Stellar and Quartz: Ghost Town Showdown

As Stellar got dressed for the next day, she received a knock on her door; hastily putting on the rest of her outfit she opened the door to find Ridgeway on her porch.

“Good morning,” He tipped his head. “I’m sorry to bother you but Arcus showed up and informed me about what happened at the bar last night.”

“Don’t worry, it isn’t going on your online review or anything.”

“I just wanted to apologize and assure you that I’ve had words with Earnhardt about his conduct.”

“Alright, thank you.” She said graciously. “I don’t need to make anymore of a deal about it.”

“While I have you here, may I ask how things went with Hathaway?”

“Honestly, very well,” Stellar said with confidence. “We’ll probably be hearing from him in a day or so; I did get to meet Wheeler last night as well.”

“I’m sure he didn’t say much, he has his rules about conducting business.” He said knowingly.

“Yeah… I know his type, not my favorite either; no offense.”

“That’s quite alright,” Ridgeway nodded. “He’s my partner and I respect him, but no one knows his personality better than I do.”

“In the meantime, I’m going to speak with the buffalo tribe; where are they located?”

“Their home is actually outside the land the town sits on,” He began. “The members that work with us stay here, but the chief is the one that holds the interest and he rarely leaves their settlement. I would actually recommend someone go with you to guide you.”

“Anyone in mind?” She asked.

“I’ll have Hatch go with you,” He answered after a moment’s thought. “He runs a lot of supplies back and forth between them and the town and they’re comfortable with him.”

“Okay, we met him last night so he isn’t a complete stranger.” She noted. “Have him swing by when you can.”

“I will,” Ridgeway promised. “Be careful on the roads out there, they weren’t exactly made for cars.”

As Ridgeway left her, Stellar went over to Cloudy’s and headed inside to find her reading. “Cloudy?”

“Are we ready to keep moving?” Cloudy closed her book.

“Almost, we’re getting a temporary partner,” She grinned. “Your new friend, Hatch.”

“Oh,” Cloudy made of noise of mild interest. “How generous of him.”

Stellar raised her brow. “You do realize he was hitting on you last night, right?”

“What? Don’t be ridiculous, he merely introduced himself and we spoke lightly.” She dismissed the claim. “That hardly constitutes courtship.”

“Maybe not a hundred years ago the last time you dated.” Stellar barbed.

“Shouldn’t our focus be on the matter at hand and not my romantic life?” Cloudy’s ever stern eyes cast themselves on her for the remark.

“Fine, no girl talk,” Stellar raised her hands. “Either way, he is going to guide us to the buffalo tribe so we can pow wow with their chief.”

“That should prove most interesting,” Cloudy took up her hand bag. “I have never seen a true native settlement before. Maud came across several in her travels, she always spoke highly of their straightforward and honest nature.”

“Yeah well, hopefully they don’t label me a ‘forked tongue’ just because I’m corporate.” Stellar jested in lieu of the high probability.

In about twenty minutes, Hatch came knocking on the lodge door. The griffon gave Stellar a slick smile as she answered. “One guide, as prescribed.” He leaned to the side and waved. “Cloudy, good to see you again.”

“Yes, thank you for assisting us today.” Cloudy said as they followed him out onto the porch and headed for the car.

“No problem,” He assured. “It’ll give us a chance to talk more, seeing as the last one was so rudely interrupted by that raging jack-ass.”

“There is no reason to be so crude, Hatch.” She admonished, not fond of vulgarity in the slightest.

“Uh… right, sorry.” He quickly apologized.

Getting on the road, Stellar drove under Hatch’s direction; the nearly non-existent trails only visible to his experienced eyes. Along the way, he regaled the mares with stories of the area and his past experience with the buffalo from the back seat. While the stories were interesting, Stellar was far more amused at the back and forth between the stone faced Cloudy and the rough but earnest griffon that was trying to impress her on some level. The two hour road trip came to end as Stellar came upon an encampment of lodges crafted from wood and stone adjacent smaller, hide teepee. Hatch had her park outside the settlement and the three of them walked into the midst of the large, stoic creatures.

