Stripes and Crimson - The Meetingby Miss Final VerseChaptersOne mare, two mares, three mares. Oh my!Immortality is a red headed bitch.A prank too farA Hot DateOne mare, two mares, three mares. Oh my! Ponyville - The Morning Bite When we last left our trio at the morning bite, they were slowly getting to know each other. Shilo decided to take her break with Shadow and Final and learnt pretty quick that there was more to her character than she let on. "Immortal ya say? Ah can't well say the same bout me.. Ahm a fruit bat pony, not one' a them vampire bat ponies." She frowned slightly. "It must get pretty lonely fer ya ah reckon..." Final frowned in turn. "You're not wrong... It does get rather lonely." She paused for a moment, making sure Shadow was listening, as what she had to say was very important. "If I really wanted to I 'could' turn somepony, much like a vampire does." This earned her Shadow's undivided attention almost immediately. "hmm?" He asked, suddenly intrigued. Final spoke in a serious tone. "I can't just simply turn a pony though... They must first be dead already and I would want to have their permission before hoof as it is irreversible. I would love somepony to be there in that way for me someday." She said dreamily as she stared at Shadow. "No..." He said quite bluntly. "One lifetime with you would be quite enough... Hell, I barely survived a day!" "Well nopony asked you to..." she huffed. "Wait, they did..." She finished.. "And I could leave at anytime. It's not as if I'm contractually obligated to keep you in line. I actually tolerate you because I like you." He affirmed in a frustrated tone. He then turned to Shilo. "And what time are you getting off cutie?" "Well... Ah can pretty much close up shop any time ah like. Can think of better things or ponies ta be doin right now..." She said seductively to the zony who gulped as the idea of the two hot mares taking care of him came to the forefront of his mind. "Ah-hem... Well then, I think we should pack it up and head on back to the manor. Arabella is probably wondering what is taking so long." The zony said in an attempt to get the party moving. He was actually quite looking forward to future events. Shilo stood and excused herself from the table before turning towards the main building."Ah'll just close up shop darlin's, shouldn' be too long." As the bat busied herself, Final leaned across the table to Shadow and whispered with a smirk. "Bet you didn't see your weekend going anything like this, hmm..?" As much as it annoyed the zony that she was right,it diid not make him wrong so he let it pass. "Ya know, I really could get used to this. I hope you can use that mouth for more than just shit stirring..." Final gasped in faux offense. "I'm shocked you would accuse me of such heresy... Of course I fucking can. But the question is... are you big enough for me? If it's as big as a pussy as you are then I think we will have no problems whatsoever" She chided, making the zony turn a bright crimson. "Excuse the fuck out of you ya red bitch? I'm pretty sure a pussy wouldn't lop your head off, now would it? Yours on the other hoof, I would actually not be surprised..." The zony retorted, somewhat offended at the comparison. Final made a point of sticking her flank up into his face, arching her back her slender figure forming the perfect shape. She flagged her tail slightly, waving it back and forth so as not to show too much before moving it entirely, showing off her quivering and needy slit. "Does this look like it'll lop your head off..? For fuck sake, Shadow..." The mare said in frustration, you had better show me a good time later, I reeeeally fucking need it..." She said, elongating her words for emphasis. As she shifted her legs, a thin silvery, viscousy trail webbed between her inner thighs, her fossa gently winking as it exuded her musk for anypony within the vicinity. Shadow could not take his eyes off of the mares hindquarters and as he took in the view as well as the overpowering and addictive scent, all he could do was shudder in anticipation. "Ok, the second we get back to the mansion, I am pile-driving you into the bed... No if's and's or buts." He then turned to the bat, his libido now in full force from the musk in the air. "and you... You better show me that, that southern drawl isn't the only thing country about ya... I want you to take this Stallion for a ride." The thestral's composure wavered momentarily as her heir of dominance was quickly overpowered by Shadow's own. "Y-yes sir! Ah'll give ya a rodeo ya won't forget." She shouted with a small blush. Shadow then smirked as he gently pulled Final along by the choker that she had decided to wear to get her moving and gestured to the bat with his free hoof. "Alright you two, we're burning daylight. Let's get this show on the road." The trio walked through the halls towards Final's quarters, all quite eager with anticipation at this point but not wanting to rush. They all came to a non verbal agreement that they would first hit up the mini bar and take some time to relax, setting the mood for the hot, kinky sex that would be soon to come. Little to anypony but Final'sand the occasional visitors knowledge, the lower part of the manor had actually been rigged to serve as a bordello of sorts. There were assorted rooms lining the halls each varying in size and shape, all with their own different types of equipment for ponies with differing sexual fantasies. Now, Final had neglected to mention this as she did not wish to scare Shadow or Shilo away, however she did have some toys of her own within reach of her bed which she was sure would come in handy and that the two would love to play with come the time. For now though, she settled on her own physical form as she pushed Shadow lightly onto the bed, the Stallion losing his balance, his mind in a fog of sexual desire as the mare of interest took careful control. "Oof!" The zony lay on his back upon the sheets, his forelimbs supporting is upper body as the mare crawled her way over and planted a soft but wet kiss upon his lips before nuzzling down the nape of his neck and softly tugging with her teeth as she nipped at the tufts of fur connecting his shoulders to his neck. This earned the mare a shudder from him to which she giggled softly. "heh-hm... Somepony is certainly enjoying themselves." She continued her way down his torso, the tip of her muzzle brushing up against the short fur on his underbelly, the prickly hairs tickling it's tip. This earned another small giggle which had the Stallion intrigued. "Somepony is giggly today." He said with a tease, gently raising his hips to push lightly into her muzzle, which earned him yet another giggle form t he mare. "hehe- hah! Shadow sto- HAHA! No- no abusing the unicorns weakness!!!" She shouted through her fits of laughter. The Stallion let her be for now as he certainly was not done with her yet. "Okay okay, that's enough. I'm definitely taking note of your "weakness" though." He said, lightly guiding the back of her head with his hoof, leading to him having an air of control. The mare had absolutely no qualms with this development as she followed exactly where his hoof would guide her, in hopes that he could direct her to his erogenous areas.To her slight alarm head had bypassed her prize, her cheek brushing up against his lengthy shaft, which was now at half mast. She lifted her gaze towards the authoritative figure that towered over her as she took a back seat and let him have full control. He guided her muzzle to a soft patch of bare skin in the shape of a 'V' between his crotch and inner thigh, lightly pressing her muzzle into it, she took this as an invitation to latch onto the soft, exposed skin, lightly suckling at it before pulling away, small marks being left as her lips formed a seal around the supple skin, releasing it with a light popping sound. The Stallion shuddered at this, leaving he mare quite stunned that he had such a vulnerability. She would definitely make use of this again in future. For now though, she would be taking back he reins so to speak. She slowly began to kiss her way up, reaching the underside of his scrotum, dragging her tongue from beneath it all the way up to the base of his shaft, pecking softly up to it's tip before flattening her tongue against it's half flared head, pressing against the droplet of pre cum leaking from its tip with a soft hum, vibrating her tongue in a delightful bliss. "Nnnngh... f- Fuck..." The Stallion moaned in pleasure. Final then pulled back with a wink in the thestral's direction and turned herself around so that she was flank to face with the zony. Shilo took this as an invitation and her cue to join in on the fun, to which she had her own plans that she believed both hosts would enjoy. She crawled her way up the bed and behind Shadow, placing her hooves over his shoulders as if she were about to massage them, but instead she pulled him down so his head was flat against the bed and he had a nice view of her soft and perky teats, each nipple erect with anticipation. She shuffled over towards Final, raising her hips so that her flank was positioned above Shadows face who had a full view of all of her assets, her teats which were a lighter color than her coat her areola adopting a slightly darker pigment. Behind those was her soft and supple pony plot which also took the same pigment, her fossa was a light bubblegum pink and her delicate ponut which crowned her marehood looked practically untouched and was a softer shade than her fossa. In all it looked very appetizing to the Stallion. The thestral mare leaned forward, licking up Final's sensitive and needy slit, teasing her fossa with the tip of her tongue. This action urged the mare onward as she lowered her head from it's position of having a mouthful of Shadow's cock to having her throat filled, the meaty mushroom shaped appendage gliding down the back of her soft and velvety tongue, entering her esophagus with a pop. "[ip]pop! Gl-agk" The mare emitted a gagging sound which sounded rather hot to a pony who enjoyed taking control during sex. Shadow was one of these ponies and it brought him one step closer to the edge, that combined with a muzzle full of thestral plot and he was just about up to his first climax of the night. Minutes had passed and Final had taken to a gentle bobbing motion, barely pulling a few inches from the base of his shaft, Shadow began to wonder if she could actually breathe down there as he was rather the sizable Stallion, though he wouldn't put it past her to properly asphyxiate herself just for some dick. He was very close. "Ah- nnngh, Final I'm almost there"He groaned through a mouthful of bat. The thestral nipped at the red heads meaty ponut before she buried her muzzle deep into Final, causing the mare to tense up in surprise and pleasure, her throat tightening around Shadow's length, constricting his member and slowly milking him to climax. "AHFUCK!" The zony shouted as he hit his threshold, releasing rope after rope of hot sticky semen into the back of Final's throat, the warm liquid making her moan softly. Final pulled off with a squelching sound and lay her head in the zony's thigh, the last few jets of cum shooting over her muzzle and cobwebbing down the side of her cheek. She too was very close and judging by how eagerly the bat seemed to be lapping at her prize, she was too. Shadow pressed his muzzle deeper and drilled his tongue deep into the mare. That is all that it took because the moment her did that, the mare let out a scream of absolute pleasure, her head was swimming as her lower body shook, coating the Stallions muzzle in her juices. As she did so, FInal herself had reached her limit and with a slightly softer moan than her female partner, she released all of her tension that had built up over the many months. Final was not terribly known for squirting, but she did on occasion and this was one particular occasion where she would make quite the mess. Her spasming marehood winked constantly as her fossa was pistoning in and out uncontrollably. Fluids gushed from her, spraying around the edges of the pink muzzle that was a good few inches buried into her depths and rained down over Shadow's chest. "Ah- ahhhn... F- fuck" Was all Final could get out before collapsing to her haunches onto of the zony. Shilo followed suit, and the lucky Stallion got a face full of her plot. Thankfully he could still breathe enough, though it was not exactly comfortable, but he didn't care. He had a face full of bat pony plot after all. Shadow had barely caught his breath as he let out a sigh. "I could really get used to this kind of treatment, but fuck me I'm exhausted." He was cut short as Final turned around and straddled him. "Don't think you're getting off so easy, I still have a lot left in me and I promised Arabella some fun at some point. Speaking of... Are you quite enjoying yourself there, sweetie?" She asked, directing her attention to the doorway, where sure enough there was a blonde thestral laying back and tending to her needs... Final turned back to the zony and smirked devilishly. "You got lucky, Stripes. Because Arabella has been both a sneaky and naughty filly, I will have to pay her close attention tonight while you get that break that you wanted. At those those words, the zony let out a sigh of relief as Arabella came out of hiding, her head low with a soft whimper. Final gestured her closer and she obeyed, slowly and cautiously walking to her dominant, laying at her hooves. "up..." Final ordered, holding her head high,not seeming at all pleased with their little eavesdropper. The bat pony immediately got to her hooves and whimpered a short response. "Y- yes, Miss Final..." "Good girl... now." The dominant red head reached into her drawer with her magic and pulled out quite a large object. The object in question was an oblong while tapering at one end. It had a thin neck with a large wide and flat base in the shape of an upside down saucer. As for it's size, it was roughly the size of an apple or a pear. She placed the object down in front of the mare. "I assume you know what this is..?" Final queried the bat pony. She was quick to respond, blushing a bright red as she did so. "A... a butt p- plug, Miss?" She squeaked as Final placed it on the floor behind her, lubing it up. "That's right, now... sit, filly." Final ordered, knowing full well she was not in fact a filly, she simply preferred the term as it made her prey feel and appear smaller. It had apparently worked as the mare whimpered and sat, the plug pressing hard up against her soft ponut which slowly opened up to accommodate the intruding object. "All in sweetie, you don't move until you can stand without it coming out..." Final stated simply. Arabella pushed her weight down and the plug slid in with a pop, her face contorting into a mixture of pain and pleasure as her legs buckled and she lay her front down with her flank in the air, gritting her teeth. Shadow and Shilo sat in their respective positions, both absolutely stunned at the display before them. "Now filly... you can continue your chores for the day with that in and I will help you finish later tonight." Final said with authority. "B- but Miss, it's barely noon! What if I have to go?" The thestral fretted as she thought about it more. Final chuckled lightly and pet the mare softly. "well then you may remove it, but it goes straight back in. I trust there are no objections..?" The thestral lifted her head and answered her mistress. "n- no Miss, thank you Miss..." "You are very welcome, sweetie. now off to work." Final swatted her on the base of the plug, causing her to squeal before scampering off back to her duties." Shilo turned to Shadow and said with a hint of concern to her voice. "Remind me not ta do anythin ta upset her saddle, ever..." Shadow shared glances with the pink bat. "Amen sister... You also do the same for me, yeah?" Shilo answered immediately. "agreed!" Final having drawn her attention back to the two, turned around and asked."are you two conspiring against me now..? We can't have that..." Both ponies answered a simultaneous. "Nope!" To which Final simply chuckled at. "Just be sure not to "upset my saddle" and you will be fine, I can assure you." She replied back cheekily as the two ponies turned pale. "Anyway, we all have nothing to do, we are all tired from sex... is anypony up for a drink?" Final asked as she pulled out an expensive bottle of whisky from a nearby cabinet. This was exactly what Shadow wanted to hear, as was evident in his response. "Now you're speaking my Language, Final!" End chapter Four Immortality is a red headed bitch. Story Beginning - Undisclosed Location The cold night air filled the doorway of the gloomy manor, it's once vibrant halls that let out a serenade of the most lovely melodies, courtesy of Canterlots finest orchestras, now a dull, lifeless echo of the past, a monument to what was once a thriving economy and home to a one, Miss Final Verse. "Ah, shithole sweet shithole..." A brazen faced young red headed mare said to herself without any shame as she dumped her coat in the middle of the walkway, making her way down the small passage leading up to a large entrance hall and grand staircase which she happily retreated to, leaving the large wooden doors to slam shut in her wake. The entrance hall consisted of white marble walls and flooring which reached high up to the white painted stone ceiling above , giving the manor it's bright and welcoming French Chateauesque style. The halls in the upper floors were lined with paintings of the previous owners family lineage. The soft crunch of the red carpet that lined said halls could be heard under her hooves as she made her way to her personal chambers. The door to Final's bedroom was a work of art in of itself, wooden etchings of mystical and magical creatures lined the old and worn wooden slab, preserving it's beauty over the many centuries of it's existence. The mare pushed open these doors with nary a thought or care about this intricate work of art as she had seen it so many times before. She approached a mirror upon entering her quarters, proceeding to look herself over as she often did. Same Grey coat, same crimson eyes and mane, same boring old ponytail, same boring old bow same horn and same age... While it may seem cliche, and quite possibly bordering on the Mary Sue category, Miss Final Verse had been cursed from a very young age. When she was just a filly, she was exploring the Everfree forest but with one very particular detail. This series of events occurred during Discord's rein. Final stared into the mirror, her own piercing eyes staring right back at her, drawing upon memories long past as she fell into a stupor. The past - Discords reign- (post age of light) The young filly was terrified. She had foolishly gone off on her own at night, into the Everfree and was now backed against a wall, tormented by this maniacal cackling freak of nature. Discord was his name, God of chaos and disharmony. She did not remember much, only being ripped through time backwards and forwards, each moment lasting an eternity, losing her mind only to find it once more, over and over until her body could take it no longer. She was about to lose hope when she seemingly regained control and anchored her awareness back into the present. A filly so out of place in the world, lost and disoriented... She did the only thing she could. She called for help. "H- hello? Is anypony there? Please... *sniffle* I- I'm lost and don't know where I am..." Alone and afraid, the young filly pleaded into the void, her muffled sobs echoed into the darkness with little hope of ever being heard. But heard they were. A lone figure sat and watched in silence, she did not interfere, only observe. For a time that is... When she felt the time was right to make her presence known, her soothing and tranquil voice filled the air as a blue mist surrounded the filly... "Shh... do not be afraid, although we cannot undo what has been done, or undone as this case may be, we can do our best to help you through it... Rest now in moonlights embrace young one" The filly Final calmed down somewhat, her breathing laboured and the mysterious pony's words rang out in her ears... And then... Darkness. She shook her head violently as she came to, snapping herself back to reality and regaining her composure. Final would sometimes live for months or years at a time before it happened again. But the memories of the first encounter with the Lord of Chaos would be embedded into her psyche, forever. Whether triggered by a key event or by Discord himself pulling at the strings, there would be one involuntary leap after another, and she would be forced to live out her life only to be forgotten by her friends and loved ones again and again. The only two that had ever lived long enough to remember her were the Lady of Dawn herself, Princess Celestia and the Lady of Dreams, Princess Luna. They had remained close friends ever since Luna had happened across the young filly on that fateful night. Final ambled her way over to her favourite chaise and with her front hooves first, she climbed atop and lay across it. There was a light red glow as a narrow rimmed tumbler levitated from it's perch within the celarette which was well stocked over the years of the mare having collecting the fine liquor, as well as the previous owner of the estate. Now by no means was Final a bad mare, quite the contrary really. She had her twisted ways but she had a very strong moral compass. Rather than steal this property, she would prefer the term appropriate. She was an opportunist after all and simply waited for the previous owner to be taken by time, ending his lineage forever. With a content sigh, she levitated over a bottle of her favourite, albeit it inexpensive whisky, Wild Pegasus. The brand had seen it's debut in the years proceeding the Equestrian War, which Final had lived through to no surprise and her own chargrin. "To life I suppose" The mare said pouring the smooth golden liquid into the glass and throwing the serving back in one quick swig. Nary a day went by where Final wasn't completely soused in one way or another, as it came to be liquor was her fuel. It kept her going year after year, living through each painful day. It kept her sane. She seldom sought the company of others, as there was really nopony around who understood her way of life, all that she really had which she relished in each time it came about was the odd visit of the Princesses from time to time, whom at this point in time she could almost call family. Final wasn't sentimental by any stretch of the imagination, but when it came to the two royal sisters, she acted like a foal on Christmas whenever they did visit, despite her age. I suppose you could say she was really quite taken by them and for good reason of course. They were caring, a riot to be around, and a little known fact is that they could each hold their liquor quite well and were fun drinking companions for the brash mare. I suppose you could argue that drinking just makes things more interesting, but even without alcohol coursing through their veins, the royals sisters could provide plenty of entertainment. Although, at times Final did enjoy throwing shade their way as friends often do. "So, were you planning on coming out of the closet at some point or were you waiting for Twilight to compliment your teats, Cel? You're not fooling anypony, especially me." Final stated gracelessly, looking over the rim of the glass between sips of her beloved intoxicating nectar. The alicorn replied wearily. "Oh drat, I thought I was actually going to get you this time... Lulu, she found us! You can come out!" As the Luna princess evacuated from her hiding place, Final damn near jumped out of her coat form the sudden movement. "Sombra's frozen dick! I did not see you there, What the shit Luna?!" The dark blue alicorn gazed at Final, her face full of a smugness that could rival the young Prince Blueblood. She then glared daggers, pouting back at her older sister as she corrected herself. "Oh dear, it seems you weren't discovered... oops?" Luna inhaled through her nose and let out a drawn out sigh. "*sigh* oops..? OOPS!!! are you bucking kidding me right now?! we had her Cel, or more specifically, I had her and you gave me away, you traitor!!! Ugh!... I need a drink." Luna huffed as she too made her way to the celarette to pour herself a drink, or to be more accurate, take an entire bottle of scotch. Making her way over to Final she stated simply. "I'm taking this..." Before popping the cork and necking half the thing. Luna let out a content sigh. "Oh that is most definitely what we needed... I have had quite the day and having just returned from travelling abroad , I really could use a break. One of my clients, while he gets the job done, he has been leaving quite the cleanup for my crew and the Lunar guard who have also been complaining about said mess..." Final, having just seen her beloved scotch drained within half a second before her very eyes had other things on her mind. "Ok, well sweetie. That sounds like a 'you' problem, but this right here... this one hundred and fifty year old bottle of scotch, that is a 'me' problem..." Final said begrudgingly, leaning in close and leering at the Luna princess, narrowing her eyes into slits with a frown... "roughly translated, it is now going to be a 'you' problem..." Luna cocked her eyebrow as the mare in front of her made blatant threats. "My dear sweet Final.." The goddess cautioned. "I may not be able to best you physically but believe me when I say I will best you in logic and wit every time. Brains over brawn after all..." Final smirked devilishly at the younger princess. "How about I put the bottle in your wine cellar when you're done, sweetie..?" Upon these words, Luna's eyes went comically wide at her less than elegant proposition and she immediately stepped down from her pedestal. "I