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"Hey, Boss! You sure that prissy mare's not blowing us off or sumthin'?" A stocky earth pony, clad in a yellow blazer jacket that paired with his mane spoke out, standing beside two other stallions as the three of them watched their boss pull out his small firearm, twirling it on a finger as he gave them a smirk.

"She's not the type to leave her sister in a rut, especially since she reached out to me out of everyone she knows for help, so you can count on her showing." The man answered, his silk-like voice calming the nerves of the questioning stallion for the moment as he put his revolver back inside his grey suit, stashing it in a pocket withen. The man had made sure to dress up for this, as the mare arriving was quite serious when it came to both her looks and the looks of those around her. From polished brown dress shoes and matching grey gloves on his hands and even a newly bought blue tie around his neck! It had been a long time since he had splurged on an outfit, and the man had to admit he had dressed to impress.

Though considering the situation, the man wondered if his guest would even notice any of effort?

"Obadiah! There you are, darling!" A shrill voice called out as an alabaster unicorn crossed the street with a wave. "Oh, I am so glad you answered my letter, I was worried you would be too busy to help!"

Coming to a stop in front of the man, it was clear to Obadiah that the mare had been crying recently, as there was no trace of the usual makeup on her face, nor any sort of real effort done to her hair beside the usual fancy curls.

"You caught me at a good time when you sent the letter, and even if I had been busy I'm not gonna blow off a request from you, Rarity." Obadiah stated, smiling down at the unicorn before him for a second before his face went serious. "Besides, if your sister is in trouble then that's reason enough for me to get involved, I owe you two a lot after all that's happened."

Looking up at her friend, Rarity felt a twinge of sadness looking into his eyes. When Obadiah had first arrived in Equestria it hadn't been by choice, but rather a time and space reaction due to TWilight and Starlights little fiasco several months ago (or that's what Twilight had explained anyway, after doing some research into Obadiah's homeworld). The poor thing had looked so scared back then, and Rarity had demanded that he stay at her place until he could get back on his feet.

Now though? The scared, suffering man was gone, and in his place was someone who seemed to be doing well for himself...though considering what had happened back in ponyville it's probably a good thing for reasons other than job opportunities that he had moved to the city.

"Indeed. You've no doubt seen the news coverage about the school trip three days ago? Cheerilee had barely gotten the students off the train when the poor mare was mugged by some masked ruffians." Rarity started explaining, her voice wavering at times as she caught the man up on what had happened. "While she tried to defend herself, the fiends forced her to submit by taking a couple of the foals hostage...including my dear Sweetiebelle!"

Grabbing Obadiahs leg, the mare begun to cry, much to the amusement of the stallions behind the man, who had begun to quietly laugh among themselves, though a quick glare from obadiah had silenced their jeers before Rarity took any notice of them.

"I'm surprised you Elements haven't found her already, unless there's something stopping you from doing so?" Obadiah asked, patting the mares head twice as Rarity released the man from her hold.

"The girls and I have scoured this city multiple times, but Twilight is convinced that whoever was involved with the kidnapping has been moving locations, as every time we think we have a lead they seem to be gone before either us or the guard get there."

Nodding, the man rubs his chin with a thumb, peeling it back slowly as the stubble on his face crackle across the tip of his hand.

"So, you want the help of someone that knows these streets well? Why not take it to the princess then? This IS her home turf after all."

Rarity frowned and shook her head, looking downwards for a second before glancing up at him once more.

"We have, and Princess Celestia has her guards patrolling the streets for any signs of where the foals are." Almost like magic, a group of five or so guards came around the corner. As they marched past, they slowed down slightly to check in on the group of citizens standing around on the street, but moved on quickly after noticing the Element Bearer among the group.

"i can see that...though I should let you know that those guards won't find anything." Obadiah stated, watching the guards turn the next corner before returning his gaze to Rarity, who seemed perplexed by what he had said. "Your sister was most likely taken for ransom by a gang around here, and regardless of how many guards they hire simply waling around in the open won't find wherever she's been hidden."

