I awoke groggy and annoyed.

After taking care of my needs and eating my fill, I considered briefly writing something to my little partner in crime. My first thought was to compose a report on the previous night’s events only to realize that I had accomplished nothing. I concluded that the logic I used before was sound, but unfortunately, I was just a bit unlucky.

Or so I kept telling myself anyway.

Either way, I had nothing to write so I just left it at that, and headed out immediately, hoping to get to my destination earlier than I had before.

I left so early in fact that no one was around, and the first light of morning was only just barely visible on the horizon. The lamps above were dim as well, giving me plenty of shadows to hide in as I made my way back toward the Copperhead. I got lucky, as they seemed to be rotating the guard just as I was passing through the area.

All in all, I was able to reach the restaurant at just before noon which was apparently when they opened. Scrambling up onto my little hiding spot, I listened in and noted that there was a lot of prep work going on. Noodles were being boiled, sauces mixed, and beer hauled out from what they called the basement, though it was a second structure entirely.

Not sure why the name then but whatever.

I had just settled in for a long day of eavesdropping, and hoping to whatever god would listen that my target would show up when something interesting happened. A server stepped out the back and lit a cigarette, puffing on it quietly while staring out over the junkyard beyond. It was a serene moment and not one I would intrude upon until I heard him speak.

“Gonna be a long night,” he muttered to himself.

I recognized him. He was the guy who had that huge crush but wouldn't say anything about it. His name was… Purple Rain, that's right. I had heard the others talk about him before. Mostly they were teasing him, but there was genuine concern there. Concern born from the fact that he and his crush both liked each other but refused to ask one another out.

The target of his feelings was a younger person whom I gathered was a pegasus while Purple Rain here was a young, wiry minotaur with only one horn. He was cute, and from what I gathered, an earnest and decent person. Which was why I was so tempted to intervene in some way, to give him a prod to get him to act on his feelings.

Slithering down, until I hung a mere foot over his head, I wondered briefly if this was worth it. Only to conclude a second later that if I had to listen to those two love birds for another day I’d hold them at knife point until they kissed.

“Don't move,” I whispered, altering my voice so it was deeper, more masculine. “Don't speak, just nod your head if you hear me.”

The minotaur stiffened up, and after a large gulp, bobbed his head.

“Good. Now listen and listen well,” I continued. “You like Blue Skies, right?”

He nodded a second time, this time somewhat hesitantly as if he were either confused, or worried for her.

“Then do I have good news for you, buddy. She likes you back,” I pressed.

“R-really?”

“Hey, what I tell you about talking?” I spat back.

“Sorry, I-” the minotaur began again only to clap a hand over his mouth.

“I like you, kid, that's why I’m giving you this little heads up. Think of it as a tip, for always being such a decent sort,” I added. “Just uh, don't tell anyone about this okay? I got a reputation to uphold.”

The minotaur nodded his head eagerly and excitedly.

“Now get out there and ask her out already. The guys and I are getting sick hearing you two pine over one another when you think no one’s around,” I concluded before pulling my body weight back up onto the roof.

I peered over the side and watched as the minotaur stood there for several more seconds before nervously glancing all around him. After he saw no one was around, he snuffed his cigarette out against the metal wall, dropped the butt in a bin, and hurridly walked back inside.

I just snickered to myself and went back to listening in on the kitchen, eager to hear how this turned out. He didn't mention the interaction, but he did go straight to who I presume was his manager and request the same break time as Blue Skies. With my little matchmaker plan in motion, I went back to simply observing the little establishment, waiting for my target to arrive.

Time went by fairly slowly after my little interaction with Purple Rain. The lunch crowd arrived not long after and patrons were fairly consistent from then on. From the sounds of it, there was a special on fish, and it was popular, with nearly everyone who showed up being there for seemingly that reason alone.

That changed when I saw several familiar hooligans in blue approach. The small group of five was all armed, but it was mostly with small, easily concealable weapons that could be tucked into a jacket pocket. They looked like soccer hooligans, only they made sure to have a splash of blue on their person somewhere. Be it a bandana, an armband, or just a bunch of blue paint splattered across their leather jackets.

“Odd,” I murmured to myself. “They don't have a briefcase this time. Maybe they are looking for a pickup.”

The small group attempted to enter the establishment but after finding that the place was packed, decided to stand around outside. Half leaned against the restaurant while the other half pulled out smokables of some kind. They lit up these loosely rolled cigarettes and puffed slowly, chatting amongst themselves as they waited.

“Think he’s gonna be okay with us showing up so soon?” One of them muttered.