will buy you a new one on the morrow and it will be of equal or bigger size!" she blurted out frantically due to her sudden panic. Final chuckled at her friends hilarious backpedal. "haha, I am teasing Lu... Don't get your panties in a tussle over it." Final chastised the much older mare. She really had no intention of bringing harm to who was effectively an older sister in her eyes. "I will get a new bottle in the morning myself, I could use the exercise to be honest." She paused and smirked gloatingly at Luna. "Not that I really need it of course, we both know my body is stuck as is, fuck you very much, Discord... I simply don't wish to become as lazy as a princess sitting with her thunder thighs spanning her throne" At this, the slightly more than inebriated Luna released her trademark flash of lightning, reserved for when she was utterly pissed. "We will stuff the moon so far into your crevice that not even the stars can aid in it's escape!!!" Yup, she was indeed pissed and Final was about to be the first mare around the moon in a manner of speaking... "Lu, calm your teats... breathe... and remember who you're dealing with here..." The alicorn inhaled slowly upon Final's suggestion and calmed herself, the pleasantness of her alcohol induced intoxication taking over her senses. "We will forgo the stuffing... For now~" Final breathed a sigh of relief, having averted the aforementioned threat. Despite being so perverted herself, she really did not take well to the idea of having anything larger than a hoof shoved in any of her orifices. "Well, now that we have 'that' out of the way, why don't we just relax and enjoy the night shall we?" The red head suggested eagerly. Before continuing on. "I have hardly heard a word from Sun Butt an-" She was interrupted before she could finish however. "You know I hate that name, Tampon..." The larger princess stated irritably, firing back with all the wit of a thousand lifetimes and the burn of a thousand suns. "I'm not a fucking tampon you dense fucking queen wannabe! I swear, if you were any more dense, then you'd go fucking supernova and absorb every fucking stallions seed in Equestria, you gaping black hole of a cunt..." Final blurted out to the Princess of dawn without any reservation. The princesses eyebrows furrowed as she wore a blank expression and responded lazily. "Are you quite done?" The unicorn replied reluctantly. "Quite..." The princess smiled. "Good then, because I too could use a drink. I will forgo my usual bloody mary in lieu of my former rebuttal..." She then shuddered as she thought of actual blood of a certain variety in place of the usual tomato. Having made her selection of what to drink, Celestia turned to Final and inquired. "So, is there any lucky Stallion or Mare in your life at the moment? And no... Night Walkers do not count" Before she could press further, her younger sister interjected. "I do so wish you would stop referring to them as such, it sounds too close to my Lunar guard..." Final then interjected "It's ok Lu, I know where she was going with this and no Cel... no lucky hookers whatsoever" Celestia rolled her eyes as the unicorn rested her chin on her hoof, supporting her head with a sigh. "oh not this whole song and dance again" Celestia chided with an aggravated tone. "woe is me, I can't die so I refuse to be with anypony... I've heard it, hell Final I've lived it..." releasing her hoof from her lower jaw and flattening it on the chair in front of her rather pointedly, she replied in a mock tone. "Oh gee, okay mom... I'll find a nice Stallion who would be more than happy to spawn a little shit with me, I'll be extra sure to bring her on a destructive excursion to the royal palace and share the fucking fun!" She scoffed at the Princess. Celestia calmly raised her hoof to silence her and upon Final shutting up, she said her piece. "I am not looking to control you or set you on a particular path, I have done so too many times. I simply wish for you to not be alone. Quiet solitude is nice, but only in small doses. please think on it, Final." With a defeated sigh, Final looked sincerely at the Celestia. "Ok Cel, I will for you. Thank you." "Anytime my dearest friend." The princess replied in kind as she crossed both hooves and lay her chin across them, letting her own drink take effect. A knowing smile formed across Final's features as she had her own questions for the princess. "So... Who is she? I bet I could wager a guess. Starts with 'T' ends with 'T' and comes at the end of the day. Twice if you're lucky." Luna decided to chime in. "eight was our count, we believe...." The elder stared daggers into her younger sister "Luna..." She hissed in reprimand. Which to this, her younger trickster of a sister only snickered. "You have no right to complain dear sister, it is we who have every right to complain being kept awake each time Twilight comes for a visit..." The eldest turned scornfully to her sister. "And what about you and that Witcher fellow? I couldn't care less if you can mount him as much as you like with little consequence... I still have to hear it! and I don't want to hear it..." "Ah, ye olde sibling rivalry... Always a pleasure to watch, thank fuck I don't have one of my own..." Final said while stifling a yawn. "Though it is getting rather late and this mare is ready to pass out." Final said nodding her head at the clock rather pointedly, which read 4:30am "Ah yes, it was a lovely drink and chat Final, but we best be off. We have some important business to attend to come the sunrise and I and my dear sister need our beauty sleep." The two rose from their positions and after a respectful bow, they pulled the red head into their embrace. "Do try to visit soon dear friend, you are always welcome under our roof." Luna said compassionately, while pulling the mare close. Celestia then followed suit. "If you ever need either of us, for whatever reason... simply call and we will be there." With that, the two princesses departed the castle grounds as Final watched from below. The two sisters flew off into the night and as they set a course for home, flying side by side, Celestia bore a cocky grin. "So dear sister... About this Witcher..." The younger moon princess let loose a haughty and mischievous chuckle. "Oh sister, why do you think we pilfered that bottle in particular?" She could not hide her smirk as her plan would soon be set in motion. Celesia was still somewhat confused which lead to Luna explaining further. "It was a bottle of wild pegasus if you recall? Dodge junction bought out all remaining stock and Final will have to trek right through his territory to get there." Celestia then gave Luna a knowing smile. "Brains over brawn..My dear sister, you truly are evil!" The sun goddess chided with a snicker as they landed atop one of the castles many balconies. After their usual formalities, they each said their goodbyes ans retreated to their respective chambers proper for the night. With all being said and done, Luna made her way to her desk and levitated a dark blue feather quill, matching her own hue, it's glossy sheen reflecting off the moonlight. With nothing more to distract her, she gathered her thoughts, put pen to paper and proceeded to write. My dearest Witcher~ Content with her efforts, she smiled as she put her quill back in it's holder before hesitating and adding one final tidbit to her writing, the faintest hint of a blush adorning her cheeks. Climbing into bed and pulling up the sheets, a small smile crept across her beautiful features... The princess of dreams would sleep well this morning. End Chapter One A prank too far Final's Estate - Drinking Parlor The warm glow of the early morning sunlight permeated the room, seeping it's way through the crimson drapes and into the lounge of the estate. A certain red haired mare lay sprawled against the backless chaise that she had fallen asleep in the night prior having taken favor of it over the usual bed in her own personal chamber. Her large four poster bed was situated right in the middle of her room, with it's headrest firmly up against the wall, on which she would not find the luxury and comfort of pressing her back to the cool stone wall during the hot Equestrian summers. The fore mentioned ray of sunshine covered the slender, sleeping figure with it's it's warming blanket of light. The light did well to exaggerate the gorgeous features of the mare who lay there, blissfully unaware of the world around her, lost in her peaceful slumber. It edged its way over her lavishly long crimson tail, casting shadow between each luxurious strand of hair, before arching it's way up her soft and supple thighs and flank, illuminating the small of her back which arched perfectly to compliment her figure. As far as mares went, she was a thing of beauty. The light also reflected from the frogs underneath of her forehooves which were delicately placed under her jaw, angled just right for somepony to apply a little tickle treatment if they so chose. Thankfully for her, she was alone. Her angelic cheekbones had the smallest little tufts of fur which ran down to her jawline, giving off a much younger appearance, though her eyes... they were not wrinkled but they looked tired. If you were around her long enough, you could tell very well that her true age was not what it appeared to be. With the light now reaching eye level, Final began to stir,albeit begrudgingly. "Eeerggh... fak of Cel... I need my beauty sleep." After a moments thought, she decided to correct herself. "Wait... no I don't, unlike you and Lulu... heh heh." Final pressed her back to the wall, letting out a soft purr at the cool touch, a mixture of the morning heat and cold stone making her shiver. "mmm... That's so lovely. I could just rest here all morning." The mare said to no one in particular. Then it dawned on her, much to her chagrin. "Oh but noooo. As much as wish to stay here, I CAN'T!" She said with annoyance. "I have to restock my Whisky supply because somepony decided, 'We have had a bad day/night or whatever the fuck time I'm randomly fucking existing, hey let's neck the entire fucking bottle and ruin Final's fucking day...' cunt..." After her little rant, the mare slowly rose to her hooves, but not before arching her back like a cat and stretching, her body shuddering into an involuntary spasm of muscle. "hnnnnn-gh... ah that hit the spot. Now, where did I leave my coat? In the hall most likely. But first, breakfast." She again said to nopony in particular. so many years in isolation will do that to you after all. As she stood up, Final took in her surroundings. The relatively low ceiling and carefully arranged pillars served to add to the coziness of the room in an odd way. It made it feel more inviting in an odd sense. It was not cramped, nor overly spacious to a point of emptiness. It was perfect. Final made her way to the stunning double doors, bypassing the many portraits and decorations on her trek through the halls, she quickly made her way to the manor grounds which was her fastest route to the kitchen and her life sustaining beverage. On the mare walked,eventually coming upon a vestibule to the outside world, large green hedges lining a rectangle courtyard with statues of generations long past lining it's center. The statues were entangled in vines which had grown over the centuries, slowly wrapping their tendrils around their stone prey, the weathered and aged granite cracking under the pressure of their leafy bindings. As the mare walked, she took in the gorgeous, yet eerie scenery. While she never could see herself tending these gardens, she relished in the simple feeling of serenity they had to offer. Perhaps she would look into a servant one of these days to restore the work of art to it's former glory. That thought could come later however, for now this mare was on a mission and no distraction under Celestia's golden sun would stop her. She needed coffee and she needed it right now. She bypassed the garden as fast as her hooves would carry her without breaking into a trot and she noticed a familiar and graceful winged figure approaching. "Well, this will certainly not impede on my mission to the brown, caffeinated elixir of my life or anything..." She said sarcastically under her breath. A golden colored thestral descended gracefully, gliding low to the ground and lifting herself a few feet before fluttering to a stop right at Final's hooves. The mare was garbed in a brown, burgundy and cream Victorian styled outfit which one would expect to see the character Mercedes wear in a Bridleway performance of The Count of Monte Cristo. She also wore a black collar with a gold d-ring hanging loosely. attached to the ring was left dangling a burgundy toned leash. She had a long blonde mane that reached all the way down to her gold tipped hooves and tied at the end into a loose ponytail. Her long golden tail trailed gracefully behind her. Her intelligent amber eyes bore into Final's with a burning devotion to the mare.It was quite understandable as to why this was, however you must know the story of how Final rescued the poor dear. To keep things short, the thestral mare was victim to some rather unfortunate circumstances. when Final had found her at one of Canterlots many houses of ill fame, she was being trafficked into an underground rink, her eyes spoke volumes of one who was being held against their will... That was Final's first and only murder outside of the battlefield. She still wears the blood on her hooves to this day. Fast forward to the present day and the savoir obsessed thestral would not leave Final alone. She sat in front of Final like a puppy with it's leash in it's mouth, begging for a walk. Final let out an exasperated sigh. "You simply will not renege on this escapade, will you..?" The mare shook her head while still holding the end of the leash, Final could not help but chuckle lightly as she took the leash with her magic. "Very well... do you like coffee Arabella?" The thestral replied excitedly, showing quite the vocabulary for one who has seemingly lowered herself to that of a household pet. "Yes Miss Final, I love coffee. However, I only enjoy it when it is made right and I assure you, I can do just that!" A small smile crept it's way upon Final's muzzle. "And just what else can you do... sweetie?" Final said as she leaned in close to the mare who seemingly shrunk before her. "Oh, u- um I can cook, clean and I'm also a quick learner so pretty much whatever you tell me!" The mare said, rather shouted with quite the blush on her complexion. This mare had developed somewhat of a victim/savoir relationship and while Final did not want any part, she could not leave the poor mare all alone, besides... She needed a servant and she had the perfect volunteer candidate right here. She would be paid well and housed of course, Final was not one to take advantage of ponies, while they were alive. As stated earlier, she was an opportunist, not a monster. Also, the thestral had shown herself to be quite smitten with the elderly unicorn. "Very well, to the kitchen we go and for your first order, I would like for you to make me the best coffee I have had in several lifetimes. Succeed and I might just..." Final said, gently nibbling on the thestral's ear floof. "Reward you..." Arabella's face flushed a bright pink, complimenting the colors of her coat quite well. They made their way to the kitchen and Arabella had begun to set up for brewing the coffee. While she did that, Final occupied herself with her plans for the day. While she had made the journey many times over, the train was out of commission for some time while the council had decided to perform maintenance to the tracks. So the red head would have to journey through the Everfree Forest and out past Appleoosa which could take the better half of the day just to simply make it there. The journey back would have to be done at night and that just served to annoy Final further... "Fucking... damn you... Luna." Final's ears perked up as she was broken from her thoughts to a sound that she delighted to hear all morning. "Coffee's ready!" The thestral stated proudly, setting a cup of what looked to be a very well made espresso. The cup was piping hot, steam rising out from the top, a sign of any good espresso, even the cup rim was hot to the touch. She noted the color of the creama, it was a golden brown and it covered the entire cup. Final took a test sip as Arabella watched on in eager anticipation. Her eyes widened in absolute ecstasy, the creamy texture and light bitterness of the coffee gracing her tongue. It was by far the best coffee she had ever consumed. "Oh sweet Luna, this is absolutely heavenly... It really is the best coffee I have ever had. Thank you, sweetie." Final said, scratching the mare under the jaw warmly with the soft underside of her hoof. Final looked regrettably at the mare before her. "Sadly though, I must be off. I have a long way to travel today and best leave now if I want to make it back before nightfall." The thestrals ears drooped sadly at this new information. Final noticed this and then added before walking to pick up her coat. "But I won't forget my promise and your reward..." The thestrals heart skipped a beat as Final brushed her tail along her cheek and under her chin before departing for the forest. The warm red glow of Final's magic enveloped her coat as she lifted it off the hall floor. Pausing by the entry hall, Final extended her magical reach to that of a storage cabinet which was set by the two oak front doors. Carefully place her saddle bags over her back, she checked to ensure she had not forgotten anything. To her credit, she had not. It had been several hours and Final having gotten a very late start had only just now begun her trek home. The hot sun had reached it's zenith in the Equestrian sky hours ago, the day star only serving to make the journey all the tougher for our elderly mare. As she watched the sun descend behind the forests treeline, she took great pleasure in knowing that her faux sisters instrument of torture having retreated from the sky would lower the temperature greatly. Though she still had to wonder, why in tartarus was it so hot in the middle of autumn. "Why does it have to be so Celestia damn fucking hot..? What, is the bitch in heat or something? Fuck me..." A lone figure sat silently in the shadows, watching as Final spouted off all of her profanities. "Wow, for a mare with a bounty on her head she sure doesn't mind making a lot of noise, but damn she's pretty hot herself." The half zebra said, but was quick to reprimand himself. "Shit, focus Shadow!" Final, having not been in any situation where she needed to remain on guard, mostly in part of her being immortal and without the need to defend herself or be cautious was a perfect target for the young Zony. With no more hesitation, he jumped her, lunging out of the bushes at his target and lopping her head clean off her shoulders, her head falling to the ground with a thud. Before he could celebrate however, her head began to glow a faint gold and as the Zony looked on in awe, the very head that he just cut off de-materialised into a sparkling golden latent energy, taking shape around the shoulders of the mare that he had just rended. *gasp* "What... the fuck?!!!" The mare gasped in both shock and indignation. "Well, that's an interesting trick, can ya do it again?" Final turned to the Stallion angrily, "Fuck you!" He smirked some. "under normal circumstances, you'd have yourself a deal... but these aren't normal circumstances and I don't date corpses, not in ta that. Sorry to burst your bubble there." Final approached the Zony with an accusing hoof pointed squarely at his muzzle. "now you look here... I will-" *schick* Before she could finish, he lopped her head off once more and turned around to leave. "Not tolerate" He rolled his eyes as he struck once more. *schick* "Would you stop that?!" Shouted an infuriated Final. Her patience was really beginning to thin at this point. "I swear... if you do that one more time, I-" *schick* "FUCK!" She screamed. "Are you quite done?!" Final noticed the Zony about to swing once more. "Don't..." Final said in a low voice, peering into the bushes. "You... Get the fuck out here now...." Final said in a threatening tone. With that, Princess Luna stumbled out of the bushes in a bout of laughter, almost losing her hoofing in hysterics. "Ba-HAHAHA! The fun has certainly been doubled! My two dearest friends now meeting at last!" "WHAT?!!!" Final screamed, giving Luna an incredulous expression. "THE FUCK, LUNA!" The moon princess stared at both parties. "Perhaps we went a little too far?" She added sheepishly. "No fucking shit!" The Zony stared from myself and back to Luna and then right back to me. "Hold on... I'm confused. SO you didn't want her dead..?" Luna looked at the Zebra hybrid in shock at the insinuation. "Goodness no, I would never want to kill my dear Final. I knew she couldn't die so the consequences for death in her eyes are little more than a playful punch on the shoulder." Final glared daggers at Luna, infuriated to her core. "Oh, let me knock your fucking head off with a "playful" punch you bitch and see how you fare... Shit fucking hurts..." Luna looked up at Final with an awkward shrug. "Oops?" "Goddess fucking dammit Luna, I hate you sometimes..." Final stated pointedly as she put her hoof to her forehead. The Witcher fared no better as he locked eyes with Luna. "Princess, you of all ponies should know I take my code very seriously... I think I may need some time alone for awhile." He said as he brushed past her pointedly. "At least for now... You still owe me Luna." As he walked away, the red heads eyes followed after him as she took a mental note of how ruggedly handsome he was. "It's Final by the way... Miss Final Verse..." she said hopefully as he made for his home in the Everfree. He rolled his eyes slightly. "Miss huh... isn't that just a slight bit presumptuous?" He said with a simple shrug of his shoulders. "Meh, I guess if you must know, I'm Shadow, Shadow Strike." His eyes fell upon the bottle sticking out of Final's saddle bags. He eyed the bottle eagerly. "You know, seeing as I technically didn't get the job done, I can't rightfully accept payment for this..." Final could tell immediately what he wanted and her answer was a short, but firm resounding. "No... You 'tried' to kill me" His expression shifted almost instantaneously to one of almost begging as his ears drooped, which seemed a little pathetic for somepony who did not understand the importance of alcohol, which luckily for him and his remaining pride, she did. "sigh... I- Very well, come with me and we'll wet those lips of yours" His eyes lit up instantly and he stood to attention, quite the rebound if she were be honest with herself. She chuckled lightly to herself. "Easy cowboy, we haven't gotten there quite yet." Final stated pointedly, but paused as she noticed something out of place. "You... have a horn." His answer was immediate. "Aye.. that I do." Final cocked an eyebrow as she studied him carefully. Now was not a time for personal questions, those could come later. "You have a horn, and yet you use your sword with your mouth..? why?" She had a feeling that she already knew the answer, but she wanted to hear it from him to be sure. His response was quite what she expected. "Normally I'd say because I wanted to reserve some magic in case you noticed me. But if I'm being honest, my horn's been acting up again and it fucking hurts." Final questioned Shadow further, confirming her suspicions. "So I am assuming you have difficulty with your horn because you are a hybrid? I'm so sorry, it must be difficult having ties with one of the most magical races in existence and yet being unable to utilize much, if any of it." The Zony responded, distant and forlorn. "I guess so, I never really gave it much thought, though thinking about it you're right... but I've learned to adapt. what about you... you're immortal, how and why..?" Final shifted uncomfortably as they walked. "I... well, it all started when I was a filly of about five or six. I went off to play in the forest an-" She was cut off abruptly as the Zony interrupted her. "The Everfree forest? girl are you stupid? I can see why Luna likes you..." Final gave Shadow a scowl. "firstly, fuck you... secondly, I... was... five." "Or six". Shadow cut in. "I will buck you..." Final threatened. "Sounds like fun, I wouldn't mind that." He retorted cheekily. "Besides, you're not exactly a corpse anymore in my eyes, so's if ya offering..?" Final grinned menacingly. "Careful sweetie... I bite." "bite me and i'll lop ya head off... we've done this song and dance before, you know I will..." Final visibly cringed at the the suggestion, her trepidation clear on her face. "You wouldn't..." Shadow raised an eyebrow and paused a moment. "Oh, wouldn't I hon..?" he pointedly added, "I won't if you behave..." Final stopped dead in her tracks and turned to the smug Zony, pressing her muzzle against his in an invasion of his personal space. "Ok, that's it! what exactly the fuck did Luna tell you about me..?" Final wanted answers and she wanted them now... "Oh well wouldn't ye like to know..." he said putting on a faux Scottish sounding tone, clearly in reference to something that eluded her. She would ask later... "my guess..." He replied in a rather vexing tone. "Is everything under the sun, Miss bordello..." He continued on. "she did leave out a few things such as your immortality, for obvious reasons..." Final could only stare as quite possibly her entire life had been on display for her ex assassins eyes... one word and only one word came to mind. "Fuck..." Shadow having been holding it in suddenly broke into uproarious laughter. "Hah-haha! Oh relax Final... I'm not going to use it against you... I'm not a monster, I'm a witcher. Final cocked her head curiously to the side, her left ear tilting slightly which Shadow