Gangs of Manehattan

Chapters

1 In the wrong part of town...
2 The Club
3 After hours
4 Pleasing the landlord
5 Saturday at the precinct
6 The Private Security Contractor, the Banker, the Politician and the Businesspony
7 One week later
8 Sister gone astray
9 A dragon's reward
10 Filthy Gala
11 Tested Loyalty
12 Small progressions and other things
13 Precinct at the club
14 Bars
15 Club trouble
16 Meeting with the DA
17 Arson
18 Nightmare Night
19 The Changeling Queen
20 Reuniting the family
21 Revelations

1 In the wrong part of town...

A pink-maned yellow pegasus mare walked down a street in Manehattan. It was a part of the city that she usually wouldn't be seen in, with many houses looking more or less run down and ponies, griffons and dragons of questionable appearance loitering around. She wore a black goth-inspired outfit, though without make-up, a white shirt underneath underneath a black top, with a blueish-white glass gem on a black collar around her neck and a black skirt down to her knees with a frontal slit. A slight chill was in the air and she rubbed her shoulders, cursing herself that she should've worn something warmer. Maybe one of her usual jumpers. Or a jacket at least!

She had bought the ensemble on a whim a while ago but never worn and actually contemplated to sell it to a second hand store without ever having worn it, and she had figured this was as good a chance as any to wear it at least once. Usually, the mare preferred clothes that didn't make her stand out too much, hid her figure from attention.

As she turned a corner, her destination came in sight: An old factory hall, illuminated by spotlights in varying colours. Red neon letters spelled a name on the front of the building. “Who names his club after Equestria's most infamous high-security prison?” She wondered once more, as she played with an object in her right hand.

The letters spelled “Tartarus”, and as far as Fluttershy had heard, it had become one of the most popular clubs in Manehattan, despite a seedy appearance in an even seedier part of Manehattan. Or maybe, because of that!

According to what she had heard and read, socialites mixed rather freely with ponies and others they'd usually not be found dead to hang around with. Motivated and inspired by the general atmosphere, a pretty good bar for multiple levels of income, a pretty good DJ and some stage shows... and probably drugs sold by the house and their use, according to the rumors alluded to in some of the reports she had read, though none could be proven yet. Who knew? Maybe she could find something out!

Walking towards the club, she still wondered how she'd gotten herself into this situation to begin with...

Two weeks ago

Fluttershy was on a stroll after work. Finally, she had filled out and sent in her application for K9 training! It would probably take ages for it to be processed and even longer for her to get her acceptance, but it was a start! She had had just barely finished police academy, mainly thanks to the help of her friend, Rainbow Dash. To join the MPD had been her friends long standing dream and, somehow, Fluttershy herself had gotten caught up in it. She'd never been a top performer in most areas, unlike Rainbow Dash, the sporty, confident tomboy, though when sufficiently motivated she'd actually been one of the fastest runners and fliers! But her lack of confidence often caused her to score near to, or among, the bottom row in many things.

However, she'd been remarkable at calming down others, making them feel relaxed, once she'd gotten over her shyness! And even at getting them to feel so comfy that they'd let stuff slip they didn't want to say! Then, Fluttershy had also been great at getting emotionally distressed ponies to calm down, even in tense situation! It even expanded to animals, so when they needed to deal with animals, Fluttershy was the mare they called over. Some of the experienced handlers looked flabbergasted when she tamed dogs that they wouldn't dare get close without three protective layers, just by being herself!

Normally, a pony with her grades probably wouldn't have made the cut, unless there was a need for more officers, but her ability to deal with these things caused them to have her pass and hiring her anyway, though she got mainly paired up with her friend Rainbow Dash, the star of that graduation, and her friend Gilda, a griffon. There'd also been a mare with a southern accent in their year, though she couldn't remember her name, who, for a while, rivaled Rainbow Dash, but she had dropped out after a while, citing family issues.

All three of them ended up at the same precinct, headed by Captain Spitfire. At first, Fluttershy had been deployed just like any other regular academy graduate, but they soon realized that, aside of some patrolling every now and then, she was best suited for work at the precinct. Better for both sides, Fluttershy herself and the department. And when she was sent out, mainly with Rainbow Dash, who racked up a good number of accolades, and a slightly smaller stack of reprimands for recklessness, in short time.

Sometime ago, one of her colleagues had suggested that she should try to apply for the K9 unit, since she was so good with animals. Any time they needed help with an animal, they called her and so she'd figured that, maybe, it'd make sense to swap to training and care for the police dogs instead. She'd probably still be called to help with other stuff, and until the Manehattan bureaucracy did its work, it'd probably take a few months at least. Mayor Celestia did a lot of good work over the years, but some red tape the previous mayors had left, she still hadn't been able to get rid off.

However, the work she and her sister, deputy-mayor Luna, had put into improving the Manehatten Police Department certainly had been a step into the right direction! For years it'd been considered quite corrupt. Not the worst in Equestria, but certainly bad enough. One of Celestia's first actions after her first re-election had been to fire the long running police chief Wind Rider, who'd also been Spitfire's predecessor at one of the most important precincts in the city. Wind Rider had abused his position for personal gain and more and rumours had it that, had Spitfire not have had an astounding track record, he'd have quickly replaced her with one of his stooges.

In the end, with Celestia at the helm, Wind Rider had found himself replaced with a choice that caused some murmuring about nepotism, since the new choice had dating her niece, Cadance, at the time. By now they were married. However, Shining Armor's work as new police chief silenced those complaints. He had served in the military and afterwards in the police departments of Fillydelphia and Canterlot and as such had been quite qualified anyway.

The efficiency and public standing of the police had improved rapidly, but it was well known that Wind Rider nursed a grudge. After having been driven out of the police, he had started a private security firm, mainly hired by one of the richest corporations in the whole country: Umbrum Enterprises, and its most major asset, Umbrum Industries. And their founder and chairmen, Sombra, was known to have supported Celestia's competitors, mainly a stallion named Svengallop who'd been running against her at every election.

Fluttershy was anything but a violent pony, but even she thought that, if she was left alone in a room with Svengallop for more than five minutes, without anypony else, she'd beat the stuffing out of him. He always looked at and talked to others as if they were beneath him, and a waste of his time. Unless they were rich and powerful of course! Or, maybe, when he was trying to garner votes. And adding to this, he was a slimy sycophant! Despite all of that, he usually ranked reasonably high in the poll numbers and it's been speculated that the main reason Celestia had won her first election had been because of a tragic car accident she'd been in, garnering her sympathy points. At least, that's what Svengallop liked to say.

There'd been accusations that he'd orchestrated the accident, but Svengallop naturally always denied those, usually telling anypony asking, “I am offended that you even think I would do something like that! Also, I am not stupid. Without the car accident, I'd have won by a landslide! Orchestrating this accident would've been the most stupid thing I could've done! If she survived, as she did, she could ride on a wave of sympathy, especially if she'd been heavily injured and recovered! If Celestia had been put out of action for a while, or died, then her sister would've gained the sympathy and would've been gone on about how she was doing it for her sister!”

As all of this went through Fluttershy's head, she didn't notice how her surroundings changed, the skyscrapers of the inner city making way for smaller buildings, which slowly started to look like in worse and worse shape.

Suddenly, Fluttershy heard a cry. “Help! Help!” Her head spun around, scanning the area. A green dragon, some ponies, some more ponies, a griffon, another dragon... then she saw two ponies, a stallion and a mare, threatening “Shut up and hand over that purse!”

“Now... no stupid movements, please!”

“Hey, what do you think?” The mare asked her friend. “She ain't too bad of a looker, is she?”

“Heh... you're right... You havin' the same thought?”

Instinct, and the knowledge that she just had to help, kicked in. “Hey! YOU TWO! STOP!”

The green-and-purple dragon watched it, slowly shook his head. There always had to be somepony who played the hero. It wasn't like he liked those idiots or what they did, few in the area did, but for most folks it would've been more trouble than it was worth to get rid of them.

The two ponies laughed dismissively. It wasn't the first time some idiot tried to play the hero. However, what happened next caused them to choke on their laughs.

Fluttershy pulled out a small leather envelope, which she flipped open. A little badge sparkled in the sun and she shouted. The eyes of the two widened as they stared at it, when the pegasus shouted, “MPD! STOP!”

For a moment, the two criminals stared at each other, then the mare broke the silence. “A cop?! Shit!!”

“Let's run!” Her friend cried out as he was already turning away as he tore the mare's purse out of her hands.

Well, with that everything should've been finished, the dragon thought. Until he saw how the pegasus hurried after the two... into a warren of alleys... “Oh, crap!” He shouted, hurrying after them. How stupid was that pony to just rush into back alleys in this part of Manehattan? Alone! In pursuit of two crooks!

Pursuing the two, Fluttershy had a hard time not to lose them, in the warren of paths. Constantly, they turned into another direction. She didn't stop to think about her way back, nor did she wonder why the two didn't just split up, so that one of them was guaranteed to get away. Finally, the two stopped in a dead end. Apparently, they had overshot their next turn.

Fluttershy panted heavily as she came to a halt around ten meters away from then. “So... finally...I... got you!” Taking deep breaths for a few seconds, she calmed herself down, and then told them, “Hands up! You have the right to...”

She was stopped dead in her tracks, as she saw the the two grinning malevolently as she noticed more figures emerging from the shadows of the alleys to the left and right. “Never seen a cop that stupid!” The mare laughed dismissively. “Your on our turf now, you stupid bitch!”

“Hehe, and you won't wanna leave once we're through with you!” One of her newly arrived friends added. It was a snow white hippogriff. A female one, judging by the voice. Aside of her, there was a zebra stallion, a pair of blue stallions that were obviously twins and a griffon.

Fluttershy's head rapidly moved between the three groups, constantly adjusting her body to be ready against one of them. But she knew that, against so many, if she defended against one group, the others would take her unprepared, and she'd never been the best in the self-defence courses. Against one or two, she had thought she had a decent chance, and more opponents would, if they weren't well attuned to each other, usually get into one another's way. But these guys? They looked like they knew what they were doing... Sweat of fear mixed itself into the the sweat that had built up from the chase. The situation looked dire and fluttershy cursed herself for not having called in before she had started the chase.

“Calm down, Fluttershy!” She told herself, “Calm down! You can do this!... But... Can I? What if...”

The griffon and the hippogriff pulled out zip ties and a gag, while the twins pulled out an assortment of pills and powders, and a syringe filled with... something. “Just another pony that disappeared here... nothing big to report about!” The zebra laughed.

“Don't overdo it! All we need for her is to forget anything that happened the last ten minutes ago... and maybe in the next twenty or so...” One of the females told him.

“Oh no you don't!” A voice shouted into the alley. Fluttershy spun around and saw the green dragon she'd seen earlier storming towards her, his boots' heavy steps echoing through the back alley and his open jeans jacket waving behind him.

The group stared at him with utter disbelief in their eyes, apparently knowing him. “What's he doing here?!” The zebra cried out.

The mare who had been one of the attempted robbers meanwhile asked a different question, but the implications didn't register with Fluttershy. “Why's he helping a cop?!”

“OH CRA....” The griffon shouted, but was interrupted by Fluttershy's hoof hitting his face. They had been so distracted by the charging dragon that they had completely forgot about her! Next, she grabbed the hippogriff that had been standing next to her friend and judo tossed her to the ground, just in time to hear how the dragon crashed into others, judging from the direction probably the zebra and the pony twins. A dull thud reached Fluttershy's ears when one of them was thrown to the ground.

She turned around to see what was going on. The dragon was being attacked by four of them, the Zebra lying on the ground and shaking his head. One of the twin stallions tried to inject whatever was in the syringe was into the dragon, but... “THE FUCKING SYRINGE BENT ON HIS SCALES!” His brother shouted.

Fluttershy gave a short look at her own opponents. The griffon was out cold , a good kick with a horse shoe to the face could have that effect, she chuckled grimly, but his partner was about to get up again. She stared at the pegasus in utter shock, having believed that Fluttershy would've been easy prey even for just two of them. Going with her instinct, Fluttershy pulled out a pair of spare cuffs she'd in her back pocket, knocked the hippogriff down again and cuffed her to a dumpster.

As she turned around again, the mare, the zebra and one of the twins were laid out on the ground, but the the other two were getting the dragon into a bit of a tight spot. He held the other twin in a full nelson, but the stallion Fluttershy had chased was punching him into his side with brass knuckles. The pain in the dragon's face was visible. Dragons were tough but that still had to hurt.

Fluttershy charged! She couldn't allow her savior to take any lasting damage because of her own inaction! She hit a running drop kick on the stallion in the full nelson, and the dragon used the momentum to lift the guy up and throw himself backwards, causing the stallion to come down on the back of his head. He was out cold.

“A dragon suplex?!” Fluttershy panted in surprise and disbelief, as the last one stared in disbelief. From his body movements, it was clear what he wanted to do: Attack the pegasus and use her as bargaining chip to get at least himself out of this situation, but the moment he too his first step towards her, he froze. His eyes were fixed on Fluttershy's, or the be more precise, the hard stare that was in them. A glare of such a steely resolve , on a face that was so unlike that stare, that he was frozen in place.

For his inattention, the dragon low blowed him as she was getting back to his feet and the pegasus used the moment when the stallion was bent over, clutching his groin in pain, for a well placed kick against the temple.

The hippogriff, who was angrily rattling her cuffs , aside, all of the gang was unconscious. “Unfortunately, I only had one pair of cuffs with me... but maybe...” She checked the pockets of the hippogriff and found more zip ties. “How nice of them to provide their own cuffs...” She grimly observed as she and the dragon tied the others up, arms and legs. And then, for added measure, tied them together. After they had stripped them of any hidden knifes and such.

Finally, Fluttershy turned to her savior. “Thank you for your help! I don't want to imagine what...” But he just waved her off, in a 'not a big thing' gesture. “What's your name by the way?” She asked him.

“I'm Spike!” He told her and then asked her the same, “And your name is?”

“Fluttershy!” She replied, her voice jumping a bit from the adrenaline still running through her body.

The dragon's nostrils widened as he sniffed the air, when her smell hit his nose. It was a pleasant smell, like a meadow full of flowers, and a hint of forest after rain. “You smell nice!”

“What?!” Fluttershy hadn't expected this. “Uhm... thank you, I guess?”

“Sorry!” He chuckled, “We dragons have a fine sense of smell, so I couldn't help but notice it. Now, Fluttershy, I guess you'll be calling your colleagues... I'd prefer it if you'd leave me out of this. I mean, your word against theirs should be enough, especially if the mare also tells her story!”

“But, why wouldn't you want to testify?” She asked him, confused that one wouldn't want to testify after such an event.

“Too much of a hassle. And I'm not going to stay here long! I got stuff to do!” He tried to wind his way out. And, apparently, it worked. To his own surprise.

She made a short call, turning over for a moment, her hand over the speaker of her phone, and asked him where exactly they were. After her call was over, Fluttershy returned to Spike. “So, two patrol cars should be here in twenty minutes or so, apparently there was an accident which is causing delays. Can you maybe show me how to get back to the street?”

He laughed as he lead her down the alley to their right, from where the twins and the zebra had come, partially to show her the way, but also to get themselves out of sight and hearing range to the those goons. “Yeah, this is a bit of a labyrinth, ain't it? Right-right-left-left-right and you're back at the street from which you started!”

“They really led myself around by the sound of that!” She chuckled herself, somewhat exasperated at having been led around like that. “Would you mind waiting with me at least for a while? I'd feel safer that way...”

“No problem! Know what? I'll stay with you until the sirens are nearby, but then I'm gone!” The dragon told her as he pulled a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket.

She looked at him, asking the the obvious, "You smoke?"

"Sometimes,” He answered, before adding, “Rarely.”

Fluttershy gave him a disapproving look. "You know that smoking isn't good for you, right?"

Spike snorted "For you ponies maybe. Considering what's going on inside us dragons to allow us to breathe fire, and considering that we can live inside of volcanoes... cigarettes are pretty much harmless to us!"

Then, from his other pocket, he procured a golden zippo with a silver flame engraved on the sides.

"A lighter?” She asked, confused, “Can't you just use your fire breath?"

"Sure I could. But I prefer not to feel like a glorified lighter. It's also a bit safer. Sneeze while you want to light a cig with fire breath, and you might need to repaint a wall or some ponies suffer a sudden loss of fur. Also, a nice zippo has style."

After a minute or two of somewhat awkward silence, Fluttershy again had a question: “How can I thank you for helping me?”

Spike thought for a while before answering. When he did, he shot her a teeth filled grin first. “How about a kiss?

“What?!” The pegasus was shocke.

“A kiss by a cute mare like you would be ample reward for me!” He told her. It should've sounded matter-of-factly, but with the grin, it felt somewhat off.

“I-I-I mean...” The mare blushed, having always been bad at handling advances and compliments in general. “You see... I.... you... I mean...”

Suddenly, Spike pressed his lips against Fluttershy's, blowing the smoke from his mouth into hers. He moved forward, pressing her against the brick wall behind her, his left hand next to her shoulder, his right fixing both of her arms over her head.. At first, she wanted to protest, the sound of her attempted complaints muffled by his lips as his tongue used this as chance to enter her mouth and play with her tongue. It was wrong, and she wanted it to stop! But another voice inside of her spoke up.

It told her, that the kiss felt good! That she, Fluttershy, should allow herself to get intimate, to be wanted! To not always be the cute wallflower, doing the best to hide her looks! Slowly, her eyes closed as she enjoyed this feeling. To be kissed by this dragon in some back alley... It felt... thrilling! And exciting! Then, Fluttershy felt how how his left hand moved over her spine, stopping just above her butt and part of her wanted that he'd continue! Wanted his hand to move down her to her thighs, maybe left her leg up! But then, he broke their kiss. The pegasus felt relieved, but also disappointed.

The dragon laughed a bit “Ehehe... sorry! I just couldn't control myself, you looked too cute!”

As she exhaled, smoke shot out of her nostrils. Her body began to feel... warm. Not unpleasantly so, but in a weird way. It kind of reminded her of heat “It-it... It's alright! You... you only surprised me, that's all!”

Finally, they noticed the blaring sirens, having forgotten about the time that had passed. “I... I'm being expected..." Fluttershy mumbled as Spike was preparing to run. But before she could leave, or he could run he grabbed her hand and pressed something into it.

“Here, take this! Come to the address on it, if you want to have a fun evening!” He shouted to her as he rushed towards the the prisoners, stopping for a moment, apparently to check on them. Fluttershy opened her hand and looked at the object. It was a necklace of some sorts, with a badge on it saying “Club Tartarus”, and an address on the backside. She quickly shoved it into her pocket and hurried on, to lead her colleagues to them.

She told her story, leaving out Spike's interference, the mare told her story, and apparently hadn't noticed Spike or thought him unimportant and, to her surprise, the criminals themselves also left out the dragon!

She'd been reprimanded for her recklessness, and Rainbow Dash didn't let her hear the end of charging into a situation like that without her, but at the same time, having taking out that gang also gained her some newfound respect from her colleagues, having proven that she could handle herself in such a situation after all. The pegasus had breathed a sigh of relief when she heard that they, of course, tried to make themselves look completely innocent, but never once mentioned a dragon!

And, she still wondered why, she never told any of her colleagues about her going to this club, once she decided she'd do so. Gilda, Rainbow Dash and some of the others probably would've demanded to accompany her and Fluttershy had to admit, for some reason she didn't want that...

Fluttershy got torn out her thoughts when she nearly crashed into the back of a pretty long line of creatures, hoping to be allowed in. The wait would take ages! But then, a young, slim, brown stallion in a suit, probably part of the club's security standing at next to her, probably looking out for ponies trying to cut the line, noticed that she was holding something.

He pointed at her right hand, the chain on the badge handing out of her fist. She gave him a confused look, which he replied to by pointing at her hand again and at himself. Now Fluttershy realized that he wanted her to show it to him. Slowly, she raised her arm, slowly, she opened her hand. The stallion took a good look at the badge and then pointed towards the entrance and at a huge, red, broad-shouldered stallion, checking the hopeful entrants.

If she interpreted the gesture correctly, the guy had, just now, told her to skip the line and go to the entrance directly. And, when she walked around the line, he didn't try to stop her. She didn't notice how the brown stallion talked into his earpiece.

Doing her best to ignore the angered murmurs of the line, Fluttershy arrived at the entrance door. The big stallion shot her a stare that nearly made her flinch, but she managed to calm herself down. She showed him what she had in her hand, adding, insecurely, “I-I-I am being e-expected. Kind off...”

The stallion looked at her, then at the badge in her hand. He pointed his thumb behind his back, to indicate her to enter.

2 The Club

Fluttershy stared at the club. She hadn't been in many to begin with, usually only when Rainbow Dash and some other fellow academy students had dragged her with them. But what she saw now left her speechless. The building had looked to her like an old factory hall, and seeing the inside now, it probably must've been one, at some point, but it had been extensively renovated and rebuilt!

There were two levels, as far as she could see: a ground level with a bar, a couple of dance floors, tables, and some somewhat isolated seating areas. She'd just seen a rather cute looking grey griffon girl in what looked like a waiters uniform deliver a tablet of drinks to one of them. Most likely, the toilets also were there. The main dance floor was a large rectangle, easily filling out more than a quarter of the huge hall and positioned so, that Fluttershy, as she entered, was standing at one of the long sides. To her left hand side, a few meters away from the dance floor, there was the bar, run by a mare with a reddish pink coat.

Across of Fluttershy, there was a stage, probably for guest appearances by bands and such. But, right now, some mares were... performing exotic dances on it and she figured that the club probably used it to put on shows to entertain the guests.

To her right there was a small, elevated platform where the DJ mixer was placed. The DJ was somepony Fluttershy actually recognized. At least she had heard of her, and maybe she'd seen her once on the precinct because of some weed that had been found on her: It was DJ Pon-3, one of Manehattan's most popular DJ's! The club must've been going really good if they could hire her!

And then, there was the second floor, apparently. It wasn't a solid ceiling above them! Instead, there were multiple walk ways, dipping down slightly, branching out from the walkways circling around the hall from the old factory days and going from each side of the the room towards a single, large, central platform, held up by four pillars which were placed on each corner of the ground dance floor.

And then, when the first amazement had worn off a bit, partially by one of the new entrants, a young, pink mare and her grey-coated friend, accidentally collided with her. Both sides hastily mumbled "Sorry!".

Only now, Fluttershy's ears began to get accustomed to the music, and what used to be a wall of sound that droned out everything else slowly turned into real beats. It actually wasn't her taste in music, to the surprise of many, she preferred Heavy Metal and related genres, but she couldn't deny that there was something to it.

The air smelled of a mix of sweat, musk and pheromones and even she couldn't deny that it had a bit of an effect on her as she looked around, when suddenly, “You the mare with the badge?” A young, white pegasus with black mane and a suit tore her out of her thoughts. He looked sort of familiar, though she was sure she'd never met him. Maybe she'd seen him on a picture? Maybe in a police file?

“Which badge?” She asked him, genuinly confused due to her surprise..

“What?” Now it was his time to be confused. “The club badge of course! You got any other?”

“No! No!” She hurried, not wanting to tell that she was a cop. The badge in her hand, she held it in front of the pegasus. “Of course not! Here it is!”

“Alright! Please, take the stairs and go to the main office!” He pointed at a pair of old, industrial looking stairs to the right behind her. “Should be easy to find, there'll be a mare with a brown stetson hat standing in front of it.”

As she made her way to the stairs, she was getting hit on by a number of the guests, some even feeling her up a bit. It wasn't only the male ones either! The female ones were just as bad! Luckily, she was able to tear herself free rather easily every time, as if it was more of an offer of an adventure, rather than them wanting to force it. As she closed in on the stairs, those around her stopped paying attention to her, probably realizing she wasn't interested.. yet.

When she had reached the top of the stairs, she looked around again. The top floor certainly had a slightly different feel to it. Most of the sides were taken up by alcoves with comfy looking seating banks and a round table. Except for the side just over the bar. Fluttershy continued to look around and she noticed another pair of doors behind here, and a similar pair on the other side. Toilets, most likely.

Looking at the dance floor, she could see that there really was another bar up here and a greyish blue pegasus mare was running it; but was apparently about to swap with a handsome young stallion with a light gold coat and orange mane. Then, Fluttershy looked up. The hall had a huge skylight, large enough to cover most of the the dance floor! And judging by what she saw, it was probably one of those that could be darkened to block out everything via unicorn magic. But seeing the night sky, pitch black due to the city lights, as you danced up there... must've been nice. Not that many of the dancers cared about it, being more interested in the other creatures they were dancing with. And Fluttershy couldn't blame them. Most of the guests, and staff for that matter, she'd seen were quite attractive, which probably added to the allure of the place.

Now, as Fluttershy walked towards the doors, she wondered who the dragon had been... maybe an employee? Or a regular who was on good terms with the staff? She saw the mare the white pegasus had told her to look out for and walked towards her. She didn't even look at the sign at the door!

The earth pony mare with the hat looked oddly familiar, to her, but she couldn't put her finger on it. Maybe it was just how much her outfit clashed with everything else here. Cowboy boots, jeans, a flannel shirt and the stetson hat. She looked more like she belonged on a farm than in a Manehattan club! And then those muscles... She didn't look like somepony who ran to the gym every evening, but rather like a mare who's body had been steeled by long years of hard work!

Fluttershy showed her the badge and, like the stallion at the door, the mare just pointed at the door, but adding a short “Go in!” The pegasus grabbed the handle, not seeing the mischievous grin on her face.

Taking the gesture and her words as a sign, she opened the door without knocking and stepped in. With a soft, barely audible voice, she said, “Hello? I was...” But when she saw what was going on, she was left her speechless again.

First, she saw a large, dark table, covering two thirds of the room, like for conferences. She saw bundles of bit notes piled up at the end, probably at least a few thousand bits. Then, she saw Spike. He sat on an expensive looking, leather covered revolving chair. And he was getting a blowjob from a dark purple mare. Fluttershy began to blush. Spike turned his head to her as he heard the door close behind her and, greeting her as if nothing out of the ordinary, he welcomed her with a broad smile, “Oh, hello Fluttershy! What a joy to see you! You did take my invitation after all!”

She blushed heavily at what she saw. “Eep!” She squeaked before stammering on, “S-sorry! I didn't want... mean to... she let me in! I mean...”

Spike couldn't help but chuckle at how adorable she looked when she was so flustered. “Now, calm down Fluttershy! There's nothing you should be embarrassed about!”

The mare stopped what she'd been doing, rose to her hooves and turned around. First, her large, exposed breasts caught Fluttershy's attention, but as her gaze drifted upwards, there were a few ring piercings in her ears, and then she noticed something even more curious: The mare was a unicorn, but her horn was broken.

Fluttershy's mind raced. She'd read something about a unicorn mare with a broken horn in some police records... But then her embarrassment took hold again. Spike and his partner could see her blush as her eyes jumped between her tits, his dick and anywhere else, trying to look away.

The dark mare chuckled and told the pegasus with an oddly sensual, playful, but also somewhat rough, serious voice, “Please, calm down! We ain't prudes! It's just sex! Nothing to be ashamed off! Come on! Take a good look at us! And really, you have nothing to be jealous about, with that body of yours!”

“B-but...” The pegasus struggled for words.

Before she could find words however, Spike threw in a reply as well, “Tempest's right, Fluttershy!”

“Wha...” She stammered on.

Spike threw a glance at his friend. “Maybe it'd be best if you'd put your tits away! Maybe that'll help her calm down...” He told her as if it was the most normal thing to say.

“I could say the same for your hard-on, Spike!” She chuckled as she ran a finger over his length.

“True, I guess...” He shrugged as he started to put his dick away.

As their private parts disappeared into their clothes, Fluttershy began to calm down and took a better look at the mare Spike had just called 'Tempest'. Her outfit certainly was unique. Her mane as covered by a black peaked cap, as was part on some dress uniforms. Around her neck, hard to see against her dark fur, was a shiny black choker. Then, she wore a black leather jacket, open to the front, and a very, very short white top with black borders,just barely large enough to contain her large breasts and perfectly showing off her abs. Her hands were covered in fingerless gloves, looking somewhat padded as if to protect her knuckles if she punched something, or someone.

Her pants didn't deserve the name. It was a pair of jeans, cut off to reveal all of her shapely legs. Underneath them, Fluttershy could see a pair of garters make their way down, holding up a pair of greyish-black see-throug thigh highs, ending in a pair of ankle high boots.

The dragon, wearing black sports jacket over a white shirt, dark blue, or even black jeans and dark sneakers, the dim light didn't make it easy to tell which colour, gave Fluttershy a gentle smile and a small bow. “Maybe it is time for me to properly introduce myself?”

Seeing a small nod on the pegasus' part as an answer, he continued, “I'm Spike the Dragon, and I own this club! And this is my oldest friend and long running partner-in-crime and second-in-command: Tempest Shadow!”

Tempest greeted Fluttershy with a short, clipped “Hi!”. The tone wasn't polite, but not completely bereft of warmth.

“Uhm... Hello! I'm Fluttershy!” She introduced herself in a voice that would've been barely audible even without the booming music outside the room. Luckily they catched just enough. “Spike helped me a week ago and told me to visit...”

Tempest couldnt resist, and with a chuckle that was open to interpretation, asked the shy pegasus, “So, this perverted dragon took an interest in you?”

Fluttershy's face turned bright red as she yelped! “What?!”

Spike's gaze hurriedly shot between unicorn and pegasus, waving his arms in a near panicky manner! Tempest quickly that this timid pegasus really wasn't good at handling such stuff and tried to rectify her comment: “Relax, Fluttershy! I'm only joking!”

At first, it didn't work, but as she continued apologizing, Fluttershy slowly calmed down.

Spike took this as his chance! “Want me to show you around? I don't have much to do right now anyway and if you'd like to explore Tartarus properly, it'd be my pleasure to guide you!””

“Uhm... if-if it doesn't inconvenience you?”

“Why would it? I offered it after all!” He told her magnomously! “Tempest? You'll run it while I'm gone, right?”

Tempest nodded, and so Spike began to gently push Fluttershy towards the door.

The pony that stood guard at the door was about to follow them, when Spike told her “That won't be necessary, Applejack!” The mare threw up her arms, shook her head and went back to where she'd stood before.

“One of my bodyguards. She doesn't look like it, but she could mess up stallions two heads taller than her. And then there's her brother, Big Mac! You've probably seen him. That huge stallion who was handling the door?”

“Wow... yes. He looked like he could crush somepony's skull with his bare hands!”

Spike let out a mirthless chuckle and his face darkened a bit, as If this comparison was something he'd prefer not to be brought up. “Ah, he's actually quite the gentle soul, and much smarter than he looks! But don't get him pissed off! Years back, Tempest and I helped him and his sister with something and we became friends. This isn't the safest area and so they ended up working as my bodyguards and bouncers.”

Then, he brightened up again and pointed at the doors on this wall. “A few meeting rooms, dressing room and a break room. There are more downstairs, but we thought it'd make sense to have some up here so that staff could go there faster, and it would reduce the rush to the other facilities once their shift's over of if they need to rest for a moment. Better than having them run through a load of guests because they need to get to the stairs.”

He guided Fluttershy along the wall and around the upper level. “This used to be factory hall, but it'd been abandoned ages ago and when I saw it for the first time, well... I thought it could be pretty cool to repurpose it into a club! The walkway around the walls is still original, though we improved the railings. And with all that height, it felt pretty natural to add another layer. It's mainly frequented by more well-to-do guests, though there isn't really a separation.”

As they walked past the alcoves in the wall, she saw two young mares waving their hands at Spike. It were the two mares that had accidentally run into her earlier. His eyes widened in a happy surprise, “Diamond Tiara! Silver Spoon! How nice to see you two!”

The one that had reacted to being called 'Diamond Tiara' jumped up and returned the greeting! “Hello, Spike!” Her friend quickly followed and they both walked over to him. He gave each of them a warm hug and a kiss to the cheek.

But Fluttershy noticed something about the name of one of the mares. Her eyes widened in realization, “Wait a moment... Diamond Tiara?! The daughter of Filthy Rich?! One of the richest stallions in Manehattan?!”

“Yep!” Tiara nodded.

The pegasus couldn't believe her eyes and ears. “How... how did a mare like you end up coming here?”

Diamond Tiara took a deep breath before she began to explain how she came to Tartarus:"My mom did only a handful of good things to me. Giving birth to me and dragging me to this club being two of them! She brought me here because Tartarus had been called the hot new thing! THE club where you just had to be! Mom went all 'We need to represent our family there! They will be elated to have had such elusive guest such as us, Diamond Tiara!' blablabla...” She laughed, thinking back to that day, “I didn't want to come, but she forced me to. At least I could take Silver Spoon with me,” Tiara shook her head, imagining how the evening would've went without her friend by her side. “Mom hated this place! 'This is far too vulgar for somepony like me!' Blablabla! But for me, and Silver Spoon, it felt liberating! Mixing with others from so many different levels of the social order, the smell, the music, the atmosphere! It was even exciting to when some slightly drunk stallions with looks that would've caused my mom to faint, started to try and get me to... offer sexual favors to them felt!! I felt dirty and I liked it! The fact that mom hated it was only the cherry on top!”

Tiara stepped closer to the dragon, throwing a hand around his middle-section as she began to whisper into his ear, “You know, Spike, Silver Spoon and I would really like to spend some-,” She paused as she ran a finger down his chest, “-quality time with you and the others again! It's been too long we've had some 'fun' with the gang!”

A worried look shot to Fluttershy, but she seemed to have stopped listening at the word 'quality time'. Hastily, he told Tiara: “Please, not now DT! I have a guest!” And in any case, the two weren't-...

Suddenly, and just in time to keep Fluttershy's mind from working on the 'quality time', their attention was diverted when they heard a loud voice. “Hands off!” A moment later, it repeated, “I said: HANDS OFF!” You saw the bouncer at the door? That's my older brother! So hand's off, or I'll tell him!” Spike and Fluttershy saw, how a hand hastily withdrew back into the shadow of the alcove, “Thought so! Here's your drink!” The mare's voice said, without much affection.

The noise had come from a group of three mares in waitress uniforms, symbols on their skirts that probably were their cutie marks, a pegasus, unicorn and earth pony. When they were out of earshot of the drunk, the white unicorn asked her friends, “Did you see the look in that guy's face?”

“Yeah! He looked like he just pissed himself!” The pegasus laughed. Fluttershy noticed how small her wings were. Too small for a pegasus her age... Maybe an illness? When she'd been younger, she'd been ridiculed and bullied because she was afraid of flying, it still wasn't in her top ten of favorite things to do, and her lack of skill at it just added to the insults. She didn't want to begin to imagine what this filly had to go through... But at least it seemed that, if it gnawed on her, she didn't let it show and her friends stuck to her.

Spike opened his mouth to talk to the three, but Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were quicker and greeted them in unison. “Apple Bloom! Scootaloo! Sweetie Belle!”

Judging by the order of their reaction, the Earth Pony was Apple Bloom, the pegasus Scootaloo and the unicorn Sweetie Belle.

“DT? Silver Spoon? Great that you're here tonight!” Apple Bloom called out in happy surprise as they hurried over. “You haven't been here for ages!”

The five shared a hug, and then, the three new arrivals noticed Spike. “Hey, boss!”

“Hey,” he replied, and immediately asked, in a slightly worried tone, “What was going on back there?”

Scootaloo shrugged, stating, as if that was a completely average experience, “Just a drunk customer getting a bit grabby, no biggie!”

“I think,-” Sweetie Belle said, “-Gabby warned us about him.”

“Oh? Who's that?” Scootaloo asked, pointing at Fluttershy.

“That's Fluttershy. I helped her a week ago and invited her to visit the club. Fluttershy, these are Apple Bloom, Applejack's younger sister, and her friends, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle! They call themselves 'The Cutie Mark Crusaders'!”

“Pleased to meet you!” The three called out in unison.

Sweetie Belle intensely started at Fluttershy for a few seconds. “Wow, you're pretty!” She concluded. “Wanna work here?”

Fluttershy was taken aback by the bluntness of the question, and the complinent. “What? No... I... I already have a job!”

“Too bad! I bet you could make good money!” Apple Bloom commented. “I wish we were allowed to do more than just serve drinks and stuff..”

“What do you mean with tha-....” Fluttershy wanted to ask, but got interrupted when the dragon put an arm around her shoulder and gently, but determinedly began to maneuver her past the five other mares and towards the steps.

“Well, Fluttershy and I will get going!” He told them, “You three, take a few minutes to talk to your friends and catch but then, back to work! You can chat later again!”

“Alright!” Was the reply from them all, however, while the five friends' reply was quite chipper and excited, Fluttershy's sounded rather unsure. As they walked away, she kept her head turned to the group and she tried to listen as well as she could.

Continuing where they had left off before, Diamond Tiara explained to the other three, “Yeah, my mom dragged me off to a vacation in Silver Shoals. The place is nice... but having to spend three weeks with her... without any friends, or easy access to any of the good stuff here? Torture!”

Scootaloo then looked at Silver Spoon. “And you? Why didn't you show up?”

“Without Diamond Tiara it just wouldn't have been the same!” She answered the question, also adding, “Also, I did have to take some time to study for school. My parents complained about my grades slipping...”

Apple Bloom laughed as she told them, “You two need to promise us to come over more often again!”

“We will!” Diamond Tiara replied, adding a determined nod to reaffirm it.

“Promise!” Silver Spoon agreed.

Then, the two called out “Bump. Bump. Sugar-lump rump!” And at the final words, they bumped their butts together. Fluttershy giggled, it looked childish, but also made those two look just so cute, and showed that, despite having been brought up in much wealth, underneath all that there were normal ponies. But... she could've sworn that they skirts just had lifted high enough that she could see their cutie marks! Had they no sense of shame? Then again, they were hanging out at a club that had an atmosphere as if it was one aphrodisiac away from a swinger party...

The last she saw was the Crusaders sitting down into the alcove with their friends.

The dragon lead her down the stairs near the stage. Fluttershy stared at the grey pegasus mare dancing on it. She was quite cute, as far as Fluttershy could determine that, and her movements certainly would've been enticing for anypony interested in her, but there was something in them, that felt a bit... clumsy? Then again, maybe that just added for some of the viewers. Suddenly, three poles shot out of the ground and pushed themselves into three holes in the ceiling.

The grey mare grabbed the middle one and... Fluttershy didn't want to watch it, her face turning red again, but somehow, she couldn't look away. There was something... enticing... especially, when she slung her legs around the pole and ended upside down. Her skirt slipped down and her cutie mark was revealed to all in the audience. Seven bubbles.

Spike noticed how Fluttershy stared. "That's Derpy.” He began to explain, “She's great on the stage, but unfortunately a bit of a klutz when trying to serve customers and such, so she's mainly on the stage.” Unless, of course, she's having, or providing a good time. She's such a good fuck... Spike added in his mind, before he continued, “But you wouldn't believe how many tips she gets when she serves drinks! Despite her clumsiness!”

The yellow pegasus listened only partially What she said next was a surprise to Spike, "Considering how crosseyed she looks, I think she might be suffering a form of strabism... maybe she should go to a doctor sometime..."

"Maybe...” He answered Fluttershy uncertainly, before bringing the topic around again. “You know... She's a single mother!”

"What? Really?" Fluttershy was utterly surprised as she heard this. She just couldn't imagine a mother to do... that! And to have such a body as this Derpy, after having given birth!

"Yeah! Sometimes she brings her daughter over before work starts! Most of us have become quite fond of Dinky!” he saw the look on her face. “You think a mare working at a place like this can't make a good mother, do you?” Spike asked her with a surprisingly serious look on his face.

“Well... maybe?” She wasn't proud about it, but she had to admit it was true.

“She might not be perfect as a mother,” Spike admitted. "But then, who is? Spoiled Rich, who can buy her daughter anything she wants, but mainly sees her as a tool to advance her own standing? Now, Filthy Rich I met once, doubt he remembers me, but he seems to be an overall decent pony...” He noticed how he got off track and quickly changed back to the actual topic. “Derpy is doing her best to care for her little filly. And whenever she needs help, we are glad to offer it! We're all basically family here! Sometimes, some of those that have the day off watch over Dinky when she has to work...” his mind went to one rather stressfull night when the little one had ended up in his office for the night. Keeping her from running into the club had been a piece of work... Luckily, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon had shown up and the two ended up being able to keep her with them, with Derpy checking in every once in a while and bringing her a soft drink. “She calls most of us Auntie and Uncle!” he laughed. “Though, Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Gabby are more like older sisters to her!”

“Gabby?” Fluttershy asked, having heard the name a second time this night.

Spike pointed at a blueish grey female griffon that was rushing around with a tray of drinks. “That's Gabby! A real cutie, ain't she?”

However, before Fluttershy could answer, their attention was taken over by something going on next to the stage. A red and yellow unicorn, wearing a leather jacket, a dress similar to her coat and mane in colour, and a pair of black boots with purple embellishments, was discussing something with a light blue unicorn wearing a top hat, cape and stage magician outfit. Those net stockings emphasized her legs pretty well, Fluttershy had to admit. She only heard the blue unicorns reply, however. “Don't worry! The great and powerful Trixie will entertain your guests!”

“So, here's the bar, obviously, and that's the bar tender: Sugar Belle.” Then, he pointed at a door with an 'Employee's Only!' sign right next to the bar. The door to some more dressing rooms, showers, rest rooms, storage rooms, the basement... the usual.” The latter was a bold faced lie, but no reason to tell her the truth just now..

“I am a bit surprised that you employ male waiters. I think, from what I've heard, female ones are far more common in such clubs, if they even have any...” She told him, looking after a handsome, pure white stallion bringing a tablet of drinks to a table of five mares, who immediately hollered at him.

“To be honest, most males working here are primarily employed as bouncers, but some of them, like Diamond here, pull double duty as waiters! We also think it's only fair that our customers who aren't that interested in females have something to look at!” He laughed, “Early on, I sometimes served myself! And I really need to set up another Mare's Night again... you wouldn't believe how many bits they can throw around if Feather Bangs, the stallion currently running the top bar, Flash, Big Mac, sometimes myself, and others get on the stage!”

“Y-you dance as well?” She asked him, sounding confused and surprised again.

“Sometimes, usually only during Mare's Night, which we haven't had in quite a while. We want everyone who comes here to have a good time, after all!” Then, he sighed, “Issue are the idiots who don't read the signs... Bluebell, she ain't here tonight, and Applejack are more than able to handle any idiot, but when Big Mac and other stallions take over entertainment, too many idiots think that Tempest and the others aren't able to handle them and they can be assholes... probably while they complain about the show. Read the signs, you idiots! Maybe I should hire some dragons, aside of myself? The threat of first degree burns usually works no matter the general physical appearance...”

He looked around for a moment. “Well, I guess I showed you everything major, backstage stuff aside. Maybe I'll show that to you some other time. Maybe you'll want a side job to better your income? Sweetie Belle is right. You could make good money here, and we'd take good care of you! Very good care!” As he emphasized 'very', he dragged his finger over her chest between her breast, careful not to touch her breasts.

“Uhm... I-I-I... uh...” the mare stammered, once again.

Spike laughed, “Sorry, I couldn't resist. You look so cute when you're getting flustered! I wouldn't want to keep you from your job of protecting the city! But, maybe, if you ever think you could use some extra money...”

“Well...” She wanted to absolutely decline, knew she should do so! But a part of her, be it her lack of confidence or something else, pushed her to say “Maybe I'll think about...” Then, after a short mix of sigh and whimper, she told him, full of honesty, “At least it is nice to know that you're looking after your employees. I've been with the force for... three or four years now, and the amount of reports I've seen of entertainment industry employees being abused... “

“When I'm saying that I see them as my family, I mean it, Fluttershy. My first memory was a loud bang and me, as a baby, I have no idea how I remember it, waddling down a dirty back alley less than, what? Two, two and a half miles from here? I got taken in by a nice family, but ended up alone again. Met Tempest Shadow, worked hard, found others... we became friends and did our best to earn money. We really became family. A family of outcasts, misfits and so on. And even Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are part of it!”

The dragon pulled out another sort of badge from one of his pockets. It looked similar to the one that had given her entrance to the club, but there were a few differences. For one, under the logo, there was “BAR” written. "Here, take this." He told her.

"What is that?" Fluttershy asked, staring at it..

"Show it at the bar, and everything you order will be on the house for the night!” Spike explained to her. “Have a fun time, but come visit me before you leave!”

Still staring at the badge, Fluttershy walked to the bar. With everything she'd seen so far and the general atmosphere of the club, she really could use a drink. It was an establishment she really would never have visited alone under any normal circumstance...

As she sat down down next to a zebra mare with a mohawk manecut and wearing a sleeveless leather jacket, white tube top and very tight leather pants, she immediately drew the attention of the barkeeper. “What can I serve you?” The reddish pink mare she'd seen before asked her.

Fluttershy stared after a hippogriff who lead a giggling mare in the direction of the toilets, before she realized she'd been asked. “Uhm... one 'Old Fashioned', please!” Subconsciously, the pegasus placed the badge on the counter.

“Huh. I would've thought you'd take something... lighter?” The barmare replied. “Sweeter?”

“One 'Old Fashioned'!” She reiterated, this time with some assertiveness.

“Alright!” She placed the a glass in front of Fluttershy and began to fill it. First, with some demarara syrup, then two dashes of angostura bitters. Whiskey, Fluttershy didn't notice what kind, and a big cube of ice. The bar tender gave the drink a quick stir and then grabbed an orange from underneath the bar, when she noticed the small piece of metal next to the pegasus. “Ah! The boss took a liking to you?” She peeled off a strip of the orange's zest and twisted it, so that it's juices were squeezed over the drink. The mare dropped the zest into the glass and and pushed it towards her customer. ”I'm Sugar Belle by the way!”

Blushing at the implication that the dragon had taken an interest in her, she gave her own name to the bar tender. “Fluttershy!” she took a sip of her drink. “Wow! That's a good 'Old Fashioned'!” Shes sounded honestly impressed.

“Heh! We're quite conscious of using only good booze and no rotgut! And it is noticeable in the taste.” Sugar Belle began to chat a bit out of hand to the pegasus. “I've been reading some old bartending books. Makes me want to experiment a bit. Maybe adding some nutmeg to an 'Old Fashioned'! Apparently, they used to do so in the old days!”

“It's worth a try!” Fluttershy encouraged her, taking another sip of her drink. But then, something happened : An admittedly handsome, and well built looking zebra stallion broke away from a group of friends, a few zebras, ponies and griffons, male and female.

Fluttershy did her best to be as inconspicuous as possible as she continued sipping on her drink. She really liked that 'Old Fashioned! But, apparently, he didn't even care for her. After how others had shown an interest in her, she had to admit that, despite her usual preference for a lack of attention, she did feel a bit insulted!

The zebra's attention was focused solely on Sugar Belle, and with one of the most sleazy attempts at a pick up Fluttershy had heard since that one rich prick tried to get out of being arrested by Rainbow Dash. The guy's face had been priceless.

Sugar Belle's face had a 'heard it all and not impressed!' impression as she answered him. Short, but not rude, even though her tone was obviously annoyed. “Not interested. I already have a boyfriend!”

“What?” He mocked her, “A pony? Believe me, your boyfriend can't compare with me! Compared to me, his limp dick is a tiny...”

She rolled her eyes, trying to give him another 'hint' as she continued, “Maybe you should know that he works here...”

“Oh, does he? Come on, show him to me, please!” He eagerly told her. “Then I can show you how I'm at least three times the stallion he...”

A voice interrupted him from the side. The tone was anything but nice. “How about you stop being an idiot and leave others alone? She isn't interested...”

“What?!” His head shot around, “Who asked you?!” He snapped at whoever had just talked to him. Then, he saw that it'd been the zebra mare who sat next to Fluttershy and quickly changed his tone. “Oooh, helloooo!”

Shooting a smile he most likely thought was charming, but made him look far more like a smug asshole, he continued, "What does a gorgeous zebra mare like you do among so many limp dicked losers? Wanna get with a real stud?"

The mare rolled her eyes, and Fluttershy could basically feel the antipathy radiating of her as she gave another tense reply. “First of all: I work here! Second: Piss off! Third: Get now lines, you're repeating yourself, you sad, pathetic loser of a pick-up artist whose ego is probably ten times larger than his dick and who can talk much but wouldn't last more than ten seconds in bed! And fourth: Did I already mention that you should piss off?"

That stung and hit the stallion's ego. Since the mare had just said that she was working here, however, he got an idea... "What?! I won't... I want to talk to the manager of this club! That's an insult! Is that how you talk to paying customers?!”

A crowd started gathering, and unnoticed by Fluttershy, Spike had also joined it, paying close attention. After the first few weeks, there weren't many willing to cause a ruckus. Most were already deterred simply by looking at Big Mac, hence why he usually stood at the door. But. Of course, the other bouncers were in good shape after all. Some of the mares that also worked as bouncers had less of an effect, but when they got serious it was often rather amusing to see some asshole deflate, especially when it was either Tempest Shadow or Applejack. The dragon grinned a shit-eating grin as the red-and-yellow unicorn they'd had seen before showed up.

“Hello, my name is Sunset Shimmer. You wanted to talk to me?” She asked him in a matter-of-fact voice, as if he hadn't been making a scene for the last few minutes.

Fluttershy threw short look towards the stage, having remembered who this 'Sunset Shimmer' had been talking to before and wondering how the stage show was going. Apparently, Trixie had just performed an impressive trick or something, judging by the crowd reaction and bent down and kissed a mare in full business attire that stood in the front row.

However, the pegasus' attention was immediately taken by the theater surrounding the zebra stallion again. “Ah, finally a mare that knows what's good for her!” He said to the unicorn. “You're here to show them what these other fools are missing out on? Let me show you new heights of pleasure?”

"No... I'm the manager of this place.” She told him, her voice like ice. “I heard you wanted to talk to me?" Fluttershy giggled into her drink as she heard the the tone in her voice.

Instead of realizing how he was received, this instead seemed to make him even more interested in Sunset! “Damn! A fine mare like you is the manager here? Means that as soon as you had a taste of me, I'll be basically running this place!”

He was distracted enough that he didn't notice how Sugar Belle said something into what looked like a small radio.

OK. Spike had enough. It'd been somewhat entertainment, but it was going too far. That guy wasn't just a horny, arrogant dickhead! He was a horny, arrogant, idiotic moron of a dickhead! And if he continued like that, which he probably would, Sunset, Zecora and Sugar Belle would do who knows what to him.

“Cut it out!” Spike told him as he pushed himself to the front row.”They all told you that they aren't interested!”

“Oh! Look at that! A wimpy little dragon, trying to play the hero!” He taunted Spike as he saw the dragon's not all that imposing stature.

Spike had to admit that now, he felt a bit stung. He would've loved to look more imposing, more similar to Big Mac, but he was apparently cursed with having a rather slight type of body. He'd even been confused for a dragoness by some, admittedly drunk, customers. And sometimes, the mares joked that a good make-up artist, and the right dress, would cause most to confuse him for one... Then again, it did help conceal his actual strength and was one of the reasons why so many found him attractive.

He also had to admit, that he was impressed... by that zebra's stupidity. Even if he didn't look like a brick wall, the stallion should know what a dragon's fire breath could do to him! Not to mention claws and teeth...

Smiling at the unicorn again, a broad, sparkling grin, he asked her: “How about and me have a fun time, after I'm done with this dragon wimp?”

"Not interested.” Sunset Shimmer replied coldly, “And that's the owner of the club."

“What?!” Suddenly, all his bravado drained from him. Apparently, at least, he had heard stories about Spike and the others. Even if he didn't believe all of them, it was enough to make him finally rethink. However, for that, it was a bit too late now.

The zebra stallion wanted to take a step back. The sensation he felt was like backing off against a brick wall. Slowly he turned around. He stared against a muscular chest and slowly, his gaze turned up. His eyes widened. The bouncer cracked his knuckles as he glared at the unruly customer.

"Oh, crap..." The zebra swallowed hard, suddenly very meek, standing next to the huge ex-farm pony. Big Mac put one of his huge hands on his shoulder. “It's time for you to leave, sir.” He told him in a calm, stoic manner. The zebra didn't dare object.

As Big Mac escorted the stallion out of the club, a strong grip around his neck to make sure he didn't do anything stupid, Sugar Belle vaulted over the bar and walked over to them. She shot the zebra an amused smile, taunting him. "So, you wanted to know who my 'pathetic, limp dicked boyfriend' was, right? Come on Mac, give me a kiss!"

Sugar Belle got on the tips of her hooves and gave her boyfriend a big smooch on the cheek, and Mac replied in kind, the zebra fixed in his vice like grip.

Fluttershy turned to Spike., “Whew! it's good you helped them. I think this could've gotten ugly.”

"True!” He agreed. “Had I not interfered... Zecora can look after herself, most of my staff can... if I hadn't interfered, she'd probably have castrated the guy in a few minutes. After he left the club at the latest! And Sunset probably would've thrown in a few kicks for good measure! What is It with his recent influx of zebras who think that they are a gift to all mares?”

"I mean, there are enough pony stallions , griffons and hippogriffs with similar attitudes!” She replied to that, but then chuckled, “You wouldn't believe how many crooks that get picked up think they can get out of an arrest just by telling us how good they are in bed!"

He also laughed, but then also added, “But if I would tell you that, It'd be the truth!” And, for once this evening, Fluttershy didn't immediately choke up at this kind of joke!

Two of the zebra's group, a pony and another zebra, came over to them. "We need to apologize for him... he spent far too much time watching porn on the internet, then there'd been some personal issues for him... We think it's just him trying to get some of his feeling of self-worth back again, and he completely overdid it.”

Spike sighed. He'd heard such excuses often enough. However, he was willing to give him a second chance, since it didn't end up in violence and he had been smart enough to get quiet and and just leave once he realized how deep the shit was he'd gotten himself into. “Listen. He's not welcome here for a month. IF you can set his head straight, you're all gladly welcome here again, but if not.. he'll get a life time ban! And then, I can't guarantee that those he talks to like that won't try to teach him manners!”

Sunset agreed. The boss' choice was final anyway, but a second chance for a paying customer who hadn't gotten around to really fuck up was fine for her. A third chance, however, there wouldn't be. And she wasn't too sure if she'd just have him get thrown out, or would have Big Mac rough him up a bit...

“We... understand,” The two told Spike, and, as they turned to their other friends, added, “That sounds... fair.” They reported back to to their other friends and the group hurried after their friend as Big Mac returned to give an update.

“You know, Mac...” Sugar Belle told her boyfriend as she ran her hands over his chest, “This whole thing got me all worked up! Think you can take a few minutes off?”

He smirked at his girlfriend, then looked around to check for one of the other bouncers. His eyes narrowed down on the white pegasus Fluttershy had seen before. “Sure!” He told Belle, then turned his head and called out, “HEY, RUMBLE! CAN YOU TAKE THE DOOR FOR TEN, FIFTEEN MINUTES?” Yes, they had ear pieces that would allow them to do that more quietly, but, with the zebra stallion still in earshot range right now, it was about making a statement! They all saw the understanding nod as Rumble began moving towards the door.

The name reminded Fluttershy of something... didn't Thunderlane tell stories about his little brother at the precinct? Wasn't his name Rumble? But maybe she misrembered! And there was no guarantee that it was the same Rumble! No, it was far more likely that it were two different Rumbles!

Meanwhile, Sugar Belle looked for her own replacement. Unlike Mac, she waved over one of the waitresses and talked to her calmly. She was an elegant looking unicorn. “Lily? Can you take the bar for a few minutes?”

Lily looked at Big Mac with a bit of envy. Licking her lips, she replied, “Sure. Have a good time, you two!”

Fluttershy immediately turned red again, and she quickly downed what was left of her Old Fashioned, when a mare three seats to her left collapsed onto the bar, snoring loudly.

“She doesn't look that good...” the pegasus noticed.

“Oh, that's just Berry Punch,” Lily replied. She comes here to booze up once a week or so. We figured it'd better here than in some run down bar somewhere else.” She grabbed her phone and made a call. “Hey, Button? Berry's gone again. Can you take her to one of the beds?... Thank you!” The bartender turned back to Shy. “By the way, I'm Lily Lace!”

“Fluttershy!” She answered, as she was distracted by a young, brown stallion picking up Berry Punch and carrying her into the staff only area. Since the bartender didn't say anything, she assumed that that had been this “Button”. Fluttershy looked back at Lily. “How did an elegant mare like you end up here?”

“I wanted to work in the fashion industry, maybe as a designer, but-,” she sighed sadly, “-it didn't work out. I started working for Spike because the money was good, and I stayed because I ended up enjoying the company! And elegant? Me?! Thanks, but I'm nothing compared to Fleur!”

“Who?” Fluttershy asked.

“One of the other mares working here. She has the looks of a supermodel!” But then, Lily noticed the empty glass. “Do you want anything else?”

“Well, maybe...” Fluttershy was thinking, “Hmm... surprise me!”

“Maybe something with rum?” Lily wondered to herself as she grabbed the ingredients.

A large glass of alcohol, ice, lime and mint was placed before her. “Oh, a Mai Tai? The one Rainbow made for me wasn't that great...” Fluttershy shuddered as she thought at Dash's attempt at mixing drinks. Probably why she ended up gravitating towards Old Fashioned. With the few ingredients Rainbow didn't have quite as much to screw up with.

“Give it a try! We're using a blend of three different, and pretty good, rums! And, while not something you'll taste, sometimes Sugar Belle and I even make our own simply syrup for the drinks!” She added a soft smile, thinking of how much that syrup could add to parties.

Fluttershy slowly lifted the glass up and put the straw in her mouth. She could at least try! “Hmm... not too bad! Refreshing!” The Old Fashioned Fluttershy had sipped slowly, and she still preferred it, but the Mai Tai she had the urge to just down. The bartender even tried to help her to slow down! “Must've really been that gas station booze Rainbow used back then!” She giggled. Apparently, the alcohol was starting to have some effect on her! She enjoyed the whole environment far more than before now!

Lily was busy serving other guests and so, now alone and able to take a better look around, she noticed how waiters and waitresses ended up walking away with guests every now and then. Once, she saw them disappear into the employee's only area. They left the door open.

She figured that it probably was due to the alcohol, but... she was curious how it looked back there! Sure, it probably would be pretty standard stuff, but still... Slipping into the crowd, she quickly made her way over. A quick look around. Nobody was paying attention! In one swift motion, Fluttershy sneaked in.

A corridor lined with doors on either side lay before her. Slowly, Fluttershy walked forwards. The first door to her left was slightly open, and so she took a look inside. Berry Punch was lying on a bed and sleeping out her intoxication. Next, she opened the door across. Filled with bar supplies and snacks. There was another door in the room, probably leading to the bar.

Fluttershy closed the door again and went further. Through the next few doors she heard... noises. Noises that, just a short while ago, would've caused Fluttershy to rush back to the bar faster than Rainbow Dash would've been able to look. But now? Again, it was probably the booze, but... she would've liked to peek in. She heard excited voices as clothes were removed and as whoever was in the rooms found pleasure with each other.

The moans and pants strangely amplified as Fluttershy was getting a bit riled up herself.... Then, she saw another slightly open door. It felt, like it called out to her. Slowly, she moved towards it and peeked in.

Inside were Big Mac and Sugar Belle. Big Mac's jacket laid on the floor, his white shirt had been hastily opened and his muscular chest was visible. His cock was hanging out of his zipper. Well, not really. “Hanging” usually didn't mean that his rock hard member was in a mare! He held his lover in a full nelson, his arms interlocked behind her head!

Sugar Belle's panty hose was pulled down to her hangles, her skirt was pushed up, and her vest and blouse were open to allow her tits to bounce. Apparently, she hadn't been wearing any underwear while at work.

Slowly, Fluttershy's hand moved to her own thighs, as she heard Belle encourage the stallion, “Come on, Mac! Pound me harder!”

As her fingers the pegasus let out a moan. A quiet moan, but too loud still apparently. Sugar Belle's eyes focused on the door as she called out, “Who's there?! Fluttershy?” She paused for a moment, letting out a disappointed whine as Big Mac stopped his movements. “What are you doing here? This is employees only!”

“Eeep!” Fluttershy winced and then, she stammered on, trying to explain herself. “I-i'm sorry! I didn't... the door was open and I... was curious...” But then, she just stared at the two again. “Wow...”

Sugar Belle chuckled, seeing how Fluttershy was just shy of licking her lips. “It's alright, honey, this certainly isn't the first time somepony's been watching us!

“Eeyup!” Her boyfriend agreed, beginning to thrust into her again.

“Now you start fucking me again, when I want to talk to her?!” She complained between moans.

Again, he just replied, “Eeyup!” And then pressed his muzzle against her neck.

“Listen, just, oh, just go back to the club and we'll pretend nothing like this ever happened, OK?” She told her.

“OK...” Fluttershy replied, a bit disappointed, rubbing her thighs together.

As she turned, she heard Sugar Belle call out behind her, “But we'd appreciate it if you'd close the doors as you leave!”

“Y-yes! Of course!” Closing the door, Fluttershy slowly pulled back, her eyes fixed on Big Mac's shaft pumping in and out of the mare. Her body was getting so hot...

A minute later, Fluttershy stumbled back into the club. Apparently, the magician had finished her show and DJ Pon-3 was taking a break, with the club playing some standard charts music.

Next to the stage, Trixie stood together with the mare she'd kissed before. Or rather, behind her. She was fondling the mare's breasts and whispering something into her ear.

Fluttershy passed by near enough to hear the most important bits. “Come on, Starlight! I know you'll like it! YOU know you'll like it! Just see if you can find one or two stallions, or griffons, or hippogriffs or dragons or whatever you'd like and we can invite them!” She sounded slightly drunk.

“Come on, Trixie! Cut it out!” Her 'partner' protested. However, she probably could've easily pulled herself free but didn't even try to resist.

“Starlight! I know you're horny and wanna do it! Stop pretending! I can feel how hard you're breathing, and I bet you're already soaked down there!” Trixie carefully bit down on Starlight's ear as one hand made its way down her stomach.

Wait a moment? She'd known that the mare looked familiar, and 'Starlight'?! Was that... yes, it was! Starlight Glimmer, one of the most disliked defense lawyers in the city! Disliked by the police at and DA's at least. She had an uncanny ability of getting her clients of the hook. Luckily it didn't always work... What was she doing here? And then, Fluttershy realized something. She realized that she wouldn't at all be surprised if Starlight Glimmer was the club's legal council!

“Alright! Alright! You win!” Starlight Glimmer half sighed, half laughed, “You're right, I could use a good rut myself. Those last few cases were a pain in the neck!”

Happily, the show mare proclaimed in a little sing sang, “Trixie's getting railed to night!~”

The last thing Fluttershy saw of that was how the two pointed at a zebra, a dragon, a griffon, a hippogriff and pony stallions. Three for each, and at least one of each kind for the night? To her surprise, Fluttershy mentally wished them a fun night, and she was a bit jealous of the two, and maybe the six guys. What's going on with me? I'm not even into mares!

The chart music died down as DJ Pon-3 took to the mixing desk again. The beats hit Fluttershy and... unlike before, they hit her real good. The vibrations of the music, the bass especially, shook her body in all the right wrong ways, especially noticeable to Fluttershy considering how worked up she already got. She didn't even notice how she actually began to dance to the music. Now, she wasn't moving all too much, and certainly she wasn't moving like many of the others here, where it looked like a mating call, more so than a dance, but she was moving to the music nonetheless.

A grey unicorn stepped up next to her. “She's good, isn't she?”

“Hmm?” Fluttershy looked at her with a blank expression.

“Vinyl!” The unicorn told her, as if that should've meant something to Fluttershy.

The pegasus just shrugged her shoulders.

“DJ Pon-3! Vinyl Scratch! Vinyl is her real name!” She explained to Fluttershy. “Though, considering she mainly prefers her stage name, I guess it's not that weird you haven't heard it!”

“Oh!” Finally, the pegasus understood what the grey mare was talking about! “Oh yes! She seems to be pretty good, as far as I can judge that!”

“Oh! I didn't even introduce myself!” She just noticed, “Hi, I'm Octavia Melody, and I perform at the Manehattan Philharmonic!” Octavia offered her hand to the pegasus.

“Hi Ocatvia!” Fluttershy took her hand her hand and shook it, “I'm Fluttershy. I work at...” her final words were droned out by music

The grey mare blinked and asked her, “What did you just say? Sorry, I couldn't hear it over that!”

“Oh, nothing important...” The pegasus timidly replied, but just had to ask her about what had kicked off their little chat. “So, you play classic but think Pon-3 makes great music?”

“I mean, she's my girlfriend...” Octavia shrugged. Then, she saw how Fluttershy stared at her. Her expression said it all: This classy mare and this party pony? “What can I say? Opposites attract! And we make beautiful music during our jam sessions!” She laughed as she realized how this might be interpreted. “Actual music, I mean! Though the other kind of music ain't bad either!”

Fluttershy felt how her body heated up again... this evening was raunchier than the last few years put together! She tried to shift the topic again. “You said, she doesn't like her real name?”

“Don't know why.” Was the honest answer. “The only ones who she allows to call her Vinyl are her parents, myself and some others who are close to her. Some of her colleagues. I think it's also less of a 'dislike' thing as such...”

DJ Pon-3 pressed a button on her console and fog began to flood the dance floor. Some of it made up to her nose and... it smelt rather nice actually! It made her feel all tingly!

“Oh, I'm so going to do it with Vinyl later...” Octavia said to herself.

To her own surprise, Fluttershy ended up spending some time on the dance floor, dancing with Octavia and some others. But, after a while, she felt how she was getting tired. Remembering Spike's words, she made her way to his office.

Applejack was still standing guard next to the door, but this time, shouts were coming through the door. A mare shouted, “But why not?! We would make a killing!”

Spike's answer wasn't much calmer either. If it wasn't for the music in the club, it'd probably have echoed beyond the walk way.“Cozy Glow! How often did we talk about this?! NO! This is NOT how we do business!”

“Fine! Be like that!” the mare called Cozy replied. Fluttershy jumped as the door was slammed open and a surprisingly cute and innocent looking mare stood in front of her. That had to be Cozy Glow, judging by what was going on. If Fluttershy had met under other circumstances, she'd have assumed that Cozy Glow could do nopony any harm! She looked even more innocent than Fluttershy herself! But the anger on her face gave away that there was far more to her than her looks...

She entered and saw how Spike was shaking his head. “Uhm... excuse me? What was that about?”

“Oh! Hello, Fluttershy!” Spike acted as if nothing big had happened, “Nothing important, just a little... disagreement on our business strategy for the future! How did you enjoy your time?”

“I think I saw at least two dozen different violations of laws and codes...” Considering how the guest acted to each other, it was highly doubtful that all of them waited to get into a separated area before they'd... “And I have no idea how this is still establishment is still open!” She told him.

He gave her a coy smile. “I'll tell you, If you promise not to abuse my trust. I think this ain't your responsibility anyway!”

She visually struggled with herself. On the one hand, he was right. Technically, especially with her being off-duty, at least most of this stuff wasn't her responsibility, but laws were laws... But there was that something to him, something that made her want to believe him, something that made her want this dragon to be the one to help her with how riled up she felt... “Al-Alright...” She cautiously replied.

“A whole lot of the ponies responsible for handling that stuff are turning a blind eye because they come here!” He laughed! And, more quietly, to himself added, “And a bit of good old bribery doesn't hurt either!”

For Fluttershy meanwhile, he added, “I also have a really good legal council! Maybe you know her?”

“If you're talking about Starlight Glimmer? Yes, I do, “Fluttershy told him, rubbing her legs together again. “I also saw her downstairs with that stage magician that performed for you...”

“Ah, Trixie Lulamoon. She's Starlight's girlfriend! Had a somewhat successful show in Las Pegasus, and I thought she'd make a good fit here, when we wanted to diversify the entertainment in the club.” The fact, that her abilities were also superb for distractions and so on, he left unsaid. Trixie had become quite valuable even outside the club! “We contacted her, offered her somewhat better payment than in Las Pegasus, free drinks and a secure, paid for parking lot for her wagon, and she came as soon as she could. Then, one night when I was discussing something with Starlight in my office, Trixie ran in on us, and, what can I say? It sparked between them near immediately!”

Again, he smiled at her as he walked over. There was something to it... a warmth, but also some danger... Something, that told Fluttershy “If you get involved with him, you'll lose yourself...” To be fair however, a row of dragon teeth helped to give even the kindest smile a certain edge. “But enough about all that... Let's talk about you!”

“M-me?” She gulped, feeling how her... private areas responded to his voice.

“Yes! Do you want to spend some quality time with me,-” he walked around her, is finger dragging from her left shoulder over her back and right shoulder, he continue“,-and maybe some of the others? We can be as gentle or rough as you'd like!”

The dragon came to a stop behind her back and she felt his hot breath brush over her fur, felt, how she was getting goose bumps. His hands carefully rubbing along her arms... Her whole body was screaming “YES!”, as he placed his hands on her shoulders, yet her mouth only spoke a meek “Maybe... later?”

Spike looked disappointed for a moment, but quickly cheered up. “How about this? You take yourself a few days to think things over, and if you're interested, you come by and visit!”

“O-OK!” She hurriedly agreed, hoping that she'd be able to sort out her thoughts until... if, she corrected herself in her mind, she returned here!

However, Spike didn't quit quite that easily. With his most charming smile, he asked her, “How about a good bye kiss?”

Knowing that, if he kissed her, her resistance would be gone in a heartbeat, Fluttershy denied again, though Spike grabbed her hand in his claws, guided it to his muzzle and kissed it instead.

Grinning as she hurried out of the door, unable to hide how effect she'd been by her experience, he called after her, “You can keep the badge I gave you, by the way, the one for entry! You'll always be welcome here!”

Fluttershy, meanwhile, was considering to use that vibrator Rainbow Dash had given her as a birthday present/prank

3 After hours

Tempest looked after the Fluttershy as she left the door when she returned, the pegasus nearly running into her. Fluttershy really way a cutie. A natural beauty of the kind that looked best without make up, that shy kindness that just made one want to ravish her even more... "Sooo... how did you hook her?"

The dragon shrugged as he told the story. "A week ago. She tried to play the hero when one of the local two bit gangs tried to rob somepony.”

“Annoying idiots!” Tempest Shadow fumed!

“Fluttershy, or the two bit criminals?” He laughed.

Her answer was non-committal. “Yes.”

“Anyway,” Spike continued, “it were one of those that were using drugs similar to the ones we intercepted back then. You know... And I ended up interfering.”

"Oh~” Tempest teased him, “Always the gentledrake, eh?"

Spike snorted. "Don't read too much into it. Yeah, I didn't like what was going on, you know that. And you know why we mainly keep ourselves out of that as well! You take out one group, four more start fighting to fill the gap and the all it nets us is an increase of police cars in the area.” He shook his head before he continued. “But I also wanted to avoid any major police investigation in the area. Especially after she shouted that she was a cop! Would've been a pain to deal with that..."

Tempest Shadow went quiet for a moment as she processed what he'd just told her. Then, she blew a fuse. "Wait... A COP?! YOU DIDN'T TELL ME, OR ANYONE ELSE, THAT YOU INVITED A COP HERE?!"

He winced when she blew up at him, knowing that she had a point. And an angry Tempest was a frightening sight to behold. "Sorry! I kinda forgot about that! You know that there was a lot to do, with the preparations we've been making and so on!"

“What if those idiots talk? Did you think about that?!” She asked him through gritted teeth.

“Relax! I am not THAT dumb!” Spike told her in, a reassuring voice, “In the few moments I had when I left, I told them in no uncertain terms that they'd regret mentioning me. In prison or out of it.” He smirked dangerously. A grin that, had Fluttershy seen it, would've shocked her. “As is, they threatened and assaulted an officer, carried illegal drugs plus an attempted robbery. Bad, but not nearly as bad as it could be if they involved me directly. We know more than enough to put them away for a lifetime! And we have a few friends on the inside... so for them to shut up was the best option, even if police uncovered their other operations...” Then, he also added, “And whoever is selling those drugs certainly wouldn't want to risk them talk. Not, with their effects!”

They both shuddered, especially as they tried to imagine their effects if they got more refined. Tempest let out a sigh. “To be honest, I like that they are gone! Might keep the area a bit quieter for a while!”

“Oh, believe me, so do I!” He agreed with her, but added with a disappointed tone, “Too bad that we both know that that hole will be filled again soon enough...”

Tempest had to agree, but did offer a glimpse of positivity, “True, but at least, for a short time, there should be some peace. Maybe we can clog the hole this time?”

“Who knows... anyway, back on topic!” Spike brought the topic back to Fluttershy, “After the fight, I tried out one of Zecora's new cigarettes. You know? The ones that make non-dragons feel all relaxed and fuzzy and a bit horny? Took a deep breath and kissed her, blew the smoke into her lungs.”

He let out a short chuckle and continued, “The way she looked afterwards, the effect showed! Like in one of those shows, when the girl finally gets kissed by her dream guy!” Spike thought about it, “Showed so much in fact, that I wonder how much of that was just Fluttershy herself instead of the effect of the cigarettes! I mean, they aren't that strong, just something that makes one relax and slightly horny! The way she looked, I think she would've reacted like that even without it!”

“So,” Tempest said, shaking her head dismissively, “You helped her and gave a try of our new feel good stuff why? Because she's a cute face? I hope it was worth trying to keep the club a bit more... socially appropriate.”

"Well, yeah...” Spike admitted and then elaborated, “And I have the feeling that she's pretty nice and someone like her? Cute, shy, kind, but probably with a really naughty side buried deep down? She'd earn a lot here! And you know... I've wanted a reliable insider in the police for a while now! Paying some cops off is fine, but not quite as reliable as I'd like, especially if other people start to throw around cash. Getting that Fluttershy hooked on this experience, showing her that sexuality is something to be embraced, not buried so far down that the moment some sweaty asshole grabs you, you melt in his arms because he gives your body what it needs!"

"Oh, I love the way you think! Really, when we've made it to the top!” She looked nearly ecstatic as she heard the first part of his trail of thought. Then, she snarked, “Wouldn't call you a sweaty asshole though... do dragons even sweat?"

“Hardihar, Tempest! Maybe you should perform stand-up at some point...” Spike snarked back at her. “Also, I did get some intel on her afterwards, just in case you think I went into this completely unprepared. From what i've seen... I think she's just a genuinely kind pony trying to do good. And with ponies like Cozy, I think it'd be good to have somepony like her around to keep us from going of the deep end...”

"What do you mean with that?” The unicorn asked Spike with a raised eyebrow.

“Money and success can do the strangest things....” He sighed, “What's the saying again? 'Power corrupts...' and so on?”

Tempest nodded, she knew what he meant. A few of the ponies she'd done business with on behalf of the gang had gotten too big for their britches and thought they were the big bosses now. Didn't end well for them.

With all that cleared up, she grinned a naughty smile at him. "Wanna continue were we left off before?" Then, she kissed him.

"I'd love too... but I'm calling it quits for the night. One quick tour through the club and then I'm out,” he threw her a weak smile, “Wanted to get a nice massage and then go home. Also have something to do there..."

"Oh... how disappointing!” She pouted for a moment, “It's not even 10 PM!”

Spike placed his hand on her shoulder. "I'll make it up to you."

In reply, she grabbed his ass and, teasingly, told him, "I bet you will!"

"You think you and Sunset can handle the club for the rest of the night?" He asked her.

Tempest glared at him and continued with played indignation "We've been working together for how long? I've handled the affairs for how long? Who was managing the club before Sunset joined the gang?"

The dragon raised his arms in defense! "Calm down! You've made your point!"

The mare burst out in laughter. "You should've seen your face!"

Spike sighed. "I'm just a bit worried. I've heard rumors from Wallflower..."

"That new information broker you've told me about?" Tempest's curiosity had been peaked.

"Yeah, I've made a deal with her that keeps important information limited to us for a while...” He shook his head, thinking about that unassuming, well, wallflower. “I swear that mare can make herself nearly undetectable... ,Anyway, she told me that a few new gangs want to push their way in. Some from Fillydelphia, others more local, and some from other places! And a few of those seem to have serious money behind them!”

"Doesn't sound too serious, so far,” The mare wagered, “Wouldn't be the first time some idiots tried to shake down the club because they thought we'd be easy pickings. I think Big Mac still has that baseball bat he shoved..."

The dragon nodded, but just couldn't convince himself, "I know, It's just that new players always make the game more unpredictable. Or we have a bunch of arrogant new guys show up here, thinking they own the club and causing trouble...” Again, he shook his head, “With some luck, it won't be anything too big and maybe we can run them out of town before they can get a serious foothold. Maybe a temporary alliance with some of the other gangs... Maybe the dragons, or Chrysalis.” He shuddered at that thought.

Tempest shuddered as well. Few liked to think about doing business with the self-proclaimed changeling queen... Her eyes and ears were everywhere, and then, there were those rumors, of ponies, griffons, hippogriffs and dragons having been replaced by her spies. And it went even darker; Other rumors, about those that had been replaced, locked in dungeons underneath her headquarter, a venue that made Tartarus look like a wholesome family entertainment business, and turned there into her slaves, or even into more changelings! And then, there were her not inconsiderable magical and physical strength... Who knew how much of it was true? How much embellishment? And how much was just made up fairy tales? They better tread lightly, if they ever had to contact her...

Pushing those thoughts aside, Spike thought loudly, “Hmm... I need to find a way to strike a more permanent business relationship with Wallflower Blush... but how..."

"You could always use,” Tempest replied huskily, running her finger down Spike's chest, “Your... natural... charme..."

"Heh. Might just try that at some point." He laughed, then sighed "I hope the rest of the night stays quiet. If Idiots show up and you think you, Mac and Rumble can't handle them, give me a call."

Tempest Shadow gave him a nod. “I don't think that'll be necessary. Button Mash and Feather Bangs are also here, Night Glider is on call for either entertainment or bouncer work... Bluebell and Flash are out of town though. I think, Flash is visiting his family in Canterlot, Bluebell? Dunno. I think she said something about of a high school friend of hers getting married and the bachelor party is in Las Pegasus. And that's not all, as you know. And if we include the ones on service or entertainment duty, we should be set.” She thought for a moment and then added, “And don't forget that most of the entertainers are quite good at handling themselves, we made sure of that. Remember when Fleur-de-lis kicked that one asshole...”

Spike burst out in genuine laughter, finally having the tenseness he'd felt over the course of this talk, fall of his shoulders! “Yeah! I hope that showed the guy that a dancer with shapely legs has a good kick! Though the training we had them do probably helped as well!” Then, he wondered, “By the way, where is Fleur?”.

Tempest Shadow shrugged, “It's her day off, but I think she's on a date with that rich stallion that took a fancy of her?”

“Fancy Pants?” He suggested.

“Right!” Tempest called out, “She said something about maybe becoming his mistress or something! Didn't take him for a sub!”

“Not that kind of mistress!” Spike told her, “It basically means lover or something. Though I did look him up and he didn't seem to be married. So, I guess it was meant as 'Lover without relationship strings attached', at least for the time being.”

The dark mare scratched her chin thinking about this, “It'd be a shame to lose her...”

“True, but if she's happy...” Spike told her a bit subdued, but then he brightened up again, “And considering Fancy Pants met her here, maybe she could still work for us!”

“We'll see...” Tempest shrugged again. Then, she remembered something! “Before I forget it again! Any luck so far with finding somepony to design and make outfits for the club?”

The dragon just shook his head. “Unfortunately not. Those that have a style that might fit are either star designers who wouldn't look at us for anything but a short marketing gag, have no interest at a permanent arrangement or already are in permanent arrangements. Otherwise it's nothing I think would fit...”

“Too bad... We'll find one eventually though!” She gave him an encouraging smile, “Have a nice night!”

“You too!”

Spike left his office and looked at his bodyguard waiting there. "Applejack? You wanna come with me? You've been so stiff all day, a good massage would do you good!"

Applejack glared at him as she moved away from the wall and followed him to the ground floor, while she answered, "One: I'm your bodyguard. Of course I'm coming with you..."

"I know.” He replied dryly, as he waved at some guests. “And you know that I mainly need you or Mac or Tempest in that capacity when we're on "official" business!”

Then, she grinned, "Two: Which massage parlor?"

"The twins' of course!” Spike answered in a mix of 'isn't that obvious', and the tone of a dad telling his kids that they are going out for pizza.

“Yeah! I'm in” She proclaimed immediately when she heard it. Not that she had expected anything else, honestly. “And after I brought you home, I'll call it quits for tonight as well. Gonna get back here, see if I can have some fun, and then grab Apple Bloom and her friends and take them home. They're having a sleep over at our flat.”

“Sounds like they'll be having a blast!” Spike laughed, waving good bye to the three as he spotted them in the crowd. “You know? If Aloe and Lotus Blossom really wanna start a spa at some point, I think we should invest into that, might be a good, legal side income..."

Applejack gave her opinion on that as they walked to the Crusaders, “Well, financial stuff is more your, Tempest's, Sunset's, Starlight's and Quibble's responsibility, but yeah! Sounds like a good idea!”

Quibble Pants was the club's accountant, working closely with an old friend of Starlight Shimmer, the banker, and their money launderer, Sunburst. Quibble was currently dating Clear Sky, another one of the club's employees, though her daughter had yet to warm up to him.

“Hey now!” The dragon protested, laughing again, “Big Mac, if he had wanted to, probably could've become a first rate accountant, with his mind for numbers! He'd probably be better than Quibble!” Ah, it felt good to have something more lighthearted after the rather serious stuff with Tempest.

“I just can't imagine him working as accountant! Seeing him in the suit as bouncer is already weird enough!” Applejack laughed heartily, as she hugged her younger sister. She quickly told the Crusaders where she was going and so on, and then, together with Spike, got moving.

As they left the club behind them, her face darkened. Spike had seen her like this a number of times since they'd met. “I just can't help it,” She whispered, “Despite living here for a few years now, I can't see Big Mac in anything but his work clothes... None of us ever thought we'd do anything but work our farm. Raise foals there, and so on...” She let out a depressed sigh.

Spike laid an arm around her shoulder to console her. “Come on! A nice, relaxing massage, and Equestria will look much brighter!”

“Yeah, you're probably right...” She sounded not quite convinced. “It's just... I'm a farm pony at heart. You and the others help, but I just don't really feel at home here, in the big city. I miss seeing the stars at night, miss being woken up by the birds... The smell of the air...”

“Hey, A. J...” he tried to comfort her, but didn't really know what to say. As they arrived at Spike's car, a black muscle car with green-lined flames on it, he had to admit that, after he'd ordered it, it had felt cliché even to him, he told her, “Come on, let's go. Let's see if Aloe's magical hands can improve your mood!”

Applejack checked the car and when she didn't find anything suspicious, replied, “Yeah,” She gave him a sad smile as she took the driver's seat. Applejack, when acting as bodyguard, insisted to drive,“Let's hope so...”

The two drove off into the night.

Fifteen minutes later, darned traffic, they arrived at a somewhat run down building with a large, illuminated sign, “Twin Massages”.

It looked small and unassuming, maybe even a bit grimy, but they'd been customers since it opened. The twin sisters, Aloe and Lotus Blossom being one of the business owners that had a really good relationship with the gang, after they drove off a bunch of racketeers trying to get the twins to pay protection money.

After those goons had been dealt with, the sisters had been quite happy to pay a somewhat lower amount of protection money to Spike and co. The gang also got a discount on their massages, but in turn also gave generous tips. The two profited from one another.

Applejack parked the car in front of the building, luckily a parking spot was free, and the two went inside. The reception was not occupied, so Spike hit the bell on the desk. A few moments later, two near identical earth pony mares hurried from somewhere in the back, they were wearing quite short robes that showed off their bodies nicely. The area being what it was, they had to be creative to get more clients. Their main difference was that the colors of their fur and mane were swapped: Lotus Blossom was blue with a pink mane, and Aloe the reverse.

“Hello, Mr. Spike!” Aloe greeted the dragon.

“Hello, Ms. Applejack!” Lotus Blossom greeted the ex-farm pony.

Then, they continued in unison as they bowed slightly, “What can we do for you this evening?”

“You have time to give us a massage? Spike asked them, adding, “We could use it...”

Shooting the two a big smile, Aloe answered, “Of course!”

“For you always!” Her sister agreed, as they proceeded to lead the two to a backroom with two massage tables.

“And...” Aloe sighed as they walked, “It's not as if it's a busy night anyway... Just like last night. And the night before that...”

Her sister padded Aloe on the shoulder, “Cheer up, Aloe! Getting the money for the spa is slow, but at least, we're not making a loss!”

“Huh, having a downer evening yourself?” Applejack wondered. “Same for me. I've gotten a bit homesick before we got here!”

“It's just that, sometimes, it feels like we'll be stuck here forever.” Aloe sighed again, “Just not enough clients here. Then again, being only two with a part-time receptionist means we probably wouldn't be able to handle too many customers anyway...”

They entered a room in the back, two massage tables with a room divider between them in the middle, a few shelves and cupboards to store oils and other supplements. “Maybe we should try to find investors?” Lotus suggested.

Aloe shook her head, “Who'd invest into our little massage parlor?”

“Who knows,” “Spike laughed, "I might just do it, when we all are in a better financial position!”

The two perked up in surprise and elation. They couldn't quite believe it, surely, the dragon had to be joking! “Really?!” They had to ask.

“You two are great masseuses,” he told them with not a hint of joking in his voice, “and I'd honestly believe that, if you two opened a big spa, can get it started and get good employees, you could make a lot of money!”

“Well, let's see where the future takes us!” Lotus brought them back to why they were here, “Please, Mr. Spike, Ms. Applejack, strip out of your clothes and put here!” She pointed at a white cupboard at the wall to the left of the massage tables.

Aloe finished the instruction for her sister, “And then, please lie down on the massage tables!”

Quickly, the cupboard was covered with their clothes. Jackets, shirts, pants, shoes on the ground before it. Spike stood there in black boxer shorts as he looked at Applejack. Her muscular arms, her six pack and the underwear covering her nice tits and ass. She actually was wearing bra and panties with apples on them. One on each cup, a small one on the front of the otherwise white panties and a bigger one, spanning both her ass cheeks, on the back.

“Huh, nice underwear, Applejack!” He laughed, shaking his head, “You and your apple fetish... ever even tried a pear? Or apricots? Nectarines?” It did look kind off nice, but still.

“Nope! Never!” Applejack replied in a chipper voice! “And proud of it! Granny told me that the Pear family was feuding with the Apples for ages! And,” she added teasingly, “don't act you don't like THESE apples!” As she said that, her hands played with her e cups.

Spike replied by putting his arm around her hip and pulling her close to him. “I'd be lying if I said that!”

Then, Aloe and Lotus Blossom cleared their throats. “Please, lie down on the tables for your massages!”

“Alright! Alright!” Applejack laughed as she and Spike walked over. “You can put the divider away by the way. We don't mind seeing each other!”

Lotus hastily pushed the thin piece of furniture away. She wished they had more rooms for massages, instead of having to have two customers share the same room, even when, such as in this case, they didn't mind it. When she turned around, their customers laid face down.

Each of the twins put a number of massage oils on a tray and placed them next to their clients. Then, they started to work their magic. Well, almost. “Ms. Applejack? Do you mind if I unclasp your bra?”

“You should know this by now!” Applejack replied, half annoyed, half amused, “No, I don't mind, just unclasp it!”

A few minutes into their massage, and both she and Spike made it sound like they enjoyed the massage very much. Aloe, meanwhile, was thinking about how it always felt a bit weird to massage a dragon, with their rather hard scales... It had taken them a bit of practice to get it right, but now, it was just as much routine as ponies and others.

She'd worked her way up his arms and down his back already, causing Spike to proclaim, “Oh, this is good! Should've come here sooner!” And, judging by the sounds she made, A. J. was enjoying her massage as well. “Yeah, this is heaven!”

Aloe was about to move on to his lower body, but found that the shorts were still getting in the way. “Ahm, Mr. Spike? Your shorts are in the way, do you mind, if I...?”

Spike rose up a bit too allow the masseuse to pull the shorts down his thighs, then lied down again and raised his legs. Aloe got a good look at his hard-on as he did that. She smiled a little as she put her hands around the dragon's thighs.

Another while later, they both heard again from Applejack, a loud moan this time. “Oh! Lotus!”

“I think my sister might've started... to massage Ms. Applejack's lower regions...” Spike's masseuse told him. He tried to twist his head around to try and see it, but he only managed to catch a bit of a glimpse, Lotus' arm disappearing between Applejack's thighs.

He grinned.. His back was now relaxed enough, other parts of his body on the other hand was pressing against his belly rather hard. With a voice that said it all, he spoke up. "You know, Aloe... there is one more part of my body that is quite... 'stiff'.

“Of course, Mr. Spike!” The masseuse giggled, “Would you please roll over so that I can massage your chest and... other areas?”

“My pleasure!” Spike answered her, turning onto his back.

“Let's start with the chest...” She told him, putting her hands on his pecs. “It always surprises me how you dragons can look so slight, but hide such muscles under those scales!”

Her sister, had, obviously, overheard, and added her own two bits, “It seems to be different from dragon to dragon, or maybe an age thing. I've seen a few who looked far more buff than him!”

Spike let out a disgruntled sound, but Aloe, who had started to massage his chest muscles, shared her own opinion on this as well. “But, Mr. Spike, we think you look just perfect! I don't think a much buffer stature would suit you, really!”

“I have to agree with my sister!” Lotus Blossom, replied, “It was just an observation. Also, most of those buffer dragons seemed to be rather unpleasant...” Applejack let out a loud moan as Lotus did something between her legs.

The dragon felt his cock twitch. “Hey, Aloe? I think my chest is good now! But...”

She smiled at him and then, he saw how the masseuse covered her hands in some sort of oil or cream. Aloe's hand carefully closed around the dragon's member. Firm, yet also soft, the massage oils coating the shaft. Spike hummed contently, when the masseuse began to stroke.

Aloe took a few steps down the table, stopping next to his crotch. Her right hand around his cock, her left now carefully massaging his balls.

He saw, how Lotus, with her back to them, was rubbing her thighs together. “Ms. Applejack? Would you please turn around?” She asked her client. Applejack quickly did so.

Now, it was Lotus Blossom's time to massage her client's breast. “Always so soft and squishy, Ms. Applejack! They really are a great size to knead like this!”

And the noises Applejack made seemed to imply she also enjoyed the feeling, “Oh yes! My tits feel good!”

“You know... Aloe?” Spike now contemplated, “You're seeing my dick... Shouldn't you give me something to see as well? Come on! Get your tits out!”

Her answer was a fairly confident, “The customer is king. If you wish, Mr. Spike...” Spike had expected her to just pull the robe back a bit, to allow her own twins to pop out. Instead, she opened the belt and let the robe slide down completely. And Lotus did the same. Ah, If those two ever managed to open the spa they wanted, instead of this run down massage parlor, he'd really invest in it! Their employees would, hopefully, be as good, and good-looking, as them. And as naughty!

Aloe constantly changed up her game, from stroking, to massaging shaft and tip, to the slightest, caressing brushes with her fingers. And it all felt good.

Her sister meanwhile had stopped playing with Applejack's tits and went back to her pussy, her fingers doing good work “massaging” A. J.'s insides.

A short while later, they both came. Spike's cum splashed against Aloe's face and covered her fingers, the rest running down his dick also covering her other hand on his balls. Applejack squirted her juices against Lotus' belly, the fur on her hands thoroughly soaked.

Aloe lead her left hand to her mouth and cleaned it, then, their hands covered, the twins swapped clients. In sync, they asked, “Would you be interested?”

