“Think there’ll be a line?” Celestia whispered.

Luna snorted irritably. “Probably. Let us hope that it is not a long one.”

“Even if it is, we should at least be able to ask the other clubgoers a few questions,” Celestia replied.

“Just keep your eyes open, and your back to a wall. I packed a little get-out-of-jail-free card, but I really don't want to have to use it,” Luna exclaimed, patting the side of her outfit in emphasis.

“What is it anyway? You didn't answer when I asked earlier,” Celestia inquired.

“An E.M.P, and a big one,” Luna whispered back. “It would probably knock me out, but you’ll be fine since the only chrome you have is shielded.”

“Good thinking,” Celestia remarked.

“Again, let's try not to need it. It's expensive, and a one-time use,” Luna repeated.

“I got it. Say, do you think we might be a little overdressed?” Celestia asked.

Luna glanced down at what her sister was wearing, and taking note of what she was not wearing. The dress she wore was white, went down to her knees, and was cut so that more of the right side of her body was exposed. It was also made up of many small white squares all sewn onto a black under mesh just barely visible between where these squares met. She also had no visible weapons on her, though Luna recalled that Celestia had kept a small dagger hidden on her person.

“I don't think so,” Luna answered.

“I suppose the correct question is if your attire is correct for this event,” Celestia countered.

Luna stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and gasped in disgust. “What do you mean, I would fit in perfectly at a high-end establishment,” Luna stated.

Celestia raised an eyebrow and glanced down at her sister. “You’re wearing your ‘going out on a job’ get-up. Only you didn't bring any guns or weapons with you. I think.”

“Nah, I had to leave room in my secret compartments for the bomb,” Luna dismissed. “And your missing the obvious.”

Celestia cocked her head slightly and stared a little closer at her sister. “You uh… put on makeup?” Celestia half asked, half stated.

“What, no. I mean I did, but that's not what I’m talking about,” Luna retorted, lifting a forehoof up and waving it all around for Celestia to see. “I put on those nice boots that I’ve been saving for a fancy outing.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow. “They are kind of nice, the silver really goes with the rest of your ensemble.”

“Why thank you, dear sister,” Luna concluded.

Celestia stifled a chuckle and continued marching alongside her sibling, making their way deeper into the strange district. Above them the moon shone brightly, its light obscured by only the odd flying creature or distant airliner. Its illumination was aided by the many shops, stalls, stands, and apartment buildings that surrounded the two mares on all sides.

Bright flickering signs advertised a variety of services even at such a later hour. Ponies and other creatures called out to the pair, attempting to sell their wares or offer a discount on some hotel. Celestia ignored all of these, especially the young wiry looking stallion that was trying to get the two ‘hot mares’ to take up his offer to get a room at the love hotel he worked for.

Though annoying, Celestia had long gotten over the embarrassment that came with others assuming she and Luna were partners. It was simply nice to know that even though Equestrian society had devolved in many ways, at least they were still accepting. This set Celestia’s mind wandering, the alicorn considering the wider, negative societal tendencies that had cropped up in recent decades.

Luna, seeing her sister’s eyes glaze over, subtly stepped forward, guiding the absent-minded alicorn to their destination. Which lay at the end of the street, the open castle-like gates inviting them into the freshly remodeled club. The former princess’s mind immediately went to what manner of security she could see from outside, starting with the bouncers standing out front.

They were tall, taller even than the alicorn sisters, though it wasn't by much. There were three of them, one to stand on either side of the entrance while another stood front and center. This final stallion was the one who checked for weapons, identification, or other contraband, leaving his fellows to stand there in stony silence.

They were like the royal guards in a way, Luna thought to herself, the notion being backed up by their strange garb. A mix of a clean black suit, with a gorget sticking out of the collar, and steel-shod shoes adorning their hooves. The pair on either side also wore helmets that encapsulated their entire heads, the dark boxy protective gear being a blend of both old and new.

That same mixture of both old and new was everywhere that Luna looked, from the club to its guards, to the design of the buildings. It was a fine combination that didn't feel like it was trying too hard to resemble a bygone age. In times past, Luna would have contacted the architect and commissioned them herself, but that couldn't happen for multiple reasons.

