I awoke with a slight start forgetting where I was for a moment I drew my blade and I nearly burst out the door then I calmed myself as I remembered what happened before I slept. Deep slow and steady breathes helped calm my heart that was thumping in my chest hard enough to be felt in my ears and down to my toes. Once I calmed down and put the blade away I noticed I was drenched in a cold sweat. With a sigh I returned to the closet and put away what I didn’t need and grabbed fresh clothes from my bag. A very simple pair of dark grey trousers and a tunic both had a few extra pockets. I also got a bar of soap and made my way to the bathroom and took both my fresh and dirty clothes with me. I removed all the small items from the jacket and trousers mostly spare and backup lock picks, distraction items (thunder stones, flash pellets, marbles, and a bird call whistle) small hand tools, spare twine, a small sewing kit, and pebbles. Yes plain old ordinary pebbles because there is never one around when you really need it. I then washed my clothes in the sink hanging them on bar next to it for them to dry.

Showering was….a new experience to say the least. In my life time I’ve bathed in hot springs, (a personal favorite) rivers, streams, under water falls big and small, and even in the rain. I thoroughly enjoyed it the pleasant heat of a hot spring with the claiming and cleansing feeling of a gentle rain. The aches in my muscles and joints were nearly forgotten about as the hot water flowed over my fur and skin. The only down side was that I had to slightly hunch over to get my head under the steady stream liquid heaven. I didn’t really mind, that very slight discomfort was far out weighted by how good it felt. Like all good things though it had to come to an end however. I stood in the shower dripping dry for a few moments before shaking myself like canine my fur puffing out a little. Mostly dry I stepped out the cold hard floor a rather sharp contrast to the warmth I had been feeling on my feet. I stood in front of the mirror looking at the skin on my pectoral and abdominal muscles. Then I looked to my furless face rubbing my right cheek near my eye slowly. With a sigh I got dressed in my clean clothes and slipped my boots and belt on. A quick glance out the balcony window told me it was mid afternoon giving me plenty of time to buy a few things for the apartment.

Deciding to be careful but non-threatening I tucked a dagger in on the inside of my boot and use my pant leg to hide it. Then hid a hand crossbow and a dozen or so bolts in the small of my back under my tunic. Unless someone went to the trouble of giving me a pat down no one would know what I had on me. I set some….security measures before heading out the door and locking it behind me. I didn’t seeing anyone as I left other than Page slumped over the front desk drooling slightly. I chuckled lightly at the sight as I walked out the front door.

The streets were pleasantly warm with a breeze just strong enough to cool me slightly. I was still getting a few stares but I noticed more than anything I was getting plenty of friendly waves and hellos. The sudden change of heart was concerning even more so that most of them were genuine even form what I could assume were nobles. As I made my way to one of the less expensive look furniture stores I was approached by a pair of guards, one mare and one stallion.

“Oh come on!…. Really? I just woke up for crying out loud and already starting in on me!?!” I said a tad louder than I probably should have but I couldn’t hide my aggravation.

The both of them stopped with wide eyes and looked at each other then back to me the mare speaking up. “Apologies ambassador Ro but your presence has been requested by Princess Celestia.”

“Is this in regard to the incident between me a douche… sorry duchess Platinum?” I snarked earning a pair pursed lips and the mare covering her muzzle to keep from laughing.

“Y-yes it d-does sir.” The stallion answered trying hard not to laugh.

“Okay what about it?” I let out a sigh I really didn’t want to deal with this right now I’d sooner poison her while she slept.

“The duchess will be giving you a public apology in front of her majesty and the ranking members of the nobles’ council.”

I rubbed my temple slowly as I thought about my options. I had to play nice to stay in Equestria but I wasn’t about to forgive attempted murder with pretty lies of remorse.

“This better not take long.”

The stallion gave me a quick salute before spreading his wings taking off and making a beeline for the castle the mare was my escort. I was lead to the throne room many guards lined the red carpet that went right up the steps to Celestia’s throne that she was setting on. Platinum and her guard were standing at the base of the stairs wearing an all too forced smiles. Behind the royal guards stood the nobles’ council most of which were crowded around the throne steps but still far enough away to give the duchess room to breathe.

“Ambassador Ro it’s good that you could join us.” Celestia said pleasantly enough but it was apparent she was a little upset.