Without answering verbally, both Spike and Applejack licked their hands clean. There was a faint taste of whatever was used for the massage, but most of the supplies and such they used was safe for consumption anyway.

“Aaaah!” Spike exhaled, “That was needed!”

“Eeeyup!” Applejack agreed, imitating her brother.

“You certainly felt like you needed it, Mr. Spike!” Aloe chuckled, as she used a paper towel to clean the dragon up.

Lotus Blossom looked at them. “Do you wish to...?” She asked them, knowing how the dragon and his buddies appreciated the... after-massage services they provided to the gang. Not that they offered that to anypony visiting them! It was only for special guests!

“Sorry, not tonight,” Spike replied, his voice showing a hint of regret, “I want to be home somewhat early!” Then, he grinned, seeing the little piece of modern art he had left on her sister's face, “Also, Aloe, your face is still covered!”

“Yeah, and I have to drive him, and then pick up my sister and her friends after that, so I have to go too!” Applejack agreed.

“Alright,” Aloe sounded a bit disappointed. Then, in“We hope you've enjoyed our service!” They both bowed again.

“You will find out on your own?” Lotus asked, her voice sounding more polite than the choice of words would indicate, and she giggled when she continued, I have to clean up my sister!”

“What about your money?” The ex-farmpony asked them.

“Just put it on... no, not on the counter!” Aloe replied, quickly rethinking, “Somepony could come in and steal it!”

Lotus Blossom had an idea, “There are some envelopes in one of the counter's drawers. Put the money in that and place it back into the drawer, please!”

“Roger that!” The dragon nodded. “I wish both of you a nice night!”

They again replied in unison, “Thank you, Mr. Spike! We both wish the same to you two!”

Before they left, Spike checked the drawers and found the envelopes in the third. He put the usual fee in plus a generous tip for both. Then, he and Applejack got back into the car and drove off.

Sometime later, they came to a hold in front of a somewhat run-down looking apartment building. “Applejack, I expect you here tomorrow at 1 pm,OK? And be on call. I might want you to come over earlier!” Spike told her as he got out of his car.

“You know, you could just walk, or take the bus...” A. J. replied with a grin, gently patting the steering wheel.

“I could,” he conceded, “But I don't want to. Especially since I want to get my car back. Big Mac's driving the one you and him share back to your home, right?”

Her answer was a bit grumpy, “Yep! It's so annoying how long I have to wait for mine to be delivered...”

“You never told me...” Whatever he wanted to say, he cut himself off, as his gut feeling made itself noticeable.

She was confused by the unfinished sentence, “I never told you what?”

“Let me guess... Pick-up truck?” He asked her dryly.

“How did you know?” A. J. wondered, realizing what she had wanted to say before, “Yes! I ordered a four-door pick-up! Apple red! Wasn't cheap, but we did make good money recently, and the club really helps with, you know...” Of course he did. The club was quite useful for money laundering after all. And making a profit with the normal business as well.

He grinned, “Call it intuition... Anyway, good night! And remember what I told you about when I expect you at the latest!”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah!” Applejack not hiding the bit of annoyance in her voice as she drove off.

The dragon entered the building, passing through the graffiti doors into the entrance which also certainly had seen better days. At least there weren't any leftovers lying around and the trash in general had reduced a lot since he moved in. Spike checked his letter box. He hadn't been home since Monday. “Bill. Bill. Add. Crap. Shit. Damn, I need to get one of those 'no ads!' stickers!” He checked two more letters, “Bill. Bill. And I should call Starburst tomorrow, to transfer the money for those bills...”

Starburst was their banker and he'd been doing a great job at running their accounts and laundering their money. He better, while they considered him a friend and partner, he did charge a a price that he called 'fair'. Probably helped that he was a childhood friend of their lawyer, and the two still seemed to have some feelings for each other.

Luckily, his apartment was on the lowest floor, considering that the elevator had been out of service for a week now. Thinking about how he'd have to talk about that to the owner, he opened his door.

The inside would've caused whiplash to anyone entering. Most ponies would've assumed the apartment to be run down shit hole, but Spike had invested good money to make it nice and comfortable. He hadn't even tried to completely turn it into a luxury suit and instead, his large 4k television, state-of-the-art sound system, kitchen and so on fit themselves into the old rooms with an actually nice contrast! For the living room, he had removed the paint covering the bricks, which gave it a nice look with the furniture... yeah, it was good living!

Although, he had to admit, most of the flats in the building he'd seen were rather nice looking, if obviously low income. A lot of the tenants here, though Spike himself wasn't really a tenant, he'd bought the apartment, were quite close, the whole building actually being a bit sure, some were a bit grumpy, could be somewhat of an assholes, but overall? He liked them. Even the janitor, an old donkey named Cranky Doodle, and his wife Matilda, who also had an apartment in the building.

When he had moved in, he quickly had been visited by some of his new neighbors, invited for tea and some snacks, and he'd more or less befriended most of them, or at least considered them good acquaintances. He was happy, however, that he had improved the sound-proving of his bed room...

Also, one of his favorite snack shops wasn't far away, a donut shop creatively called “Donut Joe's”, run by a stallion called... Joe. Reasonably priced, good quality, long opening times... perfect for a stop after a night of deeds of disputable reputation!

Spike hung his jacket on a coat stand next to the door and went straight to the bathroom. He really had to take a leak. After he'd washed his hands, the dragon checked the boiler. Highest temperature. Good, he hadn't forgotten to turn it up. He hurried into his bedroom and grabbed a pair of grey sweat pants, a grey t-shirt and a fresh pair of boxers. “Time for a shower!”

Back in the bathroom, he threw his current clothes into a rather full basked. Soon he'd have to take them to the laundry! Maybe he really should by a washing machine...

Then, he stepped into his shower. It was only a few months old. He had hired craftsponies to install a completely new shower, large enough for two, or even three, at a squeeze when he had visitors.

The dragon let out a sigh as the near-boiling water hit his scales! It would've scalded any pony, griffon or hippogriff that stepped into the shower. But for a dragon? It was quite pleasant. Could've been a bit hotter, but at that point, he probably would've only gotten steam! Maybe he should visit one of those dragon spa's with their lava baths...

After a relaxing shower, he turned the temperature down again, one never knew when he had guests, and he didn't want them to suffer any second degree burns or worse. He put on his short and sweat pants, opened the cupboard behind the bathroom mirror and grabbed a can of deodorant.

Spike sprayed a generous amount under his his arms, put the can back and closed the cupboard again. Then, the dragon took a short look into the mirror, giving himself a cocky smile. But he ended up continuing to stare into the mirror, thinking about his life so far, telling Fluttershy about it had brought back memories.

The first moments he could remember.. there had been a smell. A pleasant, calming smell. A smell, he'd never smelled again and something soft he had cuddled into. The next moment, there had been a loud crash and he'd flown through the air and landed somewhere on a street and waddled away. When he'd been told where he'd been found, coupled with the little memory he had, he had often wondered what had happened, how he had ended up there. Had he been exposed by somepony who didn't want him anymore? Why had, apparently, no one ever looked for him? Such questions had gnawed on him for a few years, but he had made his peace with them. So he thought, at least.

Spike had no idea why he remembered that! He must've been a year old at best when that happened. His next memory was a few years later: A while after this first event, he'd been picked up by a pony family, father, mother, colt and filly, and, apparently, told him his name, at least that's what they had told him, who'd raised him like their own son! They had lived in a slightly better area than where he lived now, by now means affluent. Then, they moved. Their daughter had revealed herself to be quite the little genius and, younger than the vast majority of ponies, and supported by the mayor, had been fast-tracked for law school before! Her father had worked extra hard and gotten a good promotion and was making enough money to move into a better part of Manehattan.

But Spike made a decision he often regretted in the following years... He'd been what? Nine? Ten? Somewhere in that ballpark, maybe a few years older, he couldn't quite remember. But as far as he COULD remember, the part of Manehattan they'd been living in had been HIS place, he knew every nook and cranny, every hiding hole and every shortcut! And in youthful stubborn stupidity... He didn't want to leave. This was where the few friends he had lived. They'd told him about how much better their life would be once they moved, and that he could still see his friends and that he would make new friends! But no... Spike had to be an idiot!

The dragon ran away. He didn't want to leave this place, as much of a run down trash heap as it was. He couldn't remember their names. Their faces in his memory were barely recognizable, but their smells, just like in his first memory, were still there... they'd never officially adopted him, had wanted to do so once they'd moved... but, idiot as he was, he'd run away instead, he saw the Missing Dragon posters, but preferred to hide. Since they had never adopted him, they also couldn't really go to the police or he'd been carted off to an orphanage and the family probably suffered legal issues which could've threatened their foals' careers. And might've landed the parents in big trouble.

After a few weeks of hungering on the streets, begging for food and money, he'd run into the dragon who'd change his approach to life... a fat, middle-aged dragon con-artist, pick pocket, thief in general and so on, called Sludge. He ran his own gang of young, especially juvenile, runaways and orphans, teaching them how to steal, distract, lie, etc.

There, he'd also met Tempest Shadow, a unicorn who had lost half her horn in a fight. Now it was mainly good for explosions, though she had regained, through hard work, the ability to do some minor magic again. Levitating or cleaning small things... and orifices, luckily, considering how much they enjoyed sex.

However, after a few years, both of them had enough of Sludge. While never violent, he was mentally abusive. Not in a way that'd make them feel miserable... but in the way of making them completely reliant on him. He'd take the best parts, give them whatever was left, and kept them indebted and working for him. But Spike and Tempest had other plans! They wanted to make it big!

So, one night, they'd prepared a little set up for ol' Sludge. Police took him into custody and, thanks to a few well placed things, could connect him to a large amount of thefts. He was still serving his sentence and when he came out, if, he would be so long out of the game that he hopefully knew better than try to be an annoyance. Maybe they'd pay him a nice sum so that he could retire in Las Pegasus or wherever he wanted.

And then, he and Tempest started their own gang! Though for months, if not even a year or more, it'd been just the two of them, continuing basically the same things as they had under Sludge. Scams, thefts and so on.

But they began to get more ambitious. Some break-ins, some minor drug dealing... after one break-in, they ended up being chased by some police officers, and after their narrow escape, fueled by adrenaline, they did it for the first time. Did it in some dirty back-alley.

Despite the place, he still remembered it fondly. Maybe, partially, because of the place. Some dirty back-alley, the threat of somepony running on them any moment... yeah, there'd been a special thrill to it.

It wasn't that they had never been caught, but every time up until that point, the police never had had enough solid evidence. Worst case had been one or two 'couple of weeks' stints in the joint.

But that wasn't enough to keep them going, money wise. Both of them prostituted themselves for money a few times. Mares, Stallions, Dragons, Griffons, Ponies, Hippogriffs, Yaks. Didn't matter, as long as it made money. And Spike had to admit, he didn't hate being with other males either. Some of them were nicer, and even more caring, than a few of the females...

Over time, they managed to actually build their own gang. The start of it was pure accident! They had managed, over time, to build a decent network of informants, and early into their time with Sludge, they'd also, to their own shock, seen the death, murder, of two ponies.

While working odd-jobs at a warehouse, mainly hauling heavy crates, they ran into a big, musclebound stallion. Tempest flirted with the hunk, hoping to better her income a bit. But instead of a quick fuck, it turned into a rather deep after work talk. He introduced himself as Big Macintosh.

He and his sisters had moved to Manehattan after the foreclosure of their family farm near some small town called Ponyville. And what sounded like a sad story just got sadder! The farm had been struggling for a while, and so their parents had made a trip to Manehattan, hoping to forge new business opportunities. Instead, they never returned. Alive, that is.

They'd been shot in the open street, the police had ruled them accidental deaths during a gang hit and never found the culprits. With the help of their grandmother, the farm dragged on for a few more years, but then, the old, stubborn matriarch herself had passed on.

Big Mac, as he usually was called for short, and his younger sisters had no other choice. The farm had been used as mortgage for some bank credits and so, the bank sold it, though apparently whatever was going to happen there was still blocked by a load of red tape. At least they'd gotten a few bits out of that, enough to try to start over in Manehattan. Luckily for them, they had two pairs of relations living in Manehattan. Their aunt and uncle orange, though they were of a different societal level, and the family of their cousin Babs Seed, her sister Sunflower and their parents. They helped them to get a cheap, small but adequate enough flat.

His youngest sister, Apple Bloom, was going to school, where, despite horribly missing the farm life, she quickly found new friends, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, while his other sister, Applejack, had enrolled at the police academy. She was dead set to find out what really had happened to her parents. And so, it'd fallen to him to earn money, doing odd jobs here and there, mainly hard, physical labor.

He'd never gotten a formal education, having expected to work the farm for his whole life, and many employers didn't look beyond his frame and stature to see that, beneath those muscles, there was quite a bright brain with an affinity for mathematics hidden inside. The fact that he usually was not very talkative, probably didn't help either.

They became friends and, a week later, as the foreman was chewing them out over nothing again, they all quit on the spot. The duo had become a trio, with some serious muscle behind it. Again they took up their small crimes, this time with Big Mac as either the scary muscle, or the, apparently, gullible country bumpkin.

He did his best to keep this a secret from his sisters. Apple Bloom idolized his hard work ethics, and, even worse, Applejack was training to become a cop! It was difficult, but they did manage to keep at least the worst parts a secret from them, actually befriended them as well!

But then, one night they saw how he stared a picture. It were his parents, and they recognized the two as the ponies they'd seen gunned down back in the day!

More than ever, they wanted to help him out. Spike and Tempest Shadow cashed in quite a lot of favors from their contacts and, after a few weeks and time spent on investigation, they'd found the gunmen. Some small time gang, calling itself the “Ponies of the Apocalypse”, often working as hired muscle for more important criminals, and sometimes companies. When he had heard that name, Spike commented on them having quite a big name for some small time fries. There also had been things that implied that the deaths of Bright Macintosh and Pear Butter had not been a complete accident...

Big Mac told it to Applejack, he just had to, which caused Spike and Tempest to fear that she'd immediately run to a police station and lay it out, potentially causing trouble to themselves. Instead, to their own shock, Applejack resigned. She said goodbye to her classmates and said that familial issues had come up and that she couldn't continue.

A few days after that, Big Mac, Applejack, Spike and Tempest Shadow scooped out the gang's hideout. And the night after that paid them a different kind of visit. And it wasn't pretty. Big Mac and Applejack came down on them with a force that'd make a ton of bricks look like a single, dainty feather. Despite a certain numerical superiority, and the PoA having guns, they got decimated.

Unfortunately, the few that survived the initial assault either had no idea or didn't want to talk, though they'd let slipped bits and pieces, implying that the hit that had included the Apple Family's parents had been ordered by someone from the “legitimate” spectrum, rather than a gang.

Once the last few witnessed had been permanently shut up, they grabbed what they could, guns, drugs, money, did their best to hide their tracks and ran off into the night. The deaths of the PoA had never been solved, but were usually attributed to some of their rivals. This night, however, forged bands between them that would never be broken.

With their loot, they slowly managed to expand. No more scams, no more pick pocketing. Their success attracted new faces and slowly, their gang grew. Among the first new members were two stallions, Feather Bangs and Flash Sentry, quickly followed by another academy dropout, Night Glider, and her friend Cloudchaser, and it went on and on. Rumble and Button Mash, Inky Rose, Derpy and more! And, good payment aside, they were brought together by Spike's demand for absolute loyalty, trust, and, it turned out genuine affection for one another. Spike and Tempest Shadow had lost, or never known, their families. Applejack and Big Mac had lost their parents and their farm, many others felt lost or had other issues... and so, they became less of a gang and more of a family. A family of outcasts and other weirdos. Their ties only intensified by the fact that they all were quite attractive and so another thing that forged their bonds was the amount of sex they had with one another. Sometimes enhanced, given a little extra kick, by some drugs.

Now, none of them really liked drugs, but it made them money. But they had a plan: Once they'd gotten the talent and the equipment necessary, they'd make their own drugs. However, unlike most other drug manufacturers and dealers, they didn't want them to be as addictive as possible! Instead, they'd specialize in recreational drugs, aphrodisiacs and so on! And they'd sell them in their own club, where they'd amplify the experience! And when they ended up doing each other, they often tried some of their attempts. Quite a few times it went wrong, but at least they tried to keep the most damaging stuff completely out of their product. Better a useless product than dead customers. And addictive and damaging was a great way of getting the cops on their asses. Sure, it assured more short term profit, but long term, steady profit and a low profile was better in their eyes.

They managed to create a decent income network over time, based on prostitution, soft drugs, some work at strip clubs, illegal gambling, often rigged, of course and so on.

A year and a half before the current events, they had finally managed to really establish themselves and had become a recognized name in the area. They made good money, and were actually somewhat respected, and actually LIKED by the law abiding folks in the area. They had their rules of conduct which made some belief that they were neighborhood friendly, but Spike didn't like that. A lot of those rules came from a core of decency, but were more often mainly driven by pragmatism.

Prostitutes and strippers were to be treated well. No hard drugs, like crack, heroine or anything like that. No drugs to minors and pregnant females. No terrorizing of the normal folks. No killing, unless absolutely necessary (What had happened to the PoA had been enough for the founders for a long time). When stores pay protection money, we will protect them. Try to be on the locals good sides. Pay for what you want, don't just take it. Don't fuck with the cops. Leave the mares alone if they have no interest. Such stuff.

If nothing else, they were preferable and more predictable than the gangs they drove out. That didn't mean he and his gang couldn't be utterly ruthless when needed to. But that often aligned with keeping gangs that threatened the current status quo and/or would threaten to raise suspicion out of their turf.

A good number of their current employees were already part of the gang, especially in the muscle department, Rumble, Button Mash, Cloudchaser and more. One of the mares that had joined them, Sugar Belle, had even become Big Mac's girlfriend!

Their newest member before they acquired the building had been a young, orphaned mare named Cozy Glow. She looked like the most innocent angel, but, Spike thought, she was too clever by half and too ambitious to be healthy. She constantly pushed for dealing with hard drugs and to take the offense and so on, though it was rarely acted upon. But one night, she'd gotten a hot tip: A truck, apparently loaded with high-quality designer drugs, mainly recreational, was coming from Fillydelphia. Perfect for a little robbery.

However, what they found when they held it up wasn't just drugs. The back of the truck was loaded with briefcases full of drugs, and even money, but even more importantly: mares. Mares, that had been drugged up and turned into sex-slaves. The shipment was for a trafficker ring in Manehattan, with the drugs being dosed to keep them docile, probably also to be sold to their customers. Rich assholes, gangs, brothels.. Among them, there'd been a zebra mare, who hadn't broken down completely.

As she thanked them for the rescue, she introduced herself as Zecora... and she'd been the chemist that had created those drugs. The reason she was still in a relatively normal state of mind was that she'd tested her products on herself and as such had built up a certain resistance against it.

Back in Fillydelphia, she'd gotten into the business due to a talent and passion for chemistry, but without the means to follow this in a legal area. She had started making exactly the kind of drugs that Spike and his gang wanted to make, and then she caught the attention of one of the bigger gangs. At first they had hired her, but after a while, she got locked into a lab and barely allowed to go outside without somepony accompanying her. In her own form of rebellion, she developed the mind breaking drugs those bastards wanted, but claimed that she couldn't do it any other way than the drug needing to be injected into the pony at regular intervals. In their cheapness, the shipment had been planned to be just one or two day short of needing their next fix!

Someponies had lost a whole lot of money on that. That gave most of them a grim satisfaction.

“Think about what we could do with this stuff!” Cozy had said as she looked at the cases full of syringes, powders and pills. Spike had rebuffed her quite harshly and the gang destroyed the stuff. They did find a few briefcases of money

Most of the captives didn't remember much of what had happened to them. Only that they'd been kidnapped, locked away and either been injected with or otherwise forced to take a drug. Some of the mares ended up joining them, like Fleur-de-lis, others did their best to reintegrate into society, and again others had had their minds damaged too much by experimental stages of the drug, usage of which Zecora had always heavily objected to, to successfully reintegrate. They could live normally well enough for a time, but they near constantly craved sex and so a lot of them ended up working as prostitutes, and Spike preferred them working for him, rather than other pimps in the area.

Half a year after that, they had finally made, and laundered, enough money to get to the next level. Spike and Tempest for a long time had had the dream of opening a club as base of operations, and now the time was there! It would be a great place to sell the drugs Zecora was making for them, all of which would mix well with a club atmosphere, dozens of creatures dancing to loud music, sweat, musk and pheromones filling the air, lust running high... The club would also allow them to branch off into other areas and give them a legal front. All of the gang's members that didn't have a real job already, so most of them, would officially work there. As bouncer, dancer, waiters and so on. They even hired Apple Bloom and her friends as waiters!

Spike wanted to a specific look for the club and, as fate would have it, the perfect building was just a few blocks away from the abandoned building they used as hideout at the time. It was an old, run down factory hall, over two stories high and with a basement. Perfect for Zecora to work in. They managed to acquire it and sank a lot of money into fixing it. During the renovations, they found that the basement didn't have just one level! Apparently, there had been three hidden lower levels, which just added to the usefulness! He would've loved to know for what purpose those secrets levels had been built though. There'd been files, but written in code... And another door they hadn't been able to open yet.

Zecora worked on the lowest level, and there were plans to turn the other levels into a dedicated strip club, if they ever got big enough to do so. Maybe he could finally convince Zecora to perform as well. He'd love to see how she moved!

They completely redid the layout of the building and, without magic, this probably would've necessitated tearing down and rebuilding the hall! The club would be a den of sin, that was set from the beginning. Of course, they'd be skirting legality a lot, but then, they'd been breaking the law for a long time by now anyway! Exotic dancers, stage shows, sex, booze, recreational drugs... everything was on offer! And quickly, it became popular! They hired more employees, many of which were primarily for the club and other legal side ventures, but sooner or later they most of them learned about the truth behind the scenes and decided to stay. Derpy for example. Spike and the others took the welfare of each other, their friends and the employees quite serious.

The first meeting with Diamond Tiara, and her friend Silver Spoon had happened a few months after the grand opening. As she had told Fluttershy, her mom had dragged her along, but was disgusted as she left. Tiara and her Friend however returned soon after and became regulars. But then, one night, curiosity got the better of them and they'd run in on Spike and some others having a meeting to discuss plans...

To their surprise, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were excited to see that. As Spike and the others tried to talk to them, they instead wanted to join them! Their normal lives were sooo boring, and it'd be a great way to stick it to Spoiled Rich as well! To show that they were serious, they actually had begun to strip! Probably inspired by some of the mares that performed sitting their in various states of undress... and maybe by the fact that Sugar Belle was sitting in Big Mac's lap while Spike and Rumble were getting serviced by Holly Dash and Cloudchaser.

They'd made it to their underwear when Spike and the others gave in, though they had to admit that the two looked very cute.

He wouldn't let them join on anything major, two spoiled idle rich girls would be far too dangerous to have tag along! But on some minor stuff they were allowed to accompany him and others. At times they even tried to seduce them, but because they had befriended the Crusaders, they considered the two as off-limits, to avoid any jealousy. They often complained about it, as did the Crusaders themselves! Because Apple Bloom was Applejack's sister, she was considered off-limits. Because Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were her best friends, they were off-limits. And because Diamond Tiara and and Silver Spoon had become very good friends with them, they were off-limits as well.

Diamond Tiara even convinced her father to pay for the three to get a good education at the same school as Tiara herself, though didn't meet quite as often as they'd like outside of school, because Spoiled Rich often kept Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon by association, away for home tutoring, because, in her opinion, the school was too low class, or trying to get her daughter make contacts in upper class society. Nopony could understand how Spoiled could consider one of the elite schools of Manehattan “low class”, especially considering that the principal was Mayor Celestia's niece, Cadance. Maybe because Cadance wasn't a stuck up upper-class bitch like Spoiled herself?

Meanwhile, Apple Bloom and her friends complained about only being waitresses! They wanted to dance, show off their bodies and even spread their legs! It'd mean better pay, and they didn't like being left out of the fun part of the staff meetings!

Maybe, at some point, they could figure out what they were working on down there, Zecora and A. K. Yearling were at times trying to crack the code, Yearling's experience with old languages and even some modern codes due to her education and adventuring days being quite useful, but with little success, and make it to money. The club did earn an OK profit, but the main purpose for now came from its use for laundering their less legal gains. He loved running it, but its use as a front was a good part of its appeal to him

Spike looked at his smiling self in the mirror. Yeah, he was doing well... but what was that feeling... he should've been feeling like the king of the world, but instead... that hole inside of him made itself noticeable again

Maybe, he contemplated, he just wanted to know his family... or, families, depending on what had happened during his first memory. Anyway, he was expecting somepony.

4 Pleasing the landlord

Waiting on his couch, Spike thought back to what brought him into this... relation.

He'd moved into the apartment a few months ago, and few weeks after, a real estate developer had bought the building, wanting to tear these old blocks down and build something new and fancy.

He and his neighbors had gotten off to a decent start, mainly hardworking folks who just wanted to get on with their lives. And then, one day, an eviction notice. By that time, Spike already had hired Starlight as his lawyer, and she'd already gotten together with Trixie, and so he had her take a look at it. There were certain... issues with it, but she wasn't too sure if she could arrange a nullification of the notice, despite Spike having bought the apartment. There'd been certain clauses about renovations and so on.

However, Spike's charme and... special talents in the lower area of his body came to an unexpected rescue. The real estate developer paid the property a visit, especially to tell the tenants to piss off!

It turned out that the developer was a mare, a rather attractive one in her mid-to-late thirties, maybe early fourties, at that! She had an orange coat, light gold mane, wore a pair of pearl ear rings, a purple neckerchief around her neck, a white shirt, purple blazer and skirt and her name was Ms. Harshwhinny. The tenants put extra emphasis on the 'harsh' part and she, at first, had little interest in having anyone try to talk her out of this.

Then, however, she ran into Spike. The two argued for a while, until Spike threw his arms up and, exasperated finally asked her “Can I do anything to convince you to keep this place around?”

“Hmm...” She mustered him up and down. Young, looking reasonably fit, apparently not too much of an asshole... ”How much are you packing?”

He was taken aback by this question and could only utter one word, “What?!”

“How big is your cock?!” Harshwhinny snapped, “How good are you in bed?”

“What?!” He asked again.

Annoyed, the mare exclaimed, “Are you stupid?! Am I talking to another imbecile here?!”

“More like utterly surprised!” Spike replied somewhat flatly, then he shrugged, “No mare I've been with so far has ever complained!”

Harshwhinny groaned, “I haven't gotten laid in ages! My job's keeping me too busy for dating, callcolts aren't really my thing...” She complained, but got herself back on track again, I'm making you the following offer: Satisfy me, and I'll rescind the eviction notice for as long as we keep this up!”

Spike stared at her, utterly speechless. He couldn't believe it. He'd thought that he'd be forced to jump through hoops to get her to reconsider, either by doing dirty work for her, or against her... but now, she just wanted sex?! This was too easy!”

“Did that overload your tiny brain?!” She snapped as Spike didn't answer.

“Oh no, Ms. Harshwhinny.” He put a special emphasis on her name, “You've been loud and clear. And about your other questions...” He opened his pants as he said it. “If you want to know how big I am, maybe you should find out yourself!” And, unable to keep himself from firing back a bit at this stuck up bitch, he told her, “I'm curious if your body is able to back up everything that big mouth of yours just implied!”

Harshwhinny grinned herself. Good. It was much more fun with a partner who had some fire in him. The last few relationships she had had were with utter wimps! Dominating them for a while was fun, but them being pushovers meant, that it quickly became stale... This dragon, on the other hand, seemed to have enough self-confidence that, if she ended up turning him into her colt-toy would be a bit of an achievement. And if that didn't work, he probably would just bang her harder. Win-win!

This arrangement had been going since then. A bit irregularly, due to their occupations, but at least twice a month, Ms. Harshwinny would visit him, and, it seemed, she was actually coming to appreciate him as more than just a good fuck. Even with the tenants she became less hostile and somewhat more informal. Maybe, she'd turn over a new leaf in that regard! She had even rescinded the eviction notices for the three other apartment buildings nearby, though that was partially because, without tearing down this one, it wouldn't make sense to tear them down either.

He heard a knock at the door, expecting Ms. Harshwhinny. Instead, there was a younger mare, a brilliant orange coat, fuchsia mane, magenta colored eyes, earrings and clothes, a light yellow top, a red neckerchief with some metal things sewn into it, and a red piece of cloth with yellow embellishments, tied together as a skirt, the dragon had never seen before. “Excuse me? You are?”

“Saffron Masala...” She told him, “My father and I moved in yesterday, and the other tenants said that I should introduce myself to you!”

Spike scratched his chin, remembering some moving trucks unloading stuff into the buildig, but he just hadn't been home much overall recently, mainly sleeping on a couch, or bed in the club. Once, he'd fallen asleep on one of the chairs in Zecora's lab, until she threw him out because his snoring was screwing over her concentration! He opened the door completely and pointed his arm into the direction of his living room furniture. “How about you come in? Talking at the door, that's for annoying salesmen, not a cute mare like you!” He joked.

“Thank you! And... I appreciate the compliment!” She giggled like a filly.

He offered her a seat on his armchair and, when she had saat down, he began“So, Saffron, do you want something to drink? A glass of water? Some tea?” She just shook her head and so, he cut to the chase “What brings you here to me? Why did the others tell you to visit me?”

Saffron took a deep breath and began. “My father and I moved here to start a restaurant, to bring our cuisine to Manehattan! We already got a building and name as well! We're calling it 'The Tasty Treat'!”

“Well, it sounds promising!” He admitted, “Tell me when you're getting started, I sure wanna try something!” Then, he wanted to bring the topic back to why she was here, “But, that doesn't...”

Saffron didn't let him finish, “That's part of the reason I'm here! My father and I cooked up a few trial servings we've been handing out to the other tenants! Word of mouth is great advertisement after all! The others told me that you have a lot of friends?”

“Yeah!” Spike admitted, a bit befuddled.

“Well, we've been told that you'd be back this evening and that you might be able to help us, so we cooked up some more test batches, if you'd like to try!” Saffron jumped up. “We could reheat it and then, I could bring the samples to you!”

Spike heard his stomach rumble. He hadn't eaten since a late lunch... this sounded quite tempting, if he was being honest! And he got an idea that went even further. Oh, he knew it was wrong, but he just couldn't resist! Well, he was a criminal after all... “Before you go, I need to talk to you about some other things... This area isn't the safest, you know?”

“What do you mean?” She sounded cautious, raising an eyebrow.

“A few gangs are running around and demanding protection money...” He told her, stretching his arms. “Some more love to rob small stores..”

Saffron Masala's face turned into a picture of shock and displeasure, “Oh no... that's already what drove us out of Fillydelphia. I don't know if we can afford...”

Spike interrupted her, “Now, I have... associates myself, we can keep those vultures away from you and your father, but...”

“But you'll need something in return...” She replied coldly, suddenly wondering how a dragon who'd been so recommended by everypony here tried to hold her up so obviously, “It can't hurt to ask. Tell me!”

He chuckled. That fire, he liked it. “I can offer you less than any of the other gangs demand. Less, and without any erratic increases.” The dragon continued to elaborate, “My associates, friends, and I are quite interested in having decent relationships with the local businesses and it helps none of us if they can't sustain themselves! I've already seen too many good shops close because their landlords decided to bleed them dry when they made a little profit! However, we get a discount on the food, let's say... enough that the costs are still covered and you make a little, we tend to be generous tippers!” He added.

She swallowed. This was a good offer, considering the situation. Her eyes narrowed. It was too good. There had to be a catch!

As if on command, he grinned smugly and told her, “And, I want you...”

Saffron had expected a catch, but this shocked her still. “What?!”

“What can I say? I think you're attractive! And I bet quite a few of my friends will agree. See, all of us are quite... open. And when we see attractive folks we like, and who seem to be nice, well, we love to have a good time! And many of the customers at my club as well, if I'm being honest!”

“You...” The mare tore her eyes open, as she thought she'd figured out what he wanted, “You want me to work as a stripper?!”

“What?! NO! The club is a party club, not a strip club... Mainly. Until we can add...” He admitted, “I was just saying that you probably would be gladly seen there. No, that was just if you want to have some fun!”

The mare sighed. it probably was the best offer she'd ever get, but...

Her thoughts and inner struggle were visible in her face, and so, Spike decided to make another offer, “Tell you what, Saffron. I like you, honestly! Outside your looks, I mean. So, I'm going to make you the following offer: Everything I offered so far, and you spend an hour or two with me and if you don't enjoy it, you can always leave. All I want is you to give me a chance. Sounds fair?”

It'd probably take a while longer for Harshwinny to show up, so why not?

Still conflicted, Saffron slowly replied, “I guess... but let me inform my father beforehand please, so that he doesn't worry about me staying away for a while. I'll have to make up something for him....” She had an idea, “Then again, I have to bring you the food samples! That should be enough of a reason for me to stay for a while! I'll be back in ten, fifteen minutes and bring you the food as well”

She returned, having carried a number of warm food containers down the stairs, as Spike had grabbed a number of plate and cutlery and placed them onto his tv table.

A few of the packs had already been opened, and finished! Entrees had been a lentil soup and some breaded cheese and veggies, followed by curry dishes with rice. Despite her misgivings about the 'deal' he'd offered her, she couldn't help but feel, at first, excited as he was trying her their cooking, and now very pleased, as he seemed to truly enjoy their cooking skills!

Now, he was trying the last dish she had brought with her, one Saffron had warned him about. The dish's color was a deep red, nearly brown, and she'd said it was very hot.

Spike took his spoon and split a piece of potato even smaller, scooped the piece up together with a lot of sauce and rice and shoved it into his mouth. “Please! Careful! It's one of the hottest dishes we make!” Saffron sounded nearly a bit panicky.

Spike tore his eyes open. Saffron Masala already expected cries of 'Hot!' and so on, but instead, she was surprised. “Wow... that's great!” He called out, the experience of the capsaicin in his mouth being a pleasant kick to his tongue. Not really surprising, considering how he could spit actual fire. He took another bite and his mouth twisted into a grin. “That one has a kick! I LIKE IT! What's that called?”

The mare looked utterly stunned. “It-it's Potato Vindaloo!” She stuttered. Then, she saw the look in his eyes, truly understood his reaction. She was elated, “So, you enjoyed our food?”

“Yes! It was great! When your restaurant opens, we'll probably become regulars!” He told her honestly, hoping they'd offer delivery. Though he could always just send some one over. Or, if they really became friends, maybe Saffron would bring some food over herself, and then... Well, time would show.

For a moment, Spike wondered how the food would taste with meat. Being mainly surrounded by ponies, he usually ate vegetarian, but there were a few stores in Manehattan that offered fish, poultry and lamb and mutton for dragons, griffons and hippogriffs who were used to a more meaty diet. He had tried chicken a few times and liked it, but keeping it vegetarian kept his friends calmer, and was overall easier.

She looked honestly flattered at how much he enjoyed her food, but then, his next words reminded her of what was coming next. “Well, so much for the appetizer. Time for the main course!”

His grin told her what he meant. Sounding unsure, she agreed,“A-alright...”

“Well then,” He told her, “How about you show yourself off a bit!”

Again, she swallowed, as she rose from the arm chair and walked in front of Spike's TV. Slowly, Saffron turned around.

Looking her up and down, the dragon just had to appreciate her. “Damn, Saffron! You're gorgeous! Even if your food wasn't as great as it is, you alone would probably cause the guests to run your door in!”

Saffron Masala couldn't help but feel flattered. She'd known that she was pretty, she'd been told that often enough by other ponies. But that even this dragon who, by all she had heard, knew a lot of pretty ones, had enough of an interest in her to do something like this? She knew it was wrong, but she couldn't help it...

“How about you start showing off a bit more of that body of yours?”

Uncertain, she fidgeted around on the knot that held her skirt up. In her mind, she told herself Come on, Saffron Masala! Underwear isn't different from a bikini! The knot opened, and the fabric she'd tied around her hips as a skirt fell to the ground. Then, she slipped out of her top. Saffron's underwear was nothing special, but still nice. A burgundy red bra and panties combination.

She saw how Spike, sitting on his couch, legs spread apart, licked his lips, the sharp teeth that flashed for a moment sending a shiver down her spine. Saffron saw his finger gesturing her to come over to him. Guessing what he wanted, she slowly, trying to move sensual, walked over and began to kneel between his legs.

“No!” The dragon stopped her, to Saffron's surprise, “I want you to sit in my lap! I don't want you to do anything like that before you're comfortable!”

“How do you think that sitting in your lap will make me comfortable?!” She snapped.

“Sit down, and you'll see!” The dragon gave her a confident, yet gentle, smile.

Saffron sat down between his legs and immediately, he pulled her into a gentle hug, the heat of his body pressing against her fur. It felt... weird. Kind off nice and comforting actually. Then, he ran his hand over her shoulder and the mare tensed up instinctively.

“Please, Saffron, relax!” He softly whispered into her ear, the tone, weirdly enough, calming and worrying at the same time, “I want you to enjoy this! Belief me, I want you to feel good as well! I know how many in this situation would be interested only in getting off while living you miserable, but that really isn't my intention!”

The mare couldn't help it. She believed him.

Slowly, Spike's hands moved over her body, caressing her face and arms. But then, Saffron subconsciously grabbed his right hand and moved it to her right breast. She blushed heavily.

“You're enjoying this, aren't you?” He whispered

“No, I'm just trying to...” She paused her protesting, thinking how to continue. “To make sure you'll help us!”

Spike snorted. Denial. Always fun to see them finally be honest, especially since he had already told her that he'd help them! He pulled her bra down as his left hand moved towards her panties. Her tits weren't the largest ones he'd ever seen, but certainly a nice... D? He guessed. They certainly were nice to play with. He heard her first moan of the night as his claws played with her clit.

“Oh, are you getting wet already?” He teased her

“What?! No!” Saffron protested!

The dragon pulled his left hand back up. “Well, then I wonder what this on my claws here is!” He licked over them. “Hmm... reminds me of the food! Delicious!”

If it was possible, her blush became an even darker shade of red! And the more his claws played with her body, the more she moaned. But then, he stopped. And despite her not saying anything, he could feel in how her body reacted, that she wanted to protest!

But then, the dragon cuddled himself against her, feeling, how she replied in kind. Maybe because of how his childhood had went, he'd always been fond of a bit of cuddling. “How about we cut to the chase?” Spike asked her, putting his arms under to lift her up as he rose himself.

“Whaaa?!” Saffron called out in surprise as he easily lifted her up. She and her dad had lived in Fillydelphia, the city with the largest dragon population in Equestria, but only for two years, and they didn't have much contact with dragons, outside of a few customers. That Spike, who looked rather slight, could lift her that easily...

He carried her over to his dinner table, with no complaints, and carefully laid her down, belly first. The first thing he now did was unclasp her bra to no complaints, and then he pulled down her soaked panties. The dragon heard how her breathing got more ragged and intense.

Saffron felt Spike's hot breath push over her folds as his snout closed in, each time he exhaled, a shover running down the mare's spine. A moment later, his long, dexterous tongue eagerly dug into her wet folds.

The dragon chuckled a bit, hearing how she tried to suppress a cry. He savored her for a while, feeling, how her legs trembled. “You're a virgin?” Spike slurred as he pulled his tongue out but it still licked over her knob.

Saffron objected, “N-no! But I barely... remember my first time... was drunk...” She managed to get out between... other noises. “Didn't... have much sex... since then...”

Close enough. Spike enjoyed teaching less experienced partners, especially if he might end up spending quite a bit of time with them. Experiencing how the sex with them evolved... Well, time for the main event! Spike gripped her right hoof and pulled It up, Saffron turning with the movement. She flipped onto her back, her legs to either side of him.

The dragon pulled his cock out of his sweat pants and gently rubbed it between her lower lips. “Last chance for you to opt out, Saffron!” No reply. The dragon grinned, but just had to tell her again, “I'll help you even without this. Just say it and I'll stop!” Still nothing, and so, Spike slowly pushed his pointy dick into her waiting cunt.

As Saffron Masala cried out in pleasure, Spike teased her, “Damn! Your pussy feels great!”

“Th-thanks!” She replied instinctively, immediately slapping a hand over her mouth.

Ah, what good manners she had. And that also was a perfect set-up to tease her more,“'Thank you'?' Saffron, you naughty mare!” He cheered, grabbing one of her tits!

“I'm not! I'm only doing this for the restaurant!” She protested, but her face, and body, showed the truth. Her moans and coos did the rest, as did the sound of Spike's hips slapping against hers that filled the apartment.

“You lie!” His left hand slapped her butt from below as he told her that, “I told you, we could stop this at any point and I'd still have supported you and your dad! You could've told me to stop at any moment!” Another slap. “Yet, you let it go on, enjoyed the affection I showed you!”

Again, she wanted to object Spike's words, despite everything speaking against her, “I don't enjoy this!”Just as she finished those words, her hooves crossed behind Spike's back.

"You say that you don't enjoy it... but then you cross your legs behind me to make sure I can't pull out!" The dragon laughed! “Come on, be honest!” He bent down over her and removed his right hand from her breasts. His claw dragged over her cheek and jaw. “If you're honest, we can do this more often, if you want...” His thrusts intensified, causing the table to bump around a bit. Lucky that nopony lived below him... The mare's pussy squeezed down on him as he sped up.

Suddenly, Saffron's arms grabbed Spike's head and pulled him into a kiss. After she broke it again, she moaned into his ear, “You're right! Spike! Please! More!”

Spike rose up as his speed increased, feeling how Saffron wasn't going to hold out much longer. Both his arms slung around her legs. His thrusts intensifying more and more as he felt his own climax approaching.

The mare cried out as her body shook as the climax hit her, and Spike followed shortly after. One last push and he shot his load into her and, since dragons and ponies weren't compatible, at least not without certain potions and spells he had heard off, and some other precautions against STDs he had made, he didn't worry about any unintended side effects. In after-climax bliss the two kissed once more, sloppily and full of desire, Saffron's legs still locked behind his back, her breasts pressing against his chest.

Breathing heavily, Spike took a step back, thick, white seed slowly pushing its way out of her cunt as his cock withdrew. The dragon, with a smug grin, looked at his work. His grin grew even wider when Saffron sat up and scooped up some of his jizz with her fingers and tasted it, her face looking like she didn't know if she liked the taste or not just yet.

Nude she continued to sit on the table, her legs dangling over the tables edge, when Spike spoke up again, after he'd cleaned his dick with a handkerchief. “Just wait til you meet my friends!” He told her, “I bet you'll like them! They are all really nice and,” he added, “just as interested in fine partners as I am!”

He looked her up and down again and continued, “And you're even cuter when you're honest with yourself!” Then he laughed, “You know, that was quite the turnaround in your behavior!”

Embarrassed, Saffron scratched herself behind her ear, “Well... I did enjoy the attention. With how much we were trying to keep our previous restaurants afloat, I never really had time for colt-, or marefriends, or for anypony to do that to me. But at the same time, with the way I ended up in this situation, I didn't want to give in. I was arguing with myself most of the time, and because of that I've been so quiet.”

Spike ruffled her mane a bit, “Hey, you're honest with yourself now! Once your restaurant is up and running, I hope we can spend some more quality time together! And if you have spare time, you should come to my club and let your mane down a bit!”

“Maybe...” was Saffron's rather thoughtful sounding reply.

But before either of them could say anything else, they heard a very determined knock at the door.

“Oh, yeah. My guest!” Spike told the mare in front of him, “I better don't keep her waiting...” Just as he finished, another knock echoed through the apartment, this time sounding a bit annoyed.

Saffron quickly covered her breasts with her arms and crossed her legs, not daring to stand up and grab her clothes. Also, she figured, that most guests Spike would have wouldn't consider a nude mare as something too strange in his home. She heard Spike's voice from the door, “Hi, Harshwinny.”

"That still is Ms. Harshwinny to you!" A rather annoyed female voice shot at the dragon.

“Ms. Harshwhinny, I hope you're having a nice evening!” He replied with a sarcastically happy politeness. “I do like that pantyhose you're wearing, but I think it'll look even better torn!”

Tossing her jacket on the coat stand, she briskly entered, Spike at her side. Saffron saw her first, looking at her business attire. Then “Ms. Harshwhinny” spotted Saffron and her eyes narrowed. "Who are you?" She asked her coldly.

The dragon hastily placed himself between the two mares, as Saffron's face turned visibly red., "That's Saffron Masala. A new... business partner of mine."

Unsure what to do, Saffron tried it with common courtesy. "H-hello, nice to..."

"Shut up, filly. I'm not here to talk!” Hashwhinny rudely cut her off, “I'm here to get laid!” Then, she saw the trickle of white leak out between the other mare's legs. “I hope this idiot didn't waste everything on you!”

Spike mockingly acted hurt. “Ms. Harshwhinny! That you'd think of me like that!” His mouth turned into the most shit-eating grin Saffron had seen on him so far, “You know very well that I can go for the whole night!”

“You better!” The mare angrily told him as she walked to the bathroom, obviously knowing the way.

“Who's that?” Saffron whispered the to him, uncertain.

"The owner of the building.” He answered. “You didn't know that?”

“We dealt with an agent when we got the apartment. I doubt she wants to bother with most of the tenants in person!” She explained, and then wondered, “And you fuck her?”

“Long story,” Spike told her, explaining further, “To make it short: She bought the building, and a few others, and she actually wanted to tear it down and build something new, more expensive.” He sighed, “I had bought this apartment just a few weeks ago, and, while we could've went through this in court, I don't think either of us would've been really satisfied with any outcome. I asked her if we could work something out and then we fucked and, as long as she's kept sexually content, she won't think about tearing down the buildings. Maybe we can arrange something else later.”

Saffron wasn't quite convinced, “But couldn't she just decide to, I don't know, sell the buildings and say 'you never said anything about selling'?”

"If she'd try that, my friends and I managed to uncover a nice amount of stuff on her that she would prefer not to be made public, I'd say!” Spike proclaimed smugly, “Her career is rather important to her for one..."

Their talk finished just in time, because Ms. Harshwhinny had just returned from the bathroom, her panties twirling around her finger. Saffron wasn't an expert, but it looked like expensive fabric, white, with black ornaments and lace. She sat down on Spike's couch and looked at the new mare.

Her lips turned into a sneering grin, "So, Saffron... considering you're here, how about you make yourself useful? Get your head between my legs!"

Spite rolled his eyes. Depending on the day, Harshwinny could vary between "Surprising cordial" and "Annoying bitch"... and today...

Slowly, Saffron pushed herself off the table and back onto her hooves. She began to walk over to the Ms. Harshwhinny, but Spike held her back, “You don't have to do that. She just wants to get off on putting somepony else down!”

“To be honest, I just... kind of want to try. Especially if I am to visit your club in the future, considering the hints you made about your friends! And if it keeps the landlady happy? My ego isn't that fragile!” She explained to him. “But... thank you.”

“Hey?! Where are you?!” Said landlady thundered.

“I-I'm here!” Saffron answered, hurrying over. She knelt down between Ms. Harshwhinny's legs, staring at the older mare's pussy through the pantyhose, the smell of arousal hitting her nostrils.

“Stop staring! Lick!” She commanded the younger mare. But when she felt the hands on her pantyhose, wanting to pull it down... “Oh no! You keep your hands off of this. This pantyhose probably cost more than your monthly rent! You're going to lick me through them!

Saffron stuck out her tongue and slowly closed in on Harshwhinny's pussy. A few tentative licks at first, but soon, she grew bolder. She'd never been with a mare before, but she enjoyed the taste so far! And she'd probably enjoy it even more, if her partner was more accommodating instead of, just now, having put her hand on the back of Saffron's head and started to press her against her pussy.

“Hmm... you're a newbie to this, aren't you?” Miss Harshwhinny noted. Saffron was a bit surprised, but the older mare quickly elaborated, “It's noticeable in your technique, but,-” and here, she sounded actually somewhat nice! “,- you ain't bad, I have to admit!”

Somehow, hearing this actually made Saffron Masala happy! She was licking a cunt for the first time, and, apparently, was doing a decent job at it! But something in her mind told her, that this whole experience was corrupting her! A few hours ago, she'd have slapped anyone who'd have suggested the events of this night to her! But then again, she hadn't had much time for private fun in quite a while now... why shouldn't she enjoy it?

Saffron began to let out rather pleased noises as Harshwhinny's pussy juices began to flow, soaking through the fabric of the pantyhose. And, judging by her moans, she really was enjoying this!

But then, she pushed Saffron away! The younger mare looked up, right into her near sneering, smug, somewhat annoyed expression.”Not bad for a beginner... but you're starting to bore me!” She told her as she pushed Spike's TV table away.

Ms. Harshwhinny pushed it far enough that she ended up bending over, her ass in plain sight of Spike, who'd been watching from behind the couch. For all the annoyance in character, her body was pretty good, especially that ass!

With a grin, Spike climbed over his couch, so that he stood right behind her. He placed a hand on her ass and started to knead it, again eliciting moans from her. “Harshwinny...~” He mockingly intoned.

“MISS!” She annoyedly corrected him again.

Spike rolled his eyes and shoved his left index and middle-finger into her mouth. Ms. Harshwhinny's tongue began to lick around the digits near immediately. Right now, he didn't really care about playing along with her anymore. The dragon turned to Saffron and told her, "She is a total butt-slut... let me show you." He grabbed her pantyhose with his right hand and tore it open around her private parts, lubed his cock up with her pussy juices and then rammed it up her ass.

Quickly, Ms. Harshwhinny's facial expression changed from angry annoyance to 'lost in pleasure'. And Saffron had to say, when she wasn't scowling, or looking down on her or anything like that, Harshwhinny's face looked quite nice! Maybe, if she wasn't as much of a career driven workaholic or whatever, she might actually be somepony nice to meet! Maybe she should invite her to their restaurant at some point? A good meal can do wonders at times....

For a moment, Spike thought back on the first time he fucked her tight ass, and when he'd found out how much she liked it in her ass, he had bought her a little present. An enchanted bracelet that would keep her ass in pristine conditions.

“How about we take this to my bedroom?” The dragon asked the two mares. Saffron quickly nodded, but Ms. Harshwhinny wasn't mentally available anymore. Spike took this as her agreeing, picked her up and carried her still impaled on his cock.

Seeing how his other guest walked next to them, Spike wanted to include her some more. “Hey, Saffron? Ya think you can take off her clothes once I put her down?”

“Uhm...” Saffron was unsure at first, but then agreed, “Sure!”

The bedroom looked really comfortable, and that large bed! To saffron's surprise however, it didn't look like some lusty sex den. Just like a normal, comfortable bed room. TV, wardrobe, and so on.

Carefully, Spike put Ms. Harshwhinny down on, and stood still, as Saffron undressed her. First the blazer, then the white shirt, followed by Harshwhinny's bra and skirt. “Good job!” Spike complimented her, caressing her face. Saffron let out a happy squeek.

The dragon loked down at the nude mare in front of him, wearing nothing but a torn pantyhose and a pair of business high heels. He didn't move, just started to massage her ass again, teasing her. “You know, I always think pantyhoses look even more sexy once they begin to tear during sex! When the flesh underneath begins to press through the holes in the fabric!” He told the two mares.

“P-please... please!” Ms. Harshwinny whined, “Spike! Just continue to fuck my ass!”

And, with a grin, he did. Spike began to move just after he'd grabbed Saffron by her waist and pulled her close to him, she felt the heat radiating from his body.... and then, be burried his head between her tits.

The next morning

Spike woke first, carefully pushing the two mares off of him. He stretched himself, and when he saw Saffron stir, he greeted her. “Good morning!”

“Good morning, Spike!” She replied chipperly, “I'm happy I told my father that I might stay here until morning, depending on how long I'll take! I don't regret it!”

“Huh, already wondered about that!” He chuckled. “That just tells me that you were already convinced, but had to convince yourself!”

Saffron blushed again, but then she stretched herself over Spike's body, looking at the other mare, some drool running out of her mouth. “Hmm... she's still asleep!” She let out a cute giggle, “Harshwhinny looks surprisingly cute when she sleeps after getting railed for a while!”

The dragon nodded, “Looking at her like this, you wouldn't believe how bitchy she is! Or can be, at least!”

“Maybe she's under a lot of stress? I mean, she seems to be a rather busy businessmare. Probably works far too much and rests too little. Maybe that's why she is so cranky?”

Spike shrugged. It was possible, and he'd been assuming so for a while, but the one time he'd brought it up, Ms. Harshwhinny didn't want to hear any of that. Maybe at some point... He had a different suggestion for Saffron Masala, “Wanna cuddle some more?”

“Yes, please!” She eagerly agreed, throwing her arms from the side over his shoulders, her face nuzzling itself against his neck, as his arm hugged her side.

After a few minutes, Ms. Harshwhinny also began to move. Slowly, she opened a sleepy eye and, when she saw Spike and Saffron, she also stretched her arms around the dragon, snuggling up against him, enjoying his warmth.

Meanwhile, Saffron had grown far bolder from her experiences of last night. Slowly, she moved down Spike's body and lifted the bed sheets. There, she saw his half-erect dick. For a moment, the mare only looked at it, then gave herself a small nod of encouragement, and moved her head closer and closer.

“Morning blowjob?” Spike asked rhetorically, “Nice!”

And as he had guessed, Saffron began to slowly lick his shaft, up and down, and he felt how he got hard again. When his dick was nearly full erect, she began to blow him. As Ms. Harshwhinny had said last night: Amateur, but not bad at all! She also began to move so that her ass would no longer be next to Spike, instead, she made herself comfortable between his legs.

Spike noticed how the aforementioned mare began to stir, to wake up properly, more or less. Sleepily, she rubbed her eyes, and then blinked in confusion about where she was. Once she had realised that she was at Spike's place, she also noticed Saffron Masala and what she was doing.

Still not quite awake, moving next to Saffron, Ms. Harshwhinny mumbled, “Move over... also want some...”

The younger mare gladly made some space for her, and soon, both of them began to work his shaft. “Best way of starting the day!” The dragon called out excitedly as he softly placed his hands on their heads, gently rubbing them.

After a few minutes, Spike blew his load all over their faces and onto their chests, and both of them hummed happily as they suckled on the tip, trying to swallow as much of the jizz flowing out of it as they could.

Again, Harshwhinny yawned and stretched herself, licked some more cum off of her lips and then told them, “Yes, that's a great way of waking up! Now all I'd need would be a cup of coffee so dark it makes Deputy Mayor Luna look like her sister!” Another yawn. “How late is it anyway?”

Spike looked at the clock on his phone. “9:30.”

Ms. Harshwhinny tore her eyes open! “9:30?! HAVE A MEETING AT ELEVEN!!” She shouted, jumping from the bed and grabbing all the clothes of hers she could find. Hastily, she put on her torn pantyhose, shirt and blazer, stepped into her high heels and rushed out of the door, some splatters of cum still on her face.

Spike and Saffron just stared after her... and then at her bra lying on the floor. And, Spike assumed, her panties were still lying in the living room. He would've loved to accompany her like that, maybe with one or two... or three remote controlled vibrators inside of her. Though she probably was on her way home, for a quick shower and fresh clothes anyway.

He turned to his other companion of the night. “Hey, Saffron! Before you leave...”

“Yes?” She asked, raising an eyebrow as he opened a drawer and was apparently looking for something.

The dragon pulled something Saffron couldn't quite make out yet out of the drawer. “Here, a little present for you!”

In his claws, he held a little gold necklace with a nameplate, but instead of her name, it said “Spike's”.

“A... collar?! I-I can't wear that!” She protested, extremely flustered once more.

“Don't worry!” He tried to calm her down, “It's enchanted! Outside of my club, it looks like an unassuming necklace for anypony that ain't me or one of my close friends! Come on, try it on! I bet it looks good on you!”

“Well... alright...” At his urging, Saffron did. She had to admit that the necklace looked rather nice. Name plate aside, it was just a nice, tasteful gold-chain necklace after all. But the moment she closed the necklace behind her neck, a shudder ran down her spine. It was a pleasant, naughty shudder, but a shudder nonetheless. Wearing this... it made her feel... kinky!

“Th-thank for the necklace! But I better get my clothes on and tell my father of the outcome of our... 'business meeting'!”

“Bye! And I hope I'll be 'hearing' from you again soon!” He told her, but, as she passed out of the bedroom door, he shouted after her, “HEY! SAFFRON! DON'T FORGET YOUR CLOTHES!”

5 Saturday at the precinct

Fluttershy entered the precinct, still a bit... ruffled from the night before. For the first time, she'd used the toy Rainbow Dash had gifted her for birthday as a joke, and, when she had woken up this morning, she had only realized that it'd still been in here... private part, when she wanted to pull down her panties to go to the toilet and noticed that she wasn't wearing any, and instead had the vibrator inside of her!

When she had pulled it out, Fluttershy had surprised herself by letting out a whimper of disappointment even! What was wrong with her? She had never felt that way before she'd met that dragon! It was as if he and his whole indecent.... stuff was awaking something inside of her which she didn't even know about!

And on her way here, for the first time, she'd really been conscious of the stares she drew from a good number of ponies and others she'd walked past! At the precinct it wasn't much better. She faintly remembered that some gossip magazine had voted it 'Sexiest Precinct in Manehattan'. So many important things to report on, and then there needed to be this kind of magazine which are nothing but a waste of ink and paper! But now, she had to admit that they might've had a point...

Stop thinking about this! Fluttershy told herself, softly hitting herself against the head to concentrate on work, currently she was filling out a number of forms, when suddenly, a voice tore her out of her thoughts.

“Fluttershy? Is everything alright?”

The voice was raspy, and very familiar. Fluttershy looked up and saw Rainbow Dash and Gilda the griffon standing in front of her. She had to admit that the police uniforms suited the two quite well... no! What was she thinking again?!

She shook her head and then replied, trying to make everything seem normal and failing miserable at it, “Yes! Of course everything's alright! Why shouldn't it be?”

“Well, you were just blankly staring at the wall the whole time!” The griffon told her. “You looked so drifted off, Rainbow worried you might be sick!”

Fluttershy tried to wave the two off, explaining that, “I was out last night, and I think I might've stayed awake for a bit too long, that's all!”

“You were out?” Gilda sounded honestly surprised. Not that Fluttershy could resent that, she'd been surprised by herself before and after she'd went to the club after all! “Where did you go? Was there some charity event for an animal shelter or something?” The griffon girl followed up her previous question.

The answer came quietly.“Actually, I went to a club...”

Rainbow Dash couldn't help it but giggle. “That's a good one, Fluttershy! You! Going to a club! HEHE!”

“No! I'm serious!” Shy objected, a bit louder than her last reply.

“What kind of club?” Gilda wanted to know, “A book club?

Rainbow couldn't help herself and threw in her own pick, “Knitting club?”

Fluttershy had to admit that the fact that none of them even suggested she went to a night club was annoying her a bit, when Rainbow had another idea! “No! I bet it was some sort of animal aid club that helps at the animal shelter!”

“Well, if you REALLY need to know...” The yellow pegasus replied surprisingly resolute due to annoyance, “I went to a night club! With music and dancing and a well stocked bar!” And, in her mind, she added “and many attractive creatures and a charming dragon and...” again she shook her head to drive those thoughts away.

Rainbow Dash and Gilda stared at one another. Timid, shy Fluttershy had gone to a night club?! “You went... to a night club?” R. D. asked her in bewilderment. She'd known Fluttershy for ages, had been her friend since school, and so far the only times she'd seen the other pegasus at any sort of event that could be compared to a night club had been when she'd dragged her with her! And that one time at college, when it happened in their dorm, but after THOSE events, the blue pegasus had put her hoof down and told them that, as long as Fluttershy was there, no more such parties. Shy hadn't been able to look at most of their classmates without blushing for at least a month!

“Which one?” Gilda asked her, surprised and curios. Well, it probably was some tame club where...

Emboldened, Fluttershy replied quickly and with barely a hint of embarrassment. “Tartarus!”

Now, the two really were speechless. “Wha...” The blue pegasus and griffon stared at each other.

Slowly, Gilda asked, “Isn't that...?”

“Yes!” R. D. interrupted her, sounding excited, “The hottest new club in Manehattan, from what I've heard!”

“Damn, I've wanted to go there for a while now!” Looking at Fluttershy, she laughed, “You think you could get me in?”

“Uhm...” The yellow mare didn't know what to say. Not that she had to, because Gilda immediately chimed in again.

She sounded a bit more thoughtful than before now, “You know, I've heard rumors from some colleagues that work in the area. Apparently, it might be that the club is used as a front for drug trading and other gang activities, but so far it's not much more than hearsay, and not enough to waste money on an investigation.” She shrugged, “And, in any case, it's not our precincts duty anyway!”

“Even more of a reason to go there! Maybe we could find something out!” The tomboy mare laughed, “Fluttershy! Come on, tell us about it!”

She was fighting with herself how much she'd say, if she even wanted to tell them, “Well...”

But before Fluttershy could begin, a stallion's voice called over to them, “Morning, Fluttershy!” A dark grey, nearly black, pegasus called over. He was being accompanied by another very light blue pegasus.

Thunderlane and Soarin strolled over to them, Soarin now greeting the other two, “Morning Rainbow, Gilda!”

“Oh, Good Morning Thunderlane! Good morning, Soarin!” The two showcase detectives of the precinct and two hunks, though both in slightly different ways. Thunderlane had a very well developded body, though Big Mac probably dwarfed him by a good margin, while Soarin was a bit more slight, having a somewhat more... coltish charm. However, he also was faster and more agile than his friend, so the two made a good team. There also were rumors that Soarin and the captain were romantically involved, but most dismissed it as baseless, considering how much value the captain put on rules.

Think of the devil... A commanding, female voice thundered through the precinct. “What the hay is going on here?! Is somepony giving away free donuts?!” She shouted as she nearly stormed over to Fluttershy and the others, “Why are you standing around like this? Don't we have enough cases already?”

After a short moment of surprise, most of the rest of the precinct was back at work already, they were used to this by now. Except for the group around Fluttershy. All of them, together, greeted their superior, “Good morning, Captain Spitfire!”

The captain had served in the Equestrian Guard before she had joined the Manehattan police to whiip the bunch into shape, after years of mismanagement. Originally, she'd been pitched as commissioner, but that post, in the end, went to another guard alumni, Shining Armor. Some tried to pin it on nepotism, he was dating the mayor's niece, but Spitfire knew better. She'd worked with him a few times and his credentials were indisputable.

Instead, she'd been placed in charge of this precinct as a demonstration, especially since it was the same precinct where the previous commissioner, Wind Rider, had made his name, and a lot of his infamy.

Glaring at the five, Spitfire, calmer this time and even looking slightly amused, asked again, “So, what is going on here?”

Thunderlane and Soarin shrugged, but then, Rainbow told them, “Fluttershy was just telling us about the club she went to last night!”

“What?” The orange mare raised an eyebrow, clearly she, and the two stallions, also found it hard to believe that Fluttershy would go to a club. “A book club?”

Gilda snickered.

“No! She went to Tartarus!” Dash blurted out, “That club that became really popular!”

Spitfire, Thunderlane and Soarin were as flabbergasted as Gilda and Rainbow had been before. At least, for a moment. “How did you end up there?! And how was it?” Their superior asked with surprising interest in her voice.

Fluttershy decided to avoid the first question and focus on the second one instead. “Well, the drinks were good!” She told them. “The bartender made a pretty good 'Old Fashioned', and their Mai Tai beats Rainbow Dash's by a mile!” Fluttershy let out an adorable little giggle at this.

“Hey!” Dash wanted to object, but then had to admit, “Well... probably. Probably helps if you use lime and orange liquor instead of lemonades and rum and whatever rotgut the gas station has...”

The sound of whatever damned concoction that was made most of them twist their faces into grimaces of disgust for a moment, especially by Spitfire. Fluttershy quickly continued, “Music, as far as I can judge, was pretty good, their DJ is DJ Pon-3...”

Suddenly, from behind the two stallions, a mare's voice! “THE DJ Pon-3?!” Surprise joined in. “Sorry, I happened to overhear this!” She explained, excitedly, “I'm a fan of hers! Where does she perform?!”

“Tartarus, it seems.” Thunderlane told her.

“Isn't that that new...”

“Yes!” The others told her at once. It didn't get any more amusing on repetition.

“They also have a stage for shows for entertainment!” The yellow pegasus continued, “When I was there, they had a unicorn stage magician perform some tricks, but I didn't really pay attention, if I'm being honest...”

“Stage shows?” The group looked puzzled.

“As a bit of a break between the music, at least the life music, they had some other stuff playing in the background. Also, I think some of the employees use the stage to... perform...” She trailed off,

Soarin expression continued being confused. “Perform what?”

“They... dance...” Fluttershy chose her words carefully.

“And?” The others questioned. Fluttershy blushed.

“Oh... you mean... striptease?” Surprise offered.

“I... don't know?” She answered, stammering on, “But probably... at least..., well...”

“Exotic dancing?” Spitfire suggested.

“Yes, I guess,” was the relieved reply. Then, a steadiness that surprised Fluttershy herself crept into her voice as she went on, “I also have to say... all of the employees that I've seen were quite pretty. And, looking Thunderlane up and down, she couldn't help but add, “And one of their bouncers makes Thunderlane look slight!”

“What?!” The stallion sounded offended, while the others were surprised that Fluttershy had anything to say about the good looks of other ponies. She usually was the last one to care about that. Soarin meanwhile gave his pal a playful jab against the shoulder, chuckling slighly.

Shyjumped up and ran around her desk, coming to a stop next to the pegasus stallion. “No, really! He's probably at least half a head, if not a head, taller than you!”

Soarin interjected, trying to save his friends' wounded pride. Sure, Thunderlane would get over it soon enough, Soarin knew he was playing it up a good bit, but Thunderlane would certainly pull extra time in the gym.“You never told us how the club actually looks like!”

“Oh! Well...” Fluttershy began to tell, “It's a bit weird, a mix of modern night club and an old factory hall, but that contrast gives it a really interesting look. The whole thing has a rather... I don't know... a suggestive, seedy atmosphere, yet it feels... I can't really describe it. There is that... It works, I guess...” She ended rather lamely.

There was an ambiguous little smile on Spitfire's lips. “Well, if I'm being honest... I wanted to go there for a while now, let the mane down a bit.” The others looked at her for a moment. “Hey! Just because I'm a police captain doesn't mean I can't have some fun from time to time!”

They continued to chat for some time longer, Fluttershy telling some more about the club, but then, Spitfire looked at the clock hanging on the wall. They've been wasting thirty minutes with that! Her expression immediately going serious, she barked, “Enough chit chat! Get back to work! You can talk during break, or after work, but we have a job to do, and that is to keep law and order in this city! You can chat later!”

As they began to scram, Spitfire added one more thing: “And the next time, one of you gets a high profile arrest, once the shift is over, we all go to Tartarus together!”

As they left, Fluttershy noticed how her eyes followed each of them... What was wrong with her? Why was she finding so many of her colleagues so... attractive all of a sudden?

But, once more, she was torn out of such contemplating, when she heard shouting from the direction of the stairs. Two officers were pulling a hysterical pony they had with them up to the second floor!. “Quick, get Fluttershy! Maybe she can help calm him down!” She faintly heard through the ruckus. Fluttershy put the papers she'd been working on and locked them inside of the drawer of her desk and let out a sigh. Felt like everything was back to normal. Except for that feeling between her legs...

Half an hour later, Fluttershy had managed to calm the guy down, her colleagues thanking her for her help. She went back to her previous work until it was time for the lunch break. Fluttershy was just contemplating what she'd eat, when another colleague showed up. The mare had a disheveled red mane with violet and purple highlights and, as Fluttershy knew, in her spare time she mainly wore old, worn out clothes, preferably a black sweater.

“Hello, Fluttershy!” Moondancer, greeted her.

She was probably the only mare on the force, or at least in the precinct, that was as averse to big events and being in the spotlight as Fluttershy herself, though for different reasons. While Fluttershy was just, well, shy and didn't like the attention, though she had to admit that she had enjoyed the attention she'd gotten at the club, Moondancer meanwhile was actually introvert and had little interest in having much contact with others, and it showed in her dressing habbits. Underneath her lab coat, she wore a rather old sweater and plain jeans, her mane unkempt, strands sticking out everywhere. But, Shy had to admit, it did look kind off nice.

This didn't mean that she was completely reclusive, but she mostly kept to herself and the few ponies she got along with, Doctor Whooves, the head of pathology for example. Luckily for, or possibly intended by, her, she was heading forensics, so her interactions with others were mainly limited to the rest of her team and demonstrating the analyzed evidence.

Fluttershy sometimes spent her break with them, especially when Rainbow Dash wasn't here. They were fine enough companionship and they were, overall, quiet company which was more to her liking than the loud and and boisterous behavior of most of the others.

“Yes?” She looked up at Moondancer.

“Hooves and I are going to order food, want to join us?”

The pegasus was about to answer, but again the experiences of the last night wormed their way into her mind, and like with her other colleagues, Fluttershy noticed, how Moondancer looked in a different light: A cute wallflower, dressing as unattention-grabbing as she could, probably not even by intent. But that just added to it... She felt the warmth between her legs and pressed her hands against it. For a moment, she imagined her face between Moondancer's legs, slowly pulling her jeans down and then eating her out and slowly turning this introvert into somepony who'd embrace her sexua... WHAT THE HAY WAS SHE THINKING ABOUT AGAIN?! BAD THOUGHTS, FLUTTERSHY! BAD THOUGHTS! Fluttershy herself was an introvert that was far too shy for something like that!

“Fluttershy? Why are you staring at me like this?” Moondancer asked her, bewildered. “And what about lunch?”

“Uhm... sure!” Fluttershy replied, avoiding the first question. “Where are you going to order?”

“I think Whooves wants fried rice, he found a new restaurant he wants to try. I guess I'll take fried noodles...”

“Ah! Hmm....” The pegasus thought for a moment. She wasn't exactly in the mood to sift through a menu, not knowing how good the restaurant was anyway and so decided to just take the same dish as one of the others.“I think I'll also take the fried rice. Same one as Hooves!”

The unicorn nodded. “Alright. One of us will come over and tell you once it's here! Whooves wanted us to eat with him in the morgue, but I managed to convince him to come to the lab. I have to check some stuff still... “ Turning away, she mumbled, more to herself than Fluttershy, “What is it with coroners and eating next to the corpses they cut open?”

Shaking her head, Moondancer began to turn around to walk back to her lab, as Fluttershy quietly said “I have no idea...”

Pushing herself past Silver Zoom and Fire Streak, Moondancer disappeared from sight.

Once Lunch was over, Lemon Heart, one of Moondancer's assistants and Twinkleshine, one of Whooves' assistants had joined them, Fluttershy made her way back to her desk. The floor was empty. Nopony was there, probably either still eating or out. That was rare! The only sounds where the muffled sounds from the first floor, and the radio playing music. And one more thing...

A quiet noise came out of Captain Spitfire's office. It sounded like... moans? Slowly, not in control of her steps, Fluttershy closed in on it. The moaning became ever more audible.

The offices' blinds were closed, but the door was ajar. Carefully, the pegasus opened it slightly more, and took a glimpse inside. Her hand immediately shot to cover her mouth in surprise, seeing Soarin and Spitfire. The captain was lying on her desk, her legs over Soarin's right shoulder, and her pants around her knees. His pants were still on, but it was easy to guess that his fly was open. The two were doing it... At work! Spitfire's shirt was open, he bra moved out of the way and her small tits jiggled softly at every thrust.

“Spitfire?” Soarin asked her, “Why do we have to hide our relationship like this?”

“You know why!” Was the short answer.

Fluttershy felt herself getting wet again. Slowly, she put her index finger into her mouth and started to bite down, trying to avoid making any noise that could giver her away. Unfortunately, she also felt herself getting wet again.

He sighed - though between his groans it wasn't really audible - going over the reason she'd told him a hundred times by now: “Because, I quote, 'Personal relationships within police departments can be unethical and can adversely affect the morale of coworkers. Blablabla!' And all that other stuff...”

“Exactly!” Spitfire nodded, suppressing another moan. “And if you get a promotion, even if it's together with Thunderlane, you know that some would complain about perceived favoritism! Or me backing you on a case, not because I trust in your abilities, but because we're together...”

“Please! Anypony that knows you would never do that! You try to be tough, but fair. OK, it doesn't always work, but still!

I always try but it doesn't always work? Spitfire thought, OK, Soarin... I'll remember that!

Audible, however, she told him, “Ponies like Svengallop wouldn't care! And even so, it still could, and would, cause resentment, and it's easy pickings for anyone who wants to play politics, try to get any case you were on overturned! And it could also undermine the commissioner! Shining Armor appointed me because he trusts me!”

“Thrusts you?” He chuckled.

Fluttershy cringed a bit at that stupid comment. It also tore her, for a moment at least, out of her mesmerized state, finally noticing that her other hand had pushed itself into her snatch as she was peeking on them.

“Harharhar... Very funny.” Spitfire snarked. “But thrust more, please!”

A few moments later, the conversation started again. “We're still having the relationship though!” Soarin laughed quietly.

“I know...” His partner admitted through gritted teeth.

“And,” he continued, “You pushed for the policy in the first place!”

This time, the captain nearly snapped the reply. “I know!” Annoyance was audible in her voice.

“Why did you even push for it?” The stallion had wondered about that basically since they had started their affair.

“Studies showed that it's better that way! More efficient, better for morale” Her answer sounded somewhat rehearsed to his ears, “And you know what was going on before the mayor started the reforms. Wind Rider and others... even when it could never actually been proven. I didn't expect to fall for one of my officers!” The last few words were spoken nearly meek and apologetic!

Soarin looked at her, pausing for a moment. Surprisingly stern, he told her, “If you want, we can stop. It'd be sad... But maybe, one day we could...”

Energetically, Spitfire hastily objected! “No! I don't want this to stop!”

For a moment, moaning aside, there was a grave silence in the office.

“Soarin?” Fluttershy was surprised by the sudden, and rare, softness, even meekness, in the captain's voice as it broke the silence. “Can you hold me? Let me enjoy your warmth before the others are back...”

As she quietly closed the door again, the shy mare heard one last whisper from each of them. “I love you...”

Soarin's answer was agreement. “I love you too, Spitfire...” But then, he couldn't keep his voice down. “I'm cumming!”

Both. And so was Fluttershy. Biting down hard on her finger to keep herself from moaning, her body shivered. Luckily she could at least avoid making any noises the two could hear.

Shy reassured herself that wouldn't tell anypony about what she had just seen. At least not, unless it'd cause other issues. Pulling her hand out of her pants, seeing it glisten with her juices, she hurried over to her place as quietly as possible, drying her hand on her trousers. Jjust as she sat down Rapidfire and High Winds came up the stairs. As Shy saw them, she flinched.

“Oh, Fluttershy! Did you spend your whole break up here? Alone?” High Winds questioned her.

Fluttershy's answer to the mare had an unmistakable hint of nervousness: “No, I had lunch with Dr. Whooves and Moondancer! I just came back myself!”

She had a quiet ruffle in Spitfire's office. Most likely Soarin and Spitfire hurriedly making themselves presentable again, when suddenly, the captain shouted: And Soarin, no more of that!”

“Well, thanks, Captain, for wasting my break in here...”

“Heh... “ Rapidfire gave a hollow laugh, “Sounds like Soarin got himself into trouble again... When will he learn?”

Suddenly, Fluttershy realized something: They'd probably done it most of the times when Spitfire had chewed him out in her office. At least, when the blinds were down... The pegasus had the feeling that next week was going to be a very long one. She'd better buy some batteries for her toy...

6 The Private Security Contractor, the Banker, the Politician and the Businesspony

As Fluttershy was suffering through the next week, a meeting took place in one of Manehattan's tallest buildings. The skyscraper, a steel and glass construct, had quite a foreboding appearance, mainly black and some red. It was a building that basically screamed “evil corporation”, yet it, and its owner, actually had a pretty good standing with most of the citizens of Manehattan. Donated a lot to charity, supported the city, that sort of stuff.

In an office suit on the 96th floor, around a large, dark, and very expensive desk sat four ponies. Each of them were well known in Manehattan and beyond, in business and politics. They had informants and cronies in a lot of places: Gangs, police, DA offices and more. Kept loyal by bribes, blackmail, favors and other means. Each of them had a glass and a bottle of very expensive alcohol in front of him.

In the dark, sparsely lit conference room, a very expensive leather office chair swiveled around, revealing the head of the meeting. The president of Umbrum Enterprises, Sombra. The other three were some of his partner, or, in their cases, rather his partners in crime. They all were quite powerful afterall. Svengallop, Wind Rider and Gladmane. Three of them were impeccably dressed, Sombra in a black suit, black shirt and red tie, costing multiple thousand bits. Gladmane was wearing his usual garish, eccentric suit-and-cape combo, while Svengallop wore a more usual suit, dark blue, light blue, striped shirt and a red tie. Meanwhile, Wind Rider looked a bit different, though no less expensive, wearing a leather jacket, jeans, boots and his trademark silk scarf.

Wind Rider, after the disgraceful end of his police career, had started a private security company. THwough in truth they often acted as muscle for Sombra and other powerful, unscrupulous figures. Gladmane meanwhile was one of Manehattan's most powerful bankers, and laundering hundreds of thousands of bits for Sombra every day, while having his own stuff going on the side.

Svengallop meanwhile was a political opportunist, supported by Sombra and the others due to their goals aligning. He was... of the old school. Had the right idea of where everypony should be in the world. That the city, and Equestria overall, should be run by those of wealth, taste and sophistication! The rich elite, not some grassroots no-names, plebeians or idealistic morons!

It was true that Sombra himself started at the bottom, but he never had any personal interest to reach a political office, He had managed to integrate himself very well into the circles of Svengallop, Spoiled Rich, Jet Set and Upper Crust and other like minded creatures however.

Currently, they were bickering over some issues, Sombra quietly observing, his face stern, resting on his folded hands. “Had Svengallop won the election back then, and not given Celestia a chance to solidify her position after his loss, we wouldn't even have many of these problems! And I'd still be commissioner!” Wind Rider grumbled.

“Don't pin this on me, Wind Rider!” The called-out stallion snapped! “It was that fucking accident that allowed her to ride a wave of sympathy!” He continued to angrily mutter on: “I swear she must've planned that! It's just too convenient! She adopts some little shit and a few weeks later, she's involved in a car crash that leaves her basically unscathed but the brat disappears? Yeah, sure!”

Sombra massaged his temple. Bickering fools... They've had this argument plenty of times by now! But they also had influence, money and connections. And, when not busy blaming each other for any perceived failure, they had an impact. Over the years, the four of them had many things possible for each other. Legal and illegal.

The unicorn turned his head to the banker at the desk. His voice was deep, smooth and pleasant, yet there was something in it that, if you noticed it, would put you on the edge, especially with the expression on his face and the stare glare in his eyes. He looked as close to a tiger as a pony could when his deep voice filled the room. “Gladmane, you haven't said anything so far! Do you have any news to report?”

“Not really.” Galdmane shrugged. “The operations are going smoothly, though I think some undercover cops have been sniffing around. Might have to deal with that soon., one way or another...” Then he smiled, “However, my personal project is finally taking shape!”

“You still want to build that casino?” Svengallop raised an eyebrow.

“A resort to reduce Las Pegasus to a second grade dump! Not just some random little casino!” He retorted, spreading out his arms, his eyes gleaming! He continued: “Gambling Halls, hotels, restaurants, an amusement park and more! It's going to be a town of its own!”

The former police chief burst out in laughter! “You're still pissed they ran you out of town, all those years ago? All this project of yours is you felating your own ego because you couldn't muscle your way into Las Pegasus!”

Gladmane ignored Wind Rider. “I found the perfect piece of land... It's near some small hole in the sticks. But it's near Canterlot. Used to be a farm with huge orchards until they went belly up and had to foreclose. Those country bumpkins got peanuts for land that's worth a fortune!” He let out one of his characteristic laughs. “Unfortunately, at the time we ran into a number of issues, I think you remember it, my friends? The farm was filed away and nearly forgotten about! But then, while checking through the files, we stumbled over it again and finally were going to sell it... I sent an intermediary and had stuff spread about the property. Bought it dirt cheap!”

Despite his previous burst of laughter, Wind Rider was intrigued by what he heard. He stopped playing with his silk scarf and listened intently as Gladmane's gaze turned to Svengallop and Sombra.

“Unfortunately, there is still some red tape, and the issue about the legality of gambling. So, I was hoping you gents might be able to use your connections to potentially procure an exception permit for me? I don't expect it to be solved fast, just that it be solved!”

The politician of the group stroke his chin. There were some favors he could call on, and maybe more, but his answer remained not quite committed: “I'll see what I can do...”

Meanwhile, Sombra gave a short nod. “I do think this could be a good investment. I'll have Radiant Hope create a list of potential contacts for me later.”

Gladmane gave the two a big smile and nodded. Then, he turned back to Wind Rider. “And, my dear Wind Rider, I hope you can, once the casinos are built, procure the security?”

“Of course!” The pegasus nodded. “I might have to expand first however, but until you need them, it'll take a few years at least anyway!”

“Perfect! And in return, contracts for construction, security and so on aside, Sombra will receive 10 % and you and Svengallop 5 % each of the resort! Once it gets going, that should be ample enough money to repay any expenses!”

“What about that town nearby? Won't they raise any fuss? Especially with the sudden influx of tourists? If they create a big controversy, even with our pull, It might cause your whole enterprise to flounder, or at least be less profitable.”

“Who cares about them? They should welcome the tourists!” Gladmane waved him off, turning his attention “Now, Sombra?”

He bent forward, a piercing glare fixed on the banker. “Yes?”

Gladmane swallowed. Sombra's eyes, his piercing stare always unnerved him. As calmly as he could muster, he asked him, “As a good business partner, I'd like to hire your construction company for the planning and construction of the resort, if that's alright for you?”

“Of course,” the dark, tall unicorn replied in a measured tone. “Daddy Grandeur will be elated to have something worthy of his decoration skills again. He's been complaining about the recent work he's had.”

Suddenly, behind them the door opened. “Excuse me, Sir? I am sorry that I have to interrupt your meeting!”

“Yes, Sans Smirk? Anything important?” The boss of Umbrum Enterprises asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I think so, Mr. Sombra!” The assistant declared as he entered the room, a phone in one hand and a folder with documents in the other. “Hard Hat has tried to call you! And when he didn't reach you, he called me! He has news that might be of interest! And Radiant Hope has given me some files for you to sign!”

Hard Hat was the head of his construction business. Well, that was one of his jobs, but it was his official position. He'd started working for Sombra quite early and showed a lot of promise on the construction sites. He also, as his boss found out, had some dealings on the side, working as hired muscle and so on. A hand-picked part of his construction crew by now had become one of Sombra Industries go-to muscles for problem solving.

“Put them on the desk,“ Sombra told his assistant, pointing at the table. “What does Hard Hat want?”

“It has to do with your-” Smirk paused for a moment, thinking about how to phrase it, considering his boss' guests. “-peculiar interest, sir!”

The unicorn's eyes widened. “Is he still on the line?” He asked Sans Smirk with an intense stare.

“Yes, Mr. Sombra!” An energetic nod underscored the answer.

Sombra gestured him to hand over the phone and, as he grabbed it, he quietly told him to leave the documents on the desk. “Yes, Hard Hat? You found something?... Wait a moment, you're hard to understand. I'll put you on speaker!” It was unfortunate, since his partners didn't quite know what it was about, but he was too impatient. Too long he had had to wait for any sort of advance.

The voice of Hard Hat rang out of the speaker, still a bit hard to understand, but understandable nonetheless. Gladmane, Wind Rider and Svengallop bend over to be closer. They were curious. For a long time now, they'd known that Sombra was searching for something... “Boss, I think we found one of the installations you're looking for, but it seems to have been ransacked ages ago. However, the guys are still looking through everything! Maybe whoever cleaned it out overlooked something!”

With a thunderous noise, Sombra slammed his fist on the table. Finally, they found something and it's been ransacked already? He growled.

“Boss? Is everything alright?!” The voice came from the phone again.

“Yes!” Sombra unintentionally snapped. “What site are you on?”

“Construction Site 17! The theater renovation! We had to check some stuff in the sewers and found some... markings on the walls. Lead from a hidden door in the basement down the sewers. Sent Garble and some others to check it out and they found a secret side room built into the sewer wall!” Suddenly, there were some background noises and and bits of words, but only Hard Hat's were somewhat intelligible. “Yes? OK! Wait a moment! Excuse me, Sir, I'll be back with you in a moment!... Show me!”

A minute or two later, Hard Hat was back on the phone, his voice sounding breathless but slightly triumphant, “Sir?!”

“Yes?” Could that finally be a break through? There was a shine in his eyes..

Trying to suppress any undue jubilation in case it turned out a dud, the voice on the other end of the phone told him, We found something!”

“What? What did you find?” The dark unicorn nearly implored.

“It's a file!” Hard Hat told him after a moment of contemplating what to tell exactly. “Contains only rows of numbers and letters. Might be code. If I had to judge? Might be coordinates or addresses. Maybe of other installation, offices and so on... If we can decode it.”

Sombra's answer was audibly strained from trying not to shout, “Send the papers over as soon as possible! I'll have ponies to crack it ready!”

“Al right, bo-” The call was ended before builder could finish.

Sombra looked up, his face a grim visage with a hint of controlled excitement. He looked right into all of his partners' eyes. “Well now, Sombra...” Gladmane began, clearing his throat, “I think it's about time you explain what's up with that. I've been wondering about that for a while now!”

Wind Rider nodded in agreement. “Gladmane's right! We're partners after all and my guys are protecting the construction sites you use to dig around for.... whatever you're looking for!”

“I also have to agree with the other two.” Svengallop added in a measured tone, after taking a sip of wine, curious, yet trying not to push his luck with Sombra too much. He was a dangerous pony, after all.

For a minute, there was leaden silence in the room, a pair of red eyes staring into the eyes of three other ponnies. For a moment, Svengallop feared that they had pushed their luck too far, but then, uncharacteristically, Sombra shrugged, letting out the tiniest of sighes. “Alright... I guess you can be allowed to know. You've heard too much already and are in too deep anyway. You know my... secret projects? Well, of course you do. Each of you has taken some quality time with them after all!”

“You mean the...” Whatever the ex-police chief wanted to say got immediately interrupted.

“Yes. That project...” A project to turn ponies and other creatures into obedient sex-slaves for sale and rental. Sombra emptied his glass of wine, before Radiant refilled it. “Some time ago, I stumbled over some old documents. Apparently, parts of the government had ideas in the same... basic ballpark, probably for military use, and built a number of secret underground labs, some as part of civilian or official buildings, others just hidden away. So far, most of them had had eithe two or three hidden underground levels under their basements, and some even had an especially hidden high security floor. I assume that's where the most interesting informations had been stored. The really important documents about, well, I think you can probably figure at this point! At least what was left of the files they had after they'd been cleaned out. I guess after the project had been canned, they decided to just forget about them, rather than risk any of that stuff getting lost on delivery to a storage site, or disposal. The high security rooms seemed to not have been swept clean, however. Maybe they didn't want anyone to get their hands on it, or none of the cleaning crews had access... Maybe it was just the usual incompetence.”

“So, the government was working on drugs for mind-control, mind-breaking, brainwashing and so on?” Wind Rider asked after emptying his glass of whiskey.

A nod, before Sombra continued. “Apparently. Though it might've been some small, secret groups or whatever. You know the inter-branch rivalries. Unfortunately, but not suprisingly, the laboratories we've found, if they had any papers left, were either the major failures, or incomplete. Or both. If we even found anything! But there were promising leads!” He took a sip himself. “I've sent a copy of one of those documents over to Fillydelphia. A two bit gang that's acting as a bunch of goons for hire for some of my... less-than-legal enterprises over there. I was told that they had a great drug cook, a zebra, I think, that could whip up some pretty impressive stuff. Maybe she could do something with it!”

“Judging from your expression, she wasn't able to?” The garishly dressed banker asked.

Sombra's answer was strained by an attempt at keeping his flaring anger in check, but the annoyance was hard to miss: “Maybe. I don't really know! That's the most annoying part! She made some pretty impressive stuff from the reports I've read, mind-breaking drugs, aphrodisiacs and more. But the effect, unless administered in doses that could very well leave the recipient either near catatonic or just dead, was only temporary. They needed regular doses. While there are some that have an interest in living sex-dolls, for me personally that's just a flat 'no'!”

Wind Rider laughed as he heard that. “It's boring, and you have to feed them, clean them... And they just have no character at all! You fucked one, you fucked them all! Now, turning a contrarian bitch into an obedient fuck toy? That has something! But even then, sometimes it's far nicer if they have some bite left in them, denial of their craving for the cock of the guy they once despised!”

“Indeed.” Sombra agreed quietly, and even the other two nodded. “But here's the thing that's so annoying: Those imbeciles, those lowlife morons,-” he clenched his fists nearly enough for their nails to draw blood as he let his mask of measured composure and semi-sophistication crack for a moment “- those short-sighted no-good, motherfucking, brain dead, shit shows of air wasting stupidity and blind greed!”

The other three exchanged worried looks. They'd never seen Sombra worked up like this! He usually tried to project an aura of calm superiority, of always being in control! All three of them hastily refilled their glasses and emptied them in a single gulp. And then quickly refilled them.

“So...” Svengallop cautiously ventured, “what did they do?”

The others winced when Sombra tore his eyes open, a wild fire flickering in their merciless red. “Those idiots decided that whatever that zebra had cooked up was good enough, drugged her up, stuffed her into a truck with other mares for brothels and dealers, together with a bunch of the drugs!”

His broad smile looking visibly strained, Gladmane tried to smooth the situation over, as Wind Rider emptied another glass of whiskey and Svengallop nervously sipped his wine, “But wasn't there a chance that they didn't use enough drugs? You said that the effect was only temporary...”

“That might've been a possibility...” The chairman of the meeting continued in a calmness that was even more worrying than his outburst before. Then, his shout shook the room. “IF THE FUCKING TRUCK HADN'T BEEN INTERCEPTED BY SOME GANG!” Audibly, and visibly, seething, he continued, “That happened, what? A year ago? Sometime thereabout at least! We never found out who did it or what happened to any of the mares, drugs, THE FORMULAS or the money they were also sending! They'd been masked, pulled the driver and co-driver out of the truck and then knocked them out, tied them up and left them there! I lost a good amount of money that day, together with a very talented cook! I hope I don't have to tell you what happened to those Fillydelphia half-wits.”

He didn't. They could imagine it quite well. They knew what happened to those that fucked up royally. Honest mistakes? Especially if one stood up for it and learned from it? Good chance of being left alive. Arrogance, stupidity and major fuck ups? One way trip to the grave. A very painful one at that! Though it was probably kinder from him to have sent ponies to deal with those crooks instead of going himself. Sombra was very strong, especially for a unicorn, more than able to take on even earth ponies considered to be very strong in hand to hand without breaking sweat! The three had seen what he could do others even without using his magic, and even Wind Rider, who'd seen a lot during his time on the police, preferred not to be reminded of the things he'd seen done by Sombra. “The zebra got closer than we'd ever been before...”

The unicorn sighed. “Especially since I'm convinced that we'll need some very potent stuff to get Manehattan's honored mayor...!”

“Ah, I see... so that's how you wanted to...” The politician mumbled to himself. He looked up at his partner. “You think that that bitch Celestia won't cave in to the stuff that turns any other mare we've ever seen into a good little slut?”

Shaking his head, Sombra answered, “She and her sister are alicorns! And even normal ponies, mare or stallion, zebras and griffons have shown themselves to be quite resistant at times! We didn't try try it on dragons or yaks yet and hippgryffs we assume are close to griffons and ponies...”