“The line isn't long at all,” Luna murmured. “Maybe coming at nine-thirty was a bit over-eager of us.”

“I thought the grand opening party began at nine?” Celestia countered.

“Well yeah, but no one shows up then,” Luna answered.

“Ahh yes, fashionable lateness. How disappointing to see that such a trend is still as prevalent as ever,” Celestia murmured.

The pair walked over to the back of the line, taking up a spot behind a pair of effeminate young stallions that barely looked old enough to drink. Though Celestia felt an almost overwhelming urge to ask how old they were, she bit back that urge. Settling in for the long haul, Celestia glanced over to her sister and opened her mouth to speak, only to hesitate.

Luna raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”

“It's just…” Celestia sighed. “I wanted to apologize for the other night.”

“Save it,” Luna interrupted. “It's over, it's done with. Let's leave it in the past for once.”

“But I-”

Luna shot her sister a glare, silencing her in an instant. “Please Tia, for once in your life, just let it go. Okay? Can you do that just one time?”

Celestia sighed. “If that's what you want.”

“It is,” Luna stated firmly.

The air after that was tense, with Luna pulling out a small, miniature deck that she used to play games on. Celestia had no such distraction, so she let her eyes and mind wander. A few minutes later, and after several short series of awkwardly shuffling forward, they had reached the front of the line.

“Identification,” barked the security guard in a slightly robotic tone.

“Right here,” Celestia replied, pulling out her I.D.

Luna did the same, extending her hoof so as to allow the stallion to see them both.

He stared at one for several seconds, and then the other before nodding confidently.

“Do you have any weapons or outside food or drink on your person?” he pressed.

“No, we do not,” Celestia answered.

“Please stand still for a brief pat down,” the security guard ordered.

Celestia and Luna did just that, allowing the male to pat them down from horn to hoof. In the end, he didn't seem to find anything even after giving Luna a bit more attention out of the two of them. Stepping back, he looked them up and down one final time before gesturing toward the club with a hoof.

“Go on in,” he offered. “But remember not to bother the entertainers, and obey any commands given by the security staff.”

“We will,” Celestia declared.

The former princess then smiled faintly and stepped forward, her still sour-faced sister falling in behind. As they passed between the gate the pair felt an electric-like field pass over them. Thankfully after they finished passing through no alarm bells sounded, and no one moved to stop their progress.

Celestia made a mental note to thank her sister for spending so long on their personal enchantments. Designed to ensure that their wings would be not only invisible but impossible to even mentally comprehend. The magic itself was far outside of Celestia’s wheelhouse though she knew it made even computers unable to perceive their wings. The enchantments had clearly held even under intense scrutiny, as ponies would be moving to bar their passage otherwise.

“That was a little higher tech than anticipated,” Luna muttered under her breath. “I sure hope my spell work is enough.”

“You don't know?” Celestia hissed back.

Luna shrugged. “They haven't tried to stop us yet, have they?”

Celestia seethed silently, the mare biting her tongue in order to hold back the retort she wanted to utter. Knowing that such pointless escalation would only draw them more attention, Celestia resisted the urge no matter how hard she wanted to speak. Instead, she simply followed her sister past the double doors, the coat check slash security outpost, and into the building proper.

There, Celestia was greeted with a bar area to her right, a game area to her left, and an arch-filled hall before her which went deeper still. There was a healthy population of ponies, as well as other creatures milling about, though the majority hovered around the bar not buying anything. The pool tables were also occupied and had a fair few individuals hovering nearby, watching or betting on the players.

This kind of thing may have been considered low class to some, but Celestia’s love of the game was common knowledge. Even to this day, Celestia had seen at least one of the tables in the most expensive of nightly entertainment locations. It was a nice sight and made Celestia tempted to challenge someone but she resisted that urge, focusing on Luna.

Her sister was doing the same thing Celestia had been doing, eying up the room. Though while Celestia was observing the gaming area, Luna had eyes for the bar and the bar alone.

“Be aware of our limited budget,” Celestia commented.

“I am as aware as a thorn in my hoof,” Luna replied. “Now, why don't you see what else this place has to offer while I see if I can't make a new friend or two.”

Celestia bit her tongue and nodded, giving her sister one last weary glance before trotting deeper.