“Apologies for not waking sooner your majesty, but when you sleep in a proper building for the first time in months you try to enjoy it.” I nodded politely as I approached the steps many whispers flew between the nobles most proclaiming they couldn’t imagine having to sleep outside at all.

“I meant no offense ambassador, merely stating it is good to see you again so soon. Though I wish it was under more pleasant circumstances.” She shot an icy glare at the back of Platinum’s head and I swore I saw her flinch slightly.

I reached the steps to the throne and stopped and faced the mares. The body guard had her helmet off and was holding it against her side and of the two of them did indeed look genuinely sorry for attacking me. Platinum however couldn’t have been hiding the contempt she had for me any more poorly if she tried. The fact that I was staring back at her blankly and uncaring seemed to ruffle her even more. I waited for a brief moment then the guard move to bow and I raised my hand quickly to stop her.

“Please don’t bow to me soldier. I have no quarrel with someone that is just obeying orders.” The whispers grew into a noticeable rumble and after Celestia cleared her throat loudly the room went quiet.

“Ro Miss Gleaming Shield was offering her sincerest apologies.”

“She has nothing to apologize for.” The murmurs started back up again half of which were addressing my apparently insolent behavior while the other half praising my kindness to Gleaming.

“You truly harbor no ill will to Miss Shield?” Celestia asked sounding and looking rather confused.

“None at all.” I smiled at the mare in question and nodded my head slowly. For some reason this made her blush and nod back.

“Thank you Sir.” Shield said softly as she backed away.

“Your welcome.” I returned my indifferent gaze back to Platinum who seemed to be seething with rage and embarrassment. “You on the other hand don’t bother even trying you’re not forgiven.” The silence that followed was deafening I could almost swear the fountains near the throne stopped flowing.

“Ro you’re not even going to give her a chance?” Celestia asked clearly as stunned as every other pony in the room.

“No I’ll give one chance…” I kneeled down and drew the dagger from my boot the entire room seem to hold their breath as I stood back up. Celestia’s wings were opened slightly and her horn was glowing ready to act. I flipped the dagger around holding the blade in my hand and the hilt pointed to Platinum.

“The only acceptable apology is ritual suicide.” A number a nobles fainted hitting the floor with loud thuds as everyone gasped in horror then promptly and loudly protested against such a thing. The duchess’ eyes couldn’t have been any wider as she stared at me all of her anger gone and was replaced with abject fear as I offered her the handle.

“Silence!” Celestia bellowed out and came rushing down the steps and stood between me her. “That is completely out of the question!”

“Your right it is.” I smirked at the now confused princess as I put my blade away. “Honestly Princess you couldn’t tell I was only joking?” I said cheerfully and started laughing loudly a few nobles joined in nervously and soon the whole room was laughing even Celestia though hers was just a mask. Platinum was still wide eyed and, now shaking looking barely able to stand. The weight of her actions and my “joke” seemed to be hitting her with full force. Celestia had slowly stopped her fake laughter and was eyeing me knowing to which I shot back a look of my own. Celestia had given me a warning earlier and now I was giving her one and it was a simple one “next time they die”. We stared into each others’ eyes for several long moments daring each other to call the other out while the laughter died down. Out of the corner of my eye I could tell Platinum was shaking even more and needed Shield just to keep her on her hooves. I refused to break eye contact my brow narrowing as I glared more intensely I didn’t care what the alicorn ruler was thinking I wasn’t backing down from this. I was almost certain we were going to end up staring each other down all day then she slowly nodded closing her eyes.

“What would you consider to be a fair punishment Ambassador Ro?” Celestia asked her mood calm and polite but obviously unhappy.

“One quarter of either yearly earnings or total wealth whichever you think is appropriate, to be divided among the orphanages and the military with priorities to the former. I think she should travel to each one and personally make the donations. After all as fortunate as the duchess is surely she can brighten the days of under privileged children right?” I said as my eyes drifted back to the duchess in question and approached her, she visibly tensed as I did. Reaching down I tenderly took hold of her hand and raised it giving it a light kiss.

“Don’t you think so too duchess?” I asked my eyes meeting hers to which she nodded trembling again. “Then I forgive you.” The room broke out into light applause after the scene unfolded.