had to admit, looked rather adorable. "Witcher..?" Final asked confused. "Aye, I was subjected to mutations when I was young. It gave me enhanced strength, speed, and reflexes. And I was suppose to learn some spells but my magic is unstable, so I got the short end of that straw. Still, I'm the best Monster Hunter you'll ever find from here to Zebrica, babe." He reasoned as he stared off into the distance. Final thought to herself for a moment. "So, what about teleportation?" Shadow was quick to respond, slightly frustrated at his inability to use most magics, even the basics without his horn feeling like it would snap in two. "Final, if I can't levitate shit without a damn migraine, how the hell am I supposed to transport matter from one point to another without my horn splitting in two?!" Final was slightly taken aback by the little outburst, but she understood his frustrations. "Calm down, I simply asked a question, no need to take my head off..." She said in an attempt at a little humor. It worked, as the Zony began to chuckle softly. "Already did hon, but thanks for that... heh." Final nuzzled softly into the nape of his neck. "Anytime stripes. Hoooly fuck did I just nuzzle him?!" "Ok, back up... Did she just nuzzle me?! Shadow thought to himself simultaneously. Without another word Final concentrated on her her thoughts on her home and teleported the both of them into the entrance hall. *pop* "Welcome to my humble abode!" The mare said proudly as Shadow stumbled groggily to his hooves, swaying from side to side before puking all over the rug that lined the corridor. "Welcome to my 'formerly' humble abode... ick" She said in both disgust and annoyance as she took a few delicate steps backwards, trying to avoid getting the muck in her hooves. Luckily for her, she forwent her usual attire of her red and black heeled stilettos... The Zony groaned in discomfort. "errrgh... Ya know Final, ya really should warn ponies before you go ahead an teleport them all willy nilly like that. I don't do 'teleportation', it makes me sick." He said putting emphasis on the word. "Never again!" Final at seeing his discomfort immediately went into motherly mode and made sure the Zony was ok, licking her sleeve and wiping his muzzle clean. "Oh, i'm sorry Shadow. Look at you, you're a mess. Lets get you cleaned up, shall we?" The Stallion was not exactly use to this kind of treatment by a complete stranger, so he kept up a cautious guard, however he trusted Luna with his life, even though he questioned her choices in friends. "What the- mmph!..." As her hoof pressed into his cheek, he shook himself free in protest. "Honestly, I'm fine!" Final pressed her hoof gently to his muzzle for added emphases, booping him with every word. "Nonsense... you... need... a... bath." She then added with a sultry pout to get under his skin. "But I can understand if you don't want to be bathed by a cute and sexy mare..." Upon seeing the mare so vulnerable, he could only manage to stutter, fumbling over his words. "I- I... but you, and this... look, I am not denying anything that you just said about yourself, really you're very attractive for a mare of... just how old are you anyway..?" The mare gave a non nonchalant reply. "four hundred and forty six, give or take..." Shadow would have spit his bit if he was wearing one. "Four hundred and forty six?!" he shouted in shock. "You're a fucking relic!" Final's face dropped as he made his assertion. "Excuse me, but if I am a relic as you so eloquently suggested then you may want to beware of booby traps that can activate if you piss me off..." Shadow gasped in mock terror. "gasp, I'm so scared... and what are you going to do pint size, bite my ankles off?" He said mockingly, taking note of Final's smaller stature. hmmm... that could come in handy later if things work towards that favor... "You know, I may just take you up on that bath offer, Final." He said, reverting back to his less mocking tone. "lead the way." Final was both surprised and secretly giddy that she had an opportunity to dote on the new Stallion in her life. "O- Oh yes of course, right this way!" Final said as she awkwardly led the Zony through to her personal chambers. She did have a beautiful en suite that she figured would be more appropriate. Final opened the double doors at the end of the hall with her magic, revealing a large room separated into multiple partitions by two rounded steps that spanned a majority of the room. Down the stairs in the back corner was a single piano, beside it was a display case filled with musical notation and multiple awards. Shadow had to take a moment to absorb this new information. "wait a sec... you're 'that' Final?!" The mare couldn't resist using his own lingo against his and responded appropriately. "Aye." she said smugly. Shadow did not look at all pleased by this. "smartass..." Final responded again. "Aye, that I am." The zony relaxed and stretched out. "nnnngh... ya know, I want to be mad, but I'm learning to expect it from you and take it at face value." Final blurted out her response with all the wit she could muster. "He can be taught! Good boy!" He responded in outrage. "I'm not a dog dammit Final". A small smirk appeared on his muzzle as he noticed a nearby object on the counter. He slowly levitated said object to Final's neck from behind, the leather collar embossed with the initials FV. He quickly looped it around her neck and fastened it before making his witty comeback. "Well.. you're not wrong in one regard... I hate cats." He said, pointedly as he ogled her. and tugged at the leash. "now be a good bitch and take me to the bath..." Final glared at Shadow indignantly, blushing furiously as she pushed her hoof down on the leash, unclasping the collar with her magic and letting it fall to the floor. "no, bad... none of that. well, not yet at least anyway." She then recoiled . "fuck, you stink! Bath... now." The Zony shrugged and simply gestured for her to lead on. Not as if he couldn't find the way himself from here, but he just thoroughly enjoyed messing with her at this point. Before he could follow however, a blue whisp with a clouded trail zoomed into the room, stopping at his muzzle. He touched his horn to it and it flashed, bringing Final's attention back to him and the room. "Letter from Luna?" she asked inquisitively. "Aye." The zony affirmed. "Looooove letter from Luna..?" She asked mockingly. Shadow took this as an opportunity to turn it around on Final, and with all the wit he could muster, gave his response. "Mayyybe... Why, is somepony jealous..?" Her response was swift. "Considering Luna is so easy... No, not really." "don't push it, Crimson..." He responded in kind. "Witcher business." Final shrugged as she ducked back out of the room, leaving Shadow to read. "Sigh I'll do it, Luna..." Putting the letter into his saddlebag, he set off after the crazy mare whom he was starting to adore. Final walked them both into the en-suite and directed him towards a large bath built into rocks adorning the wall, slabs of unnatural, pony made marble merging into the natural cavernous structure of the wall. Shadow could not help but make the observation. "You know, if I didn't know better, I would say this part of the mansion is built into the mountain. Not a bad touch honestly, you have a knack for architecture, Final." The mare visibly cringed at the assertion as she decided it would be fine coming clean... She hoped. "Well, to be one hundred percent honest with you, that praise should go to the family Estherbond whom I acquired this estate from, by way of death." The Zony's eyes narrowed. "Pardon..?" Final reeled back slightly, elaborating further. "I mean, I waited for their lineage to die out before I took over the place. There was nopony left, no will, nothing. It was just a ruin when I took it as my home, the gardens still lay in ruin but I believe they are recoverable." Shadow relaxed some, breathing in a sigh of relief. "Well, that doesn't sound so bad, rather handy if you ask me." He shrunk back as it was now Final's turn to narrow her eyes. "come again..?" He stammered a response to appease her and not have his head bitten off. "Um, uhh... what I meant was that it's a benefit to an already shitty situation? Lets put it this way, would you have met Luna if you were to have lived a normal life? Think of all the good that has come of this without focusing on the bad for once. Look around at the ponies who love you and who you know very well that you love in return, even though you try so hard to shield your feelings, and for what... All so that at the end of the day you can go back to being that same miserable, stoic little shit who pretends she doesn't give a shit..? Wake up Final, that only works if you can actually die and live with the fact that in the end nothing really matters because we're all resigned to the fate of endless nothingness, but not you..." Final took a moment to mull that one over, her response was actually gratuitous for once and could not even come up with a witty remark if she tried, and why would she? What Shadow was exactly what she needed to hear. "I suppose I never really thought of it that way... While my life has been rough and is doomed to go on, I never would have what I cherish so much without it. Even if I didn't, living my life with such malice towards everything would not do me any favors, nor would not caring... Thank you." She gazed up at him sincerely, her fiery orbs welling with tears, almost as if to wash away the pain and torment in her old, tired eyes. Without skipping a beat she leaped into Shadow as her emotions overwhelmed her. For the first time in a long time, she could once again feel. Years of pent up emotion clawing it's way to the surface, coating Shadow's fur in their physical liquid form the walls coming down around her. As she nuzzled into him, she felt better than she had in years. Her heart was once again warm. "I really am going to need that bath soon, aren't I?" He said as he let out a sigh, holding the mare close to him." She let out a small giggle as she continued to nuzzle into him. "mhmmm... you just keep getting drenched in bodily fluids, and still haven't made it past first base yet." The zony sighed and gently released the mare. "Alright you, out..." he said as he lightly smacked her flank to get her moving. With a pout, she made her way into her chambers but not without stealing a glance through the door that was still ajar. She stealthily watched as the zony removed his coat, sliding it off of his shoulders and letting it fall to the ground, revealing his matted fur beneath. As her eyes trailed downward, she noticed that his battle worn body carried many scars, especially around his muscular chest. He slowly waded into the water, the long fur on his stomach floating delicately on he waters surface. He submerged his head in order to soak the sweat and grime off of his long mane, which draped over his shoulders as he rose back out of the depths.. "Enjoying the view, hon?" Shadow piped in as he resurfaced, interrupting the mares fantasies. His herculean muscle having hypnotised the mare. She snapped to attention, falling over herself through the door as she had been caught out. "Oof!" She fell gracelessly to the marble floor. "ow..." Shadow couldn't possibly help but snicker at her remarkable failure with her attempt at stealth. "Ya know hon, you really are quite the looker, but graceful you are not..." He gestured to the mare with her belly against the floor.. "Case and point." Final let out undignified horse noises and raised her head in his direction with a sharp snort. "I would point out the irony in you speaking grace when you quite literally just vomited on my floor, but my muzzle hurts to much right now to do so... owww." She said with a whine. "Oh come on! How can you possibly complain over that when you barely winged after having ya head lopped off?" The Zony asked incredulously. Final responded with an answer that she thought he would enjoy. "Selective bitching, now let me see that muscle, momma like!" He rolled his eyes in a playful yet mocking way. "Of course ya do..." While being sure to keep his shame well hidden, he contorted his body into many position which were pleasing to the eye. "So I take it you like what you see.... hmm?" He said as he tried his utmost to cock tease her... "Oh most definitely..." She said while walking closer to the edge of the bath and lowering her eyelids slowly in his direction while glancing up at him submissively. Oh boy, what have you gotten yourself into this time Shadow? "As tempting as that is Final, I would prefer to get to know my mares first for my own personal reasons... Which admittedly kinda sucks right now... Damn!" Final then put on a cute little pouty face to show her displeasure. "Awww... but I was looking forward to a bit of fun. Can,t you bend just this once, I know I'll bend for you..." She said both cutely and suggestively, her face one of seduction. Shadow let out sigh. "Maybe later Final, I still would prefer to get to know you better. At least have a few drinks first." He paused for a moment before the smallest ghost of a smirk appeared on his muzzle. "When did you last bathe? You smell like a mixture of rotting flesh and Drowner shit..." Final narrowed her eyes at the Witcher. "What..?" He responded simply by pulling her into the water head first. "Gah!-" SPLASH She rose to the surface, her wet mane covering her eyes comically as she spit out a stream of water like a fountain. She frowned at the zony, her cheeks going crimson. "Well... Are you satisfied... Do you like what you see?" The mare spat, more than a little irked. The Witcher clearly had other plans and simply ignored her. "come here, turn around."He said authoritatively. Final for reasons beyond her, felt compelled to obey so she did just that. Moving closer to the Stallion, she turned around and sat on her haunches, the water in this part of the bath coming up to her neck and Shadows chest. Final was rather small for a mare and this served to make the scenario all the more cute. She was also blushing with a look of uncertainty about her. Shadow gently untied the ribbon that was keeping her ponytail up. Final squeaked in surprise as he squeezed a dollop of shampoo into her mane, lathering it up with a gentle touch. "S- Shadow,what are you-?" She was cut off before she could finish however. "Just relax Final..." He said as he gingerly massaged her neck and upper back. "I- oh... ok!" The mare responded somewhat unsure of the situation. She decided to relax, leaning back into him. "mhhhhn" She must have been quite dirty because it was not until another twenty or so minutes had gone by that Shadow stopped and lightly rinsed off the suds with a nearby ceramic jug, the soap coating her figure as it pooled around her in a white foam as it hit the water. Final leaned her head all the way back to look up at him, her amber eyes staring into his own. "I... thank you, Shadow. He smiled sweetly back down at her. "It was my pleasure, Final." He then smirked. "now, how about that drink?" She closed her eyes with a sigh. Mmm, I thought you'd never ask... yes, Shadow I'd be delighted to have a drink with you" With that, the two exited the tub and the zony couldn't help but make an obvious observation... there was only one towel. "Uhh, Final..? There is only one towel." "Oh not to worry, that can be resolved quite easily. Arabella?!" She shouted out the door, her voice echoing through the empty halls. Before long, the lovable Thestral mare rocketed into the room, trailing her leash along the ground behind her. Shadow noticed this and was quick to reprimand Final. He was seething with rage as he leered between the newcomer and Final. He spoke slowly through his teeth. "explain... now, Final" The sudden mood and tension in the room was so thick that one could likely not even cut it with the sharpest blade... Shadow did not take kindly to slavers or trafficking of any kind, not even Luna could save this immortal mare if his assumptions were true. "I- it's a bit of a story, would you not rather dry off first?" Final asked, somewhat afraid of his sudden change in mood. "I don't care if I stay here until i'm dryer than the surface of the sun... explain, now..." He said vehemently. With a sigh, Final got right into explaining. "You are correct to assume, Arabella was a victim... I rescued her many years ago. I was partaking in some personal enjoyment in one of Cantrlot's less savoury locales. The poor girls eyes screamed "I do not want to be here. Help me", but all the Stallions were too busy getting their dicks wet to notice. Her owner was the first pony I ever killed in cold blood... The only pony to ever truly give me nightmares of my own creation. The things I did to him." Shadow sat down in silence, resting a gentle hoof on her shoulder as they both sat on the marble floor. She continued. "Fast forward a few years and this one has developed somewhat of a victim/hero complex with me and would not leave me alone, she is quite stubborn in that regard but very loyal. I believe she was broken beyond repair and that is why she acts so 'pet like'. Rest assured, I do not see her that way but I know she enjoys the treatment." She finished nonchalantly as she scratched the mare behind the ears and under her chin. As Shadow absorbed this new information, he garnered a newfound respect for his new friend. While she was a little rough around the edges, through no fault of her own, she was also very accommodating and beyond selfless. "And you took her in your charge knowing she could not cope without you... Final, I honestly respect that in a mare. You could have abandoned her, shit you could have done nothing, but you stepped up despite your own shortcomings and you saved this beautiful mare". Shadow gave the thestral mare an affectionate pet on the head and asked in a casual tone. "Will you be joining us for drinks, Arabella?" The mare nuzzled into the pets cutely. "I mean, as long as Miss Final doesn't mind-." The mare was stopped short as Final cut in. "What do you mean "as long as Final doesn't mind"? Of course I don't mind, sweete." "Well then, that settles that. Let's get to drinking!" The Zony shouted excitedly as he bee lined for the lounge he had seen on his way to the bathroom. Upon arrival he jumped instantly onto the very chair that caught his eye earlier, Final's chaise... Shortly after Final had caught up, the mare poked her head into the room to see her spot already being occupied by her guest. "You are aware that is my spot, are you not?" The Zony wore a victorious grin as he replied."Oh I am well aware, it just screamed 'sexual deviant', but I will admit, it is quite comfy." "Up..." Final demanded. "Hmmm... No?" He said in a mocking tone. "I will sit on you..." She retorted. "Ya already did in the bath, and I didn't mind in the slightest." The zony said pointedly as he raised his hoof in invitation. "Now get that red ass up here." "My ass is not red, only my mane and tail, my eyes if you count amber..." She corrected. The zony simply smirked once more. "Your ass is not red... yet." Final's face flushed crimson as he made his retort. "I- you... Uggh, fine, I'm coming..." She hopped up onto the chaise, resting between his forehooves. "You know, if you wanted a mare between your legs, I'm the ask and you shall receive, type..." "Oh, soo... a slut?" Shadow was quick to the punch, but final had a counter. "Dick..." She replied curtly. "Cunt..." Shadow replied in kind. The ball was in Final's caught this time and she had the perfect response in mind. "You could use one..." At this, the zony shut up and proceeded to open the bottle of Wild Pegasus. "Hmph, I win..." "Yeah yeah,whatever ya crimson bitch... So are ya just gonna sit there or are ya gonna drink?" he said, looking over the bottle. Final then snatched said bottle from the zony with her magic. "I will drink, thank you. It's not as if I didn't go to effort to acquire my favorite alcohol or anything..." she said snidely. Before pouring herself a glass, she poured one for our resident bat pony who lapped it up gratefully beside her. "Oh for fuck sake, she even drinks like a puppy." She proceeded to pour her own beverage, sipping the alcoholic elixir with gusto as the fruits of her days labor were served to her in liquid form. "Come to momma..." She said as she guzzled the remainder of her drink enthusiastically. Shadow then cut in. "Moma Final, huh? I honestly don't know whether to laugh or cringe at that notion..." "yeah, no fuck that... Absolutely not, not again. She replied in absolute disgust. "Wh- huh- You have kids?!!!" He shouted, almost choking on his drink. "Had, past tense... Little shit did not like what I stood for or my lifestyle choices." The mare replied, staring into space. "What was their name?" He asked "Sassy Taffy..." Replied the mare. "I can see where she gets it from." Shadow could not help himself as he was starting to lose his inhibitions. Final simply glowered at him. She would have retorted, but she decided to give him the benefit of the doubt seeing as he was already on his 5th glass within the span of only two minutes. "Shit you drink fast..." He responded with a bit more of a slur than normal. "And you talk fast, how about showing me a different pair of lips babe?" "I'm going to forgo my usual face slap and tell you that while I am flattered, you are drunk and while I wanted to much earlier, recall you saying that you preferred to get to know mares better before making any kind of move. For Luna knows why..?" "Actually, she does!" He blurted, clearly having lost out to the alcohol and was on the precipice of drunken rambling. "Knew a mare like you... trained with er 's *hic* a witcher, she was my partner s'well as my friend and we were close. Bit off a bit more than she could *hic* chew when we went up against a Frightner. Now she's gone, right when I was ready to tell er my feelings. An that'd be why I can't bring m'self ta get close t' a mare like you..." Final felt empathy towards the Stallion. While it was not exactly the same, she too knew the pain of not being able to bring yourself to connect with anypony. She helped him to his hooves, carefully stepping over the form of a sleeping Arabella and made her demands. "That's it, I'm cutting you off and taking you to bed... Your 'own' bed..." "Awww, but Finalllllll..." He complained indignantly. "No, no buts... Not yet anyway at least... Maybe if you're lucky." She said, placing him into her own bed. She would be content with her chaise again for tonight. As she made her way out of the room, her thoughts could not help but wander back to the sleeping zony. She hopped onto her chaise and curled up against the cool pvc backrest. Also, I'm thinking something like this. Final found that sleep would not come easily that night, she tossed and turned but she still had the events from today in her mind. For once she wasn't alone, for once she had somepony who she at least had a little in common with, more so than just immortality... She hopped out of her own bed and made her way down the hall to where the Zony was sleeping comfortably on his back. She whispered his name to ensure he was not awake. "Shadow..?" There was no response, so she tried again. "Hey, are you awake..?" Again no response. She climbed carefully onto the bed and sat beside him, thinking to herself while stealing a quick glance of his figure before looking away in embarrassment. She then quickly looked left to right as if to assure herself that nopony was looking, before nuzzling into him, blushing softly and letting out a content sigh. A note on the bedside table caught her eye, she figured Shadow must have woken up at some point to organize his belongings before retreating back to bed. She was about to read it to find out whether or not her assumption about Luna and Shadow was true, when something stopped her... "No Final, you're better than that..." With that, she fell back into Shadow's warmth and let sleep carry her away. The letter on the desk would forever remain a mystery to Final, but Shadow on the other hoof had a duty to uphold and promises to keep. My dearest Witcher. While we are well aware that our antics perhaps went a little too far, there is one more job that we must ask of you. Please look after Final, she needs somepony like you in her life. We will happily pay you compensation for your troubles today. Yours, Princess Luna End Chapter Two Author's Note Thank you to LegacyElite84 for help with editing and contributing to writing technique. It has helped add flavor to the story ^^ Also a big thank you to HadesShadow92 for being a continued support and inspiration. ♥♥♥ A Hot Date Final's Estate - Final's Quarters It was very early in the morning and Celestia's golden sun still had not yet breached the mountain peaks. Not a single sound disturbed the empty halls of the estate, sans the soft wing beats of a certain thestral mare. Arabella had done her best to keep quiet so as not to wake her superior. The mare had already started on the cleaning of the manor, her eye having caught the letter left by Shadow and Luna. As she moved the letter from the night stand, she could not help but give the Stallion a warm smile as she watched the slow and laboured breaths of his sleeping figure while the one who was in her charge lay sprawled across him awkwardly, flopped across his belly, the underside of her thigh pressed against his neck and her back hoof kicking idly at the air every so often in a cute display that one would find akin to a sleeping puppy. The thestral continued cleaning deep in the confines of Final's quarters, while Shadow began to stir. As he groggily opened his lidded eyes, the first thing he saw was Final's tail and bow pressed against his muzzle. This accompanied by the initial scent of the mare was confusing, but not unwelcome for him to wake up to. "Uhhh... hon. Not that I mind or anything, but why is your red ass in my face?" Final stirred, her ears