The Last Casino

Chapters

Prologue- The Mistake
Chapter 1- The Docks
Chapter 2- The Bar
Chapter 3- The Pit
Chapter 4- The Lab
How It Would Have Ended
Chapter 5- The Bedroom

Prologue- The Mistake

The Last Casino
by WeirdBeard
Fearlessly edited by magicllama
Prologue- The Mistake
Because I'm an idiot!

Everypony has an inner good. Everypony has an inner evil. The two halves combine and mold into a pony's true character, influencing both thoughts and actions, whether they realize it or not.

It was to this end that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna cast their attention one ordinary day. The initial concern had been brought about by a discussion of Discord's power over the bearers of the Elements of Harmony. How easy it was for him to manipulate them against each other. While their friendship was powerful enough to triumph in the end, greater threats would surely test that bond even more in the future. There had to be a way to protect them from "virtue fading" as the princesses had come to term it. Some way to prevent color loss, so to speak.

This is where the discussion should have ended. This one pivotal moment before things went spiraling out of control. If they had merely put it off as wishful thinking, they would have continued living in blissful ignorance. Alas, they did not stop.

Instead, Celestia and Luna initiated a full-on research into the matter. After months of diligent searching, they uncovered... curious findings. What sparked these results was a look into Luna's transformation into Nightmare Moon. While the Nightmare was its own entity, it needed a host to truly exist. However, it couldn't possess just any creature.

The reason why the Nightmare preyed upon ponies was due to one crucial factor. Everypony has inherent magic within; the pegasi with flying and weather control, the earth ponies and their special connection to nature, and the unicorns with magic itself. Along with their magic, though, was something much deeper. The princesses discovered that a very small piece of the Nightmare's magic dwelt inside everypony. That was how it was able to overtake Luna, once she gave that magic room to grow.

Discord had tapped into that source with Twilight Sparkle and her friends during his escape. Miraculously, it was only a small fraction, but most certainly would have worsened over time. So if he could have so easily accessed the magic, surely the princesses could do that and more with time and study.

Through that mindset, they asked themselves: 'How can we remove that small portion of the Nightmare without endangering a pony?' While the Elements could vanquish the foe, there was no way to know what would happen to this minor presence. The last time they were used improperly, it had resulted in Princess Luna's imprisonment on the moon.

The research was small at first, but the princesses eventually delved deeper into the ancient arts. They even investigated their past studies and the works of their students, Starswirl the Bearded and Clover the Clever. However, all of this was done in complete secrecy. If somepony were to find out that a piece (albeit a minuscule part) of the Nightmare resided in everypony, there would be absolute panic. Their little ponies were still too innocent and wholly trusted the princesses with their protection. Not even Celestia's own protege was informed of the research.

After months of testing on themselves, extracting the tiniest fractions of the Nightmare, they decided to act more boldly. It was a risky step, but the payoff would most certainly be worth it. Through meticulous planning, a Hearth's Warming Eve pageant invite was sent to the bearers. It was innocent and inconspicuous enough. The Bearers would also be participating in the actual pageant itself. This, however, was all part of the plan.

The princesses observed them both on and off-stage. The stress that Twilight and her friends experienced also showcased the Nightmare's magic that Celestia and Luna were seeking. Even though it was barely noticeable at times, it was definitely present.

Once the pageant was over, the bearers were invited to stay in the castle for the night. The hour was late and they were already exhausted, after all. When all of them had at last succumbed to slumber, the princesses set the final step into motion. They began extracting, very slowly and very carefully, so as to not disturb their rest. The process sapped much of their energy and the procedure took up the entire night with its duration. In the end, the extraction was a success. The bearers would never again be so susceptible to turning against each other. They had nothing to worry about. Or so they thought.

Instead of pieces of armor or inanimate objects that physically manifested from the Nightmare sans host, something else happened. They hadn't expected it at all. Their own research had pointed out that the Nightmare would be powerless. Be it fate or dumb luck, the bearers had left early the next morning before they could see what was left behind. It wasn't till much later when Celestia and Luna found the horrifying results.

The extraction produced exact duplicates of the bearers; their most negative characteristics had been ponyfied. Needless to say, it was an absolute disaster. Though they mirrored their originals in appearance, their personalities didn't even resemble in the slightest. Gone was the innocent friendship and love they shared. The only thing mutual between the duplicates was their hatred.

Needless to say, the princesses were forced to isolate the new ponies in the most secluded and private area under the castle. Too much scandal and chaos would have arisen if anypony discovered them; not to mention the loss of trust and loyalty that would result.

A simple solution would have been to use the Elements of Harmony to vanquish these manifestations of the Nightmare. Or even banish them to the moon. Unfortunately, this wasn't a simple problem. The duplicates still held ties the real bearers. If something drastic was to happen to them, there would be dire consequences to Twilight and her friends. As if that wasn't enough, their own magic couldn't affect these ponies. Thankfully they weren't going anywhere any time soon, but much more research was required.

Imagine the princesses' surprise when the answer literally walked through their front door.

That answer was a lone earth pony stallion. At first glance, he was an ordinary, run-of-the-mill buck. Ash-gray coat, slicked-back white mane, and a pair of dice for a cutie mark. However, the buck was anything but ordinary.

This stallion was born to two cowponies residing in the area that would later become known as Appleloosa. Given the name of Jackpot, his parents raised him just like everypony should; with care, attention, and love. Sadly, tragedy befell the family when a typical train-ride turned into a disastrous accident. The parents' lives were lost when the train skipped the tracks down into a canyon. From witnesses at the scene, the young foal had perished as well. Miraculously, the colt survived; nopony was able to explain how.

What they didn't know about was the extraordinary power that resided within Jackpot. He possessed the ability to manipulate luck. Crazy as that sounded, the princesses were no strangers to the phenomena. Luck, much like magic, is an ever present, ethereal force that flows around ponies. It can be tapped into and used to a pony's benefit. Even though he hadn't known it then, Jackpot had accessed that stream of luck in his time of peril and survived the wreck. Unfortunately, his parents did not.

The young colt was taken under the wing of his uncle, a pegasus who lived nearby and managed a local saloon. Jackpot's uncle did all that he could to help the growing foal, but his business took up much of his time and attention. There wasn't a school nor any young ponies nearby to help entertain or keep him out of mischief. Thus, the growing buck instead learned from the customers and weary travelers that would stop in the saloon. He marveled over their talks of adventure and far-off lands.

It was also from these strangers that he discovered his 'talent.' Along with the bar itself within the saloon, Jackpot's uncle had constructed several playing tables for betting games. It was usually low-stakes as the travelers weren't the most well-off of ponies.

One evening, the players invited Jackpot to play with them instead of just watching. As soon as he touched the dice, the little colt's vision was flooded with cloudy green trails of mist. Jackpot was witnessing luck in its purest form. At first he was startled, but no harm befell him and he hurriedly rolled the dice. The strands of ghostly luck swirled around the dice and conformed them to the colt's desire. The travelers were confounded that whole evening when his rolls would always add up to seven and the little foal continued to win. By late into the night and after earning all of what they were willing to bet, Jackpot discovered both his power over luck and his cutie mark. A pair of dice; one bearing a four, the other a three.

Several years later and after his uncle had passed away, Jackpot decided to travel the world and seek his fortune. His journey took him to far-off lands. Each location he would search for new thrills. With having been raised in a rougher environment, Jackpot didn't care for the sappy 'Happy Valley' syndrome that many villages of Equestria shared. Instead, he purposely sought out the less desirable settlements; be it with the griffins, the zebras, the diamond dogs, and every other tribe out there.

Jackpot's abilities with manipulating luck were not solely restricted to the game of dice, or better known as crapaud throughout Equestria. He enjoyed all forms of betting games. His senses would merge with the ghostly mist in every circumstance and leave him victorious. Suffice to say, Jackpot never lost.

Unfortunately, this had gained him both friends and enemies. The exhilaration of escaping a sore loser thrilled Jackpot, but there had been instances where he was badly wounded before leaving town. With the passing of time came the accumulation of tremendous wealth, better fighting skill from the diamond dogs, and a tougher endurance from the griffins. However, it was all too easy and began to bore the stallion. After a less-than-honorable night of drinking and ranting, a crazy idea struck Jackpot. Why not challenge the princesses of Equestria for the throne? Still very drunk, he rushed to Canterlot and held an audience with them.

The very notion was absolutely absurd and any other time would have been flatly denied. However, Celestia and Luna listened to his tale with earnest intrigue. They could feel something was different about the earth pony. Jackpot omitted his ability and power over luck from the story, but the princesses sensed there was something more to it anyway. Luna accepted his challenge of crapaud as soon as he issued it, worrying Celestia a great deal. There was something that the Princess of the Night had in her favor of course. After all, she invented the game.

The stakes were set: the throne of Equestria versus becoming an operative for the princesses. Jackpot had scoffed at the small price. He didn't care about what that entailed, believing he already won. Luna was very confident as well, but for very different reasons. The earth pony was beyond simply being intoxicated. Each of his steps wobbled slightly as they neared the grand table. Finally, he grabbed the dice quickly and kissed them. With a drunken grin, he boasted that he didn't even need his 'spooky gas'. Confusing the princesses, Jackpot tossed the dice and passed out onto the ground.

If he hadn't been so brash and foolish, perhaps Jackpot would have won. Even though Luna had loaded the dice, his connection with luck would have granted him victory. However, the deed was done. A five and a three were rolled, not the sum of seven that he need to win. This mistake cost him his chance at royalty as well as his future plans.

When Jackpot finally sobered up, he found himself before the princess and the faux bearers. Unbeknownst to him, Celestia had conjured a spell inside the earth pony's mind to ensure that he would fulfill his end of the deal. While the whole arrangement was a bit unorthodox, it was the best solution in sight. Anypony else, even the most loyal guards, would be too risky to trust with this huge responsibility. Having examined his memories, Luna knew that his experiences outside of Equestria made him very valuable and able to handle the incarnations of the Nightmare. Though he was slightly enchanted, Jackpot would hold to his word. He had learned that much from his uncle after all.

So a plan was immediately formed. Jackpot would escort the bearer doppelgangers to the distant coast, a city not within the borders of Equestria. Trace, a town that nopony dared venture to where all manners of other species dominated. It was here that no being would suspect the duplicates as the real Twilight Sparkle and friends. The stallion would act as a middlepony between the six duplicates as well as the princesses. With time and hope, the hateful ponies would find true happiness and eventually return to Equestria. Thus, Jackpot and his charges were transported to the city of Trace.

Five years later, however, the ponies had not improved. In fact, they had only worsened. While Jackpot had overseen the six, his old habits and the influence of neighboring sin cities did not help the original objective of the princesses. Instead the doppelgangers had come to create their own separate empires, forging factions within the population. Each operated a casino that showcased their individual, twisted desires.

Celestia tried to isolate the city of Trace, even going as far as shutting down the neighboring cities' sinister industries and casinos. The latter acts were declared as 'defensive measures' for Equestria to avoid suspicion. However, it was too late for the six duplicates. The dice were cast.

Jackpot was still held to his charge. In truth, he rather enjoyed it in a bizarre way. The stallion was able to act between every faction and see the inner workings behind each. The six still answered to him even though they essentially owned Trace. While it saddened the princesses greatly over the failure, Equestria was not in danger. It was a bittersweet result. Still, they held onto the slim hope that someday the six would become good ponies.

Even centuries later, Celestia and Luna would never divulge the details of this operation to anypony else. They did, however, keep the records that Jackpot maintained and reported to them. It served as a reminder to never make their tragic mistake ever again. These chronicles summarized his experiences with the six duplicates in the city of Trace. In his notes, the stallion would come to term the assignment as 'the last casino.'

Chapter 1- The Docks

The Last Casino
by WeirdBeard
Triumphantly edited by magicllama and TheOnlyWes
Chapter 1- The Docks
You'd think I'd learn.

The sudden crash of ocean waves against the wooden docks disturbed the earth pony's musing. He opened his stark green eyes and gazed westward at the low hanging moon. Jackpot was once again reminiscing over everything that led to this point. Not just the loss to the princesses, but his actions that preceded. The ash-gray stallion had learned from his mistakes; the years had tamed him as he kept watch over the mares.