“Alright thank you eveypony for attending but please go about your day we all still have a lot to do.” Celestia said to the room at large and Platinum was hastily escorted out the door and quickly ducked into a nearby room. Whipping my ears in that direction I heard the sound of retching briefly before silence took over. The rest of nobles filed out of the room quickly and Celestia walked up the steps and past her throne nodding for me to follow. She led me to an office of some sort with stacks of papers labeled “In” and “out”. Guessing this was where she conducted most of her business that was either too important or mundane to be done in public. When I entered I closed the door and flicked my earring expecting her to start shouting much to my surprise she didn’t.

“Ro Equestria is not like your world, executions public or otherwise have been illegal for over 700 years.”

“And how well is that working out for you hmm? A noble attempted murder because she didn’t fear the repercussions of her actions. Should I also point out that the only and I really do mean only reason Equestria hasn’t fallen to invaders is because you control the sun and moon. As to why you haven’t taken over the entire world already is either a testament to your tolerance, patience, and seemingly gentle nature. Or a lack adequate soldiers or sheer stupidity. But I’m willing to bet it’s the most former reasons.”

“Ro…what kind of world did you come from to make you think like this? You act like all of creation is out to try and make you suffer.” Celestia was looking far more sad than upset at this point even though we had both killed before it was now clear that she had buried those times and become a softer person. With a heavy sigh I decided to give her a small piece of what home was like.

“On one of the continents, there is a …region roughly twice the size of Equestria and the entire thing is dead, nothing living walks there. I don’t mean that nothing is there, I mean that everything absolutely everything has been tainted with necromancy. From the rotting corpses that walk the land, to the spirits of the dead bond to the land. The very soil and the worms that reside in it have been tainted; yes the soil and even plants are undead. What’s even worse the area would be expanding were it not for the effort of friend of mine and the country he has led for nearly 450 years.” Celestia was speechless and tears were in her eyes.

“W-who w-would use necromancy on such a scale?”

“I couldn’t tell you, the process started over 15,000 years ago.”

“WHAT!” Celestia shouted her eyes wide in shock.

“I don’t know exactly how it happened but the magical ley lines of the region were poisoned with dark magic, the land of the undead was the result.”

“This is common knowledge? Your world keeps its history well, most would have forgotten about such things.”

“They did the only reason I know about it, is cause I’m part of a secret order that monitors and if necessary assassinates those practicing magics far too dangerous to even be spoken of let alone used. You controlling the sun technically applies, but this isn’t my world so I’m letting that one go.”

“Wait you are saying this order is responsible for hiding the truth about what happened? Though this does explain how you’re so well versed in magic when you said you had none of your own.”

“Yeah I can’t cast a spell to save my life even if I wanted too, but I can tell who, how, and what kind of spell it is if I see it in time. I admit pony magic is a very different kind of monster, that’s why I went easy on the duchess. I was not entirely sure if it was a death spell she had Shield use.”

“Ah yes the duchess…was it truly necessary to frighten her like that?”

“Yes, are we done now?” I stated very bluntly Celestia nearly recoiling as if I had slapped her as I turned to leave.

“Ro…please try to relax while you are here no pony is out to get you.”

I glance over my shoulder as I walked out the door shutting it behind me.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The rest of the week was busy but thankfully nothing like that first day happened again. I popped in and visited Luna and eluded the guards’ patrols again much to my amusement. We talked a little about politics and the differences between how we dealt with things. I had learned that Duchess Platinum was going on a very long holiday to tour Equestria, which brought a pleased smile to my face. I went ahead and shared a little more in the way of shifter culture and holidays, most which were feasts and hunts based around the phases of the moons. I also got a couch, two recliners, coffee table, a sofa, a dinning set, a dresser and draws, a desk, two chairs and small table for the balcony, pots and pans, food stuffs, spices, and seasonings. I did get a small chuckle when I told the store clerk how much salt I wanted. Apparently ponies got drunk off salt faster than hooch thus their shock when I bought five pounds of the stuff, and that salt didn’t affect me like that. I also purchased some more clothes, mostly what the ponies called cargo pants and since I was getting those I went and got shirts too. When it came to new leggings they looked at me like I was crazy then blushed and this led into a strange conversion. Leggings as I called them, they called socks and it turns out mares, and stallions of a particular sexual orientation wore them as a way to “entice” their lovers. I got them however after explaining in was more of a hygiene and comfort thing than anything else. Under garments or “boxers” were much less trouble to get a hold of and much more comfortable than my old ones so I burned them. The one thing I spent perhaps a little too much on was the pocket watches. Sure we had clocks in my world but they were big, bulky, and expensive. This was so much better that having to use pricey one time use candles or pay an ungodly amount to have something enchanted. I ended up having to go back to the treasury and exchange more gold for bits to buy everything but the watches is what really did it. I got one for Equus’ passage of time and one for my home world’s, which was a 32 hour day as opposed to the 24 here. When the watch maker started to ask why, I threw down extra bits and he shut up. Ended up with two dozen pocket watches set to my world’s time with the Vigilant code of arms on the face covers. Which was a rapier and a battle axe crossed under a shield with a bow over that and a stylized dragon eye in the middle. Dropped even more bits to get enchants to make them all tougher to break along with being water and sand proof. All of It was worth every little bit I paid.

