Ink: The Mistress of the Night

Page 2

Inky sat at the counter in the comic book store, tapping her pencil on the paper. Ever since reading last night’s letter she had been on edge about the book and all that it holds. What was supposed to be her greatest achievement, was now her biggest responsibility, and she didn’t know where to go from there.

I’m the God of that book, right? So it really shouldn’t matter. I could always just re-draw that character and do the chapter over again no problem, but what if I really do get somepony killed. Inky racked her brain trying to think of what to do next. I could just leave it be and just have it like any old comic book, or I could really see what I could do. Every time she thought of just simply going back into the book she was worried and yet, very excited about what kind of adventure awaited.

To be called a god really did a number on her. Inky was just looking for a way to release some everyday stress with some action-packed sex-fueled adventures, but all she got was something that seriously messed with her.

After nearly all morning of thinking she boiled it down to two choices: She could be a god or be the superhero that she wanted to be.

Problem was she really couldn’t see the difference between the two. By Inky’s definition, a god was an all-powerful being that: sat, created, set free, and simply watched never interfering. A superhero by her standards, was a being that possessed a unique quality that made them different from the rest, and used that trait to save lives and stop those that would endanger others.

But that’s seems limited, there has to be more. Inky thought of all the different types of superheroes and comic books she read over the years. Most would agree to her definitions of gods and superheroes and most have seeing as they enjoy reading her books. She always wanted to try another type of hero, but they mostly came out the same.

Hero starts out small, works his/hers way into the life-saving business, cross the wrong pony or fail to save them because of their weaknesses, get an arch-villain from it, and fight said villain to the death. ‘The Hero’s Journey’, a quick guarantee that ponies would like it.

It was so easy that it almost made Inky mad, the same repeated formula for heroes over and over again. And if it didn’t pay the bills, she would re-write all of her books just to change the outlook of the protagonist.

On the other hand, comics about gods were rare--so rare that they almost didn’t exist, and the ones that did usually were about some alicorn. Inky scolded the thought that alicorns were gods, as proven the alicorn princesses play a content role in maintaining the safety and security of Equestria. This alone went against her definition of a god, and she dismissed all thoughts that alicorns are gods.

Even when fans would flood her mailbox with letters asking for a comic about an alicorn or god-like being she simply would just send a letter back giving her definition of a god. For the most part that worked aside from a few fans that refuse to give up.

Inky was so far gone in thought she didn’t hear the footsteps of one of her co-workers coming up from behind her. The co-work allowed a soft giggle to escape her lips before reaching around the back of the chair and grabbing Inky’s soft breast groping the fairly large melons.

“Morning Inky!” The mare shouted rubbing her hands.

“Huh? Oh umm, hi Feather Pen.” Inky said not paying much attention to her friend’s content groping. Feather and Inky have been friends for a while now so Feather would mess around with the mare just for a quick laugh, usually Inky would react to the groping, but today she was too far into her own thoughts. Feather heard the distances in Inky’s voice and stopped her groping.

“What’s the matter Inky? You usually yell at me when I grab your breasts,” Feather said removing her hands, shifting to Inky’s side. “Trying to think of a new character or something?” She asked noticing the blank sheet of paper on the counter.

“Huh, oh no not really, I’m just trying to figure something out first,” Inky said, not sure if she could- nor should- tell Feather about the book or not.

“Well its always good to have a second opinion, I’m all ears,” Feather said hopping on top of the table, which was a usual thing for her, and Madam didn’t care so as long as she cleaned off the counter before leaving for the day.

Inky opened her mouth to speak, but became nervous, and bit her lip. Come on Inky, Feather has been a good friend for the last three years, I’m sure she’ll understand, and I don’t have to tell her about the book.

Inky took in a deep breath and asked, “Feather, what’s your definition of a hero and a god?” Inky knew she didn’t have any reason to think that Feather would suspect anything about the book, but she really, really liked Feather and didn’t want to do anything that would mess up the luck she been having.

“Humm...you really were in deep thought, huh?” Feather said always being impressed about how serious Inky would take her work. “The difference between a hero and a god, well as far as I can tell there really isn’t much of a difference, is there?” Feather thought out loud, crossing her arms.

Inky caught Feather’s nipples poking through her thin shirt and quickly looked away blushing. “Well yeah I used to think that as well, but I don’t think a god would mess around with other ponies lives and a hero would.” She said offering her thoughts.

“What make you think that?” Feather asked not entirely sure what Inky meant.

“The way I see it, a god creates, and watches, while superheroes save lives.” Inky explained.