He felt the wind lightly tussle his slicked-back, white mane. The stallion closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. The salty and damp smells of the ocean assaulted his senses. This was one of the few moments where he could find solace. Even though the weather was tumultuous and untamed, Jackpot found a strange peace behind it. It always stormed in Trace. There were two pegasi that could control it, but they weren't likely to help with that anytime soon.

The earth pony's thoughts returned to the six. "A dragon giving away his hoard was more likely than these mares helping anypony but themselves," he thought. Their complete lack of morality still annoyed him. True, Jackpot wasn't the most outstanding pony himself, but he still maintained a basic sense of decency.

His mind drifted back to the instructions that Celestia and Luna had given that fateful day. They had insisted that it wasn't foalsitting, but it might as well have been during the first year. Figuratively dumping the six little oddities into his hooves and being taken to Trace; all because the princesses couldn't do what really needed to be done. Jackpot sighed and pulled out a pack of cigarettes.

Living in Trace did have a few benefits, the first example being the zebras' herbal creations. The city was home to many of the specie, all outcasts from their homeland in the far-off south. They were not the only ones, of course, that had taken Trace as shelter. Diamond dogs, griffins, all manner of creatures; except for ponies. It was another reason the six duplicates were sent here. Equestria would never find out about them not only because of the distance, but because the inhabitants kept to themselves and their own foul deeds.

The city was never officially founded either. Even when the vastly diverse settlers began construction, there was never any form of leadership. It was a dog-eat-zebra-eat-griffin-eat-... you get the idea, world; and it still continued as such to the present day. However, the city was even more split now. It had taken some time, but the six mares had created their own factions within Trace. Each was hungry for power and their conflicts had severely escalated more recently. Which was why Jackpot was out in the cold, bleak evening instead of resting.

The stallion had summoned the six to meet at this neutral point of the city. He had grown tired of their antics and hoped that anything drastic could be delayed for the time being. Dragging a cigarette to his lips, Jackpot patted his vest in search of a lighter. He didn't usually dress at all, but this occasion called for a bit more presentation. The vest was neatly pressed, boasting a deep black in color with white-pinstripes. A subdued white tie completed the ensemble, complimenting his own mane quite well. He grunted as his search yielded no sign of any means to light his cigarette.

A blast of navy-shaded flames flew inches past Jackpot's face. He blinked in momentary surprise as the small roll was a lit. A snort that originated from behind him notified the earth pony of the new presence. "Evening, Fang," he quietly said.

Sitting down beside the earth pony, a cobalt-scaled dragon stared out into the ocean. His frame was twice as big as Jackpot even though he was still a youthful creature. The dock creaked under the dragon's weight, but soon settled as it relaxed. Fang glanced back to the stallion, silent for a moment, before replying, "Hey, Jack. Been out here long?"

"Just waiting for those clowns to show up," Jackpot muttered, keeping his eyes to the crashing waves. He finally peered over to his assistant after a few minutes. The dragon looked bored, his gray irises scanning the surrounding docks. He absentmindedly scratched at the smoke-colored fins atop his head before leaning back and ruffling his wings.

Fang was a curious case, much like Jackpot. The dragon was born within the confines of Celestia's private school. His egg had been the runt of the litter, many of his brothers awakened before he was. It was one peculiar unicorn, who ended flunking out of the school much later, that performed the spell to crack his egg. He served as her assistant until she disowned him and left for a life of show business. Fang would occasionally mention how much he hated her, especially when she went on and on about being great and powerful.

After being abandoned, the princesses brought him back to the castle and insisted he would be chosen again. However, the continual rejection and passing of time had hardened the young dragon. It wasn't until Jackpot came along and Luna assigned Fang to become the earth pony's assistant. The dragon would send his reports through his magical fire-breath as well as keep an eye on Jackpot's own conduct. The two shared a mutual respect, though, each being outcasts of their own species.

The ash-gray stallion took a drag of his cigarette, pulling it away from his muzzle and blowing out a stream of smoke. The chemicals and herbs warmed his insides and he could feel the bitter scent stick to his nostrils. Fang disturbed his wandering thoughts when he asked, "What's the violin case for?"

Jackpot glanced at the specified item near his hooves. His eyes returned to meet the dragon's, simply replying, "Persuasion. I hope you're ready; they should be here any second now."

Bizarrely on cue, the factions began filing into the area. Each group appeared from different directions and circled around the dock where Jackpot and Fang sat. The earth pony spat his cigarette away, pushing himself to his hooves and approached the intruders. His assistant followed closely behind. His eyes slowly adjusted to the dim light radiating from the overhead poles.

The first faction he recognized was that of Fluttershy's, deemed "The Hornets." Tonight it was only her right hand who had arrived, a colossal minotaur that towered over Jackpot. The beast's crimson fur covered many of its past scars, but his face still showed more than a hoof-ful of cuts and gashes. It snorted angrily, its breath rancid with the scent of blood. A pale yellow hornet was carved into the center of its chest.

Jackpot bit his lip, annoyed by the presence of a goon instead of the leader of the Hornets. "Where's Fluttershy?"

The minotaur didn't respond, merely staring at the stallion. An eerie voice chuckled out from his far left instead. "Hate to break it to ya, but none of the mares are coming tonight!"

Jackpot's eyes left the minotaur's gaze to search for the source of the jeer. Hovering above them, a trio of copper-feathered griffins smirked at the stallion. The three belonged to the Shockers faction, all led by Rainbow Dash. They each carried curious weaponry, from crudely designed explosive devices to blunt sledgehammers. The center griffin, decorated with a lightning bolt tattoo along her cheek, glided down and landed not too far from the stallion. "You've just got us, Jacky! We're their representatives, after all."

More and more intruders entered into view, representing their groups: the Novas, the Cooks, the Diamondbacks, and XXX. They comprised of zebras and diamond dogs that gathered in the remaining spots around the circle surrounding Jackpot and Fang shared a glance before assessing the immediate threats. Several of the cronies snarled at their rivals, brandishing their own weapons of choice. None of their leading mares had shown up. "Figures they'd pull a stunt like this," the earth pony muttered to his assistant.

One Nova- Twilight Sparkle's peculiar zebra followers that specialized in alchemy- trotted forward and glared at the offending Shocker. "What's wrong, cloud humper? Is your big, bad boss too afraid to show her face here?" the cloaked zebra questioned. Her robe was splotched with chemical burns and pinched down by star-studded saddle bags.

"Shut your mouth, dirt sucker! Your boss isn't here either!" the head griffin growled. Tensions were already mounting and the meeting hadn't even begun. The Nova zebras snarled at the Shocker griffins, causing the other factions to poise defensively with their weapons. Jackpot's grip on his violin case tightened while Fang snorted and rolled his eyes.

The chilling sea breeze cut into the escalating situation, ruffling the pink-tinted manes of the Cooks. These zebras that hailed Pinkie Pie were even stranger than Twilight's Novas. Despite their mild appearance, they were probably the most dangerous of the factions. It was impossible to predict what they were planning; the element of surprise was always included in their schemes.

The remaining two groups belonged to Rarity and Applejack: the Diamondbacks and XXX, respectively. Both consisted largely of diamond dogs. However, Rarity's followers were strictly all females. Their slender, alluring frames were not to be trifled with though. They were frighteningly skilled in close quarters combat, trained by their leader herself. The five that represented the selfish unicorn, each bearing a rose that pinned back their ears, barked at the dogs of XXX.

In the past, the two factions of diamond dogs had once been a unified tribe. That all changed when Applejack's deception and Rarity's malice split them apart. The dogs of XXX, Applejack's devoted, glared at their former mates. Their tangerine fur bristled with anticipation for a fight. Finally, Jackpot loudly stomped and shouted, "Enough! I need to speak to your leaders, all of you. I'm not here to watch you have a pissing contest, nor do I want to speak to you "representatives" !"

"Who said we want to talk?" a large, enraged diamond dog of XXX asked. The beast unsheathed its claws and reared back on its hind legs. It snarled, muscles coiling in preparation to propel forward and attack.

Jackpot rotated his neck, the vertebrae cracking loudly from the twisting movement. "I don't have time to deal with you goons right now. So,would kindly you go home and tell your bosses that I will meet with them? Individually if I have to," the earth pony explained. Fang crossed his arms over his chest, glowering at the surrounding factions. "Please let this mutt not be so stupid," Jackpot inwardly pleaded.

"We don't take commands from you!" the diamond dog yelled. He sprung high into the air, teeth bared and ready to sink into the stallion's neck. Jackpot calmly lifted the violin case and aimed it at his attacker. Upon smacking a hoof against the side of the case, a long cylinder protruded from the tip and shot forth an arc of lightning. The beam connected with the dog's right paw, causing it to spasm in mid-air.

The beast collapsed heavily in front of the stallion, still twitching from the electricity. Its left paw smoked from where the lightning exited and left a hole in the center. The problematic griffin that voiced for Rainbow Dash and the Shockers shot forward. "That's the missing Thunder rifle! You stole that from the bos-"

"Correction! I am the boss!" Jackpot shouted back in frustration. He hooked a hoof around the shocked diamond dog and dragged him to the edge of the dock. The stallion held onto the scruff of its neck and pushed the beast's head underwater. He stared blankly at the surprised faction members while the diamond dog thrashed wildly. Jackpot's eyes seemed to bore into each of them, a powerful intensity behind his gaze.

After an agonizingly long minute, the gray earth pony pulled the diamond dog back up. He threw the beast away to his fellow pack mates, its breath ragged and gasping for air. Jackpot pointed at hoof at the factions and stated, "You answer to your leaders. Your leaders answer to me. Ergo... you listen to me! You would do well to remember that if you cherish your miserable lives at all. Now, go to the holes you crawled out of and tell the mares that I'm coming to meet with them very soon."

The stallion glanced back at the still wheezing diamond dog. "We'll start with your little shack. Make sure AJ has hard cider cold and ready," he commanded. "Now, all of you... get the hell out of my territory."

The factions exchanged glares, but slowly departed from the area. The XXX dogs heaved their injured comrade onto their shoulders before bounding away. Within a few moments, Jackpot and Fang were left alone again. The dragon yawned and glanced to his friend. "A bit over dramatic, don't you think?" he asked.

Sighing, the earth pony's eyes drifted skyward to the night sky and admired the cloud-less, starry view. "Believe me, that's the only way to get their attention now. If there was any other way, I'd do it," Jackpot replied.

"Should I send a report to the princesses about this successful meeting?" Fang sarcastically inquired.

Jackpot was about to retort until he noticed how unusually quiet it was. His swept his gaze around them, but nothing alerted him. "This wasn't a meeting. Hold off on anything for now, I'll confront each of the six," he replied. When the dragon yawned a second time, the earth pony rolled his eyes. "You look exhausted, Fang. Go ahead and take the night off. I'll start the rounds alone."

The cobalt dragon scoffed and shook his head. "I guess I should be thankful," he responded before launching himself into the air. His leathery wings caught hold of a rising thermal as he flapped higher away to the night sky.

Jackpot ran a hoof through his mane, discouraged from the failed meeting. He felt like he should have seen it coming, but had still hoped that things would have been easier. The earth pony grunted and picked up the concealed weapon that he had used earlier.

"You're fortunate that the meeting didn't go worse," an elegant voice called out from the shadows.

The stallion's back stiffened and he whirled around to face whoever spoke. However, he was still alone at the dimly lit docks. The being that spoke still hadn't appeared. Jackpot chuckled darkly and muttered, "There was nothing fortunate about tonight, just a big waste of time as always."

"We both know that's not true. You're not hindered by luck, after all. You control it," the voice beckoned again.

The gray earth pony grunted, his green eyes still scanning around. "I'm really not in the mood for this cloak and daggers crap, lady. What do you want?" he asked, irritation dripping from his voice. Not sure what to expect, he readied his weapon once more.

After a moment, a flutter of wings from above caught his attention. Jackpot was met with surprise as a large pony glided downward and landed soundlessly before him. Of course, this pony was not ordinary. The stranger bore a dark, sage-colored coat with enormous wings and a long, pointed horn. "Another alicorn... great, just what I needed," Jackpot thought sarcastically.