Every night I was in the apartment I was treated to the soothing tones of that musician I discovered that first night in the city. I would sit on the balcony railing sipping some Dragons’ Breath over ice from 8pm to just past midnight. The musician in questing lived in 3G if my ears weren’t playing tricks on me. Only being one floor down and one over meant I was hearing much more clearly than before. Tonight wasn’t any different other than it being a Tuesday in Equus’ weekly day cycle. A small part of me was surprised it wasn’t named after some stupid horse pun. My watch said that it was just past eleven when the music stopped. I was slightly disappointed, but knocked back the rest of my drink and moved to go back inside. I was stopped however when I heard the sound of hooves clop against the tilted floor of a balcony. Looking down at the balcony of 3G I saw a gray mare wearing what looked to be nothing more that a large white button up shirt. She had a black mane and tail that even form this distance looked well maintained. She folded her arms on the railing and laid her head down on them. From the way her ears and tail were drooping it wasn’t hard to tell she had a lot on her mind. Normally I would mind my own business and call it a night, but alcohol combined with her downhearted body language over road that idea.

“Nice night isn’t it?” I asked her pleasantly while leaning on the railing nearest hers. She jolted up right her ears swiveled as she looked around. “Please don’t scream.” She looked up at me and lovely purple eyes widened in surprise.

“Ambassador Ro?” She spoke in same accent as Page in a very confused tone.

“I guess news gets around fast.”

“It is kind of hard for it not too after what happened between you and the Duchess Sir.” She bowed her head slightly.

“Please don’t do that.” I face palmed lightly

“Don’t do what Sir?”

“Please don’t call me sir and for the love of all that holy please don’t bow to me Miss.”

“But sir you’re an Ambass-” She cut herself off gasping as I jumped over landing on her balcony railing.

“Can you keep a secret?” I asked and I crouched down holding onto the rail with my hands. She blinked slowly a few times in utter shock then nodded slowly. “Thank you for the respect but its not needed I’m not actually an Ambassador.”

“Your not?”Her head jerked back in surprise.

“Yeah I’m on a vacation of sorts; the whole ambassador thing was just a convenient excuse to get the more….intolerant citizens off my back. But please keep that to yourself Miss.”

“Oh I see I suppose that would make sense…” She rubbed her chin thoughtfully then pointed to my balcony. “Do you live in that apartment?”

“Indeed I do, but let’s talk about you for a moment, what’s troubling you?”

“W-what makes you think I’m troubled?” She took a step back her ears dropping.

“That reaction right there.” I kicked my feet out from under me and sat on the railing. “So what’s your name miss?”

“Octavia Melody.” She said looking away.

“Lovely name, so Melody feel like talking about it? If not just tell me to get lost and I will.” She looked at the ground then me and took a seat at the lone chair next to a small table much like my own. When she did I caught a glimpse of a purple terrible clef on her flank and frilly white underwear but I ignored them.

“Why do you care so much?” She asked me with a raised brow.

I shrugged slightly. “Unless you have a roommate you’ve been playing wonderful music that’s been helping me relax a little, trust me not an easy feat.” I was surprised when she blushed slightly.

“You…you like my music?”

I nodded slowly. “Of course I imagine everyone that hears it does otherwise you probably would’ve been evicted by now from noise complaints.”

“You are not just saying that are you?” I shook my head and gave her a weak grin. “Thank you I…I haven’t been complimented on my music in a long while now, it is nice to hear it again.” Her eyes were watering and she turned away, I pretended not to see her tears.