Passing through the golden arches, Celestia noted that there were more scans passing over her. They didn't seem to bring up anything, as she was allowed to continue unimpeded to the back half of the club. Where the first half looked more like a bar, this part was undeniably the nightclub this establishment claimed to be.

Immediately after passing through that final arch Celestia was buffeted by the music which so far had been at a tolerable level. Outside it had been a dull throb, the bar had been audible but not overpowering, but here it was like a wall of sound. Evidently, there was some manner of tech or magic that ensured that the pounding bass didn't escape the confines of the nightclub proper.

After a moment to gather herself from the sudden shock, Celestia took a step to the right and began looking around. The closest and most prominent feature was a circular, slightly raised dance floor that had a few disinterested dancers on it. Further inward, and also on the right was the second bar, as well as a few tables surrounded by luxurious white leather chairs.

Several large pillars stretched from the floor to the three-story tall ceiling, near the top of which hovered a couple of clouds. Anchored to the columns, they served as private tables for those who were capable of flight. Celestia noted that they must have gotten a cloud sculptor to do the work as there were even chairs formed into the clouds.

Tearing her gaze away from the vaulted ceilings, and surprisingly adept craftsmanship on display, Celestia looked to the left. On the lowest floor there were several rooms each with a different number on them. They looked to be private rooms, and peeking into one of the open doors Celestia noted that was indeed true.

Styled after the old tea rooms of Canterlot Castle, they had fake windows displaying an impossible view of the city. Around three of the walls, there were plush white and gold cushioned seats, while in the center was a raised circle with a pole at its center. Next to the door was an end table and a bell, likely to summon more drinks, or whatever else the individual may desire.

Then the door closed, and Celestia turned her attention up to where some stairs lead up to the loft-like second floor. Walking up to get a better view, Celestia noted that it was much like the rooms below, only here they weren't nearly as private. At the center of the three pillow-filled pits was another raised section with a pole on it, only here it didn't go to the ceiling but rather a low hovering cloud.

Two out of the three were occupied, with groups of individuals laughing, drinking, and watching as a stunningly beautiful creature danced before them. Celestia noted that the two that had customers had a sort of shimmering golden field over the pits. Lighting her horn, and brushing her aura over the barrier, Celestia was able to tell that it was a noise-filtering field. There were other spells, and enchantments also placed on it, but Celestia didn't bother inspecting them further, as she didn't want to raise any suspicion.

Turning away, Celestia placed a hoof on the metal railing and looked out over the nightclub.

“Where to start?” mused the mare. “I suppose the bar is as good as any.”

“Well that was a waste of a disturbing amount of bits,” Celestia muttered to herself, pausing to splash water in her face.

Thankfully the bathroom was relatively empty at the moment, save for of course, the servant at the exit holding a heated towel. It was luxurious, of that Celestia had to admit, as they kept the same style of new and old even in the toilets. Despite that, it had begun to grate on Celestia, who couldn't help but think that it was almost satirizing the type of architecture she so loved.

Despite that, she focused herself inward, her internal clock telling her that it was nearly midnight. The realization that she had spent several hours, and several hundred bits to have achieved nothing soured Celestia’s already foul mood. She wanted to leave, to give up, but unfortunately, her curiosity had been sparked, so that was no longer an option.

Her musings were interrupted by the bathroom door bursting open and Luna appearing. The sisters immediately locked eyes, with Luna grinning from ear to where her other ear should be.

“Tia!” Luna called, stumbling over to the elder sibling. “I have made so many good friends tonight.”

“Did you get any worthwhile information?” Celestia asked in a low tone.

“You can't rush friendship, Tia,” Luna admonished, lightly hitting her sister on the shoulder. “You should know that. I’m pretty sure it was one of Twilight's lessons.”

“It was, but that's not the point,” Celestia countered.

“Oh, but it is. That's why we’re here. To make friends, special friends,” Luna pressed, squeezing Celestia’s shoulder with each utterance of the word ‘friends’. “Did you make any friends Tia?”

“No, I haven't,” Celestia bitterly remarked. “It is hard enough to speak with such loud music and what few people I have… you’re not listening at all, are you?”