“Oh, don't remind me!” Gladmane twisted his face, remembering the time when a griffoness had nearly de-stallioned him with her beak....

“Indeed. We need some potent stuff we can give to her in a discreet way. Break her down, preferably slowly, over time, so that none will really question how she changed from one day to another. Then make her beg and-” looking at Svengallop, Sombra finished, -”throw the election to you, and then, well, you know!”

“Yes, I do know,” He agreed, “But don't forget: You promised Celestia and her sister to me, after a year of them being your... company!” Svengallop was patient, didn't mind waiting. And having Celestia fall for him the moment be became mayor – it was widely known that the two didn't like each other – would've raised suspicion. No, it was better if Sombra broke the two in, and after a year as his eye candy, few would care, or wonder why they'd flock to Svengallop.

“And I get the new commish's wife, wasn't it?” Wind Rider laughed, “And Spitfire! And my old post back, if possible!”

Again, Gladmane cleared his throat, “This is all very nice, but, I would like to come back to those cops... I need them to stop snooping around at my enterprises!”

“You want them killed?” Sombra threw an ambiguous look at the banker.

“What?! No!” Gladmane quickly objected, sounding utterly shocked, “That would just draw undue attention. It's cops, not some overly curious idiot sticking his muzzle into stuff that ain't of his concern!”

“Good. For a moment I had already wondered what had gotten into you. Dead cops would just mean that the MPD would be a major pain in the neck!” The chairman nodded.

Wind Rider added his own two bits to this: “Bribery would be the most quiet way, but I doubt it'd work. Not with the work Shining Armor and Spitfire have put into the force. Now, there are still plenty of cops that take bribes, but snooping around at stuff Gladmane's connected to? Nah, gotta be guys that are tough to crack.” His finger knocked against the side of his head as he was thinking. “Maybe some good old intimidation could work. Have some muscle show up, give them a thrashing and disappear....”

Sombra scratched his chin, thinking about it. “Who should I send? Trouble Shoes? Hard Hat and his crew? They could pretend to be drunks, get into an argument. Would mean that the cops might not investigate too deeply into this, while still making the investigators nervous. Especially if they are snooping around without all the necessary clearances..." Had they been given all the necessary authority, he, or Gladmane, would probably know about it. So it stood to reason that they were in a bit of a gray zone, and might not be able to point at their badges too easily.

“Maybe, after the beating, they could check their ID's. If we know their names, we might find some dirt on them!” Svengallop put forward.

“That's a great idea, Svengallop!” Gladmane cheered, “I bet we can find some dirt on at least one of them, and that guy then has to sabotage his friends!”

Again, he laughed his laughter, when the sound of a mare clearing her throat came from the shadow shrouded wall. “Oh, Lightning Dust?” Wind Rider asked the mare that had accompanied him. “Do you have anything to add to this?”

“Not really...” The pegasus shrugged. “Just that I'd like it if, instead of some of his goons, we could take care of this! We haven't had anything fun to do for a while now, boss!”

Her 'boss' raised an eyebrow. “So, you and your crew want to take care of this problem?”

“Yes, sir!” Lightning Dust snappily replied with a salute and a cocky grin.

“And the fact that you're dealing with cops?”

“Don't worry! We know how to make sure that the police won't find out! Learned from them, after all!”

The others at the table were a bit confused, or at least unconvinced. Gladmane was the first to vocalize it. “Oh yeah? I don't think we've been acquainted yet?”

“That's Lightning Dust” The private security contractor stated, “She went to the Academy in the year I got completely driven from the force. Showed a lot of promise, being at least on par with the stand-out of the year, Rainbow Dash, but the new ponies in charge thought her 'too reckless', too prone to violence, too much of a show-off! Pussies! In my time, she would've made it big in the force!”

The others nodded in agreement. In the good old days, the cops were dumb muscles for hire with a badge! They did what they were told, made some of their own additional income on the side... And now you had idiots that wanted to reform and change that!

“I saw her potential however, and protected her. Once I was out, they threw her out of the Academy! But I had, and still have, contacts and some supporters there and, together with two other rejects, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse, I hired them and he three started to call themselves 'The Washouts'. Worked for me as my top squad and personal bodyguards ever since, though not in public. While some of my usual guys escort me, those three are the ones you don't see!”

Sven had to admit that it sounded pretty impressive, nearly too good. He just had to ask: “Why where the other two thrown out?”

“Rolling Thunder I don't know. Just heard that it had something to do with thunder clouds or something. Short Fuse... well, the name says it all. Anger management issues. Was a police brutality lawsuit in the making. Lightning Dust and Rolling Thunder usually can keep him in check though, and for most of their work, the temper isn't really an issue!”

“So, you trust them?” The politician asked again.

“I have the utmost confidence in their abilities.” Wind Ride stated matter-of-factly. “Now, there might be some collateral, but I don't think that really matters, now does it? Some bystanders getting hit, maybe some windows shattered... who cares?”

This actually satisfied all of them. For now at least. And now it was Sombra's turn to refill his glass. He toasted to his partners and emptied it. “Gentlecolts! To a very profitable future!”

As the others raised their glasses, and Lightning Dust grabbed her boss' half-empty whiskey bottle, there was another knock at the door. Sombra quickly emptied his glass.“Yes?”

This time, it wasn't Sans Smirk. Instead, it was an elegant unicorn mare, dressed in a quite sexy business attire. “Mr. Sombra! I hope you excuse the interruption?”

It was Radiant Hope. While Sans Smirk was basically Sombra's consiglieri, Radiant Hope acted as his aide and secretary primarily in public, and legal, arrangements. He had a high, yet ill-defined position, she was actually Vice-President of Umbrum Enterprises and was more than capable of running the company! It was just that she usually only had to step in if Sombra was inconvenienced, and that was rare, and so, while being his official second-in-command, usually acted as aide and secretary, unless she was sent to represent him. The division of labor between the two second most powerful figures in the company wasn't quite as clean cut as it sounded, both had involvements in either directions, but overall it kept each of them focused on their areas,

Sombra's demeanor shifted. Surprising Lightning Dust, but the other three had seen it before. His deep voice sounded nearly soft. “Yes? Radiant?”

“Sir, the …” She started, but Sombra interrupted her as he got an idea.

“Please, come a bit closer.” He gestured with his hand to add to his words.

“Mr. Sombra, you...” She started again, but again got interrupted. This time, by Sombra grabbing her arm and pulling her onto his lap, the clipboard she'd been carrying with her clattered on the ground as she came to lie on his knees, her hooves hanging over the table. He planted a soft, gentle kiss against her neck.

“Please, Radiant! Just Sombra! We've known each other for so long! And we aren't in public!” He told her, and it was true. Wind Rider and the others knew as well that they'd known each other for a very long time. Since they'd been foals even, from what they've gathered.

Sombra had been an outcast orphan. Bullied and ostracized by others. But Radiant Hope? She'd been the single bright spot of his youth, standing up for him, being with him.. She'd stuck with him through school and college, helped him to work his way up and found his company, even stayed with him when she found out about the less-than-savory side projects with which he had made a lot of his money.

“But... Sir!...Sombra, y-your p-partners!” She stammered.

Sombra's reply was soft, hardly audible to the others in the room: “Don't worry about them!”

It wasn't the first time they'd seen him act like that with her, though she didn't know it. Their relationship was none of their concern anyway, and that was both, their and Sombra's opinion. And they knew very well that, if they uttered one wrong word, one ill-chosen quip, or anything like that, they probably wouldn't live to regret it.

A lot of Manehattan would be surprised if they saw this however. Sombra's sexual appetite and escapades were well known, and he usually surrounded himself with an entourage of beautiful playmates, and most of those weren't even drugged! After all, he was rich, and very attractive, in a dark and hunky way.

He didn't discriminate either: He'd had pegasi, unicorns, earth ponies, zebras, griffons, hippogriffs, a yak and even a dragon once. There were rumors about at least one changeling, though those were always hard to qualify, especially with the changeling's near-mythical reputation. Other rumours said that some of his escorts had actually been femcolts he'd used for... relief. It was said that he didn't particularly care about that either, as long as he was in control.

But the playboy act was, to a large extent, just that: An Act. He did enjoy it, but the escapades also served other goals: They made him popular, for one. Made the common pony think that he was one of them, a pony with flaws, but also one one might want to have a drink with! To seem more harmless, and less like a rather cold and calculating kingpin of crime! Certainly, such a playcolt could never run a massive criminal enterprise! It also helped to keep Radiant Hope out of the targeting cross of ponies and others that wanted to get to him. But in his heart, if he had one, there was only place for her.

Radiant Hope meanwhile... didn't mind it. She loved Sombra and knew that she'd always have a special place in his heart, but she also knew that his appetite couldn't be sated by her alone. Also, if she was honest, she kind of started to get off on seeing him rail others. But not as much as she enjoyed those few hours when it was only the two of them, at home, cuddled together...

As Sombra's hand started to squeezer her tit, Radiant's face nuzzled against her bosses chest and neck, she finally managed to pass on what she'd wanted to say, “The mayor's charity event starts in two hours.”

“Mayor? Wasn't it Filthy Rich?” He asked, slightly confused.

Giving him a soft smile, and stabbing his muzzle playfully with her index finger, Radiant told him, “No, that's in a few weeks.”

He sighed. Back to work. Always back to work. Business, business, business, be it legal or illegal... “Well, I guess I'll go and take a shower and get some fresh clothes then... Get my limousine ready and prepare a check for... hmm... 250,000 bits!” Then, he remembered something else. “Also, please call Mudbriar and the others for a meeting tomorrow. I have a job for them. And I need to talk to Caballeron... And Professor Fossil and Buried Treasure also!”

Picking up her clip board and writing down the orders, Radiant, in a professional tone of voice again, replied, “Will be done, Mr. Sombra!”

Turning to his guests, Sombra stretched out his arms in a gesture meant to be inviting. “Well then, Gentlecolts! Any of you want to accompany me to the gala?”

All three denied the invitation. Svengallop would attend the gala, but later. For one, he had no interest in showing up on time at one of Celestia's events. No, he'd be fashonable late. And first had to do meet some of his associates for a few discussions: Zesty Gourmand and Suri Polomare. At the gala itself, he'd also have to talk with two of his main supporters, Jet Set and Upper Crust.

But sitting in a limousine with Sombra always caused the fur on the three ponies necks to stand up. As much as he was a good business partner, deep down they were deadly afraid of him.

“Well-” He shrugged, “-then don't me detain you any longer! I hope each of you has a nice evening! I'll have you contacted to schedule our next meeting sometime in the next week or so!”

As he left the office, Sombra immediately got surrouned by four gorgeous mares, a tomboyish unicorn, an elegant looking earth pony, a pegasus and a zebra. And two rather shy looking stallions as well, wearing female clothes. His current group of playthings. He always took good care of his lovers, even those that got rotated out once they started to bore him. They got a nice compensation and they were well cared for. Unless they got possessive and tried to force their way back to him. Sometimes he allowed some back, or at least had a short liaison with them again, but those that didn't understand that it was over... well...

He and his entourage stepped into the elevator, and he told the group, “I'm going to take a shower, who of of you wants to wash me?” All of them hastily volunteered. Sombra picked out one of the femcolts and the zebra. Turning to the earth pony meanwhile, he told her “And you, my dear... Please go and grab fresh clothes for me. I trust that you'll be able to pick a fitting suit for the mayor's charity gala?”

“Of course Sombra!” She excitedly chirped her answer as the elevator passed through Radiant Hope's apartment on the 98th floor and into Sombra's three floor penthouse.

7 One week later

Fluttershy just couldn't get it out of her mind. The events at the club last week. Seeing Spitfire and Soarin... One time last week, she'd even forgotten to take out her toy before she'd went to work! Luckily none of her colleagues had found out, she'd have died of shame! But maybe, if she just held out for a few days more, it'd pass...

She was torn out of her thoughts by Spitfire calling her. Her tone was odd. None of the usual barked order, instead she sounded rather subdued. “Fluttershy? Could you come into my office, please?” After quickly finishing up the form she was just working on, Fluttershy walked to the office and, after a careful knock, opened it a bit. She stuck her head into the office, cautiously asking, “Yes, Captain Spitfire?”

The captain gestured her to come in and come over. Pointing at the chair in front of her desk, she told Fluttershy, “Sit down, please...”

Spitfire looked into Fluttershy's big. Blue eyes and let out a heavy sigh as she placed a piece of paper on her desk, turning it so that that Fluttershy could read it.“Your admittance to the K9 unit has been rescinded...” She told her in a heavy voice.

Shocked, Fluttershy first stammered before being able to at least ask, “What?! Why?!” It'd finally have allowed her to work with animals she really liked, reducing work she wasn't able to do that well...

“They claim that it shouldn't even have been sent out. “ The captain replied, her facial expression and tone already telling Fluttershy that she didnt believe a word, “'System error'... I call bullshit on that! I bet it was Wind Rider!”

The other pegasus was confused, “W-Wind Rider? The ex-commissioner?”

The captain put a hand to her forehead and shook her head as she began to elaborate. “He holds a grudge against me! For one, he ran this precinct before he became commissioner and held a few records. Some of which I bested, others I found out to have been faked! And now, Rainbow Dash is on track to beat many of the ones still left, and even some of the ones he faked!” This caused her to let out a grimly satisfied chuckle before she continued, “When I took over the precinct, I did my best to root out the corruption he'd allowed to foster and that cut into his pocket and influence! And then, I was one of the biggest supporters of Shining Armor getting his post. You know that we had served together in the E. U. P. Guard. And, and I bet that hurt him even more than any of the other, he tried to get me into his bed I stopped just short of kicking him in his balls! And only because I knew that other things would hurt him more!”

“But why would he interfere with...” Fluttershy wanted to ask, but Spitfire cut her off.

Sounding quite weary, her superior told her, “To get back at me! I supported your application and told them how good you are with animals and that it could benefit the whole force... And by blocking you, Wind Rider indirectly blocks me. And how? We did a good job at weeding out Wind Rider's cronies and general corruption, but there are still many left... I'm really sorry, Fluttershy. I know how you were looking forward to working with the dogs.. I really am sorry....”

“Well... I guess... I guess I just go back to work then...” Utterly devastated, Fluttershy dragged got up from her chair and started to drag herself back to her desk.

“Hey, Shy?” Spitfire called after her. “If you want, you can take the rest of the day off... Know what? Take the whole weekend off.”

“Thanks... I guess...” Was the slow and sad reply.

For a few minutes, Fluttershy sat at her desk, staring at the papers lying there, trying to fill them out... But it just wouldn't work. She sighed. Spitfire was probably right. She should take some time off, gather her thoughts and so on.

She cleared her desk, locked the files away and packed her bag. Then, she slowly trotted away, quietly wishing the colleagues she passed by a nice day. Behind her back, whispers flared up, ponies wondering what was going on.

Soarin went into the office and asked Spitfire what had happened. She told him. He explained it to the others. Rainbow Dash's raspy voice filled the room, coming up the stairs after she, and Gilda, had passed Shy as she left. “Hey! What happened with Fluttershy?!”

They told her. And immediately grabbed her. “LET ME GO! I'M GOING TO FEED THAT ASSHOLE HIS OWN...”

Back home, Fluttershy had made herself a cup of tea. She sat on her couch and thought. For a week, she had managed to resist those new urges in her body, and she'd nearly convinced herself not to go back to that club... but now? She was utterly depressed and, at least, it'd help her take her mind off of this whole load of crap!

Yes. she had made up her mind. This evening, she'd go to Tartarus and just forget about everything... At least for a while.

A few hours later and she was on her way, this time however wearing her normal clothes instead of dressing up for the club. She just didn't care.

With a surprisingly determined step, Fluttershy made her way past the line and held the badge in front of the stallion at the door. Again it was Big Mac, who, like last time, waved her in. The distinct odor of the club struck her nostrils when she stepped inside and there was something in it that already started to relax her.

The pegasus looked around. Again the club was filled with all sorts of creatures. Again they were partying without a care. And again many of them were certainly interested in one another, making out, fondling each other, some probably doing it already but trying to hide. Some of the employees disappeared with guests in the back...

Her gaze caught a gold coated, grey-maned mare sitting in one of the alcoves on the wall to her right. Shy felt that the mare looked oddly familiar... WAIT! Wasn't that A. K. Yearling? The famed author and archaeologist?! The mare certainly looked like the picture on the inside of one of Dash's Daring Do novels!

Fluttershy passed by near her. She heard her mutter “Damn it! Damn Caballeron, damn Buried Treasure, damn Professor Fossil and damn Sombra! Shoved into the botanical department for more than a year now because I ended up crashing on of Caballeron's deals for Sombra! Chained to the institute instead of getting around and doing stuff! Payback will be sweet...I still wonder how Fossil was able to sell putting an ARCHAEOLOGIST into the BOTANICAL department though... Well, at least that means I can get some nice stuff for Spike...”

A cornflower blue mare with part of her cutie mark visible it looked like an hour glass, brought over a drink. “Here's your 'Skullsplitter', Miss Yearling!”

“Thank you, Minuette! And could you, maybe... you know...”

“Of course, Daring!” She said before disappearing underneath the table.

“Oh yes... that's the spot!”

Daring, huh? Was the literary figure how she saw herself? Her self-insert wish-fulfillment? Or was that the name she used on adventures, and those stories were autobiographic?! If Rainbow Dash knew, she'd probably, well, dash over to get an autograph or something.

After this surprise, Shy quickly made her way to the bar. She needed a freaking drink! She sat down on one of the bar stools and called to the bartender who had her back to the pegasus. “An Old Fashioned, please!”

“One moment, please!” The bartender told her over her back as she mixed the drink. She placed it on the counter in front of Shy and gave her a big smile. “Hi! Fluttershy, right?”

“Yes?” Fluttershy replied in a questioning tone as she grabbed the glass. Then , she recognized the bartender. “Oh hello, Sugar Belle...?”

“Hey! you remembered my name!” Sugar Belle sounded pleasantly surprised!

“Yes...” The pegasus sighed.

Hearing the sad tone in Shy's voice, Belle looked at her with gentle eyes. It wasn't the first time she'd lend and ear to sad ponies, in between serving drinks. “You sound sad? What's up with you, Fluttershy?” She asked the pegasus with a comforting tone in her voice.

“Just some-” Fluttershy took a sip of her drink -”bad news at work. I was set to change departments.” She explained, keeping her occupation vague,”We thought that I'd really fit in with the other department. I'm very really good with animals, and they work with animals... but... it didn't work out...” At those last words, she slumped, her finger idly tracing the rim of her glass.

“Poor filly...” Belle gently stroked Shy's mane, trying to comfort her. “You know, while you still have the entrance, the free drinks expired you left the club...” She saw how Fluttershy just shrugged. Giving her a little smile, she continued, “But because I like you, you get three on the house!”

“Thanks...” The reply was quiet, nearly inaudible over the club's music.

“And if you wish-” She ran her finger in a circle on the counter next to the glass “- I can add a little... zing to the drinks. Helps to put you into a better mood...”

“Wh-what do you mean?”

“Oh, just a little something... Makes you relax and drives those bad thoughts away! Totally safe as well!”

Fluttershy knew what this sounded like: Drugs. She knew that there were plenty good reasons not to take the offer, least of them being that she was a cop! Rather, she should report that immediately! But instead, to her own embarrassment, there was a voice in her head, asking her why she gave a hoot? The police screwed her over after all! And maybe... maybe it'd help her? At least for the day?

Seeing her customers' conflicted face, Sugar Belle tried to sooth any doubts. “Trust me! I'd never serve anything nasty! It will just help you relax, feel better...” Placing a hand on Shy's shoulder, she continued, “Look around: most of them take a little extra. It makes them feel good, relaxed! It enhances the experience, and makes them all want each other that much more...”

She knew that she shouldn't, but... Fluttershy sighed. “OK... I'll try...”

“Here, I'm just gonna give you a small dose. Should make you feel a bit fuzzy, brighten your mood, but nothing extreme. And really, believe me, the stuff I have? We do our best that it's as save and even nonaddictive as possible!” As she grabbed a tiny plastic, she babbled on, explaining to Fluttershy that, “You may think that the last one sounds stupid? Maybe... But it being strictly recreational and addictive only in very large amounts keeps both us and the the customers save. Ruined customers are bad press and bad business!”

Sugar Belle opened the package and emptied half of it into Fluttershy's glass. “Swirl the whiskey a bit until the powder dissolved and then, bottom's up!”

Fluttershy did as Belle told her and soon, she really felt a bit fuzzy and warm, yet her alertness didn't really go down, at least not as far as she could tell. It seemed like all the pleasant things in the club intensified. The music, the pheromones in the air, even the taste of the whiskey! She had to admit... it wasn't bad at all...

She ordered another drink, emptied it, and decided to hold off on the third one for a while. Instead, Shy'd try to enjoy the dance floor for a bit. Standing there, the music hit differently than on the bar stool, and then, she began to move, her body acting seemingly on its own! Fluttershy'd never been much of a dancer, and she usually considered herself to not be all that great anyway, but now her body just moved with the beats that DJ Pon-3 put on, and it looked, for other ponies, not any worse than most others there.

Again, Mares and Stallions, and even some griffons, came close, tried to flirt with her. Uncharacteristically for her, she actually felt flattered, actually had an interest in reciprocating their advances... but she wasn't quite there yet. Her body began to feel pleasantly warm, especially between her legs.

After a while on the dance floor however, she knew she wanted more, that there was no turning back for her... The pegasus slowly moved away from the dancing ponies and towards the stairs.

Standing in front of the mare that again guarded the office door, Fluttershy's certainty had faded again. But, with a smug, knowing grin, Applejack quickly ushered her into the office.

Entering it, the smell of curry hit her nose as Spike was crunching down on a ruby. Fluttershy had already seen dragons eating gems, but it was still weird, seeing a hard gem stone getting eaten like a peanut! Strewn on the desk was a number of take out food containers with a logo that said “The Tasty Treat”. What was left inside certainly looked like curry. Well, that explained the smell.

Spike hastily swallowed what was left of the ruby and quickly jumped up when she entered. “Fluttershy! It's great to see you! I hoped you'd come back!” He told her, earnestness in his voice.

“Oh, hello, Spi-...” Shy's answer was interrupted when he grabbed her right hand and pressed it against his lips, his hot breath waving over her fur. She gathered herself for a moment. “I... I've been thinking about your...” The slightly blushing pegasus said, her thighs visibly rubbing against each other, but again she was interrupted.

He pressed a finger against her lips. “Hush! You don't need to say anything! The fact that you came here tells everything...” Carefully, he pulled her lip down a bit as his left arm moved around her hip, his hand making its way under her skirt and grabbing her ass. Spike pulled her to him, pressed her against his chest and planted a kiss onto her lips.

A shiver went down Shy's spine and, instantly, she knew that there was no turning back now, and last week there wouldn't have been one either. Fluttershy felt herself melt into his embrace as his left hand knead her ass.

Breaking the kiss, he breathed into her ear, “Does it feel good?”

“Mhm!!!” She nodded.

She felt his claw dragging over her cheek. “You want it? Want me? You want to feel good and just forget about the stuff you went through today?”

“You... you know?”

He shrugged. “Belle called in and told me... But if you want to get it of your chest, I'll listen to it again!”

Shy stared over over his shoulder and, after a moment, told him the short version. “Apparently the former commissioner has it out for my captain and decided to stick it to her by pulling strings to block my transfer...”

“That's nasty! I mean, we're not above payback, but at least we try to go after those we want payback on, instead of kicking others who just happened to be in the periphery!” The dragon ran his hand through her mane. “Poor thing...”

“Please! I want to... feel good...” Fluttershy's eyes widened as she felt his other hand move slightly, away from her butt cheeks and instead, slightly brushing over her wet folds from behind.

“Good! It's great that you're honest with yourself!” She heard the grin through his words, “But before we can do it...”

“Yes?” Shy asked in a small voice.

“You need to do something...” Her stomach curled. What was he going to ask from her? To sabotage some police investigation? To use her station to find someone who wronged him? And... how long would it be until...

“You need to be properly introduced to our world, need to lose your inhibitions! You need to become more comfortable with that body of yours!” She was confused, didn't know what he was talking about. But it all became clear when he whispered a single word into her ear: “Strip...”

Fluttershy tore her eyes wide open. Her next word, she wanted to scream, but instead only whimpered a small “What?!” She felt how her heart beat sped up, how ever more blood shot into her face.

“Take your clothes off!” Spike told her in a voice that sounded, strangely enough, eager yet comforting and encouraging at the same time. “Show yourself to us In all your beauty!”

What did he just say? “Us?!”

Breaking the hug, to Shy's displeasure, Spike pointed behind her. “Hey, Tempest! Sunset!”

“Hi, Boss!” Sunset greeted Spike.

“Hi, Fluttershy!” Tempest greeted the pegasus.

“I...” She couldn't find any words. She was embarrassed beyond measure, but somehow, them looking at her, appraising her no doubt, felt... good? Usually, she'd only feel uncomfortable, but, maybe because of how her week had gone, something in her appreciated the interest in her, felt it flattering that they'd want to see more of her...

Taken by a spur of the moment, Fluttershy's fingers grabbed her skirt and opened , letting it fall to the ground, followed by her sweater and the shirt underneath. There she stood, clad only in her bra and panties. Plain pink with a white border. “C-can we start now?”

“No. You aren't naked yet! You can keep the boots on though, the floor is a bit chilly...”

She had to admit that part of her wanted to get off the bra and panties... maybe it was because of whatever Sugar Belle had given to... Maybe that could help? “Do... do you know that your bar keeper sells drugs?!”

The three let out a surprised “What?!” Fluttershy, for a moment, felt a rush of triumph! Yes! She got them!

But then, Tempest continued, “Of course! They are our home product!”

“But don't worry,” Sunset now spoke up, “Zecora does her best to keep them save, and we do our best that it's only sold to ponies for their own use. One time, we had a stallion that wanted to smuggle an extra large dose into a mare's drink. Banned from the club for life was the least unpleasant part of the punishment!” Then, she added, sounding nearly excited, “Now, come on! Get out your underwear! Show us everything!”

“Maybe you'd like it if I take your underwear off?” Spike suggested as Sunset and Tempest walked over and placed their hands on Fluttershy's shoulders.

Fluttershy realized that, if she'd gotten her wish by now, he'd have stripped her anyway. But it ust felt... a bit different? To strip before him, and especially the two mares. Maybe she should've grabbed that third, free drink. Or taken more of that powder, Something to keep her mind from thinking about how embarrassing this all was... “Uhm... maybe?”

“Then please, turn around!” Spike ordered her, a face-splitting grin on his face.

Feeling the fabric move from her breasts, Fluttershy's hands shot up and pressed it back in place. But then, she felt Spike's hands on her wrists, felt his chest press against her back. And again, he whispered to her: “Shh, Fluttershy. Calm down.” As he slowly moved her hands away, he continued, “It's alright! There's no reason to be ashamed of your body!”

More audible and directed at the other two, he asked, “Isn't that right?”

“Yes!” Was their reply in unison and Tempest, partially to tease Fluttershy, partially to support their claim, pulled up her top and bra to show off her own tits. She laughed as she saw that she now probably could've fried eggs on the pegasus' forehead.

Turning his attention back to the mare in his arms, Spike continued: “Just let the bra fall to the floor. Allow us, to see how beautiful you really are!” Slowly, carefully, he moved her arms to her side as the pink piece of fabric slowly drifted to the floor.

“Wow!” Sunset let out a whistle. “What a pair! I'm a bit jealous!” And, with a grin of her own, she asked Fluttershy, “Hey? Can I touch them?”

Fluttershy's mind, meanwhile, was still processing that she stood bare-titted in a room with three strangers. “What?”

“They are a dream to grab!” “Soft, large... but not saggy... Damn! I'm really getting jealous!” She laughed as she gave her own tits a little, playful squeeze.

“Hey, Sunset! Move over! I also want to give them a try!” Tempest pushed Tartarus' manager away, trying the tits herself. “You're right!” She saw a smile on Sunset's face. “You thinking about playing some more with her? Or about how much money she could earn us, if she'd started to work here?”

“Both!” Sunset Shimmer admitted immediately. “I mean, a cute, shy mare like her? With a body like that! I can already see the guests trying to get her to act naughtier, to spend time with them...”

Fluttershy didn't know what to think of this. She felt somewhat flattered, but also... the way they talked like she wasn't here... Like selling her body... But Spike's voice interrupted her thoughts. “Ladies! Stop! Don't make Fluttershy uncomfortable!” And then, chuckling, he added, “Also, I didn't get to try them yet!”

As he said it, the pegasus felt how his scaled hands pushed her breasts up from underneath, while Tempest's hands were still on them. “Yes, they have a nice weight...” He pushed them up and let them drop down again a few times as he said this.

The pegasus' thighs had, again started to rub against each other, despite her mind still not being certain about everything. But then, Spike grabbed a proper handful of her tits, the moment Tempest moved a step back. “Shy... hiding these under sweater and and bra all day... That's just wrong of you! These puppies wanna be let out!” As his thumb brushed over her nipple, he felt how hard it was. “Your tits... they want to be played with!”

Fluttershy's reply was uncertain. “They... do?”

“Yes! Don't you notice how hard your nipples are?” At saying this, he pinched them, causing Fluttershy to moan.

“I... I guess?” She had to admit that it had felt good and, maybe, he was right... There'd been those times every now and then when her body craved... something, but her mind never really realized... Maybe it'd been the craving to be wanted? To be touched, ravaged?

Sunset beamed at her. “Your mind is shy, but your body? It knows what it wants! So, how about you get out of your panties and show of your little pussy?

“I... I mean, Spike's currently holding me and... and I don't want him to stop.” She half-explained, half-protested, and added a muted, “Could you... maybe?”

With a grin, the red-and-yellow mare immediately moved right in front of Shy and knelt down, saw the big, wet spot on them. Her thumbs hooked into the sides of her panties and, slowly, she pulled them down.

The panties around the pegasus' ankles, Shimmer took a moment to take a look. “Such a cute little cunnie! I'm nearly tempted to give it a lick!... I might just...” After a moment of silence, she did just that, running her tongue over Fluttershy's slit.

As Fluttershy gasped and moaned, feeling the tongue, her body stiffened for a moment, pressed ever tighter against Spike, who gladly joined that little assault, kissing her neck, while Tempest began to suckle on one of Shy's breasts. Sunset, meanwhile, hummed happily. “Mmmh! You're delicious, Fluttershy! It's really a waste, how long you hid that body! Those juicy tits! That tasty pussy! But I better take those panties off, before you start to kick around and tear them! Or hit me...”

It was a bit of a hassle for her to get the panties over Shy's boots, but in the end it did work out and now, Spike, Sunset Shimmer and Tempest Shadow, looked her up and down. They really liked what they saw and actually continued Sunset's previous line of thought about what the pegasus could achieve at the club!

Fluttershy meanwhile was all hot and bothered, her body yearning for more, but she was still overall a bit unsure. “Uhm.... could we... maybe...?” She asked quietly.

Tempest and Sunset exchanged a look. And, judging by their expression, they shared the same opinion on what should happen next. Tempest Shadow looked at her and told her, “In here? Oh no! Somepony like you? We need to show you off!”

Eyes wide open, Shy wasn't sure what she meant. “What... what do you mean with that?”

“On. Stage!” Sunset cheered!

Fluttershy stared at the three like a deer in the headlights of a car. Spike meanwhile observed quietly.

Tempest turned back to Sunset, “Sunset? Can you prepare everything? And call Rumble and Button!”

“Sure!!” Was the reply as the two left the room, Sunset hastily talked into her ear piece. “Minuette? Cut the performance of you and Fleur short, but stay on the stage! We have something good! Rumble and Bu...” The door closed behind them.

Spike put his hand on the pegasus' shoulder. “I think they are right! Presenting you to the club would be a perfect way to introduce you! And then-” and, as he said that, his hand moved quickly from her shoulder to her her thighs and rubbed over them, the slightest touch on her lower lips, “-I'll finally give you that sweet pleasure you crave. On stage. In front of everypony. And I bet it'll cause you to finally get in touch with your naughty side instead of letting your shyness dictate everything!”

Speechless, Fluttershy just stared at the door. After a minute, Spike pulled a mostly empty bottle of whiskey out of his desk and put a glass next to it. “Do you want some liquid courage?”

“Maybe... a little? And some of that stuff that Sugar Belle gave me earlier? I think I'll need all relaxation I can get for this... But why?”

“You want in? You need to be shown to the more... carnal... side of this club! What you saw last week was a harmless night! It can get far more rowdy! And It WILL get far more rowdy, once we can renovate the lower levels! But you'll hear about that once the show's over, OK? Also, I won't give you what Sugar Belle gave you. I think you need something a bit more potent. Something that really gets you going!” He put a pack with a dark grey powder next to the bottle.

Fluttershy filled the glass nearly to the brim, grabbed the pack with the drug, tore it open and emptied it onto her tongue. It prickled a little, then she washed it down with the booze. Taking a few deep but unsteady breaths, and feeling how the powder did its work and her body started to heat up again, how it made , she closed her eyes and slowly told him: “Al... alright. I'll do it. Just, please! Promise me that you'll finally f-fuck me!”

“Promised!” Spike told her, sealing it with another kiss. Then, out of a drawer, Spike pulled a large, butterfly mask, covering the top half of hear head but letting her mane fall freely with an integrated collar and a leash.

“Put it on!” He ordered her. “You didn't think we wanted to completely embarrass you, did you? We'll keep your identity a secret! Unless... you want everypony to see all of your face?”

“NO!” She shouted, before quickly clapping her hands over her mouth. Continuing in a normal volume, wringing her hands, she further told him, “No, please no! That'd be too embarrassing! I could never go back to meet my colleagues if my face was all over the...”

“The porn sites?” Was the dry suggestion.

“... yes...”

He looked her deep into her eyes and, with nothing but complete earnestness in his voice, told her: “Believe me: I don't want to ruin your life. I don't want you to be unable to face your friends again, or you getting into trouble with your boss! But I do believe that putting you into the spotlight might be the extreme treatment that could really help you get more in touch with your... sensual side!”

The way he talked... it worked. Fluttershy calmed down. Not much, but enough for her to pick up the mask and put it on, while Spike snapped the leash to the back of its collar. He gave the leash a testing tug. Fluttershy stumbled a step backwards, again against the dragon's chest. He immediately, with some concern in his voice, asked her, “Is the collar too tight? When I pulled, did it choke you too much?”

“It... it was... alright, I guess?” Her hand fidgeting a bit with the collar she wasn't used to, due to nervousness.

“OK!” He patted the back of Fluttershy's head, “If you get any problems trying to breath, or if it becomes uncomfortable, tell me!”

“I will!” She nodded.

“Good! Now...” Whatever he wanted to say, he didn't finish it because the door opened and the two bouncers entered. Judging by the looks on their faces, they certainly approved of what they saw! “Ah! Rumble and Button! Perfect! I want you to keep the crowd in check while I lead her to the stage! I don't want them to... well, you know...”

“Of course! Sheesh, she's really... wow!”

“Yeah! Spike... How do you do that?” Button was talking about how Spike was seemingly able to get a boat load of gorgeous mares, and if he had to admit it, pretty good looking stallions as well, into his fold.

Spike shrugged, and with a smug smile proclaimed, “It's a gift!” And, turning to Fluttershy, he asked her, “Are you ready?”

She nodded, and they got moving, Rumble to the front, followed by Fluttershy, Spike behind her holding the leash and Button to the rear, and as they left the office, Applejack joined them as well, also taking a good look at the pegasus mare.

Faintly, Fluttershy could hear Spike mumble something into his ear piece and, looking down from the walkway, she saw (and heard) how guests were ordered to make some space between the stairs and the stage. She could see Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon basically hanging over the guard rail by their lounge, watching over what was going on. And so did others.

Shy actually felt kind off proud. All of those guests were curious about her! And then the feeling of her tits jiggling at every step down the stairs.

The crowd on the floor noticed them. Well, at least the front ranks did. Where before the curious looks had been fixed on the stage, where Minuette still stood with a microphone in her hand, Sunset and Fleur de Lis behind her, they now turned to Fluttershy.

When she'd walked down the stairs, She'd felt as reasonably confident as she could in this situation, but now that she was seen by so many... the shame came back. Her hands moved to cover her tits and pussy. But Spike again whispered into her ear, trying to calm her down, Fluttershy's hands moved back to her side.

Rumble and Button Mash did a good job of keeping any grabby customers in check, though a few did succeed at getting in a squeeze or slap.

She heard the whistling and cat calls from the crowd, both male and female! “I'd love to have those lips around my cock!”,“Look at those tits!”, “What an ass!”, “I wish I had a pair like those... I'd love to play with them!”, “Those thighs...”, “I wonder how she tastes...”

But Shy could also feel how wet she was getting from all those stares and comments, However, she did try to ignore one or two comments that were drooling over her hooves.

They stopped next to the stage, which went roughly up to Fluttershy's shoulder. The dragon pointed at the ledge. “Climb up.”

Fluttershy was surprised! “What? Aren't there stairs in the back?”

“Sure, even on the sides, but... ,” And here, he grinned a rather predatory smile, “You should show off a bit! That body of yours! And I think climbing up could do that quite well!”

“I'm not really that... sporty?” She tried to explain to him. She'd barely passed many of her physical exams at the academy back then.

“I saw how you moved when we fought those crooks!” Spike objected to her self-deprecation! He was certain that, if she was motivated enough, not as held back by her self-doubts, she'd be quite capable of climbing up without a problem! Then, he laughed again. “You'll be fine! And if you struggle a bit, it'll just rile up the crowd even more!”

“But...”

“You can do it!” He told her in a calm, certain voice, as his wings carried him slowly up to the stage, careful not to overextend the leash. Rumble did the same and then helped Button up. All three placed themselves next to Sunset Shimmer, behind Minuette.

Taking a deep breath and collecting herself mentally for a moment, Fluttershy grabbed the ledge and jumped up. She did manage to pull her upper body onto the stage up to her tits... and wasn't able to pull the rest of her body up. Her ass and pussy were on proud display caused the crowd to create more noise as her legs thrashed around in vain attempts to get up. But she just couldn't quite make it.

Seeing how she struggled, Spike offered her a hand. He had to admit, he'd have loved to stand behind her instead of above. Probably would've been quite fun to eat her out like that!

Looking at her as she sat on the stage catching her breath, “You know, you could've used your wings to push yourself up...”

Fluttershy smacked her heat as he told her that. “Oh!... You're right... I completely forgot about that!”

“You forgot about your wings?!” He had to do a double take as he heard that!

“I'm not a good flier and...-” She paused, clearly a bit embarrassed about what she was explaining, “- I have a bit of a fear of heights, so, I don't fly often, and if I do, I often just hover a few inches above the ground...” For a moment, Spike was actually speechless, and so were the others who'd overheard it!

Shaking her head, but clearly amused, Minuette now said something: “A pegasus who's afraid of heights... Now I've seen everything!

And Spike rubbed his thumb over her cheek, telling her: “You know... it just makes you all the more cute!”

But, the crowd was getting a bit impatient, so he offered her his hand and pulled her to her hooves. The dragon turned Fluttershy around so that she faced the crowd, and the annoyed grumbling immediately turned into cheers and whistles again.

Minuette walked past Shy, slapping her ass as she did so. Fluttershy yelped, but Minuette began to shout into the mic in her hand: “FILLIES AND GENTLECOLTS! GRIFFONS, HIPPGRYPHS, ZEBRAS AND DRAGONS! GOOD EVENING TO ALL OF YOU!” Tonight – as you might've guessed - we have something very special!-” As she said this, she formed a hole between her thumb and index finger and pushed her other index finger in and out. -”And, just a little warning: Every fucking prude in the club better piss off now! 'cause it's going to get NAUGHTY!” The last word was said with more than a hint of excited laughter.

A handful of guests in the back seemed to leave, but overall the only response was a wave of chuckles. Most of them knew, or had heard of, where this was going, even if it hadn't happened in a while. Their hungry stares nearly penetrated Fluttershy.

The pegasus looked over the crowd with the nearly the same curiosity they had as they looked at her. She saw how Apple Bloom and her friends were watching, any kind of serving drinks forgotten for the moment, how DT and Silver Spoon were staring from above and how a good number of other employees were staring as well. Big Mac had even swapped his post at the door and come in. He was whispering something into his girlfriend's ear, causing Sugar Belle to giggle like a filly.

Distracted by what she saw, she didn't notice Spike moving up behind her. Until his arms closed around her belly and pulled her into an embrace, that is. “Are you ready?” He asked her, his head rubbing against her neck as his hand moved hers to his zipper. “Eager to get... broken in?”

As her hand opened his pants and pulled his dick out, she instead told him, “Wait! Please!”

“What? Getting cold hooves?” Spike wondered, enjoying how her soft hands felt on his member.

“NO!” She quickly objected, putting his dick between her thighs for emphasis, “But... I... I'd like to look you in the eyes for the first time...”

“Wait, is that really your FIRST time? A cute mare like you?” He was honestly surprised. Sure, she was a wallflower like no other, but... a beauty like her? A Virgin? In this day and age?

As the crowd slow started to turn on them again, murmurs rising, she explained, “Well, I guess, technically? My friend Rainbow Dash once f-fucked me with a strap-on while we were in college, but we were both utterly drunk on cheap booze at the time... and I had a vibrating dildo in my pussy for most of last week...”

His cock rubbed over her moist lips, the ridges on it. “Well... alright! But afterwards, you'll have to face the crowd!” He told her as he turned her around, hooking her leg with his left arm and lifting it up.

Minuette again spoke into her mic, trying to get the crowd to calm down. “Now, folks! Don't get impatient! It's her first time doing this! Let her savor the moment! And let the boss savor this! You'll get your real show soon enough! And Sunset, Fleur, Tempest and I are here as well!” She felt a tap on her shoulder. “Oh! And everyone's favourite country mare, Applejack! And for the mares, and those that swing that way, Rumble and Button! So please! Let them have some time!

It did work well enough, and Spike now whispered something else into Shy's ear. “But I need something from you first. Your word! You need to promise me that you'll hold up what I tell you next! Do you understand?!” She was surprised at his tone. Where before, he'd been rather sweat and seductive, even trustworthy, he now was forceful and demanding! Part of her actually liked it, but... most of her just worried about what he wanted, because she didn't think she had the fortitude of mind to disagree with him anyway.

“First: Everything you do for me, everything you see here... EVERYTHING! Has to be kept off the books for the police! You understand?” That was nasty. He had deliberately waited with this until they were on stage. Her body yearned for his cock, and, for some reason, she didn't want to disappoint the crowd that was watching her so eagerly... She felt the pressure as inside of Fluttershy, the dutiful police officer and this new part of hers were in a struggle as he continued. “You will have to do some favors for me, relating to your work!”

“But...” She wanted to at least try and resist, but before she could say anything, he raised his third, and last, point. The feeling of his cock rubbing over he pussy was driving her to the breaking point already. She knew her body would leave her no choice anyway...

“And,” He continued, ”maybe, at some point I'll want you to help me, us, to introduce your colleagues to our advantages! We'd be all one happy family. And you know that I'm not interested in causing any displeasure to the common pony!”

She sighed, knowing that she'd been beaten even before he'd finished. Slowly, her frown turned into a lusty grin as she took a deep breath. “YES! I PROMISE! JUST FUCK ME ALREADY!” Shy shouted loud enough for the first few rows to hear it, which reacted to her words as might be expected.

Carefully, with the arm below her leg, he pushed her up, Fluttershy taking this as signal, going as high on the tips of her hooves as she could. Then, when she felt the tip between her folds, she lowered herself again. As Spike entered her, euphoria overcame her, the dragon enjoying the feeling of her insides.

Fluttershy didn't even notice that Minuette put the mic next to her head!

The crowd was waking up as they heard the noises escaping her mouth. Her moans were just too cute, too alluring to ignore. Then, she and Spike began to move. The sensation was overwhelming to the pegasus, who threw her head back and just moaned and screamed. Spike used the chance to bury his face between her tits.

Part of the crowd was jealous especially of the last thing, but, overall, they enjoyed the show, even if they didn't see too much aside of a shapely rear for now. Some of them actually started to make pleasure themselves or each other! And DJ Pon-3 was pulling a handsome young stallion to her mixing station, where Octavia also was standing.

The two on the stage were now making out, and then, Fluttershy pressed her head against his chest, loudly proclaiming into the mic that Minuette still held next to her, “More! I want more!”

“Gladly...” Spike's answer rang through the speakers.

Meanwhile, Rumble and Button were preparing to join the show, while Sunset, Applejack and Tempest had taken off their tops and bras. Fleur had been wearing little to begin with, same with Minuette,

A whole lot of mares, and a few stallions, cheered when the two young stallions took their jackets and shirts off, something that Fluttershy noticed despite her lust addled mind. The reaction seemed to be a bit louder for Rumble though. And then the noise when they dropped they pants. Seemed like Rumble was somewhat more popular than Button, at least with the mares. Not that Shy could blame them. He was quite cute. Maybe...

“Hey? You mind helping out with this?” Button asked her, his erection on proud display.

“Oh... uhm...” Fluttershy didn't know what to do! This was her first time doing anything like this! And, if she was being honest, she'd rather just enjoy Spike's thrusts.

“Use your hand!” Spike whispered into her ear. Luckily, Button Mash was tall enough that her hand was on the height of his crotch.

As she began to stroke his length, he let out a satisfied moan, “Mmmh... Nice, soft hands you have!”

Rumble meanwhile had a different target. Standing behind Fluttershy, he turned to Minuette, and, with a smirk, asked her: “Would you, please...?”

“No problem!” Her horn glowed, and the same glow was around Fluttershy's ass. “Go ahead, Rumble!”

However, he waved her off for the moment. “Not so fast! I need some lubing up first! I don't think she'd appreciate it dry!” Turning to Minuette's partner on the stage today, “Fleur?”

With a seductive smile,dropping her bra, the other unicorn hurried to his side. Quickly, she knealt down in front of him and, with lots of spit, began to lick his cock. Enjoying the prelude to Fluttershy's ass, he asked the unicorn servicing him “How's it going with Fancy Pants by the way?”

She pulled back to answer. “Really well! I think he might be thinking about proposing to me!” Then went back to blowing him.

“Damn!” Button called out, “Congratulations if it really happens!”

Moving his hand to her backside, Spike slapped Fluttershy's ass, as he told the pegasus stallion behind her, “Hey, Rumble! Don't keep her waiting!” And then lifted her ass cheek to give Rumble better access.

“What do you mean?” She was confused as she heard Spike's words. Then, she felt Rumble's cock against her asshole. “Whaa...?!”

“Relax!” The dragon whispered into her ear in a calming voice as the second rod entered her. “That'll make it far easier!” As he said this, Spike's hand that wasn't on her ass caressed her mane.

“Mwaaaaa...” Was the only thing she was able to say as Rumble's length moved up her ass.

“Hey? Fluttershy? Does it hurt?” The dragon carefully asked to see if she was alright.

“N-nooooo!” She moaned. She was herself surprised as to how good this felt, how easy it came to her... maybe she should've tried this stuff sooner?

Rumble was impressed! “She's taking it like a champ! Is that really her first time?!”

Spike shrugged. “Let's get going!” He told the other pegasus, as Fluttershy crossed her legs behind his back.

Button Mash meanwhile had moved on from Shy and started to make out with Fleur de Lis. And the crowd was getting rowdy as well. Over Fluttershy's shoulder, Spike could already see some dropping their pants, open their tops etc.

Seeing that, Sunset looked over the stage's ledge towards the DJ. She saw, how Vinyl's girlfriend was busy between her legs as the DJ sat on that stallion she'd snatched up. Her clothes were lay on the floor. “Hey, Pon-3? Give them a full load!” The manager called over.

The DJ gave a thumbs up and pressed a red button on the station. Very quickly, fog with an alluring smell covered the ground, wafts rising up even to the stage. And, with a cock in her cunt and Octavia licking over both, she bend forward and started to do her job.

Spike and Rumble ended up synchronizing with the music, thrusting every time DJ Pon-3's bass rolled over them, the sub-woofers being more than powerful enough to actively make them feel it. And Fluttershy, for that matter.

Fluttershy bit down on Spike's shoulder as pleasure overwhelmed her. Luckily for her, she did so slowly, otherwise she'd probably hurt herself against his scales. She let out a scream, slightly muffled by his shoulder, as she came.

Spike felt her pussy clamping down on his dick and then collapse against his chest. As Fluttershy panted heavily, drooling onto his scales, the dragon grinned at Rumble. The two picked up the pace and blew their loads deep into the Shy. Despite her current state of min, she felt how they filled her up, felt how the dragon's hot cum entered her womb. The little clarity that remained with her for the moment was happy that a dragon wasn't able to knock up a mare...

Carefully, the two guys let her down onto the stage to rest for a moment, jizz running out of her two holes. Spike noticed how one of the the other mares walked up behind him. “The cleaners gonna kill you, you know that?” Sunset asked him in a schadenfreude heave tone.

He shrugged. “Give them a bonus for tonight. Should keep them happy enough.”

The dragon turned his attention back to Fluttershy, her open mouth looked quite tempting, but... no. Not yet. Gently, he gave her a little pat on her head, and he heard what sounded like a happy little coo from the pegasus.

Kneeling down in front of her, Spike looked at Fluttershy's face. She had a quite a “fucked silly” expression on it, staring into nothing with a dopey smile on her face. His thumb drawing over her cheek, he removed some of the drool on it. Then, he looked into his bouncer's eyes. “Rumble? Have some fun with the others, OK?”

“Want some time alone with her?” The pegasus stallion shrugged, “Understandable. Have fun, you two!” He slapped his boss on the back and then turned to his friend. “Hey, Button? Mind sharing Fleur? At least, until Sunset has an interest or Minuette's done with the mic?”

The dragon grinned as Rumble walked to the other two. Now, it was time for the main show. Spike helped Fluttershy up and turned her around again, her masked face towards the crowd, and lifted her up, his hands under her thighs. He lifted her up to his belly and then slowly lowered her on his dick.

They now had the attention of anypony down on the floor that wasn't completely engrossed with themselves or one or more partners. And even a good number of those looked up. And, Fluttershy... she had to admit that the attention, while embarrassing and part of her still wanting to sink into the ground, felt... nice? She felt... alive? Especially after what had happened before! This crowd was staring at her! Wanted to see HER!

Minuette held a microphone to Shy's mouth as Rumble and Button began to work her over. The pegasus realized what was expected of her and, for some reason, she felt somewhat eager to do it... Slowly, the words left her mouth. “H-hello, everyone! My name I-” Spike interrupted her, whispering into her ear that it might not be a great idea to share her name, at least, not yet. “- My name is... isn't important right now! All I want to say is that I'm so happy at how you welcome me here and how good it feels to have this dragon pound me! I've been suppressing this side of mine for so long! And it's so nice that you all accept me as the slut I am!”

The parts of the crowd that still paid attention to her, more than one might think, cheered and hollered, especially when Minuette told Shy: “Here! Try this!” Scooping up some of the jizz running around Spike's cock and holding it in front of her face.

Just half an hour ago, Fluttershy would've never thought about trying... this! But now? She licked it out Minuette's hand and let out a happy “Mmmh!!!”

Minuette dropped down on one knee and began to capture as much of the dripping cum in her mouth as she could, and then rose to kiss Fluttershy. The dragon cream still in her mouth, it got shared with the pegasus. A loud roar arose from those still watching them!

After they stopped making out, however, Minuette decided that Rumble and Button needed some attention and busied over to them.

She continued to get railed and as Fluttershy's second orgasm arrived, she squirted her juices over some ponies in the front row, to a thunderous reception.

Fluttershy slumped against Spike's chest, hanging in his arms. “Hey? You alright?” He asked her, worry audible in his voice.

Her answer was a whisper barely audible over the crowd noises: “Just... tired...”

“Well, I guess you've earned some rest,” he told her and gestured towards Rumble, who swiftly picked her up in a bridal carry, her head gently pressed against his chest. Carrying her, the three left the stage and walked towards his office...

“Thanks for your help,” Spike whispered to him. “I guess you'd have preferred to stay and have some fun?”

“It's alright boss. I'll get more chances to have some fun!” And in any case, he knew why Spike wanted some help: For one, somepony had to help in case the carrier stumbled on the stairs. Then, there'd been idiots in the crowd before... And in any case, Spike might need him to get them something once they were back in his office.

There were some boos , jeers and hisses – the watchers had enjoyed her on the stage, it seemed – which prompted Sunset to grab the mic and actually scold the crowd! “This was her first time doing something like this, so, please, cut that shit out! Otherwise she might have no interest in doing it again and you'll be the once to miss out! She needs to rest!” And, a playful smirk on her face, and a more lighthearted, naughty tone in her voice, she added: “And don't forget, there are more mares and stallions here! We also want some attention, folks! Have fun!~”

As he carried Fluttershy, Rumble's left hand moved to her butt, his right feeling up one of her tits. Quietly, the pegasus mare whispered to him: “I know what you're doing...”

This startled the young stallion, his right hand quickly moving away from her breast again! “S-sorry!”

“No!” She hurriedly added! “Please... continue!”

Rumble did so gladly, and Spike grinned to himself. This was a very good sign that this young police officer was hooked on them! Just as they reached the stairs, Sunset came hurrying after them “Boss... we need to do this more often! This was the first in... what? Three months? Four months?”

“You're right...” He admitted, “But that's a topic for later! Forget about business for a moment and just enjoy the moment!”

A face splitting grin on her face, Sunset told him: “Oh, I'll enjoy it... Gotta get back to the others!”

And as Sunset hurried back, Tempest's voice echoed out of the club's speakers! It was filled with confidence, lust, a very good mood and a hint of playfulness: “Any of you guys stallion enough to take on two strong mares?”

“Or are you going to get dommed by us?!” Applejack finished. Even without looking, Spike could see the mental image of them showing of their defined bodies, and very nice tits, waiting for some worthy... “Opponents”.

When they'd arrived back in the office, Rumble carefully put Fluttershy down on a sofa, while Spike handed her a blanket to wrap herself into. “Do you want something to drink? Some water, maybe?” the dragon asked her.

“Yes, please.”

“Damn it!” He cursed as he looked through the bottles in his office, “The bottle's empty! Rumble, you stay with her, I'll get a bottle from downstairs...”

“Sure, boss!”

When the door closed behind Spike, Fluttershy sat up, still wrapped in her blanket, and took a good look at Rumble. Finally, she realized why he looked vaguely familiar! “You... You're Thunderlane's brother, aren't you?”

Rumble turned around on the spot and stared at her in shock! “What?! How do you... why do you...?!”

“He showed us pictures of the two of you a few times,” She told him, smiling gently, “Thunderlane always sounded so proud of his little brother!”

“You know my brother?” He was honestly curious. Sure, she was a cop and he was a cop, but there were thousands of cops in Manehattan...

The answer was one he didn't appreciate! “We're working at the same precinct...”

Rumble's eyes went wide. This time, not due to shock but fear! “Please! Don't tell him I work here! He thinks I busy studying and running odd jobs! Delivering pizza, walking dogs... That kind of stuff!”

“If you worry so much about what your brother would think of you... why are you even working for Spike?”

“This job pays, I'm working with my friends...” Turning away from her, he sighed and decided to explain a bit more, “When I was younger... Our parents died young, you probably know that, and Thunderlane was still in training for the police, money was tight... I got involved with some shady guys, making a bit of cash on the side, but... it could've gone bad. Very bad. And then, I met Spike, and Tempest, and some of the others. They helped me. We became friends., and now I'm here!” His eyes had a sad, pleading expression as he looked at Fluttershy again. “But... I don't want to disappoint him... and it's hard enough to keep it a secret from him as is...”

The shy pegasus looked at the young stallion. “Why? I mean, I understand the issue with such a... irregular lifestyle, but considering how often he's called on when he's off-duty?”

“I mean... we live together...” Rumble chuckled, “He wanted to keep an eye on me, keep me out of trouble, after he'd finished training. Didn't work out that well,-” he snorted, “-didn't it? And in any case, it's cheaper and easier than trying to find a reasonable apartment in this city, at least for now. Maybe if I ever get into a stable relationship instead of just booty calls...” He noticed how his train of thought began to trail off, thinking of what could be in the future and quickly pulled his mind back to the actual topic of the conversation! “Anyway! If it comes out that his little brother is running with a gang, it'd put Thunderlane between a rock and a hard place, and potentially sabotage his career! I don't want that to happen to him!”

“Have you ever considered simply to go straight?”

“A few times, but... I am making money now. I can buy the stuff I want... If I'd stop... what could I do? Get a low-payed job with shit work hours and a boss who knows how replaceable I am? And I'd be lying if I'd say that I'm not enjoying this job and its benefits. The girls. The booze. The girls. Giving some arrogant idiots and incurable assholes some chinks in their ego... Pulling a good job with the others.. And as I said before: These ponies are my friends! They are nearly as much family to me as Thunderlane is! After our parents died, Spike and the others were the first ones aside of my brother to make me feel welcome and happy again!” “Going straight might be a nice idea, but I'm honest enough for this: I don't think Id feel fulfilled in a normal life...”

“I guess I can understand where you're coming from. Don't worry. I won't tell your brother.”

“Thank you.” The stallion smiled softly.

Spike returned a few moments later and gave Fluttershy her glass of water. She emptied it at once as he sat down next to her. “When do you have to get back to work?”

“In a few days.” She told him gloomily, the memories of her meeting with Spitfire today returning to the forefront! “My next shift is Monday afternoon after what happened...”

The vague reference caused Rumbles ears to stand up, and he tried to dig deeper! “What do you mean?”

“Oh... nothing...” Shy tried to wave it away, realizing she said more than she had actually wanted to say. Then, she saw the expression both their faces...

Spike and Rumble smiled gently at her, like old friends wanting to help, and the dragon agreed with the stallion! Softly he told, nearly whispered, Fluttershy: “Come on, you can tell us!”

“Yeah! We'll listen!” Rumble added.

“Well...” Fluttershy looked at her knees under the blanket and, on a whim, before she was able to catch herself, her mouth began to tell the story... “It's kind off the reason to begin with... The reason I came over here tonight...”

She told them about her meeting with Spitfire today and what had happened. All that time, she had continued to stare down, at her own blanket wrapped body, but now, she looked up at the two guys. And their faces looked legitimately angry! “Man, what an asshole!” Spike spat out between gritted teeth.

Rumble just shook his head and let out a cynical, hollow chuckle. “And the press says ponies like us are bad...”

Shy was surprised at how she felt at this! It felt... good! Seeing these two, who she barely knew, be so angry at her situation! That her friends and colleagues in the police would be angry, if they knew about it, would be normal, but those two? Well, from what she'd heard, all, or at least most of them had a hard past... A much harder past than she did, and for them, something like this probably would've been an annoying setback at worst! But, they seemed to feel honestly bad for her!

“Fluttershy?” Spike tore her out of her thoughts. “How about I'll take care of you over the weekend? I'll take you to a nice, relaxing massage, then to my place and you can just... forget about that shit!”

“I don't know... I shouldn't... What if...” Then a voice in the back of her head reared itself... What if somepony found out? And how would they, anyway? The police management just screwed her! And her boss wanted her to take time off after all, to forget about that stuff! “You know what?” She told him with newfound conviction, “I'll do it! A few days of not giving... a fuck! Screw it! Screw all of it!”

“That's the spirit I like to see!” There was a certain smugness in the dragons voice that Shy didn't quite like, but... Over all he'd been nice enough after all and maybe... Again, Spike interrupted her train of thought as he turned to his bouncer, “Rumble? If you want, you can return to the party. But tell whoever Is handling new entrants to check my car. Not like any new guests are allowed to get in during these events anyway.”

With a grin, Rumble left the room, and Spike could hear him talk into his headset as the door closed behind him. “Do you want to rest some more, or do you want to just get dressed and leave?”

“I think...” Before she finished the sentence, a certainty creeped into her voice and she changed what she'd wanted to say. “Give me my clothes, please!”

Fluttershy had enjoyed the massage the twins had provided to her, even some of the 'extras', but they didn't stay too long. Spike's car pulled into the lot that belonged to his apartment building. “So, this is where you live? Looks... shabby.”

“Yeah, but the neighbors are nice, the inside looks better than the outside and the rent is cheap.” Fluttershy looked as if she didn't believe him. “What do you doubt?”

“That inside it is supposed to look better than the outside, and the neighbors, considering how this area looks...”

“Well, I can't speak for all the flats in the building, but the once I've seen, and mine, of course, are rather nice. Some might look a bit old fashioned, but you can live reasonably in them.” He explained, “And about the neighbors... Sounds like you're too used to what you're hearing on the news and on statistics. And probably some police advisors who're in the pockets of property developers.. The ponies here are a tightly knit community and look out for each other. I even managed to get the local property developer to not tear this stuff down! You'll understand if you get to know some of them!”

The dragon quickly ushered the pegasus quickly into his flat. “Believe me now? That it's not as bad as it looks?”

Fluttershy looked around and was impressed! “Wow! It really doesn't look too shabby! As a matter of fact... it looks more high class than my place!”

“Well, having the money to tidy up a bit certainly helps, but most of the other apartments I've seen also are nice enough. Even before I started to help the others.”

Shy raised an eyebrow. “You help them?”

“Yeah, they are good folks and so I started to give them money for replacements and renovations. Most of 'em are hardworking and honest, some had some really bad luck... I kinda felt obligated to help.” He gave her a quick, rough overview where what room was in case she had to use the toilet and then opened his fridge to grab a few bites. “Want to eat something?”

Fluttershy, meanwhile, had been exploring the living room area, and turned around as she heard his question. “A cucumber sandwich would be nice,” She told him as she made herself comfortable on his couch.

A few moments later, Spike placed down a plate with two cucumber sandwiches and a few slices of what looked like pizza from the day before, together with two glasses and two bottles of soft drinks on the little table in front of her. Taking a bite out of one of the Sandwiches, the pegasus felt an old question of hers arise... “I've always been a bit curious... what do dragons like you eat?”

In the blink of an eye, Spike's facial expressions changed: His eyes narrowed to tiny slits, his mouth opened slightly in a rather nasty, teeth showing grin. And he showed his claws! “Tasty little ponies like you!” He shouted as he lunged at her!

For a moment, Fluttershy was frozen in fear! But then, to her own surprise, she burst out in laughter! The next moment, she felt Spike landing on the couch, pinning her down and hiss mouth press against her own in a deep kiss.

Both laughed after their kiss had ended! “So, you realized that I was only joking?” Spike asked his guest as he moved over and sat down next to her.

“For a moment, I didn't. But then... somehow it just didn't feel like a life or death thing... And... You don't feel like the kind of guy who would do something like that...” “I was just curious. I've heard so much about what dragons eat, and so much of it I couldn't believe... meat... rocks...”

“Nah. It's true that dragons living in the dragon lands and some other places hunt animals to survive and some in Equestria eat fish or pork to compensate for the fact that sentient creatures are off-limits, but we also can get by on the same stuff ponies eat.” And, with a smile, Spike added, “And gemstones!”

“So... you really do eat rocks?!” Fluttershy was both confused and excited at hearing that!

“Gemstones!” The dragon corrected her. “Not rocks! Rubies, diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, opals... that sort of stuff. Of course, the more valuable ones are more of a special occasions thing, but cheaper gems are... well, they are a bit like bonbons for us. Just less bad for our health! As a matter of fact, they help to keep our teeth sharp! Anyway, let's eat!”

Shy eyed the two bottles of soft drinks. Usually, she didn't mind them, though usually preferred tea, or fruit juices... or fruit juices thinned with water, especially apple juice mixed with sparkling water, that was always quite refreshing and a real thirst quencher! But tonight... she wasn't in the mood for something so sweet.... She looked at him and asked: “Do you have some wines instead of those soft drinks? I'm... I'm a bit in the mood for a nice wine rather than that sugar stuff!”

“I have some here.” He told her and, as he walked over to a little cabinet, asked her, “Red? White? Rosé?”

“A light white wine?” Fluttershy suggested.

Spike snatched a bottle, a corkscrew and two wine glasses and returned to his guest. Quickly he uncorked it and filled their glasses. They toasted to each other, but Spike didn't drink immediately! Over the rim of his glass, he stared at Fluttershy and watched her drink. “What do you think of it?” He asked her.

“It's good! As far as I can tell at least!” She told him as she licked some wine off of the side of her mouth.

“Good to hear that you like it!” He told her before he drained his own glass! “I'm not really a wine guy. I keep some here mainly for guests, but rarely drink it myself. I'm more into whiskey, rum or Applejack's home brewed, well, applejack! And some other hard stuff. We dragons have quite a tolerance for booze and so we need some really hard stuff, often in large quantities, to get a buzz!” He grabbed the bottle and refilled his glass. “Want another one?”

Fluttershy nodded and, while she ate one of her sandwiches, he refilled her glass as well. Once he was finished with that, the dragon took a bite out of one of his pizza slices. And so, they ate. And, at times, playfully teased one another. In fact, Spike's hand moved between Fluttershy's legs, gently stroking her thighs and, later, his claw rubbing over her panties! He could feel how she was getting wet again...

They'd been been making small talk while they'd been eating, but now... Now, it was time for Spike to show a bit of his more ruthless side! She had to be warned what would happen if she had second thoughts and wanted to squeal...

“By the way, Fluttershy,” He told her, his voice as if he was talking about the weather, “Our little performance was recorded by us.”He gave her a moment for it to sink in. She might've assumed that somepony had filmed with their smartphone camera, though filming during those events usually wasn't allowed and in any case, the unicorns had put spells in place to keep such recordings delightfully unusable... But it being recorded by the dragon and his gang might have a somewhat different effect! And the look in her eyes told him enough as he continued, his voice a low growl now, “If you try to rat us out, all of Equestria will be able to see the video! And no mask you're wearing will protect you from that!”

He saw the hurt and frightened look in her eyes and let out a sigh and now talked in a nearly apologetic, conciliatory tone of voice: “It's not something any of us would want to do, let me be clear, but we will do it! But, I promise, we'll only do it if you squeal out of your own volition! If you're faced with the choice of getting into deep shit or talk... It'd hurt us, not only in a business sense, but it's not something I'd want that sort of revenge taken about! If there is no way, or you think they'd find out anyway... do it. But otherwise... You understand?”

She nodded timidly. Fluttershy understood. After the first shock at his behavior had subdued... and to her own surprise, she really did. She understood that he was honest about not liking to do that, or at least she wanted to believe it.! She didn't want to snitch about them!

Seeing how she didn't object and just accepted it, Spike grinned and decided to push further! With a face splitting grin, he told her: “Also, from now on, as long as you're wearing skirts long enough for you to be comfortable with it, I want you to stop wearing panties! And maybe leave the bra off from time to time!”

“Yes...,” Fluttershy replied meekly. But then, the expression in her eyes changed slightly: A certain... fire had crept into their kind and meek look, as if... as if she was looking forward to serving Spike and the others as well as she could! One more word left her mouth, and it was a surprise to both of them... “Master!”

“Heh! I like that!” He grinned at her. “You're naughtier than I thought!”

“You made me like that!” Shy protested! “You... you awakened these urges in me!” And she kissed him...

The next morning

Fluttershy awoke in an unknown bed in an unknown room... For a moment, she was confused! Then, the pegasus remembered! She was at Spike's place! So that probably was his bedroom! He must've carried here to his bed as he was fucking her! She'd been too busy feeling the pleasure to pay much attention, and most of the last night was very hazy. Fluttershy couldn't recall much of their love making, but the pleasure she had experienced had been burned into her mind!

Shy sat up, the blanket slid down from her breasts and she looked to her side to look after Spike! But the young dragon wasn't there. Who was there, however, was a young mare mare that had come over in the middle of the night and joined them in bed. Fluttershy vaguely recalled the two of them licking each other's p-pussy... She still wasn't too comfortable at using such words, even in her mind... and then, both of them had pleasured Spike!

But... where was the dragon? Fluttershy stood up and grabbed her bra and panties. She was just about to put them on... and then thought better of it. Spike had told her he wanted her to stop wearing underwear if she was comfortable with it! She wasn't quite comfortable right now, but both of them had already seen her naked anyway, so... why bother?

The pegasus let her undergarments fall back onto the ground and quietly left the bedroom. Looking to the left first, she saw that the bathroom door was open and Spike wasn't inside. Maybe he was... “Oh! Morning Fluttershy!” The dragon called over out of the kitchen. He sat at his kitchen table, wearing only a pair of boxer shorts, a cup of coffee in his hand.

“Good morning, Spike!” The pegasus replied the greeting as she walked over to him.

When she sat down, Spike had already poured her a cup of her own. “Sugar? Milk?”

“A small splash of milk and a pinch of sugar, please!” He did as she'd told him and pushed the cup to her. “Thank you.... Hmm~! That coffee is much better than the one at the precinct!”

His cup at his lips, Spike, luckily for him before he'd drunk, snorted! After taking another sip, he told Fluttershy: “Not having to keep a precinct budget in mind has its advantages. And my coffee machine probably cost nearly as much as all the ones in your building! And we buy the good beans for the club anyway...”

“Why didn't you wake me up?” His guest asked him next, already having emptied her cup by a quarter!

“You and Saffron just looked too cute,” He told her with a soft smile, obviously happily recalling the image of two cute, nude mares in such a position fondly, “so cuddled together. Didn't want to wake you and ruin it! And it seemed like you needed sleep anyway!”

“We were cuddled together?” She was surprised and began to blush! Then, she remembered that she was nude and it surprised her even more that hearing she'd cuddled with an unknown made her blush, but being nude in front of a guy didn't! What was happening to her? At the same time, it felt kind off... liberating?

“Yep!” The still smiling dragon told her!

By now, Fluttershy's cup was half-empty. She really enjoyed the coffee, even if it was still pretty hot! “When did you get up?”

“Oh... probably... around half an hour ago?” He shrugged. “Want to have breakfast once Saffron wakes up? I'm curious how you'll get along if you're not busy blowing me!”

The fact that this still made her feel pretty embarrassed actually made Fluttershy feel a bit better. She wasn't a total slut just yet! And maybe that Saffron was nice! “And then, you'll need to get... trained!”

Fluttershy began to cough heavily, his words having caused her to choke on her last sip of coffee! “T-trained?” She spat out between the coughs!

The dragon gave her a few gentle, but firm, slaps on the upper back and the coughing died down. “You need to learn how to use your body! How to play with others! To tease them and please them! To be more comfortable with your body!!”He explained to her in a calm voice. And when he saw the concern in her eyes, he quickly added,, “Don't worry! You can keep wearing the mask as long as you want to.”

“Al-alright...” Fluttershy sank into her chair, trying to make herself as small as possible... But she couldn't deny... a part of her, a part she long had tried to bury and deny, had awoken and was rather thrilled at the prostect.

“Let's wait for Saffron and then have breakfast, alright?” He told her as he refilled her cup of coffee, “Want me to tell you about her?” Fluttershy nodded.

And she enjoyed her weekend with Spike and his friends... Including some dance training at the club.

8 Sister gone astray

A week later, Fluttershy visited Tartarus twice for her training, when her shift had allowed her to show up before the club opened. It was obvious she hadn't danced much, and never in the style needed to entertain a drunk and horny audience, but, Fleur, Trixie and Cloudchaser vouched, she was making decent progress!

Spike had introduced her to most of his employees/friends on Sunday, and Shy had made herself popular with the others, for being kindhearted and anything but ego driven. Things that made her easy to get along with! And the fact that she was a great and natural beauty with quite seductive attributes made it hard for mares and stallions to keep their hands of her! And when it was time for her to train getting more comfortable with getting groped and such, they would clump around her in an unintentional, but pretty accurate, simulation of a very busy night!

Only Cozy Glow seemed to dislike working with a cop, which was, on the one hand, understandable, but on the other hand, she of all should appreciate the advantages of having a cop on their side!

Today, Fluttershy was at work however, and Spike sat in his office looking through some paperwork and doing some other administrative stuff, some results for searches for seamstresses and designers, but none that really caught his eye, while Tempest Shadow was working on... their other businesses.

The dragon was torn out of his work, something he rather appreciated if he was being honest, by a knock at the door. “Yes, come in!”

It were Sweetie Belle and her friends, still wearing their school uniforms. Brown slip on shoes , light black thigh highs for Sweetie Belle, short socks for Scootaloo, knee high socks for Apple Bloom, black skirts down to their lower thighs and white blouses. Over them, they wore black vests with the schools emblem,vests that curiously didn't cover their breasts but instead curved around them before forming a collar around their neck, and black neckties. They were really lucky that Diamond Tiara had pulled some strings to get them into such a high class school...

"Hello, Spike?" Sweetie's voice was uncertain.

The dragon answered the greeting in kind. "Sweetie Belle?”

The young unicorn stood in the door frame, looking somewhat unsure what to do next... When Scootaloo suddenly gave her a push into the office. Sweetie stumbled a few steps before she regained her balance and her two friends followed her inside, urgently whispering to her. Slowly, she and the others made their way to Spike's desk.

The dragon decided to kind off break the ice by starting: “I do have to compliment whoever set the dress code for you school. I love how the vest curves around your tits! Has a nice 'good girl' vibe while adding the naughtiness of the breasts bulging through the outer layer of clothing. Maybe we should get something like that for the dancers?”

The three blushed, but certainly looked rather pleased by the comment. Spike had long had the feeling that the three were naughtier than Applejack and Big Macintosh assumed... “The reason I'm here...” His thoughts were interrupted by Sweetie Belle, "It's about my sister... “

“You have a sister?”Spike raised an eyebrow. She'd never told him, or any of the other older gang members about her having a sister, as far as he knew....

“An older one, yes.” Sweetie reaffirmed. “I've heard you were looking for somebody to design and tailor new outfits for the dancers and the others?"

“Indeed.” The dragon nodded and explained further: “And also the waitresses and bar tenders. To give the club a bit more personality and irreconcilability. And to aid with the you know what!”

“I think my sister could help with that!” Her voice had become firmer again, as if she'd wanted to tell him that for a while now.

“Is that so?” Spike raised an eyebrow, “Why don't you introduce her to me then?”

Sweetie Belle let out a sad sigh! ”There's just one issue...”

“O. K.?”

"You see, when she was younger, my sister Rarity dreamed of being a fashion designer.” Sweetie stared at her hooves as she continued, “She'd even design and tailor clothes for friends! And, if I had to judge, the work was pretty good! But when she was old enough to care for me and herself, my parents had to move for work, while we wanted to stay. She had just been accepted at a school for fashion design! So, mom and dad allowed us to stay... They sent... are sending money, but...it was easy for others to take advantage of us, of her generosity. She always wanted to give to others... Soon, the money mom and dad were sending wasn't enough to cover all the expenses! Our landlord jacked up the rent once the last contract our parents had made was over and we didn't really have any options but to accept it! Rarity took odd jobs next to her working towards becoming a designer. But after a while, she had to give that up and work full time... and then, she fell into a bad crowd. I barely see her anymore. And when she's home, she doesn't even seem to recognize me!”

Spike had listened to the story and a vague image had formed in his mind. He'd seen a number of cases of somepony “falling in with a bad crowd” while trying to make due. The dragon looked into Sweetie's large, green eyes. Were... were there tears forming in their corners? "So, what do you want me to do, Sweetie?"

"I want you to help my older sister!” She called out as she began to cry and her friends hugged her! “Please, offer her the job! Maybe it'll get her out of all that crap!"

"I don't even know what she..." he couldn't even finish the sentence, when the unicorn tore herself from her friends and slammed a photo on the desk

"Here, I know the picture is a bit old, but... I think it should be good enough."

Spike picked up the photo and looked at it. On it, there as a mare with a pristine white coat, gorgeous blue eyes and a long, well kept purple mane and tail. Some blue eye shadow was visible and in general, the picture had an air of gentle sophistication. And the dragon didn't quite know what to say! "Wow... she's gorgeous..." He felt like his heart had just skipped a beat as he saw the picture!

Trembling with barely restrained rage, Sweetie Belle let loose! "That beautiful, long mane? She cut it into a short, punk cut and added yellow and light blue streaks, same with her tail. She's mainly wearing leather jackets nowadays as well. And make-up like a cheap hooker! I mean, it still looks good on her, but that's because of who she is!” She grabbed her phone and searched through some pictures, then shoved it in front of her boss!

Indeed... the same mare, but with heavier make-up, not as tasteless as Spike had seen many times already, she seemed to try to keep some sort of class, torn fishnets, a very short leather skirt, a studded collar and bracelets, an open leather jacket with see-through mesh top and a band of fabric, that probably barely classified as tube top, underneath... and, indeed, a very punk-like manecut. Part of her head was shaved in addition to what Sweetie had told him. It did look quite hot on her, but he also couldn't shake off the feeling that it was just... off!

And the expression in her eyes... The eyes of a pony who knew she wasn't anywhere near what she wanted to be, who was in a shitty situation and tried to make the pain go away, pretend not care, by drowning herself in stimuli... But, deep down, Spike could swear that her expression told him “Please... get me out of this...”

“Please, Spike! Help her!” The tears returned to Sweetie's eyes! “I want my sister back! I barely see her anymore, and when I see her, she's either barely coherent, just coming home, leaving, or in... very questionable companionship! She used to be so generous... making outfits for my school plays, helping the neighbors when they needed help with their clothes, and more... Now, those ponies that treat her like a piece of meat! And... some of them look at me with those eyes...” She shuddered! “I think her new 'friends' got her hooked on drugs and whatever else and are whoring her out if they aren't fucking her themselves... And some of those I've seen... I think they would love to do the same to me...”

When her boss heard all of this, his eyes narrowed in anger! He bared his teeth and growled, “If they'd do anything to you or your friends, we'd find out... At the very least once you stop showing up without telling anyone, or potentially quit without giving any real reasons! We'd know something was wrong... and I'd personally turn them into minced meat... Or maybe Big Mac would love to have some fun with some asshole screwing with his younger sister's friend!”

Apple Bloom let out a rather grim chuckle: Big Mac certainly would make anypony regret hurting her...

“Maybe, in return,-” Sweetie sounded insecure again, but with a hint of... was it hope? In her voice as she took her phone, “-I c... I could start working here properly?”

Spike was confused! “What do you mean with that? You're a proper employee, even if only part-time because of school!”

“I'm talking about... about dancing, and... you know!”

“We've been over this already!” He told her, clearly annoyed at having this topic again! “And why would I want anything in return for helping you with your sister?”

Sweetie insisted however! “I... I would feel bad if I couldn't give something back to you! You've already given me a job, with fair pay and the tips, and it really made a difference at home... I've befriended Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon here, which allowed me to go to a good school...”

“And in any case,” Scootaloo interjected herself, “it was never our decision to only be waiters! You and the others decided that for us! You lot never asked what we think about being left out on all that stuff!”

Spike rolled his eyes and his voice turned stern! “We've been over this so many times already! Applejack and Big Mac don't want Apple Bloom to be involved with that stuff, and if you'd be allowed to do it and she...”

“Actually,” Apple Bloom told him, an unfitting smugness in her voice, “I've already talked to my family. They weren't thrilled at first, but then I threatened that I'd spread my legs for the next best stallion in school or wherever and send them a recording. With the face blurred out. Suddenly, they thought me becoming a proper employee wasn't such a bad idea after all... Hehe!”

Silence ruled the room for a good minute. “Sounds to me like you'd win either way, Sweetie!” The dragon snorted humorless. “We'll help your sister and if we accept your offer, you and your friends are getting laid and will make more money... and if we don't, we'll still hep your sister.”

“Maybe?” Sweetie shrugged, “But wouldn't it be beneficial for you in either case as well?”

“True...,” he had to admit. But he noticed something else: “You never told me her name!”

“Rarity. Her name is Rarity.”

“OK! And now, go and have fun, or get ready for work or whatever! I have paperwork to do! And send the picture on your phone to me! I'll need an up to date one if we're supposed to find her!” Spike shooed her out of his office! As the door closed behind them, however... “Rarity, hmm?” He looked at the picture again. “An appropriate name for a mare like her...”

Sometime later, Spike, Big Macintosh, Tempest Shadow, Applejack and Night Glider walked down a street. It was shabby even for the standards of this part of the city, And it was the area where, according to some quick research, Rarity, or at least the crowd she hung out with, had been seen. It had been quite a bit of work to find them, a whole lot of “You know this pony? Ever seen her? If you see her, contact us...” But now, they had gotten a reasonable lead! A mare fitting her description and a large group of locally known troublemakers, small time dealers, crooks and drug addicts had been seen entering a derelict building in the area they were now in.

The building was run down even for this area! Boarded up windows, burst plaster, a few broken windows... And the alleyway next to it... Yikes! A pony and a griffon seemed to stand guard at the entrance. They didn't look particularly bright.

Spike waved his friends into a side alley. “Let's try to get in quietly first. We'll act like we've done this before, just try to walk in. Then, we pretend that we were interested in whatever they're doing inside, mix ourselves under the crowd and look for Sweetie Belle's sister! Maybe we can talk to her in quiet... But stay on your hooves! The way those guys look, we might have to fight our way out!” The others nodded quietly. They didn't need any further discussion or anything! After all, they knew each other for a long time now and had done a number of jobs together!

Their outfits certainly made them stand out.! They didn't wear any particularly fancy stuff looking stuff, but well made, reasonably expensive stuff nonetheless. Enough, to attract some attention, and to stand out, but not too much. They wouldn't look like some big wigs to be wary off, or a group to be robbed immediately. Instead, they looked like easy prey to be ripped off! Like a group of young adults from reasonably well-off backgrounds, possibly going to college, trying to hang around society's questionable elements, to get a kick out of being “one of those gangsters!” and maybe scoring some cheap shit. A bunch of idiots any reasonably street smart two bit crook could trick out of their money.

They also didn't carry any guns with them. The Apple siblings had a pair of brass knucks each and Tempest carried a switchblade with her. Night Glider didn't have any weapons on her, except if you counted the rings on her fingers, while Spike, naturally, had his sharp claws and teeth and his fire breath. Even in an area such as this, gunfire would more easily attract attention than a brawl. And a bunch of beaten up crooks would cause less of a ruckus, especially with the police, than a slaughter house... Depending on how full the building was, it'd be incredibly stupid for anypony inside to try to pull a gun, since they were more likely to hit friends, or “friends”, than Spike or his crew! And considering how likely it was that most of them weren't even sober... The gang had concluded that they probably could leave the guns at home.

Doing their best to look like it wasn't the first time they did this, but not as often to be thought of as very experienced and not easy marks, the dragon and his his companions walked towards the building entrance. They were rather sure that none of these sad figures they'd seen enter before, or guarded the building for that matter, had ever been to their club, or would be able to remember them if they had. Spike put a foot onto the first step to the door when a hand shot up and shoved him down again! The guard whom the arm belonged to had a rather smug expression his face, obviously relishing the prospect of being able to flex his non-existent authority! “Stop! What do you think you're doing here?!”

“Looking to have some fun!” Spike told the guard, trying to sound like a reasonably well-off idiot with too much leisure and not enough common sense.

“Sure... And I'm Princess Platinum!” The other guard snarked. Apparently the smarter one of the two.

The dragon decided to play dumb. “I'm sorry? Princess Platinum is a fairy tale character! And in any case, the Princess is, well, a mare... and a unicorn! And you're an earth pony stallion!”

He grinned internally as he saw the expression on the guards face. Without saying a word, his face screamed “Oh dear, fucking... Why do I have to deal with a pampered idiot like this?!”

Spike shrugged and spread out his arms and turned slightly, his left pointing over the others! “Come on, let us in! All my friends and I want is a good time!”

“Piss off!” The first guard interjected himself again. He threw a glare at his companion, as if he didn't appreciate how he played himself into the foreground...

“Please! We only want some entertainment!” He pulled out two one hundred bit notes, “I bet we can arrange something?”

“Oh!” In a heartbeat, the guards mood had massively improved: He was grinning from ear-to-ear! “He knows the extra secret password...”

“But...” Guard number two tried to object, apparently taking his job more seriously than the other one...

To the groups luck, however, it seemed like the more stupid one, or at least less duty bound one, was the one in charge. “Shut it!” He snapped at his colleague! “I've been doing this for longer than you! Never say no to extra money. Those assholes pay us little enough...”

“Come on, friends,” the dragon continued to act like the pampered brat, “thank these nice gentlecolts for their generosity!”

Suddenly feeling himself to be very important, the guard decided to feel very magnanimously, “Hey, when you're inside... 've heard they've got smoepony special today. A white unicorn. Think she's on the fourth!”

The guards grinned to each other when the door closed behind Spike and the others: A hundred bucks richer each... and idiots like those would most likely lose their last shirt in there sooner rather than later anyway!

Entering, the first thing they saw was a large staircase going up six stories and probably ending with an exit to the roof. “What a pair of idiots...” Applejack rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, but at least dumb and dumber told us where to look!” Night Glider replied. “Checking every floor would've been a pain in the ass!”

“Eeeyup!” Big Mac agreed with her.

Tempest , however, looked up and down the stairs still, a rather grim look on her face! “If we assume that there is something going on on each of the floors... If it comes to a fight, we might be facing long odds...”

“Numerically? Yes,” Applejack agreed, “But if those guys at the door are anything to go buy, and if the rest of the guys here are on a similar level, or on drugs, or both, I think we can handle them. We know what we all can do, and each of us is a good fighter! A bunch of low-life wannabe crooks!” And with more than a hint of rather nasty and grim satisfaction, she added: “ As far as I see it, this could be a whole lotta fun!”

Tempest raised an eyebrow as she looked at AJ. “You've been itching for another fight for a while now, haven't you?”

“Yup,” She admitted without any hesitation! “There wasn't much fun stuff going on recently. I know you are all busy with the club, but... I do yearn for a nice job. Cracking some skulls, busting some shoddy backroom lab... Robbing a smuggling truck!”

“And to think you wanted to join the police!” The unicorn snorted.

“I mean, I would have preferred to stay home and run the farm...” Applejack's grin faltered ever so slightly as she tried to play it off as more of a joke than it actually was, but it had it even crept into her voice. “Funny, how fate works sometimes... If it had gone differently, neither Mac nor I would be here. Either, we'd be on our farm, or I'd be working at the police now...”

Spike and Big Mac each put an arm over her shoulder. It wasn't like her to get that sentimental, especially not in a situation like this. “You ever regret ending up with me?” The dragon asked her.

She shot him a faint smile. “Only in the sense that it includes the death of our parents and the loss of our farm...” Then, AJ shook her head and the vulnerability was gone and her usual self back! “Enough of the sentimentality! Let's git!” And with that, she was the first to rush up the stairs.

Spike looked at her brother. Mac just shrugged and was the first after his sister, followed by Night Glider and then Tempest. The dragon hurried to catch up! “I will never understand these farm ponies...”

“Me neither!” The obsidian mare told him with a grin. “What do you think used to be in here? Doesn't look like an apartment building!”

Had he no t been holding on to the railings, as he rushed after his partner-in-crime, the dragon would've shrugged. “Maybe offices? Or rather, office companies! Could've had one larger one per floor! With reception and separate offices for the employees. Or large offices for the employees and separate ones for the higher ups!” He suggested. It was as good a guess as any.

“It's as good a guess as any...” She concluded.

When they reached the fourth level, all of them, sans Applejack had to take a few deep breaths.

The guards on this floor just glared at them and more or less waved them in, probably assuming that anyone who got past the dimwits at the front door without causing a massive ruckus was supposed to get in. Good thing. Otherwise, they looked at least a bit smarter than the goons at the front door.

Whatever these rooms used to be used for, they certainly had seen better days. The parts of the walls were the plaster hadn't fallen off already were discolored and covered in... splotches. None of them even wanted to guess on what had made them, though some of them looked like dried blood. Not that that was of any surprise.

There was a lot of smoke in the air. Cigarettes, cigars, joints. Spike could see some bongs... And also needles and spoons... and pills... and he figured there probably more types of drugs in here than on an average night in Tartarus. And with less quality control and more dubious side-effects as well. A dragon and a griffon were snorting some white powder... Most of the “guests” seemed to be under the influence of one or more substances already.

Some were busy with other activities: Playing cards, playing darts,billiard... boozing up, eliciting services from some questionable looking mares and stallions... Due to the fact that he couldn't see her, Spike figured that Sweetie Belle's sister was used as a... higher quality companion compared to the normal whores, separated from the normal goings on in one of the side rooms. Probably also to keep her better under control, especially if she wasn't completely drug-addled yet. Considering most creatures here, those that would ask for her probably wouldn't be interested in listening to any self-doubts she had about her situation, and even less would even contemplate helping her.

Applejack went to the bar, while her brother had taken an interest in a quite worn down, but still somewhat serviceable looking pool table in the corner. Tempest Shadow and Night Glider meanwhile pretended to be interested in more carnal fun and began to flirt.

Spike meanwhile had narrowed down the potential ponies of interest to one. Mainly because he looked somewhat less shabby than the others. So be probably ran the place and had managed not to get hooked on the stuff going on here. Not too much, at least. “Excuse me?”

The expression on the guys face told Spike that their charade worked. He mustered the dragon for a moment, and a spark lightened up in his eyes. The spark of a pony seeing a whole load of easy cash just materializing in front of him. Especially if he could get Spike to become a regular. For a while at least. As a matter of fact, the guy looked like he had to hold himself back very much to NOT look (more) like a shark that had just seen a bared ass in front of him. “Yes?” He really didn't manage to sound reassuring in any way...

Spike meanwhile did his best to look as if he thought the face-splitting grin on the ponies face looked like the most reassuring and trustworthy expression this side of wherever those Wuv Cats live. “Your guards downstairs mentioned a white unicorn mare?”

“Ahh... D's mare. Parity or something like that... You interested in her?”

“She sounded hot!” It was pretty lucky that this guy didn't know what the guards told him...

“Oh, she's first rate!” Spike had to fight down the urge to smack that smug grin of the guy's face... “And at least for today, you're the first asking for her! Lucky you! No sloppy seconds for you! Well, D might've had her before you, but...”

'D' and you probably as well, you sleazy piece of shit... But aloud, the dragon told him “Sounds perfect! How much?”

He measured Spike's clothes again, obviously basing his price on what a potential customer looke like being able to afford... “Four hundred and fifty bits! But believe me! She's worth it!” It always unnerved Spike seeing such a slimy piece of shit try and act all buddy buddy... it reminded him of Sludge. When the older dragon and, unfortunately, parental substitute, had pulled such stuff whenever some of his 'children' had about had it with him and wanted to leave. He'd been quite competent at gas lighting and guilt tripping them... “And if you want to get her really going-,” the guy pulled out a light ping pill, “-I can give give you this. Just fifty bits more!”

On the one hand, Spike had to, begrudgingly, admit that, from a pure monetary point of view, this wasn't that stupid at all. Charge a load for the girl, then promise an even better experience for an additional fee...If there wasn't so much wrong with it! But aloud, he just played along: “Sounds fair for a first class bitch!” And handed over the cash.

“Oh, that she is, my friend!” The guy tried to act as 'trustworthy' as he could as he quickly counted the money and gave Spike the pill. “Enjoy your stay, and I hope, you'll visit us again!”

Spike flashed him a smile that was meant to look harmless, but he couldn't quite avoid flashing some of his teeth in a more menacing manner. Of course this guy would've loved to have folks like Spike come over. Probably the next step would've been to get him start using some of the shit they peddled here. Or gambling. At first, of course, he'd win... and then, he'd start to lose and lose and lose... And continue to play to recoup his losses until he was screwed. Spike knew those shticks. This went through his mind as he opened the door and entered the small room at the back of the main room.