Pursing her lips, Rarity took a moment to digest the mans words as she looked around the street, noticing just how many alleyways and little nooks were on this street alone.

"Ah, I see what you mean, Darling. The perpetrators could be down any of these alleys, and who knows how many of these buildings have basements or attics or little spots to hide the little ones!" Returning her gaze back to Obadiah, Rarity sniffled before her gaze hardened. 'That's why I came to you about this. Twilight and the others may not be comfortable seeking your aid, but it's my sister whos been kidnapped, not theirs, and I refuse to not expend every option in getting her back."

Glancing behind the man, Rarity took a brief moment to look over the entourage that had accompanied her friend. The three stallions all had similar features, and the only differince between them was the colors of their blazers and their manes.

"Which brings me to my request once more. I've heard from the girls that you've been getting involved with the underground life in Canterlot, and while I usually don't put stock in such rumors about my friends I'm at the point where I'll take any help I can get and if said rumors are true then your bound to know something that the guard doesn't."

Looking Rarity in her eyes, Obadiah watched her for a long time before turning away from the mare, motioning for her to follow him.

"Well, in that case it wouldn't hurt to get to somewhere a little more comfortable. We can discuss things at my place." Waiting for Rarity to come up beside him, Obadiah snapped his fingers as he watched his companions react.

The trio of stallions moved quickly, the yellow maned earth pony taking the right side of the duo while his green colored twin took the left. The third and faster of the trio had already taken the rear guard, his blue mane fluttering slighty due to the fast action.

Noticing Raritys shocked expression at being guarded from all sides all of a sudden, Obadiah placed a hand on his friends withers, waiting for her to calm down before removing the hand from her delicately brushed fur.

"With everything going on lately, it never hurts to have an escort." He remarked as they moved through the quiet streets, the roads rather brightly lit thanks to the full moon above, something Obadiah was secretly thankful for as it made the whole situation seem less shady on his part. Wouldn't want to scare one of the few ponies he trusted with a simple show of security, after all.

"Darling, you have your own escort? I thought they were simply friends of yours!" Rarity exclaimed, a small smile appearing on her lips as she trotted beside the surprisingly fast-walking man, forcing the mare to put in some effort to stay by his side. "What sort of business do you run to have that type of money to throw around.

"Well, I saved up money doing odd jobs and bought an empty lot near the center of the city, then with help of a favor from the princess had a casino built within the following month." Obadiah informed the mare, pulling a sky blue poker chip from his pocket and flipping it like a coin. "Business was slow at first, but once I attached a bar and grill we got customers of all types coming in droves during the evening and night."

It had taken most of his months in Canterlot to get it all sorted out. Between getting connections with the griffons in Canterlot to hire a few high quality chefs and persuading a few barkeepers and baristas from rival shops to seek new employment at his place. But it had all worked out, and in the past few months alone Obadiah was raking in bits by the millions compared to the competition. It had become so good the man was receiving letters from the nobility about possibly joining their ranks...though Obadiah would admit the idea of parading around with the nobles of canterlot wasn't high on his to do list at the moment.

"Darling, that's wonderful! While I can admit such establishments are outside my tastes I'm glad to hear your doing so well in the city!" Rarity happily exclaimed as they crossed an empty road and turned a corner, where the man could see the faint glow of a neon sign in distance.

"Thanks, it's been a lot of work, but it'll all be worth it in the end." Obadiah responded, a smile on his face at the praise as they came to a stop in front of a building that was almost bright enough to light up the entire street. "Welcome, my friend, to the Queen of Hearts!"

Looking up at the building, Rarity was blown away by how much the building stood out compared to its darker neighbors. The casino was about three stories tall, and had several entrances across a length of what was almost four houses worth of space. On the front of the building stood a large neon sign quoting the title "Queen of Hearts" in red, with an oddly familiar looking crown sitting on the Q and different playing cards of the heart suite behind a few of the letters. there were also different lights set up in different spots along the building with random details like money signs and even (to Raritys shock) an image of a lit up changeling barista beside the sign winking at the passerby, who for the most part were either entering or exiting the building with varied expressions of joy or sorrow.