The alicorn in question shifted her hooves and more of the dim light revealed her form. Her mane flowed unnaturally, much like the princesses, and held a curious mix of shimmering gold shades. The most peculiar feature about her was a strange, black blindfold around her eyes. However, even with her vision blocked, she somehow looked directly at Jackpot. "I've come with a warning. Things are going to get worse here" the alicorn said.

"Well gee-whiz, that's real helpful and all, but in case you haven't noticed, this is Trace. Everything's already worse here; nothing is even remotely good," the stallion snapped back. His patience was wearing thin for the evening and he really didn't want to deal with this.

The alicorn sighed. She waited a moment before replying, "It can always get worse. Just be careful, Jackpot. You're still useful to me alive."

At that quiet statement, her horn flashed brilliantly and temporarily blinded the earth pony. When his vision returned, there was no sign of the sage-colored alicorn. Jackpot shook his head angrily and began trotting away. He sullenly muttered, "I hate this city."

Chapter 2- The Bar

The Last Casino
by WeirdBeard
Raided by ol' MagicLlama
Chapter 2- The Bar
Somebody stop me!

Last Call. The first of Jackpot's stops that evening. It was here where Applejack organized her syndicate. The building's exterior was designed as a barn, though whatever color it was originally painted had faded completely. Its wooden framework was aging and grayed from the chemical exhaust of a nearby factory.

The stallion stood outside the front door, contemplating his next course of action. He stared at the overhead sign that bore the name of the tangerine mare's establishment. A broken spotlight showcased a ridiculous looking depiction of a purple-coated pony. The pony drooled over a mug of some frothy beverage, with its eyes glazed over and a depressingly cheerful expression. Jackpot sighed and shook his head. "I better get this over with."

Before he even took a step toward the entrance, a large shape rocketed out the double doors. It collided heavily with the corner light post and slumped downward from the heavy impact. A diamond dog stood at the entry, brushing its paws and glaring at the thrown zebra. Its light orange fur glowed slightly from the dim lighting as it bellowed, "Get lost, striped freak! We no want your tricks here!"

The crumbled form of the zebra lay motionless from being thrown, its purple saddlebags ripped open and spilling out bottles of strange, colorful liquids. Clearly one of the Twilight's Novas that had attempted to take a break at the best bar in town. However, this member of XXX wanted nothing to do with the rival.

It puzzled Jackpot at times how these factions would be so opposed and violent to each other so often. Then again, they rarely coexisted peacefully and the gray stallion would dismiss the questioning of their reason. He glanced at the bulky diamond dog again and nodded. "That good of a night, Rex?"

Rex's yellow eye twitched when he finally noticed Jackpot near the dingy curbside. "Not now, pony. This not good time for inspection," the tangerine canine muttered. He turned his back to return inside, desperately hoping that the excuse would suffice.

"When has it ever been a good time?" the earth pony asked while trotting past the diamond dog. He felt its hot breath run down his mane, sending an unpleasant sensation through his spine. Jackpot shrugged the feeling away and continued inside the bar. Slowly, the canine trudged behind him and closed the doors.

The interior of Last Call was very spacious and well lit. Jackpot's hooves echoed loudly upon the hardwood flooring, which was painted a deep brown color and brandished with the appearance of old-fashioned decor. The main lobby led into a broad and open casino floor and featured several orange-tinted tables in various spots. Each table seated a myriad of creatures, but the majority was dominated by XXX diamond dogs. Half a dozen or so glittering slot machines lined against the side walls, decorated with the trademark apples that symbolized the group. A few creatures not affiliated with Applejack mingled in between the goons. They were either there because of the proximity of the casino to their own shelters or the more likely reason: booze.

While the other factions possessed hard liquor, XXX monopolized the most quality beverages to be found in Trace. How that aspect of Applejack had remained with the copy was a mystery to Jackpot. However, there were plenty of other oddities in the city along with the duplicate bearers that the stallion had come to just accept. He trotted towards the back of the casino where a long, dark-stained oak bar was constructed.

The earth pony's eyes glanced to a nearby poker table. Jackpot's vision soon filled with faint, green lines that floated over the cards and each of the players, but he immediately shook his head. He had more pressing matters to deal with. Besides, the night was still young. The gray stallion continued on, the gamblers paying him no heed if only for a small moment.

Upon reaching the bar, he propped himself up against the counter and stood upright. The bartender nodded curtly before returning his attention to polishing out a thick goblet. Jackpot eyed the selection behind the serving dog, small lights showcasing a cornucopia of different bottled beverages. Even though the popular choice was always the mare's trademark hard cider, the other drinks were circulated out every night. Vodka, wine, scotch, spirits, lager, whatever the regulars desired. "Anything to drink this time, pony?" the bartender inquired, indifferent and disregarding of Jackpot's status.

"You know I'm here on business, Samson. C'mon, where's AJ?" the stallion asked. His green eyes drilled into the bartender's own gray irises, matching intensities. Aside from the two, only one other being remained by the bar: a robed zebra that leaned over a tall mug of cider. Everyone else was scattered throughout the open room, gambling or drinking or both. However, there was no sign of their lead mare.

Samson shrugged. "You tell me, pony. Aren't you her foalsitter?" the gangly bartender retorted sarcastically.

Jackpot didn't relax his penetrating stare, clearly not amused by the dog's antics. His ears flattened down against his skull and he narrowed his eyes. Several tense minutes passed by without another word said. Then, with shocking speed, the gray earth pony sprung forward and grasped the bartender's collar tightly. The action took the dog completely by surprise and was helpless to prevent Jackpot from slamming its head into the heavy counter. Samson impacted with a loud smack and slumped in the stallion's grasp.

Everyone in the casino immediately turned their attention to the scene. A few stood up from their tables, but most sat still and watched half-heartedly. Unbeknownst to those standing, they were really stealing chips or taking peeks at their opponents' hands. Jackpot dragged the dazed dog onto the bar and shoved him down. The gray earth pony ignored the crowd's reaction and shook his head. "Samson, Samson, Samson, you do this every single time. I'm really not in the mood for this. Why don't you do yourself a favor and just tell me where she is?" he questioned flatly.

"Applejack ain't here righ' now," a feminine voice called out from a closed door behind the bar.

Jackpot's ear twitched, recognizing the country drawl. He pushed the bartender harder into the counter and replied, "Guess that means no one will stop this mutt from scuffing this beautiful oak."

"Okay, okay! Hold yer horsefeathers!" the voice in hiding shouted. After a few moments, the closed door finally opened up and revealed the tangerine cowpony herself. She trotted slowly out from the back room, cautiously eyeing her fellow earth pony. Her blonde mane was held in check by a weathered, black Stetson cowpony hat. Taking in her options, Applejack sighed before asking, "Ya always gotta be so violent?"

The stallion released the recovering bartender abruptly onto the floor. "It's just like the farm, AJ; you have to use that special touch," he responded crossly, straightening his vest and tie. "Why didn't you come to the meeting?"

"What meetin'? Ah' didn't know about any meetin'," the mare lied. She scrunched her face and her eyes darted side to side. "'Sides, Ah' was busy."

Jackpot rubbed at the bridge between his eyes, annoyed by her ill-hidden dishonesty. "Not even to the status report and she's already lying. What a good sign of things to come," he thought. Thankfully the casino's patrons had returned attention to their own dealings. The bartender lay dazedly on the floor behind the counter while the robed zebra at the end of the bar remained motionless over her mug. "Whatever, we need to talk," the buck stated.

Applejack frowned and glanced around. "Out here? No thanks, 'specially not with that freaky zebra over there," she whispered. The mare tilted her hat back over her mane and stared pleadingly at Jackpot.

"Fine, your office then," Jackpot replied quickly. He trotted around the cowpony and entered the room she had exited from earlier. He heard her groan, but the stallion continued anyway and examined the 'office'.

It wasn't as well lighted as the rest of her building, but the strangely bright red paint that coated the walls made up for that. A light-colored cedar desk sat against the far wall, some scattered papers sitting atop it. Three black x's were painted on the beaten floor; whether by Applejack's request or by the whims of one of her dogs, Jackpot didn't really care. The orange mare trotted toward her desk and leaned against it. "Ya know that I hate these talks, right?" she asked, irk present in her voice. She pushed a button next to a lamp, but instead of it lighting, a pair of frothy cider mugs appeared.

"You and me both. Just show me your reports, talk about how you and the girls are these days, and then I'll be out of your mane," Jackpot muttered. It was a dull routine, but he had to do it regardless. He ignored the mug intended for him while the mare took a sip of her own drink.

Applejack tossed a folder onto the floor in front of the gray stallion. While he perused over the contents, the cowpony began casually chatting. "Well, 'bout the same ol' really. Flutters still has the pit, that fancy unicorn is bringing in more bitc-"

"I wasn't asking about their businesses, AJ. What's going on between you and your friends? Improvements, new developments, anything that you did with them specifically and not just through goons. Fill me in," the buck explained. He blinked a few times while the orange mare bit her lip. Applejack's eyes twinkled briefly and she started crafting a story.

"Heh, why didn' ya say so? Everythin's just sunshine and rainbows these days! I went out on a picnic with Princess Party Whore, then I had a friendly lil' race with that colorful idiot, and finished off with a sleepover at the crazy suck-up's pad. She loves them books, lemme tell ya. Oh! Did I tell ya 'bou-"

Jackpot interrupted her once again. "Fine, if you don't want to talk, be that way. I've got better things to do," he replied angrily. The gray stallion turned around and trotted back out the office to return to the lobby.

Applejack quickly rushed behind him and muttered, "Oh c'mon now, I was only teasin'. I really do like it when you come and check up. It feels like ya care sometimes."

The two trotted around the bar, everyone in the casino paying them no heed. The bartender was now fully conscious, glaring at Jackpot while cleaning another glass. The zebra at the end of the bar was leaving a payment and pushing away the untouched mug of cider. The stallion noticed this idly, but disregarded it in light of Applejack's comment. "Whatever. I'm glad you had least at the reports ready; it's gonna be a nightmare trying to get even that from the rest of your friends. Business aside though, AJ, how are you doing?" he asked.

The cowpony blushed slightly and looked away. "Shoot, ya don't hafta worry 'bout me," she muttered quietly.

"C'mon, AJ, I really want to know. You're the one I hate the least in the group; the rest of the mares are moody as all Tartarus and usually try to kill me. You probably slipped that mug with poison, but the gesture was at least thoughtful enough. Do you need something?" Jackpot questioned. In all sincerity, he actually did care about all the mares since first being charged with them. "They were a hoof-ful, but what fillies aren't these days?" he thought. His only problem with the orange mare was that she was a horrible chronic liar, but she was relatively easy-going.

Applejack was silent for a moment. "Thanks, but no thanks, sugah cube. I've got my dogs to keep me company and more than enough cider to stay happy," she explained, motioning a hoof at the bottles alongside the wall. "Not to mention that the casino's staying busy."

Jackpot opened his mouth to respond, but a loud guffaw echoed loudly from the direction of the poker tables. He glanced to the source and spotted his dark-scaled assistant pumping the air with his fists. Fang had apparently been swindling more than a few angry diamond dogs of their money, a large stack of chips next to him.

"Looks like he's finally taking your tips on the game," the cowpony stated, chuckling. The dragon continued celebrating and dragged the hoard of his winnings closer to himself. Jackpot and Applejack shared a momentary look, but neither said anything. Spotting his friend, Fang shoved away from the table and stomped his way towards the two.

“Check it out, Jack! Your stupid advice finally paid off!” the draconic assistant jeered. He smiled widely, sharp fangs barring from his open maw. Fang’s enthusiasm was thick enough that he didn’t even notice a bundle of chips falling from his grasp.

Jackpot rolled his eyes and sighed. “Imagine how much you would have won all those other times if you had listened to me sooner,” the gray stallion chided. He looked back at the orange mare beside him and said, “I’m glad we got this meeting out of the way. Try to stay out of trouble, okay?”

Applejack shook her head dismissively. “Not likely, sugah cube. We both know that’d be a lie if I agreed to that. Don’t have too much fun wit- OFFFM!” her response was cut off when the departing zebra bumped into her. “What the hay didja do that fer?!”