It really was a small room, just enough space for a small bed with a quite questionable looking mattress, a cupboard, a small table and a chair on which Rarity sat, her leather jacket hanging over the backrest, an ashtray with a smoking cigarette, or whatever, in front of her. The dragon smelled the traces of a number of smoked drugs. Might've been from the unicorn, or maybe from folks who'd been in here before. Could've also just seeped into the room from the main one... There also was the smell of cheap perfumes, aftershaves and deodorants, and sex and sweat. And a hint of blood...

Slowly, the white mare looked up. Judging from the look in her eyes and the way she moved, she clearly was already under the influence of something! Those beautiful, blue eyes looked dull, lacking any sort of lively spark! “Hello, darling!~” She purred as she stood up. The greeting threw Spike off a little. The way she looked, 'darling' wasn't a word he'd expect from her. But then, Sweetie had told him that she wasn't always like this... a holdover from better days?

Rarity strutted the few short distance to him, trying to move as lascivious as possible. Her 'assets' risked spilling out of the bits of fabric that probably classified as 'clothing', though to be far, it was pretty much what she wore on the latest picture her sister had showed Spike and the others, except that she didn't wear the mesh top over her tube top. And he could see a hint of nipple piercings through the fabric. “What a handsome dragon...” The stench of far too much cheap perfume invaded his nostrils as she came closer and began to rub herself against him. “You're cuter than my usual customers!” She sounded rather happy about it as she kissed his neck.

The mare dropped to her knees and ran a hand over his crotch, and felt his member react. “Oh my...” A hungry smile spread over face! “I'm so horny for some big dragon cock!”

Spike, however, had to cut her off. “I'd appreciate if it you could wait for a moment.”

“Oh?” Rarity looked confused as she stood up again, “Usually whoever comes in here wants to get off and leave, but it's your money.” Then, she saw the pill in Spike's hand and her eyes took on a greedy expression. “Oh! I see! You got the extra!” She tried to snatch the pill from the dragon's claws, but he quickly closed his hand! “What the...?!” The unicorn basically tried to pull Spike's fingers apart to get to whatever drug it was. “Give it to me! You paid for this after all! And I want that pill!”

“No!” Spike told her, “I won't give you this thing! It's not good for you!”

“I need it! Give it to me! It makes me feel sooooo good! It makes me feel all funny and happy and the sex, oh my gosh..” “If you want to feel the same way, I have something like that for guys in the cupboard!”

Instead, Spike crushed the pill with his hand and let the dust fall unto the dirty carpet. “Nooo!” She was about to drop to the ground and possibly either try to snort the remnants of the pill, and whatever was in the carpet, or to collect as much as possible. So the dragon grabbed her shoulder and pulled her up again!

Gently, but firm, he pushed her back into her chair. “Rarity! I'm here to help you!” His voice sounded stern and worried.

“Oh? You know my name?” There was... something in her eyes? Was it greed for more drugs? Or was there a glimmer of her old self? She certainly sounded more normal than before! “Have we met before? Sorry, my memory has been a bit hazy for a while now...”

“No, we don't know each other,” He told her. “But somepony told me about you.”

“A former client that got you interested?”

Spike sighed. Seemed like she was in this for too long already to not go straight to the point. And who knew what she'd already ingested! There certainly was something off about her voice, expressions and movements... He sighed and went straight to the point: “Your sister asked me to help you!”

“Help me?! With what?!” Rarity sounded honestly confused and even somewhat offended as she protested! “I'm happy! I don't have to worry about money anymore! That's getting taken care off! I feel good! I have fun! Sweetie Belle never asked what I had to sacrifice for her! It's finally time that I have some fun!”

“Are you really happy?” He shook his head after he'd listened to her. It certainly sounded convincing. Or rather like she was trying to convince herself more so than anyone else. A part of her probably never quite accepted falling into an environment such as this, especially if she'd been a mare that tried to project an air of classiness! “From what Sweetie Belle told me, you wanted to make it as a fashion designer, maybe model a bit!”

Rarity rushed over to her table and grabbed what looked like a cigarette from the ashtray. She filled her lungs with whatever was in the little thing, probably to calm herself down, maybe even to suppress any doubts. Spike had heard about a number of folks who used drugs to quell any doubts that could arise in the ponies they whored out... The unicorn's actions got followed by a coughing fit. She still wasn't quite used this, at least. “Well, that was then! Now, I'm happy doing this!” Her voice had a quiver of insecurity, and her gaze was haunted. She knew she was lying, even if she wanted to think she wasn't.

“Have you even looked into the mirror recently?” The dragon pulled out the picture Rarity's sister had left with him. “Sweetie Belle showed me an old picture of yours! You were gorgeous! Now? Well, you're still attractive, but if you added just a bit more make-up, you'd look like a cheap hooker you'd find at two AM at the harbor, desperately looking for some semi-drunk sailors that want to blow off some steam!”

Judging by her expression, the shot against her appearance had hit a nerve, even if she tried to blow it off. “And what if that is the case? Maybe I'm f-fine looking like a ch-cheap whorse!”

This denial... Spike felt himself getting angry! He knew that she was mainly trying to cope with her situation, but this denial of her situation still just hit something with him. Probably due to the way Sludge had treated him, and Tempest and the other street urchins. Really, it hadn't been too dissimilar, even if it had involved less drugs and prostitution! “If you're fine with it, then only because you are one!” His voice was quite cold.

Rarity tore open her eyes and then swiftly narrowed them in cold fury! “I AM! NOT! CHEAP!”

“Your boss charges depending on what he thinks a customer can pay,” Spike replied, his tone derisive!” Doesn't sound like a high-class escort to me! Wanna bet that I've seen lower price prostitutes that make nearly as much as I paid for this? With a time limit!” He was, of course, talking about the girls working for him...

“Oh, what would some spoiled kid like you know about what I am going through? Wearing a five hundred bit leather jacket, a three hundred bits shirt, four hundred bits jeans and... shoes for fifty bits? What the...” He couldn't hide a smile at her surprise. Yes, he had deliberately taken some of his better clothes, exactly to put on this appearance, but the cheap shoes... he just liked them. It was something he was used to, and most didn't notice them anyway. “Anyway! 'Your low price prostitutes'? Want to bet that they just overcharged a kid like you? A kid with more money than sense, waving around daddy's money for some cheap thrills!”

“No, I'm fairly certain that those girls charged what they are worth,” He told her calmly. Of course, he, Tempest and Sunset had also been the ones that set the prices... Now, it was time to tear down her delusional defenses! “And believe me, I'm not just some stupid kid waving around my parents' money. I don't have any parents! All the money I have has been earned by me and the businesses I and my friends built up! You think you had a hard time? You don't know half of it...” Of course, privately he had to admit that he didn't have to take care of a younger sibling, but, that didn't matter right now...

She was silent for a few minutes. At first, it'd been out f surprise from the dragon's words and changing behavior. Gone had been the silly rich kid and instead, there was a confident you drake projecting an aura of authority. Rarity had to admit, she found him rather attractive. And then, she began fighting inside her own mind. The reasonable, old Rarity against the new one, the creation of drugs, pleasure and abuse. The side that wanted out, wanted to go back home and try to rebuild her life... and the side who just wanted to chase the next thrill... When she spoke again, her words sounded more like she was trying to convince herself that she'd done the right thing by getting involved with all of this... “I have to do this! To pay the rent! To get Sweetie Belle through school...”

“Did you even talk to your sister ever since you fell in with those losers?” He asked her, “Or rather, once you've started this?”

“Of course!...” Rarity quickly told him. But then, she went silent again, for a few moments. In a sad voice, she corrected herself: “No. not really... I barely see her, and when I do, I'm usually not in the mood for talk... or in the right state of mind...”

Just as Spike had expected... “I thought so. I noticed-,” He put a hand on her shoulder, hoping it'd comfort and reassure her. For a moment, she flinched, as if she wanted to pull away out of fear, but then, she just let it be, “-you didn't even ask how I've come to know your sister, and why she asked me to look for you...”

“What does it matter? Maybe a private eye that that silly filly hired?” She guessed. Why did Spike get the feeling that she had a fable for noir stories?

“I thought you and her had money issues? How would she afford it?” He pointed out the logical flaw in her assumption.

“Maybe...” Her eyes went wide as her mind realized the implication those words might carry! “You don't mean... she offered herself...” Rarity was doing all of this work, or at least told herself that she did, to give Sweetie Belle a better life!

Well, she did... but that wasn't the main reason Spike had decided to help her! And he HAD refused it until Sweetie and her friends convinced him... Reassuringly, he told her, “Your sister took a job to help with the money issues! And I'm not a private eye.”

“Well then! Tell me how you know all of this!” The unicorn demanded!

“Because I'm her boss!” Spike told her bluntly! “She's a waitress at my club!” Rarity was speechless, and so, the dragon continued: “And I'm here because Sweetie Belle asked me to look after you. She's worried, scared for you!”

Rarity looked at her customer with the same blue eyes she had had on the old picture, just marred by uncertainty and worry! “She... she works for you? As a waitress?”

“Yes.” Spike confirmed.

“What club?” She had heard about all, and been to, all kinds of clubs since she had gotten intot his mess... and most of them had been seedy at best...

The dragon pulled something out of his pocket. It was a an emblem. She was fairly sure, she'd seen it on some add posters or something. Wasn't that the emblem of... “Tartarus,” he told her, “and I take good care of those that work for me. We're basically family!”

Rarity had heard some things about Tartarus, but it'd been out of her current social circles. For D and his friends... they claimed it was too regulated, too boring. That all of the shady air about it was only an act to cater to rich idiots! The drugs getting sold there not hard enough for their liking, it was too clean... But then, they thought a place like this rundown shit hole was great... There'd always been that lingering feeling that they mainly wanted to avoid it because it made them feel inadequate and, maybe, a better male than them would come along and potentially offer Rarity, or some other mare, a better life... And now, the owner of this top club was the boss of her sister and here to help her? That sounded unlikely... “Good joke, but I hope you're aware how much of a tall tale that is!” She sounded quite bitter. Was it, because she didn't (want) to believe him? Or because she thought he was taunting her?

Spike pulled out his phone. “If you want, I can call your sister and you can ask her! Hear everything from her!”

“Sweetie Belle is in school, and you know it! She won't be able to answer!”

“If she was at any normal school? Certainly, but she made friends working for me. Four fillies around her age... and two of them are from quite wealthy families. They got her and her other friends to a rather prestigious school, and, from what I've heard, due to the amount of money coming in from most students, they tend to overlook the odd call every now and then! And, I think, she told me that, today, the last few lessons had to be canceled, so it's about to be over anyway!”

The unicorn sounded honestly offended at this reveal, or, at least, claim. “If what you say is the truth, why don't I know anything about it?! Why wouldn't Sweetie Belle have told me about that?”

“Because you're here and too busy chasing the next high or letting yourself get kicked around by the lowlifes outside!” Spike told her as he scrolled through his numbers list and tapped on Sweetie's name. After a few seconds of waiting, she picked up the phone and urgently whispered. “Hello Spike? Can you call me back in a minute? We'll be on break the-...”

“Sweetie, I'm calling about your sister,” He interrupted her and she went silent.

Faintly, he could hear Sweetie call over to her classroom teacher: “Ms. Cheerilee, sorry! This call is important!”

He also faintly heard the odd word picked up by the microphone by what he assumed was her teacher. “O... ma... re... to... ch up... j...ct ma...er... me off!”

A few moments later, Sweetie was back on the phone. “Alright, I'm back! I just have to make sure the others tell me about what I'm missing out right now! Tell me! How's Rarity doing!”

Spike didn't answer her. Instead, he just handed his phone over to her older sister. “S-Sweetie Belle? Is that you?” He didn't hear Sweetie's reply, but judging by the expression on Rarity's face, she at least seemed to trust that the voice she heard was her sisters'!

The two talked for a short while, and it seemed like Rarity was calming down. Every now and then, she shot a glance at Spike. “So, you're telling me that it's true? That what he said is true?” She looked surprised. “P-please... send.... send me a picture. Just to confirm it!”

Á minute later, Sweetie sent a picture. It showed her, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon in their school uniforms and standing in front of the school building. “Al... alright. Thank you. Yes, s-see you later, Sweetie!”

“Believe me now?” She nodded. “Please, Rarity!” Spike pleaded softly to her, “How did you end up like this? Please, tell me!”

A solid minute, there was only silence in the room, and Spike hoped that the idiots outside were loud enough for the owner to not notice the things going on inside... “Suri Polomare...” She hissed., as tears began to well up in her eyes. Tears of anger and sorrow.

Spike remembered hearing the name somewhere! But what had it been... “Who?”

“It was a design competition.” She sighed and let herself slouch backwards, starting at the ceiling. “If I had won... the price money would've helped us... But before it began, I met this mare. Suri Polomare.”

Now, he realized where he'd heard the name! His search for a designer! “Isn't she a household name? I think she's managed to become a bit famous over the last few years!”

“Yes. By stealing other ponies' designs! She came to me...,-” She looked at Spike again, “-I was ecstatic! A known designer, taking an interest in my work? That could've been a jumping board for me! The competition, together with the patronage of somepony like Suri Polomare could've kickstarted my career! It could've shot myself to the top instantly! Or, at the very least, maybe gotten a stipend for it... When we met, she played nice... and stole my design and the special fabric I had created! I didn't find out until it was too late. She claimed I had stolen from her, and it was my word, the word of a newcomer against that of an already established name...” She glared at a point behind Spike's back and her voice turned into a rather unfitting, angry growl! “If I'd get her between my hands, I'd...”

Rarity trailed off and buried her face in her hands! “Over night, I was persona non grata in the world of fashion... At school, most of the others quickly turned on me, feeling like I probably stole stuff from them without anypony noticing... I turned into a pariah...” She looked up, right into Spike's eyes. “Already stressed from trying to make enough money, I began to neglect my studies... And finally left school. One late shift at a store, I ran into a group, and they invited me for a drink. I took the offer and, well...”

Spike didn't press her on the topic. He could already imagine what had happened. “Do you want to get out of this? I can help you!”

“Even if I could walk away, they would come looking for me! And go after Sweetie Belle as well...”

“Those idiots wouldn't be able even find you! And... I can protect you!” He offered her his hand. “And your sister! I take care of those that work for me!”

She wanted to believe this dragon, wanted to believe in him so much! Slowly, Rarity's hand closed in on his, when the door opened. The manager glared into the room and, no longer interested in putting on a facade, barked into the room: “Hey! How long is this going to take? I've got five more customers who want a ride with...” He cut himself off as he saw them both. Fully clothed and, apparently, still not having done it! “What the fuck is going on here?!”

Slamming the door shut behind him, the stallion barged into the room, his eyes fixed on Rarity! “You! Stop wasting time and get to work!”

And now, Spike had had it with the guy. In one swift motion, as he rushed past Spike, the dragon stood up and grabbed the stallion. “Leave her alone!” He growled, baring his teeth. Any smart pony would've let it be...

Any smart pony. Which this guy wasn't. “Or what, you spoiled idiot! You have no id...” Spike was actually rather happy that the guy decided that he wanted it the hard way. Allowed him to work off some pent up aggression! Without responding, he handily pushed the pony a few steps back... and then threw him through the door!

A few seconds after the guy got thrown back into the other room, chaos erupted! As if it had been a prearranged signal, Spike's friends jumped into action: In a heartbeat, Night Glider put the pony she'd just been chatting with, pretending to have an interest in him, into a choke hold. Applejack meanwhile slammed a beer bottle she'd grabbed to blend in over the head of an already pretty drunk looking stallion. This was followed by Tempest kicking a hippogriff, that had been trying to flirt with her, in the nuts, something that pleased her very much, and followed it up taking a few steps of run-up and delivering a hard kick to the side of his face as he was bent over. A guard had tried to pull a gun, but Mac's large left hand had easily grabbed the guy's gun hand and begun to squeeze. When the guard dropped his firearm, the tall farmstallion had caught the gun with his right... and crushed it. His adversary fainted at the view.

The next moment, two goons charged at Big Macintosh, but he simply smashed their heads together and they fell to the ground, unconscious. Night Glider meanwhile had choked her victim out and let him drop to the floor. Just in time, as it turned out, because it allowed her to dodge a poorly aimed and executed swing at her head. She delivered a hard kick to the culprit's knee, which made a nasty noise, and finished him off with an elbow to the back of the head!

Out of the next room burst a bunch of tougher looking opponents. A white stallion, who looked like he was made solely out of muscle! He immediately charged at Big Mac, like a bull that had seen a red cloth! The stallion had to admit that his opponent wasn't bad! It could've even been a fun test of strength under different circumstances! But this was serious... and so, he delivered a crushing headbutt, followed by a belly-to-belly suplex. Before the muscle bound brute could do anything else, Applejack threw her current opponent on him and hit both with a single dropkick. The two siblings gave each other a high five. AJ laughed! “Those sad sobs are nothing compared to an Applelooza bar room bra...”

Moments later however, another pony of similar stature to Mac crashed into his sister's back. Apparently not noticing the pissed off three hundred pounds of very angry big brother, he proceeded to taunt the mare as she shook her head to clear her mind! Her brother simply grabbed the asshole by the throat and chokeslammed him through the pool table. One of his friends, trying to help the guy, stormed towards Mac but was easily caught with a big boot, while his sister's boot connected with the jaw of a mare that had just grabbed a steel pipe, followed by a hard lariat to some idiot that had been waving a biker chain around! “AJ! More fighting, less bragging!” Her brother called over her to keep her from making the same mistake again.

“Yeah, yeah!” She answered him a few moments later as they double teamed another enemy, Applejack kicking his mid-section, while Mac's fist hit him square on the forehead!

Spike and Rarity, in all the chaos, had managed to make their way halfway across the room without being noticed, thanks to the distraction that were there other four. Now, however, eyes began to fixate on them! A female griffon with a crazed look in her eyes charged at Spike, who grabbed Rarity tight and intercepted the attacker with a hard headbutt. Another attacker rushing towards them got intercepted, and thrown out of the window, by Tempest, and judging by the sound, he was lucky. His fall got cushioned by the dumpster below.

More opponents came charging in from the other rooms, the commotion apparently being loud enough to get their attention even through drug-induced stupor! Two screeching mares charged at Big Mac, who already was busy with a pretty powerfully built griffon. Usually, that guy wouldn't have been much of an issue, but It seemed like he was on some sort of performance enhancing drugs... and then, his reinforcements joined in and tried to claw out Big Mac's eyes!

His sister came to his aid, grabbing one of the mares from behind and tossing her against the next wall so hard that the plaster cracked and covered her. The other one didn't seem to notice, whatever she'd taken before this had started clouding her mind. Applejack tapped her on her shoulder, which she did seem to notice though. Slowly, the mare turned around... right into an uppercut. She dropped like a sack of apples.

Tempest and Night Glider had grouped around Spike, doing their best to fight off any new arrivals and recovering fools who hadn't had enough yet! Even a dragon joined their attackers now. Pretty muscular too! Brandishing his claws, he'd locked the exist door behind him and blocked the approach to it. To his ill-fortune however, the two mares were more than able to deal with him!

The obsidian mare avoided an overhead double axe handle blow to her back and used the dragons own momentum against him by countering his forward approach with a hard knee strike to the gut! Swiftly, she got behind her opponent, holding him in a sleeper hold as Night Glider spun around! Tempest let go mere moments before her friend's spinning back kick crashed against her opponents temple!

His body bumped into the door from the force, but to the dragons credit, he wasn't out yet. He turned to face his opponents again and roared defiantly! However, two simultaneous kicks against his chest sent him crashing through the locked door and down the first flight of stairs. He twitched, but didn't rise again.

Spike, Rarity, Tempest Shadow and Night Glider hurried down the stairs, while the Apple siblings stayed back to clean up. “Hi, Fellas...” Tempest greeted the guards they'd bribed on their way in. And swiftly knocked both of them out. She quickly pulled both of them into the entrance and hid them behind the door, went through their pockets to take back the bribe money.

The group waited for a few minutes, until Applejack and Big Mac finally showed up. “Why did you two take so long?” Spike asked them, slightly impatient!

Applejack raised her arms as she shrugged and bluntly explained: “Those guys must've been on some weird stuff... at least a quarter of those we thought knocked out got up again and again... The guy Mac hammered through a table? We ended up having to throw him through the fucking wall! Sure, it's a dry wall, but still!”

“It'll be a pain to get the blood out of the suit...” Big Mac sounded rather annoyed at the splatters of blood from various lacerations, cuts and bleeding noses. It wasn't all that much, certainly wasn't drenched or anything, but enough to be annoying... and noticeable. “I better take the shirt and jacket off, before anypony asks questions...”

“Good thing that the cars ain't parked too far away,” His sister agreed.

“But,-” the usually quiet Mac sighed, “-at least it was a nice fight again! Those altercations at the club just don't challenge me...And we didn't have a real job in quite a while!”

They hadn't moved more than a few steps however, when, from behind, “Hey!” A voice called out, obviously directed at them! “Get your hands off of my mare!”A group of new ponies, and what was left of the guy running the place, came running after them. At the front of them was the stallion that had just shouted after them. That must've been this “D” guy.

“Really?” Spike rolled his eyes, “You didn't have enough already?” He looked at his top enforcer... “Big Mac... would you please?”

“Eeyup...” Most of the group seemed smart enough to stop as they saw that moving wall of muscles move towards them, but the leader, and the manager that Spike had tossed through the door, weren't so smart! Mac's huge hand grabbed the pony's forehead and lifted him up to eye level. He made it look so easy...

His sister, meanwhile, put on her brass knuckles while Tempest intercepted the manager and delivered a hard kick against his knee, causing him to crumble to the ground. Night Glider finished him off with a kick to the head, knocking him out cold. Just like before Tempest quickly pilfered his pockets to retake the money spent on him. And then, she pulled out her switchblade and dared the others to get closer, as Night Glider and Applejack formed up next to her...

Spike's gaze shifted from the guy in Mac's grasp back at the group, somewhere between nine and twelve wannabes, who, apparently, had decided that they had better things to do than to get their asses kicked. Surprising intelligence for a bunch like them! They just sidled back into the building to do whatever. Therefore, he shifted his attention back...

“You'll leave her alone. Do you understand?” Spike told the guy, eerily calm.

“She's my mare!” D protested, apparently still not realizing the situation he was in! “Come on, Rares! Tell 'em!”

For a moment, a part of Rarity wanted to say “Of course I am, D!” The part that, for months now, had been subjected to drugs, sex and whatever else... but that part quickly got buried “I. Am. Not. Your. Mare. You bastard! You ruined me!” She spat into what was visible of his face! “I needed help! Support! And you took advantage of that!”

“But... Rares!”

“Don't you dare to 'Rares' anymore!” She cut him off!

D's attempt at another ill-thought reply got cut off when a claw traced the ponies jawline. “You will. Leave. Her. Alone! Got it?” Spike slowly told him with barely restrained rage as he moved his claw over the stallion's throat, the edge digging ever so slightly into the skin...

He didn't answer, so Spike grabbed his jaw in his hand, this time with far less restraint about how deep his claws dug. “DO YOU GET IT?!” He screamed through gritted teeth!

What he could see of D's eyes between Big Mac's fingers looked quite panicked and it looked like he did his bet to nod. Which obviously wasn't easy with him being held up by his head. “Answer me, you pathetic piece of poorly packed pony shit!”

He was obviously panicking, judging by the tone of his voice! “I get it! I get it! I'll leave her alone! Just let me go!”

“See? That wasn't so hard after all, wasn't it?” He gently patted the stallion's cheek and gestured to Mac to put him down.

D fell to his knees, jumped up and turned around to leave. Or rather, to run away, muttering “She'll be back!” under his breath.... and turned right into a punch from Applejack's brass knucks, knocking him out cold. “Don't worry. I've held back. His skull should be fine!”

Rarity spat out at her former “friend” and, for good measure, kicked him a few times, while Tempest handed Spike the money she'd taken out of the pony that probably was the manager of this 'operation'. “One... two... three... five hundred... That's everything. And... hmm... six hundred more? I'll keep that as well!”

“Come on. Let's leave...”

When they had gotten a good amount of distance between them and their victims, Tempest turned to Spike. “You think he got the message?”

“Which one?” He asked her in return, “The wannabe pimp or the wannabe who ran this 'establishment'?”

“Both, actually,-” Tempest shrugged, “-but as far as I'm concerned, the latter might be the one who is more likely to have the means and ego to try to get back at us. Or maybe his boss.”

Spike thought about it for a moment. “Him personally? Yes, I think he got the message. But I'm not too sure if he wouldn't think it would be awfully clever to send someone. Or that some of his goons act on their own.”

“And the wannabe pimp?” Night Glider chimed in.

“Stupid enough to try something, probably... But, I'd say, not much of a threat if he does, at least as long as we can keep an eye on the more vulnerable members of our crew. And if he does anything...” Spike got a rather nasty idea... “Have they already poured the foundation for that new mall?”

“No. I think it's due in a week or two. Why do you...” Tempest realized the direction as she spoke. “Oh. Well, if he does anything stupid during that time, I think we have some friends on the workforce!”

“Good...” He told her rather grimly.

This whole time, Rarity had pretended to not hear anything of that stuff. She'd been quiet since they'd gotten rid of her ex-”boyfriend”, in fact! But, suddenly, she tugged on Spike's sleeve. “What is...” He cut off as he saw how she looked!

Rarity was bent over slightly, looking at him from below, her face was flushed with red. one hand had moved between her legs and she was panting heavily. “It must be some of the thins I took before you came!” She told him!“I... I'm so horny... So hot... I need... need...” Her face took on a most lewd expression! “Coooock!” She moaned, as her hands began to move over the dragon's body!

Spike knew he had to act swiftly! He took a quick look down the next ally way and turned to his companions! “I'll take care of this! You just get back to the club, or whatever you wanna do, OK?”

“But...” Applejack wanted to object, but he cut her off!

“No buts, Applejack!” Spike told her, and then addressed them all! “I'll handle this! Go to the club, or have some fun or whatever, but please, tell Zecora we might need her skills to help Rarity to get off the drugs. Having her go cold turkey without anything to mitigate the withdrawal effects could be a recipe for disaster!”

“Alright! Have it your way!” Now, Tempest interjected herself. “But I'll also inform Redheart! Better to have somepony with medical education involved in this...”

Redheart... Formerly Nurse Redheart... She'd always wanted to be a doctor, had nearly even finished med school, but then some unfortunate events had piled up and forced her out. Instead, she'd become a nurse to at least try to do some good... And this had, after a few years, cost her that job as well. Never told anypony what exactly had gone wrong either. What was obvious, however, was that her medical skills were excellent, especially for somepony operating without a license! They'd run into her one night, after Big Mac had taken a knife to the thigh. Luckily it had missed major blood vessel or sinew, but it had been a nasty wound nonetheless.

She'd offered to patch him back up, in exchange for money to pay off her debts... and ever since, she'd been the gang's go to back-alley doc!

“OK! That's a good idea! Do that!” He agreed. “And now, go!”

As Spike pulled Rarity into the alley, he saw how his friends moved on. With Rarity clawing on her, and his, clothes, he hurried down the alley, around a corner and into a cul-de-sac. At least, there weren't any major exits here and the windows seemed to be all covered...

Rarity's jacket lay on the ground behind her, her mesh shirt was half-torn and her tube top was hanging loosely below her ample bosom. For Spike, she'd already opened his belt and zipper... Figuring that in her current state of mind any pleasantries would be a waste of time, Spike cut the chase. “Bend over, slut!” He ordered her, guessing that it was more than appropriate for how she behaved!

“Yes!” She answered him eagerly, her hands pressed against a building's wall, her ass stretched to the dragon! “Slut! Rarity is a slut! Cum dump! Rarislut! Cock sleeve!” She wasn't even wearing any panties...

Wondering just what exactly they'd given to her, Spike opened his pants and pulled his cock out, then lined it up, rubbing the tip over her dripping cunt, put his hands on her hips and pushed in. The mare howled in pleasure, and Spike hoped it wouldn't echo all the way to the street... But he had to admit, she had a fine pussy! Such a shame that a body like hers had been wasted on that lowlife scum for so long!

He stared at Rarity's heart-shaped pillow of an ass ,and few moments later, a sharp pain rushed through one of her ass cheeks! She moaned in delight, as her partner told her, “Dirty sluts like you need some spanking!”

“Yes! Spank!” She urged him on, “Spank me! Harder!”

Spike gladly obliged. Not only with the spanking, but also with his thrusts. It certainly was a pleasure seeing the unicorn's tits jiggle at every one of them! As he saw some red shimmer through the white fur however, he decided the spanking had been enough.

After a few minutes, Spike grabbed her short tail and gave it a firm tug! “I'm about to...” He groaned.

Rarity just egged him on! “Fill me up! Fill this whorse's slut pussy with your cum!” They both half moand, half groaned as they came, Rarity's pussy basically trying to milk him, by the feeling of how it convulsed around his member.

After enjoying the feeling of her for a few seconds longer, Spike pulled out and Rarity slowly sank onto her knees, his cum running out of her pussy. Moments later, just before she swallowed his cock as if she was starving, she told him: “Rarislut is so sorry for wasting your cum like this!”

Those guys, and drugs, must've really done a number on her... Spike hoped it was nothing permanent... And the withdrawal would probably be nasty... Hopefully, Zecora and Redheart could help...

But, he had to admit, she was pretty adept at giving head! Despite just having had an orgasm, she managed to wring even more of his cum out of him after a, relatively, short time! Her fingers dug into the dragon's ass as she chugged down his second load! She did this so thoroughly that barely a drop landed on her face, except for a tiny trickle from between her lips and a few, tiny sprays around her mouth, when she pulled back! Now, Rarity sat there, on the dirty ground, still panting like a bitch in heat...

And then, from one moment to the other, her expression normalized again. Gone was the, well, bitch in heat, and back was that gorgeous mare from the picture, discounting for current mane-style and clothing, or lack of it. Pressing a hand against her forehead, she climbed back onto her hooves. “Oooh... my head!”

“Back to normal?” Spike asked her as he offered her a hand to help her up.

She took his hand, and he pulled her up. “More or less... I am so sorry that you had to see me like that!” Rarity sighed, “Before all of this, I preferred to act more, well, dignified. And I'd really like to get my dignity back now...”

Dignity? In her current state? Nude? Cum running down her thighs? Spike had to honestly fight back a grin. “What was that just now anyway?”

“You remember the pill that cretin gave to you?” She asked him as she put her tube top back on. Spike nodded. “Basically, this was the effect it would have had. I had ingested a small amount of the stuff earlier. Similar effect strength, but delayed...” She cut off a she noticed something else: “This is just awful... my behind is covered in dirt!” She did her best to slap as much of the dirt out of the fur.

“'Behind'?!” Spike snorted, half amused, half confused at her choice of expression!

Rarity either didn't notice or ignored him and looked around “I hate to say it, but... I've done it in worse places...” Then, her tongue licked over the left overs on her face, “And I've certainly tasted worse cum than yours!”

“Behind?” Spike just couldn't let go of it, however, “Why don't you just say 'ass'? Or at least 'butt'?” He asked her as he handed her her skirt and jacket.

Rarity didn't answer with words, just a small, gentle smile. And Spike felt his cheeks heating up! What was it with this mare? Why did she make him feel like this?

After they'd left the back alley, and once they'd got a few blocks further, Spike spoke to her again: “Rarity?”

“Yes?” She wondered what the dragon wanted.

An earnest look in his eyes, he looked into hers and told her, “I want to take you and your sister in!”

“What?!” The unicorn was shocked!

“I have enough room in my apartment! And if you don't like the arrangement, I think the building I live in still has one or two empty ones, I even think one of the ones near me is still empty after the old lady living there passed away. It's not the most luxurious place but, for the time being, should be good enough. I have a good... relation... with the owner and she wouldn't try to bleed you dry like your current landlord does! It also means anyone of your former friends who's being very stupid wouldn't find you at your place. And I'll have my lawyer check your rental agreement. Maybe we can force your landlord to pay some money back!” He sighed and quietly added, “Think about it. At least, until you get back on your hooves.”

It was very sudden, but, at the same time, she knew that they wouldn't be able to keep their current living arrangements for much longer... Even with the income she had had, the rent payments of the last few months had been in arrears... “Well... alright... But if we don't like it, we can leave?”

“Naturally!” He told her. Though the dragon also was curious. Curious about how her landlord had, apparently, decided to be an asshole once their parents had moved... “So, your landlord never pulled something like that with your parents?”

“No,” Rarity decided to explain the situation, as far as she knew it at least, “But... Sweetie probably doesn't remember it, or just didn't know about it, but... our current landlord isn't the one who'd rented our apartment to our parents. Our old landlord was nice enough, I've met him a few times and my father always said that he was an old school kind of pony. But,-” She sighed, “-he died shortly before my parents moved and his nephew took over. And he had 'big plans' with the stuff he had inherited. That didn't get far, however, because he has a gambling issue and so could do nothing but squeeze everything out of his tenants!”

The dragon nodded. “Ah, that kind. The landlady who bought the building I live in also had big plans. Wanted to tear down everything and build something modern... and expensive. I managed to convince her otherwise though!”

Rarity now focused on the other elephant in the room, at least for her and her sister: “What about my mother and father?”

“Tell them that you and Sweetie Belle had to leave the apartment because of your landlord being an ass and that you're staying with friends for the time being and that they don't have to worry. It's basically the truth anyway.”

“Yes, this is probably for the best...,” She paused as she realized something! “You know... I don't think you ever introduced yourself to me!”

For a moment, there was just silence between them. Then... “... I think you're right! Crap! Sorry!” He feigned a small bow, “My name's Spike and I'm running Tartarus.” Then, he offered her his arm.

“Such a gentledrake... Where have you been all my life?” She smiled at him as she took his offer.

“Making ends meet while clawing my way out of the gutter!” The dragon laughed, but he was unable to hide a hint of bitterness.

“Oh?

“I'm going to be honest with you...” He sighed, figuring it was better to come clean with her asap, especially now that the streets were rather empty. “If you think that I'm just a legitimate businassdragon, I have to disappoint you. Just like your former friends back there, I'm involved in shady shit! Being frank: drug production and distribution, some racketeering, though we do prefer it to be a mutually beneficial arrangement, prostitution and strip clubs! But,-” Spike added quickly, “Me and my gang certainly aren't as bad as them. We have standards and rules of conduct and would never do the stuff they did! All those working for me do so out of their own volition!”

Hearing this made Rarity scoff! “And you want us to live with you just out the kindness of your heart? Not likely!”

He'd expected this reaction, he had to admit. It was better to come clean right away... “To be honest, I do have an interest in what you can do for me!”

She'd known it! Saved from one life of mistreatment and drugs to be thrown into... whatever. His next words surprised her however: “I've been looking for somepony to make nice outfits for the club. For the dancers and waiters and so on. Most of the ones who'd made stuff I liked didn't gave us a second look. Sweetie Belle told me that your stuff had been pretty good! And,” he added, “if you don't trust me, ask your sister about us!”

“So, I'd only have to come up with designs? And nothing else?” Rarity didn't believe him! This sounded too convenient!

“Nothing else, unless you want to do something. If you want to show off something new yourself, be my guest. If you want to give a bunch of horny ponies a little show? Great! If you don't want to do any of that? Just as well!”

They walked in silence for a few minutes. Then... “Why?” She asked him! “Why do you offer this to me?”

“Well... for one, because of Sweetie Belle. She's been doing good work for me, and I do consider her a friend... and...” He blushed. “I think I've developed a crush on you when she showed me that picture.”

“Oh?...” Rarity was speechless. “Uhm... I guess.... I have to admit I feel a bit flattered, hearing this, in my current state, from a handsome drake like you! And judging by your other friends, you are surrounded by rather attractive mares...”

“Yeah. I mean, it's part of the club's allure, I think.” Spike shrugged, “And, well, they are very good to have a fun time to have with, if you catch my drift.”

She shot him a sly look. “Oh, I do catch it. Not like my former relation was much different in that regard. Though it probably was different in regards of the state of mind...”

“By the way... here. Take this.” He handed her the eleven hundred bits Tempest had taken off of the guy running the operation. “It should help to get you started again, or pay some of the outstanding rent at least! Especially if Starlight can't twist your landlords arm a bit...”

“I... I can't accept this!” Rarity protested!

“Yes, you can! Otherwise I'll give it to Sweetie Belle and she'll probably blow it on a trip with her friends!”

“She would....” Rarity agreed with a soft chuckle, “Not that it necessarily is a bad thing for her to have some fun! But yes, I guess it would be better for me to take it. Once I have some clothes in which I can store it. Or my purse... it's at home...”

“Yeah, makes sense... I'll keep it until then!”

As the two walked, they slowly got into better looking areas again, Spike's mind began to wander. And, out of the blue, he told the mare on his arm: “Aaah... I sometimes wish it was the 20's... “

“Why that?” She was surprised at this sudden change of topic!

“Prohibition!” Spike laughed! “Instead of a club, I'd be running speakeasy's! Smuggling in good booze from Griffonstone and the Dragonlands or homebrew from Applelooza! Some reasonable quality distilling inside the city...” The dragon really got into his little fantasy, sounding quite excited as he continued to tell the unicorn about it! “We'd have started small... All the politicians who publicly supported dryness and condemned alcohol would, in the evening, sit in one of our bars and have a good time with us! Or maybe get a delivery straight to town hall! I wonder how Mayor Celestia would've acted in the 20's! She seems to be pretty by the book, but on the other hand, she's also rather pragmatic. I can't really see her cracking down too hard on booze as long as it doesn't lead to any excessive violence, so as long as we keep a low profile...” And now, he turned his attention to Rarity. “I think you would've made a great lounge singer, or...”

Rarity was even more bewildered now! “Uhm... I don't know...”

He apparently didn't even hear her! “A nice evening dress, teasing with your cleavage, long gloves... Standing in a smokey room... And then, the jazz band would play up and we'd dance!a” And with a chuckle, Spike added: “You'd be my moll, and I your fella!”

Bewilderment made way for utter confusion at those words. “What?”

The dragon looked a tad embarrassed at this random tangent! “Sorry. I've been reading some stories taking place during those days and fantasizing like that got me into the slang... Not that I can promise that I even used it correctly!” He laughed. “I think, if I recall the stories correctly, it means 'You'd be my girlfriend and I your boyfriend!”

Rarity stared at him, lost for words. Spike sighed, his face blushing. “To be honest... I think I've developed a crush on you the moment Sweetie Belle had shown me your picture... I've never seen a mare like you!”

A small smile crept onto Rarity's face. “You know... Let me humor you for a moment... You seem nice enough... And got me out of this... Maybe I could've welcomed the guests by calling out to them 'Hello, Sucker! Come on in and leave your wallet on the bar'!”

“That's the spirit!” He laughed. But Rarity stared at her hooves,thinking.

He seemed nice enough and was, apparently, willing to take care of her, and her younger sister, and in return he only wanted her... to essentially rebuild her life. Maybe... just maybe...”It's a bit soon, but, maybe... we two could give it a try? Between us, I mean?”

Spike's heart was racing, “Only if you want...”

“You've saved me. I think, I could try if we're fit for one another... “ Rarity nodded! “Under a few conditions: Considering what I've just heard, I don't expect you two have nopony aside me. But then, I want the same for me: We'd be together, but I get to have some little trysts on the side!”

“No objections here,” the dragon agreed, “Part of my gang was built on liberal love making!”

“Two: Sweetie Belle won't...”

Sike cut her off immediately, assuming he knew where this was going! “I won't force her to do anything she doesn't want to. She knows that already. But, I have to tell you... when you suggested she had offered her body to me to find you... well... she kind off did. I would have done this for her anyway, but her and her friends had wanted to do more... serious work for a while now, and we'd always denied it. One of her friends is the younger sister of Big Mac, the tall stallion, and Applejack, the orange mare, so it was a case of 'all three are off limits'. Apparently, Apple Bloom threatened to just spread her legs for whatever random stallion she'd meet if she wasn't allowed to get more involved... And then, there are her other friends...”

Rarity sighed. That sounded like Sweetie Belle... “And three!” Now, it was time to indulge in a bit of personal pettiness! “I want revenge on Suri Polomare! I want her to pay for what she did to me, and probably many other designers! And WILL do to many more! And my career back! It doesn't have to be soon, but I want to rebuild what I have lost!”

“Oh, that's something I'll gladly help with!” He told her grimly, “And in regards of your career... Two of your sisters friends are the daughters of some rather important ponies! Filthy Rich's daughter Diamond Tiara. So, maybe there's an option for advertisement for you!” However, he did have to dial down her expectations! “But, I can't promise it'll be be fast, or a priority. We'll get to the stuff when appropriate. Or at least, well, when get to it!”

“I understand that. And,” she added, “I assume that rebuilding my career will be happening on the side anyway, with ponies seeing my designs! Maybe you could add a disclaimer to adds? 'Outfits designed by Rarity'?”

“We'll see!”

Finally the two got into areas both of them were more familiar with again! They were actually not too far away from the club! A mile, a mile and half or thereabout!

Rarity and Spike rounded another corner and pink mare hurried over to them, holding a sign. It read “Sugarcobe Corner – Bakery and confectionery!” Below of that, there was a short text: “Fresh bread, cakes, pies, and cookies every day! Open from 6 AM – 3 PM! Come visit us at...” They couldn't quite make out the address due to how the mare bounced over to them! She also turned the sign around, and there was a list of some of the the goods on offer: “Artisan Breads, Bread Rolls, Pretzels, Cookies, Brownies, Pastries, Cupcakes, Cakes, Donuts and more!”

“A bakery?” Spike whispered to his now-girlfriend (pending confirmation that it'd work out between them), “Have you ever heard of it?”

Rarity shook her head. “No... But then, I've rarely been in this area. And a lot of last year is a bit of a blur for me...”

“Strange... I thought I knew most stores here!” He humbled to himself. But then, something made itself noticeable in the back of his head! “That reminds me... I kinda want to have a little kitchen in the back of my club, like in taverns, or bars, where we can prepare some snacks for the guests. Like pizzas, sandwiches and so on!”

“Nice and salty so that they buy more drinks?” The unicorn chuckled. And seeing how he nodded, she added: “At least you have some sense for business!”

The pink earth pony was just about to reach them, and so Spike whispered to Rarity: “Let's hear what she has to say!”

“Hello!” She greeted them, obviously very excited. And then, she began to speak without pausing for a single moment! WouldyoubeinterestedinvisitingSugarCubeCo...”

“Breath,please!” Rarity cut her off, and, with some amusement, she continued, “We can barely understand what you're saying!”

“Sorry! I'm just excited that you want to listen to me!” She told them, “Most others here just ignored me!” And now, finally, she proceeded to introduce herself and what she wanted to say: “I'm Pinkie Pie, and work at Sugarcube Corner! Would you be interested in giving it a try?” She held out a pair of flyers to them.

Both him and Rarity each taking one, Spike looked at it and asked, “Is that store new? I work not too far away but never heard of it!”

“We've been here for a few years actually!” Pinkie Pie chirped happily, “But Mr. and Mrs. Cake unfortunately never bothered with trying to advertise their store much, so it was something the ponies in the area knew about, but barely anypony else! I decided to drum up some interest, to repay them for taking me in as their apprentice AND allow me and my sister to live upstairs! She's studying geology!” After taking a breath, she continued: “So, I saved some money and had those fliers printed, made the sign and, on my off time, am now trying to drum up business!”

“Is it working?” Rarity asked her, looking up from the flyer.

“A bit.” And it seemed like she deflated slightly. “Not as much as we'd like, but business has increased somewhat!”

Spike shrugged. “Well, tell us about it!”

“Oh, right! Silly me!-” Pinkie twisted her head a bit, slightly stuck out her tongue and gave herself a playful knock against her head,- “Sugarcube Corner is an artisan bakery! All our breads, bread rolls and so on are hand made! Same for our pastries!”

“Sounds like a lot of work... how do you manage that?” Rarity asked her.

“Rising early, working hard, having the things on offer rotate, and making a large batch of dough that's enough for two days! And, maybe, if business picks up we can hire more hands! The Pies,-” Pinkie chuckled,”-would love to have the store open until evening! We also sell soft drinks, coffee, cocoa and tea and savory snacks! Topped bread rolls, bagels and so on! There is also a breakfast offer from 6 to 12!”

Feeling how empty his stomach was, Spike talked to himself, “Maybe we should check that bakery?” He looked at his phone to check the time, “Know what? I'll invite you to a late breakfast!”

Rarity raised an eyebrow. “Breakfast? At 11:30 AM?”

“Didn't have anything to eat yet!” The dragon laughed! “And considering what you went through, I don't think you had a good breakfast either!” Her suddenly rumbling stomach confirmed that... “And I also kinda doubt they serve a full brunch.”

“Really?! You want to try it out right now?” The pink mare sounded surprised and excited!

The unicorn looked surprised herself, as she saw how Pinkie reacted! “Would that be an issue?”

“Not at all!” She was basically bouncing around Spike and Rarity as she answered! “It's just that most, at best, tell me 'Maybe sometime'! You two being interested enough to try it out now is great!”

“Lead the way!”

A few minutes later, they arrived at the bakery. It was a corner shop on the ground floor, reached by three steps. It was rather unassuming. Even the sign didn't jump into the eye immediately. Well, that at least partially explained why Spike had never noticed it.! A blue, middle-aged mare stood behind the counter, filling up a shelf with bread rolls.

“Mrs. Cake!” Pinke called out to her as the door opened and a bell rang to announce their entry, “Look! I've found two new customers!” And she rushed off into the back, where Spike assumed the kitchen was.

For a moment, it seemed her shoulders sagged, but then the mare turned around and, after a moment of surprise, smiled gently. “Welcome to Sugarcube Corner!” She greeted them. “How can I help you?”

Still staring after Pinkie's disappearance, Spike took a few moments to realize what he'd just been asked! “Uhm... we would like to have breakfast? If it's not too late for that?”

“Oh no! The offer is still running!” Mrs. Cake told them as she stepped out from behind the counter, and, lead Spike and Rarity to a small table. The older mare looked a bit frustrated, “Is she still running around with that sign? Did she just drag you with her? I am terribly sorry!”

Rarity was surprised! “Why?”

“Pinkie means well,” The owner sighed wearily, “but she can get very overexcited very easily!”

“Actually,” Spike began to explain, “I suggested to check your bakery out after we ran into her! We were hungry!” The dragon told her, looking at how the plump pink mare whizzed around behind the counter, filling emptied baskets and display cases with freshly baked goods from the back! “And what she told us about this place, and the pictures on her flyers, got me interested!”

“Oh? Really?” She sounded quite relied, “That's good to hear. There had been a few cases when Pinkie had just dragged some ponies with her when she'd gotten too excited! What,-” Mrs. Cake pulled out a little notepad and a pen, -”do you want?”

“Well,” he laughed, “we'd like to try your breakfast!”

“I would like some black tea, please! If you have any.” For a moment, Mrs. Cake was taking off-guard by the discrepancy of the white unicorn's appearance and behavior! She hadn't payed much attention to it earlier, but... this punk pony acted, or at the very least tried to act, rather dignified, utterly clashing with her look! Well, there were all sorts of ponies... why not a refined punk?

Her companion meanwhile ordered coffee, and before the baker could ask him to specify, he told her, as if anticipating it, “Just normal coffee. Maybe a small can of cream and some sugar on the side, depending on how I feel, but nothing fancy.”

Mrs. Cake had hastily scribbled the orders on the notepad in her hand and turned her head and called over to her apprentice, “Pinkie? You heard them? One black tea and one coffee!” Turning back to her guests, she placed the pen against the paper again. “And one breakfast plate for two, right?”

“Yep!” He nodded and Mrs. Cake disappeared into the kitchen.

A few minutes later, Pinkie brought them their tea, coffee and cream and sugar. Both cups looked piping hot! As Spike lifted his coffee to his lips, Rarity stared at him! “Don't you want to let it cool off a bit?”

He grinned and let a tiny bit of fire shoot out of his mouth! Dragons... fireproof. Of course! Rarity could've slapped herself! A species that could breathe fire obviously had to be resilient to hot temperatures! Then, he took a small sip of the hot beverage. “Hmm... not bad!”

After they'd waited a while, just enough for the tea to cool down to a drinkable degree, Mrs. Cake and Pinkie brought them a few plates, filled with a variety of bread rolls, pretzels and sweater things, another plate with savory sides, like sliced cucumbers and radishes, carrots and so on, and a third one with jams, honey, cream cheese and more!

Both, Spike and Rarity stared at the food with large eyes! “Man! That looks nice!” The dragon's tongue hungrily licked over his lips...

Rarity grabbed a croissant and told him, “Bon appetit!”

The two emptied all the platters! Barely a crumb was left when they were finished! “Man, I was hungrier than I thought!” Spike chuckled.

Rarity looked at him and pointed at some crumbs stuck on his face. “I concur...” She sighed, more content than she'd been in a long time, just as Mrs. Cake came back and Spike pulled his wallet out of his pocket.

“How much will that cost?” He asked her as he looked through the bit bills he had left.

Mrs. Cake thought for a moment. “Twenty-five bits for the breakfast, including the tea and the coffee!”

“That's a steal for food like this!” He cheered! In many other establishments, he'd pay more for less. Or worse. Hopefully, they didn't make the stuff so cheap that the overhead would ruin them... He pushed a fifty bit bill and one tewnty bit bill into Mrs. Cake's hand. “Can I get one more tea and coffee please? This should be enough to cover everything and keep the change!”

Shortly afterwards, Pinkie hurried to prepare their fresh beverages. Spike had to admit: The bouncy pink mare was cute... maybe someday, they'd get to know each other more personally... much more personally.

Suddenly, he noticed Rarity snapping her fingers in front of his face. Glaring, she told him, “You're staring at her as if you wanted to jump and eat her at any moment!”

“Sorry! I was just,-” He let out an embarrassed laugh, “just thinking that she looked like somepony who'd be pretty nice to have some fun with!”

“You're an utterly hopeless pervert!” She shot at her new boyfriend with as much prim and proper indignation as she could muster!

“You don't know half of it, and considering what we did a few moments ago, I don't think you're one to talk!” He threw back at her with a smug grin, “And believe me, you'll love it!” The dragon let out a small chuckle.

It was easy to read Rarity's facial expressions at that moment: Part of her wanted to act offended and shocked... but the other part knew that Spike was more than correct... The time with D hadn't passed without leaving traces on her mind... and she'd felt pleasure she'd never felt before... a dirty, perverted side of hers had been awoken, and it probably would never disappear... So, having a boyfriend who'd be more than happy to indulge her, personally and by allowing a tryst or two on the side certainly was something very nice! Deciding on not risking any proper reply, she just let out an annoyed sigh.

Just in time for Pinkie to show up with the new cups! “What'cha talking about?”

“Nothing important!” Spike hurried to tell her, “Just chatting a bit!” Then, he took a look around. Since they'd entered, maybe two or three customers had shown up... “Not many customers today?”

“Yes, but that's not unusual...” The bouncy mare seemed to deflate somewhat. “But!-” Her mood immediately shifted again, “I know, if I just do more advertisement, we'll drown in customers!”

Well, she certainly was an optimist! Spike leaned over to the nearest other table and pulled a chair over. “Why don't you sit down a bit and tell us about you?”

Pinkie sat down. “Well, I was born on a rock farm, out in the sticks and, when my sister moved here to study, and she told me she found a cheap room owned by a pair of bakers, and then I got into contact with them and Mr. and Mrs. Cake accepted me as their apprentice!”

Putting down her coffee, Rarity raised an eyebrow. “One question?”

“Yes?”

“You say you,-” the unicorn gesticulated a bit with her hand, “-and your sister live here. And she's studying?”

“Yes!” Pinkie confirmed again.

“And she lives here, with you?” She just wanted to confirm again, “Isn't that a bit far away from any of Manehattan's colleges?”

“It works for her,” Pinkie shrugged, “She usually rises early and does a lot of her work on the computer. As far as I know, Maude has yet to miss a single lecture! I wish I could introduce you to her, but she's on a field trip with other students and their professor right now!”

“Even so... how can she afford all this?” Considering her own financial difficulties before she got kicked out, this apparent ease was vexing Rarity!

“She's got a stipend.” Pinkie shrugged, “And she found a reasonably paid job she works at on the side!”

Not wanting to answer, Rarity instead took another sip from her tea, and Pinkie just continued: “Otherwise, I'm a party pony at heart! Next to baking, I love to throw parties! Wild ones! It's more of a hobby, but I just love to make everypony smile and have a good time!” Calming down a bit, she added, “But I don't have many opportunities for doing so, unfortunately...”

“Maybe.-” Spike took a sip from his coffee, causing him to pause for a moment, “-I could arrange an opportunity or two for you?”

Pinkie Pie looked surprised! “Huh?”

“I own a club!” He shrugged, taking another sip, “So, maybe we could arrange for you to throw a party there. And if it does well, we might make that a regular thing!” Before Pinkie could do anything, like vigorously hug him or bounce up and down so much that she'd shoot through the roof, he pulled out another ten bits from his wallet. “By the way, here's your tip!”

“THANK YOU!” She hugged him, without noticing his head was between her breasts, when a male voice called out from the kitchen.

“Pinkie! I need some help here!”

The earth pony quickly jumped up and rushed to the kitchen. “Coming, Mr. Cake!”

During all of this, Rarity's mind had worked through some things... “You know, I think I know what's part of the issue... For this bakery, I mean!”

“So?” The dragon raised an eyebrow.

“They aren't advertising, or, at best, only in the area! And most ponies here who know about it, well, their word won't spread far!” Rarity concluded. “And Pinkie running around with that shield and flyers? Many ponies will just get annoyed by that, especially considering her... very outgoing personality. And they might not trust the word of an employee on the quality of something!”

Emptying his cup, Spike drew a conclusion: “You mean, they need more word of mouth? With more reach? Maybe some buzz on the internet?”

“Exactly!” She nodded.

And now, Spike had an idea... “I think I could kill two birds with one stone here...”

“What do you mean?” Now, Rarity was curious!

“I mean, I did tell you that...-,” His phone rang, and spike looked at the caller. “Huh? Diamond Tiara?” He turned to his girlfriend! “One moment, please!” Spike picked up the phone... “Hey, DT! What's up?... Oh, I'm fine!” Suddenly, he tore his eyes wide open! “YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?!” He was silent for a short while, as he listened to this DT... “Alright! Alright! I'll think about it... Yeah, bye!” An unbelieving look on his face, Spike told Rarity, “She wants me to accompany her to a party!”

“So?” Rarity scoffed, wondering what could be so shocking at being invited to accompany somepony to a party...

“I mean, like, a big, fancy,-” Spike spread out his arms, trying to kinda show how rich they were, “-upper crust, rich idiots party! Enough money to buy half the city... if they don't already own it! I think it's a charity event hosted by her dad...

“And? Why is that a big deal?” She sounded... either unimpressed, or unconvinced.

He shrugged. “Well, her father is Filthy Rich.”

“And?” The unicorn asked again. “What's his name?”

“Filthy Rich. I told you before!” The dragon told her, sounding a mix of a bit confused, slightly annoyed, but also amused.

Rarity had nearly spat out the rest of her tea when she realized that he'd been telling the truth, instead of just one of far too many 'I know important ponies!' pick up attempts! “Wait... you were serious about that?! I thought you were joking! Or trying to impress me with empty bluster!” This dragon was friends with one of the richest ponies in Equestria?! And... that meant... “And Sweetie Belle is friends with his daughter?!”

“Yup! And, as I told you, Sweetie Belle and her friends even got into a pretty good school thanks to Diamond Tiara!”

Rarity got an idea... “Do you have any idea when the party takes place?”

“I think she said in a few weeks?” He shrugged, “Said me she'd give me the details in person.”

“Maybe,” She mumbled to herself, “Maybe, I could come up with a dress for her, if she's interested! I need to see if I can still do this, and she probably has enough money that, if it goes wrong, she can just buy an appropriate outfit... Or use one from her wardrobe...”

“We can ask her later, if you want! I bet she'll show up today, together with your sister and her other friends!”

“That would be very kind.” Her hand brushed over her colorful mohawk and, more to herself, mumbled, “I can't wait until my mane has grown back...”

A yellow earth-pony stallion, looking a similar age to Mrs. Cake, walked out from the kitchen, carrying a sheet cake. Maybe now was the time for Spike to act on this idea he just had... “Excuse me? Am I right to assume that you're Mr. Cake?”

“Yes?” Mr. Cake turned around, surprised to be spoken to. Most of the the guests that showed up that weren't regulars usually didn't care much about anypony not serving them right now. “You must be the ones Pinkie dragged with her, right?”

“Well, we came along because we were hungry, but I guess you could say that!” The dragon chuckled. “But anyway,-” He turned more serious, ”-I might have a business proposal to make...”

The stallion was surprised. That was new! At the very least from a dragon who's just been having a nice chat with his wife and who'd come along with Pinkie, and who was alone instead of with a group of goons... and without baseball bats or sledge hammers... Suspicious and cautiously, he coldly asked the dragon, “What? I'll warn you, we've already dealt with racketeers before...”

“Oh no, nothing like that!” Spike hurriedly tried to calm him down, but it didn't seem to do much to ease the stallion's suspicions. “I am serious with the term 'business'! I own a club, not that far away from here. Maybe you've heard of it? Tartarus?”

“Of course I've heard of it.” The stallion grumbled, not quite convinced, “You wouldn't believe how many hung over party goers show up here early in the morning!” And, though he didn't like to admit it, they probably are the main reason he and his wife were still in business...

Spike shrugged. It'd be nice to have a local collab, but he could find others... “Well, we've been thinking of offering some snacks alongside the drinks, and you seem to need more publicity. So, I thought that, maybe, we could help each other.”

Well, he could at least listen to that dragon. At worst, it'd be a waste of time on an already slow day... But he wouldn't leave his wife out of this. In case it defied expectations and turned out productive. “Wait a moment, let me get my wife.”

The two bakers and Spike talked for a while, Pinkie bringing everyone more beverages. Asked about how he imagined this working out, Spike told them that they could outfit at least a small backroom with an oven and the Cakes could deliver frozen dough pieces that only needed to be baked. Maybe also some pizza dough that only needed toppings and so on. He also suggested that, if their business picks up, one of them could maybe work the bakery at the club.

“What do you think, dear?” Mr. Cake turned to his wife.

“This sounds... reasonable enough?” His wife told him, but then looked at Spike... “But... We still don't know if you're really who you say you are!”

“Let me call my partner, my lawyer and my manager...” The dragon sighed, grabbing his phone. They should be able to clear up everything. “They can also draft a preliminary contract...”

Author's Note

Gotta admit, the little “Prohibition” part... yeah, it was inspired by the Pilot of Lackadaisy. I'd gotten around to watching the pilot a month or 1.5 months or thereabout after release. Read the webcomic. Nice stuff, but...

This should also tell you, when this stuff was written originally...

9 A dragon's reward

A few hours later, and a provisional agreement with Sugarcube Corner in place! It also included the help of Pinke Pie to set up their little bakery, the offer to any employee of the club with an interest in baking in learning with the Cakes, and a whole lotta advertising.

Now, the dragon and the unicorn sat in his office at Tartarus, waiting for Zecora and Redheart. The door opened and... “Rarity!” Sweetie Belle charged in, tossing her school bad away! Behind her trailed her friends, walking at a normal speed.

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity pushed the chair she sat on away and ran towards her younger sister!

The two sisters hugged and Rarity gently brushed her hand through her younger sisters' mane. “You silly filly! What are you doing at a place like this?”

“You ask me?!” Sweetie was exasperated! SHE hadn't ended up to her horn in trouble! “I got a good job, made friends and was able to go to a better school! You, on the other hand...”

A sad smile crept across Rarity's face, knowing that her younger sister was right. “I... I know... it's... I should've done better... You shouldn't have had to take a job. I should've been there for you!” Tears began to trickle down and hit Sweetie's shoulder...

Sweetie hugged Rarity tighter, gently rubbing her back. “It's alright, sis! Everypony here will help us! Believe me, they are all really nice!”

“Sweetie?!” Rarity cried out in surprise as her sisters' hand moved lower!

“Sorry!” The younger unicorn hastily withdraw her hand from her older sisters butt! “Guess this place did rub off on me!” She chuckled, and Spike could see the broad smiles on her and her friend's faces. And he knew, he grinned just as much!

They got interrupted as Button Mash called in from the office door! “Boss? They are here!”

Spike answered him with a short nod, and Button Mash disappeared. In his stead, a zebra, Zecora, Rarity remembered, and a white earth pony mare with a light pink mane entered.

“Rarity, these are Redheart and Zecora. You remember Zecora?” Spike asked her. When he saw her nod he continued, “They'll check you through! Just to see how much damage has been done to your body, and to see if we can help your withdrawal! Would you please go with them?

Rarity nodded and walked towards the two other mares, who gently lead her away. Spike knew that they would go to one of the... non-public areas a few levels below ground.

“And now,-” he turned to the Sweetie Belle and co. “to you...”

“We're here for our part of the deal!” Apple Bloom immediately told him!

Spike decided to tease them a bit. He'd hoped that they'd rethink, but he'd also known that this hope most likely would be futile.... And maybe... “What do you mean?”

“We wanted to work here properly! We told you that!” The self-proclaimed Cutie Mark Crusaders objected, each saying part of the sentence! “And that starts with proving ourselves to you!”

“And why are they here?” He pointed at Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.

“We thought it sounded like fun! And we wanted to have our fun with you too!” Tiara told him. “And... I wanted to talk with you about the call earlier...”

Spike sighed. “So, you were really serious about that?”

“Yes!”

“Alright... let's talk about this. Later. But first...” He pulled out a drawer and pulled a small case out of it. The dragon placed it on his desk, opened it and turned it around, “I want you to put these in. And then, we'll make sure all of you will be satisfied!”

The five looked at what was presented to them. “Butt plugs?” Scootaloo finally asked.

“Yes. Sooner or later, your other cherry's also getting popped. And this will make It much easier for you. And it'll amplify the other experiences... We'll increase the size after a while.”

Sweetie Belle grabbed one that had a similar color to her own coat and eyed it curiously. When she looked at the rear end, she noticed something! “Hey! They have our cutie marks on them!””

“I've had them made for you. Felt appropriate. I want you to wear them whenever you can. Doesn't matter if it's school or leisure or work! And if you're doing it without panties, even better!”

“But panties are cute!” Apple Bloom protested, lifting her skirt and showing of her white panties with a small red apple on them.

“Nopony said that we have to stop wearing them! Mixing it up makes it much more fun... maybe we'll flash panties. Maybe pussy!” Scootaloo laughed.

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon also walked up and took a look at the sex toys. And noticed something! “For us as well?” Silver Spoon asked, pushing her glasses up her muzzle.

“Let's just say that I had a hunch you two wouldn't want to be left out.” Spike told them with a genuine smile.

Diamond Tiara eyed her butt plug. “Well... let's put them in!”

“Sweetie Belle? Do you have a cleansing spell for our butts?” Scootaloo turned to the only unicorn in the room. “I'd prefer not to have, well...”

“Sunset taught me one!” She chirped, as her horn, and their asses, began to glow. “I didn't master it yet, so don't expect to have the refreshing scent of fresh mint or something!”

“Spike? How about we film it! Everything!” Apple Bloom asked the dragon as she removed her panties, presenting her private parts to him.

“You really want to?” He raised an eyebrow as he opened another drawer.

All of them replied as one! “Yes!”

“Well...,” The dragon pulled a camera out of the drawer and placed it on his desk, “OK...”.

“So, are we going to insert them into our own asses, or...” Scootaloo pondered....

Diamond Tiara took charge now! “I think we should help each other. Will be easier that way, and give a better show to dear dragon over there!”

“Well, then get going!” He told them, as he held the camera to his face with his left, while his right opened his fly... And the young mares began to make out with each other, passing the butt plugs from one to the other, letting chance decide who got which.

Silver Spoon had Scootaloo's butt plug. Scootaloo had Sweetie Belle's. Sweetie Belle had Diamond Tiara's. Diamond Tiara had Apple Bloom's and she had Silver Spoon's. And so, they started to lube up the toys by giving them a good lick and putting them in their mouths...

Spike figured that they'd watched too much porn, considering how they played it up for him. Not that he didn't appreciate it, but still...

Sweetie Belle was the first, as Scootaloo began to push the sex toy up her but. She didn't turn around and present her rear to Spike, but seeing her face shift and contort, and hearing her moans, was just as nice as the plug moved upwards. A moment later, Silver Spoon bend over next to her, her ass stretched towards the dragon, and Apple Bloom hastily pulled down her panties before inserting the toy. Next as DT's turn, and like her friend Silver Spoon before her, she decided to present her ass! She was followed by Scootaloo. Finally, Apple Bloom, like Sweetie Belle, was facing Spike as Tiara pushed the final butt plug in.

The give lined up, Diamond Tiara in the middle, Silver Spoon to her left, Apple Bloom to her right, Sweetie Belle next to Apple Bloom and Scootaloo next to Silver Spoon. DT looked left and right, and , seeing how the dragon's right hand slowly moved up and down behind his desk, smirked. “Present!” She called in a commanding voice, and, as if choreographed beforehand, the five turned around, bent over and held up their skirts.

“What a nice view...” Spike grinned. “How do they feel?”

“Unusual, but not bad! I kinda like it!” Diamond Tiara answered his question, and the others agreed!

His grin widening, the dragon continued, “And... What's next?”

“Next,” Sweetie replied, a lust laden grin on her face to rival Spike's, “you'll fuck our five young, tight and wet cunts!”

“Do you think we should strip completely, or...” DT turned to Sweetie, “Can you get any stains out of our uniforms?”

The unicorn shrugged. “I think so. And if not, Rarity or Sunset should be able to! At least enough that we can go home without any issue.”

Tiara and Silver Spoon began to unbutton their blouses. “Well, in that case...” Silver purred.

“Oh?” Apple Bloom looked surprised! “You two want to do it your school uniforms?”

“Sure!”DT shrugged, “It's... naughtier that way! Would be even better if we'd be at school! Maybe in our classroom, while Spike's railing Ms. Cheerilee!”

“That's an idea for later...” Scootaloo whispered, more to herself than anypony else, as she followed the example set by her friends.

One of their white blouses hit Spike in the face and when he had removed it, the five young mares stood there, tits spilling out of their vests. They lifted the fronts of their skirts to show him: “We're ready for you!” And Sweetie Belle, standing in the middle, even gave a short twirl which made her skirt rise up all around.

“Who'll get to go first?!” Silver Spoon asked them, uncharacteristically eager!

“Let Sweetie Belle go first,” DT proposed, “She was worried about her sister for so long and it was her who finally got Spike to agree to this!”

The others agreed with her proposal! “Well, Sweetie?” Spike gestured to her to come over! “What are you waiting for?”

Slowly, Sweetie Belle walked over to him, into his waiting arms. She heard him gently whisper... “How do you want it?”

“Gentle. At first! Then...” She smirked as he flipped her skirt up. Without much of an issue, Spike lifted her up and lowered her onto his length as he sat down in his chair. “Sweetie! You're a waterfall!”

“I've been waiting for this for a long time, Spike!”

When Sweetie was a panting mess, Scootaloo took over. After her, it was Apple Bloom's turn.

Finished with the three Crusaders, the dragon turned to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, who, after taking a few pictures of their cum-dripping friends, looked at him all too eagerly. In fact, they also did their little ritual to egg him on a little bit more! “Bump. Bump. Sugar-lump, rump!” Their movement made their skirts rise, and each time their butts slapped together, it was a delightful view.

“Which of you two should I start with?” He contemplated.

“Silver Spoon!” Tiara told him immediately! “I've been a bit selfish lately and, well... I want to make it up to her!”

“Thank you!” Silver Spoon gave her friend a pack on the cheek as she walked over to the desk! Bending over it, she presented her rear for Spike to do with as he pleased. Grinning, he stood up from his chair, stepped over a giggling Scootaloo, and joined her.

With her right hand, Silver grabbed her ass cheek and gave it a pull. Letting it go, it caused her rear to jiggle nicely! “I'll let you choose the hole!”

When the dragon had left Silver Spoon, dripping cum out of both holes, she giggled and shook her ass!” Take a picture, please!”

“Well! Give me a smile!” Spike told her as activated his phones' camera! Silver turned her head, smiled, gave him a victory sign with one hand, and teasingly stuck her tongue out.

He took the photo. Moments later, Silver Spoon was joined by her friend, as Diamond Tiara climbed onto the desk! Unlike Silver Spoon, Tiara sat on the desk, leaning back a little and supporting her weight with one arm. With the other arm, she lifted her leg to present herself!

Diamond Tiara sighed happily, her needs satisfied for now. “Another picture!” She called out to her lover for the night as she tried some of his jizz! The Crusaders had also recovered... And wanted more pictures as well! They really wanted something to remember this, didn't they? This time, Sweetie Belle squatted underneath Spike's groin, her head just underneath his dick! Apple Bloom and Scootaloo to her left and right respectively, cum running down their faces. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon pressed their bodies against him, his arms around their wastes, and all of their heads were turned to DT's phone propped on the table. All of the five mares held up their hands in “V” signs as the camera snapped the shot!

Still not satisfied, Scootaloo pushed for another round: “One more?”

“Cumshots!” Sweetie Belle called! “All five of us! Lined up, cum running down our faces!”

After he had covered them all and the pictures had been taken... Apple Bloom pushed for one more picture: “And one last round! Each of us, alone with Spike!”

Sweetie Belle had Spike's hard-on covering her eyes, Apple Bloom gave it a kiss, and Scootaloo let his balls rest on her head as she looked into the camera with a cocky grin! Diamond Tiara was bent over, his dick between her ass cheeks, one arm giving her tits a little push up, the other giving an allusion to a blowjob. And finally, Silver Spoon had a thick glob of cum on her glasses running down her face as she stood next to the dragon, her left arm around his waste, his right hand in her pussy, and her right hand showing a “V” sign.

Now, they looked over the pictures! “I've always wanted to see me with my glasses covered in jizz!” Silver Spoon hummed happily as she saw herself looking like a fuck hole!

“Man... we've really been a bad influence on you lot...” Spike told all of them, honestly somewhat embarrassed and feeling guilty! He'd thought, actually wanted, to be a better influence on them... but he probably should've known better. All things considered.

“No, you just allow me to finally live out these fantasies! I was a very naughty filly long before we first came here! The first time Diamond Tiara and I watched porn together...” she trailed off, and, together with Tiara, began to laugh!

Once they had made sure that each of them had all the pictures, and the video footage, the mares began to clean each other up. Sweetie Belle did her best to magically remove as much of the cum stains out of their fur and vests as she could. It wouldn't stand up to any more in-depth observation, but for now it'd do.

“Oh, uhm, Spike?” Diamond Tiara turned to him again, suddenly looking rather nervous! “There is something I wanted to ask you...”

“Hm?” The dragon raised an eyebrow! “Sure!”

“I need somepony to accompany me to a charity gala my dad is hosting, and you'd be the perfect gentledrake to do so!” She explained. “Silver Spoon will be there anyway, so my mom won't let her pass. I think, she hopes that I'd ask somepony from school, in the hopes of using him to either marry me off or at least make some new contacts to climb further in the social hierarchy...” DT shook her head. “So I wanted to ask you, if you would be my company for the evening?

Spike thought about it, looking at her face. Diamond Tiara's expression alternated between pleading and “about to panic if he doesn't agree”! He let out a little sigh and gently cupped her chin with his hand, “Alright. I can't say no to you when you look at me like that!”

“Thank you! You're a life saver! I don't even want to imagine whom my mom would've set me up with, if I hadn't found anypony!”

Then, Spike began to give her a naughty grin! His eyes shifting to Silver Spoon, he added: “But, you'll have to do something for me! No panties for either of you, and you will wear those butt plugs! And vibrators!”

“Oh...” Taira was surprised for a moment! Exchanging a few glances with her friend, however, she began to grin as well! “Sure! Makes that boring party somewhat exciting, I guess!”

Snorting, Spike had a question for her, in turn: “Also, do you already have a dress?”

“Not really. My mom wanted to drag me around so that she could dole me up as she liked, but I managed to get out of it... for now.”

“You know that Sweetie Belle's sister used to design dresses? Would you give her a try, once she's recovered?”

“If she can get it finished in time? Sure!”

“Sweetie?” Spike turned to the young unicorn, after giving Tiara a nod! “Let's see after Rarity, alright?” He was honestly interested to see how she was doing, though he'd be lying if he didn't admit to himself that he also wanted to make sure she was in a state to take that job he might've gotten her just now!

As the group was leaving the door, Applejack's ear piece began to transmit! “Hey... Sis?”

“Yes, Mac?”

“I need your help with some customers...” He told her, sounded strained.

“What?!” If Big Mac needed help, it either meant that there were many, or they were very good fighters! ”Are you about to fight a bunch of MMA fighters?”

“Nnnope!” His voice came back. “It's mares. Drunk, grabby, mares...”

“Oh... I'll be with you in a minute!” As Spike and the others passed by, AJ excused herself: “Hey, boss! I gotta go and help my brother for a hot minute! I hope that's alright!”

“Hm? Sure!”

The issue was simple: If Big Mac handled the mares like he'd handle a stallion in a similar situation, he, and the club, would probably be in big trouble, PR-wise at least. It was very lucky that Applejack was around... And Tempest. That way, any stupid, stuck-up bitch that thought “repercussions are for other ponies” couldn't complain about the guys being mean to her.

Spike and the others reached the room they had built up an improvised sick station for Rarity in. “How is she doing?” He asked Redheart.

“Good, so far,” she shrugged. “She's been lucky. It seems like the stuff she took didn't have any too nasty side effects, at least not in combinations with any of the drugs I gave her to counteracts them. Though that might come later. But Zecora's work at whipping up stuff was top-notch as always. We missed a great researcher in her!”

“Medical research did, but it's my gain!” Spike replied as he walked over to the bed Rarity was lying on, Zecora next to her. “Hey, Rarity? How are you?”

“I feel like crap...” She groaned.

“It's my concoctions doing their best to destroy the drugs in her system,” the zebra told them, as Sweetie hurried to her sister's side. “Don't worry,” Zecora smiled reassuringly at the young unicorn as she grabbed Rarity's hand, “It will pass!”

As much as Spike would have liked to stay, he had things to do. “I'll leave you to tend her for now. I've got a business to run!” He excused himself.

As he tried to walk to the door, he felt his arm being grabbed! “Maybe I could get a little reward...” Zecora shot him a coy look, as she pulled her shirt down a little to reveal more of her striped breasts... “It was a lot of work to mix this stuff up!”

Redheart let out an annoyed grunt. She also would have liked a little... reward from Spike, but she knew her duty right now was making sure that Rarity got better!

“Alright,” the dragon sighed, “But only a quickie! I am a bit drained after giving those five their first times... They were thirsty as fuck!”

“I have something for that...” The zebra chuckled, eyeing the five with an expression that said 'I'll have to see that for myself!'. Then, she pulled a little test tube out from between her breasts, and handed it to him! “Drink it, Spike, and you will feel refreshed!”

Shrugging, he popped the cork out of the tube and drank the tasteless liquid. The effects hit him after about half a minute... “Wow! I feel great! But it still won't be too much. I want you to look after Rarity until she's through!” Spike told her, as he put his hand on her ass! As they began to walk out of the room, he got an idea: “You know... if that stuff contains only legal ingredients, we probably could make a killing selling it as an energy drink...”

However, before they could leave, Diamond Tiara rushed to them! “Oh! Spike! I just remembered! On the topic of clothing...” The young earth pony handed him the business card of a boutique serving both mares and stallions. Judging by the design, it seemed to be very classy, and very expensive! Turning it around, he saw Diamond Tiara's name written on the backsite.“Get yourself a nice suit, alright? My mom will expect It to be a really high class one, and I'm pretty sure even the best you have won't be good enough for her liking!” Seeing how Spike looked at the card, she already guessed what he was thinking... “Just tell them to put it on our bill! Sassy Saddles, the manager, knows me! Dad gets most of his suits there!”

“Alright, I will check it out. Did you already ask Rarity for your dress?”

“Yes! She said that she would look into it, once she isn't feeling like throwing up anymore!” After a short pause, Tiara added: “And once she has a place to work in again...”

10 Filthy Gala

A few weeks had passed. By now, they had managed the move of Rarity and Sweetie Belle to Spike's place. Seeing their, now former, landlord tremble between Starlight's paperwork and Big Mac's brawn had almost made up for the shit he'd put them through! And by now, Rarity's mane had started to recover as well...

It took some getting used to having two new roommates for Spike, even if they were such pleasant company. The first time Harshwhinny showed up for their fuck-session had been a little awkward, though she, and the sisters, did come around to it. Same for Saffron. In general though, it got a bit more crowded, and he started to consider getting an apartment for the two of them if one became free. So far, however, in general, it was pretty nice, so that might not be needed. At least not any time soon.

There also had been an empty room in the basement, where Rarity had set up her shop for now. They were looking into getting her a proper place nearby, but until then... He would've liked to see her work on Diamond Tiara's outfit, she had taken the measures at the club a while ago, but Rarity had told him off! He'd see it when she wore it, not a minute sooner! But, Rarity had said, that it would be a very nice dress, if not a great one considering her current limitations.

A few days ago, Spike had picked up his suit from the outfitter. He had visited them together with Rarity as an advisor a few days after DT had asked him to accompany her, and honestly? It had been a pretty nice experience. At first, he had been eyed somewhat suspiciously, though he had to admit that he hadn't worn his best everyday clothes. Once he had shown them the card, however, his treatment had become much friendlier. Especially when he had told them, after getting some disbelieving stares, “If you don't believe me, you can call her!” The manager, previously mentioned Sassy Saddles had done so.

Again, he couldn't blame them for being suspicious. He had looked like a random vagrant, or like some two bit who wanted to rob the store. Once Sassy had talked to Tiara however, the service had been first class! He found a suit pretty quickly, though it would need to be adjusted to suit a dragon, rather than a pony. With expert advise, from both the store and Rarity, Spike had decided on a black three-piece suit with a white dress shirt, an additional black coat, who knew how the weather would be, and black shoes. Simple, yes, but to him, it had that simple elegance...

Naturally, the adjustments had taken some time, but they had been finished in time.

And tonight was the night, and, looking at himself in the mirror, Spike had to admit, it looked really nice on him! His tail now was fitting perfectly through the adjusted tail hole, and he was even considering to buy a high quality pocket watch with a chain for the suit! When he had been on his prohibition binge, he had seen a few pictures with that, and it had just looked very classy!

He would take good care of the suit... It was very nice, very expensive, and a gift from a dear friend! Yes, dragon would take good care of it. Not only because Rarity would probably kill him if he'd ruin it...

On the topic of Rarity, she stood next to him and helped him dress! “Darling!” The unicorn chirped excitedly! “You clean up even more nicely than I had expected!”

Even Sweetie Belle whistled, impressed how her boss looked dressed up like that! Honestly, it was kinda hot! Maybe she had just read, or watched, too many cheap romances, but she could just see it in her mind, how her arms would play with his tie, how she'd push her arms underneath his jacket...

On the topic of ties! “Heh... Thanks, Rares! So, which tie would you suggest?” On pick up, he had been given extra neckties and a very nice tie clip! It were twelve neckties all together! Four were plain, black, red, blue, and purple. The other eight were these colors, but with intricate designs in gold, or silver thread, on them.

“Usually, for an event like this? I think a bow tie would be better, but these are really nice as well!” She looked at them with an expert eye. “Hmm... I would say the pure black one doesn't quite fit. None of the pure ones... Here! Take this one!” The unicorn handed him the blue one with the silver thread, then took it upon herself to tie it for him. “Yes! I think that looks very nice!”

“Thank you very much!” But as Spike thanked her, his breath pushed over her nostrils.

“Ugh... Spike! What did you have for lunch today?!”

“Just a few gemstones, and some other stuff... I mean, you should know by now that we dragons have a sulfur breath...”

“Yes! But it's worse than usual! Sweetie... Bring me the breath spray, please!” After a few moments, Rarity took the spray from her sister and shot a few bursts down her boyfriend's mouth. After thinking about it, she just emptied the whole bottle into his gullet. “Much better!” She told him after smelling his breath again!

A few minutes later, Spike's phone rang. Looking at it, he saw a message from Tiara: “Hey, handsome! I'm here! Come out!”

“Rarity? Sweetie Belle? DT is here. I'll be heading out!” He gave each of them a peck on the cheek.

“I hope you have a nice evening, darling!” Rarity told him, as she kissed him in turn. “Sweetie and I will go to the club later, so when you come home, we might not be back yet!”

“Then, I hope you two have a nice evening as well!”

Spike stepped outside and saw a stretch limousine waiting for him! In the rear, the door opened and a hoof in a high-heeled shoe stepped outside, and, slowly, Diamond Tiara emerged from the car into the cool night air. She wore a tulle sequin fitted mermaid gown with sheer corset bodice and a ruffle skirt with high slit. The dress was was a sparkling silver, and every time she moved, the light hitting it created an impressive effect! Here and there, the fabric on the corset was slightly translucent, letting her pink fur shine through.

Around her neck, resting on her her breasts, was an intricate silver-and-diamond collier On her head was her namesake heard-wear: a silver, or maybe platinum, tiara studded with gemstones and, indeed, including diamonds.

For a few moments, Spike stood there with his mouth hanging open in awe! “Diamond Tiara, you look... Wow!” He finally managed to say! “Is that Rarity's dress?!”

“Yep!” Tiara nodded! “I was as impressed as you! My mother had wanted to complain about me wearing some no-name, no-brand outfit at first, but when she saw it... Even she had to, begrudgingly, admit that it looked breathtaking!”

“And that crown?”

“Tiara! Family heirlooms!” She explained, “Apparently it's from my great-great-great-grandma from my father's side! Dad wanted me to wear them for the event. Thought they'd look good on me. I sent Rarity a picture and she approved of it, so...”

“Well, you look absolutely stunning, Diamond Tiara!” Spike told her, giving her a kiss on each cheek!

“Thank you!” She repeated the greeting, before pointing at the open door with her thumb. “Now, let's get into the car! We gotta go!”

Inside the limousine, Spike couldn't help but let out an impressed whistle! As far as he could tell, the interior of the limousine probably cost more than his own car, Applejack's new pick-up truck, and their clubs liquor supply for a year together! Finest leather, the softest seats he could imagine, a mini bar with booze so high class that about half the content probably had less than a hundred bottles left in the world each!

After they put their seat belts on, the limo began to drive away. “I have to say, Spike: You're looking pretty fancy yourself!” Diamond Tiara now gave back the compliment from before! “That suit, heh, suits you very well! The coat, the vest... Kinda reminds me of my great-great-grandfather! He was a big businessman in the 20's, and there are rumours that he also was involved in bootlegging! He's dressed pretty much the same as you in the big portrait we have of him! Though he'd been wearing pinstripes.”

Honestly? Spike kinda wanted to see that picture now. Though he doubted it'd be where the party would be. The painting was probably in the Rich family's mansion, or maybe an old luxurious penthouse they owned since a hundred years or more in one of the older buildings in Manehattan. However, that he knew already, the party was taking place in a far more modern three story apartment the family owned in one of the newest skyscrapers, equipped with all the newest amenities, pools, one inside, one outside, whirlpools and so on. Lots of glass and steel construction...

“I have something for you...” Tiara perked up, curious, as the dragon sank a hand into the pocket of his coat. He pulled a small, egg-shaped plastic thing. The mare began to grin as Spike handed her the egg-vibe. “I thought that we could make the event a bit more fun!” He grinned back at DT as he shook the remote.

“Oh yes! That should make this hobnobbing with Manehattan's elite much more interesting!” As the vibrator slid past her silk panties and pushed past her panties and into her pussy, Diamond Tiara moaned a little. And when Spike turned it on, on the lowest setting for now, she hummed happily! “And more fun!”

“I also have one for Silver Spoon with me!” He told her.

After about twenty minutes of driving, Diamond Tiara harshly cussed out the traffic, though Spike had a feeling that she was just trying to blow off as much as she could before she was at the party to avoid upsetting her mother, they arrived at the building. The driver opened the door for them, and as Spike walked up to the entrance door, Tiara exchanged a few words with him. “Yes, Ms. Tiara!” He heard, moments before she appeared by his side, then he heard the car drive away.

Spike held the door open for her, then hurried to her side. Heh... Ms. Tiara... Spike offered his arm to her. “Ms. Tiara?”

She gave the receptionist a short look and a wave of the hand to show that the dragon really was with her. “Of course, Mr. Spike!” She hooked her arm to his, and both started to laugh as they entered the elevator. “It's the penthouse.” Tiara told him. Spike tapped the button with the highest number.

When the doors opened again, they revealed a big room with a high ceiling, decked out in all the finery you'd expect from one of the leading families of Manehattan: Crystal chandeliers, expensive paintings, precious metals, rare woods used in the furniture... To his left, Spike could see two more levels that were part of the apartment, and judging from what else he saw, the room was either L- or U-Shaped.

Covertly slipping the other vibrator he had with him into his trouser pockets, Spike handed his coat to a butler Tiara introduced to him as Randolph. His eyes drifted over the many ponies, griffons, hippogriffs and even a few dragons that filled the room. Ponies in very expensive clothes, and for some of the mares, very revealing designer clothes, with very expensive jewelry. The good and the beautiful of Manehattan mingled here. Honestly? Even with his club, this was kind off overwhelming! The luxury, the splendor, the lavish showing off of old, and new, wealth... His businesses made a lot of money, but they were nothing compared to this! Though he was pretty sure he had seen some of them at his club.

“There you are!” A familiar voice called out to them and tore him out of his thoughts! Leaning against a wall, dressed in a light-pink cocktail dress that showed her legs off very nicely, and swirling a glass of red wine, that Spike guessed was older than most of the guests, was Silver Spoon! She had exchanged her usual pearl necklace for a gold choker with a pink diamond in the shape of a heart, like on her cutie mark, in its center!

“Silver Spoon!” Tiara called back as she and Spike, still arm-in-arm, walked over to her. The two greeted each other with a kiss to each cheek, and the dragon did the same. “Good that you're finally here. I think your mother was about to blow a gasket...” She told them.

“Pff... we're on time!” Diamond Tiara rolled her eyes as Spike slipped the other egg-vibe to Silver Spoon. “The official start is in five minutes!” Before she could say anything more, a warm voice came from the crowd!

“Diamond Tiara! You're finally here!”

“Dad!” Tiara's head spun around to the grey stallion in his perfectly tailored suit, though the money symbol on his necktie was a bit much! She rushed to meet him, gave him a hug and then dragged him to her friends! “Dad, this is Spike! I've told you about him!”

“Hello, Mr. Rich!” Spike greeted Filthy Rich, possibly the richest stallion in Manehattan, and offered his hand, while DT cuddled herself against his left shoulder. “Pleasure to meet you!”

“So, you own that club that my daughter likes to visit so much?” Tiara's father asked him as he shook the dragon's hand. That young dragon had a good handshake, he had to admit!

“Indeed, Mr. Rich!”

Throwing a side glance at his daughter, Filthy Rich asked him: “I hope she behaves as is proper?”

“DAD!” Diamond Tiara called out, trying to keep herself from getting too loud! Silver Spoon used the chance to slip the vibrator into her pussy.

“So far, we never had any issues with her,-” Spike shot a little smile towards her, then to her friend, who had just managed to stand normal again and was taking a sip of her wine, “-or with Silver Spoon! They are two of our favorite customers! No trouble, pleasant to have around... They befriended three of our waitresses who are about their age!”

“Oh, I think I remember that! The three you asked me to arrange the spots at Cadance's school for?”

His daughter nodded: “Exactly! And, dad, the three are very doing well!”

“Good to hear, good to hear!” He nodded.

“I hope you don't mind me asking,” Spike said cautiously, “but... how does one come to a name like 'Filthy'?

“Family tradition,” Filthy Rich sighed, obviously unhappy with that topic, “unfortunately. My grandfather was named Stinkin' Rich... I would have preferred a different name myself... Well, I have to go back, take care of the other guests again! I hope you enjoy the evening!”

“Thank you, Mr. Rich!” Spike and Silver Spoon said in unison.

“Thanks, dad!”

Now with both, Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara hanging on his arms, Spike began to mingle among the crowd, trying some of the drinks, excellent whiskeys, rums, brandies, including cognac, and gins, as well as a variety of white and red wines. And champagne! Tiara immediately got herself a glass of it. “Who's with you, Silver Spoon?” She asked her friend.

“I came alone with my parents,” Silver Spoon explained as she grabbed another glass of wine, white whine this time. “They didn't insist on me bringing some company along. Probably figured I would be with you the whole evening anyway!” She chuckled.

As Spike drank from his glass of whiskey, and tried some of the hors d'ouvre he looked at the high society crowd around him. Truly, the best and brightest of Manehattan... There were a few mares that probably shouldn't be wearing revealing outfits, considering their age or their stature... But there also were a number of mares here that were certainly a pleasure to look at!

He recognized some of the faces in the crowd: Svengallop, one of the leading politicians, was standing nearby and speaking to two unicorns that looked very snooty. Spike was pretty sure to have made out the words “Jet Set”, and “Upper Crust”, maybe the names of the two?

There was the banker Gladmane. Wind Rider, the former police chief who, despite his disgrace, was still an important member of upper class society, as well as a turquoise mare with an amber mane that seemed to be a bodyguard of some sorts for him.

Blueblood, a distant relative of the mayor, whose escapades were very popular with the tabloids. The current police chief Shining Armor, something about him always felt vaguely familiar to Spike, and his wife, an alicorn, Mi Amore Cadanca, or Cadance for short, who was the principal of Diamond Tiara's school and also distantly related to the mayor. And she was one of the mares that were certainly very pleasant to the eye, in her high cut dress that showed a lot of leg whenever she walked. The chief's younger sister, Twilight Sparkle, probably was also around, though Spike couldn't spot her.

He wondered if Applejack's uncle and aunt where here... She had told him that the Oranges were part of the upper class, or at least tried to be. Maybe he should've asked her for a picture, or a description.

There was Professor Fossil, one of Yearling's nemesis and one of the most important ponies in Manehattan's history community, if not the country's, alongside Buried Treasure... The latter worked for the former and was one of her best archaeologists. especially after they'd gotten rid of A. K. Yearling. So the two being together wasn't a surprise. Yearling had mentioned that she suspected that they were shipping more than just artifacts and the likes, both legal and illegal ones, but had no idea for whom.

Spike was torn from his observation when a deep voice reached his ears from just a few feet behind him! “Diamond Tiara! Silver Spoon! Nice to see you!” It sounded jovial and pleasant, but there was a stranger undercurrent to it...

Turning around, he recognized the pony immediately! “Hello, Mr. Sombra!” The two mares greeted the tall, dark unicorn.

He shook their hands, and turned to Spike: “And you are? I don't think I've ever seen you on one of Filthy's events! You seem well acquainted with these lovely young ladies here?”

“My name's Spike,” the dragon explained, as he offered his hand as well. “I run a club that Diamond and Silver Spoon frequent and Diamond asked me to accompany her tonight.” As Sombra took his hand, Spike leaned in a bit and whispered, “If I'm being honest, I think I am mainly here to piss off Diamond Tiara's mom!”

Sombra actually let out a laugh! He kept it down enough that nopony more than a few feet away would hear it, but it seemed genuine nonetheless! Apparently, he could appreciate it if old money got a bit riled up by new faces. Then again, the stories that Spike had heard did indicate that he himself had built his company basically from nothing, against some resistance by the old establishment, so that shouldn't be too much of a surprise. “My young friend,” Sombra told Spike in a quiet, conspiratorial voice that, except for the two, was only audible for the mares on Spike's arms, “ I have to admit that this is entertaining! I had to work my way up with some of the very ponies here looking down on me! So hearing that you're here to annoy some of them, that's something I can respect!” His voice now at a more conversational tone again, Sombra continued: “But tell me... How did you end up running a night club?”