“Hatch,” They were quickly approached by a younger member of the tribe. “Good to see you, friend.”

“Blue Sky,” Hatch held his talon out only for it to disappear into the massive hand of the buffalo. “Ladies, this is Blue Sky; son of chief Red Sky.”

“A pleasure.” Stellar likewise took his hand.

“Indeed.” Cloudy nodded politely.

“These two represent the interest in the town,” Hatch explained. “I’ve brought them here to speak with your father.”

“I see,” Blue Sky nodded. “I will let him know you are here, please wait a moment.” As he headed into the main lodge, Stellar began looking around the encampment. Being from the city; it was the most basic type of life she had ever seen and while not her thing, she couldn’t deny the peacefulness of it all.

“Hey,” Hatch spoke up. “Fair warning, Red Sky is as traditional as they come; keep it as respectful as you can.”

“Noted,” Stellar nodded. “I’ve got Ms. manners here to keep me in line anyhow.”

“Fortunately for you.” Cloudy added.

Blue Sky returned and instructed them to follow; Hatch said he would remain with the car and the two mares were led into the ancient lodge. The air was heavy with the smell of dried flowers and the low light made the space feel otherworldly. The centerpiece of the lodge was a fire pit and the elder buffalo sat before it on an ornately carved bench. His heavy head rose, coal black eyes shining in the dim light as he eyed the strangers. He gestured to the opposite benches and nodded.

“Welcome to our home,” He spoke in a low, soothing tone. “Please, sit.”

“Thank you, sir.” Stellar said respectfully as she and Cloudy sat across from him. “We appreciate you taking the time to see us.”

Red Sky slowly nodded. “You have come to speak about the town of Burnt Sky?”

“Yes, we have.” Stellar confirmed.

He sighed. “I have heard many words from many mouths on the subject, my response has always remained the same.”

“That is what I’ve heard,” Stellar laced her fingers between her legs. “My experience has always been that a deal needs to not only give both sides something they want but also put their fears at ease. Clearly you know that the money would benefit you and your tribe, but it seems that isn’t the most important part; are you afraid of what might happen if the land leaves your control?”

“Fear is of the unknown,” He began. “I know what will happen if the land leaves our control; it will be developed beyond what is necessary and once that root takes hold it will begin to spread. Eventually, the land there will not be enough and more expansion will be desired; at that point we will have little say in the matter, protected solely by laws only as strong as the ones in charge of defending them." He raised his hoof and replanted it firmly in the dirt. "We see land differently than you; to us, land is home and a part of our world to be protected and valued. To those in your world, it is merely a commodity to be used and traded without restraint.”

Stellar sucked her lip in thought at his response. “I work directly with the stallion who is looking to purchase the town and I know what his intended use for the land is; it is for important research into alternative energy sources, that kind of research is designed to benefit the land in the long run. As someone who loves the land as much as you do, the idea of moving renewable and sustainable energy forward must appeal to you.”

“That is a worthy cause,” He started. “But I look beyond this deal at the future that those who will come after us will live in. What happens should this plan fail, or be passed off to another who’s intentions we do not know; can you say that their plans will be as noble or as considerate of the area as this current one?”

Stellar paused at the loaded question. “Well, of course not; none of us can.”

“Then would not the best guard to be for us, who’s future intentions I can be sure of, to maintain control of the land?”

“Can you be sure of your tribe's future intentions?” She countered.

Red Sky’s eyes flashed in the light at the implications of her words. “You suggest and insinuate that my son, or his son, or his son’s son would make such a deal that would harm the land? My tribe has held to its ways for longer than ponies have lived on this continent, and we raise our young to stay true to those virtues; we are of one mind and will, can you say the same for your people?”

Stellar was about to respond but Cloudy’s hand came down on her thigh, stopping her. “Sir,” Cloudy took over. “My friend merely suggests that no future is certain no matter how strongly a family line may be; my family comes from generations of farm workers that date back over two hundred years. However my daughter Pinkamena, who was born from that long line, led a life that defied everything that we believed. Suffice to say, that deviation was a wonder and there are few lights in this world as bright as the one in her heart. In essence, although you may harbor a fear of your people making that type of change, it isn’t prudent to automatically assume that such a change is for the worse.”