The striped mare quivered and backpedaled away from the cowpony. “Oh. I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean it,” she responded. Her hindlegs bumped into the bar, causing several mugs and bottles from other drinkers to shatter onto the floor. Within moments, she was now the center of attention inside the casino.

“Zebras not welcome here!” Rex shouted. His large, heavy frame twitched in anticipation as he cracked the limbs in his arms. His large, heavy frame twitched in anticipation as he cracked the limbs in his arms. The bouncer was obviously ready to throw out another victim, but something about this zebra seemed off to Jackpot. While more and more dogs began circling closer, the gray earth pony stepped out in front of the group to question the mare.

“Nova or Cook?” Jackpot interrogated. His green eyes drilled into the zebra’s own magenta ones. Applejack looked ready to unleash her goons on the hapless mare, but waited for the response.

The zebra shrunk back against the hard counter, still shaking. “I, uh, I think, um- Cook! Yeah, I’m a Cook! I'm on your side!" she yelped to the members of XXX in desperation.

All of the diamond dogs howled in unison, angered by the revelation. However, both Jackpot and Applejack could see that she was lying. Fang reared back defensively, snarling at the advancing dogs. Even though the zebra clearly didn't appear to be affiliated with the crazy pink mare's group, the dogs wanted to attack. They stood upright and unsheathed their claws. Whoever this zebra was, she was definitely hiding something.

Jackpot grunted. “Wrong answer,” he muttered before three beastly mutts pounced. The scene unfolded in slow motion before the stallion, noticing every minute detail about their attack. With the dogs' attention focused on the zebra, Fang was able to swat two away with his formidable tail. Jackpot shoved the striped mare out of the way as the final attacker clawed at empty air. The zebra was knocked out as she collided with the counter, but was unharmed for the time being.

More diamond dogs reared back to attack, but a shrill whistle resonated through the lobby. The mutts turned their gaze to the bar where Applejack stood next to a small red button. She smiled and shouted, "Soup's on, boys!" The orange mare smashed her hoof down and a tinny bell chimed in response. A whirring noise echoed from the ceiling and multiple sprinkler heads lowered down. Suddenly, thin streams of amber-colored liquid began raining down upon the casino's occupants. Her goons unleashed a celebratory howl and lapped at the hard cider that sprinkled from the ceiling.

The gray stallion raised an eyebrow at the cowpony and deadpanned, "In case of emergencies?"

"Eh, better than cattle prods. Only a little, though," Applejack replied with a grin. "C'mon, git out through the back while they're still busy."

Jackpot nodded and trotted to the fallen zebra. She was still unconscious, so he eased her body onto his back and waved at his assistant. The immature dragon, however, was distracted along with the diamond dogs by the cider rain. "Fang! C'mon, we're leaving."

"Awwwww, things were just getting interesting," Fang responded with a sigh. The cobalt-scaled dragon took in one last sip from the sprinklers and finally lumbered away towards the exit. None of the dogs had yet noticed what was going on; 'Either a small miracle or a sign of how stupid they really are," Jackpot thought.

Applejack motioned toward the exit again. "Yer lucky Ah'm in a good mood tonight. See ya around, boss," she said, tilting her hat down as a bit of a salute.

"Thanks, AJ. We'll be in touch," Jackpot responded quickly before galloping out the exit. The doorway led into the back alley of Last Call, with only some scattered light posts here and there. Fang shook his body off to the side in an attempt to dry himself off. The gray stallion trotted toward him and set the zebra down between them.

The unconscious mare's coat seemed unnaturally thick to Jackpot's touch. Her stripes looked fairly normal, but there were inconsistencies about their black shades. Even with the dim lighting and the darkness of night, Jackpot could tell something was off. He nodded to his assistant and muttered, "Breathe some embers on her."

Fang's face contorted in confusion. "We saved her so we could burn her? You sure you didn't drink anything tonight?" he asked.

"I said embers, Fang. Your draconic magic will be able to show us if she's really a Cook, a Nova, or something else," Jackpot explained. The two had run across problems like this before in the past, but often the suspect would crack under interrogation. With the zebra unconscious and Jackpot's patience running thin, Fang's fire would be the faster alternative.

The dragon shrugged and replied, "Whatever you say, Jack." Fang breathed in lightly and exhaled a small stream of flames. The tiny, navy-colored embers caught onto the zebra's hide and slowly burned. For a while, nothing happened.

At last, the characteristics of the zebra began to melt away. Fang's own magic was burning the magic disguise away as the flames eventually died down. The once monochromatic mane revealed two tones of blue hair and even a small horn. Her coat retained its white undertone as the stripes disappeared completely. A music note accentuated her thin flank, but the revealed unicorn mare remained unconscious despite the bath of flames.

Fang blinked in surprise. "Is that-"

"Yes," Jackpot replied quietly. "Vinyl Scratch."

Chapter 3- The Pit

The Last Casino
by WeirdBeard
MagicLlama to the rescue!
Chapter 3- The Pit
Var ist the funnehs?!?

"C'mon!"

"No."

"Pleaseeeeeee!"

"I said no."

"You suck, Jack," Fang grumbled. The cobalt-scaled dragon plopped down hard onto the floor and pouted, glaring at the sofa. His spikes bristled as he breathed heavily and frowned. "She probably won't even feel it!"

Jackpot groaned from the implications of his assistant. They had barely arrived to the stallion's apartment with the unconscious Vinyl Scratch; Fang having done nothing to help carry her there. Not even five minutes had passed from entering the modest dwelling when the dragon proposed... less-than-honorable actions with the mare. The gray earth pony loosened his tie and collar, finally replying, "For the last time, no. Even if it wasn't unethical, we don't know all of the consequences that could result. What if she has some sort of disease?"

His assistant huffed and leaned back onto his elbows. "Doesn't matter, ponies can't transmit to dragons. C'mon, Jacky, I'll be super fast!" Fang protested.

"Of that I have no doubt," Jackpot quipped. The dragon's expression was puzzled a moment before he realized that he had been insulted and immediately fumed. Before he could respond, though, the stallion continued. "Besides, don't you have that special someone down at Gemstone? You can pay her a visit when we stop by there later. Now, would you kindly grab that orange flask out of the fridge?"

Fang mumbled something incoherent about quality over quantity, but proceeded to the kitchen. Jackpot neared closer to the sofa and examined the newest guest of Trace. "Strange. What in Equestria is she doing here? Down on her luck... or something more?" the stallion questioned himself. The large pane windows revealed that night was giving way to day, but only some light trickled in through the thick smog. The few beams shined upon the lithe form of the resting white unicorn. Her electric blue mane was rather disheveled and her tail was in much the same state. What Jackpot curiously noted, however, was a curious aura of innocence about her.

His musing was soon interrupted as the dragon re-entered the room. Fang held the peculiar concoction in his outstretched claws, sickened by the repulsive smell. "Ugh! What in the name of all things holy is this?!"

"Careful. I only have a few of those left from AJ," the earth pony stated as he retrieved the flask from Fang. Jackpot shook the beverage gingerly about and eyed the milky liquid inside. "This is a little something she calls The Next Morning." He uncorked the flask and held it beneath the unicorn's muzzle, gently wafting the aroma around.

The reaction was almost instant. Vinyl sprang frantically back to consciousness. Her magenta eyes darted around her surroundings before settling on Jackpot and Fang. "Wha-how-why-wha-owwwwww," she slurred together until she rubbed her temples. "My head," the unicorn moaned.

Jackpot pushed the flask toward her again. "Drink this, it will ease that headache," he explained. Vinyl leaned away from the offered beverage, but fear gave way to pain as she levitated it towards her with magic. She frowned, but sipped the foul concoction. Her eyes bulged and she about retched, but managed to keep it down. The stallion looked back at Fang and asked, "Will you grab some bread for her?"

"Are your legs broken or something?" the dragon retorted before exiting.

Vinyl drank a little more of the mix and looked around the apartment slowly. She pushed herself up to a sitting position on the couch and asked, "What happened?"

"I was going to ask you the same thing," Jackpot responded. When the mare didn't reply and stared at him bewilderingly, he continued. "Let me see if I can guess your little sob story. Ponies stopped liking your music and you've been a washed-up musician ever since. You've been bumming around, having a pity party, but got sick of it. So you've traveled around, disguised as a zebra, and stumbled upo-"

"First off, ponies still like my music!" the unicorn began, assertion kicking in her emotion. "I'm not a wash-up, I'm just going through a phase. I'm gonna come back bigger and better than ever! Hype up my fans!"

The stallion rolled his eyes. "See, here's where I know this is all bogus. Despite how far out this city is, I still know what's going on in Equestria. You're more popular than ever, there's no phase. You just took my false accusation and proved that you're lying to me already. So, that makes me wonder," Jackpot coolly replied, not taking his gaze away from the unicorn. "Why are you really here?"

Vinyl shuffled anxiously from his stare. Luckily for her, Fang returned with a loaf of bread and tossed a slice to the mare. She glanced at it nervously while the maturing dragon gulped down the rest of the loaf. "Thanks," she muttered, taking a bite of the slice. When Jackpot's cold expression didn't change, the unicorn shrugged. "I'm just looking for inspiration."

"Horseapples," the buck quickly rebutted. "You go to a park, you go to the beach, the mountains, Canterlot, everywhere but here to get inspiration. Nopony knows about this city and wouldn't merely come by accident. You're here by some higher power. Mind filling in the blanks?" Jackpot questioned, unfaltering in his advance.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Vinyl replied. She had regained some of her composure, whether by defense or by some foolish notion of bravery.

Jackpot sighed. "Forget it, I've already figured it out. You're spying for someone who wants in on the action here."

The unicorn stiffened for a split second, but immediately shook it away. "I already told you, I'm here becaus-"

"Cut the act, even I can tell you're faking," Fang barked. He stomped towards the sofa and towered over Vinyl. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't jus-HURK!"

Jackpot quickly unsheathed his weapon, pointing it at the unicorn's horn while Fang grasped at his throat. Vinyl's magical aura glowed brightly inside the dragon's mouth while she still kept eye contact with the stallion. Tense seconds ticked away in near silence except for Fang's quiet choking. Neither side backed down. The earth pony calmly asked, "What do you want?"

"It's not what I want, Jackpot," Vinyl replied.

The gray stallion faltered slightly at her foreknowledge of his name. He quickly straightened back up, however, and pressed the stolen rifle against Vinyl's horn. Fang chortled louder from the unicorn's magic strangling his trachea. The two ponies continued their stare-down until Jackpot muttered, "Fine."

At that, he lowered his weapon and re-holstered it. When the unicorn didn't cease her magical hold on his assistant, Jackpot raised his eyebrow. "Is this how you normally make friends?" he snidely asked.

Vinyl pursed her lips, but finally released the aura surrounding Fang. The dragon collapsed onto the floor, chest heaving and coughing loudly. He glared at his assailant and snarled.

Before Fang was able to lunge at the unicorn, Jackpot raised a hoof. "Roof. Now. The lemons in the greenhouse will help your throat. Meet us at Morgue,' he quickly commanded. The dragon kept his coiled stance, but suddenly launched across the room and through the balcony doors. Jackpot watched his assistant take flight through the morning sky and stated coldly at the unicorn, "You're lucky he still listens to me."

"Celestia's tired of waiting, Jackpot," Vinyl began, bringing the stallion's attention back to her. "Your reports on the six show no sign of improvement, only retrogression. She gave you five years and it looks like you've wasted all of that time."

Jackpot glared at the unicorn. "Right, you clearly know what's going on here and what should be done. Especially with how well you handled yourself at Last Call. No wonder Celestia chose you," the stallion chided. He leaned back against the wall and pulled out a long, thin cigarette.

"First of all, that was a minor setback and I was still under cover. I could have handled the situation just fine without you," Vinyl retorted quickly, snorting back the smoke emitting from Jackpot's now lit cigarette. She narrowed her eyes and continued, "The princess chose me for a number of reasons. I shouldn't have to explain myself to you, but I cleaned out the lowlifes living in Manehattan even while undercover as the DJ."

