Gangs of Manehattan

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...