“Well wouldn’t a god help too? I mean, the princesses are alicorns, and they are basically gods right?” Feather said, going along with Equestrian's general thinking.

“No, see a god just watches, the princesses act on the affairs of Equestria and other nations. So they don’t fit the category of gods.” Inky pointed out her view on the general thinking.

“Make sense, so if you got this all figured out, why are you asking?” Feather said, seeing nothing she could add to Inky’s way of thinking.

“Just wanted a second opinion, I guess. There has to be a middle ground between the two,” Inky said, resuming her thinking. Feather just shrugged her shoulders unable to add anything to the topic.

“What about an anti-hero?” A deep male voice asked the two. Inky and Feather looked around the store to find the source of the voice. It didn’t take long until they found a tall hooded male, and, from what Inky could tell from the shape of his body, he was a diamond dog of some kind. Inky looked over his outfit, there was something about it that seemed off, but she couldn’t tell just what.

“Anti-hero?” Feather said turning around on the counter and crossing her legs. “What’s that?” She asked completely unfamiliar with the term as was Inky.

“An anti-hero is someone, that does what they want,” The dog said walking towards the counter. “Sure they fight crime and ‘save’ lives, but its just for gain on their part,” He said, resting his arms on the counter beside the two mares. “They’re not tied down by the thoughts of destiny, morals, or others well being. Their only goal is to take what they want, and protect those that are close to them.”

“Then how can they be called heroes, if they only fight for themselves,” Inky asked, interested in this new found type of hero.

“That’s because, usually, the thing that they want is taken by a villain, or a hero in disguise,” The dog answered. “The way that it happens is the anti-hero goes through some painful, and I mean painful, experience that forces them to make choices. Be they good or bad.”

“So, this anti-hero, they just do what they want,” Feather asked, growing more interested by the second.

“That’s the general thinking, but there are times where an anti-hero could just be out for some fun,” The dog started of with, further peaking the interest of the two mares. “Yup, all that power and the only thing they want to do is have fun and beat up any bad-guy in their way,” He continued to say.

“Well sounds to me that they’re just some kind of powered bottle of chaos.” Feather said.

“Don’t get me wrong, anti-heroes are a very broad topic that you can easily have five very different kinds. That’s the beauty of it all, so vague that you can reshape them at any moment’s notice,” The dog finished with.

Inky took a moment to think about what the dog just said to them. This anti-hero would solve her problems, but there was still something she wanted to check. “Okay, but what about gods?”

“What about them,” The dog asked.

“I mean what do you think about them and stories written about them being alicorns.” Inky clarified her question.

“Ha, gods being alicorns,” The dog scolded, “no, no gods are beings of absolute power far more than enough to destroy this, or any other world. And yet they do not. All they do is sit, watching our struggles from their high perches up above.”

“So you’re against gods being in stories,” Inky asked, getting a sense that the dog knew much more than he was leading onto be.

“Oh no, no, I’m not against them,” The dog said waving off Inky’s doubts. “So as long as they are not the center of the book. No one likes to read something without there being some kind of struggle with the main character.”

“I hear that, but wouldn’t it be fun just to have your way all the time,” Feather said, thinking about all the times she would just be itching to write a story with a Mary Sue.

“No, I wouldn’t,” The dog said. “Life is full of hardships and struggles but, that’s what make us who we are,” He explained. “Well its been fun, but I really must go. Work and the like,” He said paying for a comic he picked out and walked out the door.

“Weird guy, huh?” Feather openly thought. “Oh hey right, I almost forgot.” She hopped off the counter and stood in front of Inky making her look her direction. “Hey Inky, me and some of the others were going to go catch a movie, and I was wondering,” Feather quickly became nervous.

Years of being a wallflower have given Inky the ability to perfectly read ponies body languages and she could tell that Feather was going to ask as serious question. “Yes Feather, what is it?” She asked having a feeling of what it was.

“I was wondering if you’ll come with me, as my date.” Feather shifted on her feet, slightly scared that Inky would say no.

But that was far from the truth, in fact Inky’s heart was sent flying when the mare she had eyes on for along while just asked her out for a date. Okay, keep calm Inky. Just play it cool. “Sure I would love to come,” Inky said with the happiest smile she could managed without seeming too excited.

“Really? Great, how’s about after work?” Feather asked her wings showing Inky just how excited she was.

“Sounds good to me.” Inky said, successfully hiding her excitement.