"Lowlifes in Manehattan?" the gray earth pony asked, mirth dripping from his voice. He snorted and took another drag. "Those school fillies wouldn't last an hour here in Trace. How recent did you arrive at Applejack's before I did? Five minutes? Ten? You're in over your head, kid."

Vinyl stared evenly at the stallion's green eyes. She angrily swished her tail and replied, "Regardless of what you think, I am here in behalf of the princess and I will thoroughly examine your actions here. Now, if you would kindly lead me to Fluttershy's locatio-"

"Whoa-ho-ho-whoa, are you kidding?!" Jackpot half-shouted, half-asked. "I'm not taking you anywhere! I am gonna keep on controlling this operation and you are gonna trot your little tookis back to Celestia and tell her that everything is just dandy." His nostrils flared as he trotted toward the mare.

The white unicorn simply rolled her eyes and stated, "Wrong. Everything is not 'dandy'. You will show me what is truly going on here or we will shut this project down. So... what will it be, Jack?"

Jackpot fumed. At the beginning of the operation, he would have gladly walked away from all of it: Trace, the mares, even his assistant. Unfortunately, he was far too invested now. Not financially, he had plenty of funds and nothing monetary to worry about. Instead, the stallion had grown somewhat attached to the project. The impossible task seemed to drive him forward. If everything was to shut down without a proper solution, well... Jackpot didn't want that to happen. He wanted to see this through.

"Fine," the gray earth pony muttered. He flicked his spent cigarette upon the hardwood floor and gingerly stomped it out. He noted Vinyl's disgust at his action, but he brushed it aside. "But not in that pathetic zebra outfit you had. Everything went from bad to worse as soon as you opened your dumb mouth."

Vinyl Scratch bit her lip in irritation, but humored him. "Then how am I supposed to get in without causing alarm, Mister Expert?"

Jackpot rubbed behind his ear for a moment in thought. Nothing came to his mind, unfortunately, until he spotted one of Fang's prized possessions in the backroom. His grin grew slowly until it completely spread across his muzzle as he looked at it and Vinyl.

The unicorn balked slightly, unsure of how to take his reaction. "...what?"

The young minotaur stared skeptically at Jackpot and his companion. "Seriously? Aren't they usually smaller?"

"That's right, Kano, but they get bigger down south. Lemme tell ya, I've seen one as giant as your ol' Papa. Took me and Fang a good two days to capture this one," the gray stallion explained.

Kano scratched his chin, but at last shrugged dismissively. "Whatever, go ahead then. Fluttershy is in the throne room watching the fights."

"Thanks," Jackpot said, tossing a few coins in the air to land in the minotaur's hands as they walked past. It was midday by the time the pair had arrived at Morgue, Fluttershy's hangout and the local fight pit. She imported in several exotic and dangerous creatures to wage combat in her arena. Usually, feral beasts against one another for mere entertainment and betting, but occasionally she would accept challengers into the pit to fight for money. However, there hadn't been many willing recently that wanted to risk their lives for so little. So the pegasus instead used it as a form of punishment for those who wronged her.

As he trotted, Jackpot gazed at the dank and crude hallway and then back at the creature following closely behind him. A pony-sized cockatrice glared at him and muttered, "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"Oh no, not at all. Quit yammering though; cockatrices can't speak, remember?" the earth pony replied, hiding his smile.

Vinyl grumbled quietly, but kept silent as they trotted through the hallway. It was a rather clever disguise that the mare truly despised. The hide that fit snugly around her frame was that of a larger cockatrice that Fang had indeed discovered in the distant southern deserts. He hadn't spared it, however, killing simply because he could. It was also modified by the unicorn's magic, almost meshing herself with the taxidermied carcass to make it look alive.

Morgue was designed much like the arenas of ancient times. Gladiatorial weapons and markings covered the walls as they neared the throne room. As they passed the entry-way, Fluttershy's second-in-command suddenly appeared before them. The beta of the Hornets from that night at the docks still looked as deathly serious as ever. Its crimson fur was soaked with fresh blood, probably releasing some stress in the pit earlier.

Jackpot eyed the beast carefully, raising an eyebrow. "Evenin', "Papa". Mind stepping out of the way? I have business with your master."

Papa towered over the stallion and the disguised unicorn. He snorted harshly, but he remained still and said nothing. A loud voice came from behind him, shouting, "Oh, just let 'em in already! You're missing a good show!"

The duo peered around the minotaur. A giant bear carcass was centered in the room, trophies and the heads of several creatures surrounding it on the walls. Papa stepped away and led Jackpot and Vinyl toward it, huffing loudly. The front of the room revealed an expansive view of the open arena. Scattered rays of sunshine tried to light the pit, but the smog-covered sky strangled all attempts at any sort of 'day.' Instead, torches lined the tall pillars and columns that supported the arcing roof. The gray stallion looked back at the bear, now realizing it was stuffed as a chair for the mare sitting on it.

"Long time no see, Jackie," Fluttershy sneered. The yellow pegasus smirked at him, but her gaze quickly shifted to Vinyl. "Cute. A dragon wasn't enough so you decided to adopt a cockatrice for more protection?"

Jackpot rolled his eyes. "It's good to see you, too, Fluttershy," he replied. Out of all the mares, Fluttershy was the most difficult. She was sadistic, masochistic, scornful, vicious, and just about every word that could describe her cruelty. Oddly enough, she wasn't prejudiced against any particular species like the other mares. Instead, she hated them all equally.

"I was wondering when you were going to show up and cheer for your little assistant," the pegasus chided. At the stallion's questioning look, she pointed her wing lazily toward the arena. Jackpot glanced ahead and realized that Fang was indeed fighting within the pit. Shouts and jeers echoed around the stands at the dragon, several diverse spectators watching the carnage.

Fang thumped his chest at the crowd and roared. Corpses of the arena's creatures littered the sand around him. The dragon didn't even look tired, a fire blazing within his pupils as his adrenaline coursed through his body. He spat a plume of blue flames high into the air and shouted, "Next!"

Jackpot shook his head and groaned. He noticed Vinyl's frame shiver a bit and whispered, "Be thankful that he relieved his stress here."

"So, Jackie! Why are you bugging me on this lovely day?" Fluttershy questioned irritably. Papa had moved to her side and knelt down for the pegasus to stroke a wingtip against his back. He relaxed, but immediately tensed when she smacked a hoof at his head. Strangely, the process continued on while Jackpot and Vinyl watched in confusion.

The stallion shook off his daze and replied, " This would have been avoided if you had just come to the meeting. Do you have your reports?"

"Hmmph. Is that really all you're here for?" Fluttershy asked. Jackpot didn't answer, simply staring at her pointedly. "Fine. Papa, get the papers." At her request, the minotaur shifted to his left and retrieved the item from his... posterior. Vinyl shuddered slightly again, only Jackpot fortunately noticed her shiver.

The stallion examined the data held by Papa, glancing over the figures of imports and revenue brought in from the gamblers. He questioned, "How abou-"

"I haven't seen the girls, no. It's been forever since they've come over to play! I can't imagine why they wouldn't come," Fluttershy interrupted, brushing her wing against her forehead in mock distress.

Jackpot shook his head. "Yeah, it's a mystery. Just keep me posted. Is there anything that you need from me?" he asked begrudgingly.

The yellow pegasus tapped at her chin, jokingly thinking over what she might desire from the stallion. "Now that you mention it, your dragon has cost me quite a few of my little friends!" she exclaimed while glaring at Jackpot.

"Hey, if you don't like the game, then don't play it," Jackpot stated calmly. He looked back at Vinyl and trotted slowly away. "Come on, pet, we're leaving."

Fluttershy raised her hoof and shook it dismissively at the stallion. "Ah ah ah, nope. You can't pull lil' Fang out of his big fight now. He still needs to face Mister Scaley!"

Jackpot looked back at the arena. "Who the hell is Mister Scaley?"

In bizarre timing to his question, a loud, bestial roar echoed from the end of the pit. Fang lowered his arms and turned around to take on his next challenge. A low rumble emitted from the cranks and gears lifting a stone door revealing four sets of green eyes that glowed from the darkness. Vinyl fell back hard on her flanks and whispered, "No... no way."

Climbing out of the cage, an enormous hydra soon clambered heavily toward Fang. Its long necks towered over the dragon, nearly reaching over the open roof of the giant arena. Jackpot had seen hydras before, but this one made the rest look like pitiful baby alligators. Sharp, poison dripping fangs protruded from the mouth of each head. It snapped hungrily and bellowed once more.

"Fang! Get out of there! We gotta go!" Jackpot shouted. He rushed to the front of the balcony and yelled again. "FANG!"

The dragon looked toward his friend and grinned. "No can do, boss. We're mounting this sucker on the wall!" Fang shouted, spreading his wings wide. He sprang upwards and ascended quickly around the hydra.

Jackpot slammed his hooves on the framework and grunted angrily. He turned back to Fluttershy and commanded, "Call it off! NOW!"

"Ohhh, scared that your widdle dragon is gonna get hurt?" the pegasus mocked. Her face contorted to a cruel sneer. "Sit back and watch, Jackie. He's actually holding up longer than most challengers, go ahead and look."

The gray stallion whipped his head around to view the fight. Sure enough, Fang was weaving between the hydra's necks and scorching it with his fiery breath. Two of its heads snapped forward to bite him, but barely missed his wings. The Hornets spectating the fight continued their hollering, bets being made left and right. What bothered Jackpot, though, wasn't a lack of faith that Fang would be able to hold up on his own. It was that his survival rate was literally dropping drastically. While Jackpot could see the telltale strands of luck flow over the pit, he could do nothing to tip the odds in his friend's favor. He grunted, pondering how to help Fang.

"Hey, Jackie. What's soaking wet and clueless?" Fluttershy asked loudly over the din of the crowd.

Jackpot shook his head, not looking at the yellow mare. "I don't care, I-"

He was interrupted as the pegasus dumped a bucket of water over his head and cackled. "Your face!" she shouted and slammed it down over his muzzle.

Vinyl almost silently gasped, causing Jackpot to ignore his reaction to Fluttershy and instead look back at the arena. The hydra had distracted Fang with another head while it swung its tail around. The heavy limb slammed into Fang and sent him crashing hard to the ground. Before he could jump back up, the hydra pinned him under its large foot. The cobalt-scaled dragon roared in pain before spewing more fire upon the scaly appendage. Fang's defense, however, didn't even seem to faze the hydra now.

Its heads lowered to the ground, tongues flicking out in anticipation. Fang continued to heave against the hydra's foot. Jackpot finally leapt over the railing and un-holstered his weapon. "Enough!" he shouted, ready to unleash all of the energy stored in the stolen rifle.

Unfortunately, he wouldn't get the chance as a large hand clutched his throat. The stallion chortled while being lifted by Fluttershy's large minotaur. Papa's grip tightened and pried the weapon away from Jackpot's hooves with his free arm. Fluttershy tsked loudly. "C'mon, Jackie, why would you interrupt my favorite part of the game?" she asked, smiling at the struggling earth pony.

The hydra's largest head struck down, biting into Fang's torso. He screamed in anguish as the head continued its initial tasting, venom seeping into the dragon. Jackpot watched helplessly as the hydra retracted its maw and and every head reared back to strike one last time. His hooves kicked against the minotaur holding him, but his attacks failed to free himself. He coughed and rasped, "Fang."

Fluttershy smiled wickedly and whispered, "Sudden death."

Just as the heads were about to lunge, however, a shrill scream stopped it and caused the hydra to glance away from Fang. Charging toward the gargantuan beast, Vinyl had removed her cockatrice disguise and hurled it with her magic. The hydra deftly swatted the projectile away and watched as the unicorn leapt forward. Whatever her idea had been was now short-lived as one head opened its maw and easily swallowed the mare.

Fluttershy started chuckling, but soon erupted into fits of laughter. "This is wonderful! Not only will Mister Scaley have your dragon as the main-course, but your little 'cockatrice' made the perfect appetizer, too!" she exclaimed. The pegasus sneered at Jackpot dangling from Papa's clutch, still kicking uselessly at his hand. "Guess that makes you dessert."

