Nightshade: Death of a Psychic

Once Nightshade was sure that Strike wasn't going to fall apart, they made their way through town.

"F-... Damn," Strike hissed as she gingerly sat in a chair wincing as the train bumped.

"You look like death Strike," He said with genuine worry, "Mind telling me what the fuck happened?"

Strike nearly looked ashamed, "I don't want to talk about it. Thunder and I are having some- having some issues, that's it."

Nightshade fell silent, he couldn't force her to talk. Well, I could... But he decided against it, right now Strike was the only pony who knew he wasn't dead and he didn't want to blow it.

"Can you tell me what happened at the Gala?"

"What didn't happen," She huffed with the traces of a smirk. "So there I was, dancing with Struck and Sioux- you haven't met him have you? He's a changeling before you even start that stuff, he's harmless. Some idiot in an all-black suit and a mask walked in with a loaded 45, I thought the Prince was gonna die that night. He shot at the Toro girl instead, I'm not saying she didn't have it coming but she sure as hell didn't deserve it, I pinned that fuck to the floor and he was under arrest in 10 seconds flat. Turns out someone let it slip that the girl who got away with multiple serial murders was attending the Gala. We're still running an internal investigation."

"The fucking gall of the guy who did it," Nightshade mused with a frown, "Did she- "

"No, she's not dead. She only was shot in the stomach. She didn't shrug that shit off though, she's probably still in the hospital."

A thought then rushed into Nights' mind. Had I jumped the gun on that last one? What if Ace hadn't died last time?

"Let's hope she's awake. I wanna talk to her."

"That's if you get past her guard dog," Strike muttered with a chuckle.

Strike noticed his perplexed look and continued, "Some lunar agent that was pulled out of early retirement- "

"Rita." Nightshade thought out loud.

"That's probably what her name was. Heard she suffered serious trauma. She was specifically requested by the Prince of all ponies to watch over that murderer. Luna practically begged her to come back. Real jumpy mare."

By midday they walked into the hospital, there was extra security. Well if anypony wants to start shit at least there's someone to do something about it. Nightshade though darkly. Strike led Nightshade past them only offering a glare to anyone who thought of stopping them. They walked down the noisy hospital halls in silence, there really wasn't much for them to discuss. The thing Nightshade did want to talk about Strike was adamant to avoid the topic altogether. They turned a corner and came across a door with a royal guard posted outside, Strike gave him a salute and opened the door.

Nightshade began to follow but froze as the guard levelled his weapon to Nights' chest, "Hold up civi'. Where do you think you're going?"

"Stand down Skipper, he's with me." Strike motioned for Nightshade to come inside and the guard lowered his weapon but his cold stare never left as Nights hurried inside.

The door closed behind him and the air felt different in the hospital room, the tense feeling was seemingly gone. There in the bed lay the pony he resented, she looked quite bored as she rested her chin on one hand. Her other hand was handcuffed to the bed. Next to the bed in a chair and a fine suit was a familiar face.

Toro looked up at Strike and Nightshade, "Captain I must be imagining things. I don't think I can see ghosts.... yet. Hello... Nightshade. Back in the land of the living?"

She tried to laugh but it came out choked as she almost doubled over in pain.

"N-nightshade?" Rita looked nearly terrified, "Aren't you- "

"Yes! I know! I'm not dead, it would take more than a puny explosion to kill me." Nightshade snapped, Toro wasn't phased by his glare. Not that she could see it anyways. "I swear you all think so little of me."

"So it would seem. Why are you here? Come to kick me while I'm down? You would. After all, you live for blood don't you?"

"If I wanted you dead, you'd be dead. It isn't a threat, it's a promise. I would be careful what you say and who you say it around. Talking like that will get you in trouble with some dangerous ponies."

Strike raised an eyebrow, "Really? Someone, you consider dangerous? That's a new one."

"What do you mean? Don't you remember the- " Nightshade looked at Rita who looked interested, "The dragon Bri told you about from the desert?"

"Right. All things considered, I think we all might want an explanation on that- "

Strike was interrupted.

"Hey, this has been fantastic an all but could the fillyfooler and the idiot leave? I'm feeling... tired."

"You bitch! Who the fuck are you callin'-! " Strike began to snarl but Rita stood with a baton in hand as Nightshade held her back.

"Strike." Nightshade hissed in a warning tone.

"I'm sorry Cap. But she wants you to leave, so you gotta go. You can contact me if you have any questions." She rested a hand on the baton and it seemed to hum softly.

Nightshade led the irate captain out, scolding her for losing her cool.

"Come on Strike, you know better. Let's head to your place."

The moment the door closed Toro sighed almost shakily. The duo's footsteps faded as they left.

"Nina come here- "

"Rita," The mare corrected as she sat next to the bed.

"That's what I said. I want you to wake me up at 9. Get us some food and we can eat together."

"Totoro, you do know I'm not your maid. I'm here to watch you, not mmph-!"

Toro silenced the mare with a kiss, she broke it and laid down facing away from her. Rita was shocked, not really flustered but more in a state of confusion. There was a strange feeling building in her mind. She wanted more.

"9 o'clock Nita."