“Well, I started with odd-jobs, and made valuable acquaintances and friends. We banded together, worked our asses off and, finally, managed to scrape enough money together to buy a run down factory hall and renovate it.” It was technically true, even if somewhat sanitized. “We decided that I'd be the official owner and run it, because I kinda ended up as the leader of our group.”

“Not unlike myself then!” The unicorn chuckled when a mare joined him at his side. “Well, I know your companions, it's only fair if I introduce mine to you: My secretary, assistant and the love of my life: Radiant Hope.”

“A pleasure to meet you!”

“The pleasure is all mine!” Shaking her hand, he reciprocated her greeting and introduced himself.

Tartarus... Sombra had heard about it, every now and then. Clubs weren't exactly something he frequented. Even events like this one he attended mainly for appearances sake. Well, maybe he should let himself be seen there at least once...

After the meeting with Sombra, Spike and the two mares strolled through the party, Tiara and Silver Spoon pointing out a few important ponies here and there, or showed him some trinkets and whatever. If he was being honest, that whirlpool on the large balcony was far more interesting for him right now. Too bad they didn't have the right clothing... They had to come here when no party was goi-...The dragon was torn from these thoughts as he spotted another mare he had seen before! He recognized her as Suri Polomare, the famed star designer, and the bitch that had fucked over Rarity so much...

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon hastily moved him away from her.

A more pleasant surprise for him were a few more familiar faces! Starlight Glimmer, his lawyer, was here, which made some sense, considering that she was one of Manehattan's most respected defense attorneys, even if she was now working mainly for him and the gang. She was in a good mood, apparently having just riled up her old rival Twilight Sparkle.

Then, they'd run into Fancy Pants and Fleur de Lis! “Boss! What are you doing here?!” She rushed over to greet them!

“I'm here with Diamond Tiara!” And, after a moment, he added: “Honestly? I should've expected to see you two here! Fancy Pants, how are you doing? You haven't visited us in quite a while!”

Emptying his glass off cognac, the white unicorn stallion sighed. “Yes. Business kept me, well, busy. I was in Fillydelphia and Vanhoover over the last few weeks and didn't even see my dear Fleur! Maybe we should rectify this next week...”

They had a pleasant little chat, before they moved on to their own businesses again. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon walked off on their own for a bit a few minutes later.

Then, Spike ran into the deputy mayor! It honestly felt a bit weird to be hobnobbing with the elite and to be able to just walk up to the number two of the city... But then, he saw the expression on her face! Just for a moment, she looked at him as if she'd seen a ghost! And he noticed. The three walked up to her: “Excuse me? Can I help you?” Her smell was oddly familiar, despite the perfume.

“What?” Luna was torn out of her momentary surprise, “No! Sorry for staring! Seeing you just made me remember somebody from many years ago!” Better to move the conversation away from that topic... “You don't look like one of the usual guests at an event as this!”

“I am not,” the dragon laughed conversationally. “I'm Spike, a friend of Diamond Tiara and she invited me because her mom demanded that she should have a guest of her own. And Silver Spoon didn't count.”

Shaking his hand, she introduced herself: “Deputy Mayor Luna, but I guess you already know that.” He nodded, and apparently, Luna wasn't the biggest fan of Spoiled Rich either: “That sounds like Spoiled... So, how did you meet Tiara?”

“Well, she's a regular at my club. Silver Spoon and her befriended three of my waitresses and so ended up becoming two of our favorite customers! They give good tips and are a joy to have around. So, we take care of them...” There were, of course, now also other benefits, but she didn't need to know that. Though it reminded him of something, and Spike used the opportunity to turn their vibrators up a notch!

The two mares were chatting with their principal when their knees almost buckled for a moment as the vibrations increased, and they had to keep themselves from moaning in company! Bad Spike! Very bad! But sooo good as well! They did their best to hastily cover up for what had just happened, but the impish little smile on Principal Cadance's face implied it hadn't quite worked...^

As he explained the history he had with his two friends, Spike used the opportunity to inspect Deputy Mayor Luna's appearance! She was a gorgeous pony. One of the very few alicorns in the world. She looked like she was in hear mid twenties to early thirties, it was hard to tell, but she had to be older than that. It was said that alicorns were very long lived, justl ike dragons...

On her hooves, she was wearing little, silvery blue high heels and her dress was a high cut, very form fitting, held up by just a single strap over her left shoulder and pitch black, almost the opposite to Tiara's! But at every movement, tiny specks of the same blue of her shoes and of white flashed Around her neck was a diamond studded silver necklace, which, against her dark fur, sparkled like stars in the night sky. She really seemed to have gone all in on the connection that her name had with the night. But it also seemed more risque than would be expected from an important politician!

In fact, her dress was so high cut that Spike almost expected her to flash part of her panties at every step. If she was even wearing any... The way her tits moved, it seemed that at least a bra didn't quite fit underneath it. He had to take a picture at an opportune moment. Not only to rub one out to the sight, but also because he wanted to ask Rarity if she knew who might have made it!

Thinking about it, he figured that she dressed like this not to flaunt her body, but to mark her place in society in which flaunting what you had was just as important as in the circles he usually frequented. An ironic horseshoe effect. But in general, the deputy mayor seemed amicable enough, taking what felt like an honest interest in the stories he told her. In fact, it appeared like they interested her more than most of the stuff going on!

Their little chat was interrupted when she spotted a certain other pony.. “Svengallop!” Luna's use of his name sounded almost like a swear! She put an arm around Spike's shoulders and started to gently maneuver him away. “I didn't have enough alcohol to deal with him yet... Let us move a little and continue our conversation in peace, alright?”

They walked for maybe a minute, until Luna was certain that Svengallop wouldn't be able to spot them anymore. Spike picked up the conversation again: “Is your sister also here?”

“No, Tia,-” ah, that probably was her pet name for her older sister! It was kind off cute, “-is working late, but one of us had to come and represent the two of us. It's a charity event after all!” And, if neither of them showed, Svengallop or other political rivals would probably feed that to the tabloids in an attempt to smear them. Luna hated that. It felt like they attended charity events more out of political necessity than because they wanted to support the event itself!

“On that topic,-” Spike grabbed a glass of brandy from the tablet of a passing server, “-do you have any idea what the event is for?”

“Not really. Filthy Rich kept it close to his chest this time. But I think it's either for the children's hospitals, or maybe pony's in need in general.” “You said that you own a club?”

“Tartarus. If you ever want to visit, it's one o the hottest clubs currently!” Hosting the deputy mayor, maybe even the mayor herself, would certainly give another publicity boost to the club!

“Unlikely,” Luna said slowly. Her, and her sister's, work ethics usually didn't allow for such recreational events, though it did sound somewhat intersting. “But I'll keep that in mind.

Unlikely... Maybe he should send her an invitation for Nightmare Night. They were planning a proper party! It had been Pinkie Pie's idea, and she already was working on the concept. Deputy Mayor Luna could probably pass for the legendary Nightmare Moon with the right costume and a pair of fake fangs...

“Well, if you, or your sister, ever want some time of relaxation, here's my card.” Spike pulled a business card out of his wallet and handed it to her. “Show it to the bouncer and you'll be allowed in without having to stand in line. And you get a free drink at the bar!”

“You do know that this could be interpreted as attempted bribery?” Luna asked him, a stern expression on her face, but hints of an amused smile around the edges.

Spike raised his hands in defense! “Not my intention at all, Miss Luna! Just an offer for a few hours of relaxation and fun. And maybe being able to say 'we hosted the mayor/deputy-mayor of the city and she enjoyed her stay!'. Would be nice marketing. Honestly? I have nothing but respect for the work you and Mayor Celestia are doing!” And that was true.

He had to admit, the business cards were simpler than the badges, like the one he'd given to Fluttershy, but the latter just had more style... In any case, they did serve different purposes. His own business cards were great for events like this, while the badges were given to ponies he, or one of his most trusted partners, saw something... special in. Of course, a pony like Luna had 'special' in droves, but she wasn't the right candidate. Not here, not now in any case.

“Well, I'll think about it. And I'll tell my sister about it. I hope you are enjoying the rest of your evening, Mr. Spike. I sure know that events like this can be a bit...,-” she thought about a proper word for what she wanted to say, “-monotone for those that aren't used to them.”

In Spike's mind, that translated to: Boring as shit. Though DT and Silver Spoon, and most of the folks he had talked to, had managed to keep his mood up so far. “I hope you are enjoying the evening as well, Ms. Luna!”

As the deputy mayor turned to leave, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon hurried back to him! Behind them followed the pink alicorn he'd seen before. “Spike! You need to meet Ms. Cadance!”

Honestly, Spike would have preferred to avoid meeting her. Because of her husband. Police chief, and all that. But he could hardly just disappear into the crowd now. Maybe he was busy talking elsewhere?

“So, you're the dragon running that club I always hear about...,” Cadance laughed after they'd introduced each other. “Every time these two spend an evening at that club, they tell it to their classmates, and their three friends join in. Of course that trickles back up!”

They chatted a little about work, general events, the five mares that they both knew... Then, Cadance turned a bit more serious: “I hope that their work at the club doesn't interfere with their school work. They are among our better students, and it's good to see such talented young mares to get such a chance thanks to Filthy Rich! It would be bad if they wasted this opportunity!” She also added. “And please look out that they don't fall in with a bad crowd!”

“I mean, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom have been working for me before they became your students!” Spike told her. He didn't take any offense to what she said, it was obvious that Cadance was just worried about how their future might look. “Apple Bloom's older siblings are working for me as well, and they are looking out for her and her friends!” And to some extent, that train had left ages ago anyway.

“Did you just say 'Apple Bloom'?” A mare, about the age of Tiara and the others, and obviously not very happy in the dress she'd been made to wear for this event, suddenly interjected herself!

They looked at her. “Yes. Why?” Silver Spoon asked.

“I'm Babs Seed! Apple Bloom's my cousin!” She told them! And yes, there was a certain resemblance... “I'm here with my parents and my older sister, Sunflower!”

Well... that was a pleasant surprise! They chatted for a bit, and in the end, Spike gave her one of his cards, telling her to come visit them sometime. Then he excused himself, he wanted another glass of that whiskey! Tiara and Silver Spoon meanwhile continued to chat with Babs.

As Spike filled his glass with whiskey, on the rocks, a familiar voice called out from behind his back! “Huh? Spike? What are you doing here?”

He turned around and, martini in hand, wearing a single strap, body-hugging black dress, saw... “Ms. Harshwhinny?!” Then he chuckled. “I guess I shouldn't be surprised, considering your big projects and all that!”

“Yeah,-” she took a sip from her drink, “-I'm a regular. And you? I know you're well off, and well known, but I didn't think you'd be big enough to get invited to an event like this!”

Spike let out a throaty chuckle! “I ain't! I'm the arm candy for the host's daughter!”

“Diamond Tiara?” Harshwhinny raised an eyebrow. Spike explained the situation quickly, and she nodded to show that she understood. She began to muster his appearance now, and, with an approving face, she told him: “Nice suit.”

“Thanks! It was a present from Diamond Tiara. Wanted me to look appropriate for the occasion.”

“She really has to like you. That can't have been a cheap one. It's from Sassy's store, right?”

Spike nodded.

“Some of my stuff is from there as well.” The earth pony explained, draining her glass. “You know...,” Stepping closer, she whispered into his ear, “I think I'm a bit... antsy, if you catch my drift.”

The dragon started to grin. He had to agree! He was feeling a little pent up as well! As a matter of fact, so must have been Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon... Maybe... Yes, maybe it was time for a little break from the gala! “Tell you what...,” he whispered back, “how about you come with me? I have some ideas you might like!”

“I'm all ears!” She smiled back.

As Spike, with Ms. Harshwhinny in tow, returned to Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, Babs and Cadance, he just overheard Tiara tell Apple Bloom's cousin: “... and Button and Rumble are sooo cute! Babs, you really have to come to the club with us! Give me your number, and I'll text you the next time we'll go!”

“Maybe I should take a look at this club at some point,” Cadance added, “just to make sure that my dear students aren't frequenting any bad places...” On her face was a very ambivalent smile... And there was a certain twinkle in her eyes!

Spike wondered if her husband would have any idea of that trip... He really didn't need an angry police chief on his gang's collective asses, because his wife decided to shag at his club. Potentially with a member of his crew!

“Who's that?” Diamond Tiara asked him, as she noticed Spike's return.

“My landlady!” The dragon laughed! “Ms. Harshwhinny!”

They ran a quick introduction round. Apparently, DT, Silver Spoon and Ms. Harshwhinny had seen each other a few times at events, but never interacted with one another. After a few minutes, Cadance returned to her husband, Babs was scooped up by her parents... And Spike told the three his ideas.

A few minutes later, Spike had sat down in a little side room, used to store the guest's coats as well as some general storage. It even had one of those doors that were, in fact, two, with the upper half being high enough that he could watch the party from his place. Honestly, it was nice to have a little break from the mingling with the city's elite!

But then, a mare spoke to him. A mare he could've done well without meeting all evening: “Hey! Dragon! Where's my daughter?”

“What am I? Her foalsitter?” He shot back at Spoiled Rich! “By the way, the name's 'Spike'!”

“No. But you are her company for the evening!” Spoiled replied, a mix of annoyance and amused superiority on her face and in her voice, “And I don't care. You're here because Diamond Tiara brought you here, instead of somepony of her social class!”

“Last time I saw her, she was with Silver Spoon and that real estate developer mare! I think it was at the bar, but I don't know where they went after that!” The first half of his answer was technically the truth...

“Why aren't you with her, considering you've accompanied her?”

Spike rolled his eyes. “Because we're both individuals who, at times, might want to do their own things? I wanted to look around, and now wanted a few minutes of relative quiet. She wanted a drink...”

“With company like yours, that's not surprising!” DT's mother scoffed! “And a few minutes of relative quiet? Don't you run a club that is much more hectic than this?!”

Quietly, Spike grumbled to himself: “And with a mother like you, it's even less of a surprise...”

“What was that?!” Apparently, Spoiled Rich had pretty good ears, all the better to overhear gossip, most likely...

“I am not used to such...,-” he was looking for words that weren't “stuffy”, “stuck-up”, or “lame,-”cultured events. And in my club, I can usually retreat to my office.” Being honest, it wasn't that bad.

“Hmph! Well, I'll look for her at the bar then...” And with this, she marched off.

Spike let out a relieved sigh before looking down at the floor. There, three attractive mares were servicing his cock and balls! Diamond Tiara looked up from his cock and gave him a thumbs up, when, suddenly, a stallion's voice reached them! “At the bar, you say?”

The dragon's head shot back up and spun around! “H-Hello, Mr. Rich!”

“I hope Tiara is having a good time with you. She usually gets so bored at these events. I wouldn't even have her and Silver Spoon attend most of the time, but Spoiled...,” with a sigh, Filthy Rich trailed off. He loved his wife, and he was pretty sure she loved him, still, but Spoiled was a bit more superficial and status obsessed than he himself. He had learned how valuable it was to treat business partners, especially long running ones, and potential business partners, even those that weren't as high up the ladder as himself, with respect. Had been that way with his family since the days one of his ancestors had started the family fortune during a gold rush by selling all the necessities of life to the sourdoughs.

“Anyway! I hope you're enjoying your time here, and that Tiara is enjoying your company as well. But, I have to tell you, If you do anything to hurt my daugher...” With the last few words left unspoken, Filthy Rich walked off to join his wife.

He knew... and he seemed to approve. At least that his daughter was having some fun, and as long as she was doing well. And Spike had no intention to hurt DT. They all liked her! And they didn't want a pony with the resources that Filthy Rich to bear a grudge against them...

Ten minutes, and a sloppy cleaning up between the three mares, later “I think my mom should be drunk enough for us to leave! It was good that you told her I was at the bar!”

“What do you have in mind?” Ms. Harshwhinny asked Tiara in return.

Silver Spoon grinned lustily as she straightened out her dress! “How about we go to Spike's place and continue our night together?”

“I wonder if Saffron is up for joining us...” Spike mused.

“Who's Saffron?”

“A friend of ours!” The older mare grinned! She had taken a liking to her, had even visited her restaurant a few times.

Tiara and Silver Spoon grabbed their phones from their backs and wrote their parents, Tiara her father specifically. They were leaving before the great donation gathering was starting after all!

Spike wrote a check for 5,000 bits. It would certainly pale compared to what the other party guests would donate, but it was still a rather substantial sum. Even with all the money he was raking in, he didn't quite compare to the top ten percent of Manehattan... And a lot of the money they made was either reinvested into their operations, went into the club or other venues, or was bound in the process of being laundered.

Ms. Harshwhinny wrote out a much larger check, while Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon asked their parents to add to their respective donations in their names as well.

“Let's go to the limousine!” “I told the driver to wait, because he'd have to drive you back anyway!”

“What about Ms. Harshwhinny's car?”

Placing a hand near Spike's crotch, she told him: “Don't worry about it. I'll pick it up tomorrow.”

Once in the car, Diamond Tiara grabbed a bottle of very fine champagne from the mini-bar, while Silver Spoon distributed the glasses! The glasses-wearing cutie cuddled herself to Spike and licked over the fin around his left ear! He laughed. “Gotta admit, getting a BJ from the three of you, you with only a curtain keeping us from being spotted by most of Manehattan's high society, was entertaining!”

“Oh, it was so naughty!” Tiara agreed, giggling as she let herself fall into the well-cushioned seat, doing her best to push the cork out of the bottle!

“I think getting banged real good would've been even more fun!” Silver Spoon drooled! “Just think about it, DT! Spike plowing your wet cunt while your mom is on the other side of the door, or a curtain or whatever... Complaining again... When...” With a loud 'pop' noise, Diamond Tiara uncorked the bottle. “Yes! Hehehe! That was great timing!”

“Silver Spoon, for such a proper high-society lady, you really are a repressed slut!” Harshwhinny laughed, as her glass got filled, and she put on her seat belt.

“Not as repressed as before!” She replied, her voice, and eyes, filled with barely restrained lust! Honestly, she couldn't wait to get a taste of that older mare... Maybe have her teach her and DT a few tricks! But then, her stomach growled... “Could we maybe stop at some fast food joint? I'm hungry... I didn't get a lot from the buffet...”

Before Spike could answer, Harshwhinny answered for him! “Saffron and her dad have a restaurant. Maybe they have some left-overs!”

“Good idea! I'll text her!” Spike pulled his phone out of his pocket as he took a sip from his glass.

“Is it any good?”

“Very good!” The older mare told her. “I've been ordering there regularly after Spike introduced her to me!”

After a few minutes, and one additional emptied glass for each, “She just replied! You're lucky, Silver Spoon!” The dragon told her. “They took some left-overs back home and she can easily reheat them! It seems to be a nice variety!” He paused for a few moments as he typed something. This time, the reply came quicker. “I told her when we'd arrive, and she'll be prepping the food already! I've given her a spare key a while ago.”

“It seems like he brought some company back! Without telling us!” Rarity picked up a pair of very expensive looking silk panties and inspected them while Sweetie Belle looked at the dirty dishes on the table!

“How rude!” Her younger sister pouted! “I bet it's Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon! They could've told me!”

“Considering how much these panties must've cost? I would agree with that assessment. But the others... I think that's from Ms. Harshwhinny, and the other stuff is Saffron's!”

“They had an orgy without us?!”

Together, with a mixture of expectancy, impish delight and anger, the sisters declared: “This! Won't! Stand!”

Spike was lying on his bed, Silver Spoon and Ms. Harshwhinny ot his left, Diamond Tiara and Saffron Massala to his right, as Rarity and Sweetie Belle entered. All of them were naked. Some clothes were strewn on the floor, they hadn't stripped out of everything in the living room. A pair of egg-vibes were lying on the ground...

“Spikey?~” Rarity's voice sang into the room. It sounded very promising.

And Sweetie joined in: “Why didn't you tell us?~” Their smiles, their voices, their eyes... Honestly, despite how honey-laced their words were, that felt off!

Spike felt a bit unnerved. And with the two being unicorns, there was that the issue of magic to consider... “OK, girls, THAT Is creepy!”

“So?” The older sister's behavior turned normal at the blink of an eye! Now, she looked at him with a disapproving stare!” Why didn't you tell us you were going to have an orgy here?”

“Same question at you two!” Sweetie added, staring accusingly at her friends!

Spike shrugged. “Didn't expect it to happen!” He explained. “Well, maybe some fun with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, but I didn't expect to run into Ms. Harshwhinny!”

“What about Saffron?”

“Silver Spoon was a bit peckish, and so we called her for some left-overs from her restaurant and one thing let to the other...” The dragon got an idea as he told them that, and a predatory grin spread on his face! “You know... I bet we can go for a bit longer... What do you think, girls?” He slapped both, Diamond Tiara and Ms. Harshwhinny on their shapely backsides as he said it!

A moment later, four voices agreed happily.

Rarity still had a disapproving look on her face! “Well...,-” Her head turned as she checked on her sister. She began to smile, “- alright! But,-” She raised a finger, walking up to the bed, “-as atonement, you're going to eat me out!”

“While I ride your cock!” Sweetie added, rushing to join her friends!

Spike laughed as the shadow of Rarity's rear fell over his face! “Damn it! I love my life!”

After the party was over, and a nice sum had been collected, Luna entered her car to be driven back. Not back home, but back to the office. Her older sister was working long. Again. As, almost, always.

When she didn't see her behind her desk, Luna called out for her: “Tia? Are you still in here?” It was pretty unlike her to go home on time... The last time the both of them had gotten home at a reasonable time must have been a few months ago!

“Over here!” Celestia's voice came from the one of the side rooms of the office. When her younger sister stepped through the door, she explained: “I was just taking a little break. A short power nap.” Tia sounded tired, and weary. “How was Filthy's Gala?”

Maybe, Luna thought, she should take that dragon up on the offer. Both of them could use some time off... That brought her mind onto a topic she had wondered if she should breach it.! Should she keep it to herself? No... it was better she told Celestia about it, after all, he might accompany Filthy Rich's daughter more often! “Sister, I think it might have been a good thing you skipped Filthy Rich's Gala. The fact that you were overworking yourself again aside.”

“What do you mean, Lulu?”She let out soft chuckle as she filled herself a glass with water. “Was it that bad?”

“It was fine. A decent enough evening, some nice company, some bad...” That was enough beating around the bush! Luna took a deep breath and told her the matter: “Well, Tia, one of the guests was a dragon...”

Before replying, Celestia drained the whole glass and immediately refilled it. “And? You know I've never had any issues with dragons!”

“Well, this one was green and purple. And when I saw him, for a moment, I thought he'd looked like...” The younger sister trailed off, letting the words hang in the air for a moment.

“Like a grown up...?” Tia's eyes widened and she almost let the water bottle drop to the ground when she realized what her sister was implying!

“Yes...” Luna cautiously confirmed. And immediately rushed over to hold her, as she began to shiver, the memory of that day still resting heavily on her! “Tia! That accident wasn't your fault!”

“I know... It's just... I still feel responsible... And,-” she pulled a tabloid out of a stack of newspapers and magazines on a little table and put it front of her sister, “-Svengallop again implied that I arranged it!”

“He also did make a few remarks when I ran into him at the party...” The younger sister groaned. “As always.”

“As always,” Celestia repeated. “Doing his best to stir rumors to undermine his rivals, making empty promises, trying to cater to his cronies... Maybe I need a glass of something harder than water...”

Meanwhile, back in his penthouse, Sombra received a message.

“Mr. Sombra, Sir?” Sans Smirk stepped up to him as Sombra was overlooking Manehattan's skyline, “I was just told that we might have found a lead to another of the buildings you are looking for. Apparently, some young mare has somehow heard of our attempts and wants to sell her informations to you for a hefty price.

Sombra's head spun around, an evil glare in his eyes. “How did she find out?! Did anyone say too much? If I find out that anyone at any point said too much, regret will be the last thing he will feel... Put everything necessary into motion. You know what to do!”

“Yes, sir!”

11 Tested Loyalty

“Who's that blue griffon and his friend?” Fluttershy asked Soarin as she saw two new guys she didn't recognize.

“Gallus and Sandbar. Fresh transfers, came over when you were taking a rest from, you know... When you came back a few days ago, the two were on some sort of training.” The stallion explained, looking through some files. “Finished academy a few months ago, had some stints at different precincts and now ended up here. Seem to be competent enough. From what I can tell, they seem to be nice kids...” After a few moments, he looked at Shy and let out a dark chuckle, adding: “Maybe a bit too optimistic for the job, but that'll pass sooner or later... We have them patrolling the streets for now.”

The captain's door slammed open, almost cracking the glass window! “ALRIGHT! LISTEN UP EVERY PONY!” Spitfire shouted, and everyone gathered around.

“'Sup, cap?” Thunderlane asked her, taking a bite of his donut.

“District Attorney Sparkle just called me!” She explained. “She says that she got anonymous informations regarding that dragon that runs Tartarus!”

“Spike?!” Fluttershy gasped, unable to keep her shock to herself!

“Yes, Fluttershy! Him, and his cronies! Apparently, they are involved in a number of illegitimate businesses. Drugs. Prostitution. Racketeering. I mean, we did hear the odd rumor every now and then and had an eye on them, but we never had anything big. Sure, we did have our suspicions, but they never delivered anything that would really give us a reason to dig deeper.” The captain explained. “But, according to the informations the DA received, they seem to be involved with that stuff even more than we had expected!”

"Oh... oh! I-is that so?" Shy stammered!

Spitfire nodded. “Seems like it. And Twilight Sparkle asked us to take a keener interest in their affairs. I guess there was some mean stuff in those infos. Or maybe some big whig wants some nice headlines again.” The fiery mare sighed, and now adressed Fluttershy in particular, rather than just for explanation.“I know that you came to like those guys, Fluttershy, and that this isn't really your thing,” her voice was unusually calm and kind. Obviously, she knew that this might be hard for the timid pegasus! “But I want to ask you to help us with the investigations directly! You don't have to, if you don't think you're up for it! You know those guys!

Fluttershy swallowed hard! She had always feared that it might come to that, her loyalty to her colleagues VS her new found friends... Yes, she could say 'no', but would that even matter? And maybe, if one of them thought she'd ratted on them, they'd tattle on her! Her mind was racing what to do next! “Of... course, I will help!” She replied slowly, still trying to get her thoughts straight!

“Good. I want you to get us into the club. Undercover. In a few days!” Spitfire told her! “We'll just have a nice evening... and see what we can find out. Maybe more than once. Maybe you can try to get them to slip up and tell you about some stuff, or you could help us get an undercover cop into their ranks!

Most of the precinct exchanged glances. Going to a nightclub, having a good time AND getting paid for it, in exchange for keeping an eye open?! That sounded too good to be true! There were stories about some very pretty pretty mares, and stallions, working there, maybe one of them got lucky! Probably not Soarin, considering his relationship to the Captain, but otherwise, maybe they could get one of them to slip up!

“No questions for now?” Spitfire called into the round. “Then that's it for now! Back to work, you lazy bastards!” She walked back into her office and slammed the door shut. This time, the glass cracked. The second time this month.

A few moments later, Gilda said what most of them thought: “Well... Shit!”

“Yeah. Spitfire dropped a fucking bomb on us!” Thunderlane laughed! “It sounds interesting, and like it could actually have some fun stuff. But it will also mean a lot of extra work!”

Another stallion added: “And the end of one of the more interesting clubs in the city, from what I've heard. And considering how they didn't make any big waves we've heard off, they are either very good at keeping the lid on, or aren't trying to become the biggest, baddest gang in town. Taking them out might just create a gang war for their scraps.”

Rainbow Dash put a hand on her friend's shoulder to comfort her. She saw that Fluttershy was rather agitated. “Hey, Fluttershy?” She asked her, more soft than her usually brash demeanor would make others believe her to be capable, “Wanna hang out later? Maybe go for a movie, or just do something together so that you can calm down?”

Fluttershy jumped a little! "Sorry! I can't! I... I have to water the fish and feed the plants!" And she hurried off to her desk.

Rainbow stared after Fluttershy. "Since when does Fluttershy own fish..."

“Maybe she's pet-sitting for a neighbor?” Gilda shrugged. “Better to leave her alone for now, I guess.”

After her shift was over, the distraught yellow pegasus hurried to the club even before opening time! Big Mac and Rumble greeted her at the door with a smile, though the younger stallion, noticing her expression, asked her: “Hey, are you alright?” But she waved him off.

“Guess so,” Mac shrugged, his expression showing that he didn't belief his own words, but that it was something that, unless she came forward with herself, they probably couldn't do much about.

As Fluttershy walked through the almost empty club, she watched the staff buzzing about: Trixie was rehearsing a new routine, Sugar Belle and the others who stood behind the bar were checking if anything needed to be restocked Cozy Glow, the Crusaders and a few others were giving the tabletops a quick polish before the guests arrived. Others still were trying a few new dance moves. Some of them called over greetings to her, but Fluttershy replied to them only in curt fashion.

In the office, Tempest Shadow was sitting at the desk and going through some papers. When she heard the door open, she looked up. “Oh. Hey, Flutts.”

“Hello, Tempest!” She greeted her. Then realized how she'd been greeted! “Flutts?!”

“Thought it'd make a nice nickname. Guess not.” Tempest looked at the pegasus' face pegasus. “What's up? You look worried!”

Until she got to the club, her sense of duty and her affection to the gang had warred with one another. She didn't want either her friends at the force nor her friends here to get into trouble... Maybe they could work something out? As it was, there were mainly rumors relating to minor stuff, not worth to go after... Maybe they could make them believe, that the informations had been faulty?"I need to talk to Spike!"

Tempest looked at her: "He ain't here today. Has some other business to attend to.”

“But I have to talk to him! It's important!"

"You can tell that to me just as well!” She told Fluttershy with a stern look that made the pegasus almost wince! “I'm his partner and right hand after all!”

Fluttershy explained what had happened at the precinct.

“What the fuck...” Tempest Shadow slammed her hands onto the desk and jumped up! With a few, hurried steps, she was around the desk, grabbed Shy's shoulders and stared into her eyes! “Are you serious?!”

“Yes! That's what Captain Spitfire told us!”

“Well, at least we are warned and can plan how to deal with that situation!” She sighed as she let herself drop into the well-padded office chair. Filling herself a glass of vodka, she assured Fluttershy: “We have no interest in beef with the police, so don't worry about your colleagues. We ain't gonna rough any of them up 'to send a message' or anything. In any case, it'd be the most stupid thing we could do! They'd just come down even harder on us!” She emptied her glass in one swoop. “All we have to do is weather the first few weeks and interest will drop again. Maybe distract them with infos about other gangs, butter them up a little...” A smile started to spread... She'd have to discuss it with Spike, but... “I got a little idea... They asked you to get them in here, as a group, right?”

Fluttershy nodded.

“I think that's a good idea! Just give us a head's up, and tell us who they are, and we'll make some preparations. Without letting them know that we know, we'll just give them a good time. Maybe get some into positions where they won't want to talk about what they enjoyed... Butter them up a little...”

Sounded good so far. Non-dangerous. “Alright...”

“But I'll have to talk about it with Spike, Sunset, and Starlight first.” She filled herself another shot of vodka, and put a second glass in front of the pegasus. “Here, to steady your nervers.”

When the alcohol hit her throat, it began to burn and Shy shuddered and coughed! “That's... stronger than I'm used to...” She finally managed to get out.

“Sorry. Forgot that you're not used to the strong stuff. Everything alright?”

“I do feel a little better...” She admitted. “Mind if I ask what you were doing?”

“Looking through some papers. For some reason some were not as they should've been. Maybe it was just negligence after one of those nights... But, with what you told me... Maybe we have a snitch...” Tempest Shadow's eyes narrowed and her face took on an expression that was truly frightening. Fluttershy never wanted to get on her bad side.

But then, Tempest gave her a grin! “You did good, Fluttershy! Want a reward? Spike ain't here, but maybe Big Mac or Rumble would be..."

"Oh no!” Shy interrupted her, already seeing where this was going! “I am really not in the mood right now... If...”

"Hmm...;” Tempest pretended to consider, as she stood up again! “How about something a little different then? Ever been with a mare?" Coming to a halt next to Fluttershy again, she ran a finger down her cheek, over her throat and down into her cleave! “Let me take care of you... Or you know what? Let US take care of you! Let us help you relax, relieve your anxiety...” The unicorn pressed a button the speaker system. “Sunset? Trixie? Starlight? Come up into the office, please!”

Giving Shy a surprisingly warm smile, she whispered into her ear: “Don't worry. Just enjoy. You deserve some pampering...”

A few days later, Fluttershy still wasn't quite capable of wrapping her head around what had happened... But it had been nice how the four mares had... pampered.... her. After Spike had awoken her sexual desires in general, they had made her interested in experimenting with other females...

She had told Spitfire that she was still working on being able to get a large group of her friends in, and that the gang didn't know she was a cop. Shy suggested to, at first, take one or two other officers or detectives with her. And they had decided on a... unexpected candidate to say the least:!

Spitfire had decided to send in Moondancer first. She had long been of the opinion that the introverted workaholic could use some relaxation, and by making it 'official' she couldn't just bury herself in some work related books or whatever. And if she could keep up with not immediately spilling the beans that she was a cop, even the youngsters probably would manage.

And a shy mare like Fluttershy dragging a socially awkward nerd like Moondancer to the club would seem a bit less weird than her dragging, even if not in an actual group or anything, a cavalcade of friends, or colleagues or whatever, with her.

“Evenin', Fluttershy!” The tall bouncer greeted her warmly, as Fluttershy just marched past the long queue. Apparently, Moondancer thought, she was really known here! “Who's your friend?”

“Big Mac, this is Moondancer! A colleague of mine!”

“Well, enjoy your evening, Ms. Moondancer!” The bouncer she had called Big Mac shot the new mare a little smile... Damn, that hunk had a smile! The unicorn felt a little bit... aroused, she had to admit! She just hoped nobody would notice the little... extra she had with her.

Moondancer still a little distracted, Fluttershy ushered her into the club.

When the music hit her ears, the smells hit her nostrils, Moondancer was a bit overwhelmed by what she saw! The last time she'd been in a club had been when her college sorority had dragged her to one! Back then, she'd thought that one had been wild, but it paled in comparison to this! She felt a hand on her shoulder...

“It can be a bit much. I know!” Fluttershy smiled reassuringly at her. “But once you get used to it, it is pretty nice! What do you want to do first? Dance? Watch the performances? They have a magician that is really good! Or do you want a drink first?”

“I think I'll go with the drink.”

Shy lead her to the bar. “Hello, Sugar Belle! Moondancer, that's Sugar Belle! Sugar Belle! Moondancer! A colleague of mine!”

“H-hello!” It was so unusual for Moondancer that Fluttershy, of all ponies, acted so casually here. Even in the precinct, around her colleagues, most of which she'd known for a few years, she always was almost as introverted as herself!

“I hope you'll have a good time here, Moondancer!” Sugar Belle gave the two a warm smile. “What do you want?”

Fluttershy ordered first: “I'll have the usual!”

“One Old Fashioned, coming right up!”

Moondancer contemplated the options for a moment. She probably shouldn't get too drunk, considering why they were here... But then, Fluttershy ordered booze immediately... And if she just got alcohol-free stuff, it might seem a little bit strange. Maybe she should start with something simple... “Orange juice and vodka...”

“One Screwdriver! Right away!”

A few moments later, two glasses were pushed in front of the two mares.

“Not bad...” Moondancer said after tasting her drink. Though, obviously, it was a very simple, two ingredient, drink. She said it more because she felt like she had to say something. The two chatted a bit, about work, though unspecific enough not to give their line of work away, about live in general....

“Maybe you should try the Mai Tai!” Fluttershy suggested, after the unicorn had emptied her glass.

Eying the empty beverage vessel in front of her, Moondancer contemplated what Shy had said. “You know... Maybe it's the Screwdriver... But I think you're right! One Mai Tai, please!”

“That's the spirit! I'll take another Old Fashioned!”

A few moments after the second round of drinks had been delivered, a sharply dressed Pegasus passed by. “Hi, Fluttershy!”

“Hey, Rumble!” Shy gave him a high five! “How's it going?”

“So far, it's been a pretty chill evening! Hope it stays that way...”Then, he saw Moondancer. “Who's your friend?”

After a shrot introduction, Rumble left, passing through a door and into a back area. “He's cute!” Moondancer said as she stopped ogling his ass and returned to her glass! “Hmm... Kinda reminds me of Thunderlane...”

Moments after Moondancer had finally decided to give the dance floor a try, before they had taken more than a few steps, a drunk unicorn stumbled up to them! “Hello there...” He greeted them, slurring his words slightly. The two almost recoiled from the smell of booze, and apparently the cheaper stuff of the club, on his breath.

“Hey!” Fluttershy glared at him! “Careful with those hands!”

The stallion had grabbed their butts. “Come on, don't play hard to get, you little hottie!”

“Hands off and shut up!” Moondancer snapped, her hand playing with the badge inside of her left pants pocket. Shy, instead, grabbed the guy's arm and, not too kindly, pushed removed it from her ass and pushed him away!

Before the stallion could reply with anything, a voice called over! “Leave them alone!” Rumble slapped an open hand on the bar next to the empty glasses and marched up to the two mares! “These two ladies have no interest in your company!”

The drunk stallion's head turned to look at the white pegasus, stumbling as he took a step, and shot back: “Fuck off! This is none of your business!”

“I am one of the bouncers!” Rumble replied, fixing him with his eyes! “Yes. This is part of my business!”

“Is that so?” Surprisingly fast, much faster than Rumble, or Shy and Moondancer, had expected from a drunk, the other stallion spun around and hit hit the pegasus stallion across the face!

Rumble stumbled back a few steps, a small trickle of blood from his busted lip staining part of his muzzle crimson! How the fuck did that drunk idiot surprise him like that?! If the others heard of that, he'd been hearing from them for a good, long while! Wiping the blood off with the back of his hand, Rumble took a deep breath! “You know,” he grumbled, “we could have handled this non-violently... But no...” He tapped his ear piece. “Rowdy customer by the bar. I should be able to handle him, but better send someone to help me to get him out...”

As the young pegasus and the drunk unicorn began their scuffle, Fluttershy shooed Moondancer back to the bar. Better to stay out of the way. Maybe have another drink to steady their nerves, and then go dancing! Or maybe watch Trixie's show. Or take a look at the other entertainment. Fleur was performing again, Spike had told her!

Spike was also contemplating to hang cages from the central walkways in which dancers would also perform...

As the fight began to get hot, to the entertainment of a number of onlookers, Fluttershy noticed something lying on the bar. A small plastic bag, like they used for evidence. Inside where two white pills... Rumble must have left them behind. For her, maybe? Maybe something to loosen Moondancer up? She grabbed the bag and put it into her bag, before anypony noticed. It wouldn't do if Moondancer got suspicious about Spike and the others!

This time, Moondancer got herself the same drink as Fluttershy. But before either could take a sip, Rumble crashed against the bar! “What the fuck is going on with that guy?!” He cursed! “Come on! Tempest! Sunset! I could use some help here! That unicorn is more than I expected! I think... I think he might be using his magic...”

As Moondancer was enthralled by the fight, and the cute pegasus' moves, Fluttershy pulled the pills out again... Maybe... They did look rather big... No. She couldn't risk giving too much to her! Maybe she could rub some of the pill into a powder? And, maybe, in the interest of fairness, she should take some herself...

She pulled one of the pills out of the plastic bag and, carefully, scratched over it with the nail of her right index finger. Slowly, a part of the pill started to turn into dust and a few small chunks hit the smooth bar surface. Fluttershy scooped them up and, to make sure it was save for Moondancer, let the crumbles fall into her own glass.

Noticing that Moondancer's attention was leaving the fight again, she hurriedly swiped the left-over pill back into her bag and swirled her drink a little, causing the clumps to dissolve quickly!

“I think the fight is over.” The unicorn concluded, sipping on her drink. “Let's take a look around, alright? Three drinks are enough for now. I want to have more than just a hangover and a blackout tomorrow!”

“Alright!” Shy emptied her glass and stood up. She'd probably get another chance later.

“Wait! Let me pay!”

“Don't worry. The drinks are on me!” Or, rather, on the house. As long as she didn't overdo it, and she usually didn't, she got free drinks! Grabbing Moondancer's hand, she began to lead her though the club... “Where do you want to go first?”

“Let's take a look at the show! Considering how they 'ooh!' and 'aah!'d the whole time!”

They managed to find a spot from which they could watch the show, despite the crowd already assembled! Right now, the stage magician was performing some of her simpler tricks though in ways that still got the intended reaction! For example, just now, Trixie pulled a lace bra out of her hat! To the cheers of the crowd! Male and female!

Looking around, Fluttershy noticed a surprised, then somewhat annoyed, expression on Starlight's face. And a heavy blush. Apparently, it was hers. And the cheeky look Trixie shot her girlfriend confirmed the suspicion.

The blush got even worse when a pair of panties followed! And Shy almost expected the showmare to push a dildo back into the hat next... But, luckily, she didn't. It probably would have fried Moondancer's mind! And gotten Trixie Lulamoon herself an even worse scolding by Starlight...

Shy didn't notice how Moondancer eyed the underwear....

“Let Trixie just put these pretty things behind the stage, so that the owner can pick them up later!” Trixie adressed the onlookers. “And now the Great and Powerful Trixie is asking for a volunteer from the crowd!” She pulled a saw out of her hat and two assistants, Fluttershy recognized them as Feather Bangs and Double Diamond, pushed a large chest onto the stage. “A volunteer to be cut in two!” Trixie procclaimed, giving the chest a slap!

The unicorn's eyes scanned the crowd, seeing a number of volunteers between many more rather unsure looking ponies. And one of them was Moondancer! A very eager volunteer even!

To Shy's surprise! Noticing, how the pegasus looked at her, the introvert unicorn turned to her, her hand still up in the air. “I always was a bit of a fan of stage magic! But I always only watched it on TV, or online... Might as well take the chance!”

However, Trixie decided on... “You there! You lovely little mare!” She pointed at Starlight. Disappointed, Moondancer let her arm sink again.

Her friend, however, looked less than pleased with that decision! “No, please!” She told Trixie off firmly! “Take somepony else! Somepony who actually volunteered! How about that unicorn over there!” Starlight Glimmer pointed at Moondancer, and her ears perked up! “She seemed to be more than eager!”

“Party pooper!” Trixie pouted, but agreed. “Alright! The unicorn in the, frankly boring, turtleneck sweater! Come here!”

Once her part in the show was over, an uncharacteristically excited Moondancer was babbling on to Fluttershy how she had enjoyed it! Trixie had even given her a signed picture. Somehow, it didn't surprise Fluttershy that the slightly egomaniac unicorn carried pictures of herself with her for such purposes... But as the two were on their way to the dance floor, Moondancer's brains started to work again: “That unicorn who left her spot to me... She looked familiar. It feels like I should know her...”

“It's Starlight Glimmer!” Shy explained, more terse than she wanted! Inside of her, a feeling started to stir... A fuzzy, warm, and rather horny feeling... Actually, it had started to flare up midway through the performance...

Hearing the name caused the gears in Moondancer's mind to click into place! “The lawyer?! Damn it! Yes! I should've recognized her! The time she cross-examined me was nasty! Didn't expect her to be the type to visit a place like this!”

“Trixie's her girlfriend,” Shy explained absentmindedly. The feeling was getting stronger and stronger... Was that because of the pill? But she had used barely anything of it! How strong was that stuff?!

Distracted by the these reveals, Moondancer didn't notice that Fluttershy began to pant. She did notice, however, when the pegasus put a hand on her shoulder! On the shoulder on the other side of where Shy was standing... She had laid her arm over her! “F-Fluttershy?”

Before she answered, she pun the unicorn around, so that she could look into her eyes! “You know... Moondancer...,-” Fluttershy was now breathing heavily, and if she hadn't been wearing a skirt, her wetnesses would probably have been visible now, “-I didn''t notice it before, but... you're pretty!” Then, she kissed her! Even tried to add some tongue to it! She had learned a lot here...

After a moment, Moondancer managed to push her the pegasus away! ”Fluttershy! What is wrong with you?!”

A few moments earlier, Spike stepped out of his office. Leaning over the walkway railing, he looked at the guests on the floor. Then, he saw Fluttershy together with a unicorn mare. That must've been her colleague she had told them about! Cute little thing, honestly. A nerdy wallflower, those were always fun to make bloom... Too bad that this was a semi-official visit, so they all knew: Entertain her, but don't offer anything in the legally grey, or even illegal, ballpark. Had Fluttershy just put an arm arou-...

Spike's eyes widened! What was Fluttershy doing?! She was kissing her! Even seemingly trying to make out! A hand was moving up the unicorn's left leg and was about to grab her ass when she managed to get the pegasus off of her!

This was bad. Very bad. The dragon started to dash towards the stair case! “Button! Rumble!” He barked into his ear piece! “Something's wrong with Fluttershy! She just tried to force herself onto that unicorn that came in with her! Get the two into the back area! I'm on my way down as well!” He added where they were...

Together, the three managed to move the two into the “Staff Only” area. When they tried to push the two mares into a backroom, Shy continued to flirt with, and feel up, Moondancer: "Come on, Moondancer! Be honest with yourself!"

"Fluttershy, leave her!” Spike told her, trying to pull her away! That pegasus hid impresisve strength... “If she doesn't want, she doesn't want."

"Even though she's so wet...? Is she REALLY protesting?" The first half, at least, was true. There was a damp spot on Moondancer's jeans. And after the initial confusion, she had been surprisingly calm and quiet, though that was probably just from the shock and being overwhelmed by the situation!

Fluttershy managed to brush two of her fingers over the unicorn's cunt. "Fluttershy... don't..." She whimpered.

"Your insides are getting wetter and wetter, you know? I mean, your jeans is already drenched! That's not something that just happens!” Fluttershy pushed her left hand into Moondancer's pants and, with her right hand, pressed her index finger against the other mare's lips! Again, the others tried to separate them, but it was as if Fluttershy was oblivious to them... Or at least almost oblivious: "Hush, Moon... I'm just loosening you up for Spike!"

“What the fuck?!” The dragon and the unicorn called out at the same time!

"Oh, my bad Spike!” It was as if the pegasus only now realized that Spike was there! “I didn't even get you ready yet!” She almost jumped him like a hungry Applejack pounced on a plate of apple fritters!

Well, he figured, at least she's no longer molesting her friend. Maybe they could somehow fix this mess without the fucking precinct coming down on them, or Fluttershy getting into a lot of trouble!

Rumble and Button gently sat the unicorn down on the bed on the other side of the room. They just hoped they wouldn't ask about the stains, though they were sure that they were from Berry Punch when she had slept through her intoxication again rather than anything more... damning. They hadn't managed to get the sheets to the cleaner yet. However, the two didn't notice how Moondancer stared as Fluttershy swiftly pulled out Spike's dick and got to work to 'get him ready'.

The introverted unicorn wondered where her long time colleague had learned these... skills! She worked the dragon's cock like the actresses in the movies she had watched! She was sucking him off as if she was going to starve without his cream! And to Spike's credit, it seemed like he was taking it very well and would take a while to give her her desired reward. He had even grabbed her head with both his hands and was supporting the movements of her head!

It seemed like Fluttershy was of the opinion that Spike was ready: She tried to pull away from his cock, but was hindered from doing so by her own lips, locked firmly around the shaft. It gave her a truly lewd appearance that stood in stark contrast to the pegasus' usual appearance! Finally, she managed to pull her mouth away, a trail of spit connecting her lips to the dragon's cock still! Slowly, her head turned, and she fixed the other mare again. "You too, Moondancer!" Her hand, and facial expression, invited kindly.

To the surprise of the three males, the unicorn stood up and slowly started to walk over, as if in trance. Rumble and Button moved to hold her back, fearing that this apparent calmness was but hiding an anger that would unload once she reached Fluttershy!

Instead... she knelt down besides the pegasus! “Oh... Oh my... I've never...” She trailed off as her hand brushed over Spike's length. “Feels... nice!”

Letting out a defeated sigh, he turned to the two stallions. “Button... go and get Zecora!” He had a feeling that one of her creations might be involved...

“Yes, Spike!”

When he returned with the zebra, Zecora carried Fluttershy's bag, which she had picked up at the bar. Moondancer, meanwhile, had begun to copy what Fluttershy had done before... And with, for Spike and Rumble, surprising gusto! Rumble had tried to hold her back, but instead, the two mares together had gotten his dick out as well! Now, Shy was sucking him while Moondancer's left hand was fondling his balls! And he had to admit, she didn't do a bad job at it!

“Do you have any idea what is going on with these two?!” Rumble, as much as he enjoyed the feeling, sounded exasperated! Nopony wanted any of the trouble this could cause...

Zecora pulled the pills out of the plastic bag. “It seems.” she said, taking a close look, “that Fluttershy got a hold of one of my new products... Judging by how little is missing from that one pill, it's stronger than I expected! Sugar Belle was to grate some of them into the drinks of guests who want a little extra, you know. Of course telling them that they were trying a new product. I wanted to gauge how strong the effects would be.”

“Why not make them a powder to begin with?” Spike asked.

“Using a grater can allow Sugar Belle to keep the dosage low, and if something happens you don't have suspicious white powder flying everywhere! And before you ask: I don't think both had some of the stuff. Fluttershy, from what Button told me, acted first and her friend only started to act up when she got here. The timing is off.”

Spike shrugged. That was never his area. And, being honest, for what he suspected was a beginner, the unicorn was giving pretty good head... “Ya think some traces could've gotten into Moondancer from Shy's spit?”

“No!” Zecora objected sternly! “Absolutely impossible!”#

In the meantime, Button had noticed something about Moondancer's rear. Kneeling as she was, her ass strained her pants, and there were some shapes showing... Curiosity got the better of him and, before any of them could react, he had pulled her pants off! Spreading her cheeks... “Holy shit!”

“What?!” Rumble, Spike and Zecora called out together!

“Spike!” The earth pony stared at his boss with utter disbelief! “She... She has...”

“What? Is she packing?” It wouldn't be the first time they'd run into that.

“No! She has,-” Button continued, slowly pulling something out and causing the unicorn to let out a displeased noises, “-she has a huge vibrator inside of her!” He held it up. It really was pretty big. “I think it's almost the size of Big Mac! And a butt plug as well!”

For a few moments, silence reigned the room! Even Fluttershy seemed to stop her work as the realization sank in. Slowly, Moondancer began to remove herself from Spike's cock...

Then, still baffled, Spike said: “She's a slut!”

“Yes! I am a slut!” The unicorn cried out, shaking her ass needily! “You have no idea how much of a slut I am! I'm a needy whorse!”

“Girls... can you take over security for a bit?” The dragon talked into his ear piece again. “And now,-” He roughly grabbed Moondancer's jaw and pulled her to her hooves, “-we talk.”

“No! No talking! Stuff me! Fill me! “ She whined.

Over Moondancer's whining, Spike almost overheard the “What's up?” In Tempest's voice.

“Fluttershy and her friend... have some issues Rumble, Zecora, Button Mash and I have to... attend.” This time, the answer wasn't words, but an annoyed grumbling. But it meant that she understood. He'd explain it later, and she would see why.

Moments later, Moondancer swallowed Spike's cock again, and Shy did the same to Rumble. Now, the dragon realized that she must have practiced a lot with her toys... However, as pleasing as she was, And this time, the dragon was rough. He grabbed her long, multi-coloured hair and forcefully pulled her off of his dick!

“You want this, right?!” He asked Moondancer, slapping his saliva-coated cock against her check a few times to emphasize it. “If you want it... tell us what is going on!”

The unicorn almost hissed angrily before letting out an annoyed sigh. Finally, she complied. “Yes! I am a colossal slut!” She cried out, all restrained breaking loose now! “I barely leave my apartment after work, spending most of my time off watching, reading, or playing porn! Vanilla, lesbian, gay, breeding, preggo, orgies, corruption, mind breaking, netorare, rape, striped, draked, even a little bit of pissplay when I felt very kinky! Some incest... and much more! Using my toys... I even go to work with both holes stuffed... I don't wear underwear, even when I'm wearing a skirt! On the bus, or the subway, I fantasize about being groped... It even happened once, and it was sooo good!” Moondancer's eyes started to roll into the back of her head, and it seemed like she was almost creaming herself in the excitement of finally being able to tell this to others! “I finally got my first taste of real dick, and I never want to go back to toys only again!”

Fluttershy had stopped servicing Rumble again. “My, you really are a hopeless slut, Moon...” She cooed, turning around so that her cheek pressed against Moondancer's, while Rumble's dick was lying on her ass. “Why didn't you tell me? I would have brought you here much sooner!” Shy capped this off by licking over the unicorn's face.

“I didn't know how interesting this place would be...,I never was one for clubs!” Moondancer told her as she completely removed her pants! Spike let go of her hair, when, in a sad tone, she added: “Believe me... being an introvert who also is a giant slut craving to be used as a cum dump is no fun... On the one hand, you want to tell the next best somewhat handsome guy 'bend me over, fuck my brains out! Breed me! Make me your slave! Your cock sleeve!' On the other hand, you just don't get your fucking mouth open! And you'd die of shame if you did!”

“So, you are not under the influence of any substances?” Zecora joined in again, a grin creeping onto her face as she, now nude, was pulling a strap-on into position. “No behavior changing substances or anything?” In the minds of the guys as well, everything began to look far more pleasing than before...

“Nothing except for three drinks!” Moondancer replied as she pulled her turtleneck sweater off, giving the assembled crowd a nice titty drop! She really went all in on 'no underwear'... “When Fluttershy started making out with me, I was... surprised! But then, I got into it... And when you brought me back here, tried to stop her, and didn't make a big deal out of her sucking you off and all that... And when I saw that dick.. I finally broke out of my shell, finally showed my real self! Please! Allow me to be who I really am!”

Spike looked at the already nude Zecora who was running her right index and middle fingers over the plastic cock she was wearing, then exchanged looks with Button and Rumble. A moment later, they stripped nude. “Well, Moondancer...,-” He told her, squatting down to be level with her head, “- I guess it is your lucky night. We will use you to our hearts' content. Which will be your hearts' content. We will make you our fuck pet! A dirty, cock-craving slut. You will be our cum dump, even when the night is over! You will be one of us, just like Fluttershy, a friend, a guest, a playmate... Do you want that?”

“Stop asking!” She growled! “START FUCKING!”

“Rumble...” Spike adressed the white pegasus, “You and me take her. Zecora! You and Button Mash take care of Fluttershy!”

“How do you want to start?” Rumble asked his boss.

“How about a spit roast?” Moondancer suggested before Spike could answer! And from there, she escalated quickly! Each suggestion caused her face to contort more with the expectation of bliss! “A hard fuck from the rear while I choke on cock shoved down my throat! Then, I ride one of you while the other fucks my ass! Afterwards, I get lifted in a full nelson! One of you from the front, the other from the rear! And, finally, it gets capped off with all three of you covering me with your hot spunk!”

“Well, I guess she knows what she wants!” Spike laughed! Then, he himself grinned his predatory, teeth-showing smile. “Let's indulge her... Rumble, you can have the honor.”

“Thank you, boss!” He laughed! “Make sure you give her glasses a nice coating!”

In the meantime, Fluttershy was lubing up Zecora's strap-on.

It took a long time, but, finally, Moondancer was finished, years of pent up frustrations satisfied, they had gone through her suggestions and more! In the end, their two groups had just fused into one orgy. The unicorn had eaten out her friend and colleague and the zebra before being finished off with a cock in ass, mouth and pussy. Now, she lay on the bed, giggling happily.

Fluttershy, sitting at the food of the bed, began to groan! “Oh... my head... What happened?” She started to clutch the aforementioned body part. “I didn't have that many drinks, did I? What time is it?!”

Spike offered her a glass of water, which she took gratefully. “You, and Moondancer, have been here for three hours. And from what I know, you've had three drinks.”

Fluttershy licked her lips! “Thanks, Spike! Why does my mouth taste like cum? Tastes like... Rumble... Button... And you, Spike! Did we have a little party? But why can I not...” She emptied the glass of water in one swoop.

“Probably because of the same reason your head hurts!” Zecora gently brushed over Shy's pink mane. “You tried one of my new products, and it turned out to be far more potent than I had expected, based on the small amount of removed from the pill...”

As if that had been all that was needed, the memories, at least before she got into the room, returned! “I didn't put anything into Moondancer's drink, did I?! I was thinking about doing it, for some reason, but...” The pegasus felt awful for having even contemplated to do so! What had been wrong? Maybe she had felt pressured to make sure nothing bad about Spike and the others would trickle back to the others?

“No, you didn't;” Zecora told her, explaining what she had before. They all wondered how she even got her hands on the stuff, but that would be investigated later! For now, Shy let out a breath of relief! “But,” the zebra continued, “you forced yourself on her!” She gave a short run down of what had happened in the club and when they'd been brought here, stopping before thinks got really spicy.

“I did what?! Oh no!” Shy looked, and felt, miserable when she heard what she had done! “I hope... I don't think Moondancer can ever forgive me! I wanted to help you, and just ruine everyth-,,,”

“D-don't worry, Fluttershy!” The unicorn that had just been mentioned stirred, sense returning to her! She moved herself to the end of the bed, her head hanging over the edge. “You did me a favor!” Moondancer told Fluttershy as she looked at her big blue eyes.

“I did what?!”

“A favor!” Moon repeated, grinning broadly! Her left hand squeezed one of her nipples, causing her to moan. “You allowed me to finally be the slut I am!”

Fluttershy looked like her brain had overloaded. “I think I can't follow...”

And now, Spike, and Moondancer, explained what else had happened. Fluttershy stared at her colleague as if she didn't belief that the pony in the story could've been her.

“Yes! And finally I know a place to live out all of my needy fantasies!” She confirmed.

“Fluttershy,” Spike turned to the pegasus again, “tell her the rules.”

Fluttershy did tell Moondancer what it entailed to be... associated with Spike and co. And the boons. Thinking only about what she could do, Moondancer agreed without a moment's hesitation! Just like Fluttershy, Moondancer too would have to balance her loyalty to her colleagues very carefully with her loyalty to the dragon and his gang!

She didn't care. In fact, her mind was already thinking about ways to make it more kinky! “Maybe I could get a tattoo or something! To show that-...”

Spike, Rumble, Button and Zecora knew where this was going and immediately cut her off! “No!” The idea certainly was nice, thrilling even. But it was just too much of a risk. Though Spike had to admit that the image of seeing the Crusaders, Harshwhinny, Saffron, Fluttershy and Moondancer with a tattoo, in nice places, proclaiming their allegiance did have a certain something. Well, two ponies on the force for them. And one of them even was running forensics. Maybe she could even fix evidence for them if need be...

“How did you get into this?!” Moondancer asked Fluttershy! She sounded half-offended at not being brought in earlier!

“Well, over all what I told back then was true, but... there is a little more to it...” And now, Fluttershy recalled the whole story.

After a few more minutes to recover, the two went back to the club. They had some more fun that they could actually tell their colleagues about, and found some stuff they could tell without making the club seem any more, or less, involved in shady stuff than most other clubs in Manehattan.

A few hours later, after closing, Fluttershy and Moondancer had gone home. And, now that he could play the whole thing through in his mind, Spike was furious... "WHO THE FUCK IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS?!" He shouted at the full array of this evening's staff! While there had been some fun in it at the moment, it could've gone very wrong! He didn't like having to act like that, all here were friends and, basically, family! But sometimes, you had to lay down the law... "Do you have ANY idea how dangerous that is? ESPECIALLY with Fluttershy?! What do you think will happen if we don't notice and she runs off like that? At best, she fucks some strangers... at worst something could happen to her... or she gets snatched up by some asshole that might put two and two together OR her colleagues find out... and considering what she knows, neither of those options is particularly good...

The silence of the grave dominated the room for the next minute. Finally, swallowing hard, Rumble stepped forward, obviously nervous! "I- I think that's my fault. I saw the pills lying on one of the desks and thought they were for Sugar Belle. I wanted to give them to her and got distracted by some drunk hitting on Fluttershy's friend. Must've left them lying on the bar, and Shy saw them. When that guy and I fought, she must've swooped them. I did check in later, but I guess that, if I even thought about them anymore, I must've figured that Sugar Belle got them!”

“Rumble,” the boss gave him his best Kubrick stare, accentuated by the flashing of his teeth, “I appreciate your honesty, and I'm happy that you came forward and owned it up. It looks like it went well this time, but next time PLEASE remember: Don't let any of our product lie around like that!... Unless s we're doing some sort of event where we do that, if that ever happens...”

“I understand. Thank you, Spike.”

“That doesn't mean, however, that you get off without punishment!” Spike's eyes narrowed to slits. He wasn't getting off with a stern warning for this one! And he already had an idea! His teeth showed once again, in the familiar dangerous grin! “We'll have a mare's night again! And guess who'll be allowed to be the main attraction. The mares really like you... and so do some of the stallions.” Spike gave Rumble's butt a slap as he laughed.

“Oh crap...” Rumble shuddered. So did some of the other male bouncers. The mare nights they had hosted early on had been very successful, but... It had been a bit of a shock how crazy some mares got! There had been actual injuries to the staff! Even Spike himself hadn't been unscathed! Because of that, they had dialed them down massively in extent, and, finally, stopped them altogether. “Well, it could be worse.”

“That it could be...” The boss' eyes twinkled dangerously as he thought about it! “Maybe we should go the extra mile and do the whole program!” Rumble shuddered... Spike was enjoying seeing him squeal a little too much! But then again, he had just fucked up royally... “They'll go wild, especially if Big Mac, Rumble and I join the fun... let's hope you're not completely used up by the customers by then!”

"Oh, and Sunset?” Spike turned to the club's manager. “make preparations for the “Mare's Night" for next Wednesday. And put Rumble all the way up in terms of who's getting advertised."

"Mmmh~..." She hummed, an arm around Flash's hip. “The mares always go wild seeing a coltish stallion like him ravaged on stage!” Saying this, she and boyfriend walked over to Rumble and the unicorn playfully rubbed the white pegasus' private parts through his pants! “Especially when participation is allowed.”

Rumble shuddered. And not only because of the feeling of Sunset's hand on his junk! He, like the other bouncers, knew well enough how terrifying even a slightly drunk mare could be when she wanted a piece of an attractive stallion! Even more so once they got older. For some mares, it seemed like the level of 'acceptable behavior' dropped harder and harder the older they got...

“Rumble, if necessary I will personally make sure that you won't be able to sit for a week...” Spike capped it off. “By the way... does anyone have any idea where Cozy Glow is?”

Sunset shrugged. “Sorry, no! She swapped shifts with Lily, so she should be here tomorrow!”

“I guess it's fine. As long as she isn't skipping shifts, or is here when needed... Just haven't seen her in a while. That's all.”

12 Small progressions and other things

It had been a while since Moondancer's first visit to the club, and like the pegasus, she had become a regular now! Sometimes they came together, sometimes alone. Though while Fluttershy enjoyed the club for its normal business as well as the other... benefits, Moondancer's preferences were with the carnal. Where Shy had needed convincing, she jumped at the call to indulge her desires in anonymity! Whenever Rarity brought in a new, slutty design for the club, and the nerdy unicorn was at the club, she jumped at the chance to try it on, and considering the things she was willing to do, it was unlikely she'd rat them out! She was having far too much fun, and she surely didn't want her friends and colleagues to find out how much of a depraved whore she really was... After all, if it came out, even became public knowledge, not only would her image be ruined! Any crook who found out about it might be able to bend her to his whims just by dangling his cock in her face! Figuratively... and literally... Which would put into question all the cases she had worked on...

On the club side, the Mare's Night had been a great success, though Rumble still groaned every now and then. Despite the groaning, however, they all knew he had enjoyed it more than he wanted to let on.

Meanwhile, after some time of negotiations and preparations, the contract with that little bakery, Sugarcube Corner, that Spike had found, was nearing its finalization! In fact, Mr. and Mrs. Cake, the owners, were in his office to put pen to paper right now! Starlight had worked out a contract that was good for both sides, and Sunset already had made some preparations to fit a small kitchen into one of the rooms in the back!

For the most part, they'd just use pre-made, frozen stuff from the bakery, but some things would be, more or less, fresh. Pizza, for example. Pinkie Pie, who was there with them, was going to teach some of the club's stuff how to everything! And, when she had the time, she would put in some shifts herself! Payed for by Spike, of course. This would allow Pinkie to make some extra money, helping both her and her sister, as well as have some fun! Over the last few weeks, she had told Spike how much she liked to party, but she didn't get the chance as often as she'd like to. Well, with her getting into the club with no problem from now on...

And the pink pony would bring even more to the table! She liked to party, yes, but even more: She, apparently, was at the very least competent as a planner! On a commission base, she would organize events for the club! At first alongside Sunset Shimmer, but if she proved herself as capable as she appeared, maybe even on her own! Heck! If she proved herself well enough, maybe they'd offer her a proper place in their group!

Pinkie Pie was already making some plans for a small test party! She would throw throw a few of them, advertised some time before, and mainly a sort of special event for the evening, until she settled in well enough. In time, her first big challenge would be Tartarus' first ever Nightmare Night party, which, if they got lucky, would be attended by some of Manehattan's most famous citizens! Maybe even Mayor Celestia and her sister, after Spike had met Luna at Filthy Rich's party! Maybe even Filthy Rich himself, Diamond Tiara would probably try to convince her dad...

Pinkie Pie meanwhile was sitting at the bar and chatting with Lillie Lace, Button Mash, Holly Dash, another one of the dancers/servers and Double Diamond. “So... you work at a bakery?” Holly asked her. “Anything special you do?”

“Pies, cakes, eclairs, croissants, bread, pretzels, buns... basically everything!” The bubbly baker gave them a wink. “You should really come over at some point! Maybe after closing time? Have a nice breakfast? Spike had the idea with this collaboration for a reason!”

Diamond had to admit: “Honestly? Not a bad idea! Once the night's over, I'm usually starving...”

“What would you suggest for a breakfast?” Lillie asked, herself curious. Honestly? She did hope it wouldn't be a lengthy list of tantalizing treats... She didn't need to get hungry now!

“She's right. If we're going to work together in future,” Feather Bangs figured as he and Rumble joined them, “we should know about that sorta stuff!”

An impish grin crept on Pinkie's face, as she began to mention a few things... “I like cream pies the most! But I also think that licking out a hone ypot can be very tasty!” When she mentioned cream pies and honey pots, she gave her body a little jiggle.

The four stared at each other in confusion! Cream pies and honeypots for breakfast? “Wait a moment!” Holly's mind finally worked the implications out! “Are you suggesting...?” All of them were more than accustomed to this sort of behavior, but her doing it like that, right now, was a bit of a surprise... But also, especially after seeing her boobs jiggle, the others had to admit: she was plump in all the right places! And she'd probably a lot of fun to knead...

“Maybe~...” Pinkie teased as she turned around! Bending over slightly, causing her skirt to rise up a little, she continued: “Wanna grab mybuns?”

The group blinked for a moment... When Derpy joined them and gave Pinkie's ass a squeeze! “Sure! Though I prefer muffins!” The ditzy pegasus teased! “Dinky's having a sleepover at a friend's place tonight, and I would like to get some relief...”

“Somepony who knows what she wants!” Pinkie Pie cheered, turning back again and offering her hand! “Hi! I'm Pinkie! And you are?”

“Derpy Hooves!”

“I guess we just didn't expect you to come in here and offer us to rail you!” Button laughed! Too bad Rumble wasn't on duty tonight! His friend would've enjoyed this... “Most ponies open up slowly!”

“I'm a very open pony!” Pinkie Pie laughed! That much had been obvious. “And I love to party, maybe Spike told you already? He wants me to, maybe, organize some parties at the club! And you know what happens when you party hard, maybe had a few drinks, and other things to make the music hit harder... And I've heard stories about this place!”

Spike, Tempest, Sunset, Starlight and the Cakes left the office, the contract freshly signed! As the Cakes, Tempest and Sunset went downstairs to have a celebratory drink – the bar downstairs had a much bigger selection than the one in Spike's and Tempest's office - the dragon leaned over the railing and saw the hands of Derpy and Double Diamond on Pinkie's fat ass. He watched as tbhey moved to the back. “Damn it...” Spike grumbled. “I wanted to be the first to get his claws on her!”

He turned his head when he heard a familiar laugh! Applejack, who had, as so often, stood guard next to the entrance had overheard him! “Come on, boss! Let them have their fun!”

“Yeah!” The voice of Apple Bloom joined in, as she and her friends followed behind her older sister! “You got us! And DT and Silver Spoon!”

“And my sister!” Sugar Belle agreed, looking down at the small group at the bar.

Scootaloo, also looking down, added: “And you can still fuck her some other time!”

Down at the bar, Tempest looked surprised. “Hey! Where did everypony go?!”

“No idea...” Sunset sighed. “Well, I can mix a drink well enough... And once they are back, I can still chew them out!”

“On that topic... what about you three?” Spike turned the topic around on the CMC! “And, by extension, our dear guests...

“Let's just say Button and Rumble happened on us...” Apple Bloom giggled adorably.

“Or...” Sweetie corrected, “in us!”

“And maybe we gave Flash a good time...” The young pegasus shrugged.

“And DD and Feather...” Bloom chuckled.

“And then there was that time with Fleur and Zecora...”

“And Fluttershy and Cloud Chaser...” Scootaloo noted.

“And-...” Apple Bloom had been just about to mention something that had happened a few nights ago... Big Mac had gotten a little bit tipsy, or maybe rather flat out drunk, which took a lot, and the three had used that... It might have been not their best decision, and it still hurt a little... Not to mention that some might object to incest...

“Enough!” Laughing, Spike interrupted them! “You're having fun, we get it!”

Applejack shook her head! “The moment you get OK, you're jumping on the opportunity to fuck everypony?” She sounded disapproving, but couldn't hide a little smile. Her sister was blooming quickly. Pun not intended.

The younger Apple shrugged, her expression becoming a little smug: “Yeah. And we ain't stopping!” She got an idea... “Say, AJ... ever thought about having some lucky stud have a threesome with two Apple sisters?”

Spike's ears perked up! That was an idea that should be followed up upon. Maybe with Rarity and Sweetie Belle... But they'd need to find a fitting partner for Scootaloo... Well, better to move the topic along before AJ might get angry by such suggestions! “By the way, why are you three here? I thought you had the night off!”

Applejack took it upon herself to answer: “I'm taking the young'uns to a monster truck show later this evening!”

“Hmm... Sounds entertaining! Have fun!”

“You know,-” Bloom grabbed the dragon's left arm and pressed it against her chest, “-we still have one ticket left, if you want...

“Originally, we wanted to take Gabby along!” AJ explained, “But she's on duty this evening and didn't want to swap shifts.”

“Yes! Please come with us!” Sweetie copied what her friend was doing with Spike's other arm!

And Scootaloo added by playing extra cute: “Pwease!”

“When are we leaving?” Spike sighed, realizing he wouldn't win against the three, probably four judging by AJ's amused expression. There wasn't much planned for the evening anyway, and Tempest and Sunset were more than able to deal with that stuff...

“In about an hour, maybe an hour and a half.” Applejack shrugged.

“Enough time to get some work in then. If you see Big Mac, send him up, please!”

When Pinkie and the others left the backroom, very satisfied, the baker and party mare had one major thing on her mind: She had to get Maude here at some point... Her sister could use some loosening up!

About an hour later, Spike had worked his way through some paperwork and given Big Mac some tasks. There was a new gang trying to muscle in on their territory. He was to take Cloud Chaser and some of the other muscle and send them a message. Scared, not dead, if possible. Then, they'd have to pay a visit to a store that was, apparently, considering to renegade on their arrangements, possibly because of pressure from other gangs, or because the owner was a stubborn, annoying old codger who didn't see the advantages it brought for him.

Mac would remind him, and leave. If some other gang showed up to wreck that guy's shit, it wasn't their problem. They would offer to protect him again, but for more money than before!

Zecora reported that her newest batch of product had been finished and was awaiting pick-up from their... partners.

All in all, everything seemed to be doing well! It was just... fairly boring. Though that was about to change! Spike looked up as he heard a knock at the door! “Yes! Come in!”

It was Rarity! And she was carrying a bag... “Spike, I've got a present for you!” She pulled a small chest out of the bag and laid it on his desk. “Open it, please!”

The dragon did. Inside of the black chest, in a nest of red velvet, he found something that looked suspiciously like a dog collar. “Thanks, I guess? Though that's not really my style!”

“You foolish dragon, you!” The white unicorn laughed! “Darling, I don't want YOU to wear it! I will wear it FOR you!” She snatched the collar out of the chest and placed it around her neck, the black leather contrasting with her fur! A heart-shaped pedant slipped into sight, hidden under the collar when it had lain inside its packaging. It read 'Spike's'.

“It's enchanted,” she explained. “Snap your finger, please.”

He did.

“Spike's” changed to “Spike's Pet.” After another snap it became “Spike's Slut”. Then “Spike's Toy,” “Spike's Fucktoy,” and finally “Spike's Cum Dump.”

Spike chuckled! “I think I prefer 'pet', for now. Does it always switch when I snap or...”

“No, you can fix it by running your thumb down the back of the pedant!” She told him! “It's not all, by the way!” Then, Rarity pulled a leash out of her bag and let it snap into the collar. She handed it over to Spike.

For a moment, he just stared at the leash. A smile started to spread across his muzzle and then he slowly started to pull her closer and closer. When she had reached him, and was staring at his crotch, Spike gave her another tug! When they were nearly muzzle to muzzle, he stopped and stared into her eyes. Then, one final tug and their lips met, and Rarity let one of her dress halters slip down.

As they were engrossed in their kiss, the office door opened and two mares entered! Octavia Melody, and DJ Pon-3 had come to pay a visit!

“Hey, Octavia! Hey, Vinyl!” He smiled a little when he saw the DJ's face darken a tiny bit. He knew that she preferred to be called by her stage name by most, especially when in front of ponies that didn't know her real name. But Spike couldn't help himself! After all, he and the others knew her since before she became one of the most popular DJ's in Manehattan, or even all of Equestria! For them, she'd always be Vinyl Scratch! And she knew that. With the gang, she played up the displeasure. They had permission to call her that!

Octavia took a close look at Rarity's neck! “Nice collar, Rarity!”

“Yours isn't bad either, Octavia!” Rarity replied, noticing that the grey earth pony also was wearing a collar with an engraved pendant!

“Thanks! Vinyl gave it to me for our anniversary last week. I took her out for dinner, and she gave me this...”

“What does the engraving stand for?” Spike wondered. “'P3P'?”

“Pon-3's Pet!” The DJ grinned, running a hand up her girlfriend's thigh! Octavia always whimpered so nicely when she got aroused... “Wanna bang before we get to work?” The usually laconic unicorn cut straight to the point.

But in that moment, Spike's phone rang. He checked it. Applejack was notifying him that they were leaving in a few minutes and that he should get moving. He sighed. “I'd love to, but I'm going with Applejack and the Crusaders this evening.”

“Oooh...” Octavia sounded as disappointed as her lover looked! “Maybe some other time, then?”

Her girlfriend went a step further: “Or maybe a big fuck session like in the old days?”

“Maybe we can arrange something!” Spike admitted as he slipped into his jacket and gave Rarity a parting kiss! “We'll see! Have a nice evening! Maybe you'll find a cute stallion to rut you during your show!”

A few moments after the door closed behind Spike, Vinyl turned to the other unicon. “Hey! Rarity! Up for a threesome?”

She grinned and let the other halter slip down.

Spike met Applejack and the Cutie Mark Crusaders outside. “You know...,” She told Spike as she lead them all to her pick-up truck, “I still think we should have a fighting pit! Maybe in one of the still empty floors downstairs! If you want it to have some sex to it, it could be nude fighting. Maybe the winner gets to fuck the looser...”

“Can you please talk about that stuff when we're in private?” Her boss grumbled! “No need for anypony to listen in on that shit! But I will suggest it to Tempest and Sunset.”

AJ chuckled to herself. After a few minutes, she told them: “The car's around the corner!”

Immediately, the Crusaders rushed ahead! And when Spike and Applejack reached said corner, they heard Apple Bloom call out “Shotgun!”

“Shotgun!” Scootaloo called out just a second too late! “Fuck!”

That meant that Apple Bloom was the co-driver next to her sister, and Spike, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were in the backseats. It ended up working out fine for the two mares, however, since they were in the back with Spike!

When Apple Bloom noticed that they were making out with Spike, she was rather annoyed! “Hey!”

“Sorry, Bloom!” Sweetie told her uncharacteristically smug! “It's really unlucky that you got to drive shotgun, instead of with Spike!”

Later this evening, Manehattan harbor.

Sombra was spending the evening on his yacht in the Manehattan's harbor. The 'Crystal Empire' was 465 feet from bow to stern! It wasn't his biggest, or most luxurious yacht either, but it held a special place in his heart. After all, it had been the first yacht he'd bought after he'd made it.

Radiant Hope aside, he was attended by seven stunning females. All of them were clad in very expensive, and yet extremely skimpy, dresses, courtesy of Suri, as they served his whims. All his whims!

A Griffon, a hippogriff, a kirin and a pegasus, who were taking care of his needs, combing his mane, massaging his shoulders, manicuring and so on. A zebra and a saddle-arabian pony were kneeling below his desk and taking care of his other needs, while a dragoness came and delivered a new glass of wine alongside of some assorted snacks to him.

Radiant aside, he probably enjoyed the feisty dragoness, Cinder or something like that, the most. Had some real fire to her, pun intended, but once he got going, she turned to mush. It was always a fun experience. Of course, he had more than those seven. But they were trained to work on ships, so they were his go to on his yachts.

Right now is looking over some financial reports. From both, his legal and illegal businesses. It might seem very stupid to do so, surrounded by so many ponies, and that wasn't including Sans Smirk, who was in the city, taking care of any business related calls during Sombra's short rest. But all seven of them had been well trained to be his servants. They'd been scooped up, used as guinea pigs for his projects, and when they had shown promise, he'd taken them as his personal servants! They'd even been trained as bodyguards, and they were, if they had to act, very deadly.

Sombra let out a dark chuckle as he saw the figures from one of his newer projects... He had, of course taking precautions that none of it could be connected to him, or his company, bought an old cargo ship. A very big one. In a less law-abiding region, he had it overhauled and refitted Into a floating pleasure palace! The deck was lined with gambling dens and brothels, and the bridge tower had been converted into a replica of the Crystal Empire's castle. There, an arena was set up, hosting fighting tournaments. At times to the death. Cabaret clubs, a boutique of the highest quality... Everything was taken care off.

If you had the money, you could fulfill your most debased desires there. And those that fell into debt and can't pay... Were made into the same slaves they had used and abused before.

Now, the ship was sitting just outside of Equestria's territorial waters, protected by a small armada of guards, and equipped with state of the art sensory jamming equipment and more. If this investment payed off as well as he hoped it would, and it most likely would, he might build one or two more of these ships. In fact, he could use them to off shore some of his production facilities and test labs!

As he contemplated this, Sombra's phone rang! According to the device, it was Sans. He knew that he didn't want to be disturbed right now... So it had to be important...

“I hope it is important...” He hissed icyly.

“Sir, we might have a new lead...”

Sombra's mood changed immediately! “... What is it?”

“It's an anonymous tip.” Sans Smirk explained. “I have the letter in front of me. It was delivered to one of our dead drops. No idea how that pony found out about them, and the cameras didn't deliver anything of value either. The deliverer was fully clothed, hid his face... Whoever it is, he's good...”

“What does the letter say?”

“I checked the information with what we have. It most likely is one of the buildings we're looking for.”

“Really? Are you sure?”

“Yes. An old factory hall in one of the worst parts of Manehattan. We had to do some serious digging before I called you, but according to a number of documents we found, and the ones we DIDN'T find, it's likely that it is one of the buildings. Maybe even one with value. Whoever delivered us this tip, however he found out what we're looking for... I am impressed.”

“I have to agree. Maybe we could hire him. Either that, or, once we know who it is,...” The implication was left unsaid. Either that pony could be a very useful asset, or an annoying threat that had to be dealt with. “Buy it. Immediately.”

“There is just one issue...”

“That would be?” The boss' voice was a low, quiet rumble. Anticipation, greed, and the determination to do whatever it took swung in every word. He didn't want problems...

“The building was sold a while ago. It has been turned into one of Manehattan's more popular clubs, 'Tartarus'.”

“Who's the owner?”

“A dragon called Spike. Maybe you've seen him on some tabloids. Green-and-purple scales...”

“Yes. I know. Met him at Filthy's charity event.” Sombra let out a sigh. He had honestly kind off liked the dragon! Too bad that he now became an obstacle. And obstacles had to be dealt with. “Buy them out! Offer them a new building in a better location, alongside a fair amount of money!” He ordered Sans Smirk! And then, he added far more angrily, “I didn't spend over a decade looking for maybe exactly that building, just to be stopped by some upstart gutter rat!” He had kind off liked the guy, but now that he was competition, there was no reason to play nicer than he had to! Maybe, if he took the offer, he would consider giving the kid some assistance, seemed to be smart enough, but until then... “And do it over a few letterbox companies!”

“Of course, sir.” Sans Smirk agreed, already typing things down on his tablet. “And if they don't want to sell?”

“Send some of Hard Hat and his guys to send a message. Wait... have Trouble Shows with them. That should get the message across! And if they still have second thoughts about selling... maybe we could also ask Wind Rider and his Washouts for a favor, or maybe put pressure from the authorities son them...... I don't want to have Umbrum Enterprises connected to this in any way! It'd raise too many questions why we are interested in that club!”

13 Precinct at the club

A few weeks had passed since the last notable events. At Fluttershy's precinct, Spitfire called her officers again. “Alright everyone! Listen up! Fluttershy and Moondancer didn't find out too much-...”

“Sorry...” Fluttershy's quiet voice was barely audible over her captain's barking.

“-but it isn't that surprising!” Spitfire continued, apparently not even hearing Fluttershy. She wasn't displeased at all with what the two had managed! “After all, this sorta work isn't really for them! But they did manage to integrate themselves with the club's stuff and patronage! Therefore, it was decided that I will select a group of officers to accompany the two, and myself, to Tartarus.”

Fluttershy and Moondancer exchanged worried looks!

“I am not going to ask for volunteers, because I expect 95% of the precinct to volunteer for a party night paid for by the city!” The orange pegasus immediately made clear! A few hands already raised in preparation immediately went down again. “Instead, I have made a list of the officers I want to have along: Rainbow Dash, Thunderlane, Gilda, Fluttershy, Soarin, Angel Wings, Fire Streak, Fleetfoot, Blaze, Bright Bulb and Night Watch!” However, after a moment of contemplation, she added two more names: “And Gallus and Sandbar!” The new ones she took along to see how they'd proof themselves.

A lot of disappointed faces, but none of them could argue with most of the choices. And they trusted Captain Spitfire's gut feeling regarding the newbies, who couldn't believe their luck. “At least if Fluttershy can arrange for all of us to get in. If she can't, we'll have to see how many do.”

Shy blinked! “You want me to do what?”

“Just try to get us all in. Maybe tell them we're friends of yours. If it doesn't work, we'll work with who we can get in.”

Later that day:

“So, your colleagues want to pay us a visit?” Tempest raised an eyebrow, sitting behind her desk in the office.

“Mhm.” Shy nodded, shrinking a little under the unicorn's stern glare. I mean, cou could have them sent away by Big Mac or whoever has the door...”

“If we send them all away, that'd be suspicious!” Spike objected! “We'll have to let in at least a few of them.”

Sunset was tapping her cheek as she was thinking about it. “We should allow all of them to come in. Try to keep the evening as neat as we can, give them some bagatelle crap to write down...”

Tempest and Spike agreed. But Tempest got another idea! “Maybe we should get them, or at least some of them, into... situations?”

“What do you mean, Tempest?” Spike asked his partner.

She grinned. “They'll have a good time. They'll get themselves drinks and so on, and we give them a little extra. Not enough to be suspicious, but enough to have them forget their inhibitions!”

“And then, we will get them into situations that they won't want to talk about because of how it'll look!” Sunset concluded! “Say, one of their guys lying with one of our waitresses, a mare getting grabby with one of the bouncers... That sorta stuff. Maybe somepony passing out in a puddle of their own puke?”

“Exactly! Nothing dangerous as such, just stuff that they don't want to appear in their files, or become known in general. Maybe they get a little rowdy...” Tempest Shadow nodded. “You think that would be enough to keep them from sniffing around too much?”

“Maybe... For a while at least...” Fluttershy conceded after a moment of consideration. “But please! Don't do anything to hurt them, or really ruin them! They are still my friends!”

“Don't worry. We'd only do something like that if absolutely necessary!” Sunset comforted her. “Just let us know beforehand if they try it again. Now, maybe you should describe them to us, or even better show us some pictures. We also might have to work out logical excuses for letting them in, if they fall out of line, without letting them know that you told us...

A few days later the house was full! And they had fourteen new semi-on, semi-off duty police officers as guests, each of them with just enough of a masquerade to be able to claim that it was just some other pony that happened to look like them. The officers had spread out over the club. Some alone, others in groups and each with their own cover stories if somepony asked. However, they knew which of the guests were the police and how they looked... Now, it was time to make it a night they wouldn't forget any time soon!

Sunset Shimmer checked the bar, and what she saw didn't please her! “Hey! Bon Bon! Lyra!” She called out angrily, seeing the two being all lovey-dovey! “Stop flirting and get back to work! Lyra! The guests are waiting for their drinks!”

“Oh, don't mind us!” A dark pegasus laughed! “If they start making out, we'll tip extra!”

Sunset recognized the guy as Thunderlane. She took a quick look around to look after Rumble, and saw him slinking in the shadows on the other side of the room, his eyes hidden behind his sun glasses and doing his best to be as inconspicuous as possible, at least as much as he could as bouncer. He really didn't want his brother to notice him.

“As nice as that is, there are a number of guests waiting for their service. And if they aren't happy, as the manager the buck stops with me!” The unicorn explained with a small grin.

“You're the manager?” The stallion seemed surprised! “I thought that dragon owned the club?”

“He, and his partner, own it.” She explained. “I run the day-to-day.”

“Interesting...” He looked like it truly was something interesting, rather than something they could look up on the internet or some official paperwork. Maybe he really didn't know, though it'd be a bit surprising. He flashed her a smile of his own. “Name's Thunderlane, and you, Ms. Manager? Interested in some company?”

As Thunderlane tried to flirt with Sunset, Bon-Bon and her girlfriend did return to work. “Lyra!” Scootaloo came over. “I have an order for table 12! Here!” She handed her the piece of paper with the order written down upon.

While Thunderlane, Bright Bulb and Night Watch were sitting at the bar, posing as just a trio of friends, Angel Wings and Fleetfoot were partying on the dance floor. Blaze and Angel Wings were watching the stage show, and Gallus and Sandbar were trying to chat up some mares. They didn't know where Fluttershy was, but since she knew the owners, they assumed she was probably in some VIP lounge or something.

Gilda, Rainbow Dash, Soarin and Spitfire meanwhile were sitting in one of the corners, acting as two couples. Considering Soarin's and Spitfire's relationship, it wasn't a complete act either. “Oh, cut it out you!~” The orange pegasus purred as Soarin was kissing her neck. “Not now! Maybe when we have some alone time!~”

Dash was telling Gilda a story about a fight she had had: “... and then, I grabbed the guy and-...”

But she was interrupted. Scootaloo showed up with drinks on her tablet! “Here are your drinks!” She told them, as she placed them on the table. Then, her curiosity got the better of her: “Were you just talking about fighting?”

“Yeah!” Rainbow Dash admitted, flashing a cocky grin! “I work in private security, do a lot of sports and I have plenty stories to tell!” She began to list a few encounters she had had. Some even before her time on the police, and the others she claimed to have been while working as security.

“Wow!” The younger pegasus' eyes were almost sparkling! “You're cool! Can you tell me more?!”

“Don't you have to work?” Gilda asked.

“I can call my break now,” Scoots explained, looking at them with big puppy eyes, “so if you don't mind...”

Giddy at hearing somepony so eager to hear her moments of greatness, Dash gave the younger mare a coky grin! “Sure, tell your colleagues that you're on break and sit down! Get yourself something to drink!”

Spitfire shot her a glare, but either Rainbow Dash didn't notice,or didn't care! They were supposed to find out about stuff going on here! Not tell them about stuff they had experienced! But then, Spitfire had to admit, she would probably also love to tell stories about her exploits. Maybe she'd get a chance later... And maybe this young mare would tell them things without noticing... As for now, she grabbed her drink and emptied it in one motion. Dangling the empty glass in front of Scootaloo's eyes. “Before you take that break, bring me a new one!”

Fluttershy was sitting on the couch in Spike's office, trembling due to nervousness. She just hoped everything would be going well... “Spike? Don't you want to go out there and use your charm on them?” She asked him.

The dragon had his feet on his desk as he poured himself a drink. “Later. I'll wait until your colleagues are a bit buzzed.”

“You know, Fluttershy,” Tempest Shadow walked over to her, hands behind the back. Then she bent over, so that the pegasus was staring into her cleavage. “You should help us too!”

“Huh?”

Spike himself was surprised. Apparently, the dark unicorn had had more ideas than what she'd told them...

Tempest pulled out a pink, butterfly shaped mask from behind her back, alongside what Spike recognized as a saddle-arabian inspired harem outfit that Rarity recently had brought to the club.

“But, they know me!” Shy protested.

“Don't worry. There is a little spell on it, helping you not to be recognized. Your appearance will be slightly altered.”

The pegasus stared at pieces in the unicorn's hand. Her nature told her no... But the lewd side of hers that had been awakened when she'd first got here, it pressed her to do it! Her right hand was shaking as she grabbed the mask and placed it on her face. She felt the magic, felt that she somehow changed.

“Nice!” Tempest grinned, taking a picture with her phone and showing it to her. Even Spike was impressed!

Sunset's ear piece made a noise, just as she'd been about to make out a little with Thunderlane! It was a bit disappointing, she had to admit. The pegasus was quite the hunk. Well, maybe later. “Sorry, big guy!” She told him, he reminded her a little bit of a pegasus version of Big Mac. “I'm getting a message from one of my bosses! Maybe you can visit me later. My office is over there!” She pointed at the 'Staff only' door.

“I'll keep that in mind, hot stuff!” Thunderlane grinned, draining another glass, watching her move to the stage, shaking her ass at every step. He almost expected her to flash her panties with that short skirt of hers.

A few minutes later, he heard her voice from the club's speaker system, dominating even the loud music! “Ladies and gentlecolts! Tonight, we have a special attraction for all you horny deviants!”

Well, if Sunset Shimmer wanted attention, she had the attention of most of the club! Thunderlane and basically everyone at the bar had stood up to get a better view, and almost every head was turned to the stage.

Behind the unicorn, a gorgeous, oddly familiar, yellow thestral with a butterfly mask and three bats as her cutie mark appeared on the stage. She had piercing, pigeon blood ruby red eyes, with a certain hunger in them, cute fangs, pink mane, the large breasts, the wide hips... All of which were shown off very alluringly by her the harem dancer outfit she wore, her hipposandal strings going up to her knees.

Damn.... If Thunderlane hadn't been very fine with being a bachelor for the foreseeable future, he wouldn't have minded putting a foal into her. She had that body that made any male want to knock her up... Come to think of it, Fluttershy had a very similar body! But, he figured, since she was always so shy and withdrawn, and always tried to draw no attention to it, it just didn't have the same effect.