“Great, well I better get back to work before Madam finds me, see ya after work.” Feather said, spilling back into the back room, or the erotic section of the store where she was assigned for the day. Inky heard Feather cheering through the wall and started to giggle to herself at the way she handle the situation.

“Aww, look at you becoming quite popular.” Inky heard Madam’s voice calling out to her.

Inky turned around to find Madam walking out of her office. “Oh, hello Madam.”

“And hello to you too Inky dear. So how are you feeling today,” Madam asked with a sly smile, knowing full and well how Inky’s day was going.

“Actually, really great, and I think I’ve got an idea for something.” Inky said, the artistic gears turning inside her head. Feather asking her out really helped boost her self-esteem and the talk with the dog about anti-heroes and gods helped clear stuff up.

“Good, well I’ll leave you to it.” Madam said walking towards some other part of the store to help another customer. Inky didn’t waste anytime before hitting her pencil to the paper: writing down new ideas, refining old ones, and sketching out new character designs.

One sketch stuck out in particular, it was a character design. It was one of Feather wearing a cosplay outfit to another one of Inky’s erotic comics. Realizing that Feather could sneak up on her at any moment’s notice she quickly shifted her papers around so it was at the bottom of the stack. Let’s just save that for later,/i] Inky looked towards the clock and saw that it was quite some time before quitting time.

This allowed her the time to think about the mysterious dog’s words. The new concept of anti-heroes really did get her thinking. A being with powers like none other choosing to do what’s best for them or those that are close to them. Or simply choosing to do nothing about the actual threat until it involves them. Also the ones that are doing it for the plan fun of things, not caring about the casualties.

It was clear to her that she couldn’t just leave the book. After all, she is the creator, so what she says goes. Always having to deal with others and follow along with their way was not how Inky wanted to live any more. And she hadn’t since art school. The book was her’s, any choices that she made was her’s, and only she was to deal with it.

Just hope, I don’t make the wrong choice. Inky thought getting back to work on a rough plot line for the second chapter of the story. A couple of hours later, the rush of customers slowed down, and quitting time quickly approached. Inky and the rest of her co-workers were packing up and getting ready to leave for the night.

Feather soon came out of the back room to do her daily task of cleaning off the countertop. “So Feather which movie are we going to see,” Inky asked already finished packing her things.

“We were going to decide that at the theater, you got enough bits right,” Feather asked, almost done with the task.

“Yeah, I usually go out to the theater, or arcade on the weekends,” Inky said with a sheepish smile on her face. “Though I never really go with others.”

“Really? Here I thought you just sit at home all the time,” Feather said with a playful laugh. “Well, I’m done. You ready to go?”

“Yeah, I’m ready.” Inky said walking from behind the counter. The two mares walked out the door together and Feather told Inky that they were going to met the others at the theater. It was in the middle of the winter so, the temperature outside was on the low side, and Inky started to walk closer to Feather. She noticed that Inky was looking for a bit more warmth, so she wrapped a wing around Inky’s body.

“Thanks,” Inky said, blushing slightly. It wasn’t a mystery to Inky about the statement of a pegasus wrapping their wings around someone. Pegasi took their wings with the utmost respect and would usually try to keep them in tip top conditions, so whenever a pegasus had one of their wings over another it showed that they care for that pony more than they do their wings.

“Hey, what are friends, or should I say marefriend for,” Feather joked showing a small, but visible blush of her own. “So you’ve been to the Seaport movie theater?” Feather asked reliving the theater that they were going to.

“Seaport, huh? Yeah, I’ve been a couple of times before. I really like their movie projectors and they always seemed to have the newest movies before anyone else,” Inky said, remembering all the times she went to the theater.

“Yup, the word is that the owner has some big connection with some movie deal guy, or whatever,” Feather said, recalling the town gossip about the owner of the theater.

Inky rolled her eyes, having already heard the rumor more than once before. “Come on Feather, why would someone like that live all the way out here,” She asked, not believing the rumor.

“Hey, stranger stuff been known to happen. Oh hey look, there’s the others,” Feather said, directing Inky’s attention to the fairly small group of their co-workers and other ponies she would see around town.

“Hey guys!” Feather called out gaining the attention of the group, who started to wave back.

“Yo Feather, who’s the mare? She cute,” One pegasus stallion said, making Inky blush from the compliment.

Feather puffed out her chest, pulled Inky closer with her wing. “Back off Jet, this mare is not open for business,” She said in a protective manner that only made Inky blush even more.

“Whoa, cool your feathers down. Just giving your marefriend a compliment is all.” Jet said definitively. “So she got a name?”

