something that Rarity needs?"

"This is not about her or her love life," Luna said. "It is about your unrequited desires for me." She had never been one to beat around the bush, and she had already put this off for far too long.

Pinkie's eyes widened. "Oh," she said again, her voice rising even higher in pitch than usual. "I guess it's about time we talked about that, huh?"

Luna resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "You know the kind of establishment I run. I am well-versed in perceiving desire, and you are quite the open book."

"Reading a closed book doesn't sound like much fun, anyways," Pinkie replied. She paused. "Wait, unrequited? That's the word Rarity likes to use to talk about those tragic romances she loves so much. Doesn't it mean that you don't feel the same about me?"

The worry in Pinkie's expression sent a pang of guilt through Luna's heart, and Luna stopped herself from wincing as she said, "I am sorry if I inadvertently misled you, Pinkie. That was not my intention."

"That's okay." Despite her smile, the pain in Pinkie's eyes was evident, and it hurt Luna in turn. "Everyone knows I see things that aren't there sometimes." She chuckled hollowly. "Silly Pinkie, thinking that someone as amazing as you might love me back."

"Pinkie Pie," Luna said firmly. "I care for you greatly, and feel a great deal of affection towards you, but I cannot reciprocate your physical desires. You are a wonderful woman, and I savour the time we spend together, and I would love nothing else than to continue to have these talks, but I would not have you believe in a future that cannot be, because I do not feel desire as others do."

She'd heard "it's not you, it's me" used as an excuse more than once to others, by those too cowardly to admit that it was a difference in social standings that prevented them from pursuing a relationship, but Luna knew Pinkie, and Pinkie knew Luna, and would know the truth when she said that she truly cared for her, but didn't have any interest in what this establishment was famous for. Surely she would understand, and Luna hoped with all her heart that they could continue being friends, for she truly valued Pinkie's companionship.

Still, she understood if Pinkie's heart was broken, and was prepared for at least a temporary separation while it mended.

Instead of asking for space, however, Pinkie instead giggled. "Wait, you thought...?" She couldn't get through the question before she burst into even louder giggles, slapping herself on the leg as she laughed.

"Pinkie, are you quite alright?" Concern tinged Luna's voice as she worried that she may have hurt Pinkie more than she had intended, had triggered some kind of emotional overload from sorrow.

It took a few more seconds, but Pinkie seemed to collect herself once again. "Luna!" she exclaimed, grinning, "I knew that part already, silly! But you said you care about me, right?"

"More than I've ever admitted to anyone," Luna said, still confused. "When I am lost in despair, I think of you and smile, and the world becomes a little brighter. I treasure these meetings of ours and I find your companionship delightful. I would call it love, but as I said, I do not feel it as others do."

Pinkie rolled her eyes. "That's still love. I know you run a brothel, but you don't need sex to be in a relationship."

She walked over and hugged Luna. Luna stiffened in the embrace, but quickly relaxed and let herself be carried away by Pinkie's softness and warmth.

"I wanna do that with you all the time," Pinkie admitted when she released Luna. "I like talking to you, and hugging you, and staring at you because you're so pretty. I think you feel the same way about me."

Luna nodded. "I do." She paused and, for the first time in a very long time, her words came out hesitant. "Do you... would that be enough for you?"

"As long as I'm with you, I'm even happier than I am normally," Pinkie said.

Wonder filled Luna's mind at this revelation. "In that case, Pinkie, I would be honoured to court you, in my own way. I do not know what that way will be, but I would love to find out with you."

"Me too!" Pinkie chirped back. "This is so exciting! I get to do something new with my girlfriend!" Her grin faltered for a moment. "Do you mind if I kiss you? Just on the cheeks."

Luna thought about the question for a moment. "I would like that very much, I think."

"Yay!" Pinkie leaned down and did just that, and Luna felt a rush of warmth and a fluttering of her heart at the gesture.

"That was delightful," Luna murmured, then composed herself as she stood up and curtsied to Pinkie, feeling giddy in a way that she couldn't ever remember feeling, even as a teenager. "If we are to do this properly, then I would like to take you to dinner when you are next free, Pinkie Pie."

"Hmm..." Pinkie Pie's nose scrunched up very cutely as she looked to be deep in thought. "I think I can free up some time on my calendar tomorrow."

"Then shall we meet at Donut Joe's at seven?" Luna asked.

"It's a date!" Pinkie hugged Luna again, and it was wonderful.

"Well, with that settled, I supposed I should share some gossip I have heard recently," Luna said, settling back into her seat. "For example, Rainbow Dash recently purchased an engagement ring."

Pinkie gasped and covered her mouth. "Oh my gosh, is she going to propose to Shimmer?"

"I certainly hope so." As the conversation continued, Luna's heart still raced. Endless possibilities unfolded before her in her mind, and she could not wait to explore them with Pinkie Pie. She was not so naïve to believe that there would be no trials and tribulations to be overcome. Every relationship had those, and unorthodox ones could potentially have even more of them.

But staring into the deep blue eyes of her girlfriend, Luna believed with all her heart that all would be well in the end. They would endure any trial, and with luck, they could help those around them find love as well, and all of the could be happy. If there was any person capable of helping everyone find their happy ending, it was Pinkie Pie.

Luna couldn't have asked for a better girlfriend.
> Praxis, Part 1: The Butterfly And The Flower
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The world was so big.

Fluttershy knew this intellectually, of course. Her parents had ensured that her tutors educated her on geography, so she knew all about the political structures of the nations surrounding her and beyond. She was also well aware of the size and population of the various cities in her own country, including that of Canterlot.

But it was one thing to read about far-off lands, or to hear the mother's friends speak in hushed whispers about what went on in the other districts of Canterlot, and quite another to be walking down the streets of the Lunar District alone. At night.

Fluttershy huddled in on herself, pulling her shawl tighter around her head as she kept sparing fearful glances at every dark alley she passed by. They looked ominous enough in the daytime, with their broken windows and walls marred with gang symbols, but at night, when they were huge gaping voids ready to swallow her up or spit out some monster who would do terrible things to her...

For the hundredth time, Fluttershy cursed herself for losing track of time at the zoo. She had to remember that things weren't like they were before, that there wasn't a driver waiting to pick her up whenever she was done with her work.

Now, if she was late, she'd have to walk back to her apartment by herself, in the darkness, jumping at every shadow and rustling of discarded newspapers in the wind.

Footsteps echoed behind her, and Fluttershy's heart raced as she picked up her pace, trying to stop herself from breaking out into a run and putting a target on herself. It was probably just someone else coming home late from work. Probaby.

Or maybe it was an axe murderer.

Fluttershy nearly tripped over a rock in her path as she stumbled forwards, desperate to get away from the shadows that seemed to be closing in on her. The apartment complex she was living in was still nearly a half-hour walk away, and she wasn't sure if she'd be able to make it there. The footsteps had stopped, but that didn't mean the danger had passed, right?

Looking up, she saw the bright lights of the Sapphire Carousel up ahead. It would be embarrassing to seek refuge there, after all that the residents of that establishment had done for her, but Fluttershy really, really didn't want to have to walk the rest of the way home, and she knew there were always spare beds she could borrow.

Decision made, she scurried over towards the harsh lights of the theater, letting its glow ward away the darkness and still the sounds that menaced her.

With the last of her courage, Fluttershy rounded the corner and made her way to the back entrance, which was lit only by a dim lightbulb. She knocked frantically on the door, the rising panic in her gut enough to overwhelm any sense of propriety or pride.

Fortunately, the door opened within seconds to reveal a familiar, scowling face. "Yo, I get that you're horny, but you don't have to break the damn do—" Rainbow Dash cut off her tirade as she Fluttershy trembling in front of her, and her expression immediately softened into a smile. "Oh hey, Fluttershy. Whatcha doing over here so late?"

Fluttershy swallowed the lump in her throat, bowing her head and staring at the ground. "Oh, umm, well, you see, I got off work late and I was hoping I could stay here for the night becauseit'sdarkandscaryoutthere?" The words tumbled out in a mad rush by the end, and Fluttershy looked up, worried that Rainbow might judge her for being such a scaredy-cat.

There was no judgment in the bouncer's eyes, however, as she simply shrugged and opened the door the rest of the way. "Sure. We'll let the boss know to save you a bed." She gestured inside. "Come on in."

Fluttershy nodded as she did so. "Thank you," she said quietly, feeling her heartbeat slowly return to normal.

"No problem." Rainbow Dash waved at the receptionist. "Hey, Aqua, Fluttershy's gonna be staying here tonight. Mind letting her hang out while I let the boss know?"

Aqua Swing nodded. "Sure." She gestured towards one of the chairs in the room. "Just take a seat, please."

"I'll be back in a few minutes." Rainbow reached out an arm towards her, then froze as she seemed to reconsider, before awkwardly putting it back down. "Try not to wander off or anything, and shout if one of the guys creeps on you."

"O-Okay." Well, at least Fluttershy was good at screaming, if it came to that.

