Pip's Treasure Chest 2: Journey to Hollow Shades

“So, there we were, sneaking around Night Shift’s room while we thought everypony else was in the parlor,” said Cold with a wicked grin on her face. “Succubus was searching through the book shelves and I was looking under the bed. Or at least until Succubus began flinging the books off the shelves and one landed on my leg!” As Cold laughed at the memory, bringing a free hand to cup her face as she did, both Pip and Banshee exchanged a look. Neither of them saw what was so funny about the situation but decided to allow her to tell the story in the hopes that they might understand. Or maybe it was something you had to be there for.

It had been an hour since the three of them had made their way into the dining room for lunch. Like nearly all of the rooms Pip had been in it seemed pretty bare. Both the table and chairs were made of darkened wood with etchings of battles long past in their legs. Off into the corner was a cabinet filled with dishes that looked so old that they could have been around before Starswirl even grew his beard! As for the meal, it had been far tastier than what he had gotten in Hollow Shades, yet still it didn’t fill him. Each one had been given a single black apple with white specks on it that looked like the night sky and had a nice, soothing flavor to it as well as some bread and cheese. In their glasses was a sweet green liquid that tasted something like bananas.

As they ate, Cold Shut had been regaling the two with stories from her youth as promised. So far, all of them had taken place at this very estate, making Pip wonder if the first time Succubus had ever left this place was when she left for good! Still, it had been amusing to hear about the time Succubus wanted brand new clothing and decided to play dressmaker; actually taking scissors to her own clothing so that she could remove the sleeves, frills, as well as shorting the skirt. According to Cold it had been the first time she had ever seen Succubus wear something so revealing. Oh, if only she could see Succubus now.

“Since it had been a heavy book, I did what any little filly would do and cried out,” continued Cold as she took a last sip of her drink. “Crawled out from under there to give her a piece of my mind but never got the chance. See, Succubus had found it! The treasure we had been looking for! All of Ms. Night Shift’s dirty books hidden in the very back of her bookcase, just waiting to be read!” Then, the gleam in Cold’s eyes faded as her head slumped. “At least, we would have had I not yelled out. Turns out our parents had gone to check up on us some time ago and, when they didn’t find us in Succubus’ room, they naturally went looking for us. So before we could look at any of those books our parents came barging through the door, all because they heard me scream.”

“I still don’t understand why you would be interested in those dirty books,” said Banshee. “There are plenty of dusty books all over the place.”

“Ah,” began Pip as his eyes shifted from Banshee to Cold before returning to Banshee. He could feel sweat beginning to form on his forehead as he wondered how best to explain this. If he told her the truth, then he would probably have to explain what sex was out of fear that she would make another doll in order to force the answers out of him. Plus, it was up to Dark to decide when she learned about that sort of stuff so he didn’t want to be stepping on anypony’s hooves. So with all that in mind, Pip decided to say what his own parents would tell him when he asked about that sort of stuff when he was a young colt. “You’ll find out when you’re older.”

Banshee’s lips became a thin line as she glared at Pip. “Why can’t I find out now?” she demanded coldly.

“Well,” began Cold as she stuck a finger in her glass and used it to scoop up any traces of the liquid inside. “It’s because of the stuff that’s written in the books that makes them dirty. Stuff that should be for mature ponies only.” After saying that, Cold stuck her finger in her mouth. Pip could hear her hum as the traces of the flavorful liquid danced on her tongue for the last time. According to her, nopony would be able to get another glass until dinner. Until then they would have to make do with plain water.

“Well I’m plenty mature!” shouted Banshee as she slammed both her hands on the table’s surface. Her head then shot towards Pip, looking angry at him again. “I bet it has something to do with what’s Succubus doing in Ponyville! Every time I ask Dark about what she’s doing there he tells me that I’ll find out later when I’m older. Tell me now or else-”

“Or else what?” said Dark as he entered the room, arms crossed as he looked disapprovingly at Banshee. Unlike with Ms. Night Shift, Banshee didn’t look at all intimidated by his presence. She stared back with contempt which only caused Dark Bargain to sigh as he turned his attention to Cold. “I had been made aware that Banshee was in a time out. Tell me, why was she taken out of her room without mine or Ms. Night Shift’s permission? For that matter, why in Luna’s name would you tell her a story like that?”