flickering as she picked up the sound of his soft voice. "yawwwn... I already told you my ass isn't red. The zony smirked some before swatting her flank rather harshly with the underside of his hoof. SMACK!!! "Yipe!" Final let out a yelp as his hoof struck. "It is now,hon... Now let me up. Your ass, while very nice and all is not doing me any favors right now... "He stated rather firmly. Final having remembered back to the night before regarding Shadow's feelings towards boundaries, immediately hopped to, her flank still stinging slightly as Shadow got a full view of her rear. "Oh shit... Did I do that?" He asked "Oh don't act so surprised.... You know very well you did that... owwiiie."The mare whined in a pitch that would Rival Ponyville's finest fashionista. "Did you have toooo?" She asked with a pout while staring back at the zony. Shadow immediately became flustered as the mare played to his more sensitive and protective side. He inwardly cursed himself out feeling rather guilty as he did so. "I- I'm sorry Final, I don't know what came over me. I'll make it up to you..." Final turned and faced forward with a calculated grin as she said back over her shoulder. "You my handsome Stallion can in fact make it up to me... "She turned around and slowly crawled up his figure until her muzzle was level with his. "My favourite coffee place is not too far from here. You can take me there for a coffee today with some of those bits you earned taking me out." She smirked. "Taking a mare out, only to end up taking her out... Now that IS irony." Shadow rolled his eyes at the mare and gave her a playful shove. "No puns..." He paused in his tracks as he noticed something out of place. His letter, where was his letter?! "Shit, she can't see that!" He shouted, bolting off the bed and searching the floor frantically. "I can't see what?" Final queried the Stallion. "I didn't even say you!" He shouted in a panicked tone. "I know, I just naturally assumed that it was regarding me because of the way you are getting so worked up... I do have that effect on ponies..." Final said as she stretched cat-like across the bed. "Would you drop the ego for one second... this is important, but you're right. It's about you and something I would rather keep between myself and Luna for now." Shadow thought for a moment. If she found out that Luna tasked me with looking after her, she may get the wrong idea... I can't let her see that letter. "Anyway, get that red ass out of bed... I owe you a coffee and I will not renege on that promise." He said with a stretch, cracking his spine in the process. "nnnng- that's the stuff..." "Very well, I shall go and get ready and you can feel free to do whatever." Final said as she hopped down from the bed and headed for the bathroom to get ready for their little outing. "Do whatever hmm..?" for the next forty or so minutes presumably, he would have the manor to himself, sans the thestral. perhaps he would return Final's favour from last night and admire her assets. He chuckled as he entertained the thought, making his way to the bathroom to get a front row seat and to enjoy the show. Shadow like his namesake was stealth incarnate, and unlike Final... graceful he was. He watched as the mare perused through her selection of clothing, slipping on her heels and adjusting the straps accordingly so that they wrapped tightly around her ankles, letting cute padlocks hang freely at the sides, giving any potentially dirty minded Stallion or Mare ideas. "Why heels Final..? You know they are impractical and for the most part look ridiculous and you of all ponies do not seem to be capable of wearing them without falling on your face..." He said pointedly to himself as Final was out of earshot. He was quick to eat his words however as Final then put on a graceful display as she adjusted to her heels, almost as if she were more in her element while wearing them than not. He also had to admit, while ponies usually did not pull them off, they did well to accent her legs and posture while making her even hotter than he'd imagined. "ffffffuck..." It was all he could say really, and who could blame him? Final in heels was truly a sight to behold, and graceful she was... Surprisingly. After spending the better part of an hour getting ready, mostly delicately applying her eyeliner, Final made her way out of the walk in vanity and over to Shadow who was casually stroking Arabella's mane on the bed. "I was about to say, it took you long enough. did ya get lost?" The Zony asked mockingly. "if you must know..." The mare sniped back, "My mane was caked in what I can only hope was your drool..." "only hope was my- oh no..." The Zony thought to himself. "Ya know, I heard it's actually good for hair and the complexion..." He said, trying to make light of the situation. Final enjoyed messing with Shadow, so she continued. "Now, I use the word hope rather loosely here, mainly for your sake because to be honest it's been so long that I wouldn't mind in the slightest." Shadow's eye twitched somewhat. "parden..?" he queried. This mare was going to be the death of him and he was enjoying every minute of it. Final chuckled to herself and tapped the Zony on the shoulder. "Oh relax Shadow, I was only teasing." "Yah, no shit... ya good at that." He said dryly. Final shrugged, levitating her coat to her as she headed for the door. "well, aren't you coming..?" She asked as Shadow still sat there stroking the thestral's mane. He loved bat ponies, even had one of his own that he knew named Moonlight. "Well of course i'm coming, but i'm kinda trapped right now..." He said, gesturing to the sleeping thestral. Final let out an irritated sigh. "Fine, i'll wait in the hall..." She said making her way to the entrance. Something on the table near the front door caught her eye however. It was the letter from Princess Luna she had forgone prying into last night. Curiosity got the best of her however, and if he was going to keep her waiting, she would simply read his shit. "I... what?" Final dropped the letter, turning to Shadow who had just entered the hall. "Damn Final that mare is a cute- oh..." His eyes went from Final to the letter and back to Final once more. "How much did you read?" Finals response was one of defeat. "Enough... I think you should leave." "Leave, now why would I do that?" He asked, knowing full well that she was upset. "Because you- I thought we... You only put up with me for her!" "No, I put up with you for me." he replied curtly. "Because as stupid as it sounds, I may have finally found somepony I am actually interested in." "BULLSHIT! you did it for your dick and were probably just going to fuck me and fuck me off! you already have Luna!" She shouted, almost in tears. In his rage at both himself and her accusations, he shouted back, making his feelings quite clear. "FUCK LUNA!!!" This knocked her back a peg as she sat there pulling her hoof back in a type of flinch. She paused briefly, her face on of both shock and flattery as she knew he respected Luna more than to say that. Did this mean his feelings for her outweighed even that respect for his beloved Princess? "Fuck Luna, because she has nothing to do with how I feel... So don't you dare..." Without another word, Final stepped closer and put her hoof on his. "Alright then, new plan... You're not getting me coffee as an apology... you're taking me on a date." She said rather bashfully, her cheeks flushing crimson, like her mane. Shadow's muzzle turned about as red as Final's mane and flank if you want to go there..."A d- date?" Becoming flustered, he took a moment to get his head around it. Yes, he was absolutely infatuated by this mare and yes he absolutely wanted to turn her bed into a giant crater with her beneath him... but this seemed a little faster than the casual bit of fun he was used to. "well..?" Final asked, fluttering her eyelashes cutely. "fuck..." "Maybe if you're good..." The mare replied in a sultry tone. "shit..." He said following up his initial lack of vocabulary for the given moment. Final raised her eyebrow in response. "yeeeeah... no, not into that." Shadow responded with what would be one of many new catch phrases. "For fuck sake Final..." They both made for the entrance, Final leading the way and Shadow in tow as he grabbed his coat while enjoying the view. Setting their sights towards Ponyville, this would be the first of many coffee dates for the two. Ponyville - Marketplace Before long, the two ponies had made it to the Ponyville marketplace. It was here supposedly that they would find a nice cafe. Shadow was less than convinced and while he did not partake in the enjoyment of coffee like our resident immortal, he did have some knowledge, especially pertaining to the fact that while rustic villages are a nice getaway and a nice touch to a date, she would in fact fare better in her en-devour for the perfect brew in the confines of Canterlot city. Final of course knew this, but wanted the Stallion to enjoy his time as much as her. "You know Final" Shadow spoke up as they walked. "The better choice for coffee would be in a main city rather than a country town, any particular reason you decided on Ponyville other than the obvious 'Shadow can't teleport'?" Now, Final was known for being quite boastful and talking herself up when the time called for it, but the occasion had not yet called for it and she wanted to make a good impression on this Stallion so that he could make a good impression on her mattress later. She chuckled silently to herself at that little quip. They had arrived at a quaint little cottage amongst what seemed like a small homestead within a little knoll off of the beaten track from the marketplace, the sign which hung above the doorway read 'The Morning Bite - for all your waking up needs'. Shadow seemed a little weary as the name was too cliche, but the sudden appearance of the waitress was quick to sway him, also a few words from Final. "Oh look, a thestral." "Ooh, where?!" Shadow replied all excited as he looked around like dog looking for it's missing treat. The newer mare giggled and said in a country drawl. "Over here cutie" but then proceeded to cover her muzzle with a blush while cautiously looking at Final, the red head not even being fazed. Final decided to break the ice and kill all awkward tension. "Look sweetie, you can stop shitting last nights fruit cup and relax. We're not together and more to the point, even if we were there is something you should know about me... I don't mind sharing." She said with a lidded gaze towards the thestral mare while resting her chin on her hooves and elbows on the table. Shadow snickered and turned to Final. "Final don't be mean to the poor mare, you can clearly see she is interested, stop toying with her" The thestral looked as though she were about to tear up before Final responded with. "Oh, I'm not toying with this mare, (as much as I want to be...)" She said with a giggle. "Oh shit... you're not joking. Um, random bat mare, she is not joking..." He said with quite the worried expression. This earn't a surprised gasp from the mare, her breath catching in her throat. "Ah- hem... Ah think we should get your order outta the way fore' skippin ta desert..." Final took a serious tone once more as she placed her order. "I'll have a hazelnut latte with almond milk if you have it, and I'll try your strongest blend. Captain Adult here doesn't like coffee so I'll see what he wants instead." Shadow simply glared at Final as he retorted. "Not all ponies are museum exhibit worthy, Final... Some of us youngin's want to keep our tastebuds in check... Despite the fact that I don't have much of a sweet tooth myself. Point taken and acknowledged, but still fuck you ya ancient relic..." He continued to browse the menu, and something caught his eye... "Oohh, now ya know I said I wasn't much of a sweet tooth, but ya can't go wrong with a good root beer" The zony said as he looked up at the mare. The thestral turned to both parties. " Ya done orderin darlin's?" Final looked the menu over once more and thought fuck it, why not. "Actually, I'll have a slice of the red velvet if that's alright?" The thestral replied enthusiastically. "Course it is darlin, after all, the more you order the more food goes into mah own mouth" Final couldn't help herself as the opportunity was served to her on a silver platter, by a waitress of all ponies. "Oh sweetie, you should know that bits or no, at Casa de Final you eat out for free..." She said with a whimsical smirk towards the mare, causing her to shrink down some as the female dominant teased her with just her words." Shadow simply shook his head. "For fuck sake! Final..." Clearing her throat some,the thestral relayed the orders. "So that'd be one hazelnut almond milk latte and a red velvet fer you Red and-" She was at a loss of how to address the zony as she didn't wish to come off as racist. Shadow picked up on this however and helped the mare out. "Alright, if ya going to call Final a color based name, then it's not racist if you go with one for me as well. Some friends call me Stripes but my name is actually Shadow Strike. And you are, if ya don't mind me asking?" The mare hardly skipped a beat. "The names Shilo, darlin... and ah don't mind at all." She said, casually sizing him up. As the mare sauntered back off to the kitchen, obviously to prepare the couple's orders, Shadow stared at Final. "Really..?" He queried the red head. "What..? Did you honestly expect any less from me?" She replied as he simply shook his head. "Come on hon, you can't deny that she is a cutie." Shadow could not fight her on that one, as mares went, she was indeed cute and a thestral to boot. "Alright fine, I'll agree that she's cute if you get off my back about it and tone it down for five minutes.. Now i know that is asking a lot but note that I said "tone it down" instead of 'behave' because we both know that is asking the impossible." Final begrudgingly slunk in her chair, lifting her head and groaned... "Uugh... Fine, I won't be lewd for the next five minutes dad... She then added with a hiss "Are you happy?" Shadow chuckled victoriously. "Yes... That I am." "Smartass..." Final said with a pout. "Hey, you brought this upon yourself..." Shadow affirmed. "Now shut up and drink your precious wake up bean water." Finals eyes lit up as she saw the mare approaching their table with her beloved coffee. Before it had touched the table, Final reached out with her magic and took the treat to her lips. Shadow was quick to berate her. "Final, manners..." Final responded with a growl before sipping her elixir once again. Having regained her vigor for the day, she proceeded to prod Shadow with questions about his adventures and travels. She did after all want to learn all she could about her Stallion of interest, and what better way than over a nice coffee date? Shadow was about to answer her latest question which had something to do with a demon called a Hymm, which he had apparently encountered in his travels. "They are parasites that latch on to tainted souls and live off of their host. Bad and evil deeds feed them until it has had it's fill." He looked Final deep in the eyes, heart full of pain and a serious tone to his voice. "If you encounter one with a host, consider yourself lucky you were not the victim. They will not harm the host, however I would rather be harmed than subjected to forced evil deeds of my own doing against my will while being puppeteered." Final took a moment to process this, wondering just what this Stallion had been subjected to. She placed a comforting hoof on his and gave him a reassuring smile. "You are far too pure to play host to such an abomination." With a smirk, she also added. "besides, my idea of fun is making you suffer with my own special brand of punishments... I daresay the Hymm would likely be scarred for life. Shadow stared at Final, eyes wide and mouth agape."You really do scare me sometimes... "You love it." The mare interjected. "Uugh... You're not wrong." Final smirked once again. "Name a time when I ever was in the short time we've known each other." "I'd give it about one more day before I can answer that properly" He said with sarcasm. "and what is that supposed to mean?" she asked incredulously. "You're you... You're either going to be too stubborn, try to prove me wrong and royally fuck up or you're actually going to make an honest attempt, be a derp and royally fuck up. Either way, I cannot give you a definitive answer until tomorrow when it actually happens, which it will." He paused for a moment and let out a sigh. "Reason being... I have not known you for even 24 hours yet, but I'm counting on you to fuck up at least once a day..." Final stared at him with an annoyed expression. "Gee, I love that you have confidence in me and my abilities... Such a supportive husband you'll make." Shadow spat out his beverage and started choking. "Annnnd, got him." She then added for extra salt in the wound. "But in your dreams sweetie, maybe I can talk to Lu for you?" She suggested, referring to the princess of the night. "COUGH COUGH- H- ACK.... You're a bitch, d'ya know that?" The zony choked. "No shit Shadow, You practically tell me every day... You've only known me for one so... yeah, every day." She observed. Shadow rolled his eyes as the thestral returned with the Red Velvet cake that Final had ordered. "Ooooh, now that is the third most appetizing thing I have seen all day. I could just eat you up..." Final said eagerly The thestral turned to Shadow with a puzzled look. "Stripes, Pink bat, Red velvet..." The zony made a point of listing off each appetizing thing from Final's morning, leading the mare to blush once more. "But Final... You wouldn't want to upset Arabella by not including her now, would you..?" The zony goaded. "Fine, the FOURTH most appetising thing" Final corrected herself. Shadow smirked smugly at Final. "Good girl... I guess this is my life now..." He looked on as Final enjoyed her prize. Could be worse I guess... As they each finished their snack and drink respectfully, they took a moment to take in the beautiful scenery around them. They were in a little knoll right behind the market, almost akin to the old historically preserved towns of Denmare, specifically the surrounding isles. The rooftops were overgrown with what appeared to be grass or moss of some sort, creating a soft cushion of insulation between the sun and the tiled roofs. The structures were built between grassy knolls which appeared to be straight out of the renaissance, the local boutique towering up over the trees behind, being the only noticeable landmark to guide one back into town. It really was off the beaten track and quite well hidden if you did not know where to go. It was so well hidden in fact that one could even liken it to a trap street, if you had no prior knowledge of the place you would likely never find it. It was perfect. Shadow let out a content sigh. "Ya know Final, as far as coffee places go, this was not a bad pick. Really quite beautiful if I'm being honest." "I know, I really am.." Final said pretentiously. "annnd ya went and ruined it... good job, I think I have some dog treats lying around here somewhere." He said mockingly. Final simply glared daggers at the Stallion. "I am not a dog, Shadow..." She paused for dramatic effect. "But, I will bite..." Shadow simply gulped and backed down, because knowing her, consent or not she was probably referring to his Stallionhood. "Yeah let's not bite of the zony's dick please..." "Whatever you say sweetie, you are in charge after all" She said, messing with the Stallion and catching him off guard with such an offhanded comment. "Wait, you say what now?" The zony asked in disbelief as the mare gave him yet another whimsical stare. Damn she was good at making him uncomfortable in the best of ways. "Exactly what I just said..." She said while leaning across and walking her hooves up his chest. "You." She made a point by tapping his chest with her hoof for each syllable. "are... in... Charge." She pushed her hoof into him, tilting his chaair back and knocking him to the ground comically. "Oof!" The Stallion was stunned and took a moment regain his composure. "Ok... I'm going to be first to call bullshit on that, because since when did you ever listen to anything I say? Or anypony for that mater..." He added pointedly.. "Well, I'm a switch if we're being honest and I think I like and respect you enough to give you the leash for some time, it could be fun." She said in a serious tone. "oh for fuck sake, Final..." Shadow groaned. "Would you just sit back down and behave." He continued. Final instantly picked herself up and sat down quietly, while staring up at him with an heir of surrender in her eyes. Now Shadow knew she was eager, there was no mistake. But to lower herself to this... That was a surprise, but not unwelcome in the slightest. In fact, the zony could have quite a bit of fun with this. Without taking his eyes off of the mare, he gave a simple order. "Stop eating..." Final, while quite distraught at this new chain of events still did as she was told and stopped, turning her head in curious anticipation for what the zony had planned. Embarrassment, embarrassment and humiliation is what he had in mind. "Now, close your eyes and no peaking..." He commanded. Without skipping a beat, Final did as she was told as Shadow placed the remaining cake on her muzzle with a snicker. "alright, now wait for my command like a good bitch..." "Oh you are milking the hell out of this, but you wait Shadow..." She thought to herself as she balanced the cke on her muzzle with a hypnotized expression while Shilo watched form the sidelines, trying to hold back her amusement. Without warning, Shadow shouted. "Ok girl, now!" With a toss of her head, the cake flew about a hoof into the air and made it's way back down to the front of Final's muzzle. But instead of snapping for it with her teeth, the red head keppt her maw closed and shoved her head forward, boopig the cake with her muzzle with significant force, launching it right at the zony's face. SPLAT!!! The cake hit it's target successfully, exploding into spongy, creamy and sweet display of color all over the stunned Shadow's face. Final could not help but snort at the display as she watched his expression flatten to one of annoyance. He stood up and dropped his bits on the table, thanked the thestral for the drink and stormed off towards what Final believed was the direction of the park. Again, you really can't tell with all the surrounding hills. Knowing she had more than likely fucked up big time, Final got to her hooves, also thanked the bat and went in pursuit of the Stallion. "Wait, Shadow!" Minutes had passed and she had tracked him to a small pond nearby. He was sitting alone, head down and eyes closed. For a moment she could swear she saw moisture in the corners of his eyes but he would never admit that. "Go away, Final..." He really seemed quite hurt by her actions. She sat beside him, laying her chin against him. "Now, why would I do that..?" "Because I requested it, "Pet"" He said the last part through his teeth. "Now fuck off..." He was not impressed that he had been strung along so easily. "I really don't want to, and so we are clear, while I did want to have a little fun... I actually meant what I said." Final said, while making sure to be as sincere as possible. "Oh really..? You know I need more time to get to know a mare..." The zony said, giving her a gentle reminder. Final raised a brow at this. "I'm calling bullshit, because Luna's slit would like a word...." The zony turned to her... "That's not a relationship, that's just sex..." He said in a frustrated tone, as if he hadn't explained it several times already. Final got up close and personal to the Stallion, leaning her body close to his, and gently gliding her tongue up his cheek licking off the cake. "We can still play even though we're not a couple..." She then smirked some as she nibbled his ear. "And you get to play with Luna still, so you're having your cake and eating it too." Shadow shuddered as she nibbled his ear, but had to deadpan at the pun. "Did you really just-" He was cut off as Final pressed her muzzle to his in an act of lust that had been building within her since she first saw this hunk of a Stallion. He pressed back, allowing her entry into his mouth, their tongues at war, almost as if they were fighting over the recent events that had unfolded, taking out their aggression on each other. The kiss went on for a few minutes, both parties short of breath by the end. "wow..." It was all Shadow could say, Final was a hell of a kisser. "That was... wow." "Well..? Luna hasn't contacted you quite yet. What say we enjoy the rest of today in private?" The zony was a little hesitant as things were moving a little quick. "Ummm..." Shadow began. He was cut off by the mare who simply offered a proposal with a deadpan. "You can bring the Bat." His eyes lit up and he shouted an affirmative. "Yes ma'am!" Both parties made their way back to the cafe and Shadow cleaned himself off, with much fussing and a little help from Final. "Oh that... that sounds like a heck of a time if ah do say so mahself. So who outta ya'll are runnin this rodeo?" The thestral asked in her southern drawl. Shadow pointed at Final almost accusingly."Who else..?" "Ah, makes sense, point taken..." Shilo was quick to roll her eyes as she realized it was a silly question as it went without saying... She knew the mare for little more than a few hours and already knew she was a pervert... "Oh, by the way Shadow?" Final asked. The Stallion turned to her. "Yes Final?" "Same question as before. When have you ever known me to fuck up?" She asked one again. "Well,I would say the cake incident... buuuut you saved it in the end so let's wait until tomorrow." He said with a chuckle. "Hey!" The mare complained with a pout, crossing her hooves. Both Shadow and Shilo turned to each other and burst out laughing. It was indeed going to be an interesting day. End chapter Three