Rainbow Dash took her leave, and Fluttershy quietly took a seat, staring down at the floor. She should probably make conversation with Aqua, as was polite, but she didn't really know how to start small talk with someone. Luckily, Aqua didn't seem to care about talking either, so Fluttershy felt a little less awkward about it.

Now that the panic had mostly faded, Fluttershy felt very, very silly about herself. She was a grown woman, far too old to be jumping at shadows, and not for the first time, she felt wildly out of her depth.

She'd been educated in management and politics and a thousand other subjects that she had no interest in, and later had taught herself everything she could about natural philosophy, especially concerning animals and their care. No one had told her how to find an apartment to rent, or how to navigate the streets at night, or anything else that would be useful in her new life.

It was humiliating, feeling like a child all the time, and every day Fluttershy considered going home and apologizing to her mother. But, she had friends here, and even this existence was better than what she'd endured before.

That didn't make it any less humiliating, though.

The sound of footsteps to her right pulled Fluttershy out of her thoughts. Her body tensed instinctively as she waited to see who would appear. While the girls had been nothing but kind to her, some of the clients who visited here were... Well, Fluttershy had seen what some of them could be like at her mother's soirées, after they'd had a few glasses of wine to lower their inhibitions. She didn't want to think about how they'd behave in an establishment like this.

The breathtakingly beautiful woman who appeared was one who was familiar to Fluttershy, but also one whom she would never have expected to see here. "Fleur?"

Fleur de Lis glanced over at her in surprise. "Mademoiselle Fluttershy, is that you?"

Fluttershy nodded. Fleur had always been one of the kinder residents of the Solar District, along with her husband, and so Fluttershy didn't quite feel so nervous around her. "I, ahh, didn't expect to see you here."

Fleur let out a soft titter. "Unfortunately, Fancy had other business to attend to. North Ridge and Frost Flower had something to show him. And so, I am here."

"Oh." It was disappointing to find out that Fleur was cheating on her husband, but Fluttershy supposed it was her own fault for expecting better of the Canterlot elite. "I hope you had fun," she said politely.

"Bien sûr," Fleur replied. "Rarity never fails to entertain. A shame that Fancy could not join us tonight. He very much looks forward to our sessions with her."

"Oh." Well, that was unexpected. "So you and Fancy Pants...?"

"There are many things you don't know about us, dear." The secretive smile on Fleur's face was more playful than condescending. "Though, there is more to you than meets the eye as well, n'est-ce pas? Rarity told us of your courage in standing up to your mother. You are a very brave woman."

Fluttershy almost laughed at that. "I'm the least brave person I know," she admitted.

Fleur shook her head. "And yet, you stand here, in a place your parents would never dare step foot in, after standing up for a woman you had not seen in years. Bravery is not strength in battle or a desire to fight. It is about doing what is right, even when it is difficult."

"I... I guess so." Even to her own ears, Fluttershy didn't sound very convinced. "But I can't even walk home by myself without getting so scared that I have to hide in here."

"It's very late," Fleur said. "And this is not the place for a young woman with no training in defending herself. You are wise to stay here, where it is safe. However, if you wish..."

Before Fleur could finish her sentence, the door to the back area opened up to reveal Rainbow Dash and Lady Luna. "Fluttershy, you are always welcome here," Luna said. She paused as she saw their new visitor. "Ah, Fleur. I take it you are finished your business with Rarity?"

Fleur nodded. "Please convey my compliments to her, as always. She is a delight." She gestured towards Fluttershy. "Also, I understand that this young woman wishes to return to her home. I would be happy to escort her, if she is comfortable with me."

Luna glanced at Fluttershy. "Is this what you wish, Fluttershy?"

"It is no imposition," Fleur replied. "I would welcome the company of someone who is walking a similar path that I once did. And the dear Lady can attest that we will not be harassed on our way back."

Luna sighed. "You know I do not approve of all of your companions, but I cannot deny that they afford you a degree of protection on these streets." Something passed between them, an understanding that Fluttershy couldn't quite figure out. Luna turned her attention back to Fluttershy. "As I said, you are always welcome here, Fluttershy, but I believe you can trust Miss De Lis to take you home safely."

Fluttershy glanced between the two older women in the room. She'd trusted Luna with basically her life before, and the Lady had never let her down. If she said that Fleur would keep her safe, then Fluttershy believed her.

And the way Luna was looking at her expectantly, as if she wanted Fluttershy to go with Fleur, but didn't want her gone, also told Fluttershy there was more than met the eye here.

Deciding that she was tired of being scared, Fluttershy nodded. "Thank you, Fleur."

"Then, shall we be off?" Fleur gave Luna a polite nod. "Until we meet again, Luna." She then walked over to Rainbow Dash and gave her a hug. "Please send Shimmer Glass my love."

Rainbow snapped off a salute. "Will do. And you're coming to the wedding, right?"

"I would not miss it for the world," Fleur promised.

After a few more goodbyes, they were on their way. Fleur took the lead, her stride brisk and confident, and Fluttershy found herself standing a little straighter next to her.

"Where do you live now?" Fleur asked as they walked.

"Oh, I'm on Fifth Street and Cookie Avenue," Fluttershy replied.

Fleur nodded. "Ah. Yes, the route there from here is not the safest at night. You were wise to go to the Sapphire."

"You seem pretty comfortable going around so late, though," Fluttershy said. "Aren't you scared too?"

Fleur smiled, and something about it sent chills down Fluttershy's spine. "I have a reputation, here," she said before reaching to pull up her dress, revealing a dagger nestled in a scabbard strapped to her leg. "And I know how to defend myself as well, if the worst should happen."

Fluttershy's eyes widened. "Oh, wow," she said softly, cringing away instinctually from the weapon.

Noticing her discomfort, Fleur quickly let go, hiding it beneath the silk cloth. "Unfortunately, the world is not as kind as you are, Fluttershy," she explained. "Sometimes, we must fight for what we believe in."

"I guess." Fluttershy wasn't sure she agreed with that, but she didn't really want to argue the point. "You, ah, aren't really what I expected."

Fleur laughed. "I am happy to hear that. It is better if those in the Solar District think I am just a silly little foreign girl with a pretty face spending my family's money." Her predatory smile returned. "The most dangerous beast is the one you invite into your home, non?"

Fluttershy could only nod mutely.

"Do not fear, mon amie," Fleur said, her smile softening. "You are far too interesting and your heart is far too good for me to wish ill on you. Once again, Fancy and I must thank you for helping our dear Rarity in her time of need."

Cheeks reddening, Fluttershy could only say a quick "thank you" before they were on their way again.

"So, what is it that brought you out so late?" Fleur asked a few moments later, as they crossed a street that was still busy enough to have a few people walking down it. "A party with friends? Or were you meeting ton amour in secret?"

Fluttershy quickly shook her head. "I was late getting off work. There was a baby tiger who injured himself trying to climb a tree, and I needed to calm him and his mother down enough to be able to treat his wound."

Fleur raised an eyebrow at that. "You say you are not brave, and yet you would step into the tiger's cage to help her child?"

"Animals are... they're dangerous, but if you respect them, and follow their rules, you'll be fine." Fluttershy took her time, trying to find the right words to convey her thoughts. "They're not predictable, but they're honest. You can trust them more than humans."

"And yet, you trust me to walk you home safely?" Fleur asked.

"Luna trusts you, and I trust Luna." A small smile played on Fluttershy's lips. "She's honest too, and she's very protective of her people. It was scary meeting her at first, and I know she can be very dangerous, but she cares a lot. Almost like a tiger."

Fleur smiled back. "I wonder how Luna would feel about being called a tiger. She is very much like one, it's true."

"She'd probably find it funny," Fluttershy replied.

"Perhaps," Fleur said noncommittally. "She is a very interesting woman. I do not think we are friends, but we respect one another, and that is enough." Her smile widened. "You are also a very interesting woman, Fluttershy."

"I don't want to be interesting," Fluttershy admitted. "I just want to feel safe."

"Maybe I can help you, then." From her purse, Fleur fished out a business card and handed it to Fluttershy. "I have taught others to defend themselves, and I would be honoured to teach you as well, dear."

For a moment, Fluttershy stared at the proffered card. If Luna trusted Fleur, then it should be fine to take it. And Fluttershy truly did not want to live in fear anymore. "Thanks," she said, slipping the card into her own purse.

"De rien." With that, Fleur turned her attention back to the road. "Shall we continue?"

Fluttershy nodded, and the pair began their journey once again.
> Praxis, Part 2: Friends In Low Places
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The address on the business card took Fluttershy to an old building in the Dragon District.

From the looks of it, the building had once been a warehouse of some sort, but had been taken over and converted into a martial arts academy, if the sign on the front was correct. Fluttershy supposed it made sense, though she wasn't sure how much help it would be.

Fluttershy wasn't a fighter, and would never be. Even if she learned the moves, she'd never be brave enough to fight back against someone attacking her.