Red Sky nodded. “I hear wisdom in what you speak; but we are not talking about a long lived line, we are talking about creatures like Wheeler who operate in a world of lies and deceit and do so happily.” He looked back to Stellar, staring hard into her eyes. “I have spent a lifetime knowing others by seeing into them; when I see into you I see a mare who’s heart and mind are in the right place but the taint of that world swirls within you.” Stellar’s pride was struck by his words. “You hide much within you, things that you seek to dull with the pleasures of the world. You take pride in what you do but that pride is nothing more than a bandage; forgive me, but I have trouble fully trusting a creature that lies to itself. My decision remains the same.”

Cloudy felt Stellar’s leg tense and squeezed her tightly to keep her under control. “We understand,” Cloudy rose and tipped her head. “Thank you.”

“Be well in your travels,” His eyes shifted back to Stellar. “Both of you.”

“Come, Stellar.” Cloudy got her up and walked her out of the lodge.

Stellar ripped her hand away as soon as they were back outside. “Well… guess that’s a dead end.” She took a long breath and started back for the car.

“Stellar,” Cloudy called to her.

“It’s fine… I’m fine.” She curtly vowed.

Hatch and Blue Sky were speaking by the car and noticed their approach, as well as the look on Stellar’s face.

“Went that well, huh?” Hatch asked.

“Yeah,” Stellar composed herself. “You could say that.”

“Ma’am,” Blue Sky spoke. “I am sorry if my father said something to upset you; he is wise in many ways but he can often get… personal in his words.”

The last thing Stellar wanted was attention over the matter, she put on a smile and looked up into the big creature’s eyes. “A little warning would have been nice,” She joked. “Anyway, thank you for letting us visit your home.”

“Of course,” He nodded. “Is there anything else I can do for you before you go?”

“Actually,” She folded her arms. “Can you tell me something about the Ataata?”

“The Ataata?” Blue Sky repeated in shock. “Where did you hear that name?”

“From a mare in town who says it tried to jump her the other night.” Stellar continued. “Apparently, it’s been popping up lately.”

“The members of our tribe in town must have stoked fears of the creature in the others.” Blue Sky surmised.

“Well, something is attacking creatures and from what Dandelion told me, it’s too many times to be a coincidence or some bullshit story.” She added. “She said that it is some kind of guardian that watches over the land and it’s pissed that creatures are looking to sell.”

“That falls in the tradition of the story.” He nodded. “But, that is all that it is, a story.”

“You do not believe in this creature?” Cloudy asked.

“No, mostly the elders are the only ones who truly believe in its existence. To the majority of the youth, it is a ghost story to scare travelers.”

“How about you, Hatch?” Stellar looked to the griffon.

“Well,” He hesitated. “I haven’t seen anything personally. But, my sister was one of the first to say she had an encounter with it.” He looked across them. “I didn’t want to say anything because she asked me not to, Ridgeway told her to keep it under her hat but she told me because she felt she had to talk about it to someone.”

“What did she see?” She asked further.

“She said it was on four legs, abnormally long mouth with a lot of teeth and…”

“A frill and horns like a reptile?” Blue Sky cut in.

“Yeah.” Hatch looked up at him in surprise.

“That matches the description by the elders,” He said, greatly troubled by the information. “It cannot be real.”

Stellar lowered her head with a sigh. “Let’s go, we’ve done all we can here. Thank you for the information, Blue Sky.” She rounded the car and got into the driver’s seat. Cloudy and Hatch followed and she got them on the path back to town. Stellar remained quiet for the ride, the elder buffalo’s words still rattling around in her head. When they did reach town, Hatch promised to see them later and Cloudy followed Stellar back into her lodge.

“Stellar, I know you are not alright. Do you really not wish to talk about it?” Cloudy asked as she closed the door.

“One creature in my head today is enough, thanks.” Stellar huffed as she lit a cigarette.