“Is that what has you so down? No one praising your music.”

“Well not the only thing but hearing it does help.” She turned to me again.

“So then what’s the issue?”

“I guess I’m just….lonely I had to move out of my marefriend’s place for…reasons I would rather not go into.” She looked down at her legs rubbing her arm slowly before a massive blush broke out onto her features and looked back up at me. When she did I already had my eyes closed.

“It’s your place Melody dress how you like but if it’s making you uncomfortable I can leave.”

“W-wait me uncomfortable? B-but you’re a stallion and me dressed like this, I-I-”

“Am over reacting.” I finished for her a slight smile on my face. “I grew up in a society that barely knows the meaning of modesty besides no reason to be ashamed. What little I have seen you’re a fine looking mare.”

“Pardon?” I opened my eyes and looked right into hers her blush had faded slightly and muzzle was twisted in confusion.

“Melody, relax what you ponies call lingerie including socks is covered up by the standards I’m use to.” Her face let up again and looked back down at herself.

“So…I’m not bothering you with how I’m dressed?”

“Not in the slightest, but if you want to preserve your modesty it’s on you.” Right when I thought she would go back inside and put something on, she undid the top two buttons on her shirt and started fanning herself with the loosened fabric. I hadn’t really noticed that it was hot out but then again I’ve lived in more extreme temperatures on both sides, but do so very much prefer heat over the cold.

“Thank you Ro, I am not use to this heat yet.”

“Lived someplace much cooler during the summer I take it?”

“Up until last year I lived in Manehattan.”

“That would explain it then.” I knew just how much further north that city was compared to Canterlot so I could understand. It was hard for me to not roll my eyes at the all puns. I swear this place was insane sometimes. “You have my condolences about your break up.”

“We didn’t break up; I simply had to move out for other reasons.”

“Oh sorry shouldn’t have assumed like that.”

“It’s alright I did somewhat paint it that way didn’t I?”

I gave her a slight grin. “Just a little, she back in Manehattan or…?”

“Oh she lives in Ponyvile so it’s not too much trouble for us to visit each other. If you don’t mind my asking where you from and please do not take offense this but what are you?”

I had learned a lot more about this world over the week I had been in the city and even looked into the Diamond Dogs Page had brought up that fist day. They indeed looked the closest things to me and after a brief discussion with the royal “sisters” we decided to say that I was a very distant cousin of the dogs from across the sea. A complete lie naturally but it had been over 500 years since the last time a pony had made such a voyage so there wasn’t any to call the bluff.

“From across the sea and a very distant cousin of the Diamond Dogs we call ourselves Shifters in your language.”

“Shifters such an odd name I was expecting wolf or something like that, but why are you called shifters?”

“You really want to know?” She nodded slowly a smile on her face. “Alright but I need your word that won’t scream.”

“Why would I scream?”

“Just give me your word and I’ll show you.”

“Alright you have my word I won’t scream.”

“Okay then.” I sighed as I slid off the railing and stood to my full height her eyes widened slightly at how tall I was. I pulled my shirt off and set it aside rolling my shoulders a little and cracking my neck. Melody’s blush had returned as she looked over my bare skinned pectorals and “six pack abs” as the tailor had called them. I closed my eyes briefly and pulled my rage out to the surface of my mind as I opened my eyes again. The change was instantaneous my muscles tensed as they bulged and I grew an inch taller my finger nails became sharp and intimidating claws. My mouth opened against my will as I let out a low predatory growl my upper and lower canines grew to almost double their natural length. While I couldn’t see it I knew my eyes changed from brown to an eerie deep blue and my vision blurred slightly tinged with red.

“This…change..is…why.” My own voice rang in my ears as I held in my anger, gone was my calm tone and in its place was the beastly and near feral gutturally rumble. I was only somewhat aware of the fact that Melody was shaking; controlling my killer instincts in this state was taking priority. I started taking deep breathes through my clenched teeth which sounded like the angry snarls and hisses of a savage animal. I slowly calmed myself back down and returned to normal. My vision cleared the earth mare was shaking but to my surprise she was blushing more deeply than she had been before and her legs were trembling. Had she been standing when I shifted she would likely have collapsed.

“Mel-” I coughed slightly my voice always feeling strange during and after a shift. “Melody are you alright?” I asked concerned.

