The Birth of a Flash

Walking in had been no simple affair - the streets were still patrolled by changelings, only some of whom cared about whether the passing ponies were innocently enjoying Manehattan’s nightlife or potentially suspicious rebels. Slipping between the guards was an art that many had mastered over the months of occupation. Guard patterns had become an ingrained memory for everyone who wanted to sample the best the city had to offer, and unless you knew what you were doing, you learned to not carry a bag after eight in the evening.

Straight Rock knew exactly what he was doing, and so the small leather satchel hung off his flank with all the pride its worn surface afforded. Walking quickly, not stopping to take in the familiar sights lest a patrol find him in an inopportune spot, all those were things he had done a million times. Maybe he could’ve talked himself out of being arrested immediately by using his position, if he was forced to, but taking that risk was irresponsible. The bar itself was only a short jaunt away, though, and he couldn’t resist. Not tonight.

He pushed into the Iridium’s front door, quickly sized up by the bouncer - who immediately relaxed as soon as he saw his face, and only nodded for him to continue inwards, past the heavy satin curtains. Not everyone had that privilege in here, and Straight Rock carried his badge of a regular with a modicum of pride - all while bemoaning the tab he had to pay at the end of each outing.

The club was dark, rumbling with beings of all shapes and sizes. Straight Rock couldn’t see them all in the twilight of dimmed lights, but he could still pick out shapes, the soft movements of wings and the quick flashes of eyes reflecting the few lights still on. It was packed tonight - as expected. Nobody worth a damn in the Manehattan underground would want to miss this one.

There, in the back, accompanying the flutter of wings and soft laughter, was the imposing figure of Von Limbeck. Her beak was one of the few things that one would have no trouble spotting tonight - and the fact a griffon noble would let herself be seen here tonight only further reinforced the importance of the coming show. Somewhere above him, the creaking of the rusty scaffolding used to hold the lights indicated Light Show was in her usual spot, overlooking the crowd. He knew he couldn’t possibly see her up there, but he flashed a smile to the ceiling anyways. A thestral’s eyes would see, and she’d know it was meant for her.

A small flash of green off the side of the room confirmed the mystery mare would be here tonight, too. Straight Rock allowed himself a sly smile - they all knew it was one of the changeling garrison commanders, not some reclusive unicorn, but they let her here among them nonetheless. If it was indeed a her. Not that that mattered - out here tonight, that changeling was breaking the curfew just like the rest of them, and she wouldn’t be the only one.
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“Straight!” a voice whisper-shouted from somewhere behind the crowd in front of him, “over here!”

Pushing further into the shifting mass of bodies, past a large stallion who had his forehoof around a strangely bespectacled kirin, Straight Rock immediately located the source of the noise: a beige pegasus mare with a massive scar across her right flank. He couldn’t help but trace it up from where her cutie mark was supposed to be, all the way to her neck and face. She smiled at him, and he smiled back.

He could feel deep down that smile was empty.

“Wings,” he greeted her, sauntering over as nonchalantly as the packed club floor allowed. “Should’ve guessed you’d be here tonight. Nobody worth their time-”

“-Is missing tonight’s show!” Fluffy Wings interrupted, positively giddy with excitement. She nearly stomped her hoof, before stopping herself and giggling. “I don’t think anypony would actually appreciate me showing my excitement way before they get on stage, eh?” Her hoof went up to her face instead, scratching behind the ear. “Guess I’m more excited than I should be, hm? How about you, lover-boy?”

Straight Rock smiled genuinely this time as he nuzzled her, trapping her hoof in place. “You’re exactly as excited about this show as I am about seeing you. Did you see Light on your way in?” He stepped back, enjoying the way the mare’s cheeks flushed. She seemed to catch on rather quickly this time, looking away bashfully after shaking her head. “Nope, just the usual smile to the ceiling from me. I really have to make more time for her. Too bad her schedule leaves her free so early in the morning - I’m usually too hungover-

“-or too tired-”

“-Shut up,” she gave him a sly smile of her own, returning the quip without breaking stride and making him flush in turn, “Or too tired to be awake at three in the morning. I don’t even get to know who her last catch was!”

Straight Rock shook his head in mock disbelief. “Truly, a catastrophe! You don’t get to know how many poor souls have fallen victim to her dark charms!” he rolled his eyes. “She’s fine, I’m sure. That mare is indestructible.” He leaned in again,this time to give Fluffy Wings a peck on the cheek - only to very nearly wince as his eyes slid towards her scar again. Fortunately, the pegasus didn’t seem to notice.

“So, when-”

As if on cue, the main stage lights came on, illuminating a quartet of ponies and bathing the front rows with more reflected light. Straight Rock shuffled over closer to his marefriend, pressing against her side, listening intently as the musicians began to introduce themselves. For a moment, he’d forget his daily work, the paperwork that passed under his hooves, the guards who watched him intently through every shift. Tonight, it was just him, the filly he loved and the music they both enjoyed.

Then the light reflected off the guitarist’s instrument, and for a moment he could see the small, green unicorn just under the stage, chatting warmly with the group gathered around the edge of the bar.

And for that moment, the papers in his bag felt heavier than anything in the world.