“Relax, new blood. Grey Hawk knows the deal,” retorted one of the senior members.

“Why you always worrying anyhow?” prodded a third member. “Feels like you don't trust us.”

“I do, I do,” the first guy hastily exclaimed. “I just… am curious is all.”

“Well don't be,” spat the senior gang member. “And quit askin’ where we’re getting all this dosh from. Nobody but the big bosses know, and they’d cut off your balls just for you inquirin’ on the topic.”

“N-noted,” murmured the squirrely, younger guy.

“Yer smart, and I like that, but don't push it. You know what they say about curiosity,” warned the elder member.

“Yeah but satisfaction brought it back,” offered another.

“What?”

“The saying. It starts with curiosity killed the cat but satisfaction brought him back.”

“I don't think blowjobs are enough to bring someone back from the dead but after the boss guts Glasses Mcgee here for pestering him, I’ll let you be the one to try.”

The group all laughed before falling silent once more.

I hummed thoughtfully to myself and took a mental note on drilling down on that topic. The Azure Ocean having a mysterious benefactor could mean that topside interests were working their way down here. Either way, it wasn't relevant to my mission at the moment so I shelved that thought for later and focused on just observing the place, hoping my mystery man showed up soon.

After another hour of waiting, I was about ready to fuck off and see about stealing some food when I noticed something. The back door had opened, and I heard the nervous, tentative hoofsteps of a certain minotaur. Now curious, I headed toward the back and observed as Purple Rain paced back and forth.

He was muttering to himself, and from what I could pick up, he was doubting himself and me. The poor guy had started to spiral into a circle of panic when the back door opened a second time and a woman strode out. I presumed this individual was Blue Skies, but I couldn't be sure of that fact.

I had to hand it to the nervous, little minotaur, he had good taste in women. The pegasus looked to be the same age as him, though I am not a good judge of age, especially when it comes to mythical creatures. She had a youthful look to her, and carried a confidence that eclipsed his own by an order of magnitude.

Her long red hair was tied into a pair of tight braids that were currently draped about her neck like a wreath. Her skin was an off-gold that looked a bit like wheat that was ready to harvest. The young girl also had a bit of weight on her, but she also had a slightly wider frame overall and I could tell that she had a fair bit of muscle. Most notable about her was the fact that she had only one wing, as well as a single arm, the injury having happened a long time ago as it had long since healed over.

It was at this point that I realized I was listening in on what should be a personal moment that only these two shared. So I backed up, slightly, watching them from afar, but not eavesdropping. I knew that some people may judge me for that, but I just had to know how things turned out for them.

The curiosity was killing me.

Thankfully I was able to guess what was happening judging from their body language and how they interacted.

First, they were both a little awkward around one another, with Purple struggling to get the words out while Skies was gently attempting to coax it out of him. Eventually he just kind of blurted it out, and stood there, shaking like a leaf in the wind, terrified but hopeful she’d accept his feelings. There was a moment of stunned silence followed by the pegasus wrapping her arm and wing around him in something approximating a hug.

The little guy just melted into the embrace, and they shared a quick, chaste kiss before having a whispered conversation. After that, they parted slightly, though they continued to hold one another’s hand while they chatted. It was only then that I realized that the minotaur had only one eye, meaning that they were both missing two things. Yes, the minotaur’s injuries weren't quite as severe, but it was still cute to see two people with so much alike.

I was nearly tearing up when I heard the sound of a familiar voice coming from back near the entrance. Scrambling between the haphazard ductwork and random pipes, I made my way to the front of the structure. There I looked down at the small gang of Azure Ocean guys, and the new arrival who stood slightly apart from them.

Grey Hawk.

He was immediately recognizable for his mohawk, apparel, and overall demeanor, which hadn't changed since yesterday. The only thing that had changed was that he was now holding a briefcase, one that I recognized as having been held by the azure ocean guys.

“Come on,” whined the leader of the small group. “It's such a small thing. Just declare that you’ll ally with us over those dickhead reds and we’ll be able to sweeten the deal.”

“We’ll pay double,” added another.

“Heck we’ll pay triple for new product,” declared the leader.

“Hey now fellas, I’d love to be able to take you up on that but it ain't up to me,” Grey Hawk exclaimed, raising his hands. “If it was, I’d choose you guys in a heartbeat, but I ain't the big boss in charge around here.”

“Look, Grey. Enough of this corpo speak, let's talk real shit already,” began the leader, taking a step forward and opening his arms wide. “Is it this Babs Seed person? Is she what's in the way of this? Cus we can get her out of the picture for ya if that's what it will take.”