Still, she'd made it this far, and she was so tired of being scared, so she was willing to give Fleur's idea a try, at least. 

Fluttershy pushed open the front door. The schedule outside indicated that classes wouldn't start for another hour, but this was the time Fleur had given her to arrive at. The door chimed as she stepped inside a large lobby area.

"Hello," the receptionist said from her desk. "Can I help you?"

"Umm, I think I'm supposed to meet someone here," Fluttershy said, staring down awkwardly at her shoes. "Fleur de Lis?"

"Oh." A guarded expression immediately covered the receptionist's face. She turned around and called down one of the hallways. "Fleur, there's someone here to see you!" She turned back to face Fluttershy again. "She'll be down soon. I don't even wanna know what she's gotten herself into this time."

With that rather ominous pronouncement, the two of them lapsed into silence, Fluttershy not really feeling up to eye contact or social interaction and the receptionist fortunately in the same mood.

The silence only lasted a few seconds before the sound of light footsteps announced the arrival of Fleur.

"Bienvenue, mon amie!" the foriegn noblewoman called out as she approached. Today, she wore simple clothes that most nobles wouldn't be caught dead with, a worn tunic and pants that looked very comfortable but not very fashionable.

"Hi Fleur," Fluttershy replied, waving shyly. "I'm, uhh, here now."

"Wonderful! I am glad you had the courage to come here." Fleur grinned widely before turning to the receptionist. "Miss Grace, would you kindly tell Mister Will that I will be making use of the backroom until lunch time, please?"

Grace sighed. "Sure thing, Fleur."

"Come," Fleur said, gesturing down one of the hallways. "Let us begin your lesson."

Fluttershy followed Fleur deep into the building, her heart pounding with nervousness. What exactly was Fleur going to teach her? She had no interest in learning how to harm someone else, no matter how much danger she might be in.

The backrooms were musty and smelled of damp wooden furniture, almost like the break rooms at the zoo. It was comforting, in a way.

There was a clearing on one side of the room, with a bunch of training dummies set up. Fleur walked over towards one of them. "Thank you for coming, Fluttershy."

"It was my pleasure," Fluttershy responded automatically, falling back on social conventions by default. "So, what are we doing here?"

"Why, is it not clear?" Fleur asked with a smile. "I shall be giving you lessons in self-defense. I am not so good a teacher as the others who work here, but I believe I may be more suited to teaching you, considering our similarities."

Fluttershy's head tilted in confusion. "Similarities?"

"Mais oui!" Fleur's grin widened. "I too chose not to walk the path my family decided for me, and had to learn many things for myself. Though, I am fortunate that my parents had me tutored in the art of the blade, as we travelled frequently for our family's business. Still, a rapier is of little use in many situations, and I had to learn other martial styles myself."

Oh dear. Fluttershy had been afraid of this. "I..." She took a deep breath, steeling her courage. "I don't think I could hurt anyone," she said truthfully.

Fleur nodded. "That is good. The first lessons they teach here is that in a fight, there are no winners, only those who suffer the lesser loss. Too many learn to fight here and think themselves invincible. No, I am here to teach you how to avoid having to fight, both by teaching you how to travel safely in this city, and how to use your wits to escape to safety should the worst happen." She patted the dummy. "Though, should all these methods fail, you should also know where to strike to give yourself the best chance of running away."

"Okay. That sounds okay." There was a lot that Fluttershy needed to learn, and her other friends had tried to teach her some of this, but Fleur seemed to know where Fluttershy had come from more than the others.

"In that case, shall we begin?" At Fluttershy's nod, Fleur walked over towards one of the tables, where a map of the city lay spread out. "There are many places in the city where the police do not dare step foot, and places where they are more dangerous than any thug you may run into. This map shows which gangs claim which parts of Canterlot for themselves."

Despite the dire nature of the lesson, Fluttershy found her heartbeat finally calming down as Fleur outlined which districts in the city were safe, and what to do in order to avoid notice from the gangs in different districts.

"The Griffons and the Minotaurs owe me favours as well," Fleur explained after her initial rundown. "Should you meet them, you may use my name to avoid being troubled."

Fluttershy refrained from asking what kind of favours Fleur had done for them.

After that, it was time for martial training. Fleur guided Fluttershy through some basic exercises, as well as basic forms for blocks, punches, and kicks. She was careful to inform her that these wouldn't be useful in a real fight, though Fluttershy had no desire to test them anyways.

Admittedly, Fleur was right about not being the best teacher. Despite her best efforts, Fluttershy sometimes had trouble understanding exactly what Fleur wanted, and she could tell it made the foriegn noble frustrated, but Fleur made an effort to remain calm and kind with Fluttershy, which she greatly appreciated.

"I think that is enough for today," Fleur said after a couple hours.

Panting lightly, Fluttershy sat down on one of the chairs. "Oh, good," she said.

"You are stronger and more resilient than most of your peers," Fleur said approvingly.

Fluttershy blushed at the praise. "Thanks. I guess working at the zoo helped out with that a little."

"Spring Breeze and her husband are not in the business of working with animals." A curious glint lit up in Fleur's eyes as she walked over to the jug in the corner and poured out two glasses of water. "How did you come to have such a passion for them?" she asked as she handed one to Fluttershy.

No one had ever asked her that before, and it took Fluttershy a moment to think through her answer, slowly sipping away at her water as she did. "I used to hide in the gardens when I needed to be alone," she eventually said. "Which was a lot of the time. The little critters there started to get used to me, and they were always willing to listen when I talked."

A fond smile crossed her lips at the reminiscence. "I was only ever happy in that garden, I think. And one day, there were these kids outside shooting off fireworks in the streets. The loud noises made the animals so scared, so I tried to tell them all that it was safe. That's when I realized that all I ever wanted to do was take care of them, to show them they were loved." Like she wasn't, Fluttershy didn't add, but she knew Fleur could see it in her eyes.

Fleur smiled back. "You are truly more noble than any others in the Solar District that I have ever met, except perhaps for the Lady of the Night. Though I suppose that is not difficult to achieve."

Fluttershy couldn't help the giggle that escaped from her lips. "You really don't like the other nobles, huh?"

Fleur snorted. "I have seen the excesses of privilege, enough to hate myself for having it. And yet, noblesse oblige, and so I try to do what I can with what I am given. Fortunately, my husband feels much the same way."

Before they could say any more, the thunderous sound of footsteps sounded from the door. "Ah, the old bull is here," Fleur said, standing up. "Shall I escort you out?"

"Oh, thank you," Fluttershy replied gratefully just as the door slammed open to reveal a large, burly man who strutted into the room like he owned the place.

"Iron Will is here for a nutritious lunch!" the man announced as he opened up one of the cupboards with far too much force and grabbed a sandwich from it. He glanced around the room before his eyes fixated on Fluttershy. "Did we hire a new teacher without telling Iron Will?"

"This is my friend Fluttershy, monsieur Will," Fleur replied. "I am giving her some private lessons."

"Oh, did our Majesty pick up another stray?" Another woman walked into the room, running her hand through her slick, orange hair as her eyes narrowed on the pair. "Huh, she looks way too pretty to be another street rat," she commented.

"Bonjour to you as well, Miss Dust," Fleur's tone was much more icy this time.

The woman shrugged. "Whatever, just don't get us in trouble and I don't give a shit. Don't want Fiddle yelling my ears off again if we get the cops on our asses another time."

Fluttershy shrunk further on herself as Fleur gently nudged her towards the door. "So long as you are not foolish, that won't be a problem. Au revoir, mes amis." With that, they took their leave, Fluttershy not making eye contact with anyone as they left.

"My apologies for the others," Fleur said. "They are good people, but... rough around the edges."

"That's okay," Fluttershy replied. "At least they're honest about it."

That got a smile from Fleur. "I would not trust them, but they are honest in their lies." She led Fluttershy back to the entrance, which now had a variety of people milling about, waiting for their lessons to begin. "I will be free on Sunday, if you wish to continue your education."

For a moment, Fluttershy thought about her answer. She wasn't ever planning on learning how to hurt someone, but she couldn't deny that the knowledge she'd gained today made her just a little less scared of this new world she now found herself in. Was it worth wasting more of Fleur's time? Well, for now, she was going to do something for herself. "I would love that. Thank you, Fleur."

"You are very welcome, Fluttershy. Please enjoy the rest of your day."

With that, Fluttershy made her way out in the streets, heading towards her apartment with renewed energy and a slight spring in her steps.

The world was still big and dangerous, but it wasn't quite as scary anymore.





Eventually, they settled into a rhythm.

Fleur's schedule was unpredictable, but she made time at least twice a week to give lessons to Fluttershy. Slowly but surely, the young woman was learning how to navigate this city and avoid trouble, and what to do if anyone did trouble her despite her best efforts. It was a great boon to her confidence, and she found herself walking with more energy every day.

She'd never be truly comfortable out on the streets, but then again, from what Fleur had told her, that was a good thing. Complacency was dangerous in this city.