The gray stallion chortled, but managed to say something quietly. "What was that, dear? You're gonna have to speak up!" Fluttershy reprimanded and kicked his stomach.

Jackpot wheezed in pain. However, he regained his breath for a moment and choked out his reply.

"I said, your stupid hydra bit off more than it could chew."

In response to the mare's puzzled look, a loud rumble echoed from the stomach of the hydra. Its heads examined the pony-sized bulge as it began to glow. Almost instantly, the glow pulsed brightly and pressed outward on its entire body. The growth suddenly stopped, but instead exploded in a mess of gore and hydra flesh everywhere. Smoking bits rained down on the shocked Hornets. Even Fluttershy and Papa were baffled by the immediate turn of events. In the quick turmoil, Jackpot had managed to escape the minotaur's grasp, retrieved his rifle, and galloped towards the carnage.

Vinyl stood in the center of the hydra's corpse, breathing heavily and completely covered in its blood. She smiled slightly at Jackpot and muttered, "Told ya I could help."

"Shut up, we need to leave. Now," the stallion quickly replied, his voice rough and hoarse. All around them, Hornets were booing and readying themselves to attack. Jackpot heaved the severed, mangled foot off of Fang and shook him brashly. "Hey! Fang! Snap out of it, we need you to fly us out of here!"

The dragon's eyes stared aimlessly upwards, but his eyelids fluttered and he slipped into unconsciousness from the venom. Jackpot swore loudly and looked back at Vinyl. She appeared just as exhausted and on the verge of collapsing. More and more of Fluttershy's gang surrounded the three, several drooling in anticipation. Jackpot tried to drag his assistant to his feet, but the stallion's strength was just as sapped from the stranglehold of Papa. He couldn't even utilize his luck as their fate pressed inward.

"GET THEM!" the yellow pegasus screamed angrily. Just as the Hornets leapt forward, a green flash surrounded the trio and blinded the gang members. When their vision returned, their targets had disappeared; leaving only the grisly remains of the hydra.

Fluttershy fumed and breathed in deeply to scream. "RRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"

Chapter 4- The Lab

The Last Casino
by WeirdBeard
Super MagicLlama!
Chapter 4- The Lab
Captain Crazy at your service.

A few miles away from Morgue, a green flash of light brightened an abandoned carriage lot. It was an obscure spot that no one noticed as Jackpot, Fang, and Vinyl appeared. The latter two were unconscious while the gray stallion was on the verge of joining them. He looked around in slow astonishment, trying to piece together what had happened. No one was around and dusk was fast approaching.

"I told you to be careful!" a stern, feminine voice loudly chided.

Jackpot arched his gaze to the sky, eyes meeting with the strange, dark green alicorn of the previous night. Her wings flapped steadily to allow herself to hover over the exhausted group. While a black blindfold still covered her eyes, her features expressed anger and disappointment. The alicorn's ethereal mane was as untamed as before, with shimmering gold strands that waved fluidly.

"Guess I should have expected as much from you. It would help if you tried," the alicorn coldly stated.

The earth pony shrugged off the insinuation and rose to his hooves. "A tad hard to pull that in this line of work, toots," he replied. His body still felt rigid with peculiar magic that seemingly coursed through him. Jackpot eyed his surroundings once more and then glanced back to the alicorn. "Don't suppose some other magical being besides you saved us?'

"You're welcome by the way," the alicorn responded. Her head turned towards the stallion's two companions who remained still. "Your friends need medical care. Luckily for you, Twilight's research facility is just around the corner."

When Jackpot's coughing interrupted her, she returned her blinded gaze to the stallion. "Probably the best option for you as well. Seems Big Daddy really did a number on you."

"Shut up," the gray buck rasped. He rubbed at his throat and raised an eyebrow at the alicorn. "There's no way you did this solely out of the goodness of your heart. What do you want?"

A few tense moments passed between the two before the alicorn landed lightly beside Jackpot. She hesitated, but replied, "Fine, we'll do without the pleasantries. What I need is something that will also benefit you, however." The sage-coated being paused and nodded towards the aforementioned direction. "Twilight's zebras have created a very unique potion, combining both her magic and the herbal knowledge of their homeland. They don't know the full potential of it yet, but they could repurpose it into something far more sinister. It's in her primary lab; a small vial containing an odorless, purple liquid."

"Now hold on right there," Jackpot responded quickly. "This is a nice story and everything, but remind me again why I should trust you. I don't even know you, yet you expect me to just waltz in there and get that potion for you. Who are you? How do you know all of this? What are you even doing here in Trace? If you're such an all-knowing and mighty alicorn, why don't you just go in and get it yourself?!" With every question, the gray stallion's voice raised louder and louder in volume. He wasn't about to simply let himself be taken advantage of by this stranger.

The alicorn's wings flared out as she tensed angrily at the line of questions. "Everyone has their limits, Jackpot! Surely you know that!" she yelled out, responding to his latest inquiry. Her mane flowed wildly as though it was controlled by her emotion, angrily whipping about her frame. She leveled her breathing, however, and calmly replied, "Your answers will come in due time. Right now, your friends need you and I have other matters to attend to."

Jackpot broke off his glare at the alicorn and glanced to the unconscious pair. Fang's breathing was still heavily labored, but Vinyl appeared to be waking up. The earth pony brought his attention back to the alicorn and asked, "How do I even know you're not some bizarre mind trick by the princesses?"

The alicorn paused, her horn faintly glowing. "You don't. If it's any consolation, you can call me Fortuna."

Before Jackpot could raise any objections or even a witty comeback, Fortuna disappeared in a brilliant flash of green light. He blinked away the temporary blindness and looked back at where she had stood. Sighing, he shook his head and trotted towards Fang and Vinyl.

Lamp posts were slowly beginning to illuminate the streets and ill kept buildings that surrounded them. The symphony of nightly crimes echoed from the distant blocks, but Jackpot dismissed it as Vinyl groggily arose. Her coat was still matted with blood from the hydra and she looked extremely exhausted. The unicorn examined their new location in confusion. "What happened?" she slowly asked.

"Don't worry 'bout it, right now we gotta get you and Fang medical attention. Can you move alright?" Jackpot questioned. He knelt beside Fang and propped his scaly body onto his back. The sizable dragon was somewhat cumbersome for the stallion to carry, but Jackpot managed his weight just fine after a few steps.

Vinyl nodded, but showed displeasure at his dismissal of her earlier question. "Seriously, we were goners back in that arena. How did we get out of there?"

"We got lucky, let's leave it at that," the gray earth pony responded. His voice held a tone of annoyance at the unicorn's persistence along with the heavy weight of Fang on his back. "C'mon, it's just around the corner here." Jackpot trotted forward, hoping she would follow suit.

Unfortunately, the white mare darted in front of him and stopped. She glared at him evenly and asked, "What happened?!"

Jackpot rolled his eyes. "Fine. I'll tell you the truth," he muttered, but grinned as a sudden idea came to him. "I'm being stalked by a blind alicorn who has a crush on me and wants my body so she teleported us out of the arena and now she wants some wonder juice from Twilight's lab that will help her help me and help you at the same time. That’s why we're going there for medicine. Clear as mud?"

Vinyl's glare now changed to complete skepticism and utter disgust as he finished his rapid-fire explanation. She sighed and shook her head at him. "Has anyone ever told you that you're an ass?"

"Never. But my great-great uncle was three-quarters mule so that might explain things," the gray stallion half-joked, trotting past the unicorn and towards the street corner. After several steps, Vinyl finally began following him and the pair continued on in silence.

Jackpot sighed. He wasn't a sadist by any means and making Vinyl more miserable wasn't solving anything. The stallion glanced out the corner of his eye at her as they trudged along the empty street. "I never thanked you for saving Fang..." he began, but was cut off by the unicorn.

"What? Remembered some witty comment about me saving him because of a crush or some garbage like that? No thanks, I'll pass," Vinyl muttered. She never looked at Jackpot, instead maintaining a glare at the road that she trotted upon at that moment.

"Now just hold on there," the gray stallion responded quickly. He groaned in exasperation. "Look. I'm sorry. I never really gave you a chance to explain yourself. You probably didn't expect to be in this mess, and for that, I'm sorry."

Vinyl Scratch finally looked back at him. She shook her head and muttered, "Let's just get this over with. With how bloodthirsty the Fluttershy copy is, I'm worried about seeing the rest of the six."

"She's not all that bad," Jackpot replied. When Vinyl raised her eyebrow at him, he quickly corrected himself. "Okay, she's psycho, but that's thanks to Big Daddy. She'll have her rampage now that we left and wipe out most of her goons since her pet's gone. Then she'll be sane enough to talk to if you want."

The unicorn shook her head. "Fat chance. I'm having a hard enough time trusting you and-"

"Greetings, weary travelers!" an exotic, chipper voice called out. The outburst caught Vinyl and Jackpot's attention as they twisted their heads to view a group of zebras approaching them. At the head of the group was a smaller zebra clothed in fine robes of starry material. She wore a peculiar belled hat atop her head, lined with bells and strange beads. The lead zebra gasped when she saw Fang unconscious on Jackpot's back. "You are hurt! Come!"

Jackpot arched his brow. "Uhhh... right. Listen, we just need some potions and then we'll be on our way."

"Oh no no no, Twilight has been waiting for you. You have to come!" the zebra quickly replied. Without another word, the group of zebras corralled behind Vinyl and Jackpot and herded them forward to the laboratory.

Galaxy was an extravagantly built structure of subsections all combined together. Steel beams weaved between one another, crisscrossing at the top to form a six-pointed star. The outer walls had the appearance of dark marble, reflecting the day to night transition upon the incoming group. Inside was a labyrinth of lab rooms and offices that baffled Vinyl and Jackpot as they were led by the zebras. After what seemed to be the millionth door, they finally arrived at a large chamber which housed a monstrously large machine of some sort.

Twilight sat at the far end of the oddity, tinkering with several test tubes. Her hair was incredibly frazzled and her eyes twitched wildly. Upon noticing the group's arrival, she briefly glanced up and muttered, "About time you showed up!"

Jackpot frowned skeptically. "Right. Definitely knew you were looking for us."

"You know what I mean! I've been busy with these experiments and I've really needed your help. These zebras are okay, but I need another pony to assist me," Twilight explained angrily. She continued fuzzing over buttons and machine readings.

Vinyl cocked her head to the side. "What sort of experiments?"

The purple unicorn paused in her frenzied work, not recognizing the new voice. "What sort of experiments?" Twilight repeated, almost in mock question. "Everything! This is science!" At the exclamation, she turned to face her magical counterpart. "With you and Jackpot here now, I can finally test my newest hypothesis!"

"Whoa whoa whoa, none of that," Jackpot interrupted. The gray stallion trotted closer to the crazed mare. "We just need some help for Fang, nothing more. Especially last time when for four hours you made this dragon get one huge, massive-"

"A minor setback, Jackpot. My assistants will see to him just fine," Twilight replied. She nodded to a few other zebras robed in lab coats. Immediately, they circled around Jackpot and eased the dragon off his back onto their own backs together. The gray stallion opened his mouth to protest, but was interrupted by Twilight. "Now! You two are going to help me with my new invention!"

The crazed unicorn's bizarre excitement perplexed both Jackpot and Vinyl, and then even more so when she magically removed a white sheet covering something on her work bench. Underneath, a strange jumble of cords and a pair of giant metal helmets lay haphazardly.

Vinyl stuttered, "You know, I really think we'll pass on that. Thanks, but no thanks. We really have to-"

"SCIENCE!" Twilight yelled madly. In rapid succession, she retrieved both of the helmets with her magic and secured them tightly onto Jackpot and Vinyl. A series of loud beeps and mechanical whirs echoed loudly in the chamber while Twilight grinned insanely. "This is gonna be great!"

At those words, an electric current shot through the helmets and shocked the pair into unconsciousness. Instead of falling, however, their bodies remained standing up straight. A magical pulse soon glowed from Vinyl's horn and gradually grew. As Twilight and the remaining zebras watched, the energy stretched to connect to Jackpot's helmet.