“Hey man I appreciate the offer but it ain't that. This whole thing with the Grey Shields, it's gotta be done clean like, ya dig?” Grey Hawk countered. “If we just whack our opponent before the big meet they’ll just dissolve the shields, and leave us with nothin. No, we gotta do this by their books.”

“Really? But you got like, mad people, yo,” one of the other Azure Ocean thugs remarked. “Why are you still playin' by their shit rules?”

“You don't see the long game in this kid,” Grey Hawk retorted. “If we take this without having to stab noone, then that gives us all the leverage we need to snatch back that stupid junkers guild, half the towns we used to have, and all the bits in those old fuck’s vaults.”

“Smart.”

“Damn right it is, and once we do that we’re gonna need an ally. We’re gonna be a big fish, but the oceans are bigger, dig?” Grey Hawk concluded with a grin.

“Ya made your point,” the Azure Ocean leader retorted. “For now let's just keep things going as they are, what do ya say?”

“I say that sounds like a mighty fine idea, my friend,” Grey Hawk proclaimed, extending the hand that held the briefcase. “Oh, and I made sure to include a little extra, just for you guys to enjoy.”

“Appreciated. See ya next week sometime then,” the leader declared, accepting the case.

“See ya then, fellas,” Grey Hawk replied.

As he departed, I sniffed at the air, picking out his unique scent amidst all the trash, and terrible cologne these clods had on. I nearly gave up, only to pick out the faint aroma of lavender, and cheap hair spray that covered Grey Hawk like a second skin. I had detected it a few times before but hadn't really considered that this might be how I would be able to find him.

My senses were heightened though, so it made sense that I would be able to smell him from a fair difference and maybe even follow him. I’d be pushing these skills to their limit, but I was confident despite how little I had tracked other creatures. To that end, I extended my tongue and flicked it a few times before a sort of muscle memory kicked in and I was able to lock onto my aroma of choice. I could feel which direction he was going with such intensity that it was like I had a little indicator pointing me the right way.

The Azure Ocean guys left, but I ignored them, and headed in the direction I felt was the correct one. A part of my brain warned that I was being fairly brazen with my actions, given how little cover there was. Confidence overruled caution, and I slithered over to a different side of the structure and waited, peeking down over the side.

Only a few short minutes later, Grey Hawk reappeared, his mohawk sticking out amongst the crowd of people. I looked only long enough to confirm that it was him. Then, I set off, making my way down a drainage pipe, into a sewer grate, and through to the other side of the street.

I stopped only long enough to shake off the garbage that clung to me before I continued in the direction he had been walking. I didn't spot any sign of him, but a flick of my tongue was all I needed to pick up his scent once more. For once I was thankful for the fact that this creep soaked himself in cologne, as I doubted I’d be able to follow him otherwise.

Heading off, I weaved my way through the junk piles, and ditches while tailing the man as best as I was able. I couldn't see him, even after a few minutes of following, but his scent trail remained strong, if erratic. I got the impression that he knew he was being followed, but how he’d know that was beyond me.

Either way, he only kept this repeated backtracking up for a few short miles. After that ,he likely figured he’d shaken me while in reality, I was still hot on his trail.

I was beginning to grow a little worried, as I had yet to reacquire visual, but his scent was stronger than ever so I had faith I’d find him. Sure enough, I was able to locate him in what looked like a park, the place ill-used, but still mostly green. Likely meant to entertain children at one point, the various equipment was completely covered in spray paint or worse.

Here Grey Hawk stood, the man chatting amicably with a member of Crimson Dawn. Numbering an even six, they had a lot in common with their blue counterparts, though obviously, they were adorned with an excessive amount of red. Like jumped-up soccer hooligans, they had an overall punk aesthetic while also having a way of bearing their bright colors proudly.

They seemed to be talking, and I noticed that Grey Hawk had a backpack in hand, one that was open, revealing that it was filled with bits.

My curiosity piqued, I moved in closer, winding my way over and squeezing myself into a small bush. Though I could feel thorns brushing all over my scales, I could at least hear what was going on so it was a win in my books.

“-Stab no one, then that gives us all the leverage we need to snatch back that stupid junkers guild, half the towns we used to have, and all the bits in those old fuck’s vaults,” Grey Hawk concluded, grinning in triumph. “It's a win-win, see?”

“I get what you're saying, but I still don't like this,” retorted a short, round-looking earth pony with his hands stuffed into his jacket pockets. “Your boss should still declare your allegiance to the Dawn. We’ve been close partners for a while and the higher-ups are eager to get this deal signed.”