“Oh sorry, I was just looking at this cool mare in the mirror,” Luna murmured, leaning over the sink. “She's got this wicked-looking eye thing and… oh wait, that's me!”

“Luna, how much have you drank?” Celestia whispered, in a low, harsh tone.

“Pfft not that much. We still got like, two, three hundred bits,” Luna retorted.

“You used three times as much as me! That was supposed to last us all week,” Celestia shot back.

“Pfft it's fine,” Luna exclaimed. “We’ll bust this nut and have money for months!”

Luna giggled. “Heh, bust this nut.”

“Augh,” Celestia groaned. “Did you at least test out the security in here?”

“I did! It's amazing! I feel like I’d have an easier time breaking back into the Canterlot Castle internal system!” Luna loudly exclaimed.

Celestia winced. “Alright, just don't spend all our money, and see if you can't find out anything actually useful.”

“Pfft, I can totally do that,” Luna declared, only to frown. “Right after I pee.”

Celestia watched as her sister took off at a trot, disappearing into an open stall. With Luna gone, Celestia was left relatively alone once more, her gaze going to the mirror and the alicorn within.

“If she can have a little fun, then so can I,” Celestia muttered to herself.

The alicorn gave her hooves one last wash before turning around and walking away. She paused just long enough to accept the warm towel, giving the mare an appreciative nod before departing. A short jaunt later and she had returned to the three pillow-filled pits on the second floor of the nightclub.

Two were occupied by rather large groups of mixed-race individuals while the last was empty. Save for the dancer himself, the slim-hipped young stallion, smiling and bobbing his head to the music. Spotting a free spot, Celestia trotted over, plunking down on a pile of the plush ivory white pillows.

“Hiya, my name’s Sweet Escape, what's your’s?” asked the stallion.

“Celestia,” stated the alicorn.

“Haha, so I can see!” he exclaimed. “You do a better job than most, but I don't think she had quite so many scars in the books.”

“If you got as old as her you’d have a few,” Celestia replied.

“True,” he admitted. “Now be aware that it costs two hundred and fifty bits for a half-hour time period. Anyone else may join and tipping is not required, though it is encouraged if you think I did a good job.”

“Sounds good to me,” Celestia declared.

The alicorn pulled out a credit chit and leaned forward, tapping it against the glowing display at the base of the pole dancer’s podium. There was a momentary pause before it flashed green, and beeped in what Celestia hoped was a positive manner.

“Alright, you’re all set and it looks like you even have a complimentary drink on the way,” remarked Sweet Escape.

“Why is that?” Celestia asked nervously.

“Oh, it just seems as though this account has spent over nine hundred bits tonight. It's a part of our promotion for our grand opening,” Sweet Escape explained.

“That makes sense. Carry on,” Celestia dismissed.

“Can do, pretty lady,” Sweet Escape purred.

As the pole dancing stallion began to warm up, Celestia reclined into the pillows, wiggling her butt until she found a perfect spot. Just when she was finally comfortable, a server arrived and lowered their hoof until they revealed a fruity beverage sitting atop it. Celestia took it and with a nod, dismissed the server, who slipped away soundlessly.

“Oh and feel free to adjust the exterior noise levels, air conditioning, and whatnot in the terminal doo hickey,” Sweet Escape remarked, pointing down to the pad that Celestia had tapped her card on a minute earlier.

Celestia leaned forward and found that the noise level was at a fifty percent reduction, which made sense since they were able to talk. She lowered it even further before flicking through the light settings and settling on one where a trio of spotlights focused on the small stage.

“Ooh, I like this one. Makes me feel like I’m on the big stage all over again,” Sweet Escape remarked with a giggle.

“You were an actor?” Celestia inquired.

“Always a dancer,” he replied while mounting the pole and spinning around it. “Before I merely danced as part of a musical. Now I somewhat paradoxically have greater creative freedom.”

Celestia hummed quietly to herself, reclining in the seat and merely observing the show.

It was immediately apparent that Sweet Escape truly was a dancer at heart, as he made sure to work the beat of the song into his routine. The song itself wasn't interesting to the alicorn, as it was a bass-heavy pop song whose lyrics were nearly inaudible. While he moved Celestia couldn't help but size the young, waifish stallion up, her eyes roving rather hungrily across his form.