As Cold turned her head to look at Dark, Pip felt a growing unease inside of him. Dark didn’t take to her like a fiancée. It was like how he talked to Pip, more business-like than anything else. Did Dark care for her at all? Or was he just angry at her and doing his best to hide it? Regardless, Pip couldn’t just sit there. He did have a promise to keep after all.

“Actually, it’s my fault,” said Pip quickly. At once, both Dark and Cold turned to look at Pip. “I told Banshee it was alright to come with us. I thought it would be good if we spent some time together.” As Dark continued to look at him, Pip felt the need to keep talking for some reason. “I, ah, would have asked you if it was ok but I still don’t know my way around here very well.”

“I see,” said Dark Bargain slowly as he seemed to scan Pip’s face for signs of deceit. After another moment or two, Dark gave him the briefest on nods. “Very well then. I will let this minor slight pass since you were truthful to me. However,” Dark swiftly turned his attention towards Banshee, “you have been taught better young filly! A punishment is not over until the one who gave it says otherwise. Return to your playroom and sit in the corner this instant until you hear otherwise.” Pip looked, almost flabbergasted at Dark before turning his attention to Banshee. The filly thestral grit her teeth and it was painfully obvious she wanted to start up an argument. Still she got out of her chair, stomping her hooves hard as her glare never left her brother who looked back at her with mild annoyance now.

Once she had left, Dark turned his attention towards Cold. “Now, do you have anything to say for telling her such a story unfit for her young ears?”

Cold rolled her eyes. “Oh lighten up Dark,” she said in an exasperated tone. “I was never going to tell her anything her ears weren’t ready to hear. All I was doing was telling her about when we were young and-”

“You were telling a filly,” began Dark as his hands moved up to rub his temples, “who idolizes her big sister, all of the things you two did back then. And it never occurred to you that she may try to imitate her?”

“Again, lighten up,” said Cold as she stood up, pushing the chair back roughly as she did. After turning to look at Dark she marched over to him before quickly poking him in the chest with a finger. “Let her be a filly while she still has the time.”

“I do not have the time for this!” Dark barked, throwing his hand into the air in a surprising bit of rage that took both Cold and Pip by surprise. Pip was sure that they both saw his eyes widen, as if he just realized what he had just done before slowly lowering his arms back down to his side. He then turned to look at Pip. “I have just received word from the Countess. She has assured me that it is safe to travel and that she will see us when we arrive. Let us be off.” Then, without another word, Dark turned and headed down the hallway.

Pip stood there for a moment, still somewhat shaken by that sudden burst of anger. Before he could really ponder about it Pip quickly realized that he might lose track of Dark which might further his ire. Getting to his hooves as fast as he could, Pip said his goodbyes to Cold before chasing after Dark in the pitch black hallways. For her part, Cold gave him a wave goodbye while wishing him luck. Pip wondered if she were wishing him luck with the Countess, dealing with Dark, or perhaps both.

As Pip made his way down the hallway, he spotted Dark quickly. Dark was taking his hand off the wall while the other was being lowered back to his side, as if it had been covering his face for awhile. His wings were being tucked back into place after looking rather slack, the way a pegasus pony did when they were depressed or sad. For once, the intimidating and imposing Dark Bargain seemed…fragile. Like he was struggling to hold himself together and realized he was failing. By the time Pip had moved closer to the point where he was almost directly behind him, Dark had begun to walk again as if everything was normal.

In silence the two walked, Pip just behind Dark as they made their way back up the stalactite. When they reached the top, there was no chariot waiting like before. Instead there was an elegant black carriage waiting for them with the door already open. Dark moved towards it but paused at the door. He turned slightly before gesturing for Pip to enter first to which the small stallion complied. The inside was less than what Pip had expected. When he had looked at it from the outside, images of a noble pony’s carriage had instantly filled his mind. Things like buckets of ice to keep the Champagne cold or a family crest on the ceiling. Even magazines of the Rich and Famous could have been in there. However, before he even saw the inside, Pip knew that it would contain none of those things. If the inside of Dark Bargain’s estate had shown him anything was that the inside would be equally bare.