“Like I said man, I can't make that choice. All I can say is that once we’re in charge, we’re gonna need an ally. We’re gonna be a big player, but the sun is the biggest player of all, dig?” Grey Hawk concluded with a grin.

You cheeky bastard. I thought to myself. Not only are you working both sides, but you are even recycling the same goddamn lines.

“Yeah yeah. Just take your bits and go,” retorted the round fellow.

“Speaking of which. This is a little lighter than last time. I wouldn't want any discrepancy in the financials to cause the boss to choose another player,” Grey Hawk encouraged, giving the bag a shake for emphasis.

“Augh, fine. You, pay the man.”

“But boss, we counted it all out. It's the same as last-”

A swift strike to the bread basket dropped the Crimson Dawn rookie like a sack of potatoes.

“Did I ask for lip, or for the goddamn money?” He spat.

“M-money,” wheezed the underling.

The rookie then dug into one of his pockets and produced a small satchel.

“Good, now you better not fuck up a third time, new blood. Or your ass will be back on the street,” spat the leader.

The younger Crimson Dawn member bobbed his head as he struggled to stand.

“Where were we? Oh yeah,” the leader remarked, offering up the bag to Grey Hawk. “Here, take this with compliments from the guys upstairs.”

“Much oblig-”

“But, make sure to let your boss know where this came from,” The Crimson Dawn Leader interrupted. “I wouldn't want to hear about how this all ended up in the bottom of your cup. Got it?”

“Of course,” Grey Hawk declared, snatching up the satchel. “I wouldn't dream of stabbing the great Crimson Dawn in the back.”

“And don't you fucking forget it,” spat the leader, turning heel. “Come on boys. Let's get out of here.”

“The goods will be at the same place they were last time!” Grey Hawk shouted.

The leader just snorted and walked off alongside his posse.

I watched this all with mild amusement. I knew this was one slimy bastard from the moment I saw him, but I did not think he had the gall to work both sides like this. He was smart, so he had to know this would blow up on him sooner or later.

Did he simply not care? Or perhaps there was an exit plan of some kind in place? Either way, he was someone to be avoided, and respected.

The man bent down, and popped open each bag, checking its contents briefly before nodding to himself. Confident, he strolled off, whistling a tune, his every step causing the bags of coins to jingle loudly. Cocky little bugger, I’d have thought he’d quickly exchange those for the paper trade currency I’ve seen the ponies use, but he didn't care.

High on the feelings of success, he strutted off without a care in the world, making no effort to hide his wealth. It made following him that much easier, as not only could I smell him from a mile away but I could also hear him. Not only that, but he probably still assumed he’d lost me as his pace was brisk but unhurried.

Regardless, I still hung back a fair distance as I didn't want to trigger any potential wards he may have up. I assumed he had such a defense as I had been extremely careful when I had been following him but still, he shook me. If it helped or not I didn't know, but either way, I was able to tail him all the way back to Grey Shield territory.

Patrols of the drably dressed men were more common, though none were able to spot me as I wormed my way through the various refuse littered around the area. It was a little gross what with the trash hills becoming more common, but thankfully I was able to avoid the worst of it. It didn't last forever though either, as the rusted hulks of metal vehicles returned, and in far greater numbers this time around.

I was wondering why there were so many when we turned a corner, and I found myself staring at an interesting, makeshift wall. Cars stood on their ends and partially buried surrounding the entire perimeter, thick metal cables binding them all together. It was a useful barrier and likely would keep out all but the most concentrated of attacks and it showed.

The guards that wandered around the twenty feet of space around the place were lazy, and more interested in chatting amongst themselves than keeping watch. Even the primitive gatehouse near the main road just hung open, the primitive semi truck it used like a rusted gate was lifted, allowing any to pass underneath. Even from a fair distance away, I could see that the two groups posted near the entrance were basically partying out in the open.

Beer was being passed, several fires had been started, and music emanated from an enchanted player somewhere nearby. It was clear to me that they felt secure in their position, and likely didn't think someone would attempt to infiltrate their base. Even Grey Hawk seemed unbothered, striding through the various Grey Shield watchmen and waving, or exchanging brief greetings with each that crossed his path.

I ignored him for the moment and instead began to surveil the area, finding any weak points. It didn't take me long to find many, with gaps in the barrier being surprisingly common, along with other methods of getting around it. Holes made by rust large enough for me to crawl through, unbarred storm drains so tall that I could almost walk upright.

It was a disaster, and I was going to exploit it.

I moved without thinking, motivated by my previous day's failings, heading past the gate and into the yard beyond. It was perhaps a bit brash, but I needed a win, a feather to put in my cap and I was not about to return home without something to say for myself. With my confidence high, I snuck in and looked around. Only to be surprised by the sheer size of the place.