One mare, two mares, three mares. Oh my! Ponyville - The Morning Bite When we last left our trio at the morning bite, they were slowly getting to know each other. Shilo decided to take her break with Shadow and Final and learnt pretty quick that there was more to her character than she let on. "Immortal ya say? Ah can't well say the same bout me.. Ahm a fruit bat pony, not one' a them vampire bat ponies." She frowned slightly. "It must get pretty lonely fer ya ah reckon..." Final frowned in turn. "You're not wrong... It does get rather lonely." She paused for a moment, making sure Shadow was listening, as what she had to say was very important. "If I really wanted to I 'could' turn somepony, much like a vampire does." This earned her Shadow's undivided attention almost immediately. "hmm?" He asked, suddenly intrigued. Final spoke in a serious tone. "I can't just simply turn a pony though... They must first be dead already and I would want to have their permission before hoof as it is irreversible. I would love somepony to be there in that way for me someday." She said dreamily as she stared at Shadow. "No..." He said quite bluntly. "One lifetime with you would be quite enough... Hell, I barely survived a day!" "Well nopony asked you to..." she huffed. "Wait, they did..." She finished.. "And I could leave at anytime. It's not as if I'm contractually obligated to keep you in line. I actually tolerate you because I like you." He affirmed in a frustrated tone. He then turned to Shilo. "And what time are you getting off cutie?" "Well... Ah can pretty much close up shop any time ah like. Can think of better things or ponies ta be doin right now..." She said seductively to the zony who gulped as the idea of the two hot mares taking care of him came to the forefront of his mind. "Ah-hem... Well then, I think we should pack it up and head on back to the manor. Arabella is probably wondering what is taking so long." The zony said in an attempt to get the party moving. He was actually quite looking forward to future events. Shilo stood and excused herself from the table before turning towards the main building."Ah'll just close up shop darlin's, shouldn' be too long." As the bat busied herself, Final leaned across the table to Shadow and whispered with a smirk. "Bet you didn't see your weekend going anything like this, hmm..?" As much as it annoyed the zony that she was right,it diid not make him wrong so he let it pass. "Ya know, I really could get used to this. I hope you can use that mouth for more than just shit stirring..." Final gasped in faux offense. "I'm shocked you would accuse me of such heresy... Of course I fucking can. But the question is... are you big enough for me? If it's as big as a pussy as you are then I think we will have no problems whatsoever" She chided, making the zony turn a bright crimson. "Excuse the fuck out of you ya red bitch? I'm pretty sure a pussy wouldn't lop your head off, now would it? Yours on the other hoof, I would actually not be surprised..." The zony retorted, somewhat offended at the comparison. Final made a point of sticking her flank up into his face, arching her back her slender figure forming the perfect shape. She flagged her tail slightly, waving it back and forth so as not to show too much before moving it entirely, showing off her quivering and needy slit. "Does this look like it'll lop your head off..? For fuck sake, Shadow..." The mare said in frustration, you had better show me a good time later, I reeeeally fucking need it..." She said, elongating her words for emphasis. As she shifted her legs, a thin silvery, viscousy trail webbed between her inner thighs, her fossa gently winking as it exuded her musk for anypony within the vicinity. Shadow could not take his eyes off of the mares hindquarters and as he took in the view as well as the overpowering and addictive scent, all he could do was shudder in anticipation. "Ok, the second we get back to the mansion, I am pile-driving you into the bed... No if's and's or buts." He then turned to the bat, his libido now in full force from the musk in the air. "and you... You better show me that, that southern drawl isn't the only thing country about ya... I want you to take this Stallion for a ride." The thestral's composure wavered momentarily as her heir of dominance was quickly overpowered by Shadow's own. "Y-yes sir! Ah'll give ya a rodeo ya won't forget." She shouted with a small blush. Shadow then smirked as he gently pulled Final along by the choker that she had decided to wear to get her moving and gestured to the bat with his free hoof. "Alright you two, we're burning daylight. Let's get this show on the road." The trio walked through the halls towards Final's quarters, all quite eager with anticipation at this point but not wanting to rush. They all came to a non verbal agreement that they would first hit up the mini bar and take some time to relax, setting the mood for the hot, kinky sex that would be soon to come. Little to anypony but Final'sand the occasional visitors knowledge, the lower part of the manor had actually been rigged to serve as a bordello of sorts. There were assorted rooms lining the halls each varying in size and shape, all with their own different types of equipment for ponies with differing sexual fantasies. Now, Final had neglected to mention this as she did not wish to scare Shadow or Shilo away, however she did have some toys of her own within reach of her bed which she was sure would come in handy and that the two would love to play with come the time. For now though, she settled on her own physical form as she pushed Shadow lightly onto the bed, the Stallion losing his balance, his mind in a fog of sexual desire as the mare of interest took careful control. "Oof!" The zony lay on his back upon the sheets, his forelimbs supporting is upper body as the mare crawled her way over and planted a soft but wet kiss upon his lips before nuzzling down the nape of his neck and softly tugging with her teeth as she nipped at the tufts of fur connecting his shoulders to his neck. This earned the mare a shudder from him to which she giggled softly. "heh-hm... Somepony is certainly enjoying themselves." She continued her way down his torso, the tip of her muzzle brushing up against the short fur on his underbelly, the prickly hairs tickling it's tip. This earned another small giggle which had the Stallion intrigued. "Somepony is giggly today." He said with a tease, gently raising his hips to push lightly into her muzzle, which earned him yet another giggle form t he mare. "hehe- hah! Shadow sto- HAHA! No- no abusing the unicorns weakness!!!" She shouted through her fits of laughter. The Stallion let her be for now as he certainly was not done with her yet. "Okay okay, that's enough. I'm definitely taking note of your "weakness" though." He said, lightly guiding the back of her head with his hoof, leading to him having an air of control. The mare had absolutely no qualms with this development as she followed exactly where his hoof would guide her, in hopes that he could direct her to his erogenous areas.To her slight alarm head had bypassed her prize, her cheek brushing up against his lengthy shaft, which was now at half mast. She lifted her gaze towards the authoritative figure that towered over her as she took a back seat and let him have full control. He guided her muzzle to a soft patch of bare skin in the shape of a 'V' between his crotch and inner thigh, lightly pressing her muzzle into it, she took this as an invitation to latch onto the soft, exposed skin, lightly suckling at it before pulling away, small marks being left as her lips formed a seal around the supple skin, releasing it with a light popping sound. The Stallion shuddered at this, leaving he mare quite stunned that he had such a vulnerability. She would definitely make use of this again in future. For now though, she would be taking back he reins so to speak. She slowly began to kiss her way up, reaching the underside of his scrotum, dragging her tongue from beneath it all the way up to the base of his shaft, pecking softly up to it's tip before flattening her tongue against it's half flared head, pressing against the droplet of pre cum leaking from its tip with a soft hum, vibrating her tongue in a delightful bliss. "Nnnngh... f- Fuck..." The Stallion moaned in pleasure. Final then pulled back with a wink in the thestral's direction and turned herself around so that she was flank to face with the zony. Shilo took this as an invitation and her cue to join in on the fun, to which she had her own plans that she believed both hosts would enjoy. She crawled her way up the bed and behind Shadow, placing her hooves over his shoulders as if she were about to massage them, but instead she pulled him down so his head was flat against the bed and he had a nice view of her soft and perky teats, each nipple erect with anticipation. She shuffled over towards Final, raising her hips so that her flank was positioned above Shadows face who had a full view of all of her assets, her teats which were a lighter color than her coat her areola adopting a slightly darker pigment. Behind those was her soft and supple pony plot which also took the same pigment, her fossa was a light bubblegum pink and her delicate ponut which crowned her marehood looked practically untouched and was a softer shade than her fossa. In all it looked very appetizing to the Stallion. The thestral mare leaned forward, licking up Final's sensitive and needy slit, teasing her fossa with the tip of her tongue. This action urged the mare onward as she lowered her head from it's position of having a mouthful of Shadow's cock to having her throat filled, the meaty mushroom shaped appendage gliding down the back of her soft and velvety tongue, entering her esophagus with a pop. "[ip]pop! Gl-agk" The mare emitted a gagging sound which sounded rather hot to a pony who enjoyed taking control during sex. Shadow was one of these ponies and it brought him one step closer to the edge, that combined with a muzzle full of thestral plot and he was just about up to his first climax of the night. Minutes had passed and Final had taken to a gentle bobbing motion, barely pulling a few inches from the base of his shaft, Shadow began to wonder if she could actually breathe down there as he was rather the sizable Stallion, though he wouldn't put it past her to properly asphyxiate herself just for some dick. He was very close. "Ah- nnngh, Final I'm almost there"He groaned through a mouthful of bat. The thestral nipped at the red heads meaty ponut before she buried her muzzle deep into Final, causing the mare to tense up in surprise and pleasure, her throat tightening around Shadow's length, constricting his member and slowly milking him to climax. "AHFUCK!" The zony shouted as he hit his threshold, releasing rope after rope of hot sticky semen into the back of Final's throat, the warm liquid making her moan softly. Final pulled off with a squelching sound and lay her head in the zony's thigh, the last few jets of cum shooting over her muzzle and cobwebbing down the side of her cheek. She too was very close and judging by how eagerly the bat seemed to be lapping at her prize, she was too. Shadow pressed his muzzle deeper and drilled his tongue deep into the mare. That is all that it took because the moment her did that, the mare let out a scream of absolute pleasure, her head was swimming as her lower body shook, coating the Stallions muzzle in her juices. As she did so, FInal herself had reached her limit and with a slightly softer moan than her female partner, she released all of her tension that had built up over the many months. Final was not terribly known for squirting, but she did on occasion and this was one particular occasion where she would make quite the mess. Her spasming marehood winked constantly as her fossa was pistoning in and out uncontrollably. Fluids gushed from her, spraying around the edges of the pink muzzle that was a good few inches buried into her depths and rained down over Shadow's chest. "Ah- ahhhn... F- fuck" Was all Final could get out before collapsing to her haunches onto of the zony. Shilo followed suit, and the lucky Stallion got a face full of her plot. Thankfully he could still breathe enough, though it was not exactly comfortable, but he didn't care. He had a face full of bat pony plot after all. Shadow had barely caught his breath as he let out a sigh. "I could really get used to this kind of treatment, but fuck me I'm exhausted." He was cut short as Final turned around and straddled him. "Don't think you're getting off so easy, I still have a lot left in me and I promised Arabella some fun at some point. Speaking of... Are you quite enjoying yourself there, sweetie?" She asked, directing her attention to the doorway, where sure enough there was a blonde thestral laying back and tending to her needs... Final turned back to the zony and smirked devilishly. "You got lucky, Stripes. Because Arabella has been both a sneaky and naughty filly, I will have to pay her close attention tonight while you get that break that you wanted. At those those words, the zony let out a sigh of relief as Arabella came out of hiding, her head low with a soft whimper. Final gestured her closer and she obeyed, slowly and cautiously walking to her dominant, laying at her hooves. "up..." Final ordered, holding her head high,not seeming at all pleased with their little eavesdropper. The bat pony immediately got to her hooves and whimpered a short response. "Y- yes, Miss Final..." "Good girl... now." The dominant red head reached into her drawer with her magic and pulled out quite a large object. The object in question was an oblong while tapering at one end. It had a thin neck with a large wide and flat base in the shape of an upside down saucer. As for it's size, it was roughly the size of an apple or a pear. She placed the object down in front of the mare. "I assume you know what this is..?" Final queried the bat pony. She was quick to respond, blushing a bright red as she did so. "A... a butt p- plug, Miss?" She squeaked as Final placed it on the floor behind her, lubing it up. "That's right, now... sit, filly." Final ordered, knowing full well she was not in fact a filly, she simply preferred the term as it made her prey feel and appear smaller. It had apparently worked as the mare whimpered and sat, the plug pressing hard up against her soft ponut which slowly opened up to accommodate the intruding object. "All in sweetie, you don't move until you can stand without it coming out..." Final stated simply. Arabella pushed her weight down and the plug slid in with a pop, her face contorting into a mixture of pain and pleasure as her legs buckled and she lay her front down with her flank in the air, gritting her teeth. Shadow and Shilo sat in their respective positions, both absolutely stunned at the display before them. "Now filly... you can continue your chores for the day with that in and I will help you finish later tonight." Final said with authority. "B- but Miss, it's barely noon! What if I have to go?" The thestral fretted as she thought about it more. Final chuckled lightly and pet the mare softly. "well then you may remove it, but it goes straight back in. I trust there are no objections..?" The thestral lifted her head and answered her mistress. "n- no Miss, thank you Miss..." "You are very welcome, sweetie. now off to work." Final swatted her on the base of the plug, causing her to squeal before scampering off back to her duties." Shilo turned to Shadow and said with a hint of concern to her voice. "Remind me not ta do anythin ta upset her saddle, ever..." Shadow shared glances with the pink bat. "Amen sister... You also do the same for me, yeah?" Shilo answered immediately. "agreed!" Final having drawn her attention back to the two, turned around and asked."are you two conspiring against me now..? We can't have that..." Both ponies answered a simultaneous. "Nope!" To which Final simply chuckled at. "Just be sure not to "upset my saddle" and you will be fine, I can assure you." She replied back cheekily as the two ponies turned pale. "Anyway, we all have nothing to do, we are all tired from sex... is anypony up for a drink?" Final asked as she pulled out an expensive bottle of whisky from a nearby cabinet. This was exactly what Shadow wanted to hear, as was evident in his response. "Now you're speaking my Language, Final!" End chapter Four
Immortality is a red headed bitch. Story Beginning - Undisclosed Location The cold night air filled the doorway of the gloomy manor, it's once vibrant halls that let out a serenade of the most lovely melodies, courtesy of Canterlots finest orchestras, now a dull, lifeless echo of the past, a monument to what was once a thriving economy and home to a one, Miss Final Verse. "Ah, shithole sweet shithole..." A brazen faced young red headed mare said to herself without any shame as she dumped her coat in the middle of the walkway, making her way down the small passage leading up to a large entrance hall and grand staircase which she happily retreated to, leaving the large wooden doors to slam shut in her wake. The entrance hall consisted of white marble walls and flooring which reached high up to the white painted stone ceiling above , giving the manor it's bright and welcoming French Chateauesque style. The halls in the upper floors were lined with paintings of the previous owners family lineage. The soft crunch of the red carpet that lined said halls could be heard under her hooves as she made her way to her personal chambers. The door to Final's bedroom was a work of art in of itself, wooden etchings of mystical and magical creatures lined the old and worn wooden slab, preserving it's beauty over the many centuries of it's existence. The mare pushed open these doors with nary a thought or care about this intricate work of art as she had seen it so many times before. She approached a mirror upon entering her quarters, proceeding to look herself over as she often did. Same Grey coat, same crimson eyes and mane, same boring old ponytail, same boring old bow same horn and same age... While it may seem cliche, and quite possibly bordering on the Mary Sue category, Miss Final Verse had been cursed from a very young age. When she was just a filly, she was exploring the Everfree forest but with one very particular detail. This series of events occurred during Discord's rein. Final stared into the mirror, her own piercing eyes staring right back at her, drawing upon memories long past as she fell into a stupor. The past - Discords reign- (post age of light) The young filly was terrified. She had foolishly gone off on her own at night, into the Everfree and was now backed against a wall, tormented by this maniacal cackling freak of nature. Discord was his name, God of chaos and disharmony. She did not remember much, only being ripped through time backwards and forwards, each moment lasting an eternity, losing her mind only to find it once more, over and over until her body could take it no longer. She was about to lose hope when she seemingly regained control and anchored her awareness back into the present. A filly so out of place in the world, lost and disoriented... She did the only thing she could. She called for help. "H- hello? Is anypony there? Please... *sniffle* I- I'm lost and don't know where I am..." Alone and afraid, the young filly pleaded into the void, her muffled sobs echoed into the darkness with little hope of ever being heard. But heard they were. A lone figure sat and watched in silence, she did not interfere, only observe. For a time that is... When she felt the time was right to make her presence known, her soothing and tranquil voice filled the air as a blue mist surrounded the filly... "Shh... do not be afraid, although we cannot undo what has been done, or undone as this case may be, we can do our best to help you through it... Rest now in moonlights embrace young one" The filly Final calmed down somewhat, her breathing laboured and the mysterious pony's words rang out in her ears... And then... Darkness. She shook her head violently as she came to, snapping herself back to reality and regaining her composure. Final would sometimes live for months or years at a time before it happened again. But the memories of the first encounter with the Lord of Chaos would be embedded into her psyche, forever. Whether triggered by a key event or by Discord himself pulling at the strings, there would be one involuntary leap after another, and she would be forced to live out her life only to be forgotten by her friends and loved ones again and again. The only two that had ever lived long enough to remember her were the Lady of Dawn herself, Princess Celestia and the Lady of Dreams, Princess Luna. They had remained close friends ever since Luna had happened across the young filly on that fateful night. Final ambled her way over to her favourite chaise and with her front hooves first, she climbed atop and lay across it. There was a light red glow as a narrow rimmed tumbler levitated from it's perch within the celarette which was well stocked over the years of the mare having collecting the fine liquor, as well as the previous owner of the estate. Now by no means was Final a bad mare, quite the contrary really. She had her twisted ways but she had a very strong moral compass. Rather than steal this property, she would prefer the term appropriate. She was an opportunist after all and simply waited for the previous owner to be taken by time, ending his lineage forever. With a content sigh, she levitated over a bottle of her favourite, albeit it inexpensive whisky, Wild Pegasus. The brand had seen it's debut in the years proceeding the Equestrian War, which Final had lived through to no surprise and her own chargrin. "To life I suppose" The mare said pouring the smooth golden liquid into the glass and throwing the serving back in one quick swig. Nary a day went by where Final wasn't completely soused in one way or another, as it came to be liquor was her fuel. It kept her going year after year, living through each painful day. It kept her sane. She seldom sought the company of others, as there was really nopony around who understood her way of life, all that she really had which she relished in each time it came about was the odd visit of the Princesses from time to time, whom at this point in time she could almost call family. Final wasn't sentimental by any stretch of the imagination, but when it came to the two royal sisters, she acted like a foal on Christmas whenever they did visit, despite her age. I suppose you could say she was really quite taken by them and for good reason of course. They were caring, a riot to be around, and a little known fact is that they could each hold their liquor quite well and were fun drinking companions for the brash mare. I suppose you could argue that drinking just makes things more interesting, but even without alcohol coursing through their veins, the royals sisters could provide plenty of entertainment. Although, at times Final did enjoy throwing shade their way as friends often do. "So, were you planning on coming out of the closet at some point or were you waiting for Twilight to compliment your teats, Cel? You're not fooling anypony, especially me." Final stated gracelessly, looking over the rim of the glass between sips of her beloved intoxicating nectar. The alicorn replied wearily. "Oh drat, I thought I was actually going to get you this time... Lulu, she found us! You can come out!" As the Luna princess evacuated from her hiding place, Final damn near jumped out of her coat form the sudden movement. "Sombra's frozen dick! I did not see you there, What the shit Luna?!" The dark blue alicorn gazed at Final, her face full of a smugness that could rival the young Prince Blueblood. She then glared daggers, pouting back at her older sister as she corrected herself. "Oh dear, it seems you weren't discovered... oops?" Luna inhaled through her nose and let out a drawn out sigh. "*sigh* oops..? OOPS!!! are you bucking kidding me right now?! we had her Cel, or more specifically, I had her and you gave me away, you traitor!!! Ugh!... I need a drink." Luna huffed as she too made her way to the celarette to pour herself a drink, or to be more accurate, take an entire bottle of scotch. Making her way over to Final she stated simply. "I'm taking this..." Before popping the cork and necking half the thing. Luna let out a content sigh. "Oh that is most definitely what we needed... I have had quite the day and having just returned from travelling abroad , I really could use a break. One of my clients, while he gets the job done, he has been leaving quite the cleanup for my crew and the Lunar guard who have also been complaining about said mess..." Final, having just seen her beloved scotch drained within half a second before her very eyes had other things on her mind. "Ok, well sweetie. That sounds like a 'you' problem, but this right here... this one hundred and fifty year old bottle of scotch, that is a 'me' problem..." Final said begrudgingly, leaning in close and leering at the Luna princess, narrowing her eyes into slits with a frown... "roughly translated, it is now going to be a 'you' problem..." Luna cocked her eyebrow as the mare in front of her made blatant threats. "My dear sweet Final.." The goddess cautioned. "I may not be able to best you physically but believe me when I say I will best you in logic and wit every time. Brains over brawn after all..." Final smirked devilishly at the younger princess. "How about I put the bottle in your wine cellar when you're done, sweetie..?" Upon these words, Luna's eyes went comically wide at her less than elegant proposition and she immediately stepped down from her pedestal. "I will buy you a new one on the morrow and it will be of equal or bigger size!" she