“Oh hi, I’m Inky Brush,” Inky said introducing herself.

“Wait,” another mare said, this time a unicorn, gaining Inky’s attention. “Inky Brush? As in the Inky Brush, famous comic book artist,” She asked, her excitement seemed to grow by the second.

Inky wasn’t that sure what to make of the mare but it was painfully obvious that she was a fan of her work. “Umm...yes?”

“Oh man, this is great. I’m a huge fan of your work, Ms. Brush. “ The mare said shaking Inky’s hand, “Guh, where are my manners? My name is Moon Hooves, I work in the local bakery,” Moon said in a generous manner.

“Oh wow, thanks its always good to met a fan of my work. I'm glad you enjoy it, I try my best.” Inky said with a sheepish smile. If I had a bit.

“Yes, I really do, and so does my niece. She likes reading about the adventure stories you write.” Moon said, waving a hand towards a fairly tall and strong-looking earth-pony stallion. “And this is my husband, Sea Hooves.”

“Evening Ms. Brush, my wife always talks about your work, and the helpful… ‘guide’ that you wrote.” Sea said, talking about the sexual guide that Inky wrote at the request of some fans.

“Oh heh, I wasn’t sure that anyone have read it. They were really only used to help me get over some writer’s block I had,” Inky admitted, “Glad you liked them.”

“Hey where’s Wits and Gem, are they not coming,” Feather asked, noticing the two missing co-workers.

“I think Wits said something about visiting Gem’s family this weekend,” Jet said, think back to the message that he got this morning.

“Awww, oh well. We might as well enjoy ourselves,” Feather said leading Inky into the movie theater. “So what anypony have an idea on what to watch?”

“Yeah that horror movie, Filly, I heard that its the best one out there,” Jet said, leaning against the poster of the movie.

“Umm, I don’t really do well with horror,” Moon said with a sheepish smile. “How about Love in Manehatten,” She offered a romance-comedy that made both Sea and Jet shiver in disgust.

“Honey,” Sea started after the shiver ended. “now I love you, but I can not sit through another one of those movies with you,” He said, think back to all of the ‘mare-flicks’ that he was drag to. “How about 23rd Coltstreet?”

“Sorry big guy they don’t have it yet,” Feather said, not seeing any postings for the movie. “Hey Inky, what you want to see?”

“Umm,” Inky looked around the theater and all of the postings for different movies that they had playing. Jet want’s to see some action, Moon want’s romance, and Sea sounds like he want’s comedy. Inky listed off the types of movies the group showed interest into. One movie title came to mind as Inky did wanted to see it for quite sometime now. “How about Blot: A Shadow’s Beginning?”

“Oh, that’s out already,” Feather asked, having the same interest.

“Yeah, I think I can see the posting for it over there.” Inky pointed out a posting for the movie on the far side of the theater. “What you guys think?”

“Yeah I’m game,” Jet said with a satisfied smile. “Good eyes filly.”

“Good enough for me. What do you think honey,” Sea asked Moon with a warm smile. Moon was unmoving for awhile, but a little nudging from Sea got her to drop the act.

“Fine, could be fun.” With the last member of the group approval, they all started to make their way towards the pay booth to buy a ticket for the movie. Sea paid for both his and Moon’s way in, Jet eventually found enough bits in his pockets to get in, and Inky and Feather both paid their separate ways in.

“So filly,” Jet started while they all waited in line for snacks. “How did somepony like you met somepony like Feather?” From the way Jet asked the question and the way Feather reacted, Inky could tell that he was trying to joke about something.

“Jet I’m warning you,” Feather said as menacing as she could pull off, which wasn’t a lot seeing as she still had Inky under the same wing.

Jet put up his hands in a fake defensive manner. “Whoa, just want to know how my cousin scored a cute filly is all.”

Cousin? “Jet for the last time we’re only related by marriage, so stop calling me your cousin,” Feather said with a roll of her eyes.

“Aww, come on don’t be like that,” Jet said putting his hands over his heart acting as if he was hurt. Feather showed no change in attitude so Jet dropped the play-acting. “So how did you two lovely mares met?”

“We work in the same comic book store,” Inky answered for Feather seeing that she still was upset by Jet. “The both of us take turns working around the store, doing different things.”

Jet nodded his head, “Ah, I see.” He turn back around to move up the counter to pay for his snacks.

“So, Moon, Sea how have you two been married,” Inky asked, while Jet yet again struggled to find the necessary amount of bits.