Starting at the bright pink mop of hair that was his mane. The curly mass of almost uncomfortably pink defied gravity, barely moving as he twisted and leaped. His equally bright teal eyes sparkled with a small hidden joy that Celestia count help but find endearing. His fur was a soft eggshell white, and his tail was cut short, much like his mane. Rounding out his appearance was three small teal stars emblazoned upon his flanks and the similarly colored thong that hugged his curves.

“Say,” Celestia exclaimed. “You wouldn't be able to tell me anything about who owns this place by chance. I admit my sister and I have a bit of a running bet over this place’s sudden appearance and rise to prominence over the local fair.”

Sweet Escape tipped his head backward, back leg extended skyward. “Oh, and what do you have your money on?”

Celestia shrugged. “I’m undecided, though I’ve been leaning towards some kind of corporate attempt to get into the business. Most establishments such as this one have at least some kind of connection to organized crime, but this location is sparkling clean. In more than one way.”

“I suppose that's not too far off,” Sweet Escape deflected.

“I don't want you to get in trouble or anything. I’m just a bit of a gossip I admit,” Celestia muttered, the mare doing her best to look embarrassed.

Sweet Escape giggled. “Well you’re closer than most I’ll give you that, but I don't think it's quite that simple.”

“So you do know something,” Celestia exclaimed, leaning forward.

“I don't know much, but maybe if you come back again sometime my lips may loosen,” Sweet Escape remarked somewhat teasingly.

“I’d love to but money’s a bit short and I was kinda hoping you may be able to tell us more so my sister and I could get a job here,” Celestia awkwardly replied.

“Really? Don't tell me those bulging muscles of yours are used to a pole,” Sweet Escape teased.

“No, that would be my sister. I’m more of a throw people out when they start getting a bit uppity kind of mare myself,” Celestia answered.

“Well, in that case, I could say that-”

“This seat taken?” barked a voice.

Celestia blinked and looked over to find that a large earth pony mare had stepped into the pit. She had the bearing of a shadowrunner, with both forelimbs having been replaced by massive chrome legs far wider than most ponies could achieve naturally. She also had studs, input jacks, and two metal horns grafted unto her skull that made her resemble a ram.

Though she wore a heavy leather jacket that looked like it had seen many fights and scuffles, Celestia could still see her fur. Dark brown, and patchy, it contrasted greatly with what little of her bright red mane remained uncut. Her slightly sickly green eyes betrayed a hidden threat of violence which Celestia couldn't help but be disgusted with.

“No, do go ahead Bull Rush,” Sweet Escape offered.

From the tone of his voice, and the subtle stiffening of his body language Celestia could tell that he had less than pleasant interactions with this mare in the past. And judging from the way that Bull Rush flopped gracelessly into the pillows, and tapped a card against the machine, she didn't care. Forelegs extending in either direction, Bullrush took up as much space as possible in a transparent attempt to intimidate Celestia.

The alicorn was completely unbothered and made a point of smiling politely at the new arrival.

“The more the merrier,” Celestia offered.

“Well, that's great, just great,” Bull Rush declared. “Now why don't you go ahead and give mommy a show. She's had a real hard day.”

Bull Rush then leaned forward and tapped the tip button, though she only tipped the minimal amount the machine would let her.

“Of course,” Sweet Escape replied.

The stallion then mounted the pole once more, ascending slightly before launching into a more elaborate but slightly lethargic routine. Though the athleticism on display was interesting, Celestia felt her gaze drawn over to the new arrival. Who wasn't even looking at the dancer, but rather Celestia herself, a glare on the two-horned earth pony’s face.

“May I help you?” Celestia asked.

“I’m just wondering why you’re still here,” Bull Rush remarked with a shrug. “I’m trying to unwind after a long day with a dear friend of mine, but then there’s you.”

“I wasn't aware that I was no longer allowed to be here,” Celestia replied, her tongue filled with fake ignorance. “Sweet Escape, you wouldn't happen to be kicking me out, are you? I thought I still had a few more minutes.”

“You still have twelve more minutes, ma’am,” Sweet Escape exclaimed.

“Oh, but it would be real nice of you if you left early. After all, I would really like to catch up with him in a more private setting,” Bull Rush stressed.