Sure enough, Pip slid into an empty seat with only a matching one across from him. Dark quickly followed him, closing the door as he entered and sitting across from Pip. They sat together in an almost uncomfortable silence as the carriage began to move. Then, as they felt their ride lift off the ground, Dark spoke.

“I hope you will forgive me for that outburst.” There was a slight pause. “As well as for leaving you by yourself for so long. As a host, I have shirked my duties.”

“It’s fine,” replied Pip while keeping his head down to avoid looking at Dark. “You have a lot on your mind right now.”

“That might be true,” agreed Dark before letting out a sigh. “However, as a member of thestral nobility, there are great expectations for me to live up to. Failure to do so, regardless of the reason, is not excusable to our tribe.” Slowly Pip looked up at Dark. While his back was straight, allowing him to sit at his full height, his wings had slacked slightly and his ears were limp. A hand was running through his mane as he sighed. “Now, more than any other time, is when my family needs to live up to our expectations. That is why I agreed to continue with my arranged marriage to Cold Shut.”

Pip was slightly taken aback by this. Sure, he had known that Succubus had been a part of an arranged marriage so the idea that others in thestral culture doing it as well wasn’t that big of a stretch. In a way, it made sense why they were getting married. That’s why Pip was only slightly taken aback by this, something that Dark noticed.

“Please, don’t misunderstand,” he said with a rare smile. “Lady Cold Shut is the daughter of the High Blacksmith and has inherited her father’s skill with the hammer. I have known her to be a caring soul since we were very young and she has a sharp mind to go along with a powerful body. And by thestral standards, her beauty is almost unmatched. Only a fool would not leap at the chance to wed her.”

Pip raised an eyebrow at this. “Then I’m guessing you’re a fool?”

“I will confess that I am. She is not the mare that stole my heart and holds it pressed against the razor edge of a scythe.”

Pip stared at Dark, now utterly confused. “But…” began Pip trying his best to process all of this. “If you’re in love with somepony else, then why not break off the engagement?! I’m sure she’ll understand.”

“I cannot do that Mr. Pip,” said Dark as he shook his head sadly. “There is tradition to keep in mind, specifically in these troubled times. The ponies that live here need to know all is right and look to ponies like my family to know everything is alright. To see us honoring our traditions gives them a feeling of security and hope that one day things might go back to the way they were before. One cannot simply go against tradition just because you want to, something that I find far too often in many of the story books that Banshee wishes me to read to her. You see, I refuse to read her any of that garbage. The idea of a princess getting to choose who she wants to marry, spitting in the face of her parents and their country because all she cares about is what she wants and are ok with it, is not something that should be put in the mind of a young filly. Banshee needs to learn, as I did, that the world doesn’t work like that.”

“It worked like that for Succubus,” snapped Pip. The words came out of Pip’s mouth before he realized it, carrying more than a little bite to them.

“Yes and no,” replied Dark calmly. “She got her ‘happily ever after’, one that I honestly believe she deserves. She is happier with you in that club than I have ever seen her before in her entire life. But it was not without cost. The embarrassment my parents suffered caused them to act the way they did, trying to bring her back so that they could save face which has lead to this situation we are in now. I don’t wish to embarrass the High Blacksmith for he is a good stallion whom I have known since I was a small colt. It would be wrong to go against the agreement our families have had for over a decade just because I fell in love with somepony else. There has been enough scandal to go around without me adding to the mix.”

“But it’s your life!” yelled Pip, almost getting to his hooves while spreading his arms wide. “You should be free to live however you want! Same goes for Cold! Just talk it over with her and then go talk to her father, mother, or whatever!”

Dark gave Pip a sad smile as he shook his head. “I admire your passion Mr. Pip,” said Dark. “But, you are mistaken on one critical point: my life does not belong to me. As a noble, I am granted an enormous amount of power and influence. Yet it is not for myself, but so that me as well as the rest of my family can help support our tribe. You have seen the results of those who do not understand this all around you right now. Those who sold their titles and the mines for mere bits gravely affected the way we live around here. They failed in their duty to keep those under them safe by throwing them into an uncertain future that grows bleaker with each passing day. As I said before, I must do all I can to assure them that those who have not sold out are still carrying on our traditions. No matter what the cost to my own happiness.”