“Next week will be our fifth year anniversary,” Moon said with a hint of excitement and anticipation.

“Oh? I hope you’re ready big guy,” Feather joked with Sea nudging his arm with an elbow.

“Oh don’t you worry, I’ve got everything planned out,” Sea said with sly grin.

“And he won’t tell me,” Moon said annoyed, she loved surprises just as much as any other pony, but the excitement was starting to become too much for her. Feather and Inky both shared a laugh at the mare’s pouting.

After they all brought their snacks, they quickly made their way towards the theater room where the movie was about to start. Jet spotted a group of mares sitting at the back of the room and took off to go see if he could sit with them. The others shook their heads at Jet’s typical behavior and took seats near each other. Just right before the movie started, Jet was spotted walking back down to rejoin the group.

“What happen Jet? Those mares too much for ya,” Sea asked, knowing that Jet said something stupid.

A dejected sigh was heard coming from Jet. “No, those mares already with someone.” He sounded really displeased to find that all of that group belonged to some other lucky stallion. “And that bat-pony was really cute too.”

“Bat-pony? Really Jet? You honestly think you can handle a bat-pony,” Feather deadpanned. Jet may have been a strong stallion by pegasus’s standers but a bat-pony was on a completely different level.

“Can you blame a stallion for trying,” Jet asked, shrugging his shoulders. The lights in the theater started to dim signifying that the movie was going to start. Everypony got comfortable in their seats: Moon resting her head on Sea’s shoulder, Jet using the empty seat in front of him as a foot-rest, and Feather pulled Inky closer to her with her wing.

Meanwhile on the south side of town; unmarked warehouse

“Look mate, this can be easy if you would just talk,” A deep diamond dog’s voice echoed through the empty warehouse. The dog was talking, or rather, interrogating a purple stallion. The stallion was hanging upside down by a black-steeled chain, the blood in his body pooling inside of his head.

“F-fuck you,” The stallion spat out, splitting some blood from his mouth doing so.

The dog threw up his hands in frustration, “Mate, I’m doing the best I can. Now tell us,” the dog motioned towards the other two hooded mares, “where we can find your boss and all of this will be over and done.”

“Go drown yourself,” The stallion said, coughing a bit more blood. The dog started to growl, he started to turn away to let one of the other mares give it a go, but the stallion’s ragged breath stopped him. “Fucking mutt.”

The dog turned around, placing his hand over the stallion’s face, and giving it a big push. The stallion was sent flying back and forward screaming like a little colt. The dog watch in half amusement as the stallion started to swing around the warehouse, screaming and crying for help.

“Stone,” The dog heard one of the mares- a unicorn, with black and blue mane, and dark-gray fur- call out his name. “you do know that we need him alive, right?” Her voice was in its usual flat tone that only spoke of respect and responsibility.

“Yeah man,” This time a bat-pony and dragon hybrid; a ignem noctu, the only thing visible to anyone on her was her dark-blue scale-like fur. “our orders were to take them all in, you know, alive?”

Stone waved a dismissive hand towards the two mares. “Bah, he isn’t dead yet is he?” He followed the path the stallion was on and reached out a hand to grab the chain tied to his feet. “Now where were we? Ah yes, you were going to tell me where we can find you boss. Sounds right don’t it?”

The swinging throw the stallion for a loop and it took him a moment before he could regain his ability to speak. “I’m n-not talking, I r-rather drown in the harbor.”

Stone let out a furious bark. “You know, that can be arranged,” Stone said in a low and deep growl.

“Stone, that’s enough.” He heard the unicorn mare command. Stone backed away from the stallion but not before giving one last shove for good measure. Stone started to laugh at the stallion as he started to shout every curse word in the book. Stone walked over to the mare, one was on the verge of laughing and the other one, well, she was pissed.

“You’re unbelievable.” The unicorn mare shook her head disapprovingly.

Stone hopped on top of an empty create, a irritated and annoyed look on his face. “Hey you can’t say I didn’t try and use reason,” he said shrugging his shoulders. “If you think you can do any better why don’t you give it a try it Captain Star Chain.”

“And I will,” Star, Captain of the elite Nightmare guard, said. She turned towards the stallion, who managed to stop swinging, and started to walk over to him. “Well, Mr. Quips, you sure are a stubborn one aren’t you?”

“W-what do you psychopaths want,” Quips asked, his will nearly drained from the stomach-turning swinging.

“You have been reported to be in possession of a very dangerous gemstone. And are wanted for a series of crimes in Equestria and the Lunar Republics,” Star said, staring the stallion down. “You know all you have to is tell us where you boss is, and all of this can be over.”