The lessons had also given Fluttershy a chance to see more of the people who actually worked at the school, as well as their close friends who stopped by and hung out in the back while they waited for one of the instructors to be done with work.

Iron Will, for all his yelling, didn't have much bite behind his bark, and while Fluttershy didn't agree with some of his business practices, she stopped feeling threatened around him by the second week. The same couldn't be said of Gilda, who fortunately didn't work at the school but was friends with Lightning Dust and occasionally showed up in the backrooms to wait for her. After the first time Fluttershy had accidentally grabbed the coffee pot first when she had reached for it, she'd learned to stay far away from the woman who carried way too many knives on her body.

As for Fleur, Fluttershy had warmed up to her significantly. She actually found herself enjoying chit-chatting with the noblewoman, sharing gossip and discussing the failures of the aristocracy. Fleur had also provided some very... interesting history about her homeland, as well as some practical advice for conducting a revolution that Fluttershy would probably never use.

Other times, their discussions were a bit more personal.

"The night we met, you intended to sleep at the Sapphire," Fleur said one day as they sparred. "Did the thought not make you nervous?" She lashed out with a right hook as she asked the question.

Fluttershy raised her arm to block, wincing slightly at the force. "A little," she admitted, retaliating with her own punch, which her opponent easily deflected. "Some of the clients there are... well, you know how they can be."

"Unfortunately, I do." Another hook from Fleur, this time from the left. "C'est dommage. They could do so much good, but instead they choose to abuse their power. Though, that was not what I meant to ask. Most women who grew up in the Solar District would not dream of setting foot in a brothel, let alone sleeping in one."

"Oh." Fluttershy nearly missed the next block as Fleur's question sunk in. "No, of course not. The people who work there are wonderful. Well, most of them are, most of the time." She smiled. "They're still human, after all."

"Vraiment." Fleur paused for a moment. "And the business they ply, what do you think of it?" It seemed she was done being coy.

Fluttershy shrugged. "It's just sex. I see my animals do it all the time. Humans are the only ones that put some kind of higher meaning to it."

"An interesting perspective." Fleur resumed her assault, and Fluttershy focused on keeping up until the next question came. "So, does that mean you would not hold back from seeking out their services if you wanted them?" There was a playful note in her voice.

"Honestly, I'm not really interested in sex," Fluttershy replied truthfully. "I thought I'd have to do it to get an heir, but now I guess it doesn't matter anymore. If there's anything I want to know about the subject, I can just observe the animals whenever I want."

Fleur laughed. "I would not use them as tutors, but we all have our ways to learn."

"How about you?" Fluttershy asked, feeling comfortable enough to indulge her curiosity. "Were you already friends with Rarity before she joined the Sapphire or...?"

"Raise your right arm higher," Fleur instructed, waiting for Fluttershy to comply before continuing. "No, I first met mon petit diamant at the Lady's establishment. Fancy and I had recently moved to Canterlot, and we had heard whisperings of the trade that Lady Celestia's sister plied." Fleur smirked. "I thought I might have found another kindred spirit, so my husband and I decided to investigate and enjoy ourselves while we were there."

"Luna doesn't like you," Fluttershy pointed out, kneeing the leather pad that Fleur held out in front of her.

"We are too similar, unfortunately," Fleur replied. "You know what happens when there are two queen bees in the same hive."

"One of them kills the other." Fluttershy winced. "You, uhh, didn't...?"

Fleur shook her head. "Non, bien sûr que non! Not yet, at least. We are far too useful to one another for that. But, we are hardly inviting each other over for tea. It's better this way."

"I guess." It was sad that her two new mentors didn't see eye to eye, but then again, it was way better than Rarity and Twilight's situation.

"That's enough talk," Fleur said, sensing Fluttershy's melancholy. "Let's continue your practice." And that had been the end of that conversation.

All in all, Fluttershy was enjoying her time with Fleur, and Fleur in turn seemed not to mind mentoring Fluttershy.  Days turned into weeks, and weeks became a full month, and all seemed to be going well.

And then, one day, almost two months into their arrangement, Fluttershy walked into the backroom to find that Fleur wasn't there waiting for her.

That was a first, but Fluttershy wasn't too worried. Fleur was a busy woman, and was probably just dealing with some business meeting that had lasted a little longer than expected. Luckily, Fluttershy had brought a book to read to pass the time.

She was halfway through the riveting tale of a hotel in the afterlife when she heard a lot of panicked shouting from the hallway. Her education from Fleur kicked in as she tensed up into a defensive stance and moved towards the other exit to the room.

A moment later, the door burst open to reveal Fleur, Gilda, and a couple others that Fluttershy had never seen before. They were carrying Lightning Dust between them, and Fluttershy quickly noted the blood staining her clothes and the bloody rag that she was holding against her abdomen.

"Allez, allez!" Fleur shouted as she ran in. "Clear the table!"

Fluttershy froze as Gilda and Fleur quickly swept away all the papers on one of the tables to allow the other two to set Lightning down on it.

"Ow, fuck!" Lightning swore. "Careful, will ya?"

"Should've thought of that before you got yourself shot, dumbass," one of the new visitors replied.

Meanwhile, Fleur had run over to one of the cabinets and pulled out a first aid kit, swearing colourfully in her native tongue the whole time. At one point, she looked up, saw Fluttershy cowering in the corner, and swore again. "Fluttershy," she said, her voice calm but steely. "You should leave now, and tell no one of what you have seen."

"She needs to go to a hospital." Despite her terror, Fluttershy's training at the zoo had kicked in, and her brain was immediately assessing the situation. "She's lost a lot of blood already, it looks like, and you can't just wrap that up and expect it to heal." It didn't matter how scared she was, a life was at stake, and she had to speak out.

Fleur shook her head. "No hospitals. They ask too many questions."

Fluttershy watched as Gilda lifted up Lightning's shirt, revealing the extent of the damage. "She'll die if you don't." Her whole body was shaking as she stood up to Fleur, but this was too important to let slide.

"I'm as good as— ahhh!— as good as dead if I go," Lightning grunted, letting out another pained yelp as the one standing next to her began wiping the wound with a cloth. "Did the others get away, Rolling?"

The woman— Rolling— snorted. "Those cowards all fucked off the moment the cops came. Cowards, all of 'em. At least they didn't get caught, so we don't have to worry about snitches."

"That's something, at least." Lightning was panting now, struggling to get words out.

Fleur unwrapped some cloth and began winding it around the wound. Fluttershy shook her head at the sight, "It won't work," she said, speaking from experience. "She's still going to bleed out."

"We have to try something," the man on Lightning's right snapped. "Better than standing around complaining like you."

"Fluttershy," Fleur said again, and this time the steel in her voice was unsheathed. "You should leave, right now. Forget all of this, and return to your home. This doesn't concern you."

"Someone is dying," Fluttershy insisted. "I can't just walk away." She took a deep breath, her decision made, and tried to keep her voice steady as she spoke. "I have some supplies in my apartment from work. They're designed for animals, but if you can't go to a hospital it's better than this."

The five of them all shared suspicious looks with each other for a few moments. Finally, Fleur turned to face Fluttershy. "I will come with you to help carry the supplies," she said, and Fluttershy almost rolled her eyes at how obvious she was being.

"I won't go to the police, but okay." Every minute they spent arguing was another minute that Lightning Dust was bleeding out. "Keep pressure on the wound until I get back," she commanded the other two as she made her way to the exit, not looking back.

The surge of adrenaline continued to drive her forward as she all but ran down the streets, Fleur keeping pace beside her. "You are a good woman," the noblewoman said approvingly.

"I'm just trying to save a life that the rest of you seem to be fine with losing," Fluttershy said with more bite than she expected.

"I know you think little of us, but Lightning Dust would rather die than lose her freedom." Fleur sighed. "I trust you will keep our secret?"

"I don't even know what secrets I'm keeping," Fluttershy replied. They were getting close now, and she was mentally reviewing what supplies she'd need to collect. "Are you all criminals or something? Did you rob someone?"

"We like to think of ourselves as la résistance." There was a pause before Fleur continued, her tone turning wry. "Though not so grand as those from my homeland."

Racking her brains to try to remember her lessons on foreign history, Fluttershy finally asked, "You're trying to overthrow the government?"

"We are trying to oppose the corruption that rules this land," Fleur clarified. "I know you are not blind to the injustices that plague this city, Fluttershy. We only want to bring justice where there is none."

"So you're vigilantes," Fluttershy said flatly as they reached her apartment.

Fleur didn't try to prevaricate. "Oui. I do what I can with my privilege, but sometimes I am forced to take drastic measures to make this world a better place."

"What were you doing today that got Lightning Dust shot?" In for a penny, in for a pound. If she was going to help treat the woman, Fluttershy might as well learn why she was there in the first place.

"Lord Jet Set recently took control of a charity Fancy and I have an interest in," Fleur replied as they rushed into Fluttershy's home. Fluttershy began collecting antiseptics, needle, thread, and whatever else she could think of that might help. "We know he is embezzling money from it, taking valuable funds away from those most in need, but we needed proof. So we broke into his home."