Pip sat there, trying his best to wrap his head around what he had just heard. The small stallion had always heard about the gossip going on in Canterlot. Stories about how a lower noble was caught illegally gambling, sleeping with a much younger mare, and even heard about how Prince Blueblood treated Rarity at the Gala many, MANY, times. They seemed to be able to do whatever they wanted, seemingly only receiving a slap on their wrists for their poor behavior. It was only after serious offences that they were removed from their gilded thrones. Yet now, as the carriage bumped in the air, he was hearing something he never expected to hear. Perhaps the reason the nobility in Canterlot was able to get away with so much was because it was expected of them to screw up or maybe because Princess Celestia was so forgiving. Or maybe it was because Equestria didn’t look like Hollow Shades. That it wasn’t clinging onto dear life with its ponies having to eat bugs just to survive.

“This…just doesn’t seem fair,” said Pip at last. “None of it does.”

“Alas, who ever said life was fair,” commented Dark as he looked out the window. Perhaps he could see something, but all Pip could see was an endless dark void. “I just hope that there is enough fairness left so that I can retain my title for my tribe’s sake as well as Banshee’s. I…fear she might have to live on the Wall.”

“Dark, there’s no way me or Succubus will let that happen,” said Pip quickly. “If things don’t go well then she can stay with us.”

Lazily, Dark turned to look at Pip. “I don’t think having her live above a strip club is an appropriate environment for a filly.”

“We could get a house in town,” said Pip, undeterred by Dark’s comment. “The club is going well and I’m sure I could get the money.”

“I’m sure you could,” replied Dark softly. “But…could you make it work? Truthfully, Mr. Pip, it would be a huge sacrifice for the both of you taking in Banshee so soon into your marriage. You both work most of the night and sleep through most of the day. What time could you provide to a young mare? To help her with her homework or attend student/teacher conference? To take her to a friend’s house or if she needs to see a doctor? The only way I see it working is if one of you decided to stay at home, meaning you would barely see each other. Following that logic, whoever worked at the bar would never get any time to see Banshee.”

“But,” began Pip, however he stopped himself from saying anything more. He realized what Dark was getting at. If Banshee did come to stay with them, it would mean the end of his and Succubus’ time working together at the Treasure Chest. If Succubus stayed at home to take care of her little sister it would certainly make the filly happy. But, would it make Succubus happy? Pip could see that Succubus loved her little sister, yet doing it this way would mean that her fun time would be over. Succubus loved showing off her body to everypony there and helping the mares with their own dances. Could she handle staying at home while Pip went off to work each night, the two of them barely ever seeing each other? Could the Treasure Chest survive without her? If that failed, what would they do? If Pip stayed at home then that meant he would have to hire someone else to run the place as well as bartend and hope that they didn’t make a mess of things. Also, Banshee would barely be able to spend time with her big sister. Hopefully Pip had made a better impression on Banshee during his short stay to get her to warm up to him, but he still didn’t want to take his chances with a mare who could threaten him with her strange power.

Then there was the matter of his personal time with Succubus. The alone time he spent with Succubus was something he looked forwards to each and every night. Sure, the sex was getting better and better the more they explored each other’s bodies. He enjoyed making her feel like she was on cloud nine, getting a sense of pride in the fact that he could make her cum the way she did. If Banshee moved in with them, it would mean they couldn’t wake up in the nude soaked in their sweat and bodily fluids out of fear that she might see them. No more romps in the shower or screaming out each other’s name as they climaxed. Pip had been considering what it would be like to have foals one day, but not this soon. Was…was Pip being selfish right now for wanting to keep it between him and his wife a bit longer?

“I had planned on allowing Banshee to visit you and Succubus after our last meeting in Ponyville,” continued Dark in a somber tone. “It’s one thing to visit on a weekend every so often, so you can make temporary plans. I hope you understand the difference between that and having her live with you full time.”