“Y-yes..I-I-I’m alright.” She stuttered as she shook and I quickly gave an unconvinced look. “I just need to use the bathroom please excuse me.” She said as she stood up and made her way inside.

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to frighten you.” I scowled at myself and leaped back to my balcony heading back inside my apartment.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Octavia^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I tried to reach out to the downcast shifter but he jumped back up to his place but he quickly went inside before I could. I would have to clear the air with him in the morning, provided he would speak to me.I had much more pressing matters to attend to at the moment. On wobbling legs I rush to the bathroom nearly tripping over my furniture and made it to the bathroom not even bothering to close door.

Clop warning scroll down to clop end to skip.

I lifted the toilet lid while pulling my panties down nearly ripping them off and I sat down. The instant I did shoved my hand down between my legs and began rubbing my aching slit. The sound of my lewd lips making a wet squishing sound and my soft moan filled the small room. Pulling my shirt open completely I grabbed my bare breast with my free hand kneading it firmly and tweaking my nipple making me yelp in slight pain but more in pleasure. My leg kicked slightly as I push my finger inside my hot wet folds moaning louder now. I gasped and writhed as a moved my finger in and out of my lips and squeezed my breast to a point of making me close my eyes. The image of Ro and his bulged muscles, claws, and his fangs, oh sweet Celestia his fangs were already burned into my mind. As I slipped another finger inside my wanting pussy my imagination started to run wild with thoughts of him.

His clawed fingers scraping against my shoulders as he had me pinned down on my stomach my flank high in the air. His thick pulsing member being forced inside my small cunt as he bit on the back on my neck as he held me in place having his way with me. I would howl in pleasure as I felt him hit my deepest parts over and over again as he growled in my ear. Pounding inside me as I helplessly moaned louder and louder my walls clinging to him tightly. He would reach under me grabbing my breast and squeeze his claws poking against my soft flesh. I would cum hard my juices spraying onto him as he filled my hungry womb. He didn’t stop and kept thrusting into me over and over. I would moan and writhe under him drooling as my eyes rolled into the back of my head. He pulled out and rolled me onto my back his seed leaking out of my abused marehood. I would yelp as he pinned me down by my shoulders again looking into my eyes.

“Your mine.” He growls at me and shoves his stallion hood back inside my quivering folds. I arch my back moaning louder than ever as I felt his hips collide with mine making my breasts sway from the sheer force. Fondling my breasts roughly I cry out as I wrap my legs around his waist.

“Yes! I am yours! Take me!” I cry out and reach my second orgasm as he grabs hold of my cutie mark shuddering as he fills me a second time while looming over me.

When I open my eyes again I was trembling in a puddle of mare juices on floor of my bathroom lying on my side two fingers deep inside my quivering sex. My dark grey nipples are tinged pink from the abuse I’ve given them. I panted as if I took part in the running of the leaves my legs feeling just as sore. I pull my fingers out of me and suck the juices from them. My neither lips trying to milk the cock I only imagined was there. I had been so engrossed in that fantasy I didn’t even realize when I fell off the toilet. I shuddered having a mini organism as I licked my fingers clean and rubbed my breasts much more gently than before.

“Predators…” I whispered as rode out the rest of my climax a contented smile on my face as I lay against the cool floor.

Clop End

After cleaning up my mess and a very cold shower I paced around my living room a blue towel around my barrel my mane and tail still dripping a little. I felt the blush in my cheeks as I paced back and forth very nearly chewing on my nails as I tried to think.

“Why!?! Why Octavia!?! Why couldn’t you control yourself!?! Now he probably thinks you’re terrified of him. He was being…well…blunt but nice enough it was almost like talking to a mare for Celestia’s sake. You know how hard it is to find stallion that not only likes your music but is also fine when you’re barely wearing anything! He wasn’t nervous around you in fact it looked like he was checking you out! Come on Octaivia you have to fix this somehow! He was so much nicer and relaxed than most stallions you’ve met. He was concerned for you! He wanted to improve your mood and there you went looking at him like a piece of meat! Even if it doesn’t get to that point it would still be nice to have a friend in the city. Thank Celestia it looked like he mistook your lust crazed state for fear. Yes predators turn you more than anything but pony feathers you was doing well until he took his shirt off…”