"Oh." Fluttershy went through her mental checklist one more time as she processed what Fleur said. "Did you find anything?"

"No. After Lightning was shot, we fled."

"I'm... sorry?" That seemed like the right response. "Also, I have everything we need."

"Let us go, then." There was no time to waste, and the two of them set off back to the school.

"So what are you going to do now?" Fluttershy asked, her curiosity getting the better of her once again. "Will you try to break into his house again?"

Fleur shook her head. "He is suspicious now. No, we will have to try something more extreme if we are to get our answers. I know which bars some of his associates like to visit, where we can... confront them."

The ice in her voice sent a chill down Fluttershy's spine. "You're going to hurt them."

"Only if they do not give us the information we need," Fleur replied with a terrifying casualness. "Once I have the evidence, I can ply my trade and ensure that he goes to jail, allowing Fancy and I to take control again and ensure that the money goes to a good cause."

Fluttershy refrained from pointing out that this scheme seemed to have a lot of benefits for Fleur. The noblewoman was very, very scary right now, and Fluttershy didn't want to poke that bee's nest anymore.

The rest of the trip passed by in silence, and when Fluttershy returned to the backroom, she saw that Rolling and the other man had followed her instructions and was trying her best to stem Lightning's bleeding.

The three of them looked up at Fluttershy with visible relief. "Oh, good, I can stop trying not to die now," Lightning said faintly, grimacing and coughing into a bloody handkerchief.

"Lie her down on the table, with her arms here and her legs over there," Fluttershy instructed, trying her best to ignore her pounding heart and focus on saving a life. She'd done this before, had the training, even if it was only on animals.

The world faded away as Fluttershy cleaned the wound, going through the procedures she'd studied with far more fervor than anything to do with balance sheets or dining etiquette.

All the while, Fleur and the others helped hold Lightning down as Fluttershy did what she had to do to save her life, despite the screams. The sounds would haunt her until her dying day, but after an hour of grueling work, she was done.

Her stitches weren't clean, and it'd taken longer and been more painful than what a trained surgeon could have achieved, but at the end, Fluttershy was reasonably certain that Lightning would live, especially since she knew Fleur would be able pay for a mage to cast some spells to prevent infection.

As for Lightning herself, she'd passed out at some point during the operation, which was likely for the best. Rolling helped wrap a bandage tightly around the wounded part of her abdomen before Fluttershy considered her work to be done.

At which point she became very aware that she'd just spent the past sixty minutes bossing around some very dangerous people, who were all staring at her with a mixture of emotions.

Fleur was the first to speak. "Merci beaucoup, Fluttershy," she said softly. "You've done very well today."

"If she lives, I'll buy you a beer at the Dreamland," Rolling said, walking over to slap Fluttershy across the back. "Hell, I'll buy you a hundred beers if you want."

Fluttershy cringed. "Umm, thanks."

Fortunately, Fleur seemed to notice her discomfort. "You're covered in blood," she said. "I have some spare clothing in the locker room that may fit you, if you wish." Fluttershy nodded, and Fleur took her out of the room so that they were just the two of them again.

"I truly am grateful," Fleur said. "You are right that Lightning would likely not have lived if you did not step in. You are truly a brave and remarkable woman."

Fluttershy nodded mutely as she took the clothes Fleur offered her and changed into them.

"I am also sorry that you had to see this side of me," Fleur added. "I hope you will not think too poorly of me."

"You told me on my first day here to avoid people and places that were obviously dangerous," Fluttershy said coolly as she made her way towards the exit. "I think you and this place count as that now. Thank you for everything, but I don't think I'll be coming back."

With that, she walked out of the locker room, leaving Fleur alone as she made her way back home.
> Praxis, Part 3: Ploughshares to Swords
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fleur was polite enough not to bother Fluttershy.

The next few weeks passed, and Fluttershy's life went on. She no longer visited the school, and instead used that time to take more shifts at the zoo, honing her skills and making some more money to support herself.

All the while, she tried to forget about the violent noblewoman who had taught her how to be confident in herself, and then thrust her into a world far more dangerous than the one Fluttershy had been running from.

She knew she wasn't being fair to Fleur— she could have walked away at any time without consequences. Still, she wasn't sure what to think of her, of someone who was so willing to break the law and to use violence for her own ends, but whose ends seemed noble enough.

Either way, Fluttershy wanted nothing to do with her anymore, not if it meant being around so much potential for danger. She was going to go back to her quiet life with her friends.

And to her other mentor who had taken her in first.

"Is everything alright, Fluttershy?" Luna had asked the day after the incident with Lightning Dust, during their weekly lunch. "You seem distracted."

There was a moment of hesitation as Fluttershy considered how to work her response. She'd made a promise, after all. "How much do you know about Fleur's, ahhh, friends?" she chose to ask instead.

Luna sighed. "They act before thinking too often, but some of them have good hearts. Others... did one of them do something to you?"

Fluttershy quickly shook her head. "No, no, nothing like that. Just, one of them got hurt and I helped patch her up, and I found out about some of what Fleur gets up to with those friends. I don't think I want to see her anymore."

"That is completely fair," Luna said. "As I said before, I do not approve of Fleur's methods, effective as they may be at times. I am sorry you were caught up in her schemes."

"She's... she's not a bad person, is she?" It felt so childish to ask that, but Fluttershy's mind was still reeling from the previous day's revelations.

"People are complicated, as you know very well," was Luna's reply. "I have done things I am not proud of, and I do believe that Fleur regrets some of her actions as well. That being said, I would trust Fleur and her husband before I trusted any of the other nobles in the Solar Distract, which is admittedly not the most glowing endorsement."

Fluttershy smiled at that. "That's still something." She let out her own sigh. "I just wish she wasn't so... violent, I guess? She talks about it like it's no big deal."

"Fleur has seen more of this world than I have, including its evils." Luna took a long sip of her coffee before speaking again. "I cannot fault her for wanting to take a direct approach to some of the problems plaguing this city. But yes, she is a little too eager for my comfort, sometimes. You will have to decide for yourself what your feelings towards her are, in the end."

Their conversation had moved to other topics afterwards, but the conversation had stuck in Fluttershy's mind. Surely there were always better ways to solve problems, right? She could understand using violence when directly threatened, but looking for trouble first didn't feel like it fell under that category.

Ultimately, Fluttershy had concluded that Fleur was flawed but trying her best, just like the rest of them, but she could never approve of her methods. The thought gave her some peace, for a time.

And then, a month after that fateful day, Doctor Fuana brought in an injured deer with a large part of its fur missing, almost as if it had been burned off.

"What happened?" Fluttershy asked as she helped the vet strap down the doe so they could treat it. "Those look like... chemical burns?"

"It's the factory over by the Whitetail River," Doctor Fuana said, anger colouring her voice. "They're dumping their waste right into the water, and this is what happens to any creature that gets too close to it. I can't even imagine what it's going to do to the ecosystem at large."

"They can just do that?" Fluttershy asked, horrified. "There has to be some law or..."

The doctor shook her head. "Maybe, but as long as the councillors get their cut of the profits it won't matter." She sighed. "We're probably going to get a lot more of these, so this will be good practice." There wasn't much conversation after that, beyond whatever instructions and information needed to be shared to save the doe's life.

The whole while, however, Fluttershy's mind seethed at the knowledge of how much damage was being done to the environment. Every pained twitch and agonized whine from the confused critter who didn't even understand the systems in place that had put her in such distress tugged at Fluttershy's heart, and the sense of helplessness was overwhelming. Was this really going to be her job for however long it took for the factory to kill off everything around it?

"There has to be something we can do," Fluttershy said as she fitted a cone around the doe's head to stop her from nipping at her injuries. "So many animals are going to suffer because of this."

Doctor Fauna let out a bitter laugh. "You've got a good heart, kid, but you need to learn that money talks louder than anything else. We just do the best we can and hope the people up there finally grow a conscience or something and stop screwing us all over to line their own pockets."

Her words stayed in Fluttershy's mind as she headed home after that long and grueling shift. Was she doing the best she could? Obviously, she would try to help whatever animal that was hurt by the actions of her fellow humans, but did she really have no way to stop the harm in the first place?

Unfortunately, she wasn't a lawyer, and didn't know any. But from what Doctor Fuana said, it wouldn't matter if they were breaking the law anyways, as long as they influenced the right people.

Of course, there was another way to stop them.

As much as Fluttershy had done her best to forget, the knowledge had stayed at the back of her mind that Fleur's methods... worked. The week after patching up Lightning Dust, Fluttershy had read the newspaper and seen the article on Jet Set being forced to step down from his position amidst all the scandal surrounding him, just as Fleur had planned.

Luna had said that Fleur was principled, and it was likely true. If Fluttershy asked Fleur for help, explained the situation to her, she'd surely want to help and make sure that no more animals were hurt.