Pip’s throat felt dry as he nodded. “Isn’t there anypony here who could take her in?”

Dark opened his mouth, but before any sound could come out there was a loud thud while the carriage shook. Pip looked around as he was slightly alarmed by this. Remembering what he had overheard back at Dark Bargain’s estate he had feared that a Diamond Dog had jumped onto the top of the carriage and was ready to claw his way in. That fear, thankfully, was short lived as the carriage began to slow down to a halt. After a moment or two of remaining motionless, the door to the carriage was opened by one of the stallions who had pulled them. Looking out, Pip could see a large stretch of barren, smooth rock that reminded him of the one he had just left at Dark’s. The only difference was that there were far more chariots and carriages around him. Just looking out the door he could make out at least a dozen or so.

“There might be,” continued Dark as he got out of the carriage followed swiftly by Pip. Without missing a beat, Dark turned on his hooves and walked over to a massive stairway. It was so long that Pip thought it might be able to have a hundred thestrals walking up it side by side and not feel cramped. Upwards it went back into the earth above them and into more darkness. “Sadly, I wouldn’t get my hopes up too high. If I lose the mine, there is a great likelihood that whoever buys it will operate it much like the others. Bits will become tighter than ever and few will be able to feed another mouth.”

As much as Pip wanted to argue this point, the small stallion felt like it was futile. Dark seemed to have lost much of his former presence as he directed them towards the stairs. While other thestrals who were occasionally going up and down the stairs flew on their wings Dark seemed to drag his hooves a tad instead. It was something that somepony like Pip who had seen his fair share of ponies entering his bar to drown their sorrows in hard cider would notice. That voicing his fears and concerns about the future hadn’t lifted the weight he was under, but rather made it feel all the more real. Pip found this odd since he was planning on telling the truth about what happened at the Treasure Chest so that should help clear Dark. Did Dark know something that Pip didn’t?

After a grueling long walk, the two finally made it up the stairs. At the very top were two rows of statues creating a path for the two to follow. Each statue depicted a guard holding his scythe in both hands which was pressed up against the ceiling. With each one the two passed, it seemed like the statues were made out of the same rock that this stalactite was made out of. Perhaps done when they were carving it out. Pip also noted that the blades on the scythes were not made of stone, but steel. Had there been any source of light Pip was positive they would have shined in all their deadly glory. As they neared the end of the path, two large doors stood there slightly ajar. And as they neared Pip could hear voices.

“We are very sorry for the tragedy that occurred,” came the panicked voice of a stallion.

“You are not the one I want to hear an apology from,” came an older, female voice. “Duke Copperhorn is in charge of that mine, which includes security. He has refused to allow the Night Guard stationed here to oversee its protection and safety, insisting that he uses his own security. Clearly, they were either not enough or were not diligent enough in their duty to allow so many to die. Now, where is he?” That last sentence was spoken in such a cold tone that it could freeze Tartarus over three times. Both Pip and Dark visibly shivered.

“H-He is in Canterlot,” stammered the stallion within, clearly feeling the direct effects of her tone. “He has a breakfast meeting with Princess Celestia.”

There was a short pause. “Has he been notified about what has happened?”

“Yes. Yes he has,” replied the stallion quickly. “I sent him a message myself when I heard about what happened along with suggestions on how to make up for this blunder. A public apology as well as paying for the funerals for those who died as well as the medical expenses for those hurt. But…” The stallion’s words seemed to die in this throat. For a while, there was silence that made Pip feel uncomfortable. It was as if this stallion had realized he was about to say something he knew he shouldn’t or would be taken the wrong way. As the two walked closer to the door, the silence created a feeling of great uneasy. Then the stallion spoke again. “He…He said that it wasn’t necessary. He’d just pay a fine and-” The sound of glass shattering into millions of pieces interrupted and silenced the stallion as well as causing the two heading for the door to stop in their tracks for a brief moment.