“Not until my last breath,” Quips said, staring back into Star's cold eyes.

Star removed her hood, started to circle around, and sparked her horn creating a silver dagger to appear in her hand. “You know something, I hate ponies like you.” She continued to circle around him, bring the dagger to the chains. “You go about this world affecting the lives of others like its your own damn business. Not caring what you do to others or how gets in your way, destroying the lives of the innocent, and thinking you can walk away like free men.” The more Star spoke the colder her voice got and Quips tried everything he could do to get away from the mare.

“F-fuck you, you crazy bitch! Let me go,” Quips demanded, struggling against the chain only making them dig further into his fur and skin.

“You all think that just because you can do something, or that you deserve something that you are permitted to do anything you like. That if you have strength in numbers, that you are fucking untouchable,” Star continued, dragging the dagger across Quips’s face, and drawing blood. “That if you show off how powerful you are, no one would dare mess with you.” Star licked the dagger clean of the blood.

“What do you fucking people want!” Quips shouted, his voice angry, tired, and scared.

Star looked at Quips in his fearful eyes, hers showing no emotion at all. She bent down so that the two of them were at eye-level. “I want you to sing like a bird.”

“Get this crazy mare away from me!” Quips redoubled his efforts into breaking free from the chains.

“That’s kind of hard to do, seeing as how she the captain,” Stone said, slightly enjoying the show in front of him. “What you think, Ignite?”

The hybrid shrugged her shoulders but still had a visible smile. “I dunno. I say we use him as bait for more of the Equine Kings,” Ignite joked.

“No,” Star said turning away from Quips. “that won’t be necessary. Ignite call for a prisoner transport, the Princess will know what to do with him.”

“No, no, please! Y-you can’t take me back to that forsaken place. I’ll talk, I’ll talk just let me down,” Quips finally snapped.

“Oh well its about time mate,” Stone said hopping off the create, walking over to the panicked stallion, and grabbing the chain tied to his feet. “What made you change your mind?”

“I-I used to be apart of the Nightmare guard like you three, I know what Nightmare does to AWOL’s, and I rather have the Equine Kings after me instead,” Quips said, fearing Nightmare Moon more than those that would do so much worse.

“I don’t think that’s it,” Star said, standing in front of Quips. “You think that you’ll be protected, don’t you?”

Quips started to weakly laugh, “Heh, yeah I do. Is that so bad,” Quips asked with a victorious smirk. “You get to know everything that you could want and I get free protection. That’s how it works right?”

“No,” Star said, displeased that the stallion still thought that he won anything. “You’ll tell us all you know, or we go with Ignite’s plan and use you as nothing more than bait.” Quips eyes widened at Star’s decision.

“So what’s it going to be mate,” Stone asked, starting to swinging Quips around. “Talk now or we can do this the hard way.”

“Fine, you win,” Quips sighed giving into his defeat. “First off, I don’t know where the Don is alright? All I know is: they come find me, tell me what I’m supposed to do, give me a package, and I go make the drop. That’s it, alright?”

“Where are you to pick up the package,” Star questioned, wanting more information.

“I don’t know. A letter shows up at my doorstep, it tells me where the package is, and who I’m to deliver it to,” Quips answered.

“So you’re a delivery-pony,” Ignite mocked. “That’s pretty lame.”

“Hey, it pays the bills,” Quips joked, his smug attitude was starting to get under everyone’s skin, and he could see it in their eyes. “Okay, okay if it helps I was to deliver a some military combat magic to a group in a theater.”

Stone’s immediately flushed with rage, he yanked Quips up to his eye-level, and let the stallion know of his anger. “Which one,” he asked in a low and furious growl.

“T-the Seaport theater across town,” Quips answered, wasting no time to comply to Stone’s demand.

Stone pushed Quips, sending him flying around the warehouse. “Shit, Captain!”

“I know Stone, and I’m already on it.” Star whipped out a small communicator and started to try and contact the other members of their unit.

Ignite grabbed hold of the chain connecting to Quips feet. “This package, where is it,” Ignite questioned.

“Over in Warehouse Three, it should be a small brown create,” Quips answered, fearing what the cross-breed could do.

Ignite nodded, taking in the new information. “Stone, tell Star that I’m checking out this package,” She said, spreading her dragon-like bat wings, and flying out an opened skylight.