But, her methods would be illegal, and dangerous. Someone could get hurt. Another one of Fleur's friends, or a bystander or guard just trying to get through the day. Could Fluttershy take that risk for the sake of making sure the right thing was done and the factory was shut down?

The doe let out another pained yelp as they rubbed an antiseptic wipe against its bloody side, staring up at Fluttershy in confused fear. It had no idea why it was here, was innocent of any evil. Fluttershy looked deep into those eyes, and whispered, "it's okay. It's going to be okay. I'll make sure nobody ever hurts you like this again."





Fluttershy had been to Fleur and Fancy's mansion once before, to attend some party or other under her mother's orders. She didn't remember much of the night, except that it was about as uncomfortable as all the other events she'd been forced to attend, but she did remember where they lived, and was able to make it there in short order after her shift.

She'd cleaned the blood off her hands and changed clothing, of course, but the echoes of the crimson liquid on her skin still remained, seeping deep into her soul as she prayed her determination wouldn't falter.

The butler opened the door when she knocked, and after taking her name, escorted her into the sitting room while he fetched his employer. A minute later, Fleur stepped out, dressed in a casual, yet still elegant dress that was much at odds with what she had normally worn around Fluttershy. It really did drive home the differences in the two lives she led.

"Bienvenue, Fluttershy," the noblewoman said as she took a seat opposite from her. "It is good to see you again." Her tone was warm and welcoming, but Fluttershy sensed the note of caution beneath it. "How may I help you today?"

Fluttershy glanced around the room. She didn't see anyone, but that didn't mean there wasn't anyone listening. "Ah, could we talk in private, please?"

Fleur nodded her head in acknowledgement, her expression making it clear she had an idea of what Fluttershy wanted to talk about. "Let us retire to my study, then."

At first glance, Fleur's study looked much like all the others found in the various mansions that dotted the Solar District, with a beautifully carved mahogany desk in the center, flanked by cushioned seats and surrounded by walls of shelves filled with books on all manner of different topics. There were also various trophies and other memorabilia scattered about, evidence of the owner's storied past.

However, where others would have had the most respected works of literature on display for all to see how educated they were, Fleur's collection was a smorgasbord of different types of books. Sure, she had the classics there, the plays of Spear Shaker and the great poems like Paradise Lost and the Cycle of Trot. But on top of that, there were romance novels with salacious titles, books on science and politics and other academic topics with signs of wear showing that they'd been read multiple times, and even what looked like several comic books and collections of penny dreadfuls on display for all to see.

The trophies on display were mostly trinkets from foreign lands, which wasn't unusual, but Fluttershy noticed that many of them were signed, or accompanied by a letter or some sort, and in one case she saw a wooden mask decorated with Fleur's family crest. That wasn't special by itself, but Fluttershy recognized the style as belonging to an isolated tribe to the south, and she doubted that Fleur would be so gauche as to copy their patterns without permission.

Combined with the fact that many of these objects were not shiny and objectively high quality, it was quite clear that these were souvenirs of actual journeys she had been on, journeys that were more than just visiting some camp protected from the outside world.

Also, none of the trophies on display were the usual stuffed heads that Fluttershy destested, so that was a bonus as well.

"Please, sit down," Fleur said, pulling back a chair for her. She took her own seat after Fluttershy. "So, what brings you here, Fluttershy? In our last meeting you were quite firm about what you wanted."

Fluttershy swallowed down the dread rising in her throat. "I... I need your help. Do you know about the orichalchum processing plant by Whitetail river?"

Fleur nodded. "It opened last month, yes?"

"It's also been dumping dangerous chemicals into the water and destroying the local ecosystem," Fluttershy said. "I just finished treating a doe for chemical burns caused by the waste it's been producing. The people in power won't do anything about it."

"I see. C'est dommage." There was sympathy in Fleur's voice, but she didn't show much more emotion beyond that. "Why have you come to me with this information, though? Fancy and I are powerful, but we cannot just pull some strings and shut down a factory, unfortunately."

"Can't you?" Fluttershy asked, lacing her tone with hidden meaning.

"I thought you didn't wish to associate with dangerous people," Fleur replied evenly.

"I... I need something now," Fluttershy admitted. "I know, I'm a hypocrite. I still hate violence, but now that there's something I feel strongly about, I'm suddenly willing to bend my principles." When she laid it out like that, she hated herself even more, and it wasn't exactly the best argument. "I'll just go now. Sorry for bothering you."

Before she could stand up, Fleur laughed, a genuine, warm sound that came from the soul. "Mon amie, we are all hypocrites," she said, smiling widely. "What matters is what we choose to do when faced with a difficult decision. I will look into this factory."

"Oh." Fluttershy paused for a moment. "That's it? You'll just help me?"

"I will do my own research, but I do owe you a debt for saving Lightning Dust's life," Fleur said. "I believe you are a good person, someone who is willing to speak up for what is right, so I will do what I can. Now, would you like to stay for some tea? I believe Fancy should be coming home soon, if you wish to meet him as well."

"Ah, does he know...?" Fluttershy asked.

Fleur laughed again. "He knows enough to not ask me too many questions, and I trust him not to get into too much trouble without me."

"Well, it's getting late," Fluttershy said, not really feeling up to any more social interaction. "Thank you for the invitation, though."

"Of course." Fleur stood up and walked over towards the door. "Be safe, Fluttershy."

"Thanks," Fluttershy said again, then added. "For everything. I really did appreciate the lessons."

Fleur nodded. "I am glad. Au revoir, mon amie."





Fluttershy saw the article in the newspaper a week later, and immediately made her way over to the mansion.

"Ah, Lady Fleur is expecting you," the butler said when he opened up the door.

He led Fluttershy to the sitting room once again, and she clutched the newspaper until her knuckles turned white while she waited. It felt as if the words were seeping into her skin, imprinting her sins onto her body.

Finally, after several agonizing minutes, Fleur stepped into the room. "Bonjour, Fluttershy," she said, gesturing down the hall. "Please, let us speak in my study."

Fluttershy nodded and followed her. She definitely didn't want anyone overhearing this conversation.

The moment Fleur shut the door and locked it, Fluttershy immediately burst out, "you blew up the factory?" It was the closest she'd come to screaming in a long time.

Fleur's calm demeanor never shifted. "They were using illegal and highly flammable chemicals to purify the orichalcum. Very naughty of them. It's really no surprise that something happened that caused such an unfortunate accident. Very fortunate that no one was inside at the time."

"Someone could have gotten hurt!" Fluttershy exclaimed. "Someone walking past, or staying to work late, or even you or one of your friends again."

"We were very careful to check that there was no one there," Fleur replied. "And as for ourselves, we know that we court death with our actions. Blood is the price we sometimes pay for justice."

"I didn't... I didn't want this," Fluttershy said, horrified. "I thought you were just going to sneak into someone's house and frame them for a crime or something."

"And is that not dangerous as well?" Fleur asked, raising an eyebrow. "You asked for results, and that is what you got. If you cannot stomach my methods, then you should not have come to me."

"I just... I don't." It was over. Fluttershy had read the article, and there was enough bad press that no one would try to build another factory there for a long time. But... "Why can't people just be nice to each other."

A sympathetic look crossed Fleur's expression. "I'm sorry, Fluttershy," she said sincerely. "You are a kind soul, and all suffering tugs at your heart. An admirable trait, to be sure, but revolutions are not won with kindness."

Those words rankled Fluttershy. "I don't want to believe that," she said firmly. "I'll... I won't become like you, willing to risk lives when I don't have to."

"Good," Fleur replied. "We need kind souls like you, or there is no reason to fight. Let us do what we must, and you shall do what you can, and maybe, together, we can make this world a better place."

"I guess." Neither of them was going to convince the other of their side, so that was the best Fluttershy could hope for. "And I guess you did stop the factory so... thank you."

"It was our pleasure." Fleur bowed slightly.

She could have left it there, could have walked out and forgotten about all of this. But, that didn't seem like the kindest choice to Fluttershy. So instead, she said, "If someone ever gets hurt again, and you can't go to the hospital... you know where I live."

For the first time since they'd met, Fleur's eyes widened in surprise. "Mais oui? Do you truly mean that, Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy nodded. "I don't like the thought of people suffering if there's something I can do about it. Don't worry, I promise I won't tell on you."

"Merci beaucoup. I truly cannot convey how much this means to us." Fleur smirked. "We will try our best not to require your services."

Fluttershy didn't smile back. "Please don't put yourself into more danger because of this."

"I promise we will not," Fleur replied. There was a moment's hesitation before she asked, "So, would you like to continue your lessons? There are still things for me to teach you."

Fluttershy took a moment to consider her answer. She didn't think she was friends with Fleur anymore, but part of her did want to learn more about her. The foriegn noblewoman knew so many things, and even if their worldviews didn't align, Fluttershy knew that she needed to know how Fleur came to see the world the way she did, so that Fluttershy could decide just where she stood on... everything, really.