For several long heartbeats, the only sounds that could be heard were the echoes of the shattered glass as it resonated all around them and the scared whimpers of the stallion beyond those doors. Finally, the mare spoke again with a tone as sharp as a saber. “A fine?! Is that all he thinks is necessary after so much blood has been spilt? After innocent ponies were hurt who were not even in the mine? The danger he put the entire Hanging City in? All that can be forgiven by paying a fine!?”

By now, Pip and Dark Bargain were close enough to the door so they could peek inside. Instantly Pip’s eyes were drawn to the mare who was about the same height as him, with a long mane the color of silver that almost touched the ground. What also stood out about her was the fact that her wings were much larger than normal, about the same height as her. She wore a black dress that, much like the rest of the fashion sense in both the Hanging City and Hollow Shades, covered as much of her body as possible leaving only her hands face, and wings exposed. What fur he could see was a dark red color. Her gaze was fixated on a larger, plumper unicorn stallion with a slick black mane which was parted in the middle, who looked like he was groveling on the ground before her. His pudgy face was slick with sweat, dripping off his double chin as well as his goggles that allowed him to see in this lightless environment.

“I w-would n-n-not put it that way,” he stammered, looking around him in fear. Pip gazed in the direction that the fat stallion was looking at…and quickly brought his hands up to cover his mouth or else he would have screamed. Chained to the walls were several monsters that Pip had seen only in the carvings up until this point. They had the bodies of wolves covered in both black and white furs, but with eight legs that bent like spiders. Their jaws were hideous, the upper part looking like a normal wolf’s while the lower one seemed to split into two as its skin stretched. Each one had eight bloodshot eyes, all focused on the fat stallion.

The mare, whom Pip assumed had to be the Countess, gave him a disgusted look. “Be gone from my sight,” she said coldly. The stallion didn’t need to be told twice, scrabbling to his hooves so quickly that he tripped and landing face first on the ground. With blood trickling down his face he got up again before making a mad dash out the door, not paying any attention to the two he nearly ran down in the process.

Once the stallion was behind them, Dark turned to look in the direction of the Countess and gave a bow. “Countess Diamond Vein, I have brought Mr. Pipsqueak of Ponyville as requested.” Pip stared at Dark as if he had lost his mind. From what he had just seen, the Countess at least needed a moment or two to cool her head! Plus he was in no hurry to enter a room with…with those THINGS who were now eyeing Pip and sniffing the air.

The Countess, meanwhile, took a breath before she spoke. “Very good,” she said. “Duke Dark Bargain, you may leave us. Please shut the door and wait outside.” What followed seemed to happen in a flash. Pip remembered feeling a hand press against his back, pushing him into the room, before the doors closed behind him. Pip pressed his back against the wall, hoping that it would open, but it remained shut.

Above him, Pip heard a series of rapid clicking noises. Body trembling, he looked up to see more of those creatures. Separated by a heavy looking chain link net, Pip could see at least three more of those creatures walking on the ceiling in the same manner as a bug or spider. Parts of the ceiling he could make out had what looked like thick webbing that he prayed did not come from these creatures. The last thing he wanted was to know that they could make something he could get caught in, making it impossible for him to run away.

“Ah,” began Pip as his body began to shake. “Perhaps we could do this a bit later?”

The Countess raised an eyebrow. “Whatever for? You are here now so we might as well get this over with.”

“Yes, but-” Pip’s words died in his throat as he felt something touch his shoulder. Turning his head he saw one of the creatures, a young one about the size of a puppy, with one of its paws touching his shoulder while its tongue hung out. Crying out Pip bolted away from the door only to have the creature jump to the floor and follow him.

“Sit,” said the Countess. Looking over his shoulder, Pip was amazed to see that the creature sat. As Pip stopped moving, taking a moment to collect himself by taking several deep breaths, the Countess walked over to it almost appearing as if she could glide. “So very sorry about this,” she said as she picked the creature up into her arms. “This little one must have slipped down through the protection.”

“W-What is that thing?” asked Pip as he watched it lick the Countess with wild abandon.

“It’s a wolf spider,” she replied with a smile, patting the creatures head as it continued to lick her. “They live mainly in the forests around Hollow Shades, usually moving in packs as they check their webbing for foolish prey that has become stuck in it. Since the dawn of my pony’s tribe, we have kept their numbers at bay or else they would overrun Hollow Shades and then the entire forest. Perhaps they would even branch out into the rest of Equestria, feasting on pony flesh.”