“The mysterious... BATMARE!” The announcement finished! Sunset had made that name up on the spot. Not one of the better stage names, she had to admit. But then again, with a look like hers, Fluttershy probably didn't need a clever name. For now, at least.

The moment she had finished the introduction, Sunset teleported herself next to DJ Pon-3, instructing her what sort of music would be needed now! The DJ grinned and gave her a short nod, followed by a short moan. She probably had some pony underneath her turn table again. Or a toy inside of her.

Slowly, but steadily, surprising herself and motivated by the the eyes, and cheers and whistles, from the crowd, Shy surprised herself with her dance performance! She had trained a bit with the other girls, but, despite what they'd told her, never felt any good at it. But, apparently, she was at least not a total catastrophe!

After a few minutes, she let her bra fall to the floor. Leaving Thunderlane's jaw wide open! “What the...” He almost got his drink into his windpipe and just stared.

“I mean, our club is adults only,” Lyra laughed! “It says so outside and in every advertisement! It is for a reason!”

“I...” He didn't know what to say.

“Didn't expect this, big guy?” Bon Bon joined them, letting herself drop onto the barstool next to the pegasus. “There is even more to it, if you want...” She breathed into his ear.

And Thunderlane felt how his little friend started to betray him... Unbeknownst to him, little helpers that Lyra had mixed into his drink helped.

“Uhm...” he suddenly felt uncharacteristically insecure! He knew what he had to offer a mare and rarely had been shy to advertise it in clubs and such, but somehow, right now... “I mean...”

Before he could finish his sentence, Lyra kissed him.

Now, Fluttershy was dancing in the nude, showing off her body in ways she'd never imagined, playing with her breasts, letting some saliva run down, even spreading her legs and lower lips to give the crowd a good look! Her tongue was hanging out of her grinning mouth!

Suddenly, Sunset reappeared on her side! “I hope all of you horndogs enjoyed the show?” She shouted into her microphone to thunderous ovations! She grinned and gave the pegasus a slap on her ass! Instead of yelping in surprise however, she moaned as her butt jiggled.

Sunset moved the microphone away from her mouth as she whispered into Shy's ear: “Ready for the next level?” Putting an emphasis on the word 'level', she brushed over the pegasus' pussy with two fingers from behind!

Fluttershy nodded.

“Well, then it is your lucky night!” The unicorn announced! “I will select two lucky studs from the crowd who will be allowed to have sex with her the whole night!”

Shy licked her lips. She was horny enough for that!

The manager scanned the crowd for candidates. “The blue griffon over there!” Did she pick Gallus on purpose?! Probably... “And... That handsome zebra stud there! Yes! You there in the middle of that group!”

The zebra's 'friends', zebras, ponies, a griffon, all of them far more impressively built than him, glared at the poor guy. Apparently, they had mainly taken him along to show those they wanted to pick up what great catches they were as opposed to 'that wimp'! Now, at least, he was about to have a good time, even if only for the night.

The next morning, most of the precinct of the MPD woke up with a bad hangover... And most of those woke up in the back of the club! Thunderlane had Lyra Heartstrings, Bon Bon and Sunset next to him, Fleetfoot woke up when Big Mac gently removed her from his body, Angel Wings realized that she had shared the night with Cloud Chaser.

Together with that zebra, Gallus woke up with the mysterious thestral mare between them, while Soarin and Sandbar had been with Cloud Chaser's sister, Flitter! Rainbow Dash and Gilda had spent the night with Double Diamond and some male griffon they didn't know.

Fire Streak, Bright Bulb and Night Watch had had less of a fun night, but also less of a headache. They had left after a while. In fact, even before Fluttershy's performance.

“Oh... my head...” Rainbow Dash groaned at the table. Sunset Shimmer had been kind enough to let them stay for a bit until they had recovered, as well as to get them something to eat and drink, the latter ordered from Sugarcube Corner. “What the... Let us never speak of this again!” She whimpered, head between hands.

“Did we have too many drinks?” Gilda didn't look much better. And the two were usually able to down quite a bit of booze! It was just as well that Thunderlane and the others didn't look any better...

Gallus, however, was far more jovial! He and Sandbar hadn't had as much alcohol, and he vividly recalled his experience! “BEST. NIGHT. EVER!”

“You lucky asshole!” Sandbar told him, half-jokingly.

“Quiet down, please...” Spitfire told them. Luckily the zebra had already left. “Did any of you get anything we can use without having to bring this up?” She whispered.

“Well, I saw some guests doing some drugs,” Soarin told them, as he emptied a glass of water in one go. “But I have no reason to believe that they got them here...”

While some of them tried to do their job, Fleetfoot was giving Rainbow Dash and some of the other girls an indication of how big Big Mac really was! “That big red bouncer...,-” she indicated the size with her hands,-”He really made me bounce...”

Rainbow Dash let out an impressed whistle! “Damn! I should've gone after him!”

“Eh... That Double Diamond wasn't bad either!” Gilda came in to the defense of their stallion for the night. “And those three mares? I have to admit, they were pretty good as well!”

“Reminds me,-” Dash's fingers drummed on the table top, “,-You know, those three waitresses. One of them has a sister from what I've seen last night, and... I can't put my finger on it, but I think I know her from somewhere... Was some country looking mare with a cowboy hat.”

“Yeah, I think I also know her from somewhere...” The female griffon agreed, as her eyes moved between Fleetfoot's continued indication of Big Mac's size to Gallus doing the same with that mysterious mare's bust. He was waxing about how soft they'd been...

Suddenly, Dash slapped her hand onto the desk, making most of the hungover undercover cops wince! “I think I got it! Wasn't she with us...”

“What?” The griffoness clutched her ears after the sudden noise!

“Wasn't she with us in the academy?! Applesomesuch?!”

“Wait... the one who was about equal to-...” Golda was cut off...

“Shut it, Dash! And Gilda” Spitfire hissed! “You're giving us away!” Not to mention the splitting headache.

“Sorry...”

They talked for a while longer, but after they had had their breakfast, Sunset threw, quite understandably, out. As they walked to their cars, Spitfire concluded: “Well, I guess we got some stuff we can use without embarrassing ourselves. But nothing to really nail them. Mostly circumstantial stuff, nothing concrete...I guess we will have to continue to keep an eye on them.”

14 Bars

Two weeks after the trip to the club, and two weeks without much success in finding any major things against Spike and his club, the precinct received an anonymous hint! A letter, telling them to “Check the trunk of Spike the Dragon's car before he can leave his home this morning.” The message also included license plate and address.

A police patrol was dispatched so quickly that Fluttershy didn't have any chance to warn the him. Not wanting to give away that they'd been tipped off, they'd made up an excuse for why he had to show them his trunk. “Of course, officers. You'll see there is nothing-...”

The rest of the sentence got stuck in the dragon's throat as he saw some stuff that wasn't his. “What do we have here?” One of the cops asked Spike rhetorically, a shit-eating grin plastered on his face!

“That's not mine!” The mortified dragon protested! “That's been planted on me!”

“Of course...” If they had a Bit for every time somebody told them that... “You have the right to remain silent!”

Half an hour later, Spike was sitting in a MPD interrogation room. Spitfire herself interrogated him, figuring that, since she hadn't seen him in the club, he probably hadn't seen her either. And in any case, they had somewhat disguised themselves...

“And I repeat: It's not mine!” Spike told her to the tenth time! That's it. He had enough. “I think I've said enough... I want my lawyer. I assume you know her?” A certain smugness crept into his voice, “Starlight Glimmer?”

“Ah... shit.” The smugness on his face, in his voice... and that name... They made sure that Spitfire's good mood took a dive as she left the room.

She returned a few minutes later, somewhat more happy again! “Unfortunately, Ms. Glimmer won't be able to make it here today, apparently she is in Las Pegasus for some other business.” The pegasus told him! “So, I guess, you will have to be our guest until tomorrow. At least.” She added in a smug tone.

Annoying, but not a total disaster. “Meh... Fine...” He shrugged. “I'd like to call my club now and tell them that I won't be able to make it today!”

As he was being lead to the phone, Spike passed Fluttershy. He stopped and turned to her. “So, you work here, huh?”

“Y-Yes...” Shy stammered. This whole situation was very uncomfortable to her.

“I thought you wanted your call?” The dark, burly pegasus gave Spike a push! “Move it...”

The dragon glared at him as he stepped back to Fluttershy! “At least give me a moment to talk to my FRIEND!”

“It's alright, Thunderlane. Give me a minute, OK? I'll take him to the phone afterwards.”

“I don' think that's a good idea,” Thunderlane wanted to object. Then, he saw the expression on her face. “But if you're sure about that, Fluttershy...”

When the stallion had moved a few steps, Fluttershy hissed in a half-angry, half-worried tone: “What happened?!”

Spike whispered his reply: “Somebody planted shit in my trunk!” After a moment of consideration, he specified: “My car's trunk!” Afterwards, he added some general chitchat, appropriate to the situation, in a louder voice.

“And we got an anonymous tip this morning!” She whispered as they began to move, then replied to his casual conversation.

“That explains the patrol car...” The dragon grumbled. He checked left and right and, seeing that none of them paid attention to him, slipped something into Shy's hand. “Take this.” It was a thumb drive, and it had been very difficult to hide. “I'll tell you about it later.” At a normal volume, he now declared: “Well... time to make that call...”

When Tempest had heard where he was, and on what charges, she had been about to charge into the police station! Luckily, he managed to talk her out of it. And, Spike hoped, she'd be able to talk the others out of doing anything stupid! For now, they'd have to keep their... other business somewhat more quiet.

For now, Spike was sitting in a holding cell in the station's basement. And, for the time being, he was the only inmate, which was rather nice. He knew the annoyance that crowded, or overcrowded, holding cells could be. It was a bit of a surprise, to be honest, but maybe they had more cells in other areas, and Fluttershy got him into the, as of yet, still empty one? Or, maybe, they worried about potential connections he had and didn't want him in speaking distance with crooks?

Well, at least he didn't have to worry about some sort of bureaucratic issues with his papers, considering his rather shadowy background, what with being found on the streets and taken in by a family, just to run away when they moved. It had been one of the few good things Sludge had done! Next to teaching him, Tempest and some of the others all they needed for their trade, the old bastard had bribed some officials to have all the necessary paperwork and so on handled. He always loved to complain about how much easier it had been 'in the old days'. Which for him, as a dragon, had meant about a hundred years or more ago...

Spike mused about what was going on. For the most part, his register of offenses was, for the most part, minor. Some petty theft, one case of grand theft auto, that sort of stuff. He had always been resourceful enough to keep the big stuff out. Well, there was not much he could do for now, so it was time to wait for Sunset Shimmer's return, and then enjoy the show she'd unleash on poor, poor Captain Spitfire.

The dragon sat down on his bed, crossed his arms behind his head and leaned against the wall. Time to wait...

“Shouldn't we get him something to eat?” Fluttershy asked Spitfire after about an hour.

The captain sighed. Honestly, she had hoped finding all the stuff in the guy's trunk would just cause him to confess and save them all the hassle. And now, she would have to deal with Starlight Glimmer, that would be a lot of fun... She could already imagine the scene she'd cause... “Probably,” she admitted. “You know him. Go down, take the menu from that restaurant we usually order from and let him pick what he wants, within reason. I think the others wanted to order anyway.”

Ten minutes later, Fluttershy stood in front of Spike's cell, menu pamphlet in hand. “Hello, Spike?”

“Yes, Fluttershy?” He stretched himself as he stood up and walked over to the bars.

“Are you hungry?”

“A bit peckish.” The dragon admitted.

“Well, we're going to order some food, and,-” she handed him the menu, “-if you want some, here's the menu.”

Spike browsed over what was on offer for a few moments. “I'll take Nr. 20, the fried noodles.”

“Alright. I'll let them kno-...” As the pegasus turned to walk away, Spike grabbed her arm! “W-what?!”

His muzzle was close to her ear when Spike began to whisper: “When you go back, give the thumb drive to Moondancer. It contains a little program that should give us some alone time here... Nothing dangerous, just a short camera loop that makes it look like nothing's happening here! If you catch my drift...”

She did. And she was internally divided on that issue... Especially if that was more than this “harmless little camera loop program” he told her it was! But then, would he lie to her about that? He had promised her that he wouldn't put her into too much trouble!

On her way back, Fluttershy passed by Moondancer to take her order, and give her the USB-stick and the orders that Spike had given. When the food was delivered, she took her order, fried rice, and went to the security room. A very bored looking earth pony was paying only partial attention to the monitors. “Hey, food's here. Want to take your break? I can take over for a bit!”

“Thanks Moondancer! Haven't had my break yet!”

The unicorn got herself comfortable, the thumb drive still save and secure in her bag in her office. She had no intention to use it, she had her own ways... While forensics were her main forte, her skills in computers wasn't to be scoffed at either! A few times the system administrator had been baffled how she had managed to do stuff at computer that shouldn't have been possible with the settings!

That dragon wanted the holding cell cameras on a loop? Oh, he had something planned! And, Moondancer expected, something with Fluttershy specifically. She'd enjoy watching this!

Fluttershy and Spike had eaten their food. Now, they were making out through the bars, and Shy was grinding her thighs together. “I'm such a bad policemare...” She sighed sadly when their lips parted, enjoying the feeling of his arms around her waist.

“Bad policemares make for great fucks!” The dragon laughed, squeezing her ass! “Come on... pull it out. I know you want to!” And as Spike's claws moved her panties aside and gently brushed over the pegasus' slit, her, by now quite able, hands opened his fly and pulled his already hard cock out.

After a few moments of teasing, Spike growled into her ear. “You want to have some more foreplay? Or straight for the main event?”

Driven half by excited lust and half by the fear of one of her colleagues walking in on them, there was only one answer Fluttershy could give: “Fuck me!”

“A pleasure...” He told her, quickly opening her blouse and pulling down her bra so that her big breasts were on display, then pulling her thighs through the bars, they were just far enough apart, so that he could lift her onto his hard cock and fuck her through the barrier between them!

Moondancer, meanwhile, was watching her life porn feed with a lot of pleasure! She wasn't using the program on Spike's thumb drive! Instead, she'd use her own skills to get rid of the footage in a more elegant way. While keeping a copy for personal use.

She pushed her turtleneck sweater up, opened her bra, she had to wear one at work, and gave a gentle squeeze to her hard nipples. Her right hand moved down and, after a few moments of getting her clothes out of the way, grabbed the dildo inside of her pussy and got to work...

“Damn... that's good stuff! I wish he'd take me like that!” She approved of what Spike was doing to Fluttershy. “Fluttershy's tits bounce sooo nicely...”

A few minutes later, Spike was taking his lover from behind, spanking her ass every now and then! “Honestly? I've always kinda dreamed of fucking a police slut while behind bars!” He told Shy, the amusement in his voice audible!

“Really?” The pegasus was able to ask between her moans, and the sounds of Spike's hips slapping against her own.

“Sure! Think about it: I'm in a holding cell, a cute policemare like you comes along, I seduce her, she falls for me... And then whores herself out for my cock!” Then, laughing, he added: “Of course, this didn't quite go like that, but the fantasy predates our first meeting!”

“This'll be my first time working with a cream pie in my cunnie!”

“I hope you'll enjoy that so much,” Spike laughed, “-that you won't want to work any other way!”

“I hope not... I mean, I wouldn't be able to always satisfy that desire with you or the others, and could end up being careless!”

In the meantime upstairs:

“I hope we won't be banned from Tartarus!” Rainbow Dash sighed, leaning back in her chair, the emptied food container in front of her on her desk. “For taking the dragon into custody, I mean.”

“Hm?” Soarin looked at her. “Why? I mean, it was nice, but this is still our job.”

“I enjoyed it, and would like to g there again!” Dash told him. “Also, that young pegasus, Scootaloo... I kinda like her!”

“You like that she's stroking your ego with hero worship!” Gila laughed! “She was constantly begging you to tell her another story!” Not that she would have been any better if a young griffon had come to her and asked her to tell stories...

“No!” The prismatic pegasus protested! But, after a moment of consideration, she had to admit: Maybe a little... But I do like her. Maybe I could be able to convince her to get away from them? If she does well in school, maybe she could join the academy!”

“You know, you should probably also hope that the club doesn't end up having to close down due to potential controversy.” Thunderlane told her.

Engrossed in their talks, they didn't notice how long Fluttershy was taking.

15 Club trouble

When Starlight Glimmer had returned to Manehattan, the verbal smackdown she had laid on Fluttershy's colleagues truly had been something to behold! Seeing Spitfire, who'd been so brash and confident during her attempt at interrogation almost cower before Starlight's grasp and handling of paragraphs and law details! And, in the end, the police had to let Spike go. However, she didn't manage to get the planted evidence out of the equation just yet...

Sometime later, Spike had been 'invited' to a meeting with the district attorney, which is where he and Starlight were right now, while, in the club, the preparations for the day were being made, supervised by Tempest and Sunset.

Part of the staff were busy giving the club an extra polishing after the cleaning crew had done their work earlier, others were checking their stocks, and some others were taking a bit of a break before the evening. Applejack and Big Mac were carrying crates of booze into storage, Button Mash behind them with a keg of beer.

The two had just disappeared into the back, when the others heard Rumble's voice from the entrance! “Hey! We're not ope,-...” He was interrupted mid-sentence, followed by a groan of pain and the pegasus tumbling through the door way! Behind him, a bunch of burly, mean looking ponies entered. The non-action members of the staff hurried to get to safety.

Most of the group wore working clothes and wielded pipes and tools, maybe they were construction workers? At the head of the group was a blueish-grey earth pony stallion wearing a hard hat and... a brown earth pony that was, if that was possible, even taller and bulkier than Big Macintosh! He didn't wear a construction worker outfit. Instead, his clothes weren't too dissimilar to how Applejack and Big Mac dressed, at least when Mac wasn't wearing his bouncer outfit.

“What do you think of this place?” The tall one asked the one in the hard hat.

“Nice place, Trouble Shows. Would be a shame if somepony wrecked it,” he looked over the interior. “I mean, one good hit at one of those support beams of those walkways and they'd come crashing down!” As the stallion said that, two of his guys played with sledgehammers. “And that wall over there...” He shook his head in mock concern, “Doesn't look very stable...”

“What do we do?” Double Diamond hissed at Tempest, when he saw how one of the goons pinned Rumble to the floor.

“We really can't use any more attention right now!” The broken horn unicorn whispered back. “Spike's meeting with the DA right now!”

Sunset Shimmer took a few steps forward and glared at the intruders. “What do you guys want here? We ain't open yet!”

“We want you outta here!” The speaker told them gruffly. Their job was to make them want to leave. Since they were a somewhat famous club, they'd announce it, maybe even make public that they were looking for a new location. Then, Sombra would sweep in with a fair, even generous offer to buy the place, maybe even offer one of his own buildings. He'd be the generous benefactor, and, from what the boss had told them, the dragon would probably even believe it, and get the building he wanted.

“Hard Hat, let me talk.” They didn't worry about those amateurs knowing their names. They wouldn't meet each other again, unless those idiots were dumber than they looked. Not that “Trouble Shows” and “Hard Hat” actually were their real names, if anypony asked. They had earned those names in their years as muscle for Sombra. Trouble Shows certainly was trouble. For others.

He walked up to the bar and grabbed a bottle of whiskey standing on it. Sunset and the others watched as he opened it and drained it in a matter of moments! Then, he tossed the empty bottle into the shelf behind the bar, causing it, and a few of the other bottles, to splinter and booze to splatter around!

“Take this as a friendly warning...” Trouble Shoes growled! “We don't want a bunch of two bit players like you around here anymore...”

Tempest really was surprised! Apparently, those goons had no idea who they were! Whoever their boss was had to be some wannabe big wig! One of those guys that had gotten to a semi-decent position and now thought they could take everything he wanted! “And why, would we do that?” Sunset asked, apparently hypothetically.

“Because our boss wants you to piss off.” The huge earth pony replied in an evil, low, voice.

A little smile, unnoticed by the intruders, crept on Tempest's face as she let her jacket drop onto a bar stool. “And what if, theoretically, we would tell you to piss off?”

“Then, we will do this the hard way... Hard Hat! You know what to do.”

“Of course...” The construction worker grinned! Now came the fun part... “Lads! Wreck this place!” The moment he had given the order, one of his underlings slammed his sledgehammer through one of the tables, another one tossed a brick into some more bottles on the shelf and a third one smashed a lamp using his steel pipe.

This noise, however, finally got the attention of the ponies in the back! Or maybe they were coming back anyway and heard it when they were at the door! “What the fuck is going on here?!” Applejack shouted as the kicked the angrily opened the door! Button, Mac and her rushed into the main room...

For a few moments, Trouble Shows, Hard Hat and the others paused and stared at them.

With his captor distracted, Rumble managed to grab the telescopic baton he had in his back pocket! Before the other pony could react, the baton unfolded and the pegasus hit him across the forehead with it! He followed it up by pulling his legs to his chest and kicking with both of them against his opponent's chest!

The struck pony fell backwards, crashing against the opposite wall of the entrance! Rumble hurried to get back onto his hooves and, using his wings, rushed to the others!

Now that Rumble was save, Tempest allowed herself to grin more prominently. “We ain't gonna cower and run away, tail between our legs, because of some assholes that think they can just waltz in here and take over! We wouldn't have gotten to where we are if we did!” She proclaimed!

Trouble Shows looked at Big Macintosh. Younger, a bit smaller, a bit less buff, but probably the largest threat right now, much more so than the crippled unicorn that talked so big. It was telling that she began to talk back like this only after he showed up! “So, you really want it the hard way, huh? Well, don't say we didn't warn you and tried to settle this peacefully. All you had to do was to sell this heap of junk and piss off... But no... You have nobody to blame but yourselves when we're done with you!”

“Bring. It. On.” Tempest had said that, with Spike's situation right now, they should try to keep it down, but she'd be lying if she wasn't itching to teach those guys a lesson!

“Big words for a unicorn without a horn!” Hard Hat snarled! He pulled a wrench from a pocket, took aim... and threw it at Tempest!

Moments before it hit her on the head, she disintegrated it with a blast! “My horn is broken, yes,” She told him. “But that only means that I can't focus my magic. Not that I can't use magic at all!” Following this up, she delivered a gut punch to Trouble Shows!

To her surprise and displeasure, the large stallion barely flinched... That was a new one! Using her surprise, he lifted Tempest up like she was a little filly and flung her across the room! “What the fu-...” She managed to let out before she went airborne. The henchmen laughed as they saw the unicorn sail towards a wall!

Tempest Shadow hit a wall alright. But not one of stone, or plaster! She hit the wall that was Big Macintosh's chest! He caught her easily, and gently placed her back down on the floor.

Mac looked at Tempest. “Let me take care of him...” He told her.

She nodded. “You him. We the others... APPLEJACK! NIGHT GLIDER! FLASH! RUMBLE! EVERYPONY! LET'S THROW 'EM OUT!”

As the brawl began in earnest, Twilight Sky, Gabby, Clear Sky, Holly Dash, Flitter, Derpy and other non-combatants vaulted over the counter to get out of the fighting chaos that would unfold any moment now! They weren't fighters! And in any case, Twilight Sky and Derpy had daughters to care for! Meanwhile Sugar Belle was hurrying to remove the most valuable bottles from the shelf behind the bar.

One of the ponies had not jumped to safety let out a whistle as she watched Big Mac and Trouble Shoes locked into a test of strength, trying to push each other away! “If this wasn't such a serious situation, and the two were less clothed, maybe a little oiled up... that'd be kinda hot!” Cloud Chaser whispered, taking a swig from a bottle of rum that was standing next to her.

“Cloud Chaser!” Her sister gasped in exasperation from behind the counter! “Not the time!” Though Flitter couldn't help but quietly add: “But you're right...”

One of the fighters had noticed it as well, and he wasn't amused: “CLOUD CHASER!” Button called over! “STOP GAWKING!”

“Oh, right...,” she set down the bottle slightly embarrassed and joined the fray. “Sorry!”

A few hours later, Trouble Shoes was standing in front of Sombra's desk. Holding a bag of ice against his shoulder, he looked rather downtrodden. “I am sorry, sir.” He groaned. “They were stronger than we expected. Especially that big guy they had... And the one that I think is his sister...”

“So, you failed?” The boss' voice was an ominous, low rumble as he, lounged in his chair, looked at his underling from underneath his eyebrows.

“Unfortunately yes...” Trouble Shoes swallowed. By now, he'd been working for Sombra, or 'the Boss' as his men just called him most of the times, for many years. In fact, he had been one of the first he'd recruited. After Trouble had tried to rob him, which had ended with the earth pony getting beaten half to death! Since then, he had worked for him efficient and loyally, which had payed off very nicely. But he also knew about the potential price of failure... “I take full responsibility. I underestimated them...”

“Hmmph...” The intimidating unicorn grumbled, waving a hand dismissively. “If you say that they are strong, that means something.”

The earth pony let out a quiet breath he hadn't even realized he was holding in! “Thank you, sir.”

“We know each other for a long time now, Trouble Shoes, and I know that you usually deliver. You admitted that you underestimated them. You don't try to shift the blame. Counts for something in our business.” Indeed. More than one incompetent underling had experienced how much worse than failure was the unwillingness, the inability, to admit to it. From errors and mistakes, as long as they weren't too major, too foolish, too common, one could learn and improve. But if you couldn't admit that you made an error, you were bound to repeat it. And if you were bound to repeat it... you were a liability. And a stallion like Sombra had no use for liabilities. “Tell me what happened.”

The tall earth pony proceeded to so.

His chin resting on the back of his right hand, Sombra gave a small nod. “Where are Hard Hat and the others?”

“Getting patched up. He has to be back at a construction site the day after tomorrow and doesn't want it to be too visible. They might ask questions, especially since, I think, he said that there was some sort of official inspection.”

“Mhm... What do you think how I should proceed?”

Trouble Shoes shrugged. “We could get Mane-iac? She should probably be able to wipe the floor with those guys with that crazy mane of hers...”

“No!” The boss immediately shook his head! “She'd leave only corpses and a bloodbath! Even if her usual behavior would likely mean that the police wouldn't expect a planned hit, they most likely would scoop through the whole building!” And that would mean that they'd find the secret rooms! Maybe even the extra secret one... And if they found the entrance, they might get their hands on what HE wanted. Even if they weren't able to open it, they'd probably not sell it until they did. And any interest Sombra would show for the building would raise some suspicion!

The Mane-iac was one of the biggest mysteries, and greatest wild cards, of Manehattan's underworld. Sometimes working as a psycho for hire for others, her she usually acted on her own deranged and unpredictable whims. Even when working as a hired hand, these attributes of her could be as much of a boon as a drawback! Sometimes, it was as if she had a sixth sense for hiding places, opportunities and other things, other times, she decided to turn on her employer on a heartbeat because one of his muscle decided not to indulge her current interests.

This extended to her own crimes, and how she interacted with her victims, and crimes in general! One day, she'd let somepony barraging her with a whirlwind of cusses slide after a scared apology, with a gentle tap on the cheek and a “See? That wasn't that hard, was it? Now off you go!” Another time, she'd gut somepony for accidentally spilling some lemonade on her shoes. Even if they apologized. You never knew what mood one might find her in, which just made it worse...

“As of now, they probably think that you were sent by some low level wannabe gang boss, trying to muscle in.” Sombra continued. “If we pile on too much too quickly, they'll get suspicious. Let's wait, for now. We seem to have time.”

“Yes, boss.”

And, maybe, this ominous informant would provide again...

16 Meeting with the DA

Standing behind her client, Starlight grinned. As she often did when she met Twilight Sparkle. She grinned, because she knew that it vexed Sparkle. The young DA had a stellar record, but she and Starlight had traded wins and losses. Starlight usually was serious, but she could relax. Compared to her, Twilight Sparkle was almost uptight! She probably didn't even have a private life outside of, say, the library or whatever.

Twilight and Starlight were rivals. They couldn't stand each other, but they respected each other's abilities.

“Then, if you don't have anything else against my client,-” Starlight snapped her briefcase shut, “-I'd appreciate it if you'd let him go.” It had been quite a bit of work, but, apparently, the investigation would stop. For now at least. Not that Twilight was happy about it.

When Spike rose, and Starlight and him turned to leave, the lawyer gave a parting shot: “Have a nice day, Sparkle.”

Twilight glared at their backs. “One last question?” She asked them, stopping them in their tracks. It was a question that had been in the back of her mind for quite a while since she'd been tipped off about this dragon.

“Didn't you have enough time to ask all the questions you have?” Starlight Glimmer glared at the other unicorn over her shoulder. It almost sounded like Twilight Sparkle might try some sort of last ditch effort to get Spike to accidentally incriminate himself!

“Oh, it's nothing big. Not even something really official. I am just... curious, that's all!”

Spike and his lawyer exchanged glaces. The dragon shrugged. “OK. Shoot.”

“Do I know you?”

“Huh? Uhm... You mean, the current situation aside?” Spike was surprised and didn't quite know what to make of this question. “I mean, I have been in the news a few time, with my club.”

“No... I mean, did we ever meet in person?” Twilight specified. It was weird, she knew, but she had this gut-feeling about him, as if she'd met him before... “Before the current situation, as you put it.”

“I don't think so. Haven't been put on trial yet. At least not, by a beauty like you!” He had been in court for some minor stuff every now and then, but once he'd gotten smarter, and really had gotten his group going... And had gotten a great attorney, that had died down.

Starlight elbowed Spike in the side. This was not the time to smooch up to the DA...

“Hmm...” Twilight Sparkle didn't seem to have noticed the last part, too busy thinking about the the other stuff! “It's just... No. Nothing important. When I was younger, I think I knew a dragon with similar coloring like you. But that would be an incredible coincidence.” The DA walked past them and opened the door. “I think you wanted to leave?”

As she passed by, Spike finally noticed her smell. Or rather, something about her smell... Underneath a layer of perfume and shampoo, there was something familiar... Sunset and Twilight had begun to argue, but this was in the background as memories came forward.

Something about her smell was oddly familiar... When he and Sunset had left the room, and Twilight closed the door, he stared at the DA with his mouth open as he realized that... she was his sister from many years ago!

“It is very strange that she was directly involved in all of this herself...” Sunset told him quietly, once they'd gotten back to their car. He didn't respond. “Spike? What's wrong?”

“Oh... nothing...” It'd take a while until his mind worked its way through this whole affair... if he was right, and his nose was pretty good... Well, it was something to find out your sister, again, if he was correct, was the fucking DA herself!

A few days later, Twilight was disappointed. Unfortunately, she had to drop the case. For now at least. At some point, she'd have the evidence she'd need. Being honest, she felt as if there'd been something going on in the background working against her...

At the same time, for Spike and the others, it was a reason to celebrate! The fact that Spike had legal trouble had quickly become public knowledge, considering his somewhat public role as club owner, and the fact that this had now passed made a great reason for a big party. It was basically Pinkie Pies first real test as well!

His release wasn't officially the reason for the party, but most figured. However, Spike still put business first, going over documents and contracts in his office for a while. But now, it was time to enjoy the party, and he knew he wouldn't be able to hide in his office the whole night. Sooner or later, that energetic, outgoing pink pony would come and drag him out if she had to!

As he left his office, the dragon stretched his arms and back. “Mmh... Well, that's over...” He said to himself, as he saw that Applejack was leaning on the railing, looking down on at the partying crowd. “How's it so far? Has Pinkie delivered?” Spike asked her, as he joined her.

“Seems like it. Everyone's having a good time.” She shrugged, chewing on an unlit cigarette. AJ turned her head, “Hey, boss? Ya have some fire? My lighter's empty.”

“Sure.” He answered, pulling out a cigarette himself, followed up by his zippo. A few moments later, both were smoking.

“Thanks.” She said, after taking a pull on her cigarette. For a few moments, they just stood there and watched what was going on below.

“Hey, boss!” A young, familiar voice interrupted their contemplation. “You know you shouldn't smoke indoors?”

Spike and Applejack turned around. “Ah, Gabby!” He greeted her, sounding a little bit tired. “How are you doing?”

“I'm fine!” The gray griffoness chirped! But then, her voice turned a bit more somber. “Shouldn't you be down there?”

“In a bit. I am enjoying the peace for a bit more.”

“Wanna enjoy me a little?” She teasted him, squeezing one of her breasts through her waitress outfit!

“Maybe later.”

“Huh?!” As her boss and the waitress chatted some more, Applejack's gaze fell on a mare that was just entering the dance floor. And she couldn't believe her eyes. Spike and Gabby followed her stare! They saw light gray mare with a gray and turquoise mane. "Rara?" AJ wondered quietly.

The dragon looked at her. “What?”

“She... She's an old friend of mine!” AJ looked like she had seen a ghost. “Haven't seen her in ages!”

“Wait... that's Countess Coloratura!” Gabby gasped!

“Who?” Spike and AJ reacted at the same time. Neither of them were massive pop fans.

For a moment, Gabby stared at them like the two just said something profoundly stupid. Like, say, that Mayor Celestia was raising the sun and her sister the moon! “Just one of the biggest pop stars in Equestria!” She told them!

Spike's head slowly turned to AJ and, in disbelief, asked her: “You know a pop star?”

“Guess so!” The former farm pony shrugged. “Yeah, her full name is Coloratura. Just never called herself 'Countess'.”

“Probably a stage name?”

“I gotta ask her!” AJ let her her cigarette drop onto the walkway. “Spike? Would you come with me?” She asked him, as she stomped it out under her hoof and hurried to the stairs!

Shrugging, Spike followed suit. “Sure.” And Gabby followed both of them.

Meanwhile in the club's new pseudo-bakery, Pinkie Pie was whipping up some snacks for the guests! On a table, next to ingredients, were some food-stained papers that she used to make notes for her plans for the Nightmare Night party! Next to her was a certain, pristine white, unicorn.

“And I tell you,” Rarity was telling her in a serious voice, “you can't just go and make this some random party you'd throw for friends! For Nightmare Night, we will have illustrious guests! Tempest Shadow told me that they are thinking about inviting Filthy Rich, the mayor and the deputy mayor, and maybe even Sombra!”

Undeterred and with a smile on her face, only sometimes leaving it when she concentrated, Pinkie continued with her work. Rarity had been telling her this and similar stuff for quite a while now. Apparently, the designer had taken it upon herself to keep the party pony in check.

On the dance floor, Applejack, followed by Spike and Gabby pushed her way through the dancing crowd and, finally, a past a bodyguard. “Hands off!” She barked at the guy when he put a hand on her shoulder to keep her back!

“I would not suggest that,” Spike told the guy, his face a mixture of a warning and understanding. The bodyguard was just doing his job after all. “First of all, the big bouncer at the door is her brother, so he won't throw her out without a very good reason. Second: She works here and sometimes as a bouncer as well... And last, but not least... I am her boss and own this place.”

“But-...” The hapless bodyguard looked torn.

“Just give her a moment.”

Applejack approached the pony she assumed to be a childhood friend of hers. “Excuse me?” Apparently, Coloratura didn't ear it over the music, so AJ repeated it louder!

Finally, she heard it and turned around. “Huh?”

“Rara?” AJ asked her, her eyes uncharacteristically large and hopeful...”Is that you?”

The pop-star turned around, confusion on her face. “Who-...” She didn't finish the sentence as she recognized the face! “Applejack?!” Her voice was one of delighted surprise!

“It's really you, isn't it, Rara?!”

“AJ!” Within a heartbeat, Rara embraced her old friend!

Spike turned to the bodyguard. “See? It's alright.”

“I need a drink...”

“Here.” The dragon gave him a bit of money. “Take one on the house.”

Applejack, Spike, Coloratura and her bodyguard, who was sipping at his drink, had withdrawn to one of the alcoves. They were chatting and catching up.

“I have been on a little break for the last year, after I split from my old manager. He was an asshole.” Rara explained, after Applejack had wondered how she hadn't heard about her career, a lack of interest in pop-music aside.

“Honestly? I think my first few concerts after my break will be pretty successful!” Coloratura chuckled. “How does it go again? How can they miss you, if you won't go away?”

“Yeah... But why the whole 'Countess' thing?”

“My ex-manager,” she emphasized the 'ex', “thought it would be a great idea to market me as a cold and aloof pop princess... I never felt comfortable with it. Was one of the reasons I sent him packing!”

“You always were sociable, and loved to work with kids. Checks out.” AJ nodded.

“Mhm. And he didn't want me to make any free appearances or anything, even for ill-children and so on. Always demanded appearance fees, even if I said that I'd love to show up. I think he was mainly using me to get his way and bully others around. Also, he was skimming of the top.”

“Sounds like a piece of work. Great that you sent him packing!”

“Thank you!” She laughed. “But enough of me! How have you been? I wanted to visit you sometime after my career began to pick up, tell you the good news! And when I came to Sweet Apple Acres...”

The so far happy expression on Applejack's face turned bitter. She looked at the griffon waitress still with them. “Gabby? Bring me a whiskey. A double.”

“Oh no...” A shocked Coloratura uttered after AJ had finished her story! “I am so sorry!”

AJ emptied what was left of her whiskey. “It's alright. I've made my peace with the past. It just still hurts every now and then... Anyway!” She seemed to perk up again, but an attentive observer would've seen that some of the sadness remained. “This isn't an evening for thinking about the gloomy past! It's time to celebrate! Gabby! Another!”

The same evening as Tartarus was having its party... “Mr. Sombra, sir?” Sans Smirk approached his boss, sitting at his desk in his penthouse's office.

Sombra looked up from the papers. “Yes, Sans?”

“We received another message from our mysterious informant.”

“What does it say?”

Smirk looked at the letter in his hand again, then at the unicorn. “Apparently, the informant wants to meet you in person.”

Sombra thought about it for a moment. “Go and wake Radiant.” He finally ordered. “Then, you two will make preparations for this meeting. Choose one of the usual spots. and call for some of the maids to have the penthouse cleaned. Depending on how the meeting goes, we might move here for more precarious discussions!”

“Yes, Mr. Sombra!” Sans Smirk hurried off.

Forty minutes later, Sombra had showered and just slipping into his suit. Leaving his dressing room, he passed by Sans Smirk again. “Is the car ready?”

“Yes, sir. So are the usual preparations.” He answered, as they passed by a maid, cleaning up something.

The dark stallion's eyes fixated on her as they walked! It was maid he didn't recognize! He had taken the precautions to learn the looks, names and voices of the maids working at the building by heart, just in case somepony tried to sneak a spy in! And all changes had to be communicated to him, together with pictures and a resume. This one was a pink pegasus with light blue, curly mane. He hadn't seen her before, and he had a feeling her very innocent, overly cute appearance was a sham hiding a much darker mind than it might seem.

The boss put a hand on San Smirk's chest to stop him and turned around. After two steps, he was back behind the mare and glared at her. “And you are?” His voice was as cold as ice.

“My name, Mr. Sombra-” the pegasus turned around, a smirk on her face, “is Cozy Glow...”

“I am impressed!” He told her before she could continue. Then, in the blink of an eye, his right hand grabbed her throat and lifted the pegasus off her hooves! Pressing her body against the wall behind her, he began to squeeze. “Now, tell me,” Sombra growled, “why I shouldn't just kill you here and now?”

Cozy Glow's wide-open eyes bulged as she felt her windpipe constrain! “I-I am the pony,-” she struggled to speak, having to force the words out of her mouth past Sombra's iron grip, “-that's been... been sending you the information on your target!” Her voice got thinner and thinner the less air she had left! But then, the choke hold on her throat lessened. Slightly. But enough for her to draw breath again! Greedily, she inhaled! Maybe this hadn't been such a good idea after all...

“Why should I believe you?” His grip tightened again! “After all, we just received a letter from our source, asking us to meet him. Considering you were scooping around, you probably just found the letter on my desk!”

“B-because...,” Cozy fought to get the next words out, repeating the information she had handed Sombra before.

“So, it really was you...” A little doubt remained, since there could have been other ways for her to find out about it, but it seemed unlikely enough. Sombra removed his hand, and the pegasus' hooves dropped down!

Gasping for air, rubbing her hurting throat, Cozy Glow slid down, until she sat on the floor! Maybe this had been the wrong way to approach this... Maybe she should've just let him call the burner phone she had and met him at a location of his choosing. Being in control would've made him more amicable. Maybe...

They moved to Sombra's office, Sans Smirk bringing a tablet of beverages and placing it on the desk, while the pegasus told more about what she had done: “I riled up some of the gang's rivals, and then also slipped some intel on the gang's activities to the DA. To keep them occupied and distracted. Unfortunately, it seems like our lawyer got Spike of the hook very quickly.” She shrugged in a 'well, what can you do?' way.

“Why should I trust you, considering that you are selling out your friends?” It was a very justified question. If somepony was willing to betray a gang she'd been running with for long enough, and from what his other sources, and she herself, had told him, they'd been very tightly knit, as easily as Cozy Glow was doing, they usually were more than ready to stick the dagger in your own back the first opportune moment!

“Friends?” She scoffed! “Friends?!” She started to laugh! It was a cold, arrogant, almost vile laughter that was in stark contrast to her appearance. “I like to work for the winning team! The team that knows how to take what they can,what they want!” She explained! “My former boss and colleagues have too many scruples, enjoys being liked by those dimwits in his neighborhood far too much! 'Oh no! We are not going to deal with that stuff, even if it would make us more cash than anything we're doing right now!'” Cozy said, apparently mocking something that had been said to her. “Screw that shit! They don't have the killer instinct necessary to make it really big!”

Cozy leaned over the desk, her upper body supported by her arms! Her eyes were fixed on Sombra's. “I am an ambitious girl, looking out for myself! I want to make it as close to the top as I can! And the top, here in Manehattan,... is you, Mr. Sombra!”

Sombra's stony expression slowly twisted into a grin! That pegasus knew how to find the right words, it seemed. At the very least, she might be a temporarily useful asset... However, one that would have to be kept under observation, considering that she already showed a penchant for back-stabbing and, he assumed, manipulation since she most likely did play her former compatriots...

Sans filled the pegasus a glass of white vine, as she and the boss talked. Cozy Glow explained how she found out about Sombra's intentions! She had always thought that the notes they found, and the room, or safe, or whatever, they couldn't enter could be far more valuable than what Spike and the others would've been willing to exploit! Every time she had made suggestions that would have advanced the gang beyond their current measly existence (at least in Cozy's mind), she was shot down! 'Too risky', 'too likely to draw attention', 'It would threaten their current arrangement with the locals', blablabla. No vision! No ambition! They were pathetic!

Sure, originally, when they'd started to claw their way out of the gutter, they'd had that killer instinct! That was when she'd joined! They thrashed the competition and did what they had to! But then, they'd gotten soft! Weak! Honestly, Cozy Glow had been looking for new employment for quite a while... Unfortunately, the vast majority of other gangs in town were either even more pathetic than Spike and his lot, who at least had the talent to make it big, too specialized in their endeavors, like the Flim-Flam brothers and their operations, or too shadowy to accurately gauge them, like Tirek and his crew. And then, there was the one who, for most of Manehattan, was nothing but a dark rumour that even creeped Cozy Glow out...

Once they'd found the secrets their new building had held, Cozy had began to search for more information on them! Over time, she overheard rumors about a shadowy figure very interested in certain buildings. She seduced others to find out more, and finally managed to pierce things together. A shadowy figure was looking for these things... And it wasn't too difficult for a pony of her intellect to come to the conclusion that it was none other than Sombra.

“Not bad...” He had to admit, allowing a hint of a smile to show.

“I do have to say,” Cozy Glow climbed on the desk, putting on a face that was meant to look innocently confused, “I always wondered why you never went into politics...” Her right index finger brushed over Sombra's chest. “A stallion as gifted as you... Smart, charismatic, ruthless...”

Sombra's face turned stony again as he brushed her hand away! But after a moment, an evil grin appeared! “Do you have any idea how much power I would have to give up for that?” A moment later he added: “Now, please, sit back down on your chair!”

Once Cozy Glow had left, a secret door in the side of the office opened and Radiant Hope stepped in. “What do you make of her?” Sombra asked her.

“Untrustworthy, but useful.” Was the short answer. “For me, it seemed very true that she said: She's looking out only for herself. She will toss anypony aside, stab anypony in the back, once she thinks they aren't of use to her anymore.”

He nodded. Radiant's assessment matched his own. And he knew to trust her feelings in these regards.

17 Arson

A few weeks later, Sombra had launched the next attempt at getting Spike and his gang out of the building. This time, it had been a bit more subtle. Some small gangs riled up and some lower level officials being annoying, that sort of stuff. To no avail.

“I told you they were tough, in my first message!” Cozy Glow, sitting on the desk in the office, grinned smugly at Sombra. A grin that disappeared a moment later when she saw the dark unicorn's angry face. No, she shouldn't get too cocky around this guy! Spike could take it, but Sombra demanded, no commanded, nothing but utmost respect and deference. She felt her throat hurt again where he had choked her...

Cozy knew that, if the others found out about her betraying them it would be anything but nice... but Sombra scared her even more! He'd probably tear her limb from limb in person. But that fear was nothing compared to the riches and power she could gain by working for him instead of Spike, Tempest and the rest of those fettered fools! Ambition was what drove her, and she would fulfill hers.

Vexed by Cozy's prior grin, in the spur of the moment, Sombra decided that, maybe, it was time to escalate a little... If it failed, they could still turn it back down a notch again. “Call Fire Flame and her group!” He told Sans Smirk!

Fire Flare was a former pyrotechnic-turned-pyromaniac, and her crew, they called themselves the 'Flaming Sky Group', had followed suit. They had started their 'career' setting minor fires. At first, they had been interpreted as random accidents, but soon they escalated. Cars, small buildings... major buildings... Even when the authorities realized that they were dealing with arson, they managed to stay uncaught! Until they went after a building that happened to belong to Sombra. A minor branch office of one of Umbrum Enterprises' business branches. But it was enough to draw the baleful eye of Sombra's interest.

Sombra used his vast resources, not that he needed many of them, to track them down. Then, he cornered them and gave them a simple choice: They could die then and there, and Sombra would use his means to make it seem like he just happened to stop a bunch of pyromaniacs... Or they would start to lay low and work for him as mercenaries, to be sicced on whatever competition the tycoon wanted to have a fiery surprise... Sometimes small, sometimes big, never traced to him, and always effective. He didn't use them often, but when he did, well...

“It doesn't matter if the hall burns our or even collapses!” Sombra continued, as he put a cigar in his mouth. “We only need the basement to survive! They need to inflict so much damage, that the only thing the dragon and his friends can do is to sell! If they manage to avoid anything happening to whatever is downstairs, keeping the attention away from it, even better!” Sans Smirk lightened the cigar, and his boss growled: “But it's not necessary.” He accentuated his words with a puff of smoke.

When Sans Smirk had left, he addressed the turn coat again. Letting some of the cigar's ash drop into a crystal ash tray. “Cozy Glow, you will do your best to convince the dragon to sell the club afterwards, understood?”

“Yes, sir!”

Tonight, an unusual amount of dragons had gathered at Tartarus. For a reason. In his office, Spike was talking to Ember. Her father ruled the dragon lands, making her a verified princess! However, she didn't care much about that. The dragoness had moved to Equestria at first just to study and get to know the culture of their most important neighbor. She had decided to stay for a while and hone some other skills as well.

The dragon lands were a harsh environment, and the rule of the strongest and survival of the fittest were part of the daily life. Apparently, it wasn't a horrible life, and most of the dragons wouldn't want it any other way, but if you preferred a comfortable existence, most wouldn't find it there. Many of the dragons living there even looked down on the dragons living in Equestria for having gone soft!

Dragon Lord Torch however had come to understand that it would be preferable for everyone if the dragons and Equestria could come to to an amicable relationship. It had been one of the reasons why he sent his daughter to an equestrian university, together with his honest wish to see her educated as well as possible.

The old dragon felt that the end of his reign was approaching. It would probably take years, if not decades, for him to step down considering the lifespan of dragons, but it was better to take precautions. And when the time came to call for the next Gaunlet of Fire, the hereditary trials dragon had to pass through to choose the next Dragon Lord, he wanted his daughter to be prepared to lead the dragons for the coming centuries, not only by muscles and might but also intelligence and wisdom. He didn't doubt her ability to triumph over the challenges, though he did his best to motivate her further, it was the dragon way.

After her studies had concluded, Ember had decided to stay in Equestria for a while longer. She wanted to learn more about its culture, to prepare for when she took the reigns from her father, and how the dragons, that were living here, were doing.

Many of them had integrated well into pony society, though most stayed in the big cities on the east coast, like Manehattan, Baltimare and Fillydelphia. A small community had also settled in Vanhoover, and another small group had gone to the Badlands, while one could run into a solitary dragon, or a pair of dragons here and there. And most ponies accepted them, though there were still some prejudices. Though not all were completely unfounded.

If all you needed was a slight cold to accidentally set a building on fire, you couldn't really blame the ponies for being a bit worried. There also were a few dragons that were jacking themselves very hard because they were totally 'superior to some namby-pampy, soft ponies', and how they should, no would, run the show and take over, have the pony bitches beg them for dragon-cock. the usual empty bravado of idiots with more ego than sense. And those were the nicer outgrowths of that mindset...

In turn, there were a number of ponies that considered dragons to be little more than barbaric brutes and greedy, viscous reptilian monsters.

And that was without taking the often somewhat problematic past between ponies and dragons, with mature dragons taking their hordes and nesting wherever they thought was nice, blanketing vast areas with smoke. And maybe snatching a pony or two when they were hungry. They didn't have their sharp teeth just to break gemstones after all. In turn, dragon youths often liked to cause trouble. And when a group of young dragons caused trouble, it could easily start at a major forest fire and move up from there, so if they ended up on Equestria for one reason or another...

In turn, over the last thousand years or more, quite a few dragons had been slain by equestrian heroes, either because their snoring caused smoke to blot out the sun, to get their hands on some treasure, or for some other reason.

Torch and Ember both hoped that they might be able to help overcome those issues. After all, who knew what the future might bring? And the old dragon had a feeling that the future might necessitate cooperation between dragons and ponies. And the equestrian government had shown itself very appreciative and cooperative!

Ember was using her time in Equestria for something else as well, however, though it still played into her role as Dragon Princess. She had started her own gang, almost exclusively composed of, naturally, dragons. Her father knew, and he approved of it, at least in so far that it would help her hone her leadership skills, especially in the sink-or-swim dragon way. She would have to be able to put her underlings into place, and it would prepare her for putting her subjects into their place if, when, she took over. She didn't tell him about the more major illicit businesses they were involved in, though.

And for one of these illicit businesses, she was meeting with the Tartarus crew tonight. Spike had to admit that the older dragoness was rather attractive. And the other dragoness she had with her as an aide, Smolder, wasn't bad either. Smolder was younger than Ember, but a few years older than Spike, and, according to what Ember had told him before their meeting commenced properly, she had grown up here in Manehattan with her older brother.

It was a sign of good will and that she didn't have any ill-intention that Ember had Smolder, a dragon who was with her gang more by association than anything, rather than a real member, along as a sort-off assistant. Then again, considering that she had a small army of dragons downstairs... The implications were enough. And considering Spike's reputation as a dragon of his word, that probably wasn't even necessary.

While Spike and Ember held their negotiations, Fire Flare and some of her crew were sat at one of the tables near the wall, scanning the crowd warily. She was supposed to meet a pegaus called 'Cozy Glow'. That there was a shit ton of dragons in the club tonight had been unfortunate timing, but it was what it was. Sombra didn't want any further delays. Maybe this coincidence could even turn out to be useful? Maybe one of them... had to sneeze or something.

Suddenly, a glass was placed on the table. Right next to the fiery unicorn. “Here are your drinks!” A mare's voice told them.

One of Flare's assistants looked up and began to protest! “We didn't order a-...”

“Yes, you did.” The pegasus server cut him off, before anypony could overhear them. “You most certainly did.”

Fire Flare stared at the pink pegasus for a moment, then everything clicked into place! “You're our contact? Cozy Glow?”

She nodded, then sat down. “Drink up, then follow me. Inconspicuously. Once I brought the empty glasses back to the bar, I'll take my break, walk around a little and you'll look for a good spot for what you're here for!” Cozy told them.

“Hey!” One of the group complained when he emptied his shot glass!” That's just water!”

The pegasus looked at the group with a rather annoyed expression. “You didn't think I'd give ponies, that are going to handle open fire, any booze, did you? Especially for free? That'd come out of my pay!”

Moments later, Cozy took the shot glasses and put them back on her tray. Once she'd moved a few meters, the others rose and began to follow. She brought the glasses back to the bar, and told Sugar Belle “I'll be taking my break now!”

It seemed like Cozy Glow was taking a casual stroll through the club, looking at some the guests, checking out the show, and whatever. But in truth, she was showing her special guests around, places that might be good for a fire... They needed it to be hidden enough to not be noticed before it had grown so much that a fire extinguisher would stop it. They also had to keep the sprinklers in mind.

Fire Flare and her henchponies were quietly whispering about how they might start the fire...

In the middle of Spike's talks with Ember, a noise started blaring. “The fire alert?!” Spike jumped up from his chair!

“SPIKE!” Applejack shouted as she slammed the door open! “THE CLUB'S ON FIRE! We already started evacuating everyone and called the fire department!”

Spike and Tempest Shadow hurried over to her! “What happened?!”

“No idea! But it seems the sprinklers aren't working!”

“The last inspection has been a while...” The dragon murmured. Then, he remembered the situation! “Wait a moment... What are you doing here?! GET OUT! TEMPEST! GO WITH HER!”

“What about you and your guests, Spike?” Tempest asked them, feeling the heat hit her face as she stepped through the door!

“Ahem!” Ember cleared her throat. “Dragon!” She told them, in a voice that carried the implications of 'idiot'.

“I think they'll handle it.” Spike snorted.“I'll try to keep the fire somewhat in check.”

“Mind if we help, to show our good will?” Ember offered, stepping to his side.

“I appreciate it.” The younger dragon nodded as he hurried through the door, after

She turned to Applejack. “I assume my guys are still down there?”

“Yep. Didn't want to move for 'a small camp fire like that' without you!”

“Shut up and move it, AJ! WE can breath smoke and fire without danger! You and the others can't!” He urged her on.

“Alright!” She nodded, dashing towards the stairs! “Come, Tempest!”

A few minutes later, the Manehattan Fire Department arrived. A mix of earth ponies, unicors, pegasi and dragons jumped out of their vehicles, cleared a perimeter, and, in what seemed like moments, got all their gear set up!

One of the professions dragons had quickly been welcomed in had been firefighting. While they could set fires themselves, they also were basically immune to any of the usual fires they might encounter in a city such as Manehattan! Chemical fires were dangerous even for them, but otherwise, they hardly needed to bother with the heavy protective gear and breathing apparatuses a pony needed!

While his crew was making their preparations, the pony in charge walked up to Tempest, Applejack and Big Mac, who were standing closest to him. Mac was doing his best to keep his youngest sister, or her friends, from doing anything stupid. “Can you tell me what happened?”

“No idea!” Applejack shrugged. “Suddenly, the place was on fire and the sprinklers weren't working!”

“Anyone still inside?!” He asked next.

This time, Tempest answered: “Our boss and his guests. They are trying to keep the fire in check!”

Exasperated at having to save a bunch of idiots, the firefighter shouted: “Are they nuts?!”

“They are dragons.” Big Mac shrugged.

“Ah...” That allowed him to calm down slightly. At least he didn't have to worry about much with them, then. “Still, a very irresponsible thing to do, especially if somebody tries to imitate them...”

Half an hour later, the fire was under control. When the firefighters had entered the club, they had told Spike and the others to 'get the fuck out!' And, while doing so, the owner had even found some ponies that had gotten trapped in the toilets and, together with Ember, had carried them out. Their clothes had suffered from the fire, but were still good enough to let them be decent.

“We'll probably be closed for a few weeks at least,” Spike grumbled, wiping soot off of his forehead. “Though it seems like we avoided the worst. But we will have to have the damages assessed first....”

“Suddenly, I'm very happy about those insurances.” Tempest added.

The dragon nodded. “Mhm...”

Sunset slapped her boss on the back! “Thanks to Spike being so heroic, fighting the fire and rescuing some ponies, we'll probably still get some good press out of this fiasco!” She went silent for a moment when she got an idea: “Maybe the Nightmare Night party can double as a grand reopening?

“If the club can get renovated fast enough,” Spike mused, but added darkly: “If it can be renovated at all... Yeah, not a bad idea. It's still a while off.” He pulled a lighter out off his pocket. It wasn't his. “I found this where we suspect the fire started. Might've been an accident, or...”

“You think it might've been arson?!” Tempest hissed! “Why did you take that thing with you?”

“Because if they start a proper investigation, we might have problems...” Spike whispered back!

“Damn it... you're right.” The unicorn with the broken horn admitted. The issue of having their other stuff happening under the club...

“Don't worry. We will investigate ourselves. I already called Wallflower for a meeting.”

By now, Ember and most of her group had left. Smolder, and a few others, remained. It turned out that Ember lived not too far away. Now that her 'official' role was over, Smolder proved to be rather feisty! She was a tomboy who knew what she could do. Honestly, it gave Spike an idea... “Hey, Smolder! If you want, you can work for me!”

It seemed like she was intrigued by the idea. “Maybe if it turns out that your club can reopen.”

A few days later...

Spike met Wallflower Blush in her office. Officially, she was running some sort of legitimate business, the dragon had never bothered to find out what exactly. Usually, they'd meet in Spike's office in the club, but that reeked of smoke and fire right now, and was still curtailed off.

Wallflower Blush was an information broker. Spike had come in contact with her early on, and they'd struck a long running, and close, if not exclusive, business relationship. She had an uncanny ability to be unnoticed, which helped a lot, especially early on when she didn't have any informants and had to get all the intel herself.

Her appearance matched her name: She looked unassuming. Her mane was unkempt, and she was wearing sneakers, jeans and a sweater. Almost everywhere she went, she'd fate into the background just by appearance alone. Maybe not at a high-society event, or fashion show, but basically everywhere else... This didn't mean that she was unattractive, just unassuming.

“So, I started keeping my eyes and ear open the moment you called me, Spike.” The green-maned earth pony told him. “But I haven't been able to find out much. Some of my usual sources also seemed rather... tight lipped. If that was arson, it was either a nutjob, or...”

“Or a hit by somepony with powerful backing. Powerful enough that even the possibility of whomever being involved seals lips.” The dragon finished her sentence.

Wallflower nodded and gave him a serious look. “I think you know who's probably the only one to get you the info you need?”

He shuddered. “'Queen' Chrysalis...”

“Yes.”

The self-declared Changeling Queen of Manehattan, Chrysalis, was one of the most feared figures in the underworld. That is, if one even dared to believe she existed! She was ruthless, cunning, utterly megalomaniacal... and unfortunately powerful enough to back it up! And that was before her influence was factored in!

She had gained her power by abusing the transformation skills of her race. The changelings that were subservient to her were used as prostitutes, escorts and so on, hearing many a story about it. Parts of the business were even legal. Changeling escorts were advertised quite a bit. Of course without telling that they were changelings, just very good doppelgangers. Wanted to have a famous pony to accompany you to a party? For a load of bits, that could be arranged... All the while Chrysalis herself was but a rumor, outside of an illustrious circle, and whatever sparing information reached the outside world. She had intermediaries...

Then, there were other rumors. Rumors of ponies being incapacitated for a while, while a changeling took their place to gain intel. Some even speak of important ponies being completely replaced by changelings, with the real ones being, depending on the teller, either completely disposed off, getting their brainwashed into the Queen's toys, or, the darkest rumors went, Chrysalis used some secret means, maybe forbidden magic, to turn them into changelings!

What was true and what wasn't, nobody but Chrysalis and maybe her changeling. Knew- Spike believed options one and two more than the third. The last one sounded too much like a story a mother would tell her unruly foal.

So far she hadn't used her agent network for anything like assassination, being all too content with being a fat spider sitting in her web, but if she ever wanted to make a bid to take over the city? She had a good chance, if even half the stories were true.

Outside the underworld, she was naught but a dark rumor, or an urban legend, if she was even known at all. In the underworld, she was a shadowy figure nobody could figure out, and that made her but more frightening.

“Can you arrange a meeting?” Spike asked Wallflower Blush.

“I might be able to get you in contact with her organization. The rest is up to them and you.”

He nodded in agreement, trying to fight down the very uncomfortable feeling in his guts...

A couple of weeks later.

The club's repairs were proceeding well, and it seemed like they would be finished in time for Nightmare Night, including fixing up the décor and so on. The restoration had eaten into their monetary reserves, but since their other businesses were still going, they could stomach the cost, even if it hurt.

For Spike however, today would be very unpleasant. And not only, or even primarily, financially... Right now, he was sitting in the back of a car with tinted windows. Blindfolded. He didn't know if the driver and the others in the car were changelings, ponies enthralled by them or just hired muscle. Honestly, he didn't care.

They'd picked him up at a, for him, random spot in Manehattan, taken his phone and turned it off. Now, they'd been driving for half an hour at least. Obviously, the goal was to make sure that the dragon wouldn't find the place he was being driven to on his own again. And if they thought that the trick worked... they were damn right! He had no idea where he was.

Ten minutes later, the car stopped and the engine turned off. Spike heard the doors open, and unfastened his seat belt. “Get out!” The driver's voice commanded!

His legs passed the door, then his upper body followed suit. As he pushed past the walls of the car, two pairs of hands grabbed him. Not roughly, but as if they wanted to help him clear the car without bumping his head.

His escorts now led him on on foot. Made it easier to track where they were going, not that that was of much use, since he didn't know from where they started. They walked around a few corners, though it might just as well be a circle, then into a side-alley. Again a few corners... Spike heard a noise like one of those old-timey sliding door windows, like you saw in movies, open in front of him!

“We're bringing a customer.” One of his 'companions' said.

“For what sort of business?” The other voice asked, some paper rustling.

When none of the others answered, Spike spoke up: “Information.”

“Name?”

“Spike the Dragon.” A moment later, he heard an assortment of locks and bars being unlocked and the door opened. A faint scent hit his nostrils... His mind was racing to make out what it was, but he got a slight push, signaling for him to move! The smell got more intense as he passed the door! Once inside, when the door had been locked again, the blindfold got removed.

Spike found himself in a rather small and gloomy entrance room. On a chair next to the door sat a changeling. And in front of the dragon were stairs leading down. “Follow the stairs and give your name and reason for being here to the reception. Your escort will wait until you return.” The changeling told him, sounding strangely monotone.

The dragon did as he was told. Didn't have much of a choice after all. He went down the stairs and opened the door...

And was met by a pleasure palace! Smelling everything clearly now, he realized that it had been the smell of aphrodisiacs, of flowers, of smoked drugs, and of sex. He thought he had smelled a lot of that before, but this place easily outclassed everything he had encountered yet!

It was truly impressive! Classical styled fountains, statues, plants, sofas... Here and there were clients smoking what Spike assumed were some sort of relaxing drugs mixed with aphrodisiacs... It was a very weird, and enticing, mixture of a five star hotel and den of sin and debauchery. It was almost... inviting? It almost wanted to make him forget about all his sorrows... He shook his head to clear his mind! There must have been some drugs in the very air!

Spike walked up to a large counter, made out of marble, very expensive looking wood, and gold. Behind it, clad in a dark green bathrobe, stood a female changeling. The wardrobe, Spike noticed, was tied rather loosely, and the upper part just barely hid her nipples. He also had to admit that the changeling was alluring...

He might have seen a changeling once or twice before, it was hard to say with their shape-shifting abilities, but this one was the first he could truly identify as 'female'. In any case, obvious female attributes aside, if he had just seen her face, he wouldn't have been able to tell with any confidence, though how much he had right now was another question! Spike saw a few other changelings, and they all looked rather androgynous! Maybe it helped with them transforming into others?

Honestly, even the ones he assumed to be male looked rather cute. Reminded him of Rumble and Button Mash to some extent. Compared to the two potential cases he had seen before, the changelings here looked almost relaxed, despite the stuff they were doing. Maybe, being a weird mix of insect and pony, they preferred to stay together, in large groups. Those few that broke from their hive, or whatever you'd call it, were very few indeed. And very weird, not only by the standards of their species! Maybe being isolated from a hive had something to do with it? So them being here in larger numbers would help them to feel relaxed and at ease...

“Good day, sir. How can we serve you today?” Spike was torn out of these thoughts by the changeling receptionist, who gave a small bow, flashing her nipples. “This is your first time with us? Do you wish for any recommendations, or-...”

“I... have an appointment. For information!” The dragon interrupted her. When she looked into a large book into which all the appointments had been written, he added: “Look under 'S', like 'Spike the Dragon'.”

“Oh yes! Right here, Mr. the Dragon! Please, take a seat!” She told him to his surprise as she pointed at one of the very comfortable, and very expensive, looking sofas. “Your appointment is in fifteen minutes, so you will have to wait. I am sorry. In ten minutes, I will lead you to your room.”

All that driving, and he still had to wait... “Alright.”

After about five minutes of waiting, and doing his best not to make it too obvious that he was watching the other guests, a male changeling showed up, wearing a similar bathrobe that was just barely long enough to hide his dignity, though it gave an even better few of his chest. “Do you wish for any refreshment? Some wine, perhaps? Or a snack?”

Spike was almost tempted to agree, he was feeling a little peckish, a little thirsty, but managed to keep himself in check! “No, thank you!” With all the stuff he already was breathing in, he didn't need any alcohol to make it even harder to concentrate! He was here on a mission, damn it! And-... Was that guy swinging his hips as he left?! Maybe Spike should... No!

That smell... Damn it! He could feel himself getting hard! If he was honest to himself, he would love to have a few of those changelings, maybe four, cuddled up him... Squeezing the ass of one of them, the tits of another, and the other two would relief his hard-on... Preferably the receptionist and one of those rather twink-like guys he saw...

Again he shook his head, and this time he even bit down on his lip, enough to draw a little blood! These thoughts must have come from whatever mix they pumped into the air! Maybe there was even some magic thrown into it! It must have been part of how they If he drank, or ate, anything, he'd probably receive a concentrated load of whatever was making him so... Unfocused.

He did notice that it seemed like not only changelings were working here! He saw ponies, griffons, hippogriffs, and even a few dragons! And one or two weird, pony-like creatures with a sort of almost wood-like looking horn... Many of them wore bathrobes similar to the guy from before and the receptionist, but there also were other outfits! From high-class, to gutter whore! From exotic dancer to sporty tomboy! From caring matron to buff muscle mommy! From slutty tomgirl to reassuring daddy! They seemed to have one for every clientele. And the dragon didn't doubt that there were appropriate rooms for all sorts of kinky games in this building.

Of course, it was possible that they were just changelings playing a role, catering to a customers' taste, or just spicing up the variety, but something told Spike that at least most of them weren't.

The next five minutes felt like half an hour, but finally, the receptionist appeared! “Please, follow me!”

She lead him deeper into the establishment, up some stairs, then down again, around a few corners, then again up a flight of stairs... Again, it seemed intended to make it hard for anyone to figure out the way on their own! Spike had to admit however, that all those twists and turns probably wouldn't have been necessary for him. His guide's ass was distracting him enough, and his cock was pressing very uncomfortably against his pants... He'd love to press her against the wall, and... Once he was back with his friends, he'd have some big loads to blow!

After what was most likely a little over ten minutes, she stopped in front of a door. Spike had no doubt that they were on time, and that all of this had been planned. “We have arrived, Mr. the Dragon! Please. Enter.”

“Will you lead me back, once my meeting has concluded?” Spike asked her before he was able to control himself! The flirtatious undercurrent in his voice had been very obvious.

“Unless I am needed at the reception desk, I will wait here.” She explained with another boy that flashed her nipples. “If I am gone however, just say it to whomever you are talking to and they will lead you back.”

He nodded to show that he understood, then opened the door. Waiting inside were two changelings. One of them was sitting behind a desk, while the other one, looking much more formidable in the physical department, was standing behind him. Almost surprising to Spike, they didn't wear bathrobes or something similar! The taller, more muscular one in the back wore what looked like professional security gear, while the smaller one wore a white dress shirt, the two upper most buttons open, and Spike was unable to see the rest. Probably a pair of dress pants and matching shoes.

“I am Thorax,” the one sitting down he greeted Spike, “and this is my brother, Pharynx. We've been sent to discuss the reason for you being here. Please, take a seat.”

Spike sat down and introduced himself, something that Pharynx replied to with a short, ominous, “We know...”

The dragon explained the situation. It seemed like they already knew everything, but still wanted him to tell it anyway. Then, they began discussing what would be needed, what they wanted, certain conditions... There was something... pained in the expression of Thorax as he laid it out. As if he didn't like doing what he had been told to. That was more individuality than Spike had seen in any of the other changelings, though again, his reference pool was very small.

Pharynx, on the other hand, looked dispassionate and detached, as if nothing of this was of his concern. As he saw it, the dragon wanted something and had come to ask for it. They'd make the offer, set the demands, and if he accepted them, it was his stuff to deal with. Nobody forced him to make the deal.

Finally, Thorax reached the deciding participation of the talks: “And before we start, there is one last prerequisite!”

In the changeling's eyes had taken on an almost frightened pleading look, as if he wanted Spike NOT to accept! “So, a hefty payment,” the dragon mused, “then the other bits. And now this mysterious prerequisite... Well, I've come this far...” He sighed. “Tell me.”

“You,-” Thorax took a deep breath to steady his nerves. His voice trembled slightly and it seemed like he was worried that Spike was even entertaining the thought, “-will have to work for our boss for two weeks.”

Spike noticed how the changeling's hands moved, as if they wanted to tell him “NO!” But he ceased after a few seconds, when Pharynx glared at his brother.

“Two weeks, starting from...” The date Thorax gave was highly inconvenient! It would mean that Spike wouldn't be at the club during the reopening, the Nightmare Night Party!

“Can we start at a at a different date? I have-...” the dragon's attempt was cut short!

“No!” Pharynx told him, slamming his hands onto the desk and glaring at the dragon! “The alternative is: Not at all. Take it or leave it. It's already unusual that you get time to make preparations. Usually it starts immediately. Don't push your luck.”

Well, at least it gave him enough time to make arrangements, set everything into motion. With another heavy sigh, ignoring Thorax shaking his head in an obvious attempt at telling him to say 'no', he told them: “Alright. I accept.”

Pharynx again glared at his brother. He was obviously not at all pleased that he had tried to dissuade the client from making this choice. “You can leave now. If the receptionist is still outside, she will lead you back. Otherwise, I will do so.”

Spike nodded as he rose. In fact, the receptionist was still outside. Closing the door behind him, he heard Pharynx angrily talk to the other changeling: “What was that just now, Thorax?! It is not your decision to make who does or doesn't take her deals! You're lucky I'll be keeping quiet about it! But that's the last time! I do that for you because I'm your brother, but you need to man-up!”

For the dragon, the way back was much like the way he got there. Once he was back at the entrance, he got blindfolded, driven around for half an hour, and left at some random street corner. Before he called a taxi, he messaged a few of his friends to meet him at his place. He really needed to blow off some steam! Let's see... Rarity and Sweetie Belle would be at home anyway... Saffron, maybe? Could give him a quick snack! And Applejack, Apple Bloom, Tempest, she and him hadn't gotten it on in a while! And Trixie and Starlight... And... he was feeling a bit kinky, Flash and Double Diamond were invited as well! It would get a bit cramped in the apartment, but they should manage! Maybe he should see if he could get a place of their own for Rarity and her sister? But honestly, he had gotten used to the permanent company... Would probably feel a bit lonely without them now...

18 Nightmare Night

Finally, the night of the grand reopening of Tartarus had come! The excitement of the occasion was slightly dampened by Spike not being able to be there with Tempest Shadow, Starlight, Applejack, Trixie, Pinkie Pie and the others, but they were doing their best to make him, and the club, proud!

Except for the bouncers, who had to keep up appearance, all of them were in costume! Though most were handmade or store-bought, Rarity had given them some help when she could afford the time. Trixie Lulamoon had modified a 'Starswirl the Bearded' costume into a stripperific outfit that accentuated all her assets. Fluttershy, inspired by her masquerade when her colleagues had shown up, was wearing a batpony costume. Derpy was dressed as a mummy, and her daughter, whom she had brought along, was dressed as Somnabula. Considering the kind of event it was, the order had been that everything should be totally clean, and if any guest wanted anything 'extra' that was to happen behind closed doors! So there was no issue with young ones being there. Something that Quibble Pants and Clear Sky had used to bring Wind Spirit along.

Cozy Glow wore a costume that reminded many of her friends of the evil queen from an old fairy tale. Applejack had dressed as a timberwolf, and so had her little sister. Rarity herself had given herself an 'evil empress' look, dying her fur black and taking cues form the mythical Nightmare Moon, and just like Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle was also a miniature version of her older sister. Scootaloo, much to the amusement of Fluttershy, had costumed herself as Rainbow Dash!

Smolder, their newest hire, wasn't working this evening. She was being learned in by the other waitresses, and even learning some dancing, but since she didn't have any experience, they didn't want her to be thrown into an extraordinary situation like this. Therefore, she was able to just enjoy the evening!

The guests, of course, were also in costume! Filthy Rich, Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon... Even Sombra and Radiant Hope had deigned to show up! They were dressed as a king and a queen respectively, and Sombra told them how happy he was that they managed to come back from the fire!

And even bigger than Sombra: Mayor Celestia and Deputy Mayor Luna had been invited after Spike's meeting with Luna at Filthy Rich's gala, and had accepted the invitation! The sisters were dressed as the Dawnbreaker and Nightmare Moon. Costumes that, Rarity thought, fit them incredibly well! “Lulu?” Celestia turned to her sister, “You were right!”

Luna smirked a little. “With what, my dear sister?”

“I really needed to get away from all that paperwork for an evening! Honestly? This reminds me of easier times...”

“College?” The younger alicorn gave Celestia a sly look!

“Indeed.”

“We used to the bane of every party!” Luna laughed quietly, so that only her sister could hear her! “Partied hard, drank every stallion under the table and still aced our classes the next day!”

“And had some pretty good sex...” Tia added, just as quietly as she picked up a glass of whiskey on the rocks from the tablet a passing waitress offered. “I could use some...”

“You know that there are rumors about this club in this regard?” Lulu whispered. “After I ran into the owner, and he gave me his card, I looked it up a little. Apparently, some of their employees also sold some nude pics back in the day, before they set this up... They were pretty nice...”

“Oh? Considering how good the staff is looking, I am not really surprised.” Now, Celestia chuckled.

At this moment, Luna spotted a mare that, judging by the clubs website, was the manager, Sunset Shimmer! “Excuse me? Miss Shimmer, right?” She called over.

Seeing who had called her, Sunset hurried over immediately! “Yes, Deputy Mayor?”

“Please, just Luna at an event like this!” The dark alicorn smiled. “Where's Spike?” Luna wanted to introduce her older sister to the dragon, for one to avoid any uncomfortable shocks if she just stood in front of him, despite her having told Celestia about him, but also because he had been rather pleasant. And, well, rather cute. Neither of them had had the pleasure with a dragon, and he seemed to be able to keep a little secret or two...

“Sorry, some business came up. He won't be here this evening.”

“Ah... Too bad.” Luna turned to Celestia: “He's a really nice guy, from what I can tell from our little meeting.”

As Pinkie Pie was zipping through the building, to make sure that everyone was having fun, Diamond Tiara noticed Sunset talking with the mayor and her sister. She and Silver Spoon arrived next to them just in time to hear them talk about Spike! “He hasn't been here in what? Two weeks?” Tiara interjected herself. “Is he sick? Or what is going on?”

“It's business.” Tempest Shadow told her curtly! She had also noticed the group and had wanted to see what was going on. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were trusted friends, but they hadn't been told about it. They would worry, and they might end up spilling things by accident.

“I am Tempest Shadow, the co-owner, together with Spike.” Tempest introduced herself to the sisters. And she noticed a little twinkle in Luna's eyes as she seemed to focus on the unicorn's physique. Apparently, the two were just as much beholden to certain needs as any other being. Good to know... Maybe they could help them relieve these needs tonight.

They chatted for a bit, Tempest telling the two the story of Tartarus, leaving out the illegal bits...

Days had passed since the party, and Tempest Shadow slammed her hands onto the office desk! “He hasn't been back in three weeks!” Tempest Shadow slammed her hands on the desk, looking at Applejack, Big Mac, Sunset Shimmer and some of the others. Despite the anger, all of them heard the worried undertone, saw the worry in her eyes! “What the fuck happened to Spike?!”

None of the others said anything. They knew. Even Tempest knew. It was all rumors, of course, but so was the vast majority of things relating to Chrysalis... Some of those that had, allegedly, asked for her services and returned had told stories about how time seemed to behave different around her... Maybe...

“Nobody knows where he is, and we can't just turn the whole city on its head!” Big Mac shook his head. He worried just as much, but being of a much more calm nature, he tried to keep his mind clear.

As the others talked, for some reason, Apple Bloom turned around to face the door. Maybe she had heard something? In any case, now she saw something... “What's that?!” A piece of paper had been pushed through underneath the door!

Now, they all looked at her as she hurried to the piece of paper! Grabbing it with one hand, she opened the door with the other, looking to see who pushed it through! “There ain't nopony here!” Bloom realized.

“Apple Bloom?” Her sister asked her, “What's wrong?”

She handed them the piece of paper.

19 The Changeling Queen

A few weeks ago

Tempest Shadow read the notice from Spike again: “Needed to make a deal with Chrysalis. I'll work for her for two weeks in exchange for the information, if everything goes well.” He had told them yesterday and also left a written notice. She still didn't like it.

While his partner was brooding over the notice, Spike, again, was sitting in a car, blindfolded. This time, they were driving for at least an hour! Maybe they had even left Manehattan by now? Maybe had driven to one of the suburbs? Or even further?

Another fifteen minutes later, they finally stopped. Once more, the dragon got lead around, but this time, they seemingly didn't reach the same door as last time, though there was a very familiar smell in the air! Further and further they went, down a flight of stairs, then ever further until they reached the next flight of stairs and so on. Then, it became only stairs they went down for a while, and the air began to grow more cool...

Finally, it seemed they had reached the bottom. The smell had intensified, and its effects on the dragon were far more pronounced than they had been a few weeks ago! He honestly hoped he hadn't made the wrong decision...

As they moved on, the air became warmer again, and more humid! The ground, to Spike's surprise, began to feel a bit uneven... As if it was more like a hewn cave, rather than a modern building! And the smell in the air intensified ever more... Musky, seductive, mind-numbing! And again, exciting for his body!

They came to a halt. “Take the blindfold off!” A voice, that Spike recognized as Pharynx', commanded. The dragon found himself inside of something that, well, looked like a cavern, including stalagmites and stalactites! And in front of him, on an elevated rock-platform, lounging on a comfortably padded, throne-looking chair that had enough space for at least two more, was Chrysalis!

Dressed in an extremely skimpy, almost non-existent, green dress that did the barest minimum to hide her private parts, Chrysalis' body was shiny, black chitin, but around her midsection it was green, and seemingly softer, carapace. She had large breasts, probably around the size of Mayor Celestia's, judging from the times Spike had seen her on TV, and a twisted horn. And as much of a bombshell as her body was, her face was just as captivating! Idly sipping from a glass of wine, she showed her impressive fangs. And when she licked up a small rest at the bottom of the glass, she demonstrated a thin, long, flexible tongue.

Her piercing green eyes were almost hypnotic, even before their attention shifted to the dragon. Her face, framed by a long, dark cerulean mane, the same color as her tail and insectoid wings, was a text-book example of a femme fatale! Dangerous... and erotic! A face that promised untold pleasures, yet could swallow you just as easily! The very same thing that could scare one off was what made her just all the more alluring!

Chrysalis was surrounded by attendants in varying states between 'nude' and 'scantily clad'. Fanning her fresh air, refilling her beverages, handing her snacks... They were changelings, and non-changelings. Or, maybe, changelings turned into non-changeling races? Spike had no idea, though his gut told him, that they probably weren't changelings. The expressions on their faces were of mindless bliss and devotion, uncaring of anything but their duties. And, Spike noticed, at least two of the ponies that had escorted him had either been changelings all along, or had switched places with some on the way!

Chrysalis, for her part, eyed the dragon with an eery, ravenous curiosity! Her muzzle curled into an arrogant, fang-flashing grin! “So... you are the little dragon that wants something from me?”

Spike had seen a lot of creepy folks when he, and Tempest, had had to supplement their income by working the streets, but this changeling? Especially with her attendants, and everything up til now? She took the cake! He started to think that, maybe, this had been a bad idea after all... But now, it was too late to turn back! “Yes, Chrysalis-..”

For a moment, the faux-affable facade dropped! “QUEEN Chrysalis!” She interrupted Spike with an angry hiss! “Remember that!”

“Queen Chrysalis...” The dragon was slightly taken aback as he corrected himself. He had to correct his prior assessment of 'creepy'... She was more than creeping him out! Spike began to experience cold dread spreading from his guts! “Yes, I am Spike and,-...”

“I know!” The arrogant smirk returned to Chrysalis' face as she interrupted him again! “You want to know who set your little club on fire!”

Well, why did you ask me then?! He grumbled in his mind. Of course, it was pretty obvious. It was a power play, to show how much she knew, and who was in control and all, but at the same time, he had told it to her underlings! But there was no use in complaining aloud. It'd just make her less inclined to actually help him. “Yes, that is the case, your Highness!”

“Oh, so you DO have manners and know how to address your betters!” Chrysalis praised Spike condescendingly! But, for some reason, a little warmth spread in the dragon's chest as she did so...

“You might have heard the stories about how we feed on love?” “Well, they are false. To an extent. We need love to survive, yes, and we take it. But we can also use food,-” she interrupted herself as she got fed a grape by one of her attendants, “-to substitute for a bit... And also, love's sibling... Lust.”

Now, that was interesting! The changelings were mysterious, almost like a story to frighten little foals with, so that they'd behave themselves! For most of Equestria, they were exactly that, nothing but a dark tale! Spike had heard of a handful of changelings that had integrated into pony society, but most of them seemed to be very much 'underground'. If there were more so-called 'changeling-queens', or if there was only Chrysalis? Who knew. If there were any, Spike hoped for their underlings that they were more pleasant. Though, he had to admit, she was very nice on the eyes.

Thinking about it, Spike's mind just put two and two together! “Oh! That's why you have that brothel!”

“It is not only a brothel! But otherwise very observant!” She praised him, and it made Spike feel good. “Well, that and information gathering.” As well as a steady influx of money, which shouldn't be forgotten about, even if it was supplemented by large amounts from... other sources. “I use it to feed my changelings.” Chrysalis saw a little bit of confusion in the dragon's eyes. “You wonder how it works? Well, there are many ways... We can feed on the energy alone, or...” The self-declared queen licked her lips in a way that said it all.

Getting her glass refilled, Chrysalis took a good look at Spike. Her eyes flamed with hunger! “Strip!” She commanded! “I want to see all you got! Give me a show! I know that you're no stranger to that!” These last few words she gave an additional, dark, haughty chuckle! Again, her fangs flashed...

Honestly, Spike told himself, he should've seen this coming... “Yes, Queen Chrysalis.” He answered, opening the first button of his shirt. It came out more submissive than he had intended. Did he fall back into behavior he'd long thought shed? He'd behaved like this back when he had been an inexperienced beginner! Though, considering that, right now, his situation wasn't massively different from back then...

When he had opened his shirt, revealing his chest, Chrysalis looked at him with displeasure! “I said that I want a show! Give me a strip tease, boy!”

Spike felt... guilty that he had misunderstood her wishes! Immediately, he started to adjust his way of undressing! Seeing the expressions he had had over the short talk, the changeling queen made herself comfortable. Everything was going just as planned!

His chest bare, he undid his belt. Pushing his jeans past his ass, Spike turned around and bent over! It probably would have a better effect if he'd been wearing tighty-whities, but his boxers would have to do. Not that they'd stay there for long... A moment later, he pushed them down to his pants and revealed his bare ass to the so-called queen! His claws let go of fabric and grabbed the flesh of his ass cheeks, spreading them, showing his pucker, his balls and hints of his cock to her!

Seeing his raging hard-on, Chrysalis let out another chuckle. “Tell me, Spike... How long have you been this hard?”

The dragon's head turned, trying his best to face her from his current position! He had started to breath harder, even had a slight blush on his face! “Since... since I got here?”

The changeling grinned ever broader as he continued. Not bad. Not bad at all! So many ideas for the little dragon...

“You did well following my orders. After a little encouragement. Be a good behaving boy, and I promise you, your time here will be...,” She paused, thinking about it for a bit. “You won't even notice how the time will pass!” A smirk accompanied these words.

As she gesticulated to one of her servants to hand her a long, thin pipe - it reminded Spike of some pictures from an opium den he had seen in a documentary a while ago - Chrysalis continued: “For being so willingly obedient, I decided you deserve a small reward! To give you a little taste of what you can earn if, in the time you're here, you do your work well!” She adjusted her position to show Spike that she wasn't wearing any panties. In fact, she moved her left hand, with her delicate, long finger nails, down and spread her folds! Revealing them to be wet, and green... And almost irresistible for the dragon, who was fighting very hard to stay still! A part of him wanted to fall onto his knees and ask, no beg, her allow him to eat her out!

Putting the, now lit, pipe into the corner of her mouth, Chrysalis pointed her lift index finger at Spike, turned the hand so that the palm faced to the ceiling, and curled the finger inwards! “Come here...” She told him, forbidden promises hidden in her words.

Spike slowly walked up to her. A part of him wanted to rush ahead, another wanted to keep his distance, rather creeped out by what was going on. But this more sensible part had little hope of winning this fight. He reached her throne and fell down on all fours, crawling the last bit of distance! His hand touched her lower leg, and he was confused by how it felt!

“Surprised?” Chrysalis had noticed his surprise due to his momentary hesitation! Seeing him nod, she continued: “Many are. They assume our outsides to be hard and cold, but instead they are nice to touch. Smooth, warm... aren't they?”

“Y-Yes...” Spike was surprised to hear himself stammer! He hadn't felt this vulnerable in so long... He felt like some teen trying to talk to his first big crush! As the changeling repeated the gesture with her finger, he continued his way.

Finally, he stopped just short of Chrysalis' wet cave! The smell... that sweet, musky scent of the changeling's pussy! When it hit Spike's nostrils, he had to keep himself from cumming then and there! He didn't want to cum yet! It would be embarrassing for the changelings to think that he was a quick shot! And something about that smell... It told him to hold back... Slowly, the dragon opened his maw, his long, thin tongue began to leave his mouth, craving the sweet nectar dripping from the folds in front of him!

But just before his tongue could sample it, Spike was stopped by Chrysalis' right hoof pressing against his forehead, pushing him back! “I said a little reward!” She told him sternly! There was almost disappointment in her voice... “I didn't allow you to taste it! I said it's a little taste of what's to come!” Then, her expression softened a little. “But if you want a taste...” She blew a cloud of smoke at him, then opened her mouth and let her own tongue hang out, “Come here!”

He crawled up her body, careful that his claws wouldn't damage the fabric of her dress... Spike finally reached Chrysalis' head, her tongue idly waving in front of her face! When it finally touched his face... A shiver of bliss ran down the dragon's spine! And when their long tongues finally began their dance, until they eventually locked their lips! And then, the taste of her saliva... The way she took control...

“Mmh!~” She laughed as they broke and the dragon panted in bliss! “Not a bad kisser! But,-” her eyes shifted lower, “-what is this?”

It was slightly embarrassing... Without noticing, Spike had started to hump the tall mare's leg! Pre-cum had started to dribble down, contrasting against the black chitin!

“Horny boy...” Chrysalis teased him, but it had a controlling, almost malicious, undercurrent. “We will need something to keep that cock of yours in line while you're here... Go back to where you stripped!”

Spike felt ashamed as he walked back. He felt like a virgin colt, or dragon, who was being lead on by a far more experienced female! A female he wanted to impress, but instead only showed how Why did he feel like this? He certainly wasn't inexperienced, but she made him feel like it was his first time...

Now, he stood there, his erection presented to everyone in the room, just shy of being pushed over the edge... It almost hurt!

A cruel grin spread on Chrysalis' face, but after a moment, she again had more of an 'interested' expression. “Ocellus?” She addressed a changeling, her chitin slightly more greenish-blue than most of the other changelings around.

The young changeling, much smaller than her mistress, bowed her head submissively! “Yes, Queen Chrysalis?”

“Put this on him.” Chrysalis levitated a ring from somewhere behind her throne over to the other changeling.

“Yes, Queen Chrysalis!” Ocellus replied, catching the ring. She knew what to do. Looking at Spike, she opened her mouth, baring her fangs, as she placed the ring inside of it.

Spike had to admit: on her, or Thorax before, they looked cute, unlike on Chrysalis where, despite her attractiveness, the fangs had something unsettlingly viscous, almost monstrous!

Ocellus walked up to Spike, the ring in her mouth visible. When she reached him, she fell down on her knees. She eyed the dragon's cock... And then, in one swift motion, pushed the ring down to its base!

Changeling mouth and throat were an interesting experience for the dragon, and, to his own surprise, Spike didn't blow his load then and there! He felt the orgasm shake his body, but... he he didn't shoot his load down the changeling's throat! It was an uncomfortable feeling, he had to admit. As if he was about to burst...

“Sorry...” Ocellus whispered shyly. “The ring-...” Before she could continue, Chrysalis spoke up again!

“The ring will keep you from being able to ejaculate as long as you wear it, unless I, or somebody I give the authority, allow it! You will wear it until your time with us ends, or I allow you to take it off!” It was also infused with changeling magic that would allow her to... adjust his physical features to a certain degree, to be more pleasing to her, to be more appropriate to a task for him...

“I'm sorry,” Ocellus repeated quietly, so that Queen Chrysalis didn't hear her! “But, if it is a consolation... your pre-cum did taste pretty nice!”

“Ocellus!” The queen's voice thundered, and the younger changeling winced, fearing that she had displeased Chrysalis! “Thorax!” The changeling Spike had met a few weeks ago stepped out of an alcove. “Lead Spike to his room!”

The dragon picked up his clothes on the floor and they left. Why did he want to please her so much? Spike now wondered as he followed Ocellus and Thorax. Why had he wanted to impress her when he had stripped for her? For a while, these thoughts were the main thing going through his mind, not paying attention to his surroundings.

It was kind of nice to see Thorax again. Especially as the dragon's mind cleared had cleared a little, after no longer being in Chrysalis' presence! That intoxicating smell was still in the air, but not quite as strong as it had been in the main chamber, and so he finally worked out how scary the changeling leader actually was... But, also, still very hot! And thinking about pleasing her made him feel all tingly.

As the two changelings lead Spike, they began to chat a little, though Thorax pretended not to know anything about trying to warn him! It would probably get him into a lot of trouble if Chrysalis found out... “Pharynx is the head of security.” Thorax explained after a while, trying not to look at Spike's lower regions.

“And he's your brother?”

“All of us are siblings but him and me came from the same clutch of eggs.”

On the one hand, especially with Chrysalis prior, it probably should've freaked the dragon out. On the other hand, they already had a very insectoid vibe about them, so this stuff didn't really surprise him. And how the corridors looked also reminded him of insects...

Ocellus almost wistfully mentioned how, a few years ago, she used to be active outside of Chrysalis' hideout. It was so nice to be outside, to interact with ponies... She had even befriended others. She still wondered what had happened to them.

As she watched the three leave, Chrysalis' eyes were fixated on the shaking dragon booty. She had almost felt bad about keeping the dragon from eating her out, but for someone as inexperienced in the pleasures of a changeling like him, getting a full load of a changeling's love juices, and the It might actually break his little mind, and that would make for a bad servant... He would need to slowly get accustomed to it... Changeling juices were a powerful drug, some might even say poison, that had aphrodisiac and mind-altering effects! And those should have already started to work on him. After all, he'd been exposed to them, and other drugs, since he'd visited her pleasure den! Together with the general experience, the mixture in the air helped to make customers relax, amplify their experiences and kept them coming back.