“I know his words were strong but…”

“Cloudy.” Stellar eyed her through a long exhale of smoke.

Cloudy sighed and sat on the bed. “Are you upset because of what he said, or because you feel he was right?” Stellar remained silent at the question. “Very well, if you do not wish to talk to me then there is nothing I can do.” Cloudy rose and headed for the door. “When you are ready, I will be in my lodge.”

Stellar watched the door open and close from the corner of her eye, she growled in irritation and poured herself another shot.

That night, Stellar headed back to the bar alone; she plopped herself down and ordered a strong drink along with an open tab. The bar was as lively as ever with Legerdemain performing in the background and the mashed up conversations emanating from the tables and booths. Halfway into her second drink, she felt a heavy body behind her.

“Ms. Flare?” Arcus peered down at her.

She looked up into his pleasant face and smiled. “Hey, kid.”

“Are you okay?” He sat on the stool beside her. “You look… well, pissed.”

“Hasn’t been a successful day,” She confessed. “Can’t win them all, rule number one in business.”

“Sorry to hear,” He folded his claws on the bar.

“Ridgeway told me you tattled on that big, ugly bull,” She continued. “I really don’t need the protection.”

“Sorry,” He apologized. “I was just worried about you.”

Stellar laughed shortly. “It’s fine, I shouldn’t complain.”

“So what happened today?”

She sighed and finished her drink, tapping on the table to order another. “Not really into talking about myself, kid.” Her eyes drifted back up to him. “Why don’t you tell me about you instead? How did a dragon wind up all the way out here?”

“Oh,” He scratched his beak. “Well, that’s kind of a roundabout story.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” Stellar noted as her third drink appeared.

Arcus obliged, ordering a drink of his own and telling her the story of how he came to work in a ghost town; a series of events strung together by the dragon’s good nature and desire to help. After her fourth drink, Stellar offered up her encounter with the buffalo chief and his insight into her. The alcohol and the warm company began to strip away the upset that had brought her there in the first place and at the end of her fifth drink she payed up and stood from the stool. She stretched and eyed Arcus with a smile.

“Come on.” She patted his chest and rocked her head towards the door.

“Oh… okay,” Arcus too paid his bill and followed her out into the night air. He quietly followed her back to her lodge and idled on her porch as she unlocked the door.

Stellar glanced back as she pushed the door open. “You coming? Or did you lose interest all the sudden?”

“I…” He stammered. “No, I just…”

“Get in here.” She chuckled at his shyness. As soon as he was inside she locked the door and returned to him, laying her hands to his chest and running them up and around his shoulders. “This’ll be easier without the clothes, kid.” She smiled.

“Right.” He regained his composure and lifted his shirt, dragging it up the length of his neck and casting it aside. “Sorry, this just happened kind of fast.”

“I don’t like playing games,” Stellar began removing her top. “It was beyond obvious you wanted this; I do too, so why screw around when we could just screw around instead?” Her bra left her body, well rounded breasts hanging freely before his excited eyes. Arcus undid his pants and sat on the bed; as she neared him he gently took her breasts in his claws and massaged them. Stellar reached out, holding his cheeks and bringing his beak to her lips; she suckled on the end and coaxed his thin, forked tongue into her mouth. Her fingers ran down his neck and arms, taking his claws and moving them to her waist to undo her skirt. As it fell to her feet, she kicked it aside and pushed him back onto the bed; his own pants slid off and he tugged off his boxers while she shed her panties. Crawling up onto his body, Stellar straddled his waist and began massaging his chest. “You’re a lot softer than I imagined,” She noted, fingertips traipsing along the smoother belly scales. She fell forward and started kissing his neck; in turn his claws quickly began exploring her, running up and down her back and around her ass. "Mm, ever been with a mare before?" She quietly asked, sitting back upright on his body.

"Once," He confessed. "Not here though."