“So w-why are there so many here?” asked Pip as he took another step away from the Countess.

“Because I’ve been working with Princess Luna to domesticate them,” replied the Countess simply as she set the wolf spider back on the ground. Pip kept his eyes on it as the thing began to wag its tail followed by running around the Countess. “They have proven to be so dangerous to us in the past that they might be able to help against the Diamond Dogs and the Changelings. Their eyesight, for example, allows them to see through Changeling illusions, and their ability to walk on walls will help in the tunnels. All of the wolf spiders we have trained are in this room, providing me with extra security. Well, that and making sure that nopony becomes too…comfortable in my presence. I have found that panicked minds have a harder time making convincing lies.”

Pip gulped as he looked over to the wolf spiders still chained to the walls. “So that means they’re safe?”

“Only as long as I wish them to be,” replied the Countess as she beckoned Pip to follow her to another corner of the room. Not wishing to upset her, Pip quietly followed seeing that they were heading towards a table. The closer they got, the easier it was to see the bowl containing the same black apples he had eaten at Dark’s family estate as well as the plate of raw meat. The wolf spider scurried over to the table before sitting down next to it, waiting for its mistress to give it something tasty to eat.

“Well, then,” began the Countess once she was standing next to the table as she picked up one of the apples and handed it to Pip. “Let us get this charade over with, shall we?”

Pip, who was about to take a bite of the apple, paused and looked at her as she gave a slab of meat to the wolf spider. Had he heard her right? “Countess, I’ve come a long way to talk to you because-”

The Countess gave him a look, silencing him instantly. “Mr. Pipsqueak, I am going to be honest with you: this is a waste of both of our time. I did my own investigation in this matter and concluded that Dark Bargain had not aided in his parents crimes. In fact, he was probably the one trying to keep them in line while they were trying to get Succubus back. However, the wisdom of the unicorns in Canterlot disagree and have insisted on another investigation to which Princess Celestia has agreed. No doubt in an effort to remove Dark Bargain and his family from nobility so they can put in another unicorn. And, if I don’t do this, it’ll just give them an opportunity to strip me of my status as Countess. Not like Princess Celestia would care.” As she finished her sentence, the Countess picked up an apple for herself and took a savage bite out of it.

“You don’t really think that…do you?” asked Pip.

The Countess said nothing for a moment, looking Pip over as she chewed her food. Then, after swallowing, she spoke. “Back when my tribe first joined up with Equestria my ancestors headed the group that would become the Mining Safety Committee, with members including both thestrals and earth ponies. It was a post given by Princess Celestia herself, promising that we would work together to keep Equestria a land of riches for all ponies. Back then, its purpose was to record how much of what was being mined and where so that thestrals better organize how to regrow what had been taken. At times we would put a limit to what could be taken from the earth as well as telling mines that they needed to close down for a period of time. Over time, the nobles of Canterlot began to voice ‘concerns’ that we were playing favorites and that our interests lay only with our tribes instead of the betterment of all Equestria. So, bit by bit, we were all replaced with unicorns who know nothing about the ways of mining or its importance. I suspect many of them are in the pocket of more wealthy unicorns who have connections to those in control of the mines, lowering the standards for how they are to be kept up in order to help those who now own the mining networks.

“As for me right now, I’m little more than a figure head. All I do is collect taxes to be sent to Canterlot and maintain as much law as I am allowed to. Whatever power the Count or Countess of the thestrals once had was long since diminished before I was even born. To make matters worse, I have personally lost favor in the eyes of those in Canterlot. Princess Celestia has not set hoof in either the Hanging City or Hollow Shades in years nor has she invited me to Canterlot since that little stunt she pulled to stop Princess Luna from upgrading our military.” The Countess paused to take another savage bite from her apple. “The sad fact of the matter is that I am no longer welcome in that blasted city so I cannot ask her for help. Princess Luna has been working hard for the last few years trying to buy back the mines in order to give them back to us, only to be shot down. Princess Twilight Sparkle has tried talking to the owners about increasing the number of thestral workers in order to keep the mines healthy so that they may profit from them longer. Her words, sadly, have fallen onto ears that refuse to listen. Even Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor have tried to help us, hiring our best blacksmiths to help theirs improve their skills. The only thing Princess Celestia has done is this.” As she said this last part the Countess gestured to Pip, as if to indicate the current situation.