"Connection complete, Mistress Sparkle!" a zebra cried triumphantly. Within moments, two ghostly forms appeared over the helmeted pair. Despite being almost transparent, the manifestations were in fact exact copies of Jackpot and Vinyl. The ghostly unicorn's eyes shrank to pinpricks as she tried to piece together what was happening, while Jackpot shook his head dismissively,

"This is NOT the time, Twilight! It's been cute with all of your other weird experiments, but I have had it! Whatever you've done now, cut it out!" the ghostly gray stallion shouted, hovering over his body.

Twilight clapped her hooves together. "Why I'm glad you asked what I've done! Well, this is a highly advanced piece of machinery that I have created to read minds! Or more specifically, obtain particular memories that I desire from someone. You two are both going through a controlled out-of-body experience to accomplish this. In this case, we're going to see what makes you tick, Jackpot!" she happily exclaimed.

"Uhhh..." Vinyl finally uttered, trying to escape her stupefied state. "Why not just use a memory spell?"

The purple unicorn paused a moment in thought. "Well... you see... shut up, it's brilliant! A memory spell is too simple anyway. With this invention, I'll be able to help my friends! Though, seeing how dangerous it could be as this is the test run, I needed another unicorn to power the necessary magic rather than risk my own life. Sacrifices must be made for science after all!" she explained.

Jackpot rubbed at his temples. "I'm going to give you to the count of three to cancel this lousy, little school project. Otherwise, I'm beating the stupid out of you."

"C'mon, Jackpot, this will be fun!" Twilight replied with a wide grin. Another hum added to the mechanical symphony of noises and gradually grew louder. "Ohhhhh, here comes the resonance cascade! Hold onto your hooves!"

The energy that radiated from the pair suddenly expanded violently, but retracted just as quickly. The burst shorted out the lightning within the chamber as well, leaving everyone completely in the dark. After a few minutes, a white beam began to glow from Vinyl's horn and steadily illuminated the room. Twilight and the zebras watched in awe, Vinyl's ghostly figure still floating while Jackpot's was nowhere to be seen.

"What's going on?! Where's Jackpot?!" Vinyl asked, her voice filled with panic.

"Don't worry, he's perfectly fine. Relax and watch the show," Twilight quietly responded. The light from Vinyl's horn soon projected colors along with the illumination. The walls of the chamber flickered with strange images and the cry of a hawk echoed around them. Eventually, their room vanished completely and was replaced with a vast desert landscape. Beyond a few cacti, only sand and rock formations covered the desolate region.

While it was almost silent for the moment, a distant rumble could be faintly heard. Their surroundings quickly moved under them as that noise reached their ears and brought them closer to a far-off train. For Vinyl and the zebras, the changing sensation was disorienting, but Twilight remained steadfast with a smile. Unbelievably, they passed through the train and stopped within one of the carts. The complexity of the whole thing baffled Vinyl, but she continued watching as their perspective turned to a young family of three ponies. Her jaw dropped and she managed to ask, "Is tha-?"

"Shh!" Twilight quickly replied. The vision before them became clearer and revealed two unicorn parents seated around a small, earth pony foal. Both the father and mother were dusty brown in color, but their manes differed in shades of gray. The little pony at their hooves bounced around the compartment, bearing a contagious grin.

"We're gonna see Princess Celestia! We're gonna see Princess Celestia! YAY!" the gray foal shouted happily.

The mother giggled softly. "Calm down, Jacky, we still have a long way to go!" she explained, picking up her son with her magic and setting him on the seat.

"Your mother's right, champ. Be a good pony and sit down with us," the father replied. He adjusted the hat atop his head with his magic and leaned back.

The little foal gazed up at his parents and smiled. His grin slowly vanished though as another thought crossed his mind. "Mommy... Daddy... what if the princess doesn't like me?" he asked.

The two unicorns looked at one another in surprise and then back at their son. "Why wouldn't she like you, Jacky?" the mother asked.

Jackpot bit his lip, but continued. "Well, she's really really really important, and she has magic and wings! All of her guards have either wings or magic. You and Daddy have magic, but I don't have that or wings. There's nothing special about me."

"Hold on there, sport! Of course you're special!" the father replied quickly. "You don't have to have either of those things to be special. You're somepony that nopony else, Jackpot."

The mother hugged the little foal close to her. "Besides, Princess Celestia will love you, sweetie. I promise you."

"But that's not the point!" Jackpot muttered in frustration. He jumped down from the seat and faced his parents, narrowing his eyes. "You always say that I'm special the way I am and that I was meant to be born like this, but why?! I'm just an earth pony while both of you are unicorns! It's not fair!"

"Honey, sometimes that's the way things are. We can't control everything and we have to work with the gifts that we're given," the mother explained.

The father nodded. "We've talked about this before, Jackpot. Somethings can't be changed, but you can make the best of it."

"You're not listening to me, I want-"

"That's enough, son. You have to accept this and grow up," the stallion defiantly retorted.

The mother glanced at her husband, worry in her eyes, and replied, "Bronze, he's just a foal."

"We can't keep using that excuse, Sunny. He has to learn sooner than later," the father quickly responded.

Jackpot continued glaring at his parents. "I don't want to be just an earth pony! Why can't I be a unicorn, too?! I hate this!"

"Too bad, son! Now behave yourself!" Bronze shouted.

Tears welled in the corners of Jackpot's eyes, but his anger fueled the argument further. Strangely, a faint aura of green began to glow around him. "No! I hate you! I hate you!"

"Jacky." The mother began, but the little foal interjected again.

"I hate you!"

Vinyl watched in horror as a loud crack echoed from the front of the train and immediately their own cart launched upwards. The three ponies were thrown about the compartment while the train continued its turbulent crash. The little foal's head collided with the ceiling and sent him reeling. Despite him losing consciousness, the steady green glow persisted while the scene darkened before Vinyl, Twilight, and the zebras.

After what seemed like an eternity, light slowly trickled back into their vision. The train no longer had any sort of resemblance to its original design. Broken supports and torn chairs lay strewn about the dry desert ground and only the haunting sound of a calm breeze broke the silence.

"M-Mommy? Daddy?" a young, broken voice called out. A cushion was pushed over and revealed the tiny form of Jackpot. He sniffled and looked around sadly. "Mom?! Dad?!" he cried out.

The young gray foal continued his search, dodging around the wreckage of the train. He stopped, however, when he saw a pair of dusty brown hooves beneath a set of metalwork. "Mommy? Daddy?"

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" an enraged, adult voice of Jackpot called out.

The scene suddenly changed back to the original test chamber. Twilight blinked in surprise as Jackpot pulled off his helmet and slammed it onto the ground. His eyes flared in unchecked anger, looking around for the next thing to break. Before Twilight could stop him, the gray stallion grabbed Vinyl's helmet and hurled it. While it wasn't really aimed, the helmet struck Twilight’s horn dead on and knocked her unconscious.

"Stop him!" a robed zebra shouted. More and more zebras filled the chamber, but nothing could stop the buck. He was on a rampage and Vinyl could only watch in shocked surprise. Twilight's assistants tried to detain him, but every attack was dodged or simply taken full on by Jackpot. His rage-induced fury sent every offender back as his hooves smashed into their heads with powerful precision. His deadly dance continued until every zebra was unconscious while he and Vinyl remained standing.

The unicorn stood motionless, unsure of what to say to the panting earth pony. "Jackpot... I... I’m s-sorry, I didn’t-"

"Don't," Jackpot quickly said. He trotted towards Twilight and knelt next to her, rifling through her packs. After a moment of searching, he found the small vial he had been sent for.

"What's th-"

"Vinyl," the stallion interrupted, restrained anger present in his voice. "Don't."

Another door to the chamber opened and Fang slowly entered. The dragon glanced around the room, finally turning his attention to Jackpot and Vinyl. "That much fun, huh?"

Jackpot shook his head. "Just shut up, Fang. We're leaving."

"Where are we going?" Vinyl asked hesitantly.

His quick glare made the unicorn balk, but Jackpot answered anyway. "We're gonna visit Rarity."

How It Would Have Ended

I'll admit, I completely screwed up this story and just can't write for it like I used to (which may be disheartening or rejoicing for some, I'm a putz.) Anyway, I'm gonna jot down the primary ideas of the remainder of the fic. It wasn't the best, but it was still fun writing what parts we did have. Also, the plot twist may be bizarre.

Chapter 6

Proceeding right from where Chapter 5 left off with Fang's death, Jackpot is ready to bolt out to seek revenge. However, Vinyl stops him by reasoning that he's going off almost little to no sleep. Accusations are made, but she proves to him that she isn't supposed to be there officially anymore. She wants to help now, even if that means jeopardizing her standing with the princesses. Jackpot agrees to wait and rest, realizing that Vinyl is a better ally than he first expected.

After some needed rest, the two venture on to Pinkie's 'bakery'. Not a bakery of sweets, but more for cooking zebra herbs and drug concoctions. When the guards refuse to let Vinyl and Jackpot in, the duo proceed to flat-out wreck them (I can't write action to save my life.) Pinkie begrudgingly comes out, but denies ever sending the package that resulted in Fang's death. Instead, she accuses Rainbow Dash of committing the act, due to some griffins ransacking her bakery a few days ago. Jackpot and Vinyl set out a plan and journey out to the city's armory.

Chapter 7

As Jackpot and Vinyl arrive at Rainbow Dash's base of operations, they are surprisingly allowed in without any resistance. Rainbow has been grown paranoid, claiming that something terrifying is about to happen. While Jackpot is skeptical, Rainbow unveils a collection of evidence from the past week of major changes in the city. It's at this point that an explosion rocks the base and sends everything into disarray.

Fluttershy emerges from the ashes, wearing the horns of her minotaur. In absolute rage, she accuses Vinyl and Jackpot of ruining everything. However, before she attacks the pair, her attention focuses on Rainbow and how many problems she's caused before. Instead, Fluttershy attacks Rainbow, but Jackpot tries to break up their murderous fight.

PLOT TWIST TIME! Vinyl attacks Jackpot. Beyond confusion and straight into madness, Jack tries to rationalize with her and find out what's gotten into her. However, it turns out that this was part of her agenda after all. Fang's death, riling up the gangs, prompting this fight with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, etc. etc. As Jack still tries to figure out why, Vinyl simply says, "For love."

REVEAL! Vinyl's a changeling general. Since Jack's the only one around with some shred of decency, she fed off his emotions for the siege on the city. Changelings have infiltrated Trace since the beginning, waiting for their strength to grow and the command to take out the bizarro mane six. This has all been planned because anything that happens to the faux bearers, happens to the real bearers. Before more changelings swarm the base and cocoon Jackpot, Rainbow Dash impales Fluttershy with a spear. (this would have been my other 'ARGH, WEIRDBEARD SUCKS' moment when I ended the chapter with the real Fluttershy falling to that same injury.)

Chapter 8 (the finale)

Changelings have completely overtaken the city and mortally wounded the bizarro mane six. While Princess Celestia and Princess Luna arrive almost immediately (alerted by the changes, but still keeping the city a secret to everyone in Equestria), 'Vinyl' has placed a checkmate over the pair by threatening to kill the faux bearers. If even just one was to be executed, the real bearer would also pass and render the elements of harmony useless. With no other options and Queen Chrysalis cheaply attacking, the princesses are forced to surrender.

Meanwhile, Jackpot has 'awoken' in a pseudo dream state, Fortuna seeming to have summoned him. (Through a manner of rough cliches and luck running out) She convinces him that there is a way to make everything right. If he sacrifices his life, she will merge the faux bearers back with the real mane six and essentially save their lives. The princesses will also be saved, Fortuna's powers able to drive away the changelings. However, Jackpot would die.

Realizing that there really isn't any other choice (and that he have amends for responsibility of his parents' deaths), Jackpot sacrifices himself for Fortuna to enact her plan. Everything goes perfectly, the mane six and the princesses are saved along with the changelings being driven away. While everyone back in Equestria (including the mane six) have no idea what happened, Celestia and Luna remember that it is through both our positive traits and our faults that really make us who we are. Jackpot has earned the rest that he deserved and the princesses disband the remaining occupants of the city, erasing the memory of their mistake.

END

So, yeah. Probably pretty ridiculous and all sorts of what, but thanks anyway for tuning in. I appreciate the comments here and, more importantly, I appreciate you. Thanks and keep on rocking.