“I think I’m going to wait out the last of my time if you don't mind,” Celestia dismissed.

Bull Rush scowled. “Come on lady, fuck off already.”

“Why would I do that?” Celestia inquired, glancing about dramatically. “I didn't think I was being kicked out.”

“You’d leave because of what would happen if you didn't,” Bull Rush pressed.

“And what would that be?” Celestia replied.

“Bull Rush I don't think-” Sweet Escape began.

“Shut it, slut,” Bull Rush interrupted, standing up in the pit and glaring down at Celestia. “This is between me and the moron who’s never heard of me.”

Celestia stood up as well, though she didn't rise quickly, making a show of the fact that she wasn't intimidated.

“I’ve heard of plenty of muscle-headed fools in my day you’ll have to do more to differentiate yourself from the rest of the rabble,” Celestia shot back with a smirk

“That's it. I’m gonna force-feed you those pretty white teeth of yours!” Bull Rush shouted.

The earth pony cocked back a mechanical hoof and attempted to punch Celestia in the head with the metal limb. The cold unyielding steel did not meet Celestia’s soft face however, rather it impacted the alicorn’s iron-like hoof. The two mares pressed their hooves against one another, one with a grin on her face, the other with a startled, confused expression.

“What, how did you do that?” muttered Bull Rush.

“You need not replace your limbs in order to turn your body into a weapon,” Celestia answered.

Bull Rush didn't manage a retort before Celestia launched a punch of her own, striking the other pony in the chin. Knocked to the ground, Bull Rush hastily got back up and tried to take another swing, only to miss by a wide margin. Avoiding the clumsy attack, Celestia stepped into her opponent’s guard and hit the other mare square in the nose.

The augmented mare saw red, and charged a second time, this time with her head down, and her artificial horns leading the way. With a furious scream of anger on her lips, she attempted to gore Celestia but hit the same thing she had last time. That being air, as Celestia had already leaped to the side, avoiding the clumsy ramming attempt with ease.

Still mid-dodge, Celestia twisted her body and struck the other pony in the back of the head with a resounding crack. Bull Rush immediately hit the ground, her body going limp and skidding across the floor for several feet. She came to rest at the booted feet of an irritated-looking bouncer that was glaring out from under his ornamental helmet.

“I’m going to have to ask you to leave ma’am,” he declared in a stern, no-nonsense tone of voice.

“Wait, she didn't do anything wrong,” Sweet Escape interjected.

“We saw it all on the cameras. Though she is only defending herself fighting is still against the rules,” He retorted.

“Don't worry about it, dear,” Celestia exclaimed. “I was on my way out anyway. Oh, and I had a lovely time. You are quite a skilled dancer you know. I would have loved to see you on the big stage.”

“I, um… thank you,” Sweet Escape muttered.

“Ma’am,” interrupted the guard.

“Of course, lead the way,” Celestia offered.

The bouncer nodded and did just that, stepping over an unconscious Bull Rush who was still laying sprawled out on the ground. More security guards were appearing from seemingly nowhere, and moving to where the fight had just taken place.

Celestia followed after the bouncer quietly and without complaint, her mind wandering while her hooves stayed straight. A few creatures glanced her way as she passed, but most weren't even aware of what had just happened due to how quick it had been. Celestia didn't care one way or the other and merely perked up as they entered the bar, her mind going to Luna. When she didn't see hide nor hair of the blue mare she began to wonder what had happened to her, but she brushed those thoughts aside.

Stepping outside, Celestia diligently followed after the guard until he had left the club premises entirely. There he stopped, turned around, and looked up at Celestia with an unreadable expression.

“Management thanks you for your assistance, though you will still temporarily be banned from the premises for the next twenty-four hours,” he announced.

“Understandable. I do hope Sweet Escape is alright,” Celestia replied.

“I am sure he is just fine,” stated the guard before he trotted hastily away.

Leaving Celestia to stand there in the alley, watching as various creatures filtered in and out of the club.

“I guess I should find Luna,” Celestia muttered to herself.

The alicorn dug a hoof into her dress pocket and produced a small antiquated phone. After hitting the button labeled ‘dearest sister’ the device began to ring. A muffled corresponding ring then came from somewhere nearby, prompting Celestia to spin around in place.