blurted out frantically due to her sudden panic. Final chuckled at her friends hilarious backpedal. "haha, I am teasing Lu... Don't get your panties in a tussle over it." Final chastised the much older mare. She really had no intention of bringing harm to who was effectively an older sister in her eyes. "I will get a new bottle in the morning myself, I could use the exercise to be honest." She paused and smirked gloatingly at Luna. "Not that I really need it of course, we both know my body is stuck as is, fuck you very much, Discord... I simply don't wish to become as lazy as a princess sitting with her thunder thighs spanning her throne" At this, the slightly more than inebriated Luna released her trademark flash of lightning, reserved for when she was utterly pissed. "We will stuff the moon so far into your crevice that not even the stars can aid in it's escape!!!" Yup, she was indeed pissed and Final was about to be the first mare around the moon in a manner of speaking... "Lu, calm your teats... breathe... and remember who you're dealing with here..." The alicorn inhaled slowly upon Final's suggestion and calmed herself, the pleasantness of her alcohol induced intoxication taking over her senses. "We will forgo the stuffing... For now~" Final breathed a sigh of relief, having averted the aforementioned threat. Despite being so perverted herself, she really did not take well to the idea of having anything larger than a hoof shoved in any of her orifices. "Well, now that we have 'that' out of the way, why don't we just relax and enjoy the night shall we?" The red head suggested eagerly. Before continuing on. "I have hardly heard a word from Sun Butt an-" She was interrupted before she could finish however. "You know I hate that name, Tampon..." The larger princess stated irritably, firing back with all the wit of a thousand lifetimes and the burn of a thousand suns. "I'm not a fucking tampon you dense fucking queen wannabe! I swear, if you were any more dense, then you'd go fucking supernova and absorb every fucking stallions seed in Equestria, you gaping black hole of a cunt..." Final blurted out to the Princess of dawn without any reservation. The princesses eyebrows furrowed as she wore a blank expression and responded lazily. "Are you quite done?" The unicorn replied reluctantly. "Quite..." The princess smiled. "Good then, because I too could use a drink. I will forgo my usual bloody mary in lieu of my former rebuttal..." She then shuddered as she thought of actual blood of a certain variety in place of the usual tomato. Having made her selection of what to drink, Celestia turned to Final and inquired. "So, is there any lucky Stallion or Mare in your life at the moment? And no... Night Walkers do not count" Before she could press further, her younger sister interjected. "I do so wish you would stop referring to them as such, it sounds too close to my Lunar guard..." Final then interjected "It's ok Lu, I know where she was going with this and no Cel... no lucky hookers whatsoever" Celestia rolled her eyes as the unicorn rested her chin on her hoof, supporting her head with a sigh. "oh not this whole song and dance again" Celestia chided with an aggravated tone. "woe is me, I can't die so I refuse to be with anypony... I've heard it, hell Final I've lived it..." releasing her hoof from her lower jaw and flattening it on the chair in front of her rather pointedly, she replied in a mock tone. "Oh gee, okay mom... I'll find a nice Stallion who would be more than happy to spawn a little shit with me, I'll be extra sure to bring her on a destructive excursion to the royal palace and share the fucking fun!" She scoffed at the Princess. Celestia calmly raised her hoof to silence her and upon Final shutting up, she said her piece. "I am not looking to control you or set you on a particular path, I have done so too many times. I simply wish for you to not be alone. Quiet solitude is nice, but only in small doses. please think on it, Final." With a defeated sigh, Final looked sincerely at the Celestia. "Ok Cel, I will for you. Thank you." "Anytime my dearest friend." The princess replied in kind as she crossed both hooves and lay her chin across them, letting her own drink take effect. A knowing smile formed across Final's features as she had her own questions for the princess. "So... Who is she? I bet I could wager a guess. Starts with 'T' ends with 'T' and comes at the end of the day. Twice if you're lucky." Luna decided to chime in. "eight was our count, we believe...." The elder stared daggers into her younger sister "Luna..." She hissed in reprimand. Which to this, her younger trickster of a sister only snickered. "You have no right to complain dear sister, it is we who have every right to complain being kept awake each time Twilight comes for a visit..." The eldest turned scornfully to her sister. "And what about you and that Witcher fellow? I couldn't care less if you can mount him as much as you like with little consequence... I still have to hear it! and I don't want to hear it..." "Ah, ye olde sibling rivalry... Always a pleasure to watch, thank fuck I don't have one of my own..." Final said while stifling a yawn. "Though it is getting rather late and this mare is ready to pass out." Final said nodding her head at the clock rather pointedly, which read 4:30am "Ah yes, it was a lovely drink and chat Final, but we best be off. We have some important business to attend to come the sunrise and I and my dear sister need our beauty sleep." The two rose from their positions and after a respectful bow, they pulled the red head into their embrace. "Do try to visit soon dear friend, you are always welcome under our roof." Luna said compassionately, while pulling the mare close. Celestia then followed suit. "If you ever need either of us, for whatever reason... simply call and we will be there." With that, the two princesses departed the castle grounds as Final watched from below. The two sisters flew off into the night and as they set a course for home, flying side by side, Celestia bore a cocky grin. "So dear sister... About this Witcher..." The younger moon princess let loose a haughty and mischievous chuckle. "Oh sister, why do you think we pilfered that bottle in particular?" She could not hide her smirk as her plan would soon be set in motion. Celesia was still somewhat confused which lead to Luna explaining further. "It was a bottle of wild pegasus if you recall? Dodge junction bought out all remaining stock and Final will have to trek right through his territory to get there." Celestia then gave Luna a knowing smile. "Brains over brawn..My dear sister, you truly are evil!" The sun goddess chided with a snicker as they landed atop one of the castles many balconies. After their usual formalities, they each said their goodbyes ans retreated to their respective chambers proper for the night. With all being said and done, Luna made her way to her desk and levitated a dark blue feather quill, matching her own hue, it's glossy sheen reflecting off the moonlight. With nothing more to distract her, she gathered her thoughts, put pen to paper and proceeded to write. My dearest Witcher~ Content with her efforts, she smiled as she put her quill back in it's holder before hesitating and adding one final tidbit to her writing, the faintest hint of a blush adorning her cheeks. Climbing into bed and pulling up the sheets, a small smile crept across her beautiful features... The princess of dreams would sleep well this morning. End Chapter One
A prank too far Final's Estate - Drinking Parlor The warm glow of the early morning sunlight permeated the room, seeping it's way through the crimson drapes and into the lounge of the estate. A certain red haired mare lay sprawled against the backless chaise that she had fallen asleep in the night prior having taken favor of it over the usual bed in her own personal chamber. Her large four poster bed was situated right in the middle of her room, with it's headrest firmly up against the wall, on which she would not find the luxury and comfort of pressing her back to the cool stone wall during the hot Equestrian summers. The fore mentioned ray of sunshine covered the slender, sleeping figure with it's it's warming blanket of light. The light did well to exaggerate the gorgeous features of the mare who lay there, blissfully unaware of the world around her, lost in her peaceful slumber. It edged its way over her lavishly long crimson tail, casting shadow between each luxurious strand of hair, before arching it's way up her soft and supple thighs and flank, illuminating the small of her back which arched perfectly to compliment her figure. As far as mares went, she was a thing of beauty. The light also reflected from the frogs underneath of her forehooves which were delicately placed under her jaw, angled just right for somepony to apply a little tickle treatment if they so chose. Thankfully for her, she was alone. Her angelic cheekbones had the smallest little tufts of fur which ran down to her jawline, giving off a much younger appearance, though her eyes... they were not wrinkled but they looked tired. If you were around her long enough, you could tell very well that her true age was not what it appeared to be. With the light now reaching eye level, Final began to stir,albeit begrudgingly. "Eeerggh... fak of Cel... I need my beauty sleep." After a moments thought, she decided to correct herself. "Wait... no I don't, unlike you and Lulu... heh heh." Final pressed her back to the wall, letting out a soft purr at the cool touch, a mixture of the morning heat and cold stone making her shiver. "mmm... That's so lovely. I could just rest here all morning." The mare said to no one in particular. Then it dawned on her, much to her chagrin. "Oh but noooo. As much as wish to stay here, I CAN'T!" She said with annoyance. "I have to restock my Whisky supply because somepony decided, 'We have had a bad day/night or whatever the fuck time I'm randomly fucking existing, hey let's neck the entire fucking bottle and ruin Final's fucking day...' cunt..." After her little rant, the mare slowly rose to her hooves, but not before arching her back like a cat and stretching, her body shuddering into an involuntary spasm of muscle. "hnnnnn-gh... ah that hit the spot. Now, where did I leave my coat? In the hall most likely. But first, breakfast." She again said to nopony in particular. so many years in isolation will do that to you after all. As she stood up, Final took in her surroundings. The relatively low ceiling and carefully arranged pillars served to add to the coziness of the room in an odd way. It made it feel more inviting in an odd sense. It was not cramped, nor overly spacious to a point of emptiness. It was perfect. Final made her way to the stunning double doors, bypassing the many portraits and decorations on her trek through the halls, she quickly made her way to the manor grounds which was her fastest route to the kitchen and her life sustaining beverage. On the mare walked,eventually coming upon a vestibule to the outside world, large green hedges lining a rectangle courtyard with statues of generations long past lining it's center. The statues were entangled in vines which had grown over the centuries, slowly wrapping their tendrils around their stone prey, the weathered and aged granite cracking under the pressure of their leafy bindings. As the mare walked, she took in the gorgeous, yet eerie scenery. While she never could see herself tending these gardens, she relished in the simple feeling of serenity they had to offer. Perhaps she would look into a servant one of these days to restore the work of art to it's former glory. That thought could come later however, for now this mare was on a mission and no distraction under Celestia's golden sun would stop her. She needed coffee and she needed it right now. She bypassed the garden as fast as her hooves would carry her without breaking into a trot and she noticed a familiar and graceful winged figure approaching. "Well, this will certainly not impede on my mission to the brown, caffeinated elixir of my life or anything..." She said sarcastically under her breath. A golden colored thestral descended gracefully, gliding low to the ground and lifting herself a few feet before fluttering to a stop right at Final's hooves. The mare was garbed in a brown, burgundy and cream Victorian styled outfit which one would expect to see the character Mercedes wear in a Bridleway performance of The Count of Monte Cristo. She also wore a black collar with a gold d-ring hanging loosely. attached to the ring was left dangling a burgundy toned leash. She had a long blonde mane that reached all the way down to her gold tipped hooves and tied at the end into a loose ponytail. Her long golden tail trailed gracefully behind her. Her intelligent amber eyes bore into Final's with a burning devotion to the mare.It was quite understandable as to why this was, however you must know the story of how Final rescued the poor dear. To keep things short, the thestral mare was victim to some rather unfortunate circumstances. when Final had found her at one of Canterlots many houses of ill fame, she was being trafficked into an underground rink, her eyes spoke volumes of one who was being held against their will... That was Final's first and only murder outside of the battlefield. She still wears the blood on her hooves to this day. Fast forward to the present day and the savoir obsessed thestral would not leave Final alone. She sat in front of Final like a puppy with it's leash in it's mouth, begging for a walk. Final let out an exasperated sigh. "You simply will not renege on this escapade, will you..?" The mare shook her head while still holding the end of the leash, Final could not help but chuckle lightly as she took the leash with her magic. "Very well... do you like coffee Arabella?" The thestral replied excitedly, showing quite the vocabulary for one who has seemingly lowered herself to that of a household pet. "Yes Miss Final, I love coffee. However, I only enjoy it when it is made right and I assure you, I can do just that!" A small smile crept it's way upon Final's muzzle. "And just what else can you do... sweetie?" Final said as she leaned in close to the mare who seemingly shrunk before her. "Oh, u- um I can cook, clean and I'm also a quick learner so pretty much whatever you tell me!" The mare said, rather shouted with quite the blush on her complexion. This mare had developed somewhat of a victim/savoir relationship and while Final did not want any part, she could not leave the poor mare all alone, besides... She needed a servant and she had the perfect volunteer candidate right here. She would be paid well and housed of course, Final was not one to take advantage of ponies, while they were alive. As stated earlier, she was an opportunist, not a monster. Also, the thestral had shown herself to be quite smitten with the elderly unicorn. "Very well, to the kitchen we go and for your first order, I would like for you to make me the best coffee I have had in several lifetimes. Succeed and I might just..." Final said, gently nibbling on the thestral's ear floof. "Reward you..." Arabella's face flushed a bright pink, complimenting the colors of her coat quite well. They made their way to the kitchen and Arabella had begun to set up for brewing the coffee. While she did that, Final occupied herself with her plans for the day. While she had made the journey many times over, the train was out of commission for some time while the council had decided to perform maintenance to the tracks. So the red head would have to journey through the Everfree Forest and out past Appleoosa which could take the better half of the day just to simply make it there. The journey back would have to be done at night and that just served to annoy Final further... "Fucking... damn you... Luna." Final's ears perked up as she was broken from her thoughts to a sound that she delighted to hear all morning. "Coffee's ready!" The thestral stated proudly, setting a cup of what looked to be a very well made espresso. The cup was piping hot, steam rising out from the top, a sign of any good espresso, even the cup rim was hot to the touch. She noted the color of the creama, it was a golden brown and it covered the entire cup. Final took a test sip as Arabella watched on in eager anticipation. Her eyes widened in absolute ecstasy, the creamy texture and light bitterness of the coffee gracing her tongue. It was by far the best coffee she had ever consumed. "Oh sweet Luna, this is absolutely heavenly... It really is the best coffee I have ever had. Thank you, sweetie." Final said, scratching the mare under the jaw warmly with the soft underside of her hoof. Final looked regrettably at the mare before her. "Sadly though, I must be off. I have a long way to travel today and best leave now if I want to make it back before nightfall." The thestrals ears drooped sadly at this new information. Final noticed this and then added before walking to pick up her coat. "But I won't forget my promise and your reward..." The thestrals heart skipped a beat as Final brushed her tail along her cheek and under her chin before departing for the forest. The warm red glow of Final's magic enveloped her coat as she lifted it off the hall floor. Pausing by the entry hall, Final extended her magical reach to that of a storage cabinet which was set by the two oak front doors. Carefully place her saddle bags over her back, she checked to ensure she had not forgotten anything. To her credit, she had not. It had been several hours and Final having gotten a very late start had only just now begun her trek home. The hot sun had reached it's zenith in the Equestrian sky hours ago, the day star only serving to make the journey all the tougher for our elderly mare. As she watched the sun descend behind the forests treeline, she took great pleasure in knowing that her faux sisters instrument of torture having retreated from the sky would lower the temperature greatly. Though she still had to wonder, why in tartarus was it so hot in the middle of autumn. "Why does it have to be so Celestia damn fucking hot..? What, is the bitch in heat or something? Fuck me..." A lone figure sat silently in the shadows, watching as Final spouted off all of her profanities. "Wow, for a mare with a bounty on her head she sure doesn't mind making a lot of noise, but damn she's pretty hot herself." The half zebra said, but was quick to reprimand himself. "Shit, focus Shadow!" Final, having not been in any situation where she needed to remain on guard, mostly in part of her being immortal and without the need to defend herself or be cautious was a perfect target for the young Zony. With no more hesitation, he jumped her, lunging out of the bushes at his target and lopping her head clean off her shoulders, her head falling to the ground with a thud. Before he could celebrate however, her head began to glow a faint gold and as the Zony looked on in awe, the very head that he just cut off de-materialised into a sparkling golden latent energy, taking shape around the shoulders of the mare that he had just rended. *gasp* "What... the fuck?!!!" The mare gasped in both shock and indignation. "Well, that's an interesting trick, can ya do it again?" Final turned to the Stallion angrily, "Fuck you!" He smirked some. "under normal circumstances, you'd have yourself a deal... but these aren't normal circumstances and I don't date corpses, not in ta that. Sorry to burst your bubble there." Final approached the Zony with an accusing hoof pointed squarely at his muzzle. "now you look here... I will-" *schick* Before she could finish, he lopped her head off once more and turned around to leave. "Not tolerate" He rolled his eyes as he struck once more. *schick* "Would you stop that?!" Shouted an infuriated Final. Her patience was really beginning to thin at this point. "I swear... if you do that one more time, I-" *schick* "FUCK!" She screamed. "Are you quite done?!" Final noticed the Zony about to swing once more. "Don't..." Final said in a low voice, peering into the bushes. "You... Get the fuck out here now...." Final said in a threatening tone. With that, Princess Luna stumbled out of the bushes in a bout of laughter, almost losing her hoofing in hysterics. "Ba-HAHAHA! The fun has certainly been doubled! My two dearest friends now meeting at last!" "WHAT?!!!" Final screamed, giving Luna an incredulous expression. "THE FUCK, LUNA!" The moon princess stared at both parties. "Perhaps we went a little too far?" She added sheepishly. "No fucking shit!" The Zony stared from myself and back to Luna and then right back to me. "Hold on... I'm confused. SO you didn't want her dead..?" Luna looked at the Zebra hybrid in shock at the insinuation. "Goodness no, I would never want to kill my dear Final. I knew she couldn't die so the consequences for death in her eyes are little more than a playful punch on the shoulder." Final glared daggers at Luna, infuriated to her core. "Oh, let me knock your fucking head off with a "playful" punch you bitch and see how you fare... Shit fucking hurts..." Luna looked up at Final with an awkward shrug. "Oops?" "Goddess fucking dammit Luna, I hate you sometimes..." Final stated pointedly as she put her hoof to her forehead. The Witcher fared no better as he locked eyes with Luna. "Princess, you of all ponies should know I take my code very seriously... I think I may need some time alone for awhile." He said as he brushed past her pointedly. "At least for now... You still owe me Luna." As he walked away, the red heads eyes followed after him as she took a mental note of how ruggedly handsome he was. "It's Final by the way... Miss Final Verse..." she said hopefully as he made for his home in the Everfree. He rolled his eyes slightly. "Miss huh... isn't that just a slight bit presumptuous?" He said with a simple shrug of his shoulders. "Meh, I guess if you must know, I'm Shadow, Shadow Strike." His eyes fell upon the bottle sticking out of Final's saddle bags. He eyed the bottle eagerly. "You know, seeing as I technically didn't get the job done, I can't rightfully accept payment for this..." Final could tell immediately what he wanted and her answer was a short, but firm resounding. "No... You 'tried' to kill me" His expression shifted almost instantaneously to one of almost begging as his ears drooped, which seemed a little pathetic for somepony who did not understand the importance of alcohol, which luckily for him and his remaining pride, she did. "sigh... I- Very well, come with me and we'll wet those lips of yours" His eyes lit up instantly and he stood to attention, quite the rebound if she were be honest with herself. She chuckled lightly to herself. "Easy cowboy, we haven't gotten there quite yet." Final stated pointedly, but paused as she noticed something out of place. "You... have a horn." His answer was immediate. "Aye.. that I do." Final cocked an eyebrow as she studied him carefully. Now was not a time for personal questions, those could come later. "You have a horn, and yet you use your sword with your mouth..? why?" She had a feeling that she already knew the answer, but she wanted to hear it from him to be sure. His response was quite what she expected. "Normally I'd say because I wanted to reserve some magic in case you noticed me. But if I'm being honest, my horn's been acting up again and it fucking hurts." Final questioned Shadow further, confirming her suspicions. "So I am assuming you have difficulty with your horn because you are a hybrid? I'm so sorry, it must be difficult having ties with one of the most magical races in existence and yet being unable to utilize much, if any of it." The Zony responded, distant and forlorn. "I guess so, I never really gave it much thought, though thinking about it you're right... but I've learned to adapt. what about you... you're immortal, how and why..?" Final shifted uncomfortably as they walked. "I... well, it all started when I was a filly of about five or six. I went off to play in the forest an-" She was cut off abruptly as the Zony interrupted her. "The Everfree forest? girl are you stupid? I can see why Luna likes you..." Final gave Shadow a scowl. "firstly, fuck you... secondly, I... was... five." "Or six". Shadow cut in. "I will buck you..." Final threatened. "Sounds like fun, I wouldn't mind that." He retorted cheekily. "Besides, you're not exactly a corpse anymore in my eyes, so's if ya offering..?" Final grinned menacingly. "Careful sweetie... I bite." "bite me and i'll lop ya head off... we've done this song and dance before, you know I will..." Final visibly cringed at the the suggestion, her trepidation clear on her face. "You wouldn't..." Shadow raised an eyebrow and paused a moment. "Oh, wouldn't I hon..?" he pointedly added, "I won't if you behave..." Final stopped dead in her tracks and turned to the smug Zony, pressing her muzzle against his in an invasion of his personal space. "Ok, that's it! what exactly the fuck did Luna tell you about me..?" Final wanted answers and she wanted them now... "Oh well wouldn't ye like to know..." he said putting on a faux Scottish sounding tone, clearly in reference to something that eluded her. She would ask later... "my guess..." He replied in a rather vexing tone. "Is everything under the sun, Miss bordello..." He continued on. "she did leave out a few things such as your immortality, for obvious reasons..." Final could only stare as quite possibly her entire life had been on display for her ex assassins eyes... one word and only one word came to mind. "Fuck..." Shadow having been holding it in suddenly broke into uproarious laughter. "Hah-haha! Oh relax Final... I'm not going to use it against you... I'm not a monster, I'm a witcher. Final cocked her head curiously to the side, her left ear tilting slightly which Shadow had to admit, looked rather adorable. "Witcher..?" Final asked confused. "Aye, I