"Well, I've got to admit I haven't fucked a dragon before." She smirked down at him. "Let's see what we've got here." Her arm swung around to her back, reaching down and massaging his crotch. A thick, warm length sprung from his interior sheath and into the embrace of her fingers. His head rested on the bed as he literally purred at the feeling of her soft hand wrapped around his shaft. “Fuck, you’re big all around huh?” She glanced back at his growing erection, closely observing her new prize; the tapered length was ridged and as he reached full size she cooed in interest at the swollen bulb at the base. Arcus gently thrust into her hand as she stroked him, growling and moaning in building desire; his tail swayed roughly back and forth while his claws dug into her bed sheets. Stellar grinned, knowing that this creature that was twice her size was like putty in her experienced hands. She pushed herself up and teased her entrance with his tip, slowly sitting down as his precum coated her; she bit her lip as Arcus gradually filled her, the base of his cock pressing against her labia as she let her full weight rest on him.

“Ms. Flare,” He reached up and took her hips. “You feel so good.”

Stellar braced her hands on his chest and started riding him, her body tantalized by the feeling of his ridged shaft rubbing against her interior. “Oh yeah, this is what I needed.” She panted, quickly moving into a much more urgent pace as she fucked her stress away. Her lightly buzzed mind quickly faded as her body moved of its own accord to gratify itself; sweat beading across her figure as the pleasure numbed minutes rolled by. Arcus writhed beneath her, a heavy breath being forced from his lungs each time she free-fell onto him. He watched her breasts violently bounce and lost himself in her impassioned moans. His grip on her hips tightened and he started pulling her downward in time with her decent, his tip reaching her deepest point. “Yeah… that’s it, kid!” She grunted approvingly. “Slam that fucking knot into me! I want to feel it!”

“Oh fuck!” He braced his feet on the edge of the bed and started thrusting up into her aggressively.

“God yes!” Stellar leaned forward and let him go; with each thrust she could feel a little more of his base forcing its way inside of her. “Fuck me! I’m so close, keep fucking me!”

“Ms… Flare!” His head shot up from the bed, forehead resting against hers as with a final push his knot popped inside of her; Stellar screamed, the initial pain quickly dissolving into unparalleled pleasure as the feeling of being stretched so far and filled so deep sent her over the edge. An intense growl rumbled through Arcus’ long throat as he humped up into her, heated spurts of cum pumping up into his lover. As the spasms of his orgasm faded, his body fell back to the bed and Stellar came down with him.

Stellar laid her cheek to his chest, the sound of his rapidly beating heart pounding in her ear. She patted his side with a contented laugh. “You okay, kid?”

“Definitely,” He panted. “That was amazing.” His claws came up around her shoulders.

“I should have started having sex with dragons a long time ago,” Stellar dotted his chest with kisses. “You really hit the spot.” As their bodies calmed, he shrunk enough to pull out of her; Stellar rolled off of him with a satisfied hum and went to the dresser.

“So, you want to grab a late night snack?” Arcus asked as he sat up on the bed.

Stellar lit a half finished cigarette and turned back to him. “I’ve got to get back to work tomorrow; just going to hit the shower and get some sleep, you should probably head home.”

Arcus’ eyes lowered in disappointment. “Oh… I… was kind of hoping I could stay with you tonight.”

Stellar offered him a reassuring smile. “Hey, don’t take it the wrong way. I had a great night with you. I got off, you got off… a great time was had by all; best kind of one night stand a lady could ask for.”

“Right,” Arcus smiled lightly as he began getting dressed. “Will I see you tomorrow?”

“Can’t go home till the job is done,” She reminded. “I’ll be around.”

“Okay,” As he shimmied back into his shirt he slowly headed to the door. “Well, I had a really great night too; goodnight Ms. Flare.”

“Night, kid.” She gave a gentle wave as he left; she stared at the door for a long minute before facing the mirror and eyeing herself sourly. “Nice, real smooth ice queen.” She shook her head, taking a long drag on her cigarette. “Could have at least let the kid stay the night; but no, that’s not how we do things is it? That's how they get attached… can’t have that…” She sighed and jammed the smoke into her ashtray, heading for the shower as the only part of her lover to remain began running down her inner thigh.