I slowly stopped mentally berating myself and came to a halt. He was in such a hurry he didn’t grab his shirt before he left. I walked back out to the balcony and draped over the railing was his shirt. I remembered how tightly it hugged his torso and another blush made its way onto my face. I had wondered why he took it off then the memory of how much his muscles bulge when he…changed. The shirt would likely have ripped to shreds if he hadn’t taken in off. As I picked up his shirt and took it inside I wondered if I should slip some clothes on and return it now. Looking to the clock in my kitchen I found out it was just past one A.M. Any sane pony would be asleep by now and the last thing I wanted to do was disturb him if he was. With an aggravated groan I went to my bedroom and put the shirt on my night stand hoping that somehow things would be alright in the morning. Tossing the towel in my clothes basket I pulled my covers back and climbed into bed naked. Turning my lamp off the only light source came from the small crack under my door from the moonlight. I could barely see Ro’s shirt my ears drooped as I reached for it and brought it to my muzzle as I took a heavy sniff and I smelled…nothing. I was beyond surprised and a little disappointed that it didn’t have a scent only the fabric itself. I sat back up and put the shirt on feeling ashamed of myself for doing so. While it didn’t have his scent on it just wearing it somehow made me more relaxed. Lying back down I closed my eyes as I replayed my fantasy in my mind then the look in his eyes when he returned to normal. He wasn’t the beast I imagined in my lust, no he was far too kind to behave like that. He looked so hurt when he thought I had been scared to the point of wetting myself.

I began to tearing up as I nuzzled into my pillow wishing Vinyl could be with me right now as I mutter softly as I drifted to sleep. “I’m sorry.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Ro^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

To say I was angry at my lapse in judgment would be an understatement. I was just trying to be friendly to that poor mare and I had gone and scared her like that. Deciding to distance myself from the complex I ducked back inside and grabbed a dagger. Tucking it into my belt I then made a running leap off my balcony and jumped from roof to roof. I didn’t really have an idea where I was going but didn’t really care either. It wasn’t until I got half across town that I realized I left my shirt on Melody’s balcony. Growling at myself I made a note to cut back on hooch till I was ready to go to sleep. I stopped on a random roof and leaned against a chimney. It looked like I had stopped somewhere in the middle class housing. My eyes drifted to the south toward Ponyvile, Melody reminding of another pony that had been friendly to me from the start. Diana and Melody both didn’t seem to care one way or the other that I wasn’t a pony. Page had been polite to me but she did have something to gain from doing so. I didn’t really think that way of her, but it was in the back of my mind. Most of the ponies in this city were being kind to me largely because of how I dealt with Platinum. Thanks to Luna I had learned that she had been throwing her weight around to try and get more say in the council and getting on everyone’s bad side while doing so. She had most of the council already under her thumb either through bribes or business connections and she was the most vocal protesters against Luna. She went as far in front of both rulers accusing her of still being Nightmare Moon and should be banished or imprisoned for all time. On the whole Equestria was looking less and less like an ideal world that the history books were making it out to be. It was strange that I was both relived and disappointed at the same time by that.

The cool night air had done wonders to clear my head and I was about to make my way back to my place for some sleep when I spotted… something flying from the south. It didn’t appear to be a pegasus but I couldn’t be sure since it landed near the train station. I had about 42 reasons to just ignore it and go to bed but I was curious, so against my better judgment I went to investigate. Upon arriving what I seen and heard was a little confusing. A griffon was…crying as it punched the side of the building with its eagle talons. I had seen plenty of griffons back home and sure they were intelligent enough for me to consider them as questionable prey. I knew the world had griffons but I wasn’t expecting them to be bipedal for some reason. Then again I had somewhat felt the same way when I seen the ponies for the first time too. Although that was more offset by how bright and colorful they were.

She and I could only assume it was a she by the voice, had white feathers on her neck and head which somewhat look like a hair style. Thanks to my lowlight vision I could tell she had light purple feathers around her eyes almost looking like eye shadow. The rest of her; at least what wasn’t covered by the blue shorts and black sleeveless top was covered by brown feathers on her wings, and fur on her loin lower half.

