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. ♥♥♥