Man, I hope that those three are alright. Stone thought, knowing that if Quips was to deliver military grade combat spells who ever was picking them up were someponies not to mess with. He directed his attention to Quips, “Listen here, if I hear anything about somepony getting hurt, I’ll feed you to the sharks myself,” he said, pushing Quips again.

“P-please, let me down. I-I can’t...please,” Quips begged, the blood causing too much pressure on his head. As much as he didn’t want to, Stone unsheathe his claws and cut straight through the metal chain. Quips fell hard to the concrete ground below, rolling onto his back to find some way to sit up.

Stone saw Quips trying to sit. “I wouldn’t if I were you, all that blood will rush out of you head, and then you’ll really blackout,” He said but not really caring what the stallion does.

Star walked back over to Stone with a very displeased look. “I couldn’t reach them, their undoubtedly already watching a movie.” She said with a worried tone, Star took her job as captain of the unit seriously and not being able to reach any of her members put her on edge.

“Perfect,” Stone said, displeased with the turn of events. “By the way, Ignite went ahead to check out that package that Mr. Big-shot over here was to deliver.”

Star’s mood slightly changed, knowing whatever trouble is at the theater the other three will be able to handle the situation. “Excellent, I say we should join her. What do you think, Mr. Quips,” She rhetorically asked the stallion.

“Sounds like fun,” Quips said, being forced to stand by Stone. They made their way towards the warehouse that had the package, both Stone and Star were hoping that the other three would be able to handle whatever could happen.

Meanwhile back at the Seaport movie theater

“Man, that was an awesome movie,” Jet said, stretching his body, and wings to fight off the stiffness.

“Yeah it was,” Feather agreed doing the same monition as Jet, wrapping a wing back around Inky, and pulling her close. “What you think Inky?”

Inky paused for a moment, “Well, aside from going against the official comic books, the lackluster special effects, unnecessary use of action scenes, cheap and simplistic comedy, and the obvious forced romance it was alright,” Inky gave her ‘expert’ review of the movie, shocking and surprising the ponies around her. “What?”

“Gezz filly, if we wanted a review we would have asked,” Jet said, a little off-put from Inky’s overlook of the movie. Inky blushed brightly upon realizing what Jet meant and hid behind the glare of her glasses.

“Oh leave her alone Jet,” Moon said, waving a dismissive hand at the pegasus. “That was a perfect summary Inky, and I’m sure any movie critic would agree with you.”

“Heh, thanks,” Inky said, scratching the back of her head. “I guess making comics have given me a different way to look at things.” Inky always did have an analytical way of looking at things in her daily life. Whether it was: comics, movies, tv shows, or even conversations she would have with somepony, she always would examine everything she could.

“Well I don’t know about you guys, but I could use some shut eye,” Moon said with a yawn.

“Come on, I’ll take you home then,” Sea said, wrapping an arm around his wife’s shoulder. “We’ll be seeing ya’ll around.” The two turned and made their way out of the theater.

“Well I’ll be seeing around cousin, filly take good care of her. She may act tough but really she just a big ol’ softy,” Jet said, quickly making himself scarce.

“Why that little. Come on Inky, I’ll take you home,” Feather said, leading a giggling Inky out of the movie theater. Just as the left, the sounds of somepony yelling caught their attentions. “Come on let’s check it out.” Feather and Inky ran over to the spot where they heard the yelling coming from.

They ran to a back alley leading to the side of the theater, where two large earth-pony stallions, and a smaller- yet buff-looking -unicorn stallion standing over a single hooded mare. Inky instantly recognized the hood as the same one on the dog from earlier that day. Also from what she could see, the mare turned out to be a female fox. “What you say to me, mare?” The unicorn barked, obviously angry with the mares.

“You heard me. You three are under arrest for connections with the Equine Kings,” The fox-hound said, it was hard for Inky to tell if the mare was serious, or not from the way her voice sounded. “Come in quietly and maybe you won’t get hurt. No promises though.”

“Does that hound have a death-wish? If those guys really are Equine Kings, then she in a lot of trouble,” Feather said, having heard what the mafia gang do to anyone that cross their path. “Come on we got to get help.” Feather tried to move but Inky remained rooted to the spot behind the corner. “Inky come on.”

“Wait, there’s something about this hound.” Inky tried her best to get a feel for the fox and her body language, the hood made it harder, but she definitely could tell one thing. “She isn’t scared.” The fox stood tall against the stallions never backing down for a second. Inky was amazed, only seeing things like this in tv shows or movies. Who ever the mare is, Inky knew one thing: She’s not one to cross

“I’ll tell ya again, mare.” One of the earth stallions broke Inky out of her thoughts. “We’re not going anywhere,” He said, pulling a knife from his pocket.