“But…But there has to be a chance that it will help,” said Pip. For the life of him, he didn’t want to believe anything that the Countess was saying. Sure, nopony was perfect but he didn’t believe that Princess Celestia was so uncaring towards this area of Equestria. Yet, all he had seen since coming here made it hard not to see how she could think like this. The thestrals weren’t thriving nor happy like the rest of Equestria. If all of the other Princesses were trying to help out as best they could, then surely Princess Celestia had to have some idea. Perhaps-

“I sincerely doubt it,” said the Countess with a sigh, interrupting Pip’s thoughts as she tossed the apple core to the wolf spider pup. The creature jumped into the air to snatch its second snack of the day and eating it in one go. “It’s more likely that, regardless of what I send back to them, the nobles of Canterlot will still press for Dark Bargain to be removed from his station. Especially now since Princess Luna and Princess Twilight are out of the country. Unless Succubus chooses not to pass on her rights to her heritage, then whatever future our tribe had here in Equestria will be gone for good.”

At that same moment in Canterlot, Prince Blueblood stood next to one of the best mages in all of Canterlot. Clad in golden robes, her horn was brightly lit while a swirling blue vortex grew before the pair. Only a few minutes ago it had been the size of a pea, barely noticeable. Now it was nearly as tall as he was while creating a powerful force that seemed to suck everything loose into it. This portal would take him to where he had been assigned to go from his aunt: Hollow Shades.

Closing his eyes for a moment, the prince thought back to the meeting that he had had along with several other trusted members of the Canterlot nobility. Aunt Celestia had informed them of what had happened to one of her maids in such great detail that it made most of the ponies in the room sick to their stomachs. Such a horrible abuse of one’s magic and to another pony no less! Thankfully, word had yet to get out on this and there was a chance to catch this monster. That was where ponies like he came in. His specific job was to approach Duke Dark Bargain under the guise of additional Canterlot inquiry and find out in he was showing any of the same symptoms as was described to him. If he was, Blueblood was to send a message back to Aunt Celestia using one of the emergency communication spells she had taught him and sit tight until help arrived. In the event nothing was wrong he was to stay put and keep an eye on the matter until the fiend was caught.

Most of the nobles had agreed to his, being given their own assignments from his Aunt. Only one, however, had made a fuss of the matter: Prince Charming. The foolish colt had claimed that this was a job for a pony of lesser importance, easily replaced if something happened to them, before going off on his other job that she was interrupting at the moment. Seeing the look in his Aunt’s eyes, the twitch in her frown, and a few other warning signs alerted Blueblood and the others that it might be a good idea to leave the fool to his own devices.

“My Prince, it is done,” said the mage as she fell to one knee, panting slightly as she did. When Blueblood heard this he opened his eyes before taking a single step towards the portal.

“So, this will take me straight to Duke Dark Bargain?” he asked.

“Yes,” replied the mage behind him. Normally, this would have been enough for the prince. After all, all of the mages here had come from Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns and had all been at the top of their class. Their skills were unmatched nor was their loyalty to the crown ever put into question. Even the portal before him looked right. Yet, despite all of this, something felt off to Blueblood. Maybe it was the fact that the mage, who had been rather friendly towards him considering the hour when he had knocked on her door, had suddenly become rather nervous when he told her where he needed to go. Not once since then had she looked at him, avoiding eye contact. Even now, her eyes were glued to the floor as she panted.

Was he imagining things? Had the attack on Merry Day made him overly suspicious of other members of the staff?

“My Prince, the portal will not stay open for long,” said the mage. Snapping out of his thoughts, Blueblood noticed that the portal was indeed beginning to waver slightly. So, taking a breath, he walked in…

And appeared in a forest full of webs.