It had likely been an old steel mill at one point, though its stacks now spouted multi-hued jets of mostly purple vapor into the sky. The office area was now an apartment complex, with several outbuildings servings as barracks, and a mess hall. Nearly every square inch had been retrofitted in some way, turning this place into a fortress, and small town all in one.

It was also mostly unguarded, with the various posts being unmanned, or used as places for lazy guards to nap or read. It was a saboteur's wet dream, and I took full advantage of it by worming my way deeper. Past the interior defences, and to the edge of one structure I went, keeping my body low and my movements quiet.

Peering into a window, I discovered what looked like vats of chemicals where there had once been bubbling cauldrons of molten metal. It was a drug operation on a scale I had not dreamed possible. There must have been over a hundred ponies in there, faces obscured by gas masks, and bodies covered in a white protective coating.

“Woah,” I murmured.

The closest drug producer paused and glanced in my direction, but I was faster, ducking out of sight at the last second. Cursing my hubris, I refocused and looked around for my next target. I could just eavesdrop for a few hours, there was likely an ocean of valuable intel being uttered all the time. Then I noticed something odd. A pair of Grey Shields were climbing a rusted ladder all the way up to the very top of the structure.

Large boxes were strapped to their backs, visibly weighing them down as they clambered up the long ladder. They also had pendants dangling from their necks, but I couldn't tell from this distance if they were magical or not. They were small, however, so I assumed they were simple ornament and paid them no mind.

What to do? I thought to myself.

Choosing to follow the odd duo felt right, and so I headed after them. I wasn't about to chance it, however, so I waited until they reached the top before I began to ascend the ladders after them. Normally this would worry me, as I’d be easily spotted, but the ladder was mostly hidden between a pair of smokestacks so there was a fair amount of cover.

I hit the top floor in little time, though I paused before ascending completely. Instead, I just peeked over the lip, searching for and quickly finding, the two men I had spotted earlier.

“What in the Sam Hill?” I murmured aloud.

Before me, at the far side of the roof was a house. Not one made from rusted metal, and random pipes but a regular old, wooden cottage complete with a yard, and even a white picket fence. It looked cozy, likely only a single bedroom, with a sleeping loft, with a brick chimney for heating and cooking.

It was bizarre, though not as strange as the odd individual I noticed standing at the gate, a small smile on his face. It was… someone. I forgot his name, but he was in the picture I had seen earlier, the partner of the previous Grey Shields leader. The one that had apparently vanished after the murder of his husband all those years ago.

My confusion turned to anger, as I assumed he had done the deed, only for me to realize something interesting. From one of his legs sprouted a chain that wound back into the house itself, indicating that his being here wasn't exactly voluntary. Despite that, he was evidently at least on polite terms with the guards, who he chatted idly with as they unpacked the boxes, dolling out food and water to their prisoner.

Despite my sharp hearing, I couldn't pick up their conversation from this distance and decided to move in closer. I barely got a hand on the top floor when the two guard’s amulets began to flash brightly. In the distance, I could hear the whine of an alarm go up, and without thinking, I ducked back down just in time to avoid their gaze.

Without thinking, I flew back down the ladder as fast as I could go. Music was being stopped, and everywhere I could hear cries of alarm being raised.

“Fuck fuck fuck,” I murmured.

Making a beeline back for the exit, I sacrificed stealth for speed, blitzing through the opening before anyone could see me. To my immense relief, the guard patrol wasn't on the other side of the barrier. Without any obstacles in my way, I slithered into the piles of junk that lay beyond the edge of their perimeter just before a searchlight was lit and began to pan across the outer wall.

I kept on sprinting for another fifteen minutes before finally slowing to what amounted to a jog. Still cursing my stupidity, I made my way homeward once more, but not before doubling spending several hours making sure I didn't leave a noticeable trail. When finally I entered the hovel that was my home, I was exhausted, and the day had long since turned to night.

“Hey you, I-” began my partner in crime, the woman standing up the moment she saw me slink inside.

“Not tonight,” I interrupted. “Too exhausted to think. Need rest.”

“Fine. But tomorrow we need to talk. It's important,” she replied.

I just grunted and curled up in my sleeping spot, ignoring the dirty look my only comrade was shooting me.

God, I suck at this. I thought before drifting off to sleep.

Author's Note

This is part of the countdown to christmas, head over here to keep track of all the cool stuff coming down the pipes. If you want to ensure I can afford to keep doing stuff like this, consider backing me over on Subscribestar or Patreon.