All her life, she'd never thought much about her convictions, had never really had to, until that fateful day when she'd stood up to her mother for Rarity. And since then, Fluttershy had been too focused on survival to think beyond that. Maybe it was time to decide what kind of person she wanted to be, consciously instead of being moulded by the forces around her.

"I'd like that very much," Fluttershy said, and she knew this was the beginning of something greater.

This time, it was time to start another journey, and discover who she really was.
> Those Poor Souls Who Dwell In Night
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Mon petit chou, when did you say our guests were arriving?"

Pinkie Pie checked her wrist, which was very clearly bare of any watch. She then turned to Fleur and grinned. "Any second now. If my twitchy right leg's right— and she always is— they should be arriving right as the cupcakes are ready."

As if on cue, the alarm on the timer by the oven began to ring, and Pinkie quickly rushed over to pull out her latest batch of confectionaries. Fleur watched her lover work with her usual energy, content to sit and stew in her own curiosity for now.

For as long as she'd known, Sugarcube Corner had always been closed on Hearth's Warming, and the day afterwards. For the day of the holiday itself, she could always be seen about the Lunar Distract, whether she was attending a party, helping with a party, or throwing one. It had been how they'd met, even.

Fleur and Fancy had stopped by the Sapphire Carousel to give their holiday wishes to Rarity, and had found themselves set upon by a very energetic— and very pretty— young woman who kept trying to feed them pastries.

Since then, Fleur had become a regular at Sugarcube Corner, often staying long into the night as she waited for some clandestine meeting scheduled beyond the witching hour.

Pinkie had already known far too much than was safe, and soon had become her confidant. And soon after that, in the wake of a particularly terrifying outing with her more dangerous friends, they had found themselves in each other's embrace, clinging onto life and love and everything in between.

Fancy had seen it before Fleur had— damn her husband and his knowledge of her heart— and given her space to explore this new relationship. Admittedly, it was odd— the first time she was doing something like this with him— but Pinkie was an odd girl.

Also also a very exciting one to be around.

Tonight, they would be meeting with a "special" friend, and while Pinkie believed all her friends to be special, she had placed an odd emphasis on the word this time, which had piqued her curiosity. That curiosity was further piqued when she saw the three different rows of cupcakes laid out on the baking tray and the little chocolates Pinkie was adding atop them.

"Ah, a wonderful recreation of my family's crest," she murmured with approval as the white-and-pink cupcakes were topped with her namesake. "And of ta patisserie's symbol, as well." The blue and yellow balloons gave the pink cupcakes a whimsical style that matched their creator. "But why are the third set decorated with the crescent moon of the Sapphire Carousel? Is our guest from that establishment?" It couldn't be Rarity, could it? Or... "Please tell me it is not La Dame De La Nuit."

Pinkie grinned. "Ooh, you're getting closer." The young woman was practically vibrating with excitement as she ran over to give her a quick but passionate kiss. "I can't wait for you to meet them."

That was when she felt the wave of magic wash over her. Instinctively, she assumed a defensive position, pushing Pinkie behind her as she faced the source of it— the mirror in the corner that was now glowing a faint white.

"Oh, they're here! They're here!" Pinkie exclaimed, though Fleur didn't let her guard down. She was inherently suspicious of anyone who couldn't simply use the door to enter into the bakery.

Her body only tensed further when a woman with pink hair and a very familiar face bounded through, jumping high into the air before landing on wobbly legs. She barely had time to stabilize herself before Pinkie nearly tackled the newcomer in a tight hug.

"Heya Pinkie!" Fleur's lover said cheerfully.

"Heya Pinkie!" the visitor replied.

Fleur felt a headache coming on. She'd wanted excitement, but this was... "Pinkie Pie, I presume?" she asked the guest who looked identical to her girlfriend in every way except for the black cloak she wore, emblazoned with the Sapphire's lunar crest.

"Yes indeedy!" The other Pinkie Pie replied.

Her own Pinkie Pie, sensing Fleur's agitation, quickly explained. "She's from another world where there's versions of all of us except we're cute little ponies! Ever since we met, we always celebrate the day of Hearth's Warming together. Sometimes she comes here, and sometimes I go over there and get to be a pony too!"

"And sometimes Incantation joins us and there's three of us!" the other Pinkie Pie added.

Fleur blinked for a moment. Surely this had to be some kind of magical deceiver she'd never heard of, who took the form of another to entrap its prey... but Pinkie had already travelled to their world before.

For now, she would be polite and observe. And then take action if anything threatened her beloved.

"Well then, Pony Pinkie Pie, please excuse my lack of manners. My name is Fleur de Lis. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Fleur lifted up the other Pinkie's hand, pressing a gentle kiss against it. Her own Pinkie always loved that gesture, and it will be interesting to see how this one reacted.

Just as hers did, the other Pinkie giggled. "Enchantée, madame," she replied, her accent far from perfect but yet not mocking. "Pinkie's told me so much about you! I'm really happy she has a special somepony— err, special somehuman now."

"And I'm so glad you have somepony special in your world," her Pinkie added. "Is she coming?"

As if on cue, the mirror flashed again, and Fleur's fight-or-flight instinct really kicked in when she saw Lady Luna— or at least a version of her— step into the room, wearing a grandiose blue dress that only the most dramatic of women would wear to a ball.

"Luna, Luna!" the other Pinkie rushed up to the new visitor, grabbing her sleeve and tugging her over. Fleur noted that the older woman seemed to be able to walk over to them with the same grace that the Lady of the Sapphire possessed, despite apparently being a pony in her home world. "Look, it's me! But not me!"

In some ways, the guarded, suspicious expression on Luna's face eased some of Fleur's worries, even if it introduced new ones. It seemed they were both in unfamiliar territory now.

"Hello, Pinkie Pie," Luna said, bowing deeply. "It is an honour to meet you."

Her Pinkie also giggled at the formality. "The honour is mine, Your Majesty." She gave a comically deep bow.

Fleur raised an eyebrow. "Your Majesty?" she asked.

"Oh, in the other world, Luna is a super magical princess who got trapped inside a mountain for a thousand years," the human Pinkie explained.

"But we managed to save her, thanks to Rarity and Twilight and Incantation and—"

"And you, little one," Luna said softly, leaning over to wrap the younger woman in a gentle hug. "Never forget that it was your love that saved me, in the end."

"That sounds like quite the story." Fleur gave her reply carefully before addressing the princess. "It is an honour as well to meet you, Princess Luna. I am Lady Fleur de Lis of House Fleuret." She decided to give her family name as well, out of curiosity as to how their new guest would react.

Luna paused. "I knew of House Fleuret in my time." She frowned. "A charming lot, but one who used their cunning to raise themselves over others. I never did like them."

Fleur smiled. "I'm not fond of my family's history either. Unfortunately, we cannot help the circumstances of our birth, but we can use the gifts we are given to help others, n'est-ce pas?"

"Well said, Lady Fleur," Luna acknowledged, her voice giving no hints of her true feelings.

The tension remained between the two non-Pinkie women, but the two Pinkies pressed on. "Alright, let's party!"

The other Pinkie placed the needle on the record, and loud, bombastic Hearth's Warming music filled the room. With blinding speed that even Fleur couldn't follow, each of them suddenly had a plate with a cupcake in front of them, matching their aesthetics.

Oh, and there was a small alligator in the corner wearing a tiny Hearth's Warming hat shaped like an evergreen tree on his head. Fleur had no idea where he came from and wasn't about to ask any questions when she had far too much else to deal with.

Instead, she bit into her cupcake. It was perfectly moist, sweet but not too sweet, with the lightest hint of mint in the frosting, just the way she liked it. Seeing no need to be proper, she promptly devoured the entire thing in just a few bites.

The other two Pinkies were overjoyed of course. "Didya like it?" her lover asked, with all the confidence in the world at what her answer would be.

"C'est merveilleux," Fleur replied sincerely. "As sweet as la pâtissière who created such a fine confectionary." She reached over to pull her Pinkie into a deep kiss, tasting strawberry on her beloved's lips. Out of the corner of her eye, she noted Luna giving her a suspicious look.

"Even the royal bakers could not have hoped to compare with your artistry, little one," Luna added. That term of endearment raises an alarm in Fleur's mind, and she has to ask.

"Ah, l'amour," she said neutrally. "It is good to see two lovers reunited."

Both of their guests' eyes widened in shock. "Nay!" Luna exclaimed, an expression of horror on her face. "We are but friends! As we have been since she was a filly."

"I see," Fleur said, holding back a sigh of relief. She supposed it wasn't her place to judge another couple, but when one of the members of the potential couples was technically Pinkie Pie, she couldn't help but be a little protective. For all that she saw more than others did, she also had her blind spots as a result of her kindness.

"We're really happy for you two, though!" the other Pinkie added. She glanced over to the native Pinkie. "Hey, did you forget to bring out the games?"

The natively human Pinkie looked around the room, before smiling sheepishly. "Guess so! Hey, wanna help me pick what we'll be playing?"

"Sure!" Pinkie and Pinkie whirled out of the room before either of the other two partygoers had a chance to react, leaving with alone with one another.