Looking to the man beside her, Rarity couldn't decide whether to be in awe of Obadiahs rather large casino or in shock of how he managed to get this all together in less than a year.

Seeing Rarity's shock, Obadiah let out a laugh as he snapped his fingers once more.

"Tweedee and Tweedum, go to the usual patrons and see if they have an idea on which group is responisble for the kidnapping." The man barked as the blue and yellow maned stallions nodded and galloped away. Obadiah then turned his gaze to the green colored guard who was left. "Tweed'oh, go inside and let jitterbug know I'm back and will be in need of her assistance."

Giving the man a salute, the stallion rushed into the building, cutting past the crowd around the main entrance and barreling through the double doors.

Extending his hand, Obadiah bowed as the doors the stallion had went though slowly opened once more, this time by two griffon security guards.

"Shall we, m'lady?" Obadiah cheesed a smile as Rarity couldn't help but giggle at his antics.

"Oh stop it you." She responded, but took his hand anyway and let him guide her into the building, where Rarity was greeted with the site of hundreds of ponies lining up at multitudes of slot machines, casino tables, and even a dancing arena off to the side had quite the crowd. "Darling, this place is so big!"

"As I sais, the princess owed me a huge favor. Many of the architectural designs are from the ponies that work directly under her, so their of the highest quality." Obadiah explained, his hand motioning to several chandeliers, pillars, and even floor designs with orange white coloring. "One of our biggest dice tables is based on her highness, called the Celestial Craps. It has a rough turnout of over a thouasand betters a day due to the high risk to reward style of the table."

Rarity couldn't help but frown at the name of the table, especially considering its namesake, thugh she'd never openly admit on some level the name was silly.

"Darling does she know that you named it that, or are you just hoping she never visits this establishment to check?"

Shaking his head, Obadiah pointed back to the dance floor.

"I'm pretty sure she knows, considering her sister frequents this place." Obadiah stated with a laugh, and sure enough as Rarity looked at the center of the crowd she could see Princess Luna in the dead center of the dance floor having the time of her life partying with several of her guards, with one very lucky guard being the focus of her rather...unprincessly style of dancing.

"Well, that's certainly...something." Rarity uttered, completely at a loss thanks to the site of one of the nations most important ponies flaunting their assets like that. Though she couldn't blame the princess for wanting a night or two to herself. Being a royal was much more difficult than it looked, as Rarity was learning by watching Twilight have to learn ow to be one.

And to think Rarity had once dreamed of becoming one! She was perfectly happy with her current life thank you very much!

"But, that's not why we are here. I'll lead us to the administration floor where my office is, we can talk there." Obadiah said, bringing Rarity out of her thoughts as he guided her to a swirling staircase, pushing past a few drunken stragglers or staff as they went past the second floor and to the third.

"Darling, if you don't mind me asking what's on the second floor?" rarity questioned, noticing the words V.I.P in big neon letters on the entrances inside the closed off section. Stopping mid-flight, Obadiah sighed and turned his gaze back to the unicorn holding his gloved hand.

"The V.I.P room is for those seeking either stress relief or therapeutic cuddles with our changeling staff. Since they feed on love, several of them offered to do the job for the paying and willing customer who needed a bit more in their life at the moment." Obadiah explained, watching with amusement as Rarity's face lit up like a tomato for a moment as she digested the information.

"I-I wasn't aware you were running that sort of business here, Obadiah." She whispered for some reason, her eyes narrowing slightly at the man who brushed off her stares with a wave of his hand.

"You act like I'm making people commit crimes or something! Anyone who goes to that floor pays for it beforehand, and we even have a blacklist for ponies who are a bit too aggressive for our workers likings in order to keep both parties safe and happy." Obadiah said as straightened his tie out, loosening it somewhat to keep neck chafing to a minimum. "And besides, who are you to tell ponies how to enjoy their lifes? Last I checked your one of their national heros, not their mother."