Chapter 5- The Bedroom

The Last Casino
by WeirdBeard
Guru rocks!
Chapter 5- The Bedroom

"So then I slapped that dumb griffin!"

"Oh no you didn't, gurl! Mmmhmm! Gimme sugah babeh, what'd that clown do next?"

"Well! I kicked him right out of the room! Ain't nobody got time for-"

Thus continued another pointless dialogue between the two secretaries of Gemstone. It sadly would have continued on for several hours, too. Typical for these lady diamond dogs. Thankfully, the dull-witted conversation was interrupted by something kicking in the door. The framework shattered from the force of the intrusion and both secretaries shrieked.

When the dust finally cleared up, a familiar gray stallion stood in the doorway. "You two. Get Rarity. Now," Jackpot ordered with simple commands that couldn't be misunderstood. The two diamond dogs quickly rose to their paws and scampered through a pristine and elegantly decorated door.

The earth pony trotted further in, leading the perplexed pair of Fang and Vinyl Scratch. Unlike most busy nights for Rarity's establishment, the waiting room was completely free other than the trio. Fang arched a scaly brow and stared at Jackpot. "Don't ya think that was a bit over the top?"

Receiving no response from his friend, the cobalt-scaled dragon shook his head and sat upon the room's sole couch. Vinyl glanced steadily about the room, surveying its every detail.

Just like the true element bearer of generosity (who still baffled Jackpot on possessing that trait), the lobby was ornately decorated with extravagantly designed furniture. The couch that Fang sat upon was a deep burgundy in color, gold trim outlining the armrests and legs. An exquisite chandelier hung taunt from the ceiling, sparkling gems dotting every facet of the artificial beauty. Jackpot suspected the larger diamonds were fake, but he buried that thought away as an other white unicorn entered the room.

"Ugh, I should have known that it was you ruffians. How dare you hassle my secretaries! Are you here to rob me, too?" Rarity accused. The alabaster white pony daintily trotted towards the trio. An all too familiar aura of judgement seemed to radiate from her sapphire blue eyes. Her gaze drifted and fixed onto Vinyl. "And who, pray tell, is this garish mare?"

Vinyl opened her mouth to retort, but Jackpot quickly cut her off. "Can it, Rare, we're not here on official business. We just need two rooms, that's it," the gray buck stated evenly. Traces of anger still laced his voice, but he fought to keep his cool in front of the selfish unicorn.

"Ooo, one for the lizard and one for the two lovers, how risque," Rarity cooed. While her comment fueled the fire building in Jackpot, it was Fang who sprang to his feet. The hot-headed dragon, in nearly a hair's-breadth of a second, was immediately mere inches away from his offender. Rarity flinched for a moment, but steeled her nerves and pressed on. "Did I push your buttons, darling?"

Fang snorted harshly, blue trails of flame emitting from his nostrils. He breathed deeply and snarled, "You had better hope that Ruby is here."

Any questions that Vinyl would have had were put on hold as she watched in confused silence. Rarity simply smirked and replied, "Your 'booty call?' Rather forward tonight, Prince Charming." The fashionista breathed in deeply and turned her head to yell back down the hallway. "Wench number 19! Your knight in shining armor is here!"

"Fang's here?!" an excited voice answered back. A heart beat later, a lithe and petite diamond dog emerged from one of the bedrooms. Her reddish-brown fur bristled as her green eyes caught sight of Fang. "Scaly!" she called out merrily, bounding forth toward the dragon. Her quickened movement soon brought her to leap upon Fang, latching onto his neck. The dragon maintained his offensive stance aimed at Rarity while the lady diamond dog climbed atop his back. "C'mon, Scaly, let Momma take care of you."

Fang glanced up at Ruby and, finally, relaxed his tensed position. He nodded curtly back at Jackpot before stomping around Rarity and entering the hallway. Without another word, the pair disappeared into a separate room and slammed the door shut.

"And then they were three," Rarity purred, glancing at Jackpot and Vinyl. The day's events had left the pair looking quite disheveled and worse for wear. Just as soon as her eyes had flickered with a 'come hither' aura though, her demeanor suddenly devolved into disgust at her guests' appearance. "On second thought, I'll leave you two be."

Jackpot snorted. "Which room's open right now?" he inquired, pawing a hoof at the floor. The fluffy carpet muffled any sound his action would have made, but irked the fashion pony as a smudge of grime was streaked upon the white shag.

"Ugh, just pick any! Wash yourselves up and don't bother me," Rarity commanded, trotting away with a huff and upturned head. Before she disappeared into a set of double doors, she looked back at the duo from the corner of her eye. "One last note though to your little marefriend. Oh, how do I put this lightly? She looks like what would happen if one of Dash's griffins had a love child with a pile of garbage. Bonne nuit."

Vinyl visibly fumed at the insult, shouting out "You filthy-!" Her rebuttal would fall short though as the owner of Gemstone slammed her doors shut. "-cow."

"C'mon, we need to get some rest," Jackpot muttered, trudging slowly towards an open room. His unicorn counterpart hesitated, but eventually followed him inside.

The room itself was similar to the lobby, posh and overly decorated. An enormous bed was set in the center of the room, ridiculously shaped like a giant heart. Red silk sheets covered its' plush looking mattress which was topped with several white pillows. In addition, a sickeningly pink basket of assorted goods lay at the foot of the bed. The only lighting within the room seemed to be a multitude of candles lining the wall, giving a suggestive but glaringly obvious ambiance to the establishment. Frankly, it disgusted Jackpot.

"Jack," Vinyl started, but paused when he didn't look back towards her. "I'm sorry about what happened at that lab-"

The gray stallion hastily interrupted her, his tone underlining with irritation. "Sorry what happened? That we were shoved into that stupid machine or do you regret that you saw part of my past? Think I'm some weak and pathetic foal?" Jackpot interrogated. He sat down upon the mattress, undoing his tattered tie and vest.

"No! I just-" she quickly responded, but stopped to gather her thoughts. "Look. Maybe I did label you as a hardass when we met and treated you like manure. I was on edge, I'm sorry."

Jackpot narrowed his eyes at the mare, who shifted uneasily on her hooves from his glare. "What does it matter now? You're just here on Celestia's wishes, a little watchdog to keep an eye on me. You don't care about me, you just care about yourself," Jackpot accused. He finally loosened his vestiges and threw them onto the floor, upon which he also set all hooves down to approach Vinyl. "Why are you still here? What's the point?!"

"I just! I... okay," she whispered in frustration. "I want to start over. I haven't been fair to you and I want to apologize."

"What the hell do you want to me to sa-?" Jackpot began to question, but was silenced as Vinyl softly put a hoof over his mouth.

"Just shut up and pay attention," the begrimed white mare quietly commanded, lowering her horn to Jackpot's head. She closed her eyes as the bright aura of her magic soon overcast the room in complete white.

When Jackpot's sight readjusted, he found himself in a dark living room of somepony's home. All of the furniture was overturned, however, and sizable dents were punched into the walls. The gray stallion trotted forward in the dimly light area, but felt his hoof brush against something on the floor. Upon lowering his head, he could vaguely make out the shapes of a syringe and some sort of drug paraphernalia.

As he puzzled over the items and the situation as a whole, Jackpot heard a faint sniffling down the hallway. He jerked his head up quickly and listened intently to find exactly where the source was. The sniffling seemed to stop for a moment, possibly having heard Jackpot in the other room. The buck raised a hoof to move forward, but stopped immediately when a much larger being trotted beside him.

Jackpot's eyes traced the form upwards from its' hooves until he recognized the telltale flowing mane. Celestia herself was standing next to him, but didn't seem to even notice him. Frighteningly, she almost glided through Jackpot and towards the end of the hallway. It was then that the stallion realized that Vinyl was showing him a memory. More specifically, her memory.

Celestia continued on, Jackpot trotting carefully behind. She suddenly stopped though, causing the gray buck to nearly trip over himself. He peered around her wings and mane, noticing a small huddled mass of white and blue near the last bedroom's doorway. His continued staring adjusted to see that the bundle was indeed a tiny filly.

"Little one," the Princess of the Sun whispered. The almost inaudible call still startled the young foal, yelping in fear at the sudden realization of the imposing alicorn. Celestia smiled faintly though and cooed, "It's okay. I'm not here to hurt you. Are your parents here?"

The little filly didn't answer, but her eyes darted to the inside of the room that she sat beside. The Princess followed her gaze inside, Jackpot doing likewise. The bedroom was similarly distraught, but two sets of hooves could be seen behind the flipped bed. "I see," Celestia whispered. She silently leaned down and pressed her muzzle to the foal. "I'm sorry, little one."

Her apology seemed to dishearten the small filly as tiny hooves were wrapped around Celestia's face. The foal sobbed loudly, tears running freely from her eyes.

As Jackpot observed the emotional scene, he felt himself being somehow tugged away from the memory. The scene soon faded away from his vision and was quickly replaced with the previous room from earlier. Vinyl was inches away from his face, eyes still shut tightly.

Before he could utter a reply, the mare closed the distance and wrapped her hooves around his neck. He felt her tighten a bit as she shuddered heavily. He wasn't quite sure what to say, so he remained silent while Vinyl held onto him. Finally, the bitter stallion relaxed and felt genuine sympathy for her. She wasn't some typical high-society brat. She had gone through the same pain he had as a young colt.

"Guess we aren't that different after all," Vinyl sadly muttered. Her white hooves still clutched Jackpot's body, and he soon found himself returning the embrace.

"I'm sorry," the buck whispered. He nuzzled her cheek softly and gently led her towards the bed. "Let's get some sleep, okay?"

Vinyl hesitated, but slowly released her grip from Jackpot. "Yeah, that sounds good to me," she replied. Her rear hoof, however, brushed up against the basket that had been sitting near the bed and accidentally spilled its' contents. "Ugh, what idiot put this garbage here?"

"Must be some pathetic type of welcoming gift for gues-" Jackpot began to respond, but paused in mid-sentence when he looked closer at the basket. The hideous thing was coated with all things pink, a sure sign of one other faux element bearer: Pinkie Pie. However, that wasn't the only thing that had caught Jackpot's attention.

Vinyl noticed his stunned expression. "What? What is it?" she quickly inquired.

Before he could reply, a high-pitched howl screamed from the hallway. The gray stallion immediately bounded out of the room, kicking open the door. In his haste, he kicked up one of the pink bottles from the basket, but Vinyl hurriedly caught it with her magic. She turned it over in inspection and realized what had silenced Jackpot. This particular potion contained something very fatal for the stallion's assistant: dragons-bane.

The mare quickly followed after Jackpot, who had already kicked open the door of Fang and Ruby's room. The diamond dog was in hysterics, screaming over the now convulsing dragon. Jackpot was kneeling by on the floor by his assistant's side, shouting questions at Ruby. "What happened?!"

"I- I- I dunno! H-he ate that whole basket just to show me he could, but he was fine at first!" the diamond dog wailed.

Jackpot began pushing against his friend's chest, trying desperately to help the dragon expel the poison. However, Fang was already foaming at the foam, eyes rolling in his sockets. "How long ago did he eat it?"

Ruby bit her paw, her nerves becoming more and more frazzled. "M-maybe twenty minutes ago."

"Sonuva, FANG! C'mon, buddy, you gotta get that out of you right now!" Jackpot yelled, continuing the chest compression on the dragon. He pounded his hooves against Fang desperately, trying everything to help save him. Sadly, it wasn't enough and it was too little, too late. "FANG!"

Vinyl and Ruby stood by, unable and unsure of what to do. The dragon's breathing was shortening and becoming more rapid, until he gave one last, long exhale. Jackpot stopped his pounding and now fully realized of just what was unfolding.

His aide over the past years, his fellow combatant when things got dicey, his source of sanity in the hellish city, his friend through it all, was now gone. As if the city itself was celebrating, a roar of thunder pealed from outside as the weather fully broke into the brewing storm. Fang was dead.

Author's Note

Couldn't sleep at all last night because I felt bad that I left this story hanging while I still have an ending in mind. WE SHALL PRESS ON! YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

And yes, cheesy story is cheesy.