"I had asked Pinkie Pie about games earlier today," Fleur murmured. "She told me that her Pinkie Senses spoke to her, to keep them out of the room until the right moment."

"'Tis quite clear their intentions, then," Luna replied.

"The Pinkie Pie of my world sees much more than many would think." There was both anger and pride in Fleur's words.

"Mine as well," Luna agreed. "Leaving us two alone is intentional, then."

"To force a tête-à-tête." Fleur sighed. "Of course. Even I underestimate her far too often."

"You mislike me." The directness of the statement from Luna shocked Fleur, even if she respected the candor.

"Where I come from, we have a poor history with monarchy," Fleur replied dryly. "And ours are not immortal, with all the dangers implied."

"If it helps, my sister was always the one who preferred to rule." Luna smirked. "I was content to but guard the dreams of my subjects. And soon, I think I shall be abdicating to spend my days in peace and... well, I shan't say quiet, for Pinkie shall be there, I hope."

"Your sister is Celestia, I take it?" Fleur asked, and Luna nodded. "Oui, she does seem like more the type."

"And what of you, Lady Fleur?" Luna countered. "You speak poorly of monarchs and your own family's history, and yet you still don a noble's title."

"Noblesse oblige, n'est-ce pas?" was Fleur's answer. "I do what I can with what I am given. Whether I must use my name or... other methods." She let the words hang in the air, trusting that an immortal princess who delved into the minds of others would get her meaning.

Luna frowned. "I see." She shook her head. "I suppose it matters not, for this is not my world. Only one thing is of concern to me. Pinkie Pie."

"I would defend her with my life," Fleur said simply.

"As I would as well," Luna also said, with no conditions.

"She is wonderful, and un coeur brilliant such as hers must be protected at all costs."

Luna nodded. "D'accord, madame." At Fleur's surprised expression, she grinned. "I have had to learn many tongues to ply my trade."

It was at this point that the door burst open to reveal two pink bundles of energy, each carrying a stack of games. "Are you two friends now?" the other Pinkie asked them, both staring expectantly.

Luna and Fleur shared a glance. "We are at peace," Luna said at last. "And I have hopes that friendship will bloom one day."

Fleur nodded in agreement. "La princesse is quite the remarkable woman, err, mare." She quickly corrected herself before adding, "So, quels jeux nous allons jouer?"

From atop a pile of board games, her Pinkie grabbed a deck of cards, her eyes narrowing. "How do you feel about a game of skill and chance?" she asked, her tone sharp and dangerous.

Fleur's grin was equally vicious. "You test the wrong woman, mon petit chou. Let the games begin."





"Do you have any fours?"

Her Pinkie grinned, slamming down her hand of cards face-down. "Go fish, Fleur!"

Fleur sighed and drew a card.

The other Pinkie then took her turn. "Luna, do you have any fours?"

And now it was Luna's turn to sigh as she handed over a card. "Did you know that before I met you, I had never lost a card game before?"

"Really?" Luna's Pinkie asked.

Luna nodded. "'Tis humbling to finally be bested."

"Humility is good for the soul." Fleur smiled warmly at her own version of Pinkie Pie, who grinned back. "Especially for those of us who would burn too bright."

"I think you're plenty bright already, Fleur!" Her Pinkie replied cheerfully. "And you brighten up my day just by being you, so there's no need to burn yourself out!"

"Thank you, mon petit chou." Fleur turned her attention to the other Pinkie, a wicked smile on her face as she finally decided to sate her curiosity. "Do you have any fives? Or un paramour yourself?"

Well, it seemed this Pinkie also turned a delightful shade of red when embarrassed. "Umm, go fish!" Fleur kept her eyes on her as she drew a card, and saw the visitor from another world glance at her counterpart for help.

Right at that moment, the timer went off, and Fleur's Pinkie grinned just as deviously. "Oh, hot chocolate time!" she announced, standing up and walking over to the stove. "Gotta go!"

"Traitor!" The other Pinkie yelled. "I'll see you walk the plank for this, Pinkie Pie!"

Her Pinkie only giggled as she disappeared from view, leaving the Pinkie from the other world under the scrutiny of both Luna and Fleur.

Pinkie's blush intensifies. "S-So, crazy weather we've been having, right?"

"I believe we are supposed to be doing what you call 'teasing' now," Luna said, a smile playing on her lips. "I have seen the way you look at a certain changeling in Hollow Shades."

"Hey, Ink's just a friend!" Pinkie protested. "A very, very pretty friend, who really gets the Pinkie Pie inside of my brain and always believed in me and..." She trailed off, eyes widening. "Oh." She said softly.

"Did I look like that when you told me you liked me?" An arm wrapped around Fleur's shoulder, and she looked to see her own lover holding up a steaming mug of hot chocolate.

Fleur accepted the drink gracefully. "Merci beaucoup. And oui et non. You are you, and she is she, and I much preferred your reaction."

"You make a good match," Luna said. "It gladdens me that your heart has chosen well."

The other Pinkie smirked, though she still looked vaguely poleaxed. "Are you already planning to have The Talk with her?" she asked mischievously.

Luna snorted. "I do not think I could terrify that changeling in a way that wouldn't stain my soul. She will treat you well enough of her own accord."

"Well, that's only if she likes me back, right?" Ah, that nervous voice was familiar to Fleur.

"If this Ink has discerning taste, I have no doubts that she shall," Fleur said.

"Indeed." Luna reached over to hug her Pinkie. "And even if she does not, I know you will treasure her friendship no less than for it, and she yours. Though, I will always be here for you if you need to speak to someone."

In that embrace, Fleur finally felt a part of her mind relax, letting go of the tense grip it held on her suspicions. This Luna truly did care for her Pinkie Pie, and it was impossible for Fleur not to finally let her guard down around them, within reason.

"If you need any advice on l'amour, please do not hesitate to ask." Warmth filled Fleur's heart as she made the offer. "It is never an easy road to walk."

"Thanks, Fleur!" It felt very odd to be hugged by someone who was so very much like her lover, and yet was not. Fleur was not ashamed to admit that her mind went... certain places at the thought of two Pinkie Pies, but she didn't think either Pinkie would mind terribly even if they knew. "So, what's going on around here? Anything fun? Are your Rarity and Twilight doing okay?"

Fleur snorted, banishing the impure thoughts from her mind in favour of other impure thoughts. "They are, if nothing else, very amusing. But Rarity gladly plies all her trades again, so Fancy and I are content to let their story play out as it shall."

Luna shot her a knowing look. "She deserves happiness in every universe. Both of them do. In ours, they have worked long and hard to earn theirs, and I have no doubts that yours have done the same."

"Yep, they got it preeeeeetty rough," Pinkie wrapped her arms around Fleur as she spoke. "I'm just so happy to have Fleur without any deep dark secrets or epic curses popping up."

"I did not know to be thankful for that," Fleur said dryly, pressing a kiss against Pinkie's forehead. "I only know that this peace I feel now is worth more than any adventure."

"I doth concur." Luna sipped at her own hot chocolate, poking at the marshmallow floating atop it with her tongue. "As much as I enjoyed the frenetic energy of the Hearth's Warming celebration, this is truly a balm to my soul."

"Yup, every type of party is good for something," the other Pinkie said, and Fleur's beloved nodded along sagely. "Some are good if you like things big and loud." One of Pinkie's party cannons went off at that very moment, causing Fleur and Luna to both shift into a fighting stance on instinct. "And some are nice and quiet and great for snuggles."

With that, both Pinkies melted into their companions, and everyone relaxed on the couch as they sipped at their drinks. Fleur allowed herself to truly relax, to let go of the worries of her position and her duties and focus on the wonderful pink girl who gave so much and deserved so much in turn. Warmth filled her soul and her belly, and she enjoyed the few seconds of quiet before Luna spoke again.

"I believe that stories are the traditional accompaniment to hot cocoa."

"Vraiment." Fleur agreed. "A being such as yourself surely has stories aplenty to tell."

"I do." The wright of ages shone within Luna's eyes. "But the greatest story I know comes not from the now-lost past, but hails from this era." She took another sip of cocoa.

The other Pinkie's eyes widened. "Ooh! They did give permission, so we can finally tell it!" she added excitedly.

Luna smiled. "Quite so." She turned to her two hosts. "Would you be interested in hearing a tale of romance and adventure? Of a mare who had to learn the meaning of love and loss in order to heal a wounded soul from terrible torment? Who braved dragons and timberwolves and the Lord of Chaos himself with nothing but her wits and charm?"

Fleur's Pinkie grinned. "Is this what I think it is?"

The other Pinkie nodded so hard Fleur was worried her head might fall off. "You know it!"

Fleur glanced between the three of them. "That sounds très intéressant. I would love to hear such a tale."

With a wave of her hand, Luna dimmed the lights in the room, the candles giving off just enough light to outline the shadows of her face. "Very well, then." She cleared her throat, and began to tell her story.

"Rarity did not believe in fairy tales..."