was subjected to mutations when I was young. It gave me enhanced strength, speed, and reflexes. And I was suppose to learn some spells but my magic is unstable, so I got the short end of that straw. Still, I'm the best Monster Hunter you'll ever find from here to Zebrica, babe." He reasoned as he stared off into the distance. Final thought to herself for a moment. "So, what about teleportation?" Shadow was quick to respond, slightly frustrated at his inability to use most magics, even the basics without his horn feeling like it would snap in two. "Final, if I can't levitate shit without a damn migraine, how the hell am I supposed to transport matter from one point to another without my horn splitting in two?!" Final was slightly taken aback by the little outburst, but she understood his frustrations. "Calm down, I simply asked a question, no need to take my head off..." She said in an attempt at a little humor. It worked, as the Zony began to chuckle softly. "Already did hon, but thanks for that... heh." Final nuzzled softly into the nape of his neck. "Anytime stripes. Hoooly fuck did I just nuzzle him?!" "Ok, back up... Did she just nuzzle me?! Shadow thought to himself simultaneously. Without another word Final concentrated on her her thoughts on her home and teleported the both of them into the entrance hall. *pop* "Welcome to my humble abode!" The mare said proudly as Shadow stumbled groggily to his hooves, swaying from side to side before puking all over the rug that lined the corridor. "Welcome to my 'formerly' humble abode... ick" She said in both disgust and annoyance as she took a few delicate steps backwards, trying to avoid getting the muck in her hooves. Luckily for her, she forwent her usual attire of her red and black heeled stilettos... The Zony groaned in discomfort. "errrgh... Ya know Final, ya really should warn ponies before you go ahead an teleport them all willy nilly like that. I don't do 'teleportation', it makes me sick." He said putting emphasis on the word. "Never again!" Final at seeing his discomfort immediately went into motherly mode and made sure the Zony was ok, licking her sleeve and wiping his muzzle clean. "Oh, i'm sorry Shadow. Look at you, you're a mess. Lets get you cleaned up, shall we?" The Stallion was not exactly use to this kind of treatment by a complete stranger, so he kept up a cautious guard, however he trusted Luna with his life, even though he questioned her choices in friends. "What the- mmph!..." As her hoof pressed into his cheek, he shook himself free in protest. "Honestly, I'm fine!" Final pressed her hoof gently to his muzzle for added emphases, booping him with every word. "Nonsense... you... need... a... bath." She then added with a sultry pout to get under his skin. "But I can understand if you don't want to be bathed by a cute and sexy mare..." Upon seeing the mare so vulnerable, he could only manage to stutter, fumbling over his words. "I- I... but you, and this... look, I am not denying anything that you just said about yourself, really you're very attractive for a mare of... just how old are you anyway..?" The mare gave a non nonchalant reply. "four hundred and forty six, give or take..." Shadow would have spit his bit if he was wearing one. "Four hundred and forty six?!" he shouted in shock. "You're a fucking relic!" Final's face dropped as he made his assertion. "Excuse me, but if I am a relic as you so eloquently suggested then you may want to beware of booby traps that can activate if you piss me off..." Shadow gasped in mock terror. "gasp, I'm so scared... and what are you going to do pint size, bite my ankles off?" He said mockingly, taking note of Final's smaller stature. hmmm... that could come in handy later if things work towards that favor... "You know, I may just take you up on that bath offer, Final." He said, reverting back to his less mocking tone. "lead the way." Final was both surprised and secretly giddy that she had an opportunity to dote on the new Stallion in her life. "O- Oh yes of course, right this way!" Final said as she awkwardly led the Zony through to her personal chambers. She did have a beautiful en suite that she figured would be more appropriate. Final opened the double doors at the end of the hall with her magic, revealing a large room separated into multiple partitions by two rounded steps that spanned a majority of the room. Down the stairs in the back corner was a single piano, beside it was a display case filled with musical notation and multiple awards. Shadow had to take a moment to absorb this new information. "wait a sec... you're 'that' Final?!" The mare couldn't resist using his own lingo against his and responded appropriately. "Aye." she said smugly. Shadow did not look at all pleased by this. "smartass..." Final responded again. "Aye, that I am." The zony relaxed and stretched out. "nnnngh... ya know, I want to be mad, but I'm learning to expect it from you and take it at face value." Final blurted out her response with all the wit she could muster. "He can be taught! Good boy!" He responded in outrage. "I'm not a dog dammit Final". A small smirk appeared on his muzzle as he noticed a nearby object on the counter. He slowly levitated said object to Final's neck from behind, the leather collar embossed with the initials FV. He quickly looped it around her neck and fastened it before making his witty comeback. "Well.. you're not wrong in one regard... I hate cats." He said, pointedly as he ogled her. and tugged at the leash. "now be a good bitch and take me to the bath..." Final glared at Shadow indignantly, blushing furiously as she pushed her hoof down on the leash, unclasping the collar with her magic and letting it fall to the floor. "no, bad... none of that. well, not yet at least anyway." She then recoiled . "fuck, you stink! Bath... now." The Zony shrugged and simply gestured for her to lead on. Not as if he couldn't find the way himself from here, but he just thoroughly enjoyed messing with her at this point. Before he could follow however, a blue whisp with a clouded trail zoomed into the room, stopping at his muzzle. He touched his horn to it and it flashed, bringing Final's attention back to him and the room. "Letter from Luna?" she asked inquisitively. "Aye." The zony affirmed. "Looooove letter from Luna..?" She asked mockingly. Shadow took this as an opportunity to turn it around on Final, and with all the wit he could muster, gave his response. "Mayyybe... Why, is somepony jealous..?" Her response was swift. "Considering Luna is so easy... No, not really." "don't push it, Crimson..." He responded in kind. "Witcher business." Final shrugged as she ducked back out of the room, leaving Shadow to read. "Sigh I'll do it, Luna..." Putting the letter into his saddlebag, he set off after the crazy mare whom he was starting to adore. Final walked them both into the en-suite and directed him towards a large bath built into rocks adorning the wall, slabs of unnatural, pony made marble merging into the natural cavernous structure of the wall. Shadow could not help but make the observation. "You know, if I didn't know better, I would say this part of the mansion is built into the mountain. Not a bad touch honestly, you have a knack for architecture, Final." The mare visibly cringed at the assertion as she decided it would be fine coming clean... She hoped. "Well, to be one hundred percent honest with you, that praise should go to the family Estherbond whom I acquired this estate from, by way of death." The Zony's eyes narrowed. "Pardon..?" Final reeled back slightly, elaborating further. "I mean, I waited for their lineage to die out before I took over the place. There was nopony left, no will, nothing. It was just a ruin when I took it as my home, the gardens still lay in ruin but I believe they are recoverable." Shadow relaxed some, breathing in a sigh of relief. "Well, that doesn't sound so bad, rather handy if you ask me." He shrunk back as it was now Final's turn to narrow her eyes. "come again..?" He stammered a response to appease her and not have his head bitten off. "Um, uhh... what I meant was that it's a benefit to an already shitty situation? Lets put it this way, would you have met Luna if you were to have lived a normal life? Think of all the good that has come of this without focusing on the bad for once. Look around at the ponies who love you and who you know very well that you love in return, even though you try so hard to shield your feelings, and for what... All so that at the end of the day you can go back to being that same miserable, stoic little shit who pretends she doesn't give a shit..? Wake up Final, that only works if you can actually die and live with the fact that in the end nothing really matters because we're all resigned to the fate of endless nothingness, but not you..." Final took a moment to mull that one over, her response was actually gratuitous for once and could not even come up with a witty remark if she tried, and why would she? What Shadow was exactly what she needed to hear. "I suppose I never really thought of it that way... While my life has been rough and is doomed to go on, I never would have what I cherish so much without it. Even if I didn't, living my life with such malice towards everything would not do me any favors, nor would not caring... Thank you." She gazed up at him sincerely, her fiery orbs welling with tears, almost as if to wash away the pain and torment in her old, tired eyes. Without skipping a beat she leaped into Shadow as her emotions overwhelmed her. For the first time in a long time, she could once again feel. Years of pent up emotion clawing it's way to the surface, coating Shadow's fur in their physical liquid form the walls coming down around her. As she nuzzled into him, she felt better than she had in years. Her heart was once again warm. "I really am going to need that bath soon, aren't I?" He said as he let out a sigh, holding the mare close to him." She let out a small giggle as she continued to nuzzle into him. "mhmmm... you just keep getting drenched in bodily fluids, and still haven't made it past first base yet." The zony sighed and gently released the mare. "Alright you, out..." he said as he lightly smacked her flank to get her moving. With a pout, she made her way into her chambers but not without stealing a glance through the door that was still ajar. She stealthily watched as the zony removed his coat, sliding it off of his shoulders and letting it fall to the ground, revealing his matted fur beneath. As her eyes trailed downward, she noticed that his battle worn body carried many scars, especially around his muscular chest. He slowly waded into the water, the long fur on his stomach floating delicately on he waters surface. He submerged his head in order to soak the sweat and grime off of his long mane, which draped over his shoulders as he rose back out of the depths.. "Enjoying the view, hon?" Shadow piped in as he resurfaced, interrupting the mares fantasies. His herculean muscle having hypnotised the mare. She snapped to attention, falling over herself through the door as she had been caught out. "Oof!" She fell gracelessly to the marble floor. "ow..." Shadow couldn't possibly help but snicker at her remarkable failure with her attempt at stealth. "Ya know hon, you really are quite the looker, but graceful you are not..." He gestured to the mare with her belly against the floor.. "Case and point." Final let out undignified horse noises and raised her head in his direction with a sharp snort. "I would point out the irony in you speaking grace when you quite literally just vomited on my floor, but my muzzle hurts to much right now to do so... owww." She said with a whine. "Oh come on! How can you possibly complain over that when you barely winged after having ya head lopped off?" The Zony asked incredulously. Final responded with an answer that she thought he would enjoy. "Selective bitching, now let me see that muscle, momma like!" He rolled his eyes in a playful yet mocking way. "Of course ya do..." While being sure to keep his shame well hidden, he contorted his body into many position which were pleasing to the eye. "So I take it you like what you see.... hmm?" He said as he tried his utmost to cock tease her... "Oh most definitely..." She said while walking closer to the edge of the bath and lowering her eyelids slowly in his direction while glancing up at him submissively. Oh boy, what have you gotten yourself into this time Shadow? "As tempting as that is Final, I would prefer to get to know my mares first for my own personal reasons... Which admittedly kinda sucks right now... Damn!" Final then put on a cute little pouty face to show her displeasure. "Awww... but I was looking forward to a bit of fun. Can,t you bend just this once, I know I'll bend for you..." She said both cutely and suggestively, her face one of seduction. Shadow let out sigh. "Maybe later Final, I still would prefer to get to know you better. At least have a few drinks first." He paused for a moment before the smallest ghost of a smirk appeared on his muzzle. "When did you last bathe? You smell like a mixture of rotting flesh and Drowner shit..." Final narrowed her eyes at the Witcher. "What..?" He responded simply by pulling her into the water head first. "Gah!-" SPLASH She rose to the surface, her wet mane covering her eyes comically as she spit out a stream of water like a fountain. She frowned at the zony, her cheeks going crimson. "Well... Are you satisfied... Do you like what you see?" The mare spat, more than a little irked. The Witcher clearly had other plans and simply ignored her. "come here, turn around."He said authoritatively. Final for reasons beyond her, felt compelled to obey so she did just that. Moving closer to the Stallion, she turned around and sat on her haunches, the water in this part of the bath coming up to her neck and Shadows chest. Final was rather small for a mare and this served to make the scenario all the more cute. She was also blushing with a look of uncertainty about her. Shadow gently untied the ribbon that was keeping her ponytail up. Final squeaked in surprise as he squeezed a dollop of shampoo into her mane, lathering it up with a gentle touch. "S- Shadow,what are you-?" She was cut off before she could finish however. "Just relax Final..." He said as he gingerly massaged her neck and upper back. "I- oh... ok!" The mare responded somewhat unsure of the situation. She decided to relax, leaning back into him. "mhhhhn" She must have been quite dirty because it was not until another twenty or so minutes had gone by that Shadow stopped and lightly rinsed off the suds with a nearby ceramic jug, the soap coating her figure as it pooled around her in a white foam as it hit the water. Final leaned her head all the way back to look up at him, her amber eyes staring into his own. "I... thank you, Shadow. He smiled sweetly back down at her. "It was my pleasure, Final." He then smirked. "now, how about that drink?" She closed her eyes with a sigh. Mmm, I thought you'd never ask... yes, Shadow I'd be delighted to have a drink with you" With that, the two exited the tub and the zony couldn't help but make an obvious observation... there was only one towel. "Uhh, Final..? There is only one towel." "Oh not to worry, that can be resolved quite easily. Arabella?!" She shouted out the door, her voice echoing through the empty halls. Before long, the lovable Thestral mare rocketed into the room, trailing her leash along the ground behind her. Shadow noticed this and was quick to reprimand Final. He was seething with rage as he leered between the newcomer and Final. He spoke slowly through his teeth. "explain... now, Final" The sudden mood and tension in the room was so thick that one could likely not even cut it with the sharpest blade... Shadow did not take kindly to slavers or trafficking of any kind, not even Luna could save this immortal mare if his assumptions were true. "I- it's a bit of a story, would you not rather dry off first?" Final asked, somewhat afraid of his sudden change in mood. "I don't care if I stay here until i'm dryer than the surface of the sun... explain, now..." He said vehemently. With a sigh, Final got right into explaining. "You are correct to assume, Arabella was a victim... I rescued her many years ago. I was partaking in some personal enjoyment in one of Cantrlot's less savoury locales. The poor girls eyes screamed "I do not want to be here. Help me", but all the Stallions were too busy getting their dicks wet to notice. Her owner was the first pony I ever killed in cold blood... The only pony to ever truly give me nightmares of my own creation. The things I did to him." Shadow sat down in silence, resting a gentle hoof on her shoulder as they both sat on the marble floor. She continued. "Fast forward a few years and this one has developed somewhat of a victim/hero complex with me and would not leave me alone, she is quite stubborn in that regard but very loyal. I believe she was broken beyond repair and that is why she acts so 'pet like'. Rest assured, I do not see her that way but I know she enjoys the treatment." She finished nonchalantly as she scratched the mare behind the ears and under her chin. As Shadow absorbed this new information, he garnered a newfound respect for his new friend. While she was a little rough around the edges, through no fault of her own, she was also very accommodating and beyond selfless. "And you took her in your charge knowing she could not cope without you... Final, I honestly respect that in a mare. You could have abandoned her, shit you could have done nothing, but you stepped up despite your own shortcomings and you saved this beautiful mare". Shadow gave the thestral mare an affectionate pet on the head and asked in a casual tone. "Will you be joining us for drinks, Arabella?" The mare nuzzled into the pets cutely. "I mean, as long as Miss Final doesn't mind-." The mare was stopped short as Final cut in. "What do you mean "as long as Final doesn't mind"? Of course I don't mind, sweete." "Well then, that settles that. Let's get to drinking!" The Zony shouted excitedly as he bee lined for the lounge he had seen on his way to the bathroom. Upon arrival he jumped instantly onto the very chair that caught his eye earlier, Final's chaise... Shortly after Final had caught up, the mare poked her head into the room to see her spot already being occupied by her guest. "You are aware that is my spot, are you not?" The Zony wore a victorious grin as he replied."Oh I am well aware, it just screamed 'sexual deviant', but I will admit, it is quite comfy." "Up..." Final demanded. "Hmmm... No?" He said in a mocking tone. "I will sit on you..." She retorted. "Ya already did in the bath, and I didn't mind in the slightest." The zony said pointedly as he raised his hoof in invitation. "Now get that red ass up here." "My ass is not red, only my mane and tail, my eyes if you count amber..." She corrected. The zony simply smirked once more. "Your ass is not red... yet." Final's face flushed crimson as he made his retort. "I- you... Uggh, fine, I'm coming..." She hopped up onto the chaise, resting between his forehooves. "You know, if you wanted a mare between your legs, I'm the ask and you shall receive, type..." "Oh, soo... a slut?" Shadow was quick to the punch, but final had a counter. "Dick..." She replied curtly. "Cunt..." Shadow replied in kind. The ball was in Final's caught this time and she had the perfect response in mind. "You could use one..." At this, the zony shut up and proceeded to open the bottle of Wild Pegasus. "Hmph, I win..." "Yeah yeah,whatever ya crimson bitch... So are ya just gonna sit there or are ya gonna drink?" he said, looking over the bottle. Final then snatched said bottle from the zony with her magic. "I will drink, thank you. It's not as if I didn't go to effort to acquire my favorite alcohol or anything..." she said snidely. Before pouring herself a glass, she poured one for our resident bat pony who lapped it up gratefully beside her. "Oh for fuck sake, she even drinks like a puppy." She proceeded to pour her own beverage, sipping the alcoholic elixir with gusto as the fruits of her days labor were served to her in liquid form. "Come to momma..." She said as she guzzled the remainder of her drink enthusiastically. Shadow then cut in. "Moma Final, huh? I honestly don't know whether to laugh or cringe at that notion..." "yeah, no fuck that... Absolutely not, not again. She replied in absolute disgust. "Wh- huh- You have kids?!!!" He shouted, almost choking on his drink. "Had, past tense... Little shit did not like what I stood for or my lifestyle choices." The mare replied, staring into space. "What was their name?" He asked "Sassy Taffy..." Replied the mare. "I can see where she gets it from." Shadow could not help himself as he was starting to lose his inhibitions. Final simply glowered at him. She would have retorted, but she decided to give him the benefit of the doubt seeing as he was already on his 5th glass within the span of only two minutes. "Shit you drink fast..." He responded with a bit more of a slur than normal. "And you talk fast, how about showing me a different pair of lips babe?" "I'm going to forgo my usual face slap and tell you that while I am flattered, you are drunk and while I wanted to much earlier, recall you saying that you preferred to get to know mares better before making any kind of move. For Luna knows why..?" "Actually, she does!" He blurted, clearly having lost out to the alcohol and was on the precipice of drunken rambling. "Knew a mare like you... trained with er 's *hic* a witcher, she was my partner s'well as my friend and we were close. Bit off a bit more than she could *hic* chew when we went up against a Frightner. Now she's gone, right when I was ready to tell er my feelings. An that'd be why I can't bring m'self ta get close t' a mare like you..." Final felt empathy towards the Stallion. While it was not exactly the same, she too knew the pain of not being able to bring yourself to connect with anypony. She helped him to his hooves, carefully stepping over the form of a sleeping Arabella and made her demands. "That's it, I'm cutting you off and taking you to bed... Your 'own' bed..." "Awww, but Finalllllll..." He complained indignantly. "No, no buts... Not yet anyway at least... Maybe if you're lucky." She said, placing him into her own bed. She would be content with her chaise again for tonight. As she made her way out of the room, her thoughts could not help but wander back to the sleeping zony. She hopped onto her chaise and curled up against the cool pvc backrest. Also, I'm thinking something like this. Final found that sleep would not come easily that night, she tossed and turned but she still had the events from today in her mind. For once she wasn't alone, for once she had somepony who she at least had a little in common with, more so than just immortality... She hopped out of her own bed and made her way down the hall to where the Zony was sleeping comfortably on his back. She whispered his name to ensure he was not awake. "Shadow..?" There was no response, so she tried again. "Hey, are you awake..?" Again no response. She climbed carefully onto the bed and sat beside him, thinking to herself while stealing a quick glance of his figure before looking away in embarrassment. She then quickly looked left to right as if to assure herself that nopony was looking, before nuzzling into him, blushing softly and letting out a content sigh. A note on the bedside table caught her eye, she figured Shadow must have woken up at some point to organize his belongings before retreating back to bed. She was about to read it to find out whether or not her assumption about Luna and Shadow was true, when something stopped her... "No Final, you're better than that..." With that, she fell back into Shadow's warmth and let sleep carry her away. The letter on the desk would forever remain a mystery to Final, but Shadow on the other hoof had a duty to uphold and promises to keep. My dearest Witcher. While we are well aware that our antics perhaps went a little too far, there is one more job that we must ask of you. Please look after Final, she needs somepony like you in her life. We will happily pay you compensation for your troubles today. Yours, Princess Luna End Chapter Two Author's Note Thank you to LegacyElite84 for help with editing and contributing to writing technique. It has helped add flavor to the story ^^ Also a big thank you to HadesShadow92 for being a continued support and inspiration. ♥♥♥