Once the two weeks were over, and he told her he wanted to leave, she'd let him go... But he wouldn't. He indeed wouldn't notice how the time would pass! His mind would be too befuddled by changeling poison and the other drugs in the air and his food, by magic and by pleasure! Chrysalis and her changelings would break him down and reeducate him! She'd use him as an attraction in her brothel, and she'd change his form to be even more pleasing to her! It was nice to finally have a dragon in her collection. She had members of almost every sentient species in Equestria under her thrall, but dragons were among those that had eluded her... Until now.

When Spike had tried to make contact with her, his fate had been sealed, not that he knew, or Wallflower Blush, knew it. Her eyes were everywhere, her informants legion! And this dragon had come to her attention even before he had been raising a stir trying to find her! He, and his gang, had shown themselves to be quite capable and resourceful, and good servants were so hard to come by.. She wanted him! And maybe she'd send him back after a while, so that she could absorb the rest of his organization! That club could become very useful for her, and she'd know how to keep it save from Sombra's machinations!

This little dragon would be hers, and she would use him for her goals and whims! And then, his friends would follow....

After a while of wandering ever deeper into the changeling lair, passing by busy looking changelings and, at least apparently, non-changelings, they reached Spike's room. The corridors had all looked like the one Spike had entered through. Almost like a natural cave, but not quite.

The door to his room opened by itself, and when it moved it made a wet 'shlick' sound. To the dragon, it almost appeared organic! However, when Spike touched the wall next to it, it felt firm, like rock, or maybe obsidian. He couldn't make much sense of it in any case. The room looked pretty much like the hallways: cavernous, which didn't bother him too much, probably because dragons, by nature, liked caves.

“This is your bed!” Ocellus pointed at something that looked like a cocoon, cut in half horizontally with the other half suspended above it. “I know it doesn't look like much, but it is pretty comfortable.” It looked a little creepy. But, as she had said, it did feel reasonably comfortable when Spike placed his hand on it to feel it. And honestly, after the meeting with Chrysalis, he felt as if he could fall asleep on top of one of those anti-homeless measures the city had built...

“The bathroom is over there!” The female changeling pointed at another door. Honestly, Spike was a little surprised the room had a bath, but maybe it was a 'guest room' of sorts.

“Over here,-” Thorax now took over, “-you have a desk and chair. In the drawer you'll find pen and paper, just in case you want to write something down. And in the shelf over there, there are a few books. I don't know if any of them are to your liking, however. I am sorry to say, but your phone won't be having any reception whatsoever down here.” And, he added quietly in his mind, the GPS had been magically blocked the moment he had entered the car.

He now stepped next to a weird thing, looking like a sack with a hose attached to it! “If you're feeling hungry, and since you can't live on emotions alone, or even predominantly... or at all... Well, this will keep you nourished, and hydrated!” The changeling told Spike. He grabbed and began to jerk it, until a small trickle of a green goo began to emerge. “It doesn't look very appetizing, but it isn't that bad!” He added when he saw Spike's disgusted expression! The goo also had similar effects to all the pheromones and drugs in the air on non-changelings, and could also be... administered in other ways than the mouth, but Chrysalis had forbidden any and all changelings from explaining that to Spike. And she would find out, one way or another...

For Spike, the whole thing felt like something out of a weird alien-porn story.

Now, Ocellus took over again: “And here, we have a wardrobe, where you can store your clothes. You won't be needing those during your stay.”

Spike grabbed his clothes again and went to stow them away. When he opened the wardrobe, he was surprised to see things inside. Things, because the stuff could hardly be called 'clothes'. Some gold jewelry, ankle and wrist bracelets, a golden collar, and a large ring he assumed to be for his tail! Alongside them was a finely worked gold chain and, looking at the stuff, it seemed like it was supposed to connect the tail-ring to the collar, to keep it up and revealing his rear-view the whole time! Next to the jewelry was a skimpy harem outfit, a maid outfit, some other stuff.... Maybe they'd had other guests and just not bothered to remove the stuff not for him? But he looked at it more closely and realized that they'd been tailored to fit him...

“How did you get my measures that well?” He asked the two, feeling uncomfortable again.

“I was the model...” Thorax admitted, somewhat embarrassed, while transforming into Spike. “Thanks to our meeting, I was able to get your measures reasonably accurate. And you better put on the bracelets and so on right now. The queen wants it.”

“Do I have to add the chain as well?”

“I don't think so.” Ocellus shrugged. “Not yet, at least. She wanted you to put on the rings explicitly.”

“You should take a nap. Queen Chrysalis will probably call for you soon, and you look tired.

“Yeah, I guess.” Indeed, he was feeling exhausted. Spike didn't know why, it wasn't late, he hadn't really done much, even including the trip here, the long drive... It was as if his 'audience' with Chrysalis had sapped his strength! And more and more, he started to question what had happened... The way he had acted... Wanting to make her well inclined to him was one thing, but he wanted her to like him, so be proud of him... And even if the feeling had lessened enough for him to question it, he still wanted to! This would be two very diffiucult weeks...

“Ocellus? Let's leave him alone for a bit. He needs to rest.” Thorax told the younger changeling. “I will wake you up when Queen Chrysalis asks for you again.”

“Alright.” Surprising himself, he even sounded tired!

As they left, Ocellus called to him over her shoulder: “See you!”

“See you too!” Spike smiled. He actually liked her and Thorax, despite what was going on. They seemed nice enough.

When the door had closed behind the two changelings, Spike grabbed the bracelets from the wardrobe and placed them on the desk. First, he slipped on the ankle bracelets, then the arms, the tail and, finally, the collar. They were tightly fitted, but not uncomfortably so. He almost wished that the room had a mirror, because he had a feeling that the jewelry was looking rather nice on him, even if it was in a somewhat embarrassing, submissive way. It really reminded him of the early days of him and Tempest having to whore themselves out when times got tough. When they had been young and inexperienced, they'd often been forced into submissive roles, especially in... bigger arrangements. Tempest had been the first to fight back there...

In any case, time to take a nap! He let himself drop onto the bed and as Ocellus had told him, it was pretty comfy! Comfy, but weird, now that he was lying on it. It had looked like a flat, solid surface, but now, it let him sink into it like water bed! It almost felt like the bed was beginning to engulf him. It was warm and cozy... But again felt strangely organic. It also moved a little, making it feel like a massage... He really should visit the twins again, he thought. He had neglected that with all the stuff that had been going on...

As tired as he was already feeling, he quickly fell asleep. And he didn't notice how the top-half of the cocoon lowered itself over him.

Thorax and Ocellus walked down the hallway. “I feel so bad about this...” The female changeling sounded sad.

Thorax himself wasn't happy about having to play such a role in his mistress' plans. Again. “I know...”

“He really is nice. And I bet his friends will worry about him!”

“I know!” He repeated, more strained.

“I wish we could do something for him, but if they find out...”

“Yes...”

“I still remember the time I was on outside duty...” Ocellus sounded nostalgic. “Such a big, interesting world. I even befriended-...”

“Hush. You know...” Thorax didn't finish, but Ocellus knew what he was going to say. Chrysalis and those that didn't have doubts might consider it treason, or at the very least a potential leak, if they'd know that one of them had 'friends' outside. 'Friendship'... Chrysalis considered it weakness. And fake. In her opinion, anyone would turn on their 'friends' once it was for their benefit. The changelings only had each other, their leader Chrysalis, and the ones Chrysalis decided to 'add' to their group.

Spike was having a very pleasant dream. He was cuddled against somepony soft and delightfully squishy. With nice, big, squeezable milkers! He didn't know who it was... Was it Rarity? Was it Fluttershy? Was it Chrysalis? Or was it, maybe, for whatever reason, Mayor Celestia?! Honestly? He didn't care too much. The embrace almost felt motherly, it was that cozy... But he also felt slightly stimulated in certain areas...

Thorax looked at the sleeping dragon, clad only in the jewelry. When he had stepped up to the bed, the cocoon had opened and revealed their 'guest'. The bed had almost engulfed him, leaving only his face free enough to allow him to breathe! The mass of the bed was moving slightly around the dragon's erogenous zones. The little moans he let out were pretty cute, the changeling had to admit.

Unfortunately, it was now time to wake him. Thorax lowered his hands, and the bed receded, revealing the dragon's shoulder. Gently, the changeling grabbed it and shook it. “Hey, Spike! Wake up!” He told him, loud enough to wake him, but not shouting. “Queen Chrysalis wants to see you!” As he tried to wake him up, the bed returned to its original shape.

“Hmm? Just five more minutes...” Spike mumbled as he finally woke up.

Thorax shook his head. “Sorry, but she wants to see you asap.”

Sitting up, Spike stretched and yawned. “Oh! Hi, Thorax!” He only really noticed him now! “How long have I been asleep?”

“Five hours, give or take.” The changeling replied as he helped him up.

“So, do we have meet Chrysalis immediately,” The dragon asked Thorax as he continued to stretch, to wake himself up properly, including balancing on his tail and a handstand during which he spread his legs, much to Thorax' embarrassment, “or can I wake up first, maybe take a quick shower?”

“I guess a few minutes will be fine.” The changeling sighed. At least he hoped so. When Chrysalis got angry... “How did you know that your bath had a shower?”

“I hoped so. Thanks for confirming! Alright! Then, for a quick meal and then and a cool shower!” Though 'cool' by dragon standards would still be quite warm. But first for... whatever meal of the day it'd be! And Thorax marveled at how Spike was handling the dispenser. The changeling even felt himself getting hard! The dragon knew how to work a shaft, it seemed. He had started at just rubbing it, but then started to treat the dispenser like a cock, getting really into it.

Perhaps, Thorax mused, it was instinct? Or maybe, probably, just the effects of the stuff in the air, the treatment the bed was giving him, and the fact that the nutrition dispenser had an aphrodisiac effect on non-changelings. And seeing the dragon get going, seeing his ass happily wiggle around and his tail waving... The changeling had to get a hold of himself!

“You alright?” He got torn out of his thoughts when Spike returned, wiping some green slime off of his face!

“Yeah, It's just that our usual guests are a little bit more ashamed when they're naked.”

“Let's just say,” Spike sighed, “I am no stranger to this. And now, let me take that shower!” He sauntered off, shaking his ass as he disappeared into the the bathroom.

Thorax shook his head. What a weird, but oddly pleasant, guy the dragon was. How much of this behavior was because of who, and how, he was, and what was because of the 'treatment' the queen was putting him through...

When they arrived back at Chrysalis' throne, she looked very much displeased! “You are late...” She almost snarled, her eyes flashing dangerously! But then, she changed, displeasure changed to disappointment and even her voice seemed more sad than angry. “You were supposed to be here quickly!” But if one payed close attention, her eyes betrayed her still...

The moment Spike was in her presence, he again started to feel more light headed. Or rather, more light headed than back in his room. And he felt small and guilty to have disappointed her! When she had verbally lashed out at him, he hadn't been afraid, or worried... He had just felt like a huge disappointment, like he had let her down. What was it with her that she could make him feel like that?

Still looking disappointed, Chrysalis shook her head. “Maybe you aren't interested in our deal after all? Maybe you just want to go back to your friends without finding out who was behind that fire?”

The dragon felt even more guilty now... “N-no C-,” seeing her glare, he quickly corrected himself before saying her name, “-Queen Chrysalis! I am sorry!”

“Then why did you make me wait?” The leader of the changelings sounded almost heartrendingly disappointed now, moving on her throne in a weird mix of lasciviousness and sadness!

“I AM Sorry!” Spike repeated, pleading to her! “I wanted to take a nap because I felt tired! And Thorax woke me, telling me that you wanted to see me. I decided to take a shower first!”

“Oh? You wanted to be... 'presentable' for me?” She seemed to perk up a little, as if she was flattered!

“Yes! No!...Maybe?” He wasn't sure himself now, he wanted to please her after all! “I don't quite know... I just felt like taking a shower, but, maybe it was because of you?”

Chrysalis covered her mouth, as if surprised and flattered, but in fact hiding a grin she couldn't suppress! Additionally, to her satisfaction the changes to Spike's body had already started, even if it was barely noticeable... His hips had widened, his ass had gotten a bit bigger, his chest a bit more slight... She liked her toys to be a bit on the bishounen side. Made them useful in more roles, and attires. The ring, the stuff in the air and in his food made it possible, though it wouldn't be permanent until at least a month had passed, and that was for ponies! For a dragon, it might take longer! Maybe half a year?

“Well,” the changeling told Spike magnanimously, “since it's your first day here, maybe it was just an accident. I will forgive you for this time, but don't let it happen again!”

The dragon felt relief spread through his body! “No, Queen Chrysalis!”

“You learn fast, little dragon!” She praised him, managing to get her grin under control and readjusting her posture so that her arms rested on the chair, her legs crossed, giving just a hint of her pussy from underneath her dress!

“Thank you, Queen Chrysalis!” The dragon was surprised with how much pride and relief he was speaking these words!

“You know, if you want to make it up to me...” Chrysalis leaned forward, no longer hiding her grin. Gesturing with her right hoof, she continued, “If you catch my drift?”

Spike did. Though he'd never been much of a hooves/paws/claws/whatever guy. If a customer had asked for it, sure, but the dragon usually preferred to stay above the knees. With the changeling however, there was something unnaturally alluring about her smooth, shiny black hooves and legs, and the way it swayed slightly...

Before he realized it, Spike had already moved up to her! Kneeling, he gently grabbed her hoof and lifted it up to his face. At least it was clean and well kept. She probably had had a pedicure before he'd come back.

Slowly, Chrysalis' hoof edged closer and closer to the dragon's mouth. Then, he kissed it. A chuckle, pleasant to him, reached his ears from above, from Chrysalis. Spike began to work his way up, kissing and licking. First her shins, then her thighs, leaving a trail of slowly drying saliva on the smooth chitin. Moving over her thighs the dragon reached the changeling's cunt, he was careful to avoid this grand price!

She hadn't given him permission, after all...

Another chuckle reached his ears when Chrysalis moved her leg. The dragon stopped his licking and worshiping of her body as he was gently pushed back by her hoof against his chest! He wasn't pushed back by much, just enough to allow her leg to move well. “You truly are skilled with that tongue of yours...” She praised Spike, caressing his face with her hoof, tracing around his head. It was soon, she thought. Usually, for the next step, her prey had to get more preparations done to them, but she had a a feeling, considering how well he was already doing... “Go ahead. I think you can take it, big boy... Eat me out!”

If it hadn't been for the ring around his dick, Spike probably would've blown a load the moment the last three words hit his ears! That Chrysalis deigned him worthy of tasting her folds... He had never felt more flattered! To hear a mare like her compliment him, allow him to worship her. To serve her...

Seeing how he hesitate,overwhelmed by the honor bestowed on him, Chrysalis guessed he needed a little more egging on... “Do it!” She told him! “Come on! Do it!”

And he did.

It was the first time he tasted a pussy like hers... Sweet, but not overbearingly, yet pleasantly spicy as well... As addicting, if not even more, as her smell, her voice... her very being! And the smell...

“Not bad, not bad at all...” Chrysalis praised his eager tongue work! “Good boy!”

It was the first time Spike let out an aroused moan from being praised, and the 'Good boy'... It made him feel all fuzzy! Together with what his tongue was experiencing, it was surreal!

To Spike, it felt like he had but started, when she stopped him! “Your tongue is almost as skilled as a changeling's! But I think this will be enough for now!”

The dragon looked at her in confusion! He had just started, and she hadn't cum yet!”

“But-...”

“Surprised because you haven't made me climax yet? That will be for when you earned it. Then, I will allow you to drive me to a climax!” She grabbed his face and pulled him up, so that she could better look into his eyes! “But since you did so well, I think a little reward is in order...“ With a smirk, Chrysalis snapped her fingers, and the pressure around the base of Spike's shaft lessened somewhat! “Come on. Rub one out.”

The dragon didn't respond and just stared at her.

“Do it, before I decide otherwise!” Chrysalis snapped, pushing him off of her and back to the floor! But as rapidly as her demeanor had shifted one way, it returned to the magnanimous one before! A smile returned to her face. “Or maybe you need a little bit of extra... stimulation?” She let the straps of her dress slide down so that she revealed her breasts, her dark green aerola and nipples being shown to Spike for the first time. The dragon longed to taste them, knead them, worship them! “Well, don't you want to show how much you like them?”

His mouth now dry, Spike nodded. He crawled some steps back, so that he could see all of her, then sat down. Legs crossed, eyes fixed on Chrysalis' body, darting between her gorgeous, voluptuous breasts and her cunt, he spit on his right hand and began to jack himself off.

Enjoying what she saw, Chrysalis' left hand squeezed one of her breasts, while her right hand began to play with her pussy. Something that egged Spike on even more! He varied his technique and speed, sometimes using his left hand to fondle his balls, play with his tip, help his right on the shaft, or squeeze his own nipples. At times, he moved his body to show it off a little...

“Little dragon?” Chrysalis' teasing voice, interrupted by just the slightest moans from her own deeds, barely reached his brain after a few minutes. “Are you about to cum?”

“Y-yes...” He half-moaned, half-croaked. There were only two things in his mind right now: Cumming, and pleasing Chrysalis. Did she want him to cum now? Or would she prefer him to keep back, maybe edge himself for her amusement?

At least this time, she seemed to actually feel generous! “Go ahead! Shoot your load! As far, as much as you can!”

Hearing these words, he let himself go. And in his current state of mind, it was the best orgasm he had ever had, pleasing not only himself, but her as well... Letting out a loud moan, he blew his load, or rather loads! The first one went long, surprising even him! It impacted on the backrest of Chrysalis' chair, barely missing her face.

The rest was less explosive. A few splurts left white trails on the dark floor between them, before the rest slowly trickled out of his cock. Spike was staring at the ceiling, a derpy smile on his face, his tongue hanging out, as he panted happily.

Chrysalis herself shuddered a little as her own self-inflicted orgasm hit her, just as the glob of sticky white liquid impacted next to her head! With a smile, she used a finger to scoop up a part of it! “Very nice...” She grinned at the dragon as she held the finger in front of her eyes and gave it a little trying lick! “Mmh~!” Yes, she could taste his potential as she cleaned her finger! Then, she gestured to two of her attendants. “Have him be useful for the rest of the day!”

Letting Spike catch his breath for a few moments, one of the attendant then grabbed his arm and pulled him up. “Follow me.” The other one told him. They'd put him to good use. Nothing too big for now, maybe help with the laundry, or some other menial tasks. Once the Queen decided he was ready, there would be more interesting things...

Spike felt happy to be of use.

When the three had left, Chrysalis looked at Ocellus. “Clean this up!” She barked, pointing at the mess the dragon had left on the ground!

Sometime later, Spike had started to get accustomed to everything. He even was already able to find his way through the labyrinthian tunnels. Most of the time! Maybe it helped that he was a dragon, after all they did like caves. However, there was one issue...

He didn't know what day it was! “Hey, Thorax? I have a question!” Spike approached one of the two changelings he'd gotten somewhat close to. “I'm a bit hazy and being inside, without a window, or clock, for so long... I'm losing my feeling for time a little. How many days am I here now?”

Thorax stayed quiet for a few moments. “Two days.” It was a lie. Spike had been with them for almost a full week now! He hated that he had to do it, but he couldn't go against Chrysalis now could he?! If... No, when she found out, there'd be hell to pay for him! And if she found out how often Pharynx had covered for Thorax, his older brother would have to pay as well!

“Huh... Could've sworn it felt longer!” The dragon's perception of time would continue to degrade, until it would all just blend together. Thorax had seen it before! Once the victim was broken down enough to be another one of Chrysalis' slaves, toys, whatever, they'd get used to all the effects, in fact wouldn't be able to live without them most likely, and be able to realize the passage time again. It wouldn't be useful to have servants that didn't realize that it was 8 AM and not 7 PM, not to mention the day!

Time passed. Spike became ever more part of the hive, or whatever it was. On one occasion, he, out of a gut feeling, entered a room he was just passing by. Inside, he found Queen Chrysalis, standing in front of a number of females of varying species' chained to the wall. Some of them had bloated bellies, and a green liquid running out between the legs, mixed with their love juices. Slowly, the dragon stepped into the room, curios about what was going on.

“What are you doing, Queen Chrysalis?” He addressed her with utmost deference.

Her head turned, and she looked at him. For a moment, Chrysalis seemed surprised, but that was replaced with opportunistic satisfaction! “Come in! And call me 'Mistress'!” She told him. “To always call me by my full name and title is getting a little cumbersome, isn't it?”

“As you wish, mistress!” The words came so easily to him as he walked In. When he had reached her, the dragon fell onto his knees, gently brushed against her hip with his face and then looked up at the changeling. He had also noticed something between her legs that hadn't been there before...

“As for what I am doing... I am creating another batch of my changelings!” Chrysalis smirked and let out a moan as she said this! “The thing between my legs right now is no cock. It's an ovipositor! I am putting a clutch of eggs into these broodmares, then send in a breeding stud or two to fertilize them. When I'm in a really good mood, I do it myself even!” Chrysalis let out an uncharacteristically 'nice' chuckle.

“Oh?”

“You wonder how changeling procreation works, my little pet?”

Spike nodded.

Chrysalis grinned, flashing her fangs. “I am in good mood, so I will humor you. Our usual way of procreation is for me, the queen, to lay eggs into females of other species as brood mares, or sometimes female changelings, that can then be fertilized by males, or me,” she added with a chuckle. “However, as you might guess due to our... unique properties, this is not the only way... The eggs can be fertilized inside of a changeling queen beforehand already, and these eggs tend to produce above average changelings. Your friend, Thorax, and his brother came from such eggs for example. However changelings from eggs fertilized inside of the broodmare seem to take on traits of the stuff and the... mother, which is rather interesting.”

Chrysalis petted Spike on the head. Honestly, it was kind of nice to have such an interest listener! Most of her usual victims were too lost in their expected obedience to her. They'd listen because she wanted them to listen, not because of any actual interest. Maybe he was more than the usual 'client'. “And lastly, normal pregnancy. We changeling females can also be impregnated by male changelings and of other species, and male changelings can impregnate mares and so on. However, it is less efficient, since it produces off-springs in the usual amount of the species of the broodmare, or mother.” As if it was an afterthought, she added: “Though it is very useful for creating sleeper agents! If they aren't in a changeling rich environment, their changeling traits don't become active until they run into other changelings... And this is also the way new changeling leaders are born: As real, direct children of the ruling changeling queen!”

If Spike had been in his right mind, what he just heard would've been nightmare fuel. IThough it was questionable how much truth there was in her stories. But if what Chrysalis was saying was true, an unknown amount of changeling sleeper agents, who themselves didn't even know they were, were living in Equestria!

But he didn't think about it. Instead, he just asked her: “How does laying eggs feel?”

“Pretty nice. Vaguely similar to blowing a load, as the eggs slide down the ovipositor and into the receiving womb, coated in a nourishing lubricant.” Hmm... yes, she'd indulge him a little bit more! “If you wish, you can watch me lay my eggs in them and the following impregnation. And if you continue to be a good boy, maybe you'll be allowed to breed brood mares as well, at some point. I do wonder how a changeling with dragon and kirin traits would turn out... In fact, if you are a very good boy and serve me well, maybe you could sire a new generation of changeling royalty... And help the hive spread!”

“It...,” Spike answered slowly, almost dreamily, “would... be... an honor!” And then, he had an idea. “Can I help you?”

“What do you have in mind?”

Instead of answering verbally, he started to gently stroke and massage Chrysalis' ovipositor. “Mmh~...” The changeling hummed. “Not bad... How did you know that stimulating it would make me feel good?”

“Educated guess.”

When Chrysalis was finished, she led Spike out of the room. She turned and adressed one of her guards. “Captain? Get some of your men and fertilize them. Let them wait for a bit then bring them to the other pregnant broodmares... And milk those that are ready. Since he,-” she pointed at Spike,- “is being such a good pet, I want to give this little dragon something special for his meal today...”

Later, looking at the dragon doing his best to please her, Chrysalis mused about the situation. It was somewhat surprising her! She had expected dragons to be more resilient but then again, she remembered, the first griffon that had come to her behaved somewhat the same way! He had seemed to lose himself quickly, but when she had pushed him, it turned out that he took longer to break than ponies, or kirin! Maybe it was the same with dragons, or at least this dragon! It could have something to do with the innate pride griffons, and from what she'd heard dragons, possessed. It being bent was one thing, it being broken another...

Maybe it had something to do with what she had found out about him... Abandoned at a very young age... Maybe he fell in so easily because this started to feel like family, after all, they all, in some form, were one big changeling family... Maybe he saw her not only as a Mistress, but also a... mommy... An amusing thought for Chrysalis, considering how many changelings she had sired...

No, It wouldn't do to try to push him over the edge too soon... Right now, he was an obedient tool and, judging by his background and behavior so far, he wouldn't object to being put to use in more sensual ways, but if she rushed it, he would probably start resisting! If she forced him to give up any pretense of returning to his friends, or to turn them over to her, too soon, things could begin to unravel unduly!

Again more time passed. Today, Chrysalis would put Spike to work at the very place where he had first made personal contact with changelings! He had been blindfolded, and when they had been removed, the changeling that had welcomed him back in the day had stood before him.

Now, however, she didn't look quite as obediently nice. In fact, she looked at him sternly, with a barely concealed hunger in her eyes! She lead him into a changing room, where the maid uniform and the harem outfit from his wardrobe had been laid out. Alongside the chain that would connect his tail to his collar. The intentions were clear, and he dressed without care. Anyone standing behind him would see his private parts, and he would be more than happy to show them off, give them a nice sway, as Queen Chrysalis certainly would want him to!

“Turn around!” The receptionist barked at him, seemingly enjoying that she had someone new to boss around. It was rather obvious that she did more than just man the front desk. “Very nice. Now bend over!” He did. And she gave him a spank. “Oh yes! I thought you had potential when we first met, and seeing this, I wasn't wrong! You know, the Queen allowed me to have some fun with you, once your shift is over... I am looking forward to it!” These last words were spoken in a very hungry, almost predatory, voice. The receptionist had looked so sweet when Spike had seen her first, but she hid a devious personality...

“For now,” She told Spike as she lead him out of the room, “I want you to clean up. You are already wearing a maid uniform after all!” She gave him a spank on his ass. “And remember to look good for our guests, slut! Maybe you'll get some, and if they want to use you, they'll pay!”

As she had told him, Spike was doing his best to look alluring as he cleaned, shaking his hips, doing his best to act like a femdrake... Whenever a guest passed by, he showed off his ass, bending over for example. Some of the guests seemed to like it, with a few even fondling up, before they were hurried along by their escorts, while others scoffed. He didn't know if it was because of his behavior, his looks, the fact that he was a guy, or his species...

At one point, while dusting through a room, a guest seemed to have split from his escort, followed him and had started to feel him up. It had been a griffon, and his paws rubbed over his body, his right finally giving just a thrilling squeeze around Spike's throat, his left rubbing over the dragon's ass. The way his breath smelled, and his way of talking, had indicated that he was at least slightly sloshed, but at this moment, there was nothing better for Spike... He was almost disappointed when an annoyed looking changeling had pulled the griffon away, scolding him for running off from his appointment!

After an hour, the receptionist decided that it was time for the dragon to do some real work. Of course, as Chrysalis' currently favored pet, he wouldn't be doing too much, for now, but at least a little bit of work. She told Spike to put on the harem outfit.

Sitting on a sofa was a rich looking stallion, his face hidden behind a half-mask. To his left, arms wrapped around his arm as eye candy, was a very shapely mare who was also wearing a mask. The mare noticed Spike and pointed at him, followed by some whispering into the stallion's ear.

“You know I'm not usually into this,” He replied with a smirk and rubbed her cheek, “but, but I've always wanted to put a dragon in his place. Why not?” The stallion looked up, looked at Spike! “You there! Come here and... entertain me, and my girl!”

Once the shift was over, Spike's 'clothes' were stained. And he walked a little funny. Now, he was servicing the receptionist. It was one of the perks the changeling had due to her position! Despite seemingly 'only' being the receptionist, since Chrysalis in the end 'ran' the whole operation, she was the one managing the day-to-day. Seemingly only manning the desk also was a bit of a safety measure. After all, most wouldn't guess that the humble receptionist was the most important person in the room...

Standing just outside the door was Thorax, waiting to lead Spike back to Chrysalis. And he felt very bad about it. The two weeks were almost over and the poor dragon didn't even realize it! And he, Thorax, had helped Queen Chrysalis condition him, to break him down... He helped her to use him! And he felt guilty as hell about it.

Thorax had often wondered, if Changelings couldn't just live side by side with ponies and the other species. One time, either Chrysalis had overheard him or one of his siblings had told her, he had been viciously lectured, about how society would never willingly give to them what they needed, never accept them, except, of course, those that were allowed access for business, and how it was all just for his, and his siblings best. Honestly, to Thorax it had always felt more like a guilt trip and to keep them in line, but he also didn't really have anything to disprove it. But Spike had always been rather nice to him, even before the effects had gotten as pronounced...

Maybe he should talk with Ocellus... Though she hadn't spent as much time with Spike as himself after his arrival, she also had been somewhat fond of the dragon after all, and she yearned to experience the world, rather than be stuck in the hive, while others got to go outside... In any case, he had to do something...

Now, Queen Chrysalis was again contemplating how to proceed with her newest plaything. Yes... What to do with him? Mockingly, she caressed the dragon's face, asking him what she should do with him? “Should I sell you?” Chrysalis had done so with some of her victims, and not all of them had come to make a deal... or out of their own, free will. “But you're such a good little pet... Maybe I should turn you into a breeder? Turn you into a changeling?” There were some ancient writings about magic and other means that might be able to transform a being into changeling, though she had never tried them before. “Hmm... maybe I should just completely brainwash you and make you my lover! So many possibilities...” The changeling chuckled! “Drone?” She had stopped referring to him by name almost completely now. The less he saw himself as an independent individual, the better.

“Yeeees... my queen?” Spike mumbled, cum dripping from the tip of his cock. By now, he basically constantly aroused and ready to go.

“You might earn a name soon, if you continue being such a good servant!” Maybe she'd just give him back his old one. 'Spike' seemed rather fitting. And it'd feel right to him. Names had power. A being with a name was harder to break down, since they clung to their identity!

“Thank you, my queen!

Then, inspiration hit her! “Oh! I just had a great idea! Yes! I'll turn you into my personal little monster!” Chrysalis cheered, very pleased with her own genius! “My attack dog! My bodyguard, and my executioner! Maybe even my prime breeding stud...” Around her, her lackeys cheered and applauded, beside themselves with fawning over their mistress' genius.

“There are means to make you nice and buff! Your chest will be swell! Your scales will become bulletproof! Your arms will grow strong enough to tear a pony in half! Those little claws will be like knifes!” Chrysalis proclaimed! “And your little friend down there... If I am not mistaken, it will be a real mare destroyer...” With a malicious tone, she added: “Maybe I'll also use you to break disobedient bitches!”

After a moment of contemplation, Chrysalis looked at two of the servants next to the throne.“In fact, let me try it right now... It will not be permanent, yet, so consider it a test run! You two! Go! Go and bring me...” She rattled of a list of things she'd need.

Once her preparations were complete, she gave Spike a bowl. Inside of it was a small amount of a sickly green glowing liquid. “Drink!” The mistress told him, commanding, yet sensual and generous. Once the vile-tasting liquid had been drained, Chrysalis proceeded to hit him with her own magic.

When she stopped... nothing happened. To Chrysalis' confusion. “Why is nothing happening?! THERE SHOULD BE AN IMMEDIATE TRANSFORMATION!!!” Apparently, she wasn't taking well to things not going her way.

But then, things started to happen. First, the dragon's legs grew and bulged, becoming slaps of muscle, the claws on his feet lengthened. His wings grew larger, almost comical in proportion to the rest of his, as of yet still unchanged, body. Spike's arms now followed in the same vein as his legs, truly looking like he could rip a pony in half! The tail, at its base was now as thick as some ponies' upper bodies! His snout lengthened as his head and tail grew, his teeth becoming ever more vicious looking, together with the spikes on his head and back! And finally, his torso, especially his chest, grew and bulged out! If he'd been here, Spike would have put Big Macintosh to shame!

Spike had grown. A lot. He was now towering over even Chrysalis, as a wall of muscle and scale! The bracelets around his arms, legs, neck and tail seemed to be on the verge of snapping! His eyes,almost slits, glaring in a mix of barely restrained greed, lust, anger, and... obedience. And, maybe because of how the transformation had happened, or because it hadn't 'set', wasn't final, the eyes were pure white..

As the dragon breathed, a deep rumble filled the hall. When he moved, the sound of his feet, and his claws, on the ground echoed. He was like some primordial beast! A being of pure, barely restrained power!

And he was hers! Hers alone! Chrysalis was beside herself with self-satisfaction and joy! “Yes! Yeeees! This is even better than I had anticipated! I mean,” she quickly backtracked, trying to look like everything had gone as she had expected, “This is exactly what was supposed to be happen! Oh yes!” Then, her eyes fell on Spike's crotch. And what she saw there took her breath away...”T-TWO?!” Chrysalis stammered as she inadvertently licked her lips!

Indeed, side-by-side between Spike's legs were not one, but two, as Chrysalis had put it before, 'mare destroyers', already leaking pre-cum. Around the base of the right one was the ring that Thorax had put around it, so that was the original one. Like this, the dragon really would be a bitch breaker, and if the potential was genetic, he truly would be a prime specimen for breeding...

The changeling queen just had to give this new and improved toy a test run! Too bad he didn't have horns... They'd probably be great to get a hold on...

“Drone!” Chrysalis called out to him, but he didn't react. Had his intelligence taken a hit? That would be unfortunate... A mindless brute would be less useful than an intelligent henchman.. Though, maybe it was because 'drone' wasn't exactly a specific way of addressing him, together with him being less used to it... Rolling her eyes, she called out his name: “Spike?”

As if it was difficult for him to talk, he answered slowly! “Yeeees, mistress?” His voice was now a low, deep rumble, appropriate to his new appearance!

Rubbing her thighs together, letting one of the straps of her dress already fall, she told him: “You are looking great, my little dragon...”

“Thank you... mistress...” He lowered his head in a small bow.

“You are truly proof of my genius!” Chrysalis bragged as her dress hit the floor, “and I think you deserve a little reward for that! And I deserve two big rewards, if you catch my drift...”

“Yes, mistress!” This time, the dragon grinned almost as much as Chrysalis as he walked up to her! As he got closer, the changeling could almost swear that she felt the ground tremble at his steps, though she was convinced that this was only her imagination.

When he came to halt in front of her, Spike lowered himself, so that his head was just barely above Chrysalis'. The so-called queen let her nails brush over the scale of his face. They had hardened, though if she added some pressure, there still was a pleasant softness remaining.

Her hand moved down, feeling all the newly gained muscle mass. 'Brick wall' wouldn't have done him justice! She grabbed his right hand and placed it around her hip. Her other hand gently brushed over one of his cocks. Her tongue, licking his cheek, stretched to reach the dragon's ear... “Do what you want, big guy!”

As if he had only waited for this, and he probably had, Spike drew in a deep breath! When he exhaled, small blue flames shot out from his nostrils! Again he drew breath, and this time he spoke. Two words. “Spike.. Want!” Then, his powerful hands grabbed Chrysalis' ass! She felt almost tiny to him now, and her moans as his strong fingers easily handled her, though he was careful not to pierce the chitin, were very pleasant. Mirroring what Chrysalis had done before, his tongue now licked over her smooth face! Unlike before, however, her tongue gladly joined in.

With a roar, Spike lifted her off the ground! Her hooves immediately clasped together behind his back as she began to make out with him! One of his hands moved up, to squeeze the tits that were his reward! The other lowered her onto his two waiting rods...

When she felt the tips press against her holes, Chrysalis called out to the assembled crowd: “WATCH US! WATCH YOUR QUEEN REWARD HER NEW, HER GREATEST SERVANT!” Just as she finished the last sentence, she let out a scream of pleasure when the dragon sunk his lengths into her wet, welcoming folds!

The others crowded around the brutish beast as he started to brutally fuck their leader! And Chrysalis had to admit... if she hadn't been able to change her body according to her whims, his girth might have hurt her! But with her innate abilities, and his massive dragon cocks, it was bliss she had rarely experienced before!

Fifteen minutes later, hitting her third orgasm, Chrysalis realized what she had forgotten! She didn't count on was the dragon's stamina! He hadn't cum once yet... As great as the rutting was, if it continued like this, he might fuck HER brains out! It wouldn't do if he left her a drooling mess that couldn't think of anything but dragon cock! Especially considering that the transformation wasn't permanent yet! One submissive, brainwashed dragon, and his queen that could only think about his cock! What would that mean for the future of the changelings? Nothing good, she was sure!

Suddenly, Spike roared that it shook the hall! His grip on Chrysalis tightened and she realized that, finally, he was cumming as well! Moments later, the changeling cumming for the fourth time, she felt how her holes were being filled by a torrent of jizz that the dragon's balls were churning out!

Her ass and pussy were being flooded, and the way it felt, Chrysalis could swear that it was dripping out of her pussy like a waterfall, despite it being plugged by the massive cock! She wouldn't even be surprised if her belly started to bulge a little... Well, at least she'd be able to catch her br-...

The dragon began to move again, obviously not yet satisfied! But she needed a break to catch her breath! And to taste his cum...

Chrysalis fought to raise her hands, her body almost totally having given in to him! She grabbed his face and looked right into his blank eyes, then drew a deep breath! “S-STOP!” It didn't sound as authoritative as she would've liked... And the following words followed suit, to her own shame! “I think... I need a minute to catch my breath. In the meantime, you can entertain yourself with the others!” She had wanted to make it sound like a generous offer to him, while she'd watch and judge! But instead, well...

Without replying anything, the dragon carried her, still impaled on his twin-cocks, to her throne and gently let her down. Then, with a bestial grin, he turned around. Chrysalis could almost swear she heard him chuckle... Arrogant little... But anyway, she needed a break! Of course, usually even a specimen like him wouldn't be a real problem to handle for her, but she had been... unprepared! Yes!

Taking a deep breath, she told the assembled crowd: “Satisfy his needs!” And, even if some of them looked a bit worried at the dragon's size, they obeyed. They crowded around the throne and offered themselves to Spike.

Earlier this night, in a Manehattan parking garage

They had been called here in the message that Tempest Shadow had received. 'They', because Tempest wasn't alone! Big Mac, Applejack, Flash, Fleetfoot and Rarity had come along! Spike's second-in-command hadn't liked that her friends and partners-in-crime had wanted to come along, but it had been impossible to deny it to all of them, especially considering how close they were, and the two siblings were his usual bodyguards. For Rarity... She had thrown a tantrum just on the chance that she wasn't allowed to help to find her 'Spikey-wikey', and it had proved very effective...

And that was what it was about: In the message, they'd been told that Chrysalis wasn't playing fair with Spike, and that he was under the influence of certain substances! They'd been asked to come to this place at 11:30 PM, to meet somepony who wanted to help them. It was suspicious, but the worry about the dragon superseded anything else!

Fluttershy had wanted to come along, but all of them had told her off. It wasn't that they didn't trust her, and they knew that she was just as worried about Spike, but... she was still a cop!

As they walked through the parking garage, Rarity had to admit that it was like out of a cheap noir movie, or novel. She probably should indulge herself in one of the better ones again, it had been a while... The lights were dim. Either, the building had seen better days, which was likely anyway, or somepony had been busy and fucked around with the power supply... The first option was more propbable.

The group reached the third highest floor, as described in the message. After a few minutes of further walking, in a corner hidden from sight next to an elevator with a sign saying 'out of order' they saw a figure wearing a hat and trench coat. For Rarity, the guy was laying the whole 'noir' thing on very thickly... But she'd be lying if she'd claim that she didn't get a kick out of It! Too few ponies valued the style of old classics!

“You there!” Tempest called out to the figure! “What's up with Spike'! Where is he?!”

The figures head spun around. For a moment, it froze! “I wanted you to come alone!” The voice sounded like a young male, surprised and angry! “I'm lea-...”

Before he could finish Big Macintosh rushed to grab the hooded figure, but his sister was faster! And only barely beat Tempest Shadow herself and, surprisingly, Rarity to the punch!

“Who are you?” Applejack growled as she lifted him of his hooves and pressed his back against the wall! “How do YOU know what's going on? What's wrong with Spike?!”

The guy struggled, his gloved hand grabbing Applejack's hand, trying to get it away from his throat! As his body moved, his hat fell to the ground. And revealed an insectoid being.

“What in tarnation...?” AJ gasped as her grip slipped! “A changeling?!”

“My name is Thorax!” He croaked, gasping for air! “And I'd appreciate it if you could be a bit more quiet! She has eyes and ears everywhere!” He only noticed the shocked silence after he had said this. “Why are you so surprised? You know Spike was making a deal with us!”

“Well, from what we know, all of you are blindly loyal to your boss. Or queen, or whatever.” Applejack was still a little confused!

Flash continued for her: “So, having a changeling trying to tell us about what is going on with Spike, probably going against her instructions, is a bit surprising.”

“Eeyup!” Big Mac nodded as Fleetfoot helped the changeling back to his hooves.

“Well, she never explicitly forbade us...” The changeling murmured, more to himself. Then, he addressed Spike's gang: “Do you know how difficult it was to arrange for me to be able to meet you here without it coming to her attention? Please! Let me tell you what I'm here for! I don't want Chrysalis to find out!”

The others exchanged glances for a moment. “Well,” Tempest spoke up, “alright. Shoot!”

“Basically, since his arrival Chrysalis drugged him, which causes him to lose track of the time passing. She wants to keep him as a plaything and has already used him in one of her 'Pleasure Dens'.”

Rarity felt blazing anger rise inside of her! “This. Won't. Stand!” The white unicorn declared angrily! “WHERE IS SHE?!”

“Quiet please!” Thorax tried to get her to reduce her volume, while Fleetfoot and Flash tried to calm Rarity down! “I'll try to make arrangements! But please, wait a week for me to get everything set in order!”

“Tsk... alright...” Tempest looked anything but happy about having to wait to bust her friend out! Though, she had one burning question: “Why are you helping us?”

“Because Spike's a nice guy and he doesn't deserve whatever Chrysalis planned for him. And, to be honest, she is an abusive monster, but we just can't go against her... Maybe some day...”

“And why this get up?” Rarity shot a glare at Fleetfoot's back for the somewhat dismissive tone she had used!

“Because changelings can be pretty good at spotting other changelings.” He grumbled. He told them he wanted this to be over quick, but they bothered with questions like that?! “For them, it wouldn't have mattered if I transformed, so I decided to just cover as much as possible. And maybe I watched an old movie ones and my imagination just ran with that, OK?” He waited for a moment. “No more unnecessary questions? OK! Now listen! I'll tell you where Spike is...”

Thorax told them that, and offered a few angles about how to approach his liberation... When they returned to the club, Tempest and the others had a lot planning to do and very little time.

Back in Chrysalis' hideout, the leader of the changelings was sitting on her throne, watching the draconic monster fuck his way through the assembled changelings and other servants. Again in awe of her own genius, she enjoyed the show. As massive as Spike now was, she could probably ride on his back easily... It would be a good, dignified way of getting around, Chrysalis had to admit. And she'd be riding on the back of a powerful, possibly small-calibre proof, bodyguard, who could please her needs whenever she wanted.

As Spike let his twin-dragons slide out of a pair of happily moaning servants, “Before your transformation disappears, we should celebrate your future...” Saying this, she turned around, presenting her rear to him as she knelt on her chair! “I think you know what I mean, pet!”

But before the queen could get her round two, a surprised voice echoed through the hall: “What is going on here?!” Was that huge thing Spike? What had Chrysalis done to him?

“Thorax?” Chrysalis and Spike turned around to face her freshly arrived underling! “Where have you been?

He hadn't expected to run into her just yet! At this time, she was usually sleeping, meeting important clients, or getting pampered in a special spa area of her brothel, enjoying the shows put on in the different rooms via hidden cameras! Thorax had expected to just slip back into the hive, mix in and that'd be it! He had swapped some shifts around, and Ocellus had helped him with that, specifically to avoid running into Chrysalis on his return!

“Uhm...” He stammered! He had to make up a reasonable excuse!

Before he was able to, Chrysalis lifted an eyebrow. “Slacking off?” Her voice sounded dangerously disinterested! “Maybe taking a stroll outside, without permission?” She turned to Spike again. “Little Thorax apparently thinks he doesn't need to do his part for the hive! He needs a little... punishment! Destroy his ass!”

Thorax shuddered as the huge dragon's eyes turned to him! He looked.... scary. Hungry. Different from normal, even the size difference aside.

“And once you're done with him,” she continued, “we're going to finish. If your transformation doesn't run out before that...”

When Spike had returned to normal and was suffering from a major headache, he had been apologizing to Thorax for quite a while, after he'd been told what had happened! Spike had barely remembered anything from when he had been transformed, and it all had felt like hazy dream to him!

Thorax, for his part, had no ill-feelings towards the dragon for what had happened. He didn't have any real control over what he was doing after all. And in any case, Chrysalis, when she was in a bad mood, had put him, and many others, through worse. For all her talk about doing it for their good, she always seemed to have her own interests as paramount!

In the days after the transformation, Spike had been tired and spent most of his time in bed. Apparently, it had taken a lot out of him. Chrysalis wasn't happy, but she was smart enough not to press him too much. A broken toy was no fun, after all.

Now, nearly a month after his arrival, he had recovered. But for some reason Chrysalis was still taking it easy on him. Maybe she wanted him to be well rested once he was 'ready' for her?

Right now, he was in Chrysalis' main hall, tending her needs. It was a quiet day, with nothing special happening.

That was, until a bunch of changelings came tumbling through the entrance. It were guards! Chrysalis jumped from her seat, pushing her attendants, including Spike, away! The poor dragon rolled a few meters... “What is going on?!” She barked at the guards! Pained groans were the only answer. “Useless!” Chrysalis growled with a disgusted look on her face!

Moments later, another pair of guards followed their companions! And the reason for the commotion made itself known: A group of ponies, some of them holding guards, entered the hall. They were a very big, red earth pony, an orange pegasus, a unicorn with a broken horn, a zebra, a blue pegasus, a white unicorn, a brown earth pony, a white pegasus and a yellow earth pony.

“What do you want?!” Chrysalis spat at them, preparing a spell of her own...

While the others were more fixated on paying attention to the changelings and Chrysalis, to avoid being overrun by sheer numbers, Rarity rushed the dragon, laying on the ground, barely 'clothed' and almost apathetic. “Spike! Spike! Is everything alright?!”

“Hmm?” He sounded utterly disinterested, even when looking straight at her! It seemed almost like he wasn't recognizing her in fact!” What are you doing here?”

Tempest spared a moment to look at the two. “What have you done to him?!”

Chrysalis just smirked.

“Zecora? I think we need whatever you cooked up...”

As Chrysalis watched the unicorn holding the dragon, she thought about the situation. How had this group managed to find her hideout? Maybe her underlings had been sloppy with hiding their tracks? It couldn't be that she had made a mistake, nor that any of her totally loyal children would dare betray her... No, someone must have screwed up. Had they just decided to burst in to get their friend back? Were they shortsighted enough? No! Judging by what she knew about the gang, they wouldn't be so bold to think they could just charge in and take him back without a threat of repercussion! They must have made some sort preparations in case they didn't return! Maybe they prepared a dossier about her, which would be leaked if they didn't return! And if not that, at least something else that would cause a major headache for her...

The zebra nodded at Tempest's words. After the others had reported what they had learned in their meeting with their informant, though they didn't tell who it'd been, she had set to work to create a drug that might be able help Spike. They had brought her a sample of... something, that was apparently used on the dragon.

Her solution was anything but elegant! She didn't have a lot of time, nor a lot of test subjects. Instead, her drug was supposed to work as broadly as possible to get Spike's mental faculties reasonably receptive again. More than likely, he'd feel like shit once it wore off, and possibly from withdrawal from whatever Chrysalis had subjected him to.

Hurrying over to Rarity and Spike, she pulled out a beaker and removed the cork. “Here, drink this!”

He didn't react, and in fact shut his mouth! The zebra just rolled her eyes.

“I have no idea what you are talking about...” Chrysalis smirked. “Spike, tell your friends that you are happy here.”

“I am happy here.” His voice was flat.

“Tell them, that you decided that you want to stay with me!”

“I want to stay here...”

“And now, keep your mouth shut until I've dealt with them!” Chrysalis rose to her full height! “GUARDS!”

Thorax, watching from a far corner, meanwhile was hoping very much that Chrysalis wouldn't put two and two together on how they found out... And that Spike and his friends would be able to get out.

“Rarity... Open his mouth.” Zecora told the unicorn as Pharynx and his troops arrived. They had been there the whole time, but waited for their order.

“Spike! Please! Open your mouth!” Rarity begged him as the others began to keep the changelings away!

He didn't react.

The unicorn let out a sigh. “I wanted to handle this as comfortable as possible...” Now, her horn began to glow. And the glow engulfed Spike's jaw. Slowly, his teeth inched further and further apart. “Now pour it down his gullet! Quick! You don't believe how strong his jaws are!”

Moments later, the liquid had gone from the beaker into Spike's mouth. He swallowed on instinct. Moments later, he started to groan!

“What have you done to him?!” Chrysalis screeched! “Spike, my servant! Talk to me!”

Zecora's answer was calm and somewhat smug: “I just gave him something that will free his mind of your influence!”

“What... what happened?” Spike began to stammer... “My head...”

“Spike? Can you hear me?” Rarity was shaking him slightly.

“R-Rarity?” He tried to sit up. “What are you doing here?”

“You recognize me! We were so worried about you!” A couple of tears ran down the unicorn's cheeks, before her head turned to Tempest and the others! “HEY! HE'S BACK TO HIS SENSES!”

“But...” He rubbed his head as he sat up, “I told you I'd be gone for two weeks! It's what? 10? 11 days? I-...”

“You've been here for a whole month!” Zecora cut Spike off before he could get into how they might've ruined the deal or whatever.

Chrysalis scoffed. It was disgraceful how this dragon let himself be talked to by his underlings. Maybe it would be good that he didn't become her henchdragon? Right now, he looked far too pathetic!

Spike didn't believe his ears! “A month?”

“You were under the influence of drugs that, among other things, altered your perception of time!” Zecora explained tersely.

For a moment, the dragon stayed silent. “How did you find me”

“There is time for this later!” She said this while her gaze was fixed on Chrysalis. Apparently, she didn't want her to hear it, even if only by accident. “Now, we should prepare to leave. Our friends are doing their best, but considering their numbers, we don't have much time!”

“Let me handle this...” The dragon groaned as he struggled to his feet. His voice a little weak, he nonetheless addressed his former captor: “Chrysalis! I think I have fulfilled our agreement! Two weeks of work for you... And, as you said... I am saying it's over now!”

Chrysalis didn't like losing at all! But it would be better to cut her losses right now, than risk this group to cause any actual damage. Especially if Spike recovered even more... “Tsk... Fine...” With a wave of her hand, she called her guards off. “A deal's a deal...”

“Even with a dirty dealer!” Tempest snarked, now that she wasn't busy dealing with a swath of opponents anymore!

“Silence!” The changeling queen shot back, gritting her teeth! Insolent little... “The one who set your club on fire was the leader of a small group of pyromaniacs. Her name is 'Fire Flame'. Maybe you heard rumors about her?”

Tempest and Button did indeed remember hearing some stories, though they had usually waved it off as one of the usual stories that always crop up when more than one fire got into the news in a month. In a city the size of Manehattan... “I also know that the group was hired to set your club on fire, so that somepony could buy what was left. I do not, however, know who, or why. There are some who are able to evade me and my changelings!” Having to admit that in front of them just increased her anger and hatred! Her voice lowered... “You got what you wanted! Now leave!” The last word was emphasized by a snap, which caused the ring around Spike's privates to drop to the ground. “THORAX! BRING THE DRAGON HIS CLOTHES!”

Spike had a feeling that it would be smart not to unnecessarily antagonize her further after he'd dressed. Instead of saying anything, he just gave her a short nod. Without saying a word, the others followed as the dragon, helped by Zecora and Rarity, started to go.

The changeling Queen was stewing in her own anger now. Spike and his friends had made a very powerful, very vindictive, stealthy and crafty enemy. Looking at the groups backs, Chrysalis swore that she'd have her revenge. One day, she would! But until the opportunity arose, she would wait. Wait, and plan. Maybe she would still take the dragon as her pet... After she thoroughly destroyed his personality! Yes... and then, she would have him break his friends for her! It was all just a momentary setback!

As his friends led the way, Spike, now being carried by Big Mac, slowly started to recognize his surroundings! Especially once, after many minutes, they'd reached a very expensive looking hallway! “So, we've been here all along!” The whole time, Chrysalis' hideout had been deep below the place where Spike had first met Thorax! Though he had a feeling that now that he and his friends knew where her lair was, she'd probably move it. Or, at least, her main hideout.

“Eeyup.” Was Big Mac's answer.

“All the blindfolded moving around, just so that you wouldn't realize that you've been here before and you wouldn't think to look at this place again!” Fleetfoot shook her head. “Despite her wanting to keep you!”

Rarity chimed in: “It is most likely standard procedure for that fiend!”

“Let's bring you home!” Rumble suggested. “You need to rest! And I think it'd be better we talk about anything important in private!”

They all agreed.

Chrysalis' hideout hadn't been outside of Manehattan after all. It had been hidden in a backstreet in one of the not-too-bad-but-also-not-really-nice neighborhoods. Well, she was catering to an exclusive clientele, so being hidden in some ramshackle, downtrodden shit hole probably wouldn't do. It was curious how the ponies living around it didn't know about it, though maybe, considering how everything looked around here, they probably didn't even care. Maybe they were aware about some of the basics, but not that it was Chrysalis hiding there. Or maybe they were all working for her? That was a scary thought...

Back at Spike's place, the place getting a bit crowded with all of them there, they could finally talk in peace. After Spike had washed down a bunch of aspirin with a lot of water. On the way back, his headache had gotten worse, probably a side effect of what Zecora had given him and/or of no longer being bombarded by Chrysalis' drugs. And he had needed something to drink!

“For our part, there is one more topic,” Tempest told him. “Cozy Glow”

Flash elaborated further: “She disappeared shortly after you left! Usually, she'd tell us beforehand that she couldn't make it, or something. But that time, she just hadn't shown up for work, and also didn't come back!”

Despite his headache, Spike's mind quickly put everything together! “She's the informant! She's been gone a whole lot over the recent months, and when she was, she was slipping information! And when I went to meet Chrysalis, she feared that the information we would receive might bust her!”

The others nodded. “We figured the same when we didn't hear anything back after two weeks.” Big Mac said. “It's good that Zecora keeps all her stuff safely looked and hidden, so that nopony but her has access to it...”

Well, none but her and Spike and Tempest, but it was close enough.

“We should've seen that coming!” Tempest Shadow growled! “She always was complaining about how we 'lack the ambition to get really big'! With the stuff going on, she probably figured she could move up...”

“True. Honestly? The only thing really surprising me is that she didn't leave a note to taunt us!” The dragon had to admit. “It's still a bit sad, though. She was with us for a long time, and when we clawed our way up, a good member...”

“Blind ambition is a bitch, and so is Cozy Glow. But who knows... Maybe she was just waiting for a good chance to ditch us from the start?”

They talked for a while longer, catching him up on what was going on at the Club and with their businesses. The Nightmare Night party had been a success... After a while, they came to an end. Button Mash, Rumble, Flash Sentry and Big Mac were the first to leave.

When Applejack rose shortly after, Spike put his arm around her. “Girls?” He addressed them all, “Mind if you stay for a bit longer? I have a lot of steam to blow off...”

“What?!” AJ sounded very surprised! “I would have assumed that Chrysalis would have milked you dry like a desert!”

“The opposite, in fact, for the most part.” He told them what had happened. All of it. “And I guess whatever I was under the influence off, well... Let's just say my balls feel very full right now!”

“Now that you mention it... you do look different!” Tempest eyed him closer. Before, they'd been too distracted with other matters to notice.

“I doubt it is permanent.” Zecora added an educated guess. “But if you want, we can call Nurse Redheart to check you up!”

“No,” he shook his head, “I agree. I faintly remember Chrysalis talking about it needing time.. More than one month.”

Rarity, meanwhile, got some ideas. “Do you mind if I use you as model for a few outfits, while your physical changes last?”

“Well... fine. I doubt I'll be out too much until I'm back to normal anyway. I hope it won't take too long though.”

“Very nice!” The white unicorn grinned. “Now, regarding your overfilled balls down there,-” She rubbed his cock through his pants, “-I do have an idea or two, even if it might be a little cramped... And it would be ideas in which all here could participate, or even more!”

They all exchanged a few looks. But then, one by one, Applejack, Fleetfoot, Zecora (who wanted to stay and keep an eye on Spike for a bit anyway) and Tempest Shadow agreed.

Rarity pulled out her phone and picked a number from speed dial! “Excellent!... Sweetie Belle? Why don't you and your friends come home? Spike is back and he needs some company!”

Spike used this to make a call of his own: “I'll call Fluttershy and tell her that I'm alright.”

Half an hour later the Cutie Mark Crusaders had arrived with Fluttershy. The pegasus had picked them up, after they had texted her about Spike being back. She had already been about to leave, and so picking the three up had been no problem. However, there was also another mare with them!

“Pinkie Pie?!” The assembled crowd called out! “What are you doing here?”

“I saw Fluttershy and the others drive by and texted them!” They stopped, told me what was going on, that Spike is back, and I decided to tag along! Didn't have anything else to do, really!”

“Well, Pinkie,” Rarity smirked, deciding to make the best out of an unexpected situation, “are you up to a few hours of sexual debauchery?”

The pink pony stared blankly at her. Maybe this had been a mistake... Considering how bubbly, fun-loving and, at times, oblivious she was... “Pinkie, if-...”

Rarity's attempt at extracting herself elegantly from this situation until Pinkie left was interrupted by the earth pony: “Oh! You mean if I am willing to get my brains fucked out! Sure!”

That bounce ball of an earth pony always managed to surprise... “I have some ideas for what we could do! But on second thought, I don't know where we could get three dozen balloon animals...”

OK, this was getting weird very quickly! Time for Rarity to take charge again and stear it away from whatever strange ideas Pinkie might come up with! “I do have a few ideas already, in fact! Just let me get my stuff!”

Stuff? Now they worried about what Rarity had planned! What was wrong with a normal multi-hour fuck session?

A few minutes later, she started to distribute sets of clothing among the girls. “See if it fits... I didn't have all your measurements, but I think I eyeballed them well enough.”

“You made clothes for us?!” Fleetfoot didn't quite believe it, at least in the current context, as she eyed the very neon-y colors of the fabric in her hands.

“Well, I made them specifically for Sweetie Belle, Fluttershy, and me. But when I was working on them, I got into the mood and made some extra! You never know!” Rarity explained as she continued to hand out the clothes.

Tempest grabbed hers. “Why does this look like you stole it out of an 80's aerobics video?”

“Because it is based on 80's aerobics video clothes. I thought it'd be fun to make one or two little... home videos. Just for us. But since all of you are here, why not go a little bit bigger?”

“And one of those is going to be what?” Fleetfoot snarked! “'Sexy home aerobics softcore – Volume I'?”

“Not quite 'softcore'.” The unicorn grinned. “I thought more about working up a little sweat as we stretch and workout... And then, Spike gets involved and really stretches us out!”

“Ah! The good part!” Spike, Tempest, Zecora and Applejack said at the same time!

“Indeed. Now, let's go and change! Spike? Could you be a dear and set up cameras for us? Over there? And maybe try to get us good lighting?

“Sure!”

While they changed, Rarity explained the routine she had imagined. All of them, maybe sans Pinkie, but she assured that she'd manage, were sporty enough to handle it. Even Fluttershy, thanks to her friends Rainbow Dash and Gilda insisting on her working out with then. In any case, Rarity would be the one acting first, and the others would have just to follow suit.

Tempest Shadow, Fleetfoot and Zecora had been given a top and panties. Rarity was wearing a full body suit, while Applejack and Sweetie Belle had swimsuit-like pieces without straps, while Pinkie Pie, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom wore singlets. Most of them had ankle and wrist warmers, and all of them wore sport shoes. Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Fleetfoot also wore headbands matching their gear, while AJ had, for once, actually parted with her hat.

Rarity grabbed a bottle of water and, after drinking some, she poured the rest over her head! “Well, ladies! Let's make our ladies bounce and shake our tails for the entertainment of our dear, happily returned, Spike!”

As Rarity checked the cameras, the others got to their positions. Spike had grabbed himself a chair and sat down to watch. Seeing that everything was fine, the white unicorn now joined the others! “Girls! Coach Spike allowed me to run the training routine today!” The unicorn announced, using her phone to put on some music as she stepped in front of the cameras.

Taking her place in the center front, between Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, Rarity's hands pushed her mane up and let it fall down over her shoulders again! “Welcome to our newest episode of 'Coach Spike's Aerobics at Home!' I hope everypony is ready? One... Two... Three!” On command, the group began.

Sitting on his chair, Spike watched. Yes, it was tame, but he figured that was the point. And it didn't stop their shapes from moving nicely, their tits and asses from jiggling tantalizingly... Their movements were both attractive, and actual aerobics, though Rarity did throw in some stuff that was intended to be more showy than anything else as well. Like a few head shakes and twirls to cause their manes and tails to fly around!

As he pulled his cock out of his sweatpants, the dragon kinda wished Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were here. They probably also had worried about him, and he'd be lying if he'd say that he wouldn't appreciate their mouths around his cock right now. Though then, he might've had to move the couch to give them a comfy position...

Suddenly, after about ten minutes of this, Rarity seemed to twist her ankle! She fell, trying to hold onto her younger sister and dragging her down with her! The dragon was about to jump up, but a glance from Tempest, and the fact that that Rarity's “Ouch!” sounded somewhat stilted, kept him from doing so. Indeed, the others didn't seem too worried about it.

Carefully, Tempest checked on Rarity's ankle, putting on a mock-serious expression. After a few moments... “Oh, no! That doesn't look good! I hope Coach Spike can help us!”

All of it was badly acted, but that was part of the fun. With all the others looking at him, Spike figured that this was his signal.

“Please, Coach!” Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo called out at the same time as they ran off-screen! Moments later, they returned, pulling the dragon behind them, as he was hastily pushing his stiffy back into his pants. Not that it helped much.

“You don't have to drag me!” He protested. “I was about to come!”

He knelt down next to Rarity's leg. He had no medical education, but considering how many cuts, bruises and other injuries they'd accumulated over the years, and how much time they'd spent with Nurse Redheart, he'd picked some stuff up. And since Rarity barely reacted to him grabbing her ankle, it now really was obvious that she'd been only pretending.

He acted like he was taking a good look at the unicorn's ankle. Then, with a serious face, he addressed her: “You didn't stretch properly, did you?” He went with this due to a gut-feeling.

“No! I certainly did not!” She protested!

“Rarity...” His voice was stern.

“OK... I might have skipped a little bit of the warm-up...”

The other girls mock gasped! “Rarity!” Fluttershy called out accusingly.

“Sorry...”

“Tststs...” Spike shook his head! “You know how important it is to loosen up before the workout!” Letting out a sigh, he continued: “It's nothing major, but before we continue... You need to stretch properly!” Readjusting his position, he brought his muzzle down between the unicorn's legs.

As this was happening, Sweetie Belle grabbed her own phone and changed the music playing to some generic porn music!

The dragon licked over Rarity's still covered pussy, tasting the mix of sweat and her other juices in the fabric! Immediately, the mare arched her back and moaned! The teasing was fun, but, after a minute, it just wasn't good enough for Spike!

He pulled back and looked at the unicorn's chest! The outfit was nice, but, to be honest, it would look even better when the mare's nicest parts were uncovered! Carefully, he first used his claw to tear open the fabric covering her her pussy and ass! And then, he did the same for her breasts, carefully creating a tear across both of them, then ripping the hole larger, so that they showed properly!

Rarity was wearing neither bra nor panties... And her private parts showing like that, out of her torn clothes, looked pretty nice. And the others, in the meantime, had begun to play with each other. The Crusaders had bunched up, and so had Tempest and Fleetfoot and Zecora, while Applejack teased Fluttershy.

Spike's left gently rubbing over the unicorn's pussy, his right gave each of her nipples a pinch. “Now, it's time to loosen you up...” The smirk on his face was audible in his voice as his mouth closed in on her pussy again! His hot breath brushed over her wet cunt, followed by his tongue, and a few licks later, Spike pushed his tongue as deep into his lover as he could!

Rarity arched her back again, this time not moaning, but shouting in pleasure as the long, thin muscle wiggled inside of her! But as quickly as it had entered her it withdrew again...

As much as he enjoyed tasting her again, there were other things to do... “Enough with the warm-up!” The dragon told her, rubbing his cock against her waiting folds! “Time to get you stretched!”

“Yes, Coach Spike! Stretch me! Stretch me good!” Rarity begged! And, without further ado, he did so, sinking his dick down to the root into her!

“I've missed this so much...” The unicorn sighed, breaking character a little, but being completely honest. “It's so good to have you back!”

He kissed her, and then smiled. “I'm also glad to have you back!” Moments later, the smile turned into a grin as he picked up the pace!

After a few minutes, both of them hit their climax! And the dragon pumped his load into the happily giggling Rarity! “So much... “ She managed to get out, as she now felt his seed splatter over her stomach. “It seems like the... supplements you had kicked your balls into overdri-... WOAH!”

As she'd been talking, Spike had grabbed one of her legs and now had flipped Rarity around, so that she was now on her stomach! “One part of your body is now stretched. Time for the next one...” And as he said this, he shoved his dick up her pretty ass!

“Oooh, yes!”

Carefully, Spike let himself drop down onto her back. After being away for so long, feeling her, smelling her, was what he needed for now! Tenderly, he began to lick and kiss her neck and shoulders... A few moments later, Rarity turned her head and caught his mouth in a deep kiss!

“We have so much... catching up to do over the next few days...” She whispered after they broke it.

“You and I... And I and a lot of others...” He replied, thinking of his club and his other friends, before rising up again to better fuck her.

Again, their hit their climaxes together. But only moments after, with Spike still catching his breath, Fleetfoot stepped up to him and pressed his face against her cunt! “Our turn, Coach!”

Tempest pushed her panties to the side and climbed onto his still-hard cock. The pegasus, at the same time, removed the dragon's face from her crotch again, placed her right hoof on his chest and slowly pushed his torso to the ground. Then, she herself sat down on his face, facing Tempest.

“Cut! That's it for now!” Rarity called out a minute after Tempest and Fleetfoot had gotten their share of cream filling and had cleaned him up. As the two were making out, Spike was a little disappointed about the fact that Shy, Zecora, AJ and the Crusaders were off the table for now, apparently.

“Already? What about the others?” He asked.

“Spikey, please!” The unicorn winked at him, “We need material for a potential sequel! Wouldn't want to just rehash the same basics again, no?”

“And,” Tempest added, already in the process of getting dressed again, “I have to leave. Rarity convincing me of joining her little porn shoot idea already threw some of my plans into disarray and Sunset wanted to discuss something with me!”

“I'll come with you!” Fleetfoot chimed in. “I have to make up for some skipped shifts!”

“Well, tell the others I'm fine, and-...”

Spike was interrupted by his long-time partner: “You ain't going back to work just yet! You need to recover first!”

He waved her off: “Tell them, that I'll come visit them soon!” His tone was annoyed amusement. “And that I'll be back at work in two to four weeks. I hope everything is going well and there weren't any major issues during my absence...”

Tempest sighed. “Well, alright. We won't be able to convince you otherwise anyway. I'll have some of our associates listened around for those pyromaniacs, maybe we can find out who hired them...”

“Anyone hungry?” Applejack asked when the other two had left and they all were in their normal clothes, or at least underwear, again.

“I really could use some real food right now...” Spike cut a grimace, thinking about the stuff he'd been eating for a month.

The others agreed as well. “Well? What do you want? Pizza? Something from Saffron's restaurant?”

“No pizza, please...” Sweetie Belle sounded as if the word alone made her feel a bit queasy..

And Apple Bloom added: “I'm not in the mood for Saffron's stuff, to be honest...”

Applejack rolled her eyes! As usual, everypony always knew what they didn't want, but not what they actually wanted....

“May I make a suggestion?” Zecora spoke up. “I found a nice little restaurant, a bit like Saffron and Coriander's, offering zebrican food. It has some decent reviews. How about we try it?”

“Sure!” Sweetie Belle agreed immediately!

Scootaloo shrugged: “Why not?”

“I mean, we don't have any other ideas right now anyway...” Apple Bloom added.

And the others followed the same line of thinking.

“Then I'll send you a link to their menu!” The zebra nodded.

When the food arrived, Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy went to get it.

“Hmm... Cute delivery boy...” Rarity thought aloud after they'd closed the door.

“I think he was checking me out!” The pegasus said with a slight blush.

The earth pony lifted her own ample assets a little and let them drop. “Yep!”

“Me as well,” the unicorn shrugged. “But can you blame him? We three are in our underwear, and that lace looks good on you! Not to mention your divine body!”

“Oh, no...” The shy mare's face flushed bright red when her mind realized what had happened! “I was at the door, almost naked, where everypony could see me!”

“You performed at the club, nude, getting fucked... And this embarrassed you?” Applejack was in disbelief!

“That's different!” Shy protested! “I was masked, going with the flow and, well... This was more... personal?”

Applejack just shrugged as they walked back to the apartment. “Maybe he hoped that we were having a girl's night and we'd invite him!” She laughed! “Next time we hand and order food, we should ask Spike if we can keep the delivery boy around if he's cute!”

“An idea to keep in mind,” Rarity replied with a smile, “but tonight we have other plans, no?”

“Ah, you still want to?”

“Naturally!”

Fluttershy interjected herself, a little confused: “Excuse me? What are you two talking about?”

“Let's just say, the aerobics stuff wasn't my only idea... There is a reason I've kept you, my sister and her friends and Zecora away from Spike! But you'll hear about it soon enough!”

“Not bad. Not something I am used to, but not bad...” Applejack told them after they'd finished with their meal. From a mare as set in her ways as AJ often was that was high praise indeed!

The others, again, over all agreed.

As they were cleaning up, Rarity whispered a few things to Zecora, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Applejack and Scootaloo, who, after their part was done, disappeared into the bedroom, pulling Fluttershy with them. “Say, Spike?” She said in a conspiratorial manner as she put her plate and cutlery into the dish washer.

“Yes?”

“I,-” the unicorn hugged him from behind, her hands running over his chest as she whispered into his hear, “-do have another idea... Are you recharged and ready? Are you interested?”

“And that would be?” The dragon dragged his right index finger over the wall eyed mares' cheek.

“Picture this: A shy, demure, quiet, but oh so pretty pegasus, a real wallflower, dressed to draw no attention, yet still being alluringly sexy,-” Rarity gestured a little with her right hand, “-runs into a street-wise, sexy, confident zebra mare, tight leather pants, tube top, leather jacket, boots spiked collar, that sorta look...”

“I think a picture is forming...” Spike smirked!

Rarity grinned, her hands now moving lower. “Good, Spikey-whikey... The zebra sweeps her off her hooves in dominant fashion, presses her against the wall, seduces her... She drives the pegasus into ecstasy... And then, dressing her up in more racy clothes, the zebra takes her to a draconic sex god who, as they enter, is getting serviced by three young mares...”

“Rarity and I'll be taking care of the cameras!” Applejack told him as she returned, “At least for now...”

The unicorn sighed. “I just wish we could film part of it outside... It would add a little zest to it... Zecora peeling layer after layer away, revealing Fluttershy's beauty! Eating her out, her back against the wall of the building, the cool night breeze brushing through their manes as her muzzle is between Shy's legs...”

“Stop, Rarity!” AJ laughed! “It's hard enough as is to keep myself from shoving my hand between my legs!”

“I think,” Rarity sighed heavily after the cameras stopped recording, “we should do this again!”

“Doing amateur porn just for us, or this specific scenario?” Her sister chuckled, scooping some of the jizz out of her cunt, then licking her fingers clean.

“Both! Though how about a fantasy twist for the latter? Shy pegasus gets drawn into a lusty fantasy world, where she learns to enjoy her sexuality? Maybe we can get the other to participate!”

“Would you be up to it?” Zecora asked Fluttershy, who was lying between the zebra's breasts, as she idly stroked her mane.

With an unusually coy look on her face, the pegasus answered: “Maybe...”

Spike meanwhile was thinking about some stuff. It was good to be home! “I gotta go for a massage again...” The dragon yawned and stretched, then turned to the others: “Applejack? Apple Bloom? Zecora? Scoots? Wanna stay for the night?”

“Hmm...” AJ thought about it for a moment. “Sure. Just let me text Mac that we ain't gonna be home tonight!”

The others also agreed.

“Well, let's go to bed. It's been a long day, and I'm starting to feel very weary...” He told them. “We can have some more fun tomorrow!”

“By the way,” Apple Bloom spoke up as if she just remembered, “we three and my cousin Babs will see if we can edit the footage into something reasonably neat to look at! I always wanted to try it!”

“Just remember to save the raw footage...”

When they entered the bedroom however, Spike was in for a little shock! It was a bit of a mess...“Why the fuck are there huge stacks of empty pizza boxes in my bedroom?!”

Rarity and Sweetie Belle had the decency to at least look slightly embarrassed. “See...,” the older sister began with a chuckle fit for her expression, “while you were gone... Sweetie Belle and I were just so worried and depressed because you weren't here...” She told them, putting on an air of downtrodden sadness, “And we never were in the mood to cook, and the trash just... kind off piled up!”

“You do know that Saffron would've brought you stuff with less packaging?” Spike eyed the sisters as they squirmed a little. He would be the first to admit that, at least at home, he wasn't necessarily the most orderly dragon, though he kept his place reasonably tidy, but he never left that sorta stuff stand around!

“Well... we were in a pizza mood. Felt more appropriate!” Sweetie added. Then... “And the pizza boy was cute.”

Spike raised an eyebrow as he looked at the two now! “A cute delivery boy?”

“Well, maybe I've been wearing something a little bit naughty, and on his first delivery it was his last for the day... And it became a little bit of a regular thing for Sweetie Belle and me, to blow off some steam... Nothing serious, of course! Don't worry! I've changed the sheets and cleaned the bed thoroughly!”

“Rarity...” The calmness of his voice was slightly disconcerting...

“What?!” Rarity herself got a little aggressive now! “You're fucking half the city yourself!”

“THAT I don't mind!” The dragon explained. “Just that it was in my bed! Come on, you should know why that annoys me!” At least do it on the couch or something, OK?”

She had to admit, he had a point. It was one thing to sleep around a little, it was another to do it in the bed of someone else, especially if that someone was your own boyfriend. Even if he was fine with the general act. “I-..”

“We!” Sweetie Belle corrected her.

“We will remember It for the future. Now, can we all tuck in?”

“Do you think we can make do with the space?” Fluttershy wondered.

20 Reuniting the family

Over the next few weeks, with normal food, Spike's body slowly returned to normal. He visited the Spa Twins at least once a week, to make up for lost time, and having neglected it even before the whole changeling thing, and they commented on the changes as they saw how he became his old self again.

Slowly, he eased himself back into running the club, and the guests also were happy to have him back. Especially Diamond Tiara and Tempest Shadow! Applejack's old friend Coloratura had come over a few times since they had rekindled their friendship, and she was nice company!

However, there were other things on his mind right now, more so even than the search for their mysterious adversary! He had to repay Thorax for getting him rescued, and the dragon was convinced that Ocellus had helped him at doing so!

And yet, even this didn't take center place in Spike's mind currently... The gaslighting that the changelings were enduring - and it was indeed that as he had figured by now - and that he had been subjected to by Chrysalis, together with the bonds they'd shown, like a real family... It had awakened a yearning in Spike! As much as he considered all of his friends to be his family, being subjected to the stuff, he felt like he needed a bit... more? And once upon a time, he had had a 'real family'!

Yes. He wanted to rekindle his relationship with his family, even if Twilight Sparkle was a DA, and her older brother the commissioner! At the very least, he had to try! It sounded stupid, probably was, but if he didn't at least make an attempt, he'd probably wonder about how it would've played out and regret that he never tried! Maybe it would work out, maybe it wouldn't! But at least he'd have the comfort of having done something!

And in fact, he had already made steps for that... After informing Tempest Shadow and the others about it, of course. They all suspected that Cozy Glow had informed Twilight on them, causing the increased scrutiny they'd been dealing with for a while, and they all knew that that snake wouldn't have done so in person! And Spike used that for himself, pretending to be the informant, he had sent a message to her, claiming to want to meet her in person, at a library that was currently closed for the public because of some work being done there. She'd always been fond of books, as far as he recalled, so that would be a place she'd like, maybe make her feel a little bit more relaxed. Of course, instead of Cozy, he'd meet her there!

A few days later, in the evening, Twilight Sparkle looked at the key in her hand. It had been in the letter's envelope. Now, standing in front of the library, she remembered the place... When she was a filly, her parents sometimes took her here! Those were fond memories, and she'd been happy when she had heard that the old place was going to be renovated! Her visits had stopped a part of the ceiling had come crashing down next to her, and her mom and dad decided it would be better to take her to other libraries. And then, they'd moved away, once Night Light had gotten a better paid job, and afterwards her mom became a successful writer.

Honestly, it was a relief that it would get a major renovation soon. As far as Twilight remembered, the library had always been rather important for this community, and she did like being here. Maybe she'd pay the reopening a visit! It would get some extra publicity that they could probably use!

Meanwhile, inside, Spike was waiting, standing in one of the side rows between two long, book-filled shelves. The wait made his mind go wander, and the smell of dust and old paper in the air added to that... When he'd met Twilight during the investigation, and in court, before he realized who she was, she'd been rather attractive, in a closeted, conservative kinda way. A bit like how Harshwhinny liked to portray herself. And that triggered something in Spike... The desire to play and tease, to make them break out of that shell, and in this case, to leave her sitting on the floor, surrounded by stray books. Her cunt filled to the brim with his cum, her tits heaving under her heavy breath...

But no, that wouldn't be right! Unless, maybe, if she wanted it... The dragon shook his head to clear his mind! It wasn't right, and a pony like DA Twilight Sparkle wouldn't be so depraved anyway! Spike had to admit that the way he'd grown up after he and Twilight's family had parted ways, probably had screwed him up a good bit. But then, it also had brought him where he was today, and a lot of that was questionable for a normal person anyway.

When Twilight stepped into the library, the first thing she noticed was the dust, and that the shelves were still stacked with books. It seemed like the renovation work was still a while off. It was a bit gloomy, the windows not having been cleaned since it'd been closed off in preparation for the work to come. More importantly, she saw nobody waiting for her! Did whoever that informant was play a practical joke on her? Was there a hidden message somewhere, pointing to another location? Or maybe they'd show up late to make sure that she'd come alone?

But then, she saw something on the floor! Somebody had, with chalk, drawn arrows onto the floor. It could have been in preparation for the renovation, but Twilight somehow doubted that. It was more likely that they were meant for her, to follow to her mysterious source of information.

The fourth arrow the unicorn followed pointed at a cross on the ground next to the end of a shelf, from which a dotted line pointed at the wall. After a moment of confusion, she figured that it meant that she was supposed to stand next to the shelf with her back to it, facing into the indicated direction. A few steps and she was on the X, then turned around, and leaned against the shelf wall.

And she waited. Waited for a few minutes, when she heard a quiet noise from the aisle behind her, followed by what sounded like someone cleaning their throat! “Is that you?” Twilight asked into the room.

“Yes. You are alone?” The voice seemed male, but it also sounded like whoever spoke had changed it, and some mares could sound suspiciously like a stallion...

“As you demanded.” She retorted. Honestly, this whole situation felt like it was from cliche-laden crime show on TV! “Is this really necessary?”

“For now...”

Twilight sighed. “Why do you want to meet me in person all out of a sudden? You sent me letters with information on Spike's operations, I started the investigation... And then, that didn't get us much.”

An annoyed grunt was the reply.

“Do you have any new information you want to share? Do you want to make a deal to come forward? Become our crown witness against him and his gang?”

As if Cozy Glow would've done that! Especially considering the fact that she had just wanted to keep Spike and the others occupied, having to deal with all the hassle of being a crown witness, with all the issues that'd bring to her own 'business ideas'? Good one!

In any case, it was time to end the charade! Spike stepped out from his hiding spot while telling her, in his natural voice: “Not quite.”

Recognizing his voice even before he stood in front of her, Twilight was speechless. For a moment. “WHAT THE HAY?! YOU?!”

“Yeah.” Spike couldn't quite suppress an, admittedly slightly embarrassed, grin.

“What are you doing here?!” The unicorn hissed angrily, stepping up to him and stabbing his chest with her right index finger! “What have you done to my informant? If you try to do anything...”

He grabbed her hand and gently, yet firmly, removed it from his chest. “I am the one who sent you the letter.”

“So, you know of your leak...” She quietly grumbled, more to herself, worrying about whomever had informed on him. If looks could kill, the dragon would've dropped dead right then and there when she continued: “What do you want of me?! And what have you done to-...”

“I just want to talk!” He held his hands up defensively! “Promise! I have no ill intentions!”

“You have five minutes to convince me. Or I'll leave. And you better start with what happened to my informant!”

“Very well,” Spike shrugged, “The pony who sicced you on us is indeed a former employee of my club.” He consciously avoided to say 'gang', and he'd try to avoid phrasing things in ways that would not allow him plausible deniability in case she was recording.. “Cozy Glow... She's always been one of the more... ambitious ponies in our group, and always wanted to push things further than we wanted. Further, more aggressive, to the detriment of the customers...” Spike decided on an analogy: “If we'd been a video game company, she'd been all in on predatory monetization, NFT games and all that shit, if you know what I mean.”

“Hmm...” Twilight understood the reference, but, the letters she had received had been worded so convincingly...

“And, it turns out,” Spike continued, “she jumped ship to a company that is more... in line with her own vision on how to handle business. Without handing in a notice, at the same time she was feeding you alleged information on us, she also told her new partner about our stuff. We have had some trouble since.”

“You mean...?”

“That she used you to keep us, and probably the police, busy and distracted, while she started at her new job? Where she would be able to act far more according to her ruthless, opportunistic, greedy desires?” The dragon let out a dark chuckle as he nodded! Then turned deadly serious and answered with an icy “Yes!” He saw the doubt in Twilight's eyes. “I bet whatever she wrote to you sounded very sweet? How she was an innocent young mare who got with the wrong crowd? How she now wanted to make things right? Stop us? Maybe even go straight?”

She nodded. And at the same time, an annoying little voice in the back of her head started to become more clear. There had been some doubts about the letters beforehand, but they'd been so convincing...

“Yeah,” he nodded, “she is very good at manipulating others! To play the cute, sweet, innocent little filly, so that normal folks will feel like good heroes when they inadvertently help her with her plans. She even looks the part. It was part of the reason we kept her around, I have to admit.”

Twilight's mind was putting some of the things together that had felt off in the letters... She wasn't stupid, but without actually knowing the informant it was difficult to get a decent picture of them. “Let me guess... The reason she stopped sending information was because she had what she wanted, and because she saw that our investigation wouldn't inconvenience you any further?”

He shrugged. “Probably. Or maybe she feared that, if she sent too much, we'd figure it out, or that she might overdo it and cause you to distrust her. Especially with some other stuff...”

“Hm...” It did sound reasonable, made some sense and caused the lingering doubts she'd had to click in place. At the same time, Twilight wasn't quite convinced just yet, though she was intrigued enough to wave the time limit she'd set. “What other stuff?”

“While I was in the holding cell, my club got visited by a bunch of goons, trying to intimidate my friends to abandon the club, probably sell it for peanuts.”

Now, it made sense, but at the same time, for Twilight, it sounded just a bit too convenient. Just like the dragon wanted to make this Cozy Glow sound like an expert in manipulating others, he might just as well be trying the same thing right now! “So, you're an innocent dragon and-...”

Before she could continue, he cut her off. Very angrily. “I have better things to do than set my own club on fire!” Spike snapped, causing Twilight to actually be startled for a moment! “Because, if you've seen the news, that's what caused it, even if we kept it under wraps... Was a lot of work to find out, but apparently it was a pyromaniac called Fire Flare, who's working for some pony I don't know...”

“If they set your club on fire, why did you not report it?!” Twilight was in disbelief. She just couldn't fathom why somebody wouldn't... well, if she considered that at least some of what she'd been told was true, there was good reason, but still...

“Because I wanted to avoid the attention. One accidental fire is bad luck, even with the other issues. Targeted arson is bad for business.” And he didn't want cops sniffing around. Which Twilight probably already figured.

The sky slowly turning dark, the two continued to talk about Cozy Glow, her character and her motivations, with Spike continuing to choose his words carefully. He even stepped out to face her! But then... “I need to be honest, Ms. Sparkle... This stuff wasn't the only reason I contacted you!”

Over the last few minutes, his demeanor had become rather amicable and talkative, so him suddenly becoming serious again was a bit of a turnaround for Twilight. “You have another reason?” She was tempted to, somewhat sarcastically, ask him if he wanted to spill the beans on his own operations, and maybe on half the other gangs in Manehattan, but she managed to reign herself in. He'd been, from what she could tell, honest with her, so far. Honest about how they'd both been played. If what he told her about Cozy Glow was true, she probably had some major dealings going on... “Well, alright. Tell me. Honestly, I am curious what else could be important enough for you to call a DA over to talk!”

The dragon sat down on a low shelf and sighed. This wasn't going to be easy for him. “Well... How am I going to do this...?” He knew that the unicorn was staring at him, confused at his behavior, and in anticipation because he got her curiosity. He sighed again. “You are a very successful mare, with a famous author for a mother, right?”

“Yes?” She didn't like how he mentioned her mother...

“Grew up in one of the nicer neighborhoods of Manehattan, no?”

He had seemed reasonably pleasant, now that she wasn't trying to get him locked up... for now... But this made it seem very much like he was trying to intimidate her with 'I know your backstory blablabla!” Talk... “Mhm...”

“And your brother is the police chief, while you graduated suma cum laude from Manehattan's best university!”

“Yes... That, together with the success of my mother, father, and brother is public record!” She replied, almost hissing.

When he had imagined this talk, the dragon didn't expect he'd make it that ominous! It was slightly uncomfortable even for him! “You're being called 'Mayor Celestia's protegé' on the streets even!” The last sentence sounded, unintentionally, almost like mockery. Which made the whiplash of how serious the next sentence was quite harsh! He leaned in, closer to her, and continued: “But that wasn't always the case, no? You weren't born into upper class privilege, right?”

Aside of the feeling of this being an attempt to intimidate her, this babbling on about her life was also rather boring. Twilight was getting rather angry, but trying not to show it, “Yes...” She confirmed, unable to keep a slight growl out of her voice. “At first, I grew up not that far from here. I think around a twenty minute drive from your club, even? Then, my father got a new job, and my mom wrote her first bestseller.”

“Your father, your mother, your older brother, you... But there was another one, for a while at least, right?”

“Wha-?!” This took her by total surprise! Confused, her brain, usually a well oiled machine, struggled! Without thinking, something rare, her mouth reacted: “What are you talking about?!”

“An adopted younger brother? A dragon... Green, and purple?”

Of course she remembered the little guy. He was family, and they'd all been sad when he had run away when they were moving! Because he was never officially adopted, they never spoke of him in public, at least not as a family member, but they often wondered what had happened to him. Memories of her childhood, the face of a dragon a few years younger than her that her father brought back from the streets. Meanwhile, in the back of her head, there was a weird feeling that wanted her attention...

She almost smiled, thinking back to her little brother! His name had been... And suddenly, she realized what that weird feeling was!

“What was his name?” Spike asked her, his eyes fixed on Twilight's face.

And now, everything clicked into place! “Wait... You... You don't mean...?”

Spike looked embarrassed, and now stared down at his shoes! “Yes, sis.”

For a few minutes, the two looked at each other in awkward silence...

Meanwhile, around the time of the meeting, somewhere else in Manehattan, Mayor Celestia was brooding over documents in her office. She looked up when a cup of tea was placed down on the desk next to her. “Thank you, Raven.” The mayor told one of her aides, her voice showing a hint exhaustion

The aide nodded, a worried expression on her face. Celestia was always overworking herself... When she, and her sister, took their offices, Luna had been the one she had worried about! The younger sister usually seemed to be the more stern and serious, but it had, in fact, been the older one that considered it her duty to find ways to solve almost every issue! Ironically, this lead to Luna taking over for more of the public appearances, like a number of charity events and such, which, even with her representative duties, gave her a bit more off time.

It didn't help that Raven and the other aides, often volunteered to stay long, because they wanted to help the sisters. It was paid overtime, yes, but still rather tiring. But they didn't complain, the mayor and deputy mayor both put in as much, if not even more, work as their aides. And, in the eyes of Raven and the others, Celestia in particular needed a break...

As this was going through Raven Inkwell's mind, Luna passed her by. After a few steps, the deputy mayor stopped and turned around, placing a hand on Raven's shoulder. The alicorn leaned in conspiratorially and told her: “Raven? Get the others and go home!”

“Ms. Luna?”

“I'll get Celestia out of here, at least for the rest of the evening. We can all see that she's starting to fray around the edges and needs a break! She hasn't had any since that Nightmare Night Party at 'Tartarus'!”

“Maybe you can get her to sleep in tomorrow. There are no appointments scheduled and the the stuff she is working on right now seems like it wouldn't be the end of the world if it is delayed a day or two.”

“I'll see what I can do!” Luna smirked. “Have a nice evening, and you really should take your vacation days...”

“I know...” Raven sighed. As much as Celestia's workaholic tendencies annoyed her, she had to admit: she wasn't much better... Nopony forced her to work overtime, they did so because they knew how much the sisters worked, and they wanted to help them.

“Tia?” Luna put an arm on her older sister's shoulder. “Come on, let's call it quits for today!”

Celestia looked up at her younger sister. Weary surprise on her face, her mane a bit ruffled, she seemed a bit offended! “Luna! Look at the papers on my desk. I still have a lot of work to do!”

“Sister! The city won't devolve into chaos, just because we don't work ourselves into a burn out!” The dark alicorn replied, shaking her head! “We have to look out for our health as well!”

“We are responsible for the-..”

Luna cut her sister off: “Oh, but I am being the responsible one here, Tia! Please. The sun is setting already...” She got an idea! “And just think of the trouble it could cause if, because you are tired, you accidentally make errors on the documents!”

If Celestia was being honest, she wanted to be convinced. And this argument worked. “Well... Alright. Let's go home...”

“Oh no!” Her sister called out as she grabbed Celestia's arm! “I still have the card of that club we went to during Nightmare Night! You and me are going to have a night out!”

“As tired as we are?”

“We'll manage! And Raven told me that we have nothing scheduled tomorrow that is all that important, so maybe it won't be the end of the world as we know it if we end up sleeping in...”

“Well... OK, you convinced me.” Celestia sighed wearily, but a little, mischievous twinkle appeared in her eyes! “Now how to sneak out?”

“Sister! I told you: it is long after office closing time! We can just leave...”

It seemed like only now it was really sinking in how late it was... “It is that late already? Again? And Raven and the others were still here...”