Keeping her eyes on Obadiah for a while, Rarity eventually sighed and shook her head.

"Your right. While I don't agree with it if there was any issues with what your doing the place would've been shut down by now or would be a massive scandel among the cityfolk." Rarity backed off as they continued to ascend to the third floor, which had the words STAFF written on the doors.

"It's fine, Rarity. I don't expect you to understand everything I do, just as long as you don't get the wrong ideas about why I do it." Obadiah told her as they moved past door after door of workers and ponies monitering the games below, all the way until they reach an opening that lead to a rather big room. "And here we are, the office of yours truly!"

Walking in behind Obadiah, Rarity knew instantly the decor of this place was much more her style. The floor and roof followed the same marble white coloring, but the walls were a pretty sky blue that contrasted to the warm glow of the rather massive fireplace in the back of the room. The entirety of the office consisted of rows of filing cabinets along the walls, with several pictures framed up above them that showed the multiple phases the property had went through until completion, including a picture of princess Celestia and Obadiah cutting a large red ribbon on opening day, both of them wearing big smiles as ponies, griffons and even some changelings are seen in the background.

Looking back to the fireplace, there was a polished birch desk standing proud with one of those fancier chairs behind it, along with a couple of smaller but equally fancy chairs in front of the desk. Said desk also appeared to be rather well kept, with only a couple of papers listing profit gains spread across it.

Sitting behind the desk in his big chair, it was then that Rarity finally noticed the rather large stained glass window behind him, which much like the ones in the castle about the elements depicted the planet with a rather large money symbol marked on it.

Sitting down in front of Obadiah, Rarity went to speak when another pony teleported in beside the man. Said newcomer was dressed in a red velvet colored dress that clung tightly to her body and went down to her hooves. Though what was threw Rarity off the most was the bug wings and eyes, as the mare quickly realized it was a changeling before her, eliciting a gasp from the mare as she shot up quickly.

Noticing her horn begin to glow, Obadiah raised a hand to stop her from blasting his employee.

"Hold up, Rarity. As I've said before, changelings work here. I know you and the others don't have the best experiences with them, but the princess put me in charge of helping the good ones merge into society." Obadiah told her, motioning to the fancy changeling beside him. "Remember that favor I've been mentioning? this is what got me it. If I could help this species be well received then I could ask for anything I wanted, and sure enough a casino where ponies would be able to look past the...past and see changelings in a new light was just the right thing for the job."

Purple eyes blinked at Rarity before the changeling cleared her throat, throwing a side-eye at Obadiah before speaking up.

"Don't let the boss take too much credit. The main reason we're trying to assimilate into society is to no longer starve ourselves. That, and we realized how dumb it was to fight our own source of food when the old queen was bested a few years back by your kind."

Surprised by the rather eloquent voice, Rarity was able to calm down for what seemed like the hundreth time today as she looked from Obadiah to his business associate.

"If the princesses believe it's safe then I'll trust both you and them.' Rarity replied, fluffing her hair for a second before returning her gaze to Obadiah. "Besides, I'm in no place to be picky right now, my sister could be anywhere and I need to find her before something bad happens to her."

Folding his hands, Obadiah leaned in slightly as he gave a soft smile to the worrid mare before him. He hadn't been expecting Rarity to take the news about the changelings so well, but that meant they could move things along a bit faster than expected.

Good. The sooner we handle this Sweetiebelle fiasco the sooner the better. I don't need anymore distractions if I'm going to be able to expand my foothold in this industry.

Author's Note

Ay! if ya made it this far thanks for reading! Due to a massive brain fart with Hollow, I'm using this story to get the gears turning, especially since this has multiple chapters pre-planned already!

As with those who know me by now, if you see any errors or simply wish to comment, then go right ahead! I love nothing more than interacting with yall and answering non-spoiler based questions! (if it is, I'll just say so lol. Dont be worried about not asking a question.)