A Hot Date Final's Estate - Final's Quarters It was very early in the morning and Celestia's golden sun still had not yet breached the mountain peaks. Not a single sound disturbed the empty halls of the estate, sans the soft wing beats of a certain thestral mare. Arabella had done her best to keep quiet so as not to wake her superior. The mare had already started on the cleaning of the manor, her eye having caught the letter left by Shadow and Luna. As she moved the letter from the night stand, she could not help but give the Stallion a warm smile as she watched the slow and laboured breaths of his sleeping figure while the one who was in her charge lay sprawled across him awkwardly, flopped across his belly, the underside of her thigh pressed against his neck and her back hoof kicking idly at the air every so often in a cute display that one would find akin to a sleeping puppy. The thestral continued cleaning deep in the confines of Final's quarters, while Shadow began to stir. As he groggily opened his lidded eyes, the first thing he saw was Final's tail and bow pressed against his muzzle. This accompanied by the initial scent of the mare was confusing, but not unwelcome for him to wake up to. "Uhhh... hon. Not that I mind or anything, but why is your red ass in my face?" Final stirred, her ears flickering as she picked up the sound of his soft voice. "yawwwn... I already told you my ass isn't red. The zony smirked some before swatting her flank rather harshly with the underside of his hoof. SMACK!!! "Yipe!" Final let out a yelp as his hoof struck. "It is now,hon... Now let me up. Your ass, while very nice and all is not doing me any favors right now... "He stated rather firmly. Final having remembered back to the night before regarding Shadow's feelings towards boundaries, immediately hopped to, her flank still stinging slightly as Shadow got a full view of her rear. "Oh shit... Did I do that?" He asked "Oh don't act so surprised.... You know very well you did that... owwiiie."The mare whined in a pitch that would Rival Ponyville's finest fashionista. "Did you have toooo?" She asked with a pout while staring back at the zony. Shadow immediately became flustered as the mare played to his more sensitive and protective side. He inwardly cursed himself out feeling rather guilty as he did so. "I- I'm sorry Final, I don't know what came over me. I'll make it up to you..." Final turned and faced forward with a calculated grin as she said back over her shoulder. "You my handsome Stallion can in fact make it up to me... "She turned around and slowly crawled up his figure until her muzzle was level with his. "My favourite coffee place is not too far from here. You can take me there for a coffee today with some of those bits you earned taking me out." She smirked. "Taking a mare out, only to end up taking her out... Now that IS irony." Shadow rolled his eyes at the mare and gave her a playful shove. "No puns..." He paused in his tracks as he noticed something out of place. His letter, where was his letter?! "Shit, she can't see that!" He shouted, bolting off the bed and searching the floor frantically. "I can't see what?" Final queried the Stallion. "I didn't even say you!" He shouted in a panicked tone. "I know, I just naturally assumed that it was regarding me because of the way you are getting so worked up... I do have that effect on ponies..." Final said as she stretched cat-like across the bed. "Would you drop the ego for one second... this is important, but you're right. It's about you and something I would rather keep between myself and Luna for now." Shadow thought for a moment. If she found out that Luna tasked me with looking after her, she may get the wrong idea... I can't let her see that letter. "Anyway, get that red ass out of bed... I owe you a coffee and I will not renege on that promise." He said with a stretch, cracking his spine in the process. "nnnng- that's the stuff..." "Very well, I shall go and get ready and you can feel free to do whatever." Final said as she hopped down from the bed and headed for the bathroom to get ready for their little outing. "Do whatever hmm..?" for the next forty or so minutes presumably, he would have the manor to himself, sans the thestral. perhaps he would return Final's favour from last night and admire her assets. He chuckled as he entertained the thought, making his way to the bathroom to get a front row seat and to enjoy the show. Shadow like his namesake was stealth incarnate, and unlike Final... graceful he was. He watched as the mare perused through her selection of clothing, slipping on her heels and adjusting the straps accordingly so that they wrapped tightly around her ankles, letting cute padlocks hang freely at the sides, giving any potentially dirty minded Stallion or Mare ideas. "Why heels Final..? You know they are impractical and for the most part look ridiculous and you of all ponies do not seem to be capable of wearing them without falling on your face..." He said pointedly to himself as Final was out of earshot. He was quick to eat his words however as Final then put on a graceful display as she adjusted to her heels, almost as if she were more in her element while wearing them than not. He also had to admit, while ponies usually did not pull them off, they did well to accent her legs and posture while making her even hotter than he'd imagined. "ffffffuck..." It was all he could say really, and who could blame him? Final in heels was truly a sight to behold, and graceful she was... Surprisingly. After spending the better part of an hour getting ready, mostly delicately applying her eyeliner, Final made her way out of the walk in vanity and over to Shadow who was casually stroking Arabella's mane on the bed. "I was about to say, it took you long enough. did ya get lost?" The Zony asked mockingly. "if you must know..." The mare sniped back, "My mane was caked in what I can only hope was your drool..." "only hope was my- oh no..." The Zony thought to himself. "Ya know, I heard it's actually good for hair and the complexion..." He said, trying to make light of the situation. Final enjoyed messing with Shadow, so she continued. "Now, I use the word hope rather loosely here, mainly for your sake because to be honest it's been so long that I wouldn't mind in the slightest." Shadow's eye twitched somewhat. "parden..?" he queried. This mare was going to be the death of him and he was enjoying every minute of it. Final chuckled to herself and tapped the Zony on the shoulder. "Oh relax Shadow, I was only teasing." "Yah, no shit... ya good at that." He said dryly. Final shrugged, levitating her coat to her as she headed for the door. "well, aren't you coming..?" She asked as Shadow still sat there stroking the thestral's mane. He loved bat ponies, even had one of his own that he knew named Moonlight. "Well of course i'm coming, but i'm kinda trapped right now..." He said, gesturing to the sleeping thestral. Final let out an irritated sigh. "Fine, i'll wait in the hall..." She said making her way to the entrance. Something on the table near the front door caught her eye however. It was the letter from Princess Luna she had forgone prying into last night. Curiosity got the best of her however, and if he was going to keep her waiting, she would simply read his shit. "I... what?" Final dropped the letter, turning to Shadow who had just entered the hall. "Damn Final that mare is a cute- oh..." His eyes went from Final to the letter and back to Final once more. "How much did you read?" Finals response was one of defeat. "Enough... I think you should leave." "Leave, now why would I do that?" He asked, knowing full well that she was upset. "Because you- I thought we... You only put up with me for her!" "No, I put up with you for me." he replied curtly. "Because as stupid as it sounds, I may have finally found somepony I am actually interested in." "BULLSHIT! you did it for your dick and were probably just going to fuck me and fuck me off! you already have Luna!" She shouted, almost in tears. In his rage at both himself and her accusations, he shouted back, making his feelings quite clear. "FUCK LUNA!!!" This knocked her back a peg as she sat there pulling her hoof back in a type of flinch. She paused briefly, her face on of both shock and flattery as she knew he respected Luna more than to say that. Did this mean his feelings for her outweighed even that respect for his beloved Princess? "Fuck Luna, because she has nothing to do with how I feel... So don't you dare..." Without another word, Final stepped closer and put her hoof on his. "Alright then, new plan... You're not getting me coffee as an apology... you're taking me on a date." She said rather bashfully, her cheeks flushing crimson, like her mane. Shadow's muzzle turned about as red as Final's mane and flank if you want to go there..."A d- date?" Becoming flustered, he took a moment to get his head around it. Yes, he was absolutely infatuated by this mare and yes he absolutely wanted to turn her bed into a giant crater with her beneath him... but this seemed a little faster than the casual bit of fun he was used to. "well..?" Final asked, fluttering her eyelashes cutely. "fuck..." "Maybe if you're good..." The mare replied in a sultry tone. "shit..." He said following up his initial lack of vocabulary for the given moment. Final raised her eyebrow in response. "yeeeeah... no, not into that." Shadow responded with what would be one of many new catch phrases. "For fuck sake Final..." They both made for the entrance, Final leading the way and Shadow in tow as he grabbed his coat while enjoying the view. Setting their sights towards Ponyville, this would be the first of many coffee dates for the two. Ponyville - Marketplace Before long, the two ponies had made it to the Ponyville marketplace. It was here supposedly that they would find a nice cafe. Shadow was less than convinced and while he did not partake in the enjoyment of coffee like our resident immortal, he did have some knowledge, especially pertaining to the fact that while rustic villages are a nice getaway and a nice touch to a date, she would in fact fare better in her en-devour for the perfect brew in the confines of Canterlot city. Final of course knew this, but wanted the Stallion to enjoy his time as much as her. "You know Final" Shadow spoke up as they walked. "The better choice for coffee would be in a main city rather than a country town, any particular reason you decided on Ponyville other than the obvious 'Shadow can't teleport'?" Now, Final was known for being quite boastful and talking herself up when the time called for it, but the occasion had not yet called for it and she wanted to make a good impression on this Stallion so that he could make a good impression on her mattress later. She chuckled silently to herself at that little quip. They had arrived at a quaint little cottage amongst what seemed like a small homestead within a little knoll off of the beaten track from the marketplace, the sign which hung above the doorway read 'The Morning Bite - for all your waking up needs'. Shadow seemed a little weary as the name was too cliche, but the sudden appearance of the waitress was quick to sway him, also a few words from Final. "Oh look, a thestral." "Ooh, where?!" Shadow replied all excited as he looked around like dog looking for it's missing treat. The newer mare giggled and said in a country drawl. "Over here cutie" but then proceeded to cover her muzzle with a blush while cautiously looking at Final, the red head not even being fazed. Final decided to break the ice and kill all awkward tension. "Look sweetie, you can stop shitting last nights fruit cup and relax. We're not together and more to the point, even if we were there is something you should know about me... I don't mind sharing." She said with a lidded gaze towards the thestral mare while resting her chin on her hooves and elbows on the table. Shadow snickered and turned to Final. "Final don't be mean to the poor mare, you can clearly see she is interested, stop toying with her" The thestral looked as though she were about to tear up before Final responded with. "Oh, I'm not toying with this mare, (as much as I want to be...)" She said with a giggle. "Oh shit... you're not joking. Um, random bat mare, she is not joking..." He said with quite the worried expression. This earn't a surprised gasp from the mare, her breath catching in her throat. "Ah- hem... Ah think we should get your order outta the way fore' skippin ta desert..." Final took a serious tone once more as she placed her order. "I'll have a hazelnut latte with almond milk if you have it, and I'll try your strongest blend. Captain Adult here doesn't like coffee so I'll see what he wants instead." Shadow simply glared at Final as he retorted. "Not all ponies are museum exhibit worthy, Final... Some of us youngin's want to keep our tastebuds in check... Despite the fact that I don't have much of a sweet tooth myself. Point taken and acknowledged, but still fuck you ya ancient relic..." He continued to browse the menu, and something caught his eye... "Oohh, now ya know I said I wasn't much of a sweet tooth, but ya can't go wrong with a good root beer" The zony said as he looked up at the mare. The thestral turned to both parties. " Ya done orderin darlin's?" Final looked the menu over once more and thought fuck it, why not. "Actually, I'll have a slice of the red velvet if that's alright?" The thestral replied enthusiastically. "Course it is darlin, after all, the more you order the more food goes into mah own mouth" Final couldn't help herself as the opportunity was served to her on a silver platter, by a waitress of all ponies. "Oh sweetie, you should know that bits or no, at Casa de Final you eat out for free..." She said with a whimsical smirk towards the mare, causing her to shrink down some as the female dominant teased her with just her words." Shadow simply shook his head. "For fuck sake! Final..." Clearing her throat some,the thestral relayed the orders. "So that'd be one hazelnut almond milk latte and a red velvet fer you Red and-" She was at a loss of how to address the zony as she didn't wish to come off as racist. Shadow picked up on this however and helped the mare out. "Alright, if ya going to call Final a color based name, then it's not racist if you go with one for me as well. Some friends call me Stripes but my name is actually Shadow Strike. And you are, if ya don't mind me asking?" The mare hardly skipped a beat. "The names Shilo, darlin... and ah don't mind at all." She said, casually sizing him up. As the mare sauntered back off to the kitchen, obviously to prepare the couple's orders, Shadow stared at Final. "Really..?" He queried the red head. "What..? Did you honestly expect any less from me?" She replied as he simply shook his head. "Come on hon, you can't deny that she is a cutie." Shadow could not fight her on that one, as mares went, she was indeed cute and a thestral to boot. "Alright fine, I'll agree that she's cute if you get off my back about it and tone it down for five minutes.. Now i know that is asking a lot but note that I said "tone it down" instead of 'behave' because we both know that is asking the impossible." Final begrudgingly slunk in her chair, lifting her head and groaned... "Uugh... Fine, I won't be lewd for the next five minutes dad... She then added with a hiss "Are you happy?" Shadow chuckled victoriously. "Yes... That I am." "Smartass..." Final said with a pout. "Hey, you brought this upon yourself..." Shadow affirmed. "Now shut up and drink your precious wake up bean water." Finals eyes lit up as she saw the mare approaching their table with her beloved coffee. Before it had touched the table, Final reached out with her magic and took the treat to her lips. Shadow was quick to berate her. "Final, manners..." Final responded with a growl before sipping her elixir once again. Having regained her vigor for the day, she proceeded to prod Shadow with questions about his adventures and travels. She did after all want to learn all she could about her Stallion of interest, and what better way than over a nice coffee date? Shadow was about to answer her latest question which had something to do with a demon called a Hymm, which he had apparently encountered in his travels. "They are parasites that latch on to tainted souls and live off of their host. Bad and evil deeds feed them until it has had it's fill." He looked Final deep in the eyes, heart full of pain and a serious tone to his voice. "If you encounter one with a host, consider yourself lucky you were not the victim. They will not harm the host, however I would rather be harmed than subjected to forced evil deeds of my own doing against my will while being puppeteered." Final took a moment to process this, wondering just what this Stallion had been subjected to. She placed a comforting hoof on his and gave him a reassuring smile. "You are far too pure to play host to such an abomination." With a smirk, she also added. "besides, my idea of fun is making you suffer with my own special brand of punishments... I daresay the Hymm would likely be scarred for life. Shadow stared at Final, eyes wide and mouth agape."You really do scare me sometimes... "You love it." The mare interjected. "Uugh... You're not wrong." Final smirked once again. "Name a time when I ever was in the short time we've known each other." "I'd give it about one more day before I can answer that properly" He said with sarcasm. "and what is that supposed to mean?" she asked incredulously. "You're you... You're either going to be too stubborn, try to prove me wrong and royally fuck up or you're actually going to make an honest attempt, be a derp and royally fuck up. Either way, I cannot give you a definitive answer until tomorrow when it actually happens, which it will." He paused for a moment and let out a sigh. "Reason being... I have not known you for even 24 hours yet, but I'm counting on you to fuck up at least once a day..." Final stared at him with an annoyed expression. "Gee, I love that you have confidence in me and my abilities... Such a supportive husband you'll make." Shadow spat out his beverage and started choking. "Annnnd, got him." She then added for extra salt in the wound. "But in your dreams sweetie, maybe I can talk to Lu for you?" She suggested, referring to the princess of the night. "COUGH COUGH- H- ACK.... You're a bitch, d'ya know that?" The zony choked. "No shit Shadow, You practically tell me every day... You've only known me for one so... yeah, every day." She observed. Shadow rolled his eyes as the thestral returned with the Red Velvet cake that Final had ordered. "Ooooh, now that is the third most appetizing thing I have seen all day. I could just eat you up..." Final said eagerly The thestral turned to Shadow with a puzzled look. "Stripes, Pink bat, Red velvet..." The zony made a point of listing off each appetizing thing from Final's morning, leading the mare to blush once more. "But Final... You wouldn't want to upset Arabella by not including her now, would you..?" The zony goaded. "Fine, the FOURTH most appetising thing" Final corrected herself. Shadow smirked smugly at Final. "Good girl... I guess this is my life now..." He looked on as Final enjoyed her prize. Could be worse I guess... As they each finished their snack and drink respectfully, they took a moment to take in the beautiful scenery around them. They were in a little knoll right behind the market, almost akin to the old historically preserved towns of Denmare, specifically the surrounding isles. The rooftops were overgrown with what appeared to be grass or moss of some sort, creating a soft cushion of insulation between the sun and the tiled roofs. The structures were built between grassy knolls which appeared to be straight out of the renaissance, the local boutique towering up over the trees behind, being the only noticeable landmark to guide one back into town. It really was off the beaten track and quite well hidden if you did not know where to go. It was so well hidden in fact that one could even liken it to a trap street, if you had no prior knowledge of the place you would likely never find it. It was perfect. Shadow let out a content sigh. "Ya know Final, as far as coffee places go, this was not a bad pick. Really quite beautiful if I'm being honest." "I know, I really am.." Final said pretentiously. "annnd ya went and ruined it... good job, I think I have some dog treats lying around here somewhere." He said mockingly. Final simply glared daggers at the Stallion. "I am not a dog, Shadow..." She paused for dramatic effect. "But, I will bite..." Shadow simply gulped and backed down, because knowing her, consent or not she was probably referring to his Stallionhood. "Yeah let's not bite of the zony's dick please..." "Whatever you say sweetie, you are in charge after all" She said, messing with the Stallion and catching him off guard with such an offhanded comment. "Wait, you say what now?" The zony asked in disbelief as the mare gave him yet another whimsical stare. Damn she was good at making him uncomfortable in the best of ways. "Exactly what I just said..." She said while leaning across and walking her hooves up his chest. "You." She made a point by tapping his chest with her hoof for each syllable. "are... in... Charge." She pushed her hoof into him, tilting his chaair back and knocking him to the ground comically. "Oof!" The Stallion was stunned and took a moment regain his composure. "Ok... I'm going to be first to call bullshit on that, because since when did you ever listen to anything I say? Or anypony for that mater..." He added pointedly.. "Well, I'm a switch if we're being honest and I think I like and respect you enough to give you the leash for some time, it could be fun." She said in a serious tone. "oh for fuck sake, Final..." Shadow groaned. "Would you just sit back down and behave." He continued. Final instantly picked herself up and sat down quietly, while staring up at him with an heir of surrender in her eyes. Now Shadow knew she was eager, there was no mistake. But to lower herself to this... That was a surprise, but not unwelcome in the slightest. In fact, the zony could have quite a bit of fun with this. Without taking his eyes off of the mare, he gave a simple order. "Stop eating..." Final, while quite distraught at this new chain of events still did as she was told and stopped, turning her head in curious anticipation for what the zony had planned. Embarrassment, embarrassment and humiliation is what he had in mind. "Now, close your eyes and no peaking..." He commanded. Without skipping a beat, Final did as she was told as Shadow placed the remaining cake on her muzzle with a snicker. "alright, now wait for my command like a good bitch..." "Oh you are milking the hell out of this, but you wait Shadow..." She thought to herself as she balanced the cke on her muzzle with a hypnotized expression while Shilo watched form the sidelines, trying to hold back her amusement. Without warning, Shadow shouted. "Ok girl, now!" With a toss of her head, the cake flew about a hoof into the air and made it's way back down to the front of Final's muzzle. But instead of snapping for it with her teeth, the red head keppt her maw closed and shoved her head forward, boopig the cake with her muzzle with significant force, launching it right at the zony's face. SPLAT!!! The cake hit it's target successfully, exploding into spongy, creamy and sweet display of color all over the stunned Shadow's face. Final could not help but snort at the display as she watched his expression flatten to one of annoyance. He stood up and dropped his bits on the table, thanked the thestral for the drink and stormed off towards what Final believed was the direction of the park. Again, you really can't tell with all the surrounding hills. Knowing she had more than likely fucked up big time, Final got to her hooves, also thanked the bat and went in pursuit of the Stallion. "Wait, Shadow!" Minutes had passed and she had tracked him to a small pond nearby. He was sitting alone, head down and eyes closed. For a moment she could swear she saw moisture in the corners of his eyes but he would never admit that. "Go away, Final..." He really seemed quite hurt by her actions. She sat beside him, laying her chin against him. "Now, why would I do that..?" "Because I requested it, "Pet"" He said the last part through his teeth. "Now fuck off..." He was not impressed that he had been strung along so easily. "I really don't want to, and so we are clear, while I did want to have a little fun... I actually meant what I said." Final said, while making sure to be as sincere as possible. "Oh really..? You know I need more time to get to know a mare..." The zony said, giving her a gentle reminder. Final raised a brow at this. "I'm calling bullshit, because Luna's slit would like a word...." The zony turned to her... "That's not a relationship, that's just sex..." He said in a frustrated tone, as if he hadn't explained it several times already. Final got up close and personal to the Stallion, leaning her body close to his, and gently gliding her tongue up his cheek licking off the cake. "We can still play even though we're not a couple..." She then smirked some as she nibbled his ear. "And you get to play with Luna still, so you're having your cake and eating it too." Shadow shuddered as she nibbled his ear, but had to deadpan at the pun. "Did you really just-" He was cut off as Final pressed her muzzle to his in an act of lust that had been building within her since she first saw this hunk of a Stallion. He pressed back, allowing her entry into his mouth, their tongues at war, almost as if they were fighting over the recent events that had unfolded, taking out their aggression on each other. The kiss went on for a few minutes, both parties short of breath by the end. "wow..." It was all Shadow could say, Final was a hell of a kisser. "That was... wow." "Well..? Luna hasn't contacted you quite yet. What say we enjoy the rest of today in private?" The zony was a little hesitant as things were moving a little quick. "Ummm..." Shadow began. He was cut off by the mare who simply offered a proposal with a deadpan. "You can bring the Bat." His eyes lit up and he shouted an affirmative. "Yes ma'am!" Both parties made their way back to the cafe and Shadow cleaned himself off, with much fussing and a little help from Final. "Oh that... that sounds like a heck of a time if ah do say so mahself. So who outta ya'll are runnin this rodeo?" The thestral asked in her southern drawl. Shadow pointed at Final almost accusingly."Who else..?" "Ah, makes sense, point taken..." Shilo was quick to roll her eyes as she realized it was a silly question as it went without saying... She knew the mare for little more than a few hours and already knew she was a pervert... "Oh, by the way Shadow?" Final asked. The Stallion turned to her. "Yes Final?" "Same question as before. When have you ever known me to fuck up?" She asked one again. "Well,I would say the cake incident... buuuut you saved it in the end so let's wait until tomorrow." He said with a chuckle. "Hey!" The mare complained with a pout, crossing her hooves. Both Shadow and Shilo turned to each other and burst out laughing. It was indeed going to be an interesting day. End chapter Three