Back at the library, Spike had finished explaining most of his story, of course still keeping it vague enough to not confess anything. “Kinda ironic that we meet again like this...” Twilight mused. She wasn't sure how she should feel about it all, especially with her brother, even with all the stuff, being an (assumed, as he would say) criminal. And if it came out, her career, and her brothers', might take some major damage, something that Svengallop would most likely gladly exploit. “How long did you know? Did you just wait years to break this on me?” And, maybe, say blackmail her? But she didn't speak that out loud.

“I didn't. I only realized it when we met, and I recognized your smell!” Spike explained, adding that “I would've thought you'd get curious, seeing a dragon that has the same appearance and name as your little brother!”

“It's been so long!” Twi sounded remorseful. And a little conflicted. “And, from what I've seen, 'Spike' isn't exactly a rare name among dragons.” She let out a short, amused chuckle. “Heh... When I was at college, there were at least five other Twilights I knew off! And probably even more I didn't know!” For a minute or two, silence reigned. And more and more the problems, and potential ulterior motives Spike could have crept into her mind... This whole thing had taken her by surprise, and now, with what had crossed her mind just moments before, a certain apprehension was setting in...

“You know...” the dragon, staring at one of the shelves, mused, “I would like to visit Night Light and Velvet.” In his spare time, he had looked up the names of Twilight's... his... parents. “Maybe we could have a family dinner together? You, Shining Armor, Cadance, Night Light, Velvet, and me?”

This took Twilight by surprise. “What?!” She could've dealt with him telling her the stuff in private, but then involving the other members of the family... And if that came out, she wouldn't be able prosecute any cases with any relation to him or his group. Conflict of interest, and all that. Her whole career might, in fact, go down hill, especially if all of Spike's criminal doings came to light! “No! No! No!” She knew it would be mean, and that the others would most likely love to meet him again, but the more she left him back into their lives, the more trouble it could be for all of them. Even if he seemed like not too bad a person, crime aside.

“Why not? I'd like to meet Cadance again, to be honest. And I bet she wouldn't mind seeing me again either!” Spike told her.

“How do you know Cadance?”

He shrugged. “Ran into her at Filthy Rich's gala.”

“How did you get to one of Filthy Rich's galas?” Twilight asked further.

“Friends with his daughter.” He couldn't help it, a little bit of smugness had crept into his voice. “Now, Twilight, listen: I honestly just want to reconnect with all of you. I don't intent on causing any trouble to them! But if you don't arrange it, I might just pay them a visit at some point anyway!”

Twilight let out an annoyed, almost angry noise. “Alright...” She conceded begrudgingly after a bit of further contemplation. “But please, don't make a scene..”

“I will be bringing my girlfriend along!” Spike grinned. And Twilight groaned. Whenever this stuff was going to take place, she had a feeling that it would be a pain to sit through...

The next morning, in one of Tartarus' backrooms, Luna woke up, stretching herself. Then, she realized that she didn't know where she was! Forcing herself to stay calm, she turned around and shook her sister awake! “Tia? Do you have any idea where we are?!”

Celestia herself now first took the time to yawn and stretch. “Hmm? No! What happened?!” Quickly, the two checked under their blankets. They were still wearing the same clothes as the night before, and apparently nothing had been tempered with.

Moments later, a door opened. A large, red stallion entered. They recognized him as the club's bouncer. “Good morning, sleepyheads.” He turned around and shouted through the door, “AJ! SUNSET! THEY'VE WOKEN UP!”

Moments later, two mares entered. “Finally! I thought you'd never wake up!” The club's manager told the mayor and deputy mayor with a crooked smile. “Sunset Shimmer. Club Manager.”

“What happened last night?” Celestia asked, suppressing a yawn.

“Did we drink too much?” Luna wondered. “I don't feel hungover!”

The other mare, wearing a cowboy hat, shrugged. “You didn't. At least as far as we can tell. According our bartender, you two had two, maybe three drinks each, then fell asleep at your table about an hour and a half after you came here.”

“Big Mac and Flash picked you up and carried you here, into our backstage area. We have a few beds for our employees, or regular customers who had too much. So that nobody could take advantage of your situation and you could sleep in peace.” Sunset explained.

Applejack added: “We can show you the security footage if you want to check. The hallway has camera surveillance. The two brought you into the room, put the blankets over you and left. You'll see with the timestamps.”

“That won't be necessary!” Celestia replied. “It seems unlikely that you'd want to risk your business by doing something so stupid...”

Luna looked at her older sister... “We must have been more tired than we thought... Too bad. I was actually looking forward to having a bit of fun! Maybe some other night...”

“At least I got a good night's sleep for once!” The older sister chuckled, trying to see a positive side. Moments before her, and her sisters', stomachs growled. Both of them blushed.

“I take it that you're hungry?” The hat-wearing mare chuckled.

“There is a very nice bakery not too far.” Sunset explained. “We work with them. In fact, we were just waiting for you to wake up so that we can leave, and grab a bite, while the cleaning staff do their job.”

“What do you say?” The dark alicorn asked her sister. “A late breakfast, then we go home, take a shower and back to the office?”

Now grinning herself, Celestia only asked: “Do they have cake?”

Two weeks later, on a Sunday, late in the evening, Spike's car pulled up in front of the home of Twilight's parents. It was a pretty nice home, he mused. A big, though by no means huge, house, with a large garden... He could've grown up here...

Leaving his vehicle, the dragon was wearing his leather jacket, and, underneath, a white shirt, together with dark pants, and dark brown boots. Rarity, meanwhile, was wearing an elegant, naturally self-made, black dress, down to her knees, and black shoes with small heels. She had originally considered wearing something a bit more racy, but that just wouldn't have fit the occasion!

The two had presents with them: A bottle of good wine, a bottle of the Apple family's home made cider, and a bottle of whiskey. At least Cadance and her husband hadn't seemed averse to liquor at Filthy's gala, so some good booze might be a save enough bet.

The door bell rang. Twilight, nervous, hurried to answer it. She hadn't told her family exactly what was going on, hadn't known how to break it to them. The unicorn had hoped she'd find a good moment, a good hook to breach the topic, but that hadn't come. It had taken a lot of work for Twilight to convince her mother that, to Velvet's great disappointment, no, her daughter had not finally found her special somepony!

In general, her family had been rather bewildered when she'd told them that she wanted a big family dinner with one, or two, unknown surprise guests. They figured that she had her reasons, however. Twilight Sparkle wouldn't do anything like this on a whim, or because she thought it'd be funny. They just hoped it would become clear in due time.

“Well... Our guests are here!” She called out, sounding not very motivated, so that the others could hear it. Not that it was needed. Everypony had heard the bell.

“Hello, Spike...” She greeted Spike and Rarity, the displeasure noticeable. Part of her was honestly happy about having him back in her life... If there just wasn't his line of occupation...

“Hello to you too, Twilight!” Spike replied with a smile.

“Good Evening! I am Rarity!” The white unicorn offered her hand.

“Twilight Sparkle.” The reply, and the hand shake, was short, though she tried to keep it civil.

Rarity mustered the other unicorn for a moment, contemplating if she should give her a few tips for her attire and make-up, but managed to suppress the urge. There might be time for that later.

“Come in, please!” On the one hand, it would be impolite to let them stand outside, on the other, somepony might see them... She had to admit, she felt kind off shabby about thinking like this. Not that she would've acted any differently if he'd been a pony, but with him being a dragon, if anyone knew about her apprehensions, those might be misconstrued!

Stepping aside, she let Spike and Rarity inside. Behind her, the rest of her family had gathered, curios who their mysterious guest would be, what it all was about! Night Light and Twilight Velvet looked a bit bewildered, seeing the dragon and his girlfriend come in. Shining raised an eyebrow, but didn't show much more emotion. His wife, meanwhile, cocked her head in curious surprise: “Spike?”

Spike chuckled a little. “Hello, Cadance.”

“You know him?” Night Light asked his daughter-in-law, while Shining Armor and Twilight Velvet looked at her.

“We've met at one of Filthy's events!” She explained. “I am pretty sure that Shiny was there with me!”

“Yeah, I think I remember seeing him at one of them...” Shining said, after a moment of contemplation.

Now, the pink mare turned to Rarity: “And you are?”

Demonstratively, the unicorn hooked her arm under Spike's as she mustered Cadance. “Rarity! His girlfriend!”

“Nice dress!” Cadance told her after a moment.

“Thank you! I've made it myself!” Rarity accepted the compliment gladly, and returned the favor: “Yours too!” And it made the dress that the unicorn had originally thought about wearing seem appropriate for a funeral! Cadance's large breasts were barely covered by the dress, and her cleavage was on proud display. Her loins were barely covered by a strip of cloth! It almost looked like some oversexualized fantasy outfit! But, Rarity had to admit, Cadance had the body to rock it. Oh, she was getting ideas already!

“Anyway!” Velvet interjected herself, “Twilight, dear? How about you tell us what this is all about? Dinner's getting cold! And who are our guests?” Her daughter-in-law, and her son, at least seemed to vaguely know the dragon, and even to her he felt vaguely familiar, but she just couldn't put his finger on it...

Yes, mom was right! It was time. As difficult as Twilight feared as it would be, she shouldn't delay any longer... “Well... you remember before we moved here?” Shining, Night Light and Velvet nodded. “We had another family member...” Again nodding. “See-...”

“Wait...” Night Light interrupted his daughter!

Velvet immediately follower her husband's train of thought! “His name is Spike?”

Twilight, and Spike, nodded, as Shining Armor's eyes widened, to the surprise of his wife.

Slowly, Velvet walked up to Spike, as he placed the bag with the presents on the ground. “The little dragon from back then?” Velvet asked him.

Spike blushed a little, his heartbeat was picking up. In his mind, all of this had been easy... But now that he was standing in front of the only parents he'd ever known, even if he only dimly recalled them. It didn't help that she was very pretty. Like a more matronly version of her daughter, fur color aside.

“Yeah...” The dragon replied a little sheepishly. And then, he didn't know what to say as Twilight Velvet pulled him into a warm embrace! After a moment of confusion, his arms locked behind her back as well. It was the kind of hug he had, subconsciously, longed for for so long. Just warm, motherly hug. Comforting, and reassuring.

“I never thought we'd see you again!” Night Light, who looked a lot like an older, bluer version of Shining Armor, said, his voice wavering between joy and disbelief. “What happened?”

As Velvet slowly let go, her hug was immediately replaced with. Just like Velvet's, it was another kind of hug Spike realized he'd been missing for years. A father's support...

“I... I was an idiot!” The dragon said before his brain had caught up! Letting out a long sigh, he gave a short version of what had happened...

Velvet walked up to him again and began to beat on his chest! “Do you have any idea how much we worried about you?!”

Scratching his head, now really knowing what he should say, he wagered a guess: “I guess I can imagine?”

“No..,” Night Light put a hand on his shoulder, taking on a serious tone: “We were worried sick! For weeks, whenever we had the time we were looking through the neighborhood for you!” Spike thought about it. By that time, he probably had already been picked up by Sludge! Knowing the old swindler, he had probably heard about the search and had done his best to keep him out of sight! And if Spike recalled correctly, the old bugger had told him that nobody was looking for him... “After... a month? Two months? We started to lose hope, and well, we couldn't keep delaying our other responsibilities... My new job, Shining's and Twilight's schools...”

Spike felt ashamed by all this warmth directed at him! “You don't have to apologize... It was my fault! I was so stupid and stubborn!”

Velvet pulled him into another hug! “We always hoped that you were doing well! But we never really believed we'd see you again!”

Her husband now turned to Rarity: “And who's that beautiful young mare you brought with you?”

Peeling himself away from Twilight Velvet again, he lead her and Night Light over. “This is Rarity, my girlfriend!”

“A pleasure to meet you!” The white unicorn offered her hand to, first, Velvet, and then Night Light.

“I am Night Light, and this is Twilight Velvet!”

“How did you meet a mare like her?” Shining now joined in with a chuckle as he offered his own hand. “Shining Armor!”

“Of course I know Manehattan's Chief of Police!”

“And my wife, Mi Amore Cadanza!”

She offered her own hand to Rarity. “Cadance, for short.” Cadance laughed. Mi Amore Cadenza... Such a pompous, unwieldy name... Unless it was absolutely necessary, she always preferred to go with the shorter version.

“And what do we have here?” Night Light noticed the bag.

“A little present!” The wayward son answered, as he hoisted it up and held it open! “I didn't know what you might like, so it's just some booze.”

Shining Armor put his hand in and grabbed the whiskey. He let out an impressed whistle as he read the label! “That's an expensive one!”

“What's this?” Night Light eyed a bottle that didn't have a proper label on it. Instead, a piece of paper was glued on it, reading 'Apple Family Reserve'.

“Home made cider! Friends of us were originally farmers with their own recipes, before their economical situation went bad. They still make some batches at home, and I thought that might make a nice gift!”

“That's a good wine!” Twilight Velvet had meanwhile taken hold of the red wine. Which made her remember something! “Oh! How about we move the conversation? Dinner's getting cold!”

They wine uncorked and filled into glasses, the seven sat down at the table. The hosts placed the food on the plates and, after a first sip, Night Light was impressed! “That really is a good wine!” Spike chuckled and scratched his neck. “Where did you get that? And the whiskey? We might have to stock up on that ourselves!”

“Sorry, I am pretty sure we got those from specialized liquor wholesalers. Though maybe they also deliver to private homes?”

The family patriarch was confused. “You buy booze from a specialized wholesaler?”

Rarity, after taking another bite of her food, explained: “He owns a club!”

“Tartarus,” Spike explained when Night and Velvet eyed him curiously. “You might've heard of it?”

Both went “Hmm...” Thinking about it. It felt like they might've heard about it somewhere...

“Maybe some friends told me about it?” Twilight Velvet wondered.

Cadance couldn't help but let out a snort of amusement! “It's just one of the most popular clubs right now!”

“You've been there?” Night inquired, taking a sip from his wine.

“Not yet! Though my aunts went there, and they enjoyed it. I was thinking of visiting it, with Nighty!”

Twilight, who had been unusually quiet til now shot a glare at her sister-in-law.

“It will be my pleasure to see you there!” Spike smiled at her, bending slightly forward in an faux-bow. Then, he addressed the others again: “Three of her students work for me as waitresses, and a further two are regular customers.”

“One of the three is my younger sister!” Rarity chimed in! “She worked there even before I met him. In fact, she basically brought us together!”

“Yeah,” Spike added, “that was something...”

Night Light looked at his wife. He knew how much she liked such stories, especially if they might give her ideas for her novels! “Now, that sounds like a story!”

As Twilight rolled her eyes, Twilight Velvet and Cadance both looked at Spike and Rarity with interest. Even Shining seemed to expect something that could interest him!

“Well,” the white unicorn sighed, trying not to seem too eager to tell the story, “If you insist...” She filled her glass with the remainder of the wine, and pushed strains of her mane out of her face. Then, she continued: “A few years ago, I fell in with a bad crowd. Our parents moved away for work, but allowed me and my sister to stay in Manehattan because of our school...”

As Rarity told her story, when she got to some of the more... stimulating parts, Cadance gave her hubby a slight nudge with her elbow. For just a moment, her body tensed up, then relaxed again! With a quiet shudder, she let herself fall deeper into her cha

“While I fell deeper down this hole, my sister, Sweetie Belle, unbeknownst to me started as a waitress at Spike's club. She wanted to take some of the pressure off of my shoulders, but I didn't even notice that!”

Night Light raised a hand, causing her to pause. “Sorry to interrupt, but, the wine's gone, and I wanted to ask if we should open the Cider? I'm curious how it is!”

“And we should really put the dirty dishes away...” Shining Armor added. General agreement followed.

Using the break, as the wine glasses and new glasses were put on the table and the bottle opened, Twilight addressed Rarity: “Do you have no shame? You talk about your... However you wanna call it! You talk about it so openly!”

“After what I've been through, darling?” Rarity shrugged in amusement. “Not in pleasant, personal, company like this! Honestly, sharing it does help with dealing with it!”

Twilight resumed to sulk in her chair.

When the work was done, Night Light raised his glass, and the others followed. “Cheers!” And they took their first sips of Apple family cider... And they liked it! Even Twilight Sparkle had to admit that the cider was very good!

“Sorry for the interruption, Rarity!” Velvet followed up. “If you want, you can continue.”

She nodded. “I fell further and further into this hole! So much so that I was losing myself. Sweetie tried to tell me that she found a job and that I should take a few steps back, but I didn't even want to listen, because it would mean I'd lose my excuse for doing these things... Then, one day, Sweetie asked Spike to get me out...” Rarity looked at him. “And I think, you should take over here!”

“All right...” the dragon sighed. It had been nice to just sit-back and listen, rather than tell, for a change. “As Rarity said: Sweetie Belle, backed by her friends, came to me and asked if I couldn't go and help her. She showed me pictures of how she looked before, and how she looked now,-” Rarity herself picked up her phone and showed two pictures showing the difference,”- and, I have to admit, I was immediately smitten by her. I drummed up my friends, and we went to pay her 'friends' a visit.”

Twilight sat up. Now, this might cause him to reveal something useful...

“They were whoring her out in a backroom in some run-down building!”

The others all looked at Rarity for a moment, expecting her to look... disturbed? Dejected? Something along those lines. But instead, she seemed to have made her peace with this part of her life.

“When we got in, I posed as a customer, and met her in a dirty little backroom...” NOW Rarity shuddered a little, thinking back to that shithole. Spike decided to keep the rest a little shorter, though he did indulge the desire for some fight action.

“So,” Twilight couldn't quite suppress a little smile, “you are admitting to multiple counts of causing bodily harm?”

“Twilight, please...” Shining sighed. Usually, his little sister's zeal at cleaning up the criminal elements was something very positive, but she could go overboard a little. “If you try to charge him about this, you will look very bad for most of the city. 'Hero saves mare from pimps and drug dealers, shares the story and gets put on trial'? I honestly doubt that the jury would convict him there, especially once Rarity and her sister make it a big sob story on the stand. And Starlight Glimmer will know how to twist your arm in this.”

Twilight crossed her arms. “Hmph!” She knew he was right...

“Twilight?” Spike asked her, giving her an almost puppy like look. “Are you still offended that your previous investigation into my affairs didn't go anywhere? Despite getting me in a holding cell?”

Shining let out a little cough, as if he had just gotten some of the cider into his wind pipe. None of them paid attention.

Twilight Velvet put a hand on Rarity's. “You are so lucky that Spike found you! And Spike is lucky that he found a mare like you!”

Now, Twilight couldn't keep it to herself anymore! “MOM!” She called out! “He's suspected of running multiple criminal enterprises himself! We have evidence that he's involved in prostitution, drugs, racketeering, and who knows what else!”

Good to know on which of his businesses Cozy had informed, Spike mused. “Suspected is not proven, nor convicted!” He told her. “I think you of all ponies here should know that! Ask any of the business owners around my club, or my neighbors! We have great relations! We even started to work with a very good local bakery! I also helped my neighbors not to be thrown out of our building, when I managed to convince that property developer not to tear it down...”

“Spike has always been good to me, my sister and her friends!” Rarity added.

“And I told you about the kind of pony Cozy Glow is!”

To be honest, neither Twilight Velvet nor Night Light had been under much illusion to begin with. They knew the area. For a kid to make it big so fast, he had to be involved with some shady business, especially when he spent most of his youth on the street. But they were also sure that, in their far too short time with him, they instilled good into him. And even as he told it, and skirted around these topics, it didn't seem like he was proud of running illegal businesses as such, but rather about being successful with how it went, and how we was seen in his community. Who knew? Maybe, some day, he'd turn over a new leaf!

Maybe it was time to tell her children a little secret, to move the topic along? “Twilight?” Velvet spoke up, loud enough to be heard over the bickering that had unfolded, “I need to admit that, without drugs, neither you or Shining might be around!”

Unfortunately, Twilight had just taken another sip of the cider and now had to keep herself from spitting it out. She managed to swallow it instead. There simply were topics you did not want to hear your parents talk about... Even Shining looked a little uncomfortable. “Explain, please...” Her voice was a little hoarse from shock, and forcing the alcohol down her gullet.

“Well,” her mother giggled a little as she remembered her young, wild days, “Nighty and I had started dating in college and when our finals were coming up, we went to a party to blow off some steam, to release some of the stress... We got high on some stuff and, well, Nighty accidentally knocked me up with Shining when he forgot about a condom as he went down on me! But, I have to say,-” She cuddled herself up to her husband, “-I could've hit it far worse!”

Night Light, in response, gently pushed his muzzle against her mane. He also could've hit it much worse than his beloved Twilight Velvet.

Twilight didn't know what to say. Spike and Rarity looked curious. Cadance enjoyed this all-too-brief story of her husband's conception. None of them had noticed that, during all of this, Shining kept suspiciously quiet.

“On that topic...” Cadance tried to move the topic along, “Shining and I decided that we'll be trying for a foal!”

This announcement was much to the joy of Twilight Velvet: “YES!” And even Night Light had to admit that he'd like to be a grandpa.

“I'll be an aunt?!” Twilight Sparkle was taken aback a little! This turnaround of topic could've caused whiplash for her, but joyous expectation was, for now, winning out! “But we will have to keep that little one away from bad influences!” She eyes Spike.

“Hey!”

“No, Twilight!” Cadance' voice was firm! “He is family! And, from what I've experienced, a good guy. I want him to be an uncle to my foal, even with all that!”

Hearing that caused a warm, fuzzy feel to spread in Spike's gut! As much as his friends had been family, being part of this family, again, and being accepted so willingly...

“Shining! You know what-...” However, Twilight's attempt at continued protest was cut off!

Now, it was time for Shining to sigh. Maybe it was time to drop a little bombshell? Yeah, especially with what had been told earlier... “Of course I know! Twilight, please don't underestimate my information network!”

His younger sister was taken aback! “What do you mean with that?!”

Meanwhile, for Spike, he almost got his own sip of cider down into his windpipe! Somehow, he had a bad feeling now... Which was confirmed moments later: “I've known about the things Spike was up to long before you got your tip-off, and even before you even had minor suspicions!”

His younger sister was almost speechless! After a few seconds, she managed to ask him: “But... why didn't you investigate them?!”

“You might not remember it, but... when we moved, the neighborhood was going downhill.” Shining explained, and his parents nodded. It had been one of the reasons they had moved when their financial situation had improved. “In the years that followed, it became one of the worst neighborhoods in Manehattan even. Not 'the' worst, but yeah, pretty bad... But then, the situation improved somewhat, when a new group started to drive established gangs out. When I took over... Well, I never forgot where I came from, and I've been looking into it. Found a few interesting things.” He sighed again. “And then, with how it was, it quickly turned out to be a 'better the devil you know' situation: Spike and his gang are a known variable, and they seem to have far more of a conscience than most with their practices. They keep the far less scrupulous gangs, dealing with far worse narcotics, at bay and are reasonably affable with the ponies living on their turf. They keep a low profile, don't ruffle any feathers... The stuff they peddle seems to be reasonably safe even. They don't use any dangerous substances to stretch their stuff...”

On the one hand, it was very nice to hear Shining talk about him and his friends like this. Made Spike almost feel like a well-doer! On the other hand... How did he know so much? HOW THE FUCK DID HE KNOW IT?!

“Why didn't you take action?!” Twilight gasped!

“Twilight,” her older brother sounded a little weary, “if we get rid of them, the next thing will be that we have a major gang war for the territory and everything else on our hands! And whatever gang wins will be far worse than them! You know the files we have on the vast majority of those in the area...”

Reluctantly, Twilight nodded. There were a lot of very nasty figures around, and judging that they never had much on Spike and his lot, until one of them turned against them, they either were very good at making everything disappear, or they actually managed to keep on the good side of their community...

For a minute, the room was silent, the quiet noise of drinking, or glass refilling, aside. Finally, Cadance decided to play the ice breaker again. “Rarity?”

“Yes?”

“One thing I've wanted to ask you for a while now,” the principal grinned and pointed at the white unicorn's bust! “Are those real?”

This time, Twilight couldn't keep herself from spitting out her drink. The others, be it from surprise or intrigue, watched on in silence.

“Of course they are!” Rarity sounded almost offended! “I would never attempt to mess with my body in such a way!” But then, she returned Cadance' grin... “If you want, you can check it for yourself!”

“Don't mind if I do!” The grin on Cadance' face turned face-splitting as she stood up and walked around!

Shining had a 'seen it all' expression on his face, as if he was rather used to such outbursts by his wife. His parents meanwhile were exchanging glances, that were hard to interpret. Surprise and shock? Certainly. But also something else? Unnoticed by the others, they started to whisper...

Now standing behind Rarity, the pink alicorn grabbed a hold of the unicorn's ample bust! “Hmm... The bra makes it a bit hard to tell...”

Rarity chuckled. The dress Cadance was wearing made it very obvious that, if the roles were reversed, there would be nothing making it hard to tell. “Well, maybe you should remove it then?”

“Don't mind if I do! But it would be a bit unfair to expose you to all those greedy stares here... So, I'll join in!” Cadance let the straps of her dress drop moments before she revealed Rarity's bra and removed it!

Finally, Twilight found her voice again! “CADANCE!” She shouted in disbelief!

“Twilight,” Cadance addressed her sister-in-law with a serious face as she grabbed Rarity's breasts, “I know that you've been looking up to me since I have acted as your foal sitter, but I have to tell you, and I wanted to do that for a while now because I fear that you've put me on a bit of a pedestal, that I am a colossal slut! Honestly? I'm a dirty whore... A needy, cock-craving slut! A carpet-munching bitch!” If she was being honest, it felt good to finally come clean to her husbands family! Because of her job, and her aunts, she tried her best to keep a stellar public image, but you should be able to be honest to family! And yet, she also noticed the feeling between her hands... “Oh yes! All natural!”

Shining sighed again. This time, in amusement. “I knew that when I married her.”

“Maybe you two.” the dragon couldn't help but laugh, “could come to my club at some point? Pretty sure you might enjoy it...”

“I will most certainly, and Shining started to enjoy some of our... excursions as well by now!” But then, why wait? “So... up for a threesome, Spike? I've never been with a dragon before!”

“Now wait a moment!” Night Light spoke up sternly. Twilight's mood improved somewhat! Her father would certainly put a stop to this stuff! “Isn't it a bit rude to act like we aren't here? You could at least ask if we wanted to join in!” The last words were less spoken and more laughed!

Cadance' expression of surprise quickly gave way to glee! Her hubby's parents were certainly still quite attractive! But Twilight didn't take this too well... “DAD!” She called out!

It came even worse for her... “Honestly, I agree with your father!”

“MOM?!”

Night Light, amused, began to explain: “When we were younger, we liked to swing as well. Sometimes, at least. Not often, but there were those times... Even when Shining was little, before you were born, we still did it, though rarely. We only stopped after your birth!”

“Honestly, we've been getting a little bored over the years... “ Velvet added. “It wasn't that the fire was gone, but we got stuck in a bit of a rut. Between work, tours for my books and so on. Maybe this will put some zest back into things!”

“Night Light! Velvet!” Cadance sounded offended! “Why didn't you tell me sooner! There are so many fun ideas I could've shared with you!”

Twilight resigned herself to a catatonic, shocked silence, just staring on. Her whole family must've gone insane!

“We could spin the wine bottle to decide on pairings!” Rarity suggested. “The mares spin, and the guy it points to is the spinner's partner!”

“But wouldn't that mean that mom,-” It was a bit of a weird feeling for Spike to call somepony 'mom'. Weird, but very good, “- might get matched with Shining?”

“I didn't think you would be opposed to that? I mean, Big Mac and AJ and Apple Bloom? Sweetie and me?”

“Dunno... Maybe it's because this is the first time in a long while I have actual family, instead of friends so close that they basically are? Maybe it is because of how our relationship had developed over time, while just breaking it on mom and dad feels a little bit...” He shrugged.

“Oh, don't worry!” Velvet laughed! “Honestly? It is rather thrilling... A taboo I never thought I'd ever even think about breaking... But now, that it is put in front of me? I mean, Shining is a very handsome stallion! Just like his father! Admittedly, it might be the alcohol as well...”

In Twilight's mind, the whole world had gone crazy...

All six, with Twilight still sitting at the table, sat down on the floor, around the empty wine bottle. Cadance was the first to spin, and to her great delight, the bottle ended up pointing at Spike! Rarity got Night Light. Of course, that left, indeed, Velvet and her son.

“My first dragon...” Cadance almost drooled.

“I hope I'll make it worth your while.” He replied, unbuttoning his shirt.

“Do you happen to have any condoms in the house?” Rarity asked Night Light, as she let her own dress fall to the floor. “I don't have any with me. With Spike, pregnancy isn't much of an issue for me...”

“Don't worry! I had a vasectomy after Twilight's birth.” Night Light told her.

However, this raised a little issue for Shining Armor: “I don't have any with me either... “

“I guess, you'll have to limit yourself to your mothers ass then, Shiny!” Velvet teased him. “A bit unfortunate... But then, you can keep the anticipation of the real treasure for a while longer...”

Now, Cadance let her dress fall to the floor, revealing that she hadn't been wearing any panties either. And that, for the whole evening, she had had an egg-vibe inside of her. Now, she pulled it out. She got an idea... Walking up to Spike as he was undressing himself, she lifted her wet fingers and the vibrator and pushed them into his mouth!

It was a bit of a surprise, but a tasty one! Spike quickly went to work to clean the fingers in his mouth.

Feeling his tongue going to work, Cadance was pleasantly surprised: “Oh my! You can use that tongue quite well!” Then, she looked lower. “Oh... Nice!”

Once they all were nude, each of the pairs went to a different spot: Night Light lifted Rarity onto the kitchenette. Velvet was belly down on the couch with her son on top of her. And Spike had laid Cadance onto the table.

And Twilight watched it tall. And worse, a very naughty part in the back of her head enjoyed it. Wanted her to join in... She tried to rationalize it away! She had consumed a good amount of alcohol, and was watching a group of very attractive ponies, and a dragon, most of whom she held deep attachments to, as they... were doing it! But at the same time, she knew that this was not the real source of that voice in the back of her head... She'd never been a very sensual mare, and, maybe, now that she was seeing these things happen right in front of her, with no shame, by ponies that were respectable members of society and her so close to her, her long suppressed sexual needs were trying to take over by force! She had never had much time, or interest, in seeking carnal pleasures, there'd always been more important things to do... But seeing it unfold right in front of her, with her family...

A while later, cum dripping out of both her lower holes, Cadance lay on her belly in front of the sitting Shining, Spike and Night Light, her hooves waving in the air. Idly, she was switching between the three, now only half-erect cocks, stroking, kissing and sucking on them, happily drinking whatever cum she could still drain from them.

Watching, wedged between Rarity and Twilight Velvet, was Twilight Sparkle, sitting on the same sofa her mom had, just minutes ago, been railed by Shining Armor!

“And? Enjoyed the show?” Rarity teased the other young unicorn.

Twilight Sparkle stammered, struggling for words for a reply: “Wa-? I... I... Uhm.. eh...”

“Twilight...” Her mother sighed. “You are still as uncomfortable with sexuality as when I tried to tell you about the birds and the bees! What did you do at college? Just bury your nose in books all the time?”

“Yes?” Was the rather cautious answer.

“Don't tell me that you've never...” Velvet stared at her daughter. She'd known that she was an introvert stickler for rules and conventions, but... still!

“Never what?”Twilight's voice picked up again! A certain defiance rising up! “Never had sex? Yes! I am still a virgin!

“You are still a virgin?! A cute bookworm like you?” Cadance couldn't believe her ears! She let go of her three cocksicles and turned around! “If you'd been one of my students, I would have had to keep myself in check to keep my hands off of you!”

“Why does this make me question your suitability for your job?” Her sister-in-law countered dryly.

“Oh, come on Twilight! I never touched any student inappropriately!” She shot back. But then had to add: “As long as they were still attending my school at least... I have some fond memories of the aftermath of graduation celebrations at the school!”

Twilight Velvet's eyes met with her daughter-in-law's. They shared the same thought: Twilight Sparkle needed to learn about the positives of bodily pleasures! Twilight was still a mare, and denying herself this release never did anything good, as far as Velvet and Cadance were concerned. In fact, Velvet her grandma telling her about how she'd tried to go without it for a while... Well, anyway, that had been an awkward talk...

She ruffled her daughter's mane a little. “Twilight? What would you say if you got your first... taste?”

“Mom! We are family! And a mare I don't know! And an estranged adopted brother who's a criminal!” And Twilight didn't stop there... “I just found out that my sister-in-law, who also used to foalsit me, is a colossal slut and that she even got my brother involved in that stuff, and that I am only here because my mother and father got high on something and forgot to use contraception!”

“You know more about me, than I know about you!” Rarity shot back! After all, she had but a few minutes ago told her her shameful history!

To her own disappointment, Cadance slowly let her husband's dick slide out between her lips. She had to have words with Twilight! When she had crawled over to the sofa, she rested her face on both her hands and looked up. “Twilight, you say that like being a slut is something bad! Well, I guess it is, in the popular mind. But it doesn't have to be, as long as you don't let yourself be controlled by your desires!”

“Which I don't! Unlike you!”

“Twilight! Do you really think of me like that? Believe me, if I didn't have any control, it would've made headlines by now!” She wasn't quite able to a certain form of pride out of her voice. “And your brother! Your BBBFF! You really think Shining,-”

“Maybe you've corrupted him with your lascivious behavior!”

“Really now?” Shining groaned. “Twilight, it's not the 1880s anymore...”

Cadance spoke up again: “Twilight... You know Shining. And you know me!”

“At least I thought I did...” She grumbled.

With a sigh, Twilight Velvet got involved: “Twilight? Would you please let Cadance talk without constantly interrupting her? I thought Night Light and I raised you better than that!”

But Twilight wasn't having any of that! And her mother had given her an opening with that last sentence! “And I thought you two were honest, normal, ponies, instead of getting dragged into an orgy with your own son! And now trying to convince your daugh-...”

“Twilight!” Her father now thundered! She knew that voice! She hadn't heard it too often, but when she did, she, or Shining, or Spike during the time he had been with them, knew that they'd done something very bad, had behaved, ironically enough, inappropriate, or had to be set straight when they were being unreasonably stubborn during an argument. Just like now. “Listen to your mother, listen to your sister-in-law! Let them explain, before you continue acting like an immature filly!” His voice calmed down again and now he spoke with a reassuring confidence! “I know that our current... situation is highly unconventional, and very much not how we raised you, but at least hear Cadance out!”

“And I don't think we ever raised her as a prude that my grandmother would've called out..” Velvet added, slightly piqued.

“V! Please!” Her husband shot her a look. “Not helping...”

“Sorry, dear. I wanted to say that, while we tried to raise you well, we didn't want to raise you in a way that would lead to you to disregard your body's carnal needs completely!”

“Ever thought about the off-chance that I might be asexual?” Twilight rolled her eyes.

Shining couldn't help but laugh! “The way you used to drool over certain stallions you looked up to when you hit puberty?” And, maybe, one or two handsome athletes. He was pretty sure that she had even tried to sneak a few glances at him in the shower, though, naturally, Twilight had always claimed to have walked in accidentally...

Cadance took a deep breath! “Thank you for the help, but can I again take over, please? Thank you!” She turned back to Twilight: “I am a self-admitted slut. I love some good, consensual, fun and I have a broad spectrum for potential partners. But that still doesn't mean that I let myself be steered by my desires... I am the respected principal of one of Equestria's finest private schools, and at the same time, I am a sex-loving mare who does like to party in more than one way! These things are not contradictory. Do I wish I could show that side more openly, without it immediately causing a scandal? Sure. But that just means I have to be smart.”

Twilight had to admit that it made some sense, and was true: One thing didn't foreclose the other. And Cadance had always been exemplar in her educational endeavors! Back in the day, she had even helped Twilight with some issues!

“Now then, Twilight, I don't think you've been so... rigid back in the day! What happened!” As she said it, Cadance looked glimpsed below her sister-in-law's skirt. And what she saw... “You have a real waterfall down here! Your panties are completely soaked!

“Admit it! This isn't the first time you're like this! Most mares wouldn't even be able to think straight when they're this horny!”

“Maaaybe... Maybe it has to do with school... Most ponies never paid me much attention, except for my intelligence. And then, in college, there were a few times I ran into my roommate getting it on with some stud, while I... Well... Let's just say none of the roommates I had had cared very much about what I'd do when they were getting railed, and a few times I had to sleep to the sound...”

“And your body craved it, but wouldn't get it, and you didn't dare to ask...” Cadance concluded. “And so you just bottled it up.”

“Idiots!” Spike called out! “You are a very pretty mare! Sure, maybe not a bombshell like Cadance or Rarity, but you have your own cute, nerdy charm!”

“Gee... thanks...” Twilight rolled her eyes.

“But he's right!” Cadance supported Spike's point! “If Shining and I'd been in college with you, and not related to you, we totally would've invited you for some fun!” “Come on, Twilight. Let your mane down, jump over your shadow! Allow yourself to have some fun tonight, and if we don't convince you, I promise that we will never ask you again and I'll go even further: I'll do no more lewd stuff with any of those in this room, except for Shining!”

“... Well...,” Twilight Sparkle sighed, “Alright... Do your worst...”

“That's the spirit!” A moment later, Cadance pressed her snout into Twilight's panties At the same time, Twilight Velvet and Rarity used that to give Twilight Sparkle's nipples some attention, Rarity pinching the one on her side, Velvet pressing down on the other.

The younger mares' moans were music to the alicorn's ears... The first sounds of pleasure! She was sure, soon the dam Twilight had built around her needs would crumble! And then, she'd embrace it! Or, at least, be more open to it. It wasn't the first young mare Cadance had seen that acted like this, and once her own, delicate touch had been applied, they had blossomed!

Now, it was time to indulge herself, to push Twilight further! Rarity had already started to undress her, to free her cute breasts, while her mom was making out with her! That was so naughtily delightful! And now, Cadance removed the wet fabric baring her way to Twilight's honey pot, and dug into the main course!

“Oh! Your breasts are just too cute!” Rarity's voice came from above, and Cadance did her best trying to catch a glimpse. And indeed... Twilight didn't have large tits, but they were a nice size that suited her very well! “How are you enjoying your daughter's lips, Velvet?”

Velvet didn't stop her kiss. Instead, she just gave a thumbs up.

“I'll need to get some of that...”

A few moments later, Cadance pulled back! As if she had just tasted the best food ever, she clicked her tongue! Turning around, she addressed the three behind her: “Come on, guys! Twilight is ready for her first taste of cock! Ready to be made a real mare!”

Night Light felt slightly awkward. Even with what had happened, she was still his daughter. Then again, his son had just railed his own mom's ass, and Night himself didn't have to fuck his little filly's pussy. Yet, at least. “I might not be as fresh as Twily would deserve...” He chuckled, embarrassed.

“Oh, don't worry about that!” Cadance' hand brushed over his shoulders as she rushed over to a bag of hers. “I confiscated it from some students!” His daughter-in-law held up a see-through plastic bag containing a few pink pills. She gave one to each of them. “They were talking about how these would totally make the best studs in bed this evening... Now, usually I wouldn't pay much attention to that stuff, but unfortunately, they did so on the school ground, before school was over. I had to take action, but I let them off with a stern warning for this time.”

Picking up the pill between two of his claws, Spike took a closer look at it. “That stuff is trash!” He called out, before the other two could even decide what to do with it!

“What do you mean?” She sounded surprised! “Those guys are from well off families!”

“What I mean is that these pills are crap!” The dragon reiterated. “Doesn't matter how much money you have... Depending on where you get it, you could pay thousands of bucks and still get the worst quality. Guess those rich kids thought they'd get the good stuff, while their dealer, once they were gone, laughed about how much he overcharged them!” Or, alternatively, they got it at a friend's party or something, or whatever... Point still stood.

“If I am not mistaken,” he continued, “I am pretty sure that, yes, these will give you a nice burst for a bit, but the side-effects, and once it wears off... Let's just say you probably don't want to know. But yes, it does affect your little friend. And that is without assuming they've been cut to hell and back...”

“Damn it!” Cadance grumbled. “I had hoped to use them for some very fun nights with Shiny...”

Her husband shot her a look that very much screamed “Really?”

Spike half scoffed, half laughed as he declared: “My stuff is better!”

Of course he's proud of something like that... Twilight thought, annoyed.

“And what do you wanna do? Put your boner away, get in your car, and get some?” Cadance shot back, slightly miffed at the situation now. “I kinda doubt that you have your... product... with you on this occasion, what with a DA and the police chief being here!”

“In fact, I do.” He admitted! “Have them in my jacket's pocket because I forgot about them when Rarity and I left home.”

At her name being mentioned, Rarity looked up from Twilight. Rising to her hooves, she gave Spike a wink. “Let me get them, darling!”

As Rarity was leaving, Spike turned to Night Light and Shining Armor. “So... who's going to take which hole?”

“I do have to admit,” Night Light said, “that, while this has been quite fun so far, it feels... Well...”

“I get it,” the dragon told him. “How about you use her mouth? And if stuff happens and you want to go further, that can still happen later?”

“I guess...” Night shrugged. Looking at Twilight making out with her mother, he couldn't deny that the image of her cute lips around his cock had something to it. And she already was pushing past accepted societal boundaries by the way she was kissing her mom... And the fact her mom's hand had moved to the spot left empty when Cadance had moved away...

V had always been a kinky minx, and apparently some alcohol and Cadance' motivation had been all she'd needed for that. Maybe it had built up when they had grown older and their love life had grown... not stale, but a bit less exciting and experimental. Then again, mother and daughter, or two sisters, being involved in a threesome for some reason seemed to be slightly more accepted by most than other forms of incest.

Well, being the first to use his daughter's mouth and throat certainly was something new...

As Night Light was contemplating, Spike and Shining were playing rock-scissor-paper to decide who'd get to pick their choice. The dragon won, 3 to 2. Letting out a slight sigh, the defeated unicorn called to his wife: “Cadance? Can you make sure Twilight's ass is, you know...”

“Clean? Don't worry. I already took care of it earlier. But didn't you fuck Velvet in her ass as well?”

“Apparently, mom had a bit of an inkling what might happen and also took care of it earlier. Or she had hoped that dad and her might get frisky once everyone went home.”

In that moment, Rarity returned, carrying another see-through plastic bag containing a handful of light-purple pills. She gave one to each of the guys. “Give one to Twilight too, Rare. If she wants it.” Spike told her. “It will help her relax, and enjoy it more. I think she's going to need it, considering each of her holes is going to, well, you know.”

“Alright!”

Twilight Velvet looked at her daughter when she pulled away. The younger mare was panting heavily. “Twilight? Are you ready?”

“You are really serious about this?” She asked her mom, and, by extension, the others. But... We're family!”

“Twilight!” Cadance laughed, amused by her sister-in-law's naivety! “The fact that it is a taboo, that it has to be kept a secret, is what adds the zest to this! It's honestly one of the reasons I chose my career! If my... adventures were to come out, I'd have to pack my bags. But I am careful, and nopony I don't want to know about it will ever find out. And, Twilight, none of us will talk about this to anypony else. Right, guys?”

Everyone else readily agreed.

“Unless, of course, you want more to join the fun!” She added! “Believe me, Twilight! Sex feels very good, and it is also good for you. It helps at stress relief...”

“Now then, how about it? You also want some of this?” Rarity held the pill in front of Twilight's eyes.

The other unicorn eyed it cautiously. She'd never taken any... illicit substances. “I am... not sure... about this...” Twilight said slowly.

“Come on, Twilight! You only live once!” Cadance tried to motivate her friend! “And believe me, what you're going to go through for your first time, you will want any relief you can get. There will be pain, but it it also will feel great, believe me! And the next morning, you will feel like you've been through a hard workout!”

Being honest with herself, Twilight had to admit that her body craved it. She was drenched between her legs, and it seemed to feel even better than what she had imagined reading research, and some erotic literature. She also was aware about how it might hurt. Especially in such a situation.

Letting out a sigh, she addressed Spike: “What are the effects and side effects?”

“I won't be going into too much detail, just a short run down.” Spike replied. “ It will relax your body, allowing you to more easily receive our dicks. It will reduce the pain and amplify the pleasure, while making your mind a bit hazy, but in a good way. The worst usual side effects that CAN occur should be a minor headache in the morning, together with a major appetite and thirst, and muscle soreness, though that has more to do with what we are going to do...”

Shaking her head, still eyeing the pill suspiciously, Twilight put it in her mouth and swallowed.

“I don't feel any different?”

“Wait a few minutes. A nice, relaxing feeling should start spreading through your body in a bit!”

And indeed, slowly, the anxiety that Twilight was feeling began to dissipate! She had to admit... it felt very good. Like, say, relaxing in a hot bath after a long, hard day. The unicorn had to admit: she was starting to enjoy this... Now, if sex felt even better... That voice in the back of her head had won out! She wanted to, at least, try it!

After a bit of waiting, a nervous Twilight rose to her unsteady hooves. If she had been aroused, horny, before, her body was now on fire! And her cunt was telling her that the only way to douse this was a big load of sperm ejaculated into her womb. And her ass. And, preferably, her mouth as well... Cadance, at least, seemed to have enjoyed the taste very much!

And there, on the ground, with his dick proudly erect, sat Spike. And he had won the little game he had played with Shining. So... she should go to him? Well, he did beckon her with a gesture of his finger, so might as well.

When she came to a halt, standing over him, Twilight asked Spike: “What... what do you want me to do?” She was honestly not sure what to do next. Well, she knew kinda what to do next, but...

“Take a deep breath,” the dragon told her, “calm down, relax... and then, let yourself slowly sink onto my cock!”

Cadance and Twilight Velvet hurried to Twilight's side to help her. Cadance whispered further instructions and tips into her friend's ear, while Velvet put a reassuring hand on her daughter's shoulder.

Slowly, Twilight did what Spike had told her, trying to follow the helpful advice of her sister-in-law. Her pussy juice was dripping onto Spike's length, lubricating it well. Not that he needed it, considering how much of it was raining down.

Finally, the tip pressed against her pussy lips, and Twilight stopped, taking in a sharp breath! Cadance again whispered something into her ear. The unicorn nodded a little, then pushed down, the tip passing into her body!

When he felt the warmth of Twilight's cunt engulfing his length, Spike moved his hips and pushed his length into her in one swift movement! He felt it hit her cervix, and used the chance to press his face between her tits! They were a cute pair. Not too big, but very nice and soft nonetheless.

“Twilight?” Velvet stroked gently across her daughter's cheek, “are you alright? How do you feel?”

“I-,” she panted, almost croaked, “I... I t-think I'm alright! And h-how I feel? Unb-believeable! I feel great!” As she answered her mother's inquiries, Twilight's hips began to move on instinct! “The feeling of Spike's penis inside of me!”

“See, Twilight,” Shining sounded amused, “we always told you that there are things you can't find in books!”

Her mother, in turn, laughed: “Now that you know about these pleasures,” she told her daughter, “maybe you can finally get yourself your own special somepony!”

“Mom... your need for grandchildren-...”

“Not because of that!” Twilight's attempt at an indignant reply were cut off! “Well, in part because of that, but also because I want you to have somepony, well, for you. Somepony you can cuddle up to after a long, hard, stressful day at work, who can help you relax, blow off steam... Who can be there for you when you're having bad time! Someone like your father for me!” Hearing this, Night Light smiled at his wife! “You have no idea how nice it is, when I come home from some book event and know: Night Light is waiting for me...”

As his mother attended his sister, Shining whispered to his wife: “Cadance? Lube me up real quick, alright?” A short nod, and Cadance went to work to slather a lot of saliva on her husband's dick. “Thank you... Twilight!” He put his hand on his sister's back and gently pressed against it. “Lean a bit forward, please!”

When she did, her rear lifted a little. It was enough for Shining! Hugging Twilight with his left from behind, while his right lifted her tail out of the way, he leaned in and rubbed his muzzle against her neck. Quietly, he whispered into her ear: “I hope you're ready, sis...”

Before she could answer, he pushed his spit-lubed cock into Twilight's ass!

Twilight tore her mouth open as if to scream! But Spike was quick! He shot up and pressed closed her mouth with his own! Sweet lips, this mare had... He probably had just taken her first kiss! Well, he'd better it a good one for her! Nice, and long, and deep!

“Twilight?” Cadance gently brushed through her sister-in-law's mane after a few seconds, “are you alright? I know anal needs some getting used to it, and having both your cherries popped at once...”

A mumble was the reply.

“Hey, Spike, let her answer, please!” Letting out a sound of displeasure, Spike pulled back. “Thank you. Now, Twilight?”

“Can't... put it... into words...” She panted.

“How is it? Having both your holes be stretched out real good on your first time?” Cadance had a cat-like grin on her face. “I wish my first time had been like this! Unfortunately, my first time was more... conventional. Was a cute, shy stallion though, a few months before I met Shiny!”

“I still can't believe that you used to be a virgin until not long before we got together...” The aforementioned stallion shook his head, then pulled out a little before pushing back into his sister's ass!

Twilight shuddered, moaned, but didn't answer Cadance's question.

“Twilight? Are you still with us?” The alicorn snapped her fingers next to Twilight's ear to no reaction. She looked at Spike, then Shining Armor. “I think you two fried her brain.”

“Oops!” The two chuckled in unison! “Eh, she'll be back to normal soon enough!” Shining added.

Now, Night Light stepped up to them. Gently, he brushed through his daughter's mane. His hand moved down, caressing her cheeks, until his thumb slipped in her mouth and opened it further! “Two holes covered... One left...”

Carefully, he pushed the tip of his cock into Twilight's mouth. The moment it was past her lips, Velvet and Cadance dropped onto their knees to the left and right of Twilight and began to whisper into her ears. They were trying to help her service her father well...

It was as if a barrier had been removed! Twilight acted on the words she heard as if her brain had been... turned off! She followed what she was told like a an automaton! From her ears to her body. Nothing in-between.

After a few minutes, she even, tentatively, started to take the cock into her throat! Night Light had to admit, it was as if his daughter, surprisingly, was a natural...

The next morning, all of them were sitting down for breakfast. Spike and Rarity, Twilight, Shining and Cadance had ended up staying the night. Cadance had insisted on her husband and herself sharing a room, or rather bed, with Spike and his girlfriend, while Twilight had slept with her parents. Rather than in the room she still had in the house.

For her, the breakfast was slightly awkward, now that her reason had returned. And that her parents, Shining, Cadance, Spike and Rarity were now acting like nothing out-of-the-ordinary had happened. Well, maybe a little bit more... interested in one another than normal, but, over all, they acted like nothing. that most would consider weird had, happened.

Otherwise... It was a very pleasant breakfast. Spike and Cadance helped Velvet with the preparations, the general chit-chat was reasonably interesting, especially when some weightier topics came up...

And, Twilight had to admit to herself, she'd be lying to herself if she didn't admit that at least part of her had enjoyed it. At least she finally understood why so many ponies were very interested in sex!

But what she did last night could never become public! And worse... she kinda wanted to repeat it! Maybe she should spend some of her rather limited free time with Cadance? Or maybe visit that club? Maybe even... visit her parents more often?

As she was thinking about that stuff, Spike opened another topic: “So, Nigh-... Dad? I have a question!”

Night Light looked at Spike. “Sure. Shoot!”

“I'm just curious... why did you call me Spike?” He'd never actually thought about it. He had spikes on his back, and it was a normal dragon name, so it had made sense. But, now that he had the chance, there was something in him that wanted to know!

“When we found you,” he chuckled, “we tried to ask you for your name! But, well, you weren't really all that far with talking back then. You just made some noises that sounded vaguely like 'spwie' or 'sike', and such. And 'Spike' was rather close to that!”

Afterwards, Spike and Shining Armor volunteered to take care of the clean-up, so that the others could chat some more. Velvet had started to open up more about her, and Night Light's, wilder past, and Night had to confirm her stories, because otherwise the others wouldn't believe it.

The door closed, the conversation lively, the ponies in the other room most likely wouldn't hear a thing happening in the kitchen! And, as he was putting the dishes into the dishwasher, Spike used this opportunity! Suddenly, he turned serious...

“Shining?” His voice was stony, and Shining spun around in surprise to face him! “We have to talk, commissioner!”

“What the-... Spike? What's wrong?!”

The dragon grabbed a chair for himself. “Please, sit down.” He told his brother as he did so himself. Shining Armor obliged, folding his hands in front of him as he met his younger brother's stern glare with similar force!

“You told us that you are very well informed on my... business.”

“I am.”

“I want to know how!” Spike's voice dropped to a low growl! “If you want me to trust you with your claims, about how, so far, you have no intention on going after us, commissioner,-” if his voice would've had any actual effect on the surroundings, the water in the pipes would have frozen solid, “-I need something from you, to show that you're honest with me.”

“Like what?” The unicorn's voice and gaze were on par with Spike's.

A humorless grin spread on the dragon's face! “You could tell me how you know about us!”

“What do you mean?”

“It's simple... You implied that you know quite a lot about my business. More than I a probably comfortable with!” The younger brother put it plain! “Either you show me that I can trust you, or else, I might feel the need to do something drastic if we ever find out... My friends and I would probably not like that, but we would.”

Shining thought about it for a while... “Alright,” he said reluctantly, “but promise me, you won't do anything... reckless.”

“OK. I promise that I won't do anything... shortsighted.”

“I mean it!” The unicorn growled, and the look in his eyes made it clear that he was deadly serious! “Bon Bon,” He sighed. “Bon Bon works for me. She is one of my best undercover agents.”

For a few minutes, Spike was speechless! Bon Bon had been a trusted member for ages at this point! Not quite a founder, but she had joined before they had even had the idea with the club! At least in any serious form! She'd been with them for years! She'd even started a relatio-...

Before even the other concerns, Spike's first outcry was: “Is she just using Lyra?!”

Shining raised his arms in a shrug. “From what she told me? No. Their relationship is serious for her! She just... wasn't quite honest.”

“Well, that good to hear, at least!” Though maybe of concern in case Lyra knew about it and had turned stateside... Talks were to be had! At least, most of the gang didn't know how involved Fluttershy had been during his stay in the holding cell. They all knew she was a cop, and that she knew bits, but only Tempest, AJ, Big Mac, Sunset and Starlight knew that she had gotten herself involved a bit further than that.

They talked a bit more, Shining explaining that, even before he had taken over as police chief, he had heard rumors of a new gang rising in his old neighborhood, and how, outside the official channels, he had sent Bon Bon to infiltrate them, to keep him up-to-date on the developments. She had sent him regular reports, and so on.

He didn't tell his brother that, in his records, she was listed as 'Agent Sweetie Drops'.

“Sheesh... She really must be good. Never suspected a thing.” The revelation had taken the wind out of Spike's sails. “But if you have such a good source, why didn't you crack down on us?”

“I mean, as I said: So far you didn't do anything so bad that, compared to the other gangs, I would have to crack down on you and your friends. And if I did, whatever would rise from the ashes would most likely be far worse!”

“Well,” Spike sounded surprisingly weary just now, “I guess since we're planning on going straight anyway, once we have the means... And considering our talk, I have a feeling you wouldn't try to screw us over, for a few reasons...” First of all, of course, the fact that they were siblings, even if not related by blood. Any semi-competent tabloid would be able to blow their relationship up to such proportions that none of their family would be able to go anywhere without having to hide their heads in shame! And they knew who the informant was... With a sigh, he pushed his chair back. “Let's finish the clean up.”

Shining nodded as he stood up, then added: “Don't forget, what you promised me!”

“Yeah, yeah... I promised I wouldn't do anything stupid.” Then, he remembered something else! “I guess you also know about Fluttershy?” He honestly hoped this wouldn't come back to bite the pegasus in the ass!

“The cop that's hanging with you? Of course.” Now, Shining's voice was rather icy.

“Listen, Shining,...” Whatever Spike wanted to say, he wasn't able to.

The older stallion put on a dry smile.“As long as she doesn't get drawn in too deep, I'm willing to overlook the whole thing. Just as you overlook Bon Bon's.”

“Fair's fair, I guess.”

A few hours later, at the club, Spike was talking about the business for the day with the gang members that were there at the time: Sunset Shimmer, Tempest Shadow, Applejack, Big Mac, and so on. And Lyra and Bon Bon.

As the others began to leave, he called three ponies back: “Tempest? Bon Bon? Sunset? Could you please wait a minute? There is something else I have to discuss with you!”

Closing the door behind them, the three walked back. Bon Bon spoke up: “Yes, boss? Wha-...”

She was interrupted by Spike grabbing her with both hands at the collar of her shirt! He proceeded to push her against the office wall, and then grabbed her with one hand by the throat! Finally, under the the heated and confused reactions of the other two, he lifted her off her hooves!

“Wha-? Sp-Spike... Why...?” The earth pony croaked hoarsely against his iron grip!”

Sunset joined in with a similar sentiment: “Spike?! What are you doing?!”

“Don't play stupid on me, Bon Bon!” The dragon snarled! “You know why you're in this situation, don't you? You've been snitching on us! And. Don't. Try. To. Lie!”

“What?!” Both, Tempest and Sunset were in disbelief, but the next words basically confirmed it:

“H-how do you... know?” Hearing his, Spike let her go and she fell back to the floor! Gasping for air, Bon Bon was rubbing her throat, as she asked again: “How did you find out?”

Tempest and Sunset went silent. Maybe it was time to just listen...

No reason to lie about it for Spike: “Shining Armor himself told me!”

“The chief?! WHY?!” If panicked before, Bon Bon was now close to utter despair.

“Calm down!” Spike's rage seemed to have subsided. At least to some extent. “I promised him that I wouldn't harm you.” He helped her back to her hooves and handed handed her a glass of water.

Tempest shot both of them dark looks. “Could you please explain what is going on?”

“Well, I might as well tell you everything. But keep your mouths shut until I decide to tell the others, understood?” All three mares nodded. “Alright...”

And he told them about his family reunion. Of course not the spicy stuff. He told them about what Shining had said at the dinner table, and about how he questioned him the next morning.

Bon Bon seemed anything but pleased about her actual boss' loose lips. “Why did he tell you about all of this?!” She asked Spike!

“Probably because Twilight was ruining the mood of the reunion!” He laughed! “But, more seriously, I guess because Twilight seemed very set on going after us again, and considering that he is right in that we, compared to most other gangs, offer reasonable stability and little trouble, he needed something to dissuade her from that. And with you having managed to get in, he might've also worried, not that he said it, that a valuable line of underworld information might dry up!” The latter was pure speculation on Spike's part, but it would've made sense. “Might be also be that he worried about what would happen if I got arrested and then reveal our shared background. Considering Manehattan's tabloids...”

All of them knew what he was referring to. And Bon Bon also caught the implications.

“So... What's going to happen now?” The earth pony asked them.

Before Tempest could give her own verdict, the dragon delivered his judgment: “Very simple: We will keep this a secret, and you can continue like nothing happened!”

Tempest was flabbergasted! “What. The. Fuck. SPIKE?!”

Mentally, Sunset agreed. Their policy against anyone turning against the gang, if it ever came to that, had been agreed to be harsh. Unfortunately, Cozy managed to get away beforehand...

“Listen, I promised Shining Armor that I wouldn't harm Bon Bon! And as it is right now, I don't think any drastic measures are necessary, would maybe even be detrimental to us.”

It was obvious that the other two wanted to object. “That is final!” He told them, with a stern expression on his face! “I don't want any of you to tell the others, unless I take them into confidence! Bon Bon will be treated as usual! For now, we will carry on like normal!” Of course, that wasn't quite true. Simply because both sides knew about the situation, at least behind the scenes some stuff would most likely be different...

“Th-thank you..” Bon Bon sounded rather meek now. And immediately received death glares. “If I may say so? I do have to say that you're a nice bunch that I've come to respect in my team with you. Especially compared to some other gangs...”

“Hmph..” Was the general reaction.

Spike walked up to her again and ran his finger across the outlines of Bon Bon's face. “You and Lyra will come to my office later. Together.”

Suddenly, the earth pony's guts constricted in fear! “Please don't tell her!” She begged them, fearing what the reveal would do to her relationship!

“I won't,” Spike told her, the tone almost mocking her! “But you better think about how you will tell her. At some point. Now go and do what you're being paid for!” He pointed at the door.

Once the door closed behind her, Tempest immediately vented at Spike! “You're just letting her off the hook like this?!” She asked him, basically repeating what had happened before!”

The dragon gestured her to calm down: “We're going to punish her in other ways... Tempest? You still have that gear?”

“You mean... Oh! I get it! Well, at least we will have some... fun!”

“Indeed!” He turned to Sunset: “What about the plans for a new meeting with Ember? I still think that could be a good opportunity for an alliance!”

“Still in a preliminary state, but I think another one can be arranged!”

“Alright, thank you. Now, let's get back to today's work!”

21 Revelations

A few weeks later, Spike was contacted for a meeting by Wallflower Blush. Apparently, she had a new lead on who was behind the fire at the club!

Now, he was meeting her at the usual spot. After their greetings, Spike immediately asked her: “So? What's the news?!” Anxiety was audible.

“Good news first...I finally found somepony that might have a good lead!”

“Great. Bad news?”

“He's a rather shifty fella, and deals not only in information. In exchange for his intel, he wants me to deliver something to him. For a client of his own!” Wallflower explained.

Spike raised an eyebrow. “And that'd be? Maybe I can help?”

“Oh, I bet you can,” she replied dryly, “because you will have to get it for me.”

“Get what?”

“Apparently, that client is a collector of antiques...”

“And?”

“He wants a very specific statue. A statue of a draconequus!”

“A what now?”

“Some sort of mythological creature that is a mix of pony, dragon, griffon and whatever else! Here, take a look!” She pulled her phone out of her back pocket and, with a few taps, brought a picture onto the screen. It showed a weird amalgam of a multitude of varies limbs on a stretched out torso. The head looked goat-liked, especially with that goatee... The 'draconequus', as Wallflower Blush had called it was, seemingly, in the middle of laughing his ass off...

“Why,” Spike wondered as he continued to stare at the picture, “do I have the feeling that it won't be a simple smash and grab?” Buying it was out of the question already. Most ponies who'd hire a guy like that probably had the bits to buy whatever they wanted, unless it was ridiculously expensive. Which, admittedly, an ancient statue or whatever, probably was.

“Because you're a clever dragon, which is why I like to do business with you!”

“It's not in a museum or anything like that?” Twilight would probably murder him if he stole a rare statue from a museum. And it was rather... distasteful, he had to admit. Also, getting past all those security measures...

If it at least had been a huge gemstone, that had some real value! And would be a delicious treat!

“No! Nothing like that!” She reassured him!

“Good!”

Grinning broadly, she told him that: “It is in the possession of the mayor! The picture was taken during a tour of the mayoral mansion! In her office there, to be exact!”

“Fuck you...” the dragon groaned!

“You hired me to get you a lead on the one who's responsible for the fire at your club. To do so, I need you to organize something for me to trade it in.”

“Alright, alright... I'll see what I can do. What can you give me on the layout of the place?”

Wallflower Blush gave Spike all the information she had on the mayor's mansion. Which was quite a bit. Either she'd also had been part of a tour, or she had, which was likely, informants. And maybe a source in the office that had access to the plans...

Over the next few days, Spike assembled a crew for this heist. Due to the sensitiveness of the whole ordeal, only a few of his most trusted, and capable, friends were involved, or even informed: Tempest Shadow, naturally, Big Mac, Applejack, Sunset Shimmer was involved because of her magical abilities, and Fleetfoot, and Rumble for flight. Button was brought along as well. And Bon Bon was kept completely in the dark!

It had been quite a while since they had done something like this... Break-ins had been one of the first things they'd stopped once business had begun to pick up. Unnecessary risks for little gain, in comparison to their other ventures.

They had chosen the night of their action carefully: tonight, there was a big event where the mayor, the deputy mayor and all of their important assistants would attend. And since the sisters were well known to be workaholics, they probably wouldn't get back before Spike and his friends were long gone. They had discussed if they should ask Fluttershy for some assistance, maybe via police equipment, but decided against it. They didn't want to worry her conscience.

Quickly they had made their way into the building, Sunset taking care of any surveillance cameras and protective spells. Now, they were doing their best to keep a low profile as they searched the building. Luckily for them, indeed all the ponies that might've been there, weren't.

They'd checked the first floor already, living room, kitchen, some other rooms... Now, they on the second floor. Spike had checked Celestia's bedroom, and now was looking through the adjacent (unsurprising. Even if the house hadn't been built like this, she probably would've had a new door installed, considering what one heard) office.

The whole time, something was tingling his nostrils. There was something in the air... a smell, dimly familiar... It caused a feeling of warm comfort to spread from his heart, not unlike when he reunited with his family! What was that about? Why here?

He pushed these thoughts aside as he looked over the office room. There were similar side tables to what he had seen in the picture shown to him, but the statue wasn't there. Maybe it had been moved?

He walked around the big desk that dominated the room. It looked pretty expensive! A massive construction made of dark wood and with some golden accents. And it had a number of drawers and two closets. Maybe they were large enough to hold the statue?

As he went to open one of the doors, his eyes fell on one of the drawers. He knew it couldn't possibly fit in there, but... Something in his gut wanted him to check it out!

As the dragon was busy picking the lock, Tempest walked up to him: “Have you found it yet?!” She sounded a little tense. “The sooner we get back out, the better! I think that event will end in an hour!”

“No!” He shot back, strangely on the edge. And it wasn't just because they were on a schedule! “Wait, I just managed to get that drawer open!”

“You think they squeezed it in there?” The unicorn snarked.

“Not really, but maybe it fell down and shattered? I just have... a feeling...” He pulled the drawer open!

Inside of it, there was a silver locket. And for some reason, he was curious what it might hide... He didn't even know why, it probably would be Mayor Celestia's parents, or herself and her sister anyway, but something made him want to look at it.

“FOUND IT!” Applejack's voice came from the library two doors down the hallway.

“You heard her!” Tempest grabbed Spike's shoulder! “Let's go!”

But he stood there as he flipped the lid open... and stared. It wasn't the mayor's parents, nor her sister. It wasn't her graduation or anything like that! There was Mayor Celestia, a bit younger, with a tiny, green-and-purple, dragon baby in her arms.

“What... the...?!”

The unicorn grabbed his arm and pulled, shouting “LET'S GO!” as she dragged him towards the door!

Absently-minded, he slipped the locket in his pocket as he was pulled after his friend!

Outside, Spike and Tempest met with the others. Big Mac held the statue, while the others all carried some small things each. “We've taken some more stuff with us!” Applejack explained. ”Expensive-looking, but over all not that valuable stuff. To make it seem like a bunch of burglars who got lucky, taking some stuff and snatching the statue by pure chance!”

Spike nodded. With a bit of luck, that would mean they wouldn't put any particular attention to the statue...

“Rumble and I had checked their bedrooms!” Fleetfoot laughed! “I think it'd been funny if I had found the mayor's secret vibrator stash!”

“Or some risky pictures from her school days!” Rumble added, just as amused! The sisters were just too hot... There were some deepfake pictures on the internet, but the genuine stuff would be far better!

Sunset shook her head. Horny idiots... Now, they weren't stupid, and nice ponies to have around, but sometimes, their hormones took over a little too much! “Let's go home!”

Nodding in agreement, Tempest added: “We will wait for a few weeks, and then start to sell the stuff off!” And the statue would be delivered to Wallflower Blush once the inevitable public interest had died down. Then, she noticed that Spike hadn't said anything since she met him in the office... “Spike? Are you alright?”

“What? Uh... yes... Yes! Of course!” His head was spinning, and he hadn't been paying any attention. Wasn't really doing so still! When they were sitting in the car again, and Sunset told Rumble to drive, he was still trying to make sense out of what he had seen!

The little dragon was himself! He was sure of it! But, did that mean...? Did that mean, that Celestia was his mother? Even if only adopted? And if yes, why did she abandon him?

Weeks had passed. After an initial however, Mayor Celestia, and, to a lesser extent, Deputy Mayor Luna, seemed rather rattled by the whole affair. And who could blame them? Yet, instead of taking a few days to recuperate, they just plunged themselves into more work to keep their minds occupied! However, by now especially Celestia seemed rather frazzled! More so than she had before...

Spike himself had, since the break in, been unusually introverted. Whenever he could justify it, he withdrew into his office, even locked the door, and brooded over the locket. Even at home, he had become more withdrawn, much to the consternation, and worry, of Rarity and Sweetie Belle! And an idea began to form in his mind... A risky one. But, he needed to...

“Sunset?” He contacted the manager via her ear piece, sounding rather weary, “when you have the time, come and meet me in my office.”

Five minutes later, Sunset Shimmer sat opposite of Spike. “What's up?”

“You've seen how Celestia's been looking since our little excursion?”

“Mhm. Yeah, on the news and such. Seems to be taking a toll on her. I guess constantly working long, and then having the stress of a break-in... Even somepony like her will reach her breaking point at some point...”

He nodded. “I've heard that the two were here during Nightmare Night? While I was at Chrysalis' lair?” The dragon tried to push those memories away again. With the chance to get a new lead on their arsonists, there was enough on his platter right now, and the paranoia of changeling infiltration would be a distraction that, while well founded, might cause him to overlook other things.

And then, there was the fact, that he still had no idea how to repay the help he had received from Thorax and Ocellus. Chrysalis most likely had moved her hideout the moment they'd left... Ugh! They'd see if they could tackle that problem once they knew more about their other enemy! Maybe they could involve the police in this matter?

Sunset's voice pulled him back to the present! “Yeah. She seemed to enjoy it. Why? You have an idea?”

“How about we send the two an invitation? Give them an evening off?”

The manager thought about it for a moment... “I guess we could tell them that we wanted to take their mind off of that incident, even if only for a night!”

“Yeah, something like that!” Spike agreed!

“Feeling bad for them?” The unicorn let out a small, not very amused, laugh.

“A little...” He admitted. And, maybe, he'd would indeed be able to muster the courage to confront the mayor about that locket...

“Well, I'll send them an invitation together with my number so that they can call beforehand, and I can make arrangements.”

A week later, the club was as full as ever! Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, as so often, sat at their table on the second floor, chatting with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, when they heard a familiar voice behind them: “Shining? How about here?”

The heads of the five young mares spun around!

“Principal Cadance?!” Tiara was the first to let her surprise be heard!

Now, the alicorn and her husband turned! “Diamond Tiara?” On the one hand, she had known that Tiara, and her friends, were here often, but it was still a little bit surprising that they'd ran into them like this! “And Silver Spoon! Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo! Shining! Those are some of my students!”

Since it seemed like Cadance had been looking for a seat, Silver Spoon had an idea: “Why don't you sit down with us?”

“Sure! Why not!” The teacher chirped! “Move over, Silver Spoon!”

“You really think,-” her husband chuckled as he was sitting down himself, “-it's a good idea to mingle with your students in a club?”

“Just sit down, Shining! I honestly doubt anyone here will care!” She told him in mock sternness! “And even if, I will be able to talk my way out of it!”

And now, Sweetie remembered her job: “What do you, and your husband, want to drink?”

Meanwhile on the other side of the second floor, Celestia and Luna were sitting in a corner, enjoying their own cocktails. “And? Does the alcohol help?” Luna asked her sister, a mirthless smile on her face.

Tia sighed after she took another sip. “A little...” Honestly, the atmosphere of the club was also helping somewhat. Even if only a little, it was pulling her in. And so did that slice of cake in front of her! She would have to check that bakery the club was working with...

As Celestia pondered, a roar rose from the floor below! “Sounds like the crowd is going wild...” She mused.

“I'll check what's going on.” With this, her sister stood up and walked over to the railing. She slightly bent over it, to see what was happening.

Down on the first floor, a scantily clad, and very voluptuous, yellow pegasus mare, wearing a butterfly mask, had entered the stage! As she began to dance, Luna expected at almot every movement that her assets would spill out...

Over time, Fluttershy had become more and more accustomed to putting on shows at the club. If she wore the mask. Without it, she'd never dare! Though... she had changed outside of it as well! Even in her normal life, and at work, she wasn't quite as conscious of her body anymore, had started to more regularly wear more casual outfits! And, a few times, after work outs, or showers, she had even flashed some of her colleagues by accident, only realizing it when it had been pointed out to her! Though once that had happened, she had reacted as she would've done before!

Well, maybe not quite as extreme, but still enough to let them chalk it up to an accident. Not that any of them, male or female, complained. When it had happened the first time, Gilda and Spitfire had been speechless! Rainbow Dash had seen her nude before, but still had been surprised...

At the club, however, Shy had even come so far as to seek out partners for some fun from time to time! Usually, she preferred cute, shy, nice studs. Often, they turned out to be virgins, which was something that gave Shy a kick... to be sompepony's first time... It was something that, before, she'd never imagined herself to be, except maybe for “Mr. Right”, in a shared first time! And now, she got a kick out of being the first for quite a few! Funny how things could turn out...

Sometimes, her partners were more confident, even arrogant. The typical “gift to all marekind”, or to females of all species', kinda guys. In those cases, one of the bouncers was standing guard. Just in case...

And every now and then, she took a mare or two with her!

Curious as to what her sister was looking at, Celestia herself now joined her. Luna looked at her, and pointed at the dancing pegasus. “Tia? What do you think? Are those real?”

“Definitely.” She answered, dryly, after looking for a bit. “Honestly? Right now, this club reminds me of when we were young! Remember when we-,” she lowered her voice to a whisper even Luna could barely hear over the noise, “-remember, when we left a whole club drained and exhausted after my graduation?”

The younger alicorn nodded. While a bit embarrassed about their... youthful foolishness at times, such stuff still provided fond memories of easier times! And she couldn't, in good conscience, claim that she didn't participate in, or enjoy the experience of, those club visits!

“If a club like this had been around back in the day, I think I wouldn't have minded jobbing here a little!” Then, her own gaze fell on a supermodel-looking white unicorn that joined the pegasus on stage! “Wait a moment! Is that Fleur de Lis?”

Luna strained her eyes as she looked at the mare! “Fancy Pants' girlfriend? Yes! I think so! What is she doing here?!”

Suddenly, a male voice, coming from behind them, answered the question: “She works for me. Fancy Pants and her got to know each other when he saw her perform here, and she still performs from time to time! Also, Fleur thinks she owes us, and still likes to hang out when she has time!”

The sisters spun around! And before then stood the club's owner! “Spike!” Luna quickly walked a few steps to shake his hand! “I haven't seen you since we met at Filthy Rich's party!”

“Yeah, I know.” With his left, the dragon scratched his neck as he replied, “I was honestly looking forward to seeing you again at our Nightmare Night event, but stuff happened... Business! And... some... other things!” He hoped she didn't notice the hint of uncertainess...

If she did, Luna didn't let it be seen. Maybe it simply were the the deputy mayor's years of experience at moving situations along while avoiding any embarrassing, or inconvenient, moments.“Tia,-” she turned to her sister, letting Spike's hand go, “-let me introduce you to the proprietor of this establishment!” Grabbing Tia's hand, she guided it to the dragon's.

Celestia, despite having been forewarned long ago, was staring at the dragon as if she'd just seen a ghost! “Y-yes... I-I...” The mayor rapidly shook her head to get herself back together! “I am Celestia, the mayor!” It was less eloquent, and more terse, than she had wanted...

Though on the other side, Spike wasn't doing much better, though he would've liked to act the charming host! “Spike! The, uhm... The owner of this club! I... I've heard about that break-in, and thought that, maybe, a night out might help to get your thoughts on something else?”

“Well, it might work better if I didn't get reminded of it!” The mayor shot back, but with a small smile, showing it wasn't intended to be taken seriously. “Thank you. I think it does help.”

“I hope you don't mind if I ask...” Spike was going to use this chance! That staring just now had given him a window! “What was that just now? You looked at me like you've seen a ghost!”

Luna looked at her sister, wondering how Tia would answer, or if she should answer in her stead...

“You just...,” The mayor spoke slowly, choosing her words carefully, ”reminded me of someone.”

“Is that so?” The words left Spike's mouth as if spoken by somebody else. He had to sit down, and steady his nerves. Think about this for a bit! “Well, I have to get back to work. I'll be in my office, over there.”

For the last hour, Spike had been sitting in his office. Again, he had been staring at the locket In his hand. The dragon had wanted to return it to the mayor, had even thought about a reasonable cover story. But... something held him back! Maybe it was fear, or, at least, concern...

His body jerked up straight, when he heard a knock coming from the door! Spike had been barely able to stop himself from slamming the jewelry in his claws onto his desk! Hastily, he slipped it back into one of his drawers...

“Yes? Come in!”

To his surprise, it was the mayor. Her mane now looked slightly frizzled, and her steps, while still secure, seemed to have just the barest hint of some wobbliness!

“Miss Mayor?” Spike blinked, not quite believing that she had just come over to him!

“Jus' call me Celestia!” She replied, her speech slightly slurred, sounding in a weird spot between serious, sad, and the levity of alcoholic bliss. “I am not at work right now!”

“May... Celestia? Why did you come to my office?”

“After three screwdrivers, two old fashioned, one vodka martini, one martini, two whiskey sours, one bamboo cocktail, one highball, one Long Island ice tea, and one mojito,” she told him, “I'm feeling a slight buzz and...”

Spike's mind was trying to make sense of her words! She had that much booze and was, at worst, slightly tipsy?! This mare, or maybe alicorns in general, were something else! Even he, a dragon, would be at least a bit more affected!

“... and I thought that I owe you an explanation. For the staring.” Or rather, she thought, the booze had allowed her to gather the courage to talk about it to a stranger!

Spike swallowed hard, as he desperately tried not to let his anxiety show! He was happy that he had bought a thick desk map to keep his claws from scratching the wood of of his desk... “Yes?” he dragon heard a slight tremble in his voice...

“You wanted to know why I was staring at you...” Celestia sighed as she let herself drop into a chair. “I am sorry. I just thought you looked...”

“Familiar?” So much had been said before, so, that wasn't a big reveal.

“Like somebody I knew many years ago...” The mayor's voice turned gloomy, almost depressed, falling silent to gather herself!

In Spike's mind, this was as good an opportunity he'd ever get... “Like a little baby dragon?” He asked her, pulling the locket out of the drawer again and flipping the lid open. Holding it on the chain, he turned it, so that Celestia could see the inside.

Now, the mayor was speechless from shock! “W-where did you get this?!” She managed to stammer once her brain had caught up with what her eyes were seeing! “It's one of the items stolen from-...”

“Your home, I know!” He nodded, trying hard to keep his expression neutral. “Bought it from a fence.”

“A fence?” Shady...

“You probably noticed the kind of area we are in?” He asked her.

Of course she did. For one, some of her policies were working towards improving areas like this. And, it had been where...

“Grew up in this area.” Spike continued, not waiting for a reply. “I'll admit that I was involved in some shady businesses while doing so. And I still have contacts! When I had heard about that break-in, I've kept tabs on the local fences, to see if any of your stuff would land there.”

“Why?” Celestia blinked in confusion.

He cracked a dry smile. “Mainly curiosity, to be honest! But also, because, maybe, I could give some of it back. Me, and my friends, respect the work you're doing, Mayor Celestia! So I had hoped that, maybe, we could help. Though we only got this locket.”

“C-can I have it, please?”

“Of course!” He smiled brightly, stretching out the hand holding the chain, the locket swaying as it moved towards the alicorn! But then, just before she could take it, he pulled it back! His eyes had changed. They were cold, and hard. “I just have one question: Why do you have a locket showing you with a baby dragon?” He didn't say “A baby dragon that looks suspiciously like myself!”

The alicorn sat in silence, staring at the picture.

Outside, Luna had begun to wonder where her sister had gone to. She did have more alcohol than was usual for her... Maybe she should look for her? Shaking her head, the younger sister emptied her own glass, her fourth for the evening, and took a walk. Maybe she'd find Tia.

After a few minutes, she hadn't seen her sister, but she had found some other familiar ponies! “I didn't expect to meet you here, niece!”

“Aunt Luna?!” Cadance spun around, hearing Luna's voice! “I could say the same to you! Sit down with us!”

“Years ago, I adopted a little dragon,” Celestia sighed. It had taken some internal struggling, but why not tell him? It wasn't exactly a secret, even if most of the city probably never thought about it, Svengallop's occasional potshots aside. “I... Well, I had wanted a child, but with all the work I have, the natural way would have been a bit... inconvenient. And then, the search for a suitable partner, or donor, and all that... So, adoption it was.” There also was her concern that her child might not be an alicorn, but instead a normal pony. Alicorns lived long, and if her foal had turned out not to be an alicorn, it would have died long before she would even begin to look middle-aged. This longevity was balanced out by the fact that her kind was extremely rare, and natural born ones even more so. Very few ponies indeed ended up becoming alicorns, and how that worked was a mystery still. Cadance had managed...

Dragons lived long. Maybe not alicorn-long, though, if anyone alive today knew the actual extents of either kinds lifespan, they hadn't shared it, but long enough for Celestia, and Luna, to spend a lot of time with one. It had been one of her concerns during the preliminary considerations. The next part, however, was only known to Celestia, Luna, and their closest confidants. “And when I saw that baby dragon... Well, it was like I had immediately known that he was the right one.”

Spike listened, basically hanging on her every word! It didn't sound like she had gotten rid of him on purpose! So... What had happened?

“He'd been with us, Luna and me, for a few months, before...”

“Before what?”

“It was during an election campaign. After an event, we were on our way home. Our driver was passing through, maybe a mile from here? ” Celestia could recall that day very well... “What exactly happened was never quite cleared up. One moment, we were driving. The next, I have a splitting headache, and three cracked ribs, as I come back to my senses next to two burning cars! Police, ambulance and the fire department are rushing down the streets, and I notice that I'm bleeding from a gash on my forehead. Luna had broken her left arm, but she had taken less of the impact. She'd managed to get out of the car on her own, before the fire started. Our driver, and the driver and passengers of the other car, well...” The fact that she didn't say anything about them said everything. “And my little son... I don't know what happened. He'd been sitting on my lap, but we never found him, or his...,” She swallowed hard. “It never made sense. The area was searched, and nothing found. But such a young baby couldn't have gotten far, especially after a car crash! In the end, the investigators suggested that, in a freak set of coincidences, that he was... No, I don't even want to say it... He was declared dead...” Her voice cracked a little. “Never really got time to grieve either. After a few days, I just continued to work to distract myself...”

“I guess that explains...” Spike mumbled, not noticing that he said it out loud!

“Explains what?”

The dragon looked into Celestia's eyes. “Well... the first thing I, barely, remember is walking through a rundown back alley at night, not far from here. After a comforting smell and soft warmness, and a major impact. Dunno how, I managed to get by for a while.”

The alicorn's eyes widened!

“I don't know how long after, but, sometime later, I was picked up and taken in by a local family. Since the area was even worse than now, there wasn't much in the way of working through the official channels, and everyone there, even the school, just silently considered me adopted.”

“Do you... do you want to imply that...?” She couldn't put it in words.

“That I am the dragon in that picture in the locket? I mean, he looks very much like I did when I was small... And... there is something familiar about your smell...”

For a while, the two just sat there, looking at one another. Celestia mustered every visible scale on the dragon's body, his eyes, the shape of his face... Of course, his story could've been made up to fit hers. It wasn't that deep, and that a school, even in this area, at the state it was back then, would just accept this, sounded weird, but something inside of her told her, or maybe just wanted her to believe that this dragon was her little one...

Then, her mind found one way to test him: His name. The fact that his name was Spike was known to her, thanks to her sister, and the fact that it wasn't exactly a secret. It could be just a coincidence... After all it was highly doubtful he'd been running around, calling himself Spike, for years just for the chance to have this moment! And if he'd just been named Spike, then there also would be no reason to assume that he really was the baby from so many years ago!

“Your name is Spike, right?” She asked him, her eyes not moving one bit.

He wondered where this was going... “Yeah.”

“Do you know why?”

“Funny that you ask... Recently, I reunited with the ponies that took me in, and I wondered the same thing! They said that, when asked, I was mumbling stuff that more or less sounded like 'Spike', and with my looks, it sounded fitting enough!”

“It's really you, isn't it?” Celestia's voice broke a little, and a tear ran down her cheek, as she jumped up! Her chair fell over and hit the ground when she cleared the desk's corner! She just couldn't imagine somebody making that up for a story. A fraud would probably say that they had something with them, or that they had just remembered the name! Something like that! “You had just recently started to start talking, and you constantly tried to say your name... 'Spike', 'Spike', 'Spike'. You thought it sounded funny. And yes, it was because of your spikes!”

Celestia grabbed his arms before Spike knew what was happening! One tug, and he was on his feet! Another tug, and she was pressing his face against her chest! And between her breasts... Her arms were slung behind his head, keeping him locked in place, letting him feel her warmth.. And her soft, pillowy, and voluptuous boobs.

Honestly, he was getting a little hard. He was just a guy, after all, and Mayor Celestia's bust had been something many manehattanites had probably dreamt about! And that alicorn live span meant that, despite more than twenty years having passed, she looked like she hadn't aged a day!

“I'm so happy...” Celestia whispered. “I know that we will never be able to bond like we should have, but... I would like to...”

“I'd like to try.” Spike smiled. “But...,” it pained him to say this, “it might not be a good idea... You might've heard about the fact that I've been under investigation not too long ago? And I did tell you I have connections to fences and so on? You're a politician, the mayor... I respect what you're doing, and, well...”

“If the tabloids, or, say, Svengallop found out, they might ruin what I'm trying to do for this city?” She concluded dryly. “I know. I just wish...”

“Hmm... I mean, maybe you could just visit us, the club, more often? We could spend time in ways that wouldn't necessarily attract too much attention. I am already friends with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon after all, so adding the mayor and her sister to my acquaintances wouldn't be out of the ordinary. And if you ever decide to retire from politics...”

Celestia sighed. “Maybe. But, until then, I think I would like to try to visit here more often. It really does help at relieving some stress...”

“You will always be welcome in my club. But we won't give you, or Luna, any more special treatment than any of our other VIPs, like Diamond Tiara!”

“I wouldn't want any special treatment anyway!” She laughed, as she let go of the hug. “Giving Luna and me a VIP card or whatever would probably be generally accepted. If I visit a hoofball game, nobody bats an eye when I sit in the VIP zone either! But any further and we'd probably be accused of taking bribes.” Celestia stepped away from Spike and stretched herself. “Well, I guess it is time to go back. Luna is probably starting to worry.”

“I'll accompany you!”

“Tia! There you are!” Luna called out when she saw her older sister leave Spike's office! “I was wondering where you went, and wanted to look for you, when I got distracted by running into Cadance and her husband, as well as Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon!”

“Lulu! Did you worry about me?” The older alicorn laughed! “I am old enough to look out for myself!”

“Indeed, sister. Especially considering the amount of alcohol you had!” Luna's face showed her lack of amusement.

“At worst I am a little buzzed!” Tia snorted, before turning to the others: “Cadance! Shining! What a pleasant surprise to see you here! Diamond Tiara! How are your parents doing? Silver Spoon!”

Each of them returned their greeting in kind.

“I had heard that you two like to spend time here,” Celestia looked at the two youngest mares, Spike's employees aside. “Your mother didn't seem too happy about it.”

“My mother can kiss my ass!” Tiara shot back, downing her drink. “If everything went according to what makes her happy, I'd be locked up in one of our places, unless she lets me out to accompany her to some event!”

The mayor looked amused.

“Hey, Cadance! Hey, Shining!” Spike now made himself noticeable. “Diamond! Silver Spoon!” As usual, the latter two received a kiss each.

“You already know my niece and her husband?” She turned back to Spike.

Now, Luna chuckled! “Well, he did run into Cadance at Filthy Rich's party back then!”

“That he did!” Cadance agreed.

“In fact,” Luna added, “she was just telling me about that!”

As Celestia joined the conversation with her niece and the others, Spike called the crusaders over. After some general talk about stuff for the evening, he told them: “Apple Bloom? Scootaloo? Can you bring us two extra chairs? Sweetie? Another round of drinks, alright?”

“Sure!”

“And, if you want, you can join us later!”

As the three hurried off, Spike joined the general conversation. General small-talk, some catch-up between aunts and niece who hadn't seen each other in quite a while. After a few minutes, Sweetie Belle returned, and a couple of minutes later, the chairs arrived. Unfortunately for the three, they still had to work for a while before they could call in their break.

Without thinking too much about it, Spike turned to Cadance: “How is it going? I mean, you're here, and you two...” Alcohol wasn't that great if you were, well...

She smiled, realizing what he was talking about. “Let's just say that I am drinking non-alcoholic drinks tonight!”

“Congratulations! Do the others know already?!”

“Not yet.” Shining's face was stern! “We wanted to tell them tomorrow!” Spike immediately understood that he implied that Spike shouldn't tell the others. “We came here because we wanted to celebrate just between the two of us, and, I guess, you. And Celestia and Luna now. And Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, since we ran into all of you anyway!”

However, the dragon had forgotten something, when his curiosity had gotten the better of him.. “Spike?” Celestia raised an inquisitive eyebrow on him. “How do you know that my niece was trying for a foal? She told it to me while you were busy talking to your employees! And from what I've heard otherwise, it didn't seem like you met her again after the gala. She told me that the only other time she'd been here had been during the Nightmare Night party... Something doesn't add up!”

For but a moment, he thought about it. “Well...,” better to be honest about it. Even if Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon also heard it. They could keep secrets, at times at least, and sending them away would just cause them to get even more curious! “Remember me telling you about having been picked up and taken in by some ponies?”

“Yes?” Tia leaned in, resting her chin on the back of her left hand.

“Diamond Tiara? Silver Spoon? You have to promise me that you won't tell anyone, not even your friends, about this, do you understand me?” They nodded. “Those ponies... had been Night Light and Twilight Velvet... So... I, kinda, am Shining's and Twilight's younger brother!”

Luna and Celestia sat there open-mouthed.

“You should've seen our reactions!” Shining laughed. “Maybe we should tell you more of the story?”

A few hours later, Spike looked at a piece of paper he had received from Wallflower Blush. It was the information. It didn't tell them exactly who it'd been, but, at least, it was a new lead. They'd follow this trail soon enough... and once they got their hands on Fire Flare, maybe they could squeeze something out of her. If she even knew anything about her employer. Whoever it was might've gone through intermediaries.

One of the big issues they'd had so far had been that she, and her group, had seemingly vanished without a trace. In a best case scenario, they had decided to lay low, or been told to do so, after their fire hadn't turned out the way they wanted. Worst case scenario? They'd been silenced forever.

But, according to a part of the new information, it was just them lying low. And some other bits implied that their shadowy opponent came from the upper strata of society. Interesting, interesting. And problematic.

Especially considering about all the others he knew that he had to worry about now! Celestia, Luna, Night Light, Velvet, Twilight Sparkle, Shining Armor, and Cadance... And Fluttershy as well! Rarity, of course...

Before, it'd just been himself, and his gang. Even the Crusaders had known what they might get into. But now, if he fucked up, it could impact ponies that had nothing to do with his businesses! He could, without wanting to, ruin their careers, their lifes!

At least Cozy Glow had never seemed too interested in Fluttershy after the first few days, when it had become clear that she'd most likely not be very useful for her schemes. Probably, she had already discarded her as unimportant, and hopefully had even forgotten about her involvement. Otherwise, who knew what she might try...

The dragon lit himself a cigarette, pondering over what had happened in the last few months, and what might happen in the future. Sometime next week, he'd have a big discussion with the rest of the gang's top brass. But that was for next week. This evening, maybe, he should just rest a little.

Author's Note

Yeah, finishing this was one of those “I need to get this over with...” parts where I struggled even more than usual to get through.

If anyone wants to make more of this story, be my guest. Or do it better. I would've liked to write it better, more coherrent and so on, but the open end, to be honest, is something I had settled on fairly early. This "the story goes on" end felt, for me, appropriate, especially since I wouldn't have been able to write a decent conclusion anyway.