“Luna where are…” Celestia frowned.

Clicking end on the call, Celestia trotted over to a pile of garbage at the edge of a nearby alleyway. She then reached a hoof into the mass and pulled out a slightly dazed blue alicorn.

“Huh, what? Oh hey Tia, what's happening, dude?” Luan exclaimed happily.

“I’m just wondering why you were lying in a pile of garbage,” Celestia countered.

“What?” Luna muttered, glancing down. “Oh uh, just takin a breather ya know? Gotta pace yourself.”

Celestia’s glare increased in intensity, making Luna wince.

“Okay so maybe I ran out of money and maybe I made a bit of a scene but can you blame me, I was robbed!” Luna exclaimed, throwing up her hooves.

“You were not robbed. I just used the money,” Celestia countered.

“On what… you don't drink more than like one an hour,” Luna declared.

Seeing that her sister had sobered up ever so slightly, Celestia dropped Luna to her own four hooves.

“A dance,” Celestia answered. “And it would have been a wise investment had some bull-headed moron not interrupted my information gathering.”

“Hah. So you got nothing,” Luna accused.

Celestia scowled. “It would seem so.”

“So uh,” Luna paused to remove a banana peel from her shoulder and toss it aside. “What now?”

“I don't know,” Celestia admitted. “That was our only real lead and we can up pretty empty-handed. If we had a larger advance we may be able to go back on another casing mission but I’m not sure if that would even be worth the effort.”

“Fuck it,” Luna declared. “Let's grab a nice bottle from the Silver Still and drink til we forget this ever happened.”

“Augh Luna would you…” Celestia paused, raising a hoof. “One moment.”

Celestia turned around in order to face where the sound of pounding hooves was coming from. Not heavy enough to be from Bull Rush, Celestia wondered if one of the guards had forgotten something. Only for a familiar face to appear, only this time he was wearing a bright pink puffy coat.

“Oh good you’re still here,” Sweet Escape exclaimed.

“That we are. Did I forget something?” Celestia asked.

“No, nothing like that,” Sweet Escape hastily replied. “I just wanted to give you this.”

The male extended a hoof, offering up a small silver card that bore no writing or visible marking.

“What is it?” Celestia inquired curiously, turning the bit of metal around curiously.

“It's an invite,” Sweet Escape explained. “The boss saw what went down, and wanted to give you the chance to interview for a job. Plus if your sister wanted she could try out for a dancer.”

“What?” Luna muttered.

“We appreciate that,” Celestia declared. “Seriously. This would help immensely.”

Sweet Escape smiled. “Just come around back in two days at about two in the afternoon. Someone will be waiting for you.”

“Thank you kindly. You won't regret this,” Celestia proclaimed.

“I sure hope not. The boss seemed really intrigued by you two, though one more than the other,” Sweet Escape replied with a smirk.

“Hey, what's that supposed to mean?” Luna demanded.

Celestia stepped in front of her sister. “What she meant to say was that she thanks you for the opportunity and we will see you then.”

“Great, I look forward to working with you!” Sweet Escape offered, stepping back and giving the pair a wave.

“The feeling is mutual,” Celestia stated.

“Hey, you wouldn't happen to actually be a stallion by chance, are you?” Sweet Escape asked.

Celestia blinked. “Um, no. Why?”

Sweet Escape sighed in disappointment. “No reason, good night.”

He then trotted off, leaving a confused Celestia and a grinning Luna behind.

“I don't understand,” Celestia murmured.

“He wanted to bone you, or more accurately he wanted you to bone him, but it turns out you don't have a bone,” Luna interpreted.

“What are you… oh,” Celestia chuckled. “He's not my type anyway.”

“Oh you’d totally take him for a spin,” Luna countered.

The pair began to walk down the alley together, one stumbling the other sure-footed and confident.

“Absolutely,” Celestia admitted. “A fling as they say is one thing, but you know my parameters for a partner.”

“Ahh yes, your immortal fetish. I remember,” Luna muttered.

“It is not a fetish,” Celestia hissed.

Luna rolled her eyes. “Whatever. I’m getting too sober for this shit. Let's just go home.”

“Finally,” Celestia murmured. “Something we agree on.”

Author's Note

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