“A knife? You’re joking right,” The hound asked, still not showing any signs of being intimidated. “I’ve met foals that were more dangerous than you pathetic losers.”

“Why you little bitch! I’m going to make you choke those words!” The stallion rushed the hound, full intent of running the knife through her, but the hound remained unmoved. While Feather closed her eyes, Inky kept her’s opened wanting to see what the fox was planning.

Just as the stallion was at arm’s length, the hound ducked under the blade, and swept her leg causing the stallion to trip face-first into the a back wall. The stallion fell to the ground in a painful grant. The fox cracked a smile, mocking the other two stallions, and started to sway from side to side on her heels.

“Well that was fun. So who’s next?” To Inky the fox sounded happy- no -excited to fight the other two by herself.

“Why you cocky fox, don’t think that just ‘cause you got lucky,” The unicorn stared, igniting his horn and summoning a spell-handgun. “That you think you can take us on all by yourself!”

“Oh, is that a spell-gun? It most likely illegal too, just another thing to put in to the report,” The hound said in a giggle. Man, if those civilians weren’t there, I would have already be done here. Sigh. The mare thought to herself, keeping her true colors hidden.

“Just shut the fuck up and die!” The stallion shouted, getting ready to pull the trigger, when a small red ball came flying at the unicorn’s hand forcing him to drop the gun in pain. The mare didn’t waste anytime in taking the unicorn down with a shift kick to the head.

Having seen enough, the last stallion tried to make a bolt for it. He spotted Feather and Inky and pulled out a knife to use the mares as hostages. However, he didn’t get that far as a figure from the shadows pounced on top of him, pinning him to the ground.

“Nyx, Sparks what took you guys so long,” The fox asked, taking her time walking over to the other mare.

“Don’t start with me Vixen, I’m already tried enough as is, and I don’t need your crap,” Sparks said, irritation, exhaustion, and annoyance filled her voice.

“Oh don’t be like that. We caught three bad-guys today,” Vixen exclaimed, jumping around Sparks and the fallen stallion. “Captain is going to be so impressed with us. Hey maybe we should throw a party? We already have guests,” Vixen said, locking eyes with both Feather and Inky. Sparks caught onto what she was saying and cut a glance to the two mares.

“Shit, come on Inky we got to go!” Feather pulled Inky away from the spot, not wanting to think what the mysterious mares could do to them. Not even before they could fully turn around, there was another mare- this time a bat-pony -stood in front of them. Inky wasn’t able to read the pony’s body language as she had none.

No emotion she could think of could describe what she felt from the bat-pony. What made it worse is that the pony’s eyes were obscured by long spikey blood-red mane, so to tell her intention that way was also ineffective.

Inky and Feather tried to turn to run, but their path was cut off by Sparks and Vixen. “Well, well, well you mares enjoyed the show after your movie,” Vixen fakely asked with her false happy expression. “Captain would sure like to met you two.”

“Look we didn’t do anything,” Feather said, getting ready to fly off with Inky.

“She’s right. We heard yelling and we came to check it out,” Inky added on, holding Feather close. I wish that I wasn’t so weak. Inky cursed her own faults and weakness.

“And I’m sure the captain would love to hear this,” Sparks said, walking closer to the two mares. “Now why don’t you come with us?”

Catch us first. Feather thought, preparing to take off, but was knocked out by Nyx. “Feather!” Inky tried to hold the downed mare but she too was knocked out by the bat-pony. Both mares fell to the ground, their breathing slightly slower than it should be, but just unconscious.

“Nyx,” Vixen stated, not believing what the mare just did. “Was that really necessary?”

“They were going to escape,” Nyx said with no emotion.

Sparks shook head at her teammate’s empathic outlook on things. “When the captain hears about this-” Sparks was cut off by electronic ringtone. “Yes?” She answered the communicator, knowing only her team mates had the communicator’s frequency. “Yes ma’am we’re on our way with the suspects and the ‘mare’,” Sparks answered Star’s commands, she closed the device, and stared down to the two mares. “Looks like we’ll be seeing more of her. Come on you two, let’s get them back home, and get those three tied up for prisoner transport.”

“Yes ma’am!” Unbeknown to Inky her simple life was about to become much more than she could ever ask for.

Author's Note

Well, Inky is in for it now. Who are these six individuals? How is the comic book connected? What will become of Baltimare and the Equine Kings?

Stay tune to find out.