Dropping down to street level silently, I got closer and could tell she had tears in her eyes. Though from how her break was scrunched (still wondering how that worked) she looked far more angry than sad. Couldn’t be entirely sure though I still wasn’t completely use to reading pony body language let alone a being I hadn’t interacted with yet. None the less she seemed to be in distress so I was going to help if I could. Thankfully I had enough sense to understand how a shirtless male with a dagger approaching a crying female would look. I put the dagger on the inside of my boot and covered it with my pant leg. Placing a finger on my head band I adjust the illusion over myself to create a simple shirt over my chest. I didn’t really care for using it this way since you can fool someone’s eyes this way, but the second they touched you they knew that you weren’t wearing anything. A disguise in place I approached and was about 15 ft behind her when I spoke.

“Are you al-”

I didn’t have a chance to finish as she quickly spun around and lunged at me using her wings to propel herself toward me. I hopped backward avoiding the swipe she made at me with her talons. She quickly followed up with another swipe using her other arm. It got closer to hitting me but not by much. I was more focused on her eyes than I was her movements. There was lots of pain and anger in them perhaps a trace of guilt and betrayal, what was most notable however was regret. As she made another swipe at me I caught her wrist. The shock in her features was clear as day, but she recovered and move to swipe at me with her free talons. I caught her again and spread her arms apart and she struggled and twisted trying to break free but I wasn’t having it.

“Calm down I’m not going to hurt you.” I said firmly as I worked to keep her still.

“Buck you!” She shouted at me as she moved to kick me in the family jewels. Somewhat expecting that from experience I jumped up and over her head landing behind her. All the while maintaining and twisting my grip so I didn’t harm her and crossed her arms over her chest. With my chest against her back and wings she really didn’t have any options for breaking free.

“Calm down Miss.”

“Buck you fankhole!” She shouted again and struggled even harder than before thrashing around kicking at the ground trying to flap her wings but not able to do much of anything. She threw her head back trying to head but me but only ended up hitting my chest, thanks in large part to her size only being slightly taller than an average mare. She tried a few more times grunting loudly with effort and using her loin paws to scratch at my shins and feet. I hissed in pain a few times as she cut into my flesh but I didn’t let go. As her struggles weakened she began to sob again much more openly than she had been before. Taking a chance I let go of her arms and slowly spun around guiding her head into my chest. I felt her tears on my chest as she wrapped her arms around me. I returned the embrace being mindful of her wings as I stroked the feathers on her head.

“Just let it all out.” I said softly as I pet her and feeling the cuts on my legs and feet closing. I was slightly annoyed I’d have to throw out the pants and boots but it wasn’t like I couldn’t afford another pair. We stood there for a few minutes while her cries slowly began to die down. She started leaning against me a little more seemingly at a point of crying herself to sleep.

“Come let’s get you to bed.” She nodded weakly and we started walking back to my place. I held her against me as we made our way through the city. She didn’t try to move away and kept her head against my side. I was slightly uncomfortable with how she was holding onto me but I pushed that aside plus in her state I doubted she noticed anything. That proved even more apparent as halfway back she was out completely and ended up having to carry her bridal style.

Entering the apartment I contemplated where to put her. I didn’t have an extra bed, the couch seemed like it wouldn’t be comfortable and I wasn’t about to put her where I slept so the bed it was. Pulling back the blankets I laid her down and tucked her in. She nuzzled the pillow and grabbed hold of the covers a small smile crossing her beak. She almost looked cute then I looked down at the blood stained shreds of material that use to be my new boots. Almost cute was indeed the right term after retrieving clean pants socks and my field boots I went into the bathroom and washed away the dried blood from my legs and changed. After retrieving my flask and book on griffons from my small private study that I turned one of the spare rooms into. I went out onto the balcony to grab my glass and was going to hop over to Melody’s to get my shirt. It wasn’t there though and I couldn’t see it on the ground below. Guessing she was either kind enough to grab it for me or discard it. I put some more ice in my glass and filled it with Dragon’s Breath before entering my living room. The couch was pushed up against the corner to the master bedroom leaving a small hiding spot behind it. The coffee table was in front of the couch at the same angle with the recliners angled to face the couch. The rest of the room was bare as I wasn’t going to decorate the place and already felt I went slightly too far on furnishings. Only reason I bought as much as I did was because I had given Diana something of a standing invite. With my drink and book in hand I sat down and began reading about griffon culture praying that morning would be better.

Author's Note

Well hope you enjoyed so far and we are finally done with most of the set up yay!

First attempt on a clop please let me know how i did.