Melody's Symphonyby Crosshair273ChaptersOvertureRepriseAccelerandoLife on the StreetsGetting HelpOvertureMelody stole silently down the busy street of Canterlot. It was an unusual setting for one of her skill. Of her stature. But she had a goal in her sights, and she wouldn’t let this rare prey escape her blade. Blueblood. Her invisibility came naturally; blending into the ponies around her. It had taken years to master the arts of stealth, but training had honed her into the perfect weapon. She slipped completely unseen between large crowds; hiding in the large groups, gossiping in the small. She had to get to that white unicorn before he slipped out of her sights. It was an unnecessary risk. She knew it. Her luck had been running so well thus far. First, the whole Killer thing. Then the ordeal with her sister, and to top it off, just that last week with Paen… Her luck was definitely running thin. She couldn't risk it draining off on one pony. She chided herself. She could be so many other places, so many other contracts to fill. But this was Blueblood. She would never let herself live it down if he slipped through her hooves. She had to get to him. Or she would consider herself useless as a rogue. As Blueblood stopped to examine a jewellery stall, Melody saw her chance. She closed the gap quickly, opening her bracelet knife. She had to thank that smith. He knew his craft-work, and hadn’t questioned her request. A small band of silver, with a metal engraving that could be slid out to make a knife. Simple, but elegant and stealthy. Much like Melody herself. The cream mare stole up beside Blueblood, catching parts of his conversation. “You call this junk ‘jewellery’? Don’t let it touch me; it'll rust on my beautiful white coat!” Melody resisted the urge to snort, lest she break her invisibility she had so carefully woven. She approached the royalty, her eyes pinned on his neck. Sliding the blade up carefully, she made one fine cut, severing his purse cord. She drew her second hoof up quickly, but carefully. It was a good thing royalty usually kept their coin purses around their neck. It was another stroke of her thin luck that Blueblood was particularly oblivious, and that he wore his for show. However, he would never let it be caught empty. That just wasn’t regal enough for his liking. Melody tossed the coin purse lightly, sauntering away from her target, who was still berating the poor jeweller. A good hundred bits, at least. She mentally congratulated herself. 'Good hunt, Melody.' She wandered aimlessly down the streets of Canterlot. So many things she could do with a purse-full of gold. She began to window shop, passing each store rapidly. She paused to look at a long, flowing red dress. 'I wonder…. No, don’t be foalish, Melody. Act your age.' Eventually, she managed to make her way to the place she had been subconsciously directing herself towards. The Sweet Shoppe. Melody greeted the large, oaken sign with suppressed glee. As she pushed open the front door, her nostrils were assaulted by a million different sweet smells, and the suppressing heat from the large oven in the back. She slowly approached the un-ponied counter, reaching her hoof outward to ring a small bell. The bell had barely been touched when a large, thin looking unicorn came out from the back. “Greetings, Melody. Come back again, eh?” Melody gave a small nod. “Yes, sir.” The tall, orange pony shook his head. “Melody, how many times have I asked you to call me Mr. Cake?” Melody shook her head. “Pray, don’t ask that of me. I’m far too accustomed to calling people ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’.” Mr. Cake shook his large, ashen head. “Well, you refuse to call me ‘Short’. So I must ask… Nay, I demand that you call me Mr. Cake.” Melody raised her eyebrow mockingly. “Or what, pray tell?” “Or you shan’t get a single more in the line of sweets.” Short said simply. Melody mock-gasped. “You wouldn’t dare!” “Wouldn’t I?” A small pout painted itself on Melody’s muzzle. Finally, she bowed her head, defeated. “Alright, Mr. Cake.” Grinning, the orange pony brushed aside his brown mane. “So, will you want the usual?” Melody nodded, and she could feel herself drooling childishly already. “Yes, please! Make it a double.” Short gazed at her questioningly for a second before going about his business. Melody watched with juvenile gaiety as the tall orange pony began pulling lengths of taffy. She had to constrain herself from leaping the counter as the long, bronze strands were cut and packaged into a small white bag. Short pushed the bag across the counter. “There y’go, Mel. Fresh pulled taffy. Two pounds.” Melody smiled at the large white bag. “How much do I owe?” Short gazed at her with concern. “Fifty bits.” The small brown purse zipped to her side, and Melody began counting out bits. “Forty eight…Forty nine…Fifty! There you go.” Short gazed at the small mound of bits. “Where in Equestria did you lay your hooves on all of this?” A knowing smile flitted about Melody’s lips. “Oh, I guess you could say today has really been my day.” Melody grabbed the small bag, hardly waiting till she was outside to dig into the contents. Popping a small, bronze chunk into her mouth, she sighed as best she could with her jaws glued together as the taffy started to melt in her mouth, creating a small pool of nothing but sugar and water. 'Luna, but if my enemies found out how much I love this stuff…' The glue no longer holding her jaws, she smiled up at the sun. Today was a good day. She still had Bluebloods’ bits, and Short hadn’t been too inquisitive. It was definitely a good day. Melody began walking down the street at a much slower pace than she had earlier. She gazed from shop to shop, finding nothing to catch her interest. The only excitement came three blocks later, as she finished her candy. 'Damn. Out already? Ah, well.' She tossed the small white bag into a trash can around the corner. Passing a small alley, Melody froze, her keener senses kicking in. Leaning back around the corner, she saw a small pink colt lying on the floor of the alley. Melody’s maternal senses overtook her, and she cautiously walked into the street. She glanced from rooftop to rooftop, doing a ninety degree sweep of the alley. About four yards away, she stopped, not daring to trust a thing. Today was her day. Nothing was going to ruin it. Leaning forward, she begged help from her other senses. A small sniff identified this pony as no stranger to the streets. But there was a second smell, one she recognized. But she couldn’t quite put her hoof on it. It was a scent from long ago. Throwing slight caution to the wind, Melody finally spoke. “Are you okay?” The pink colt turned slightly, his eyes filled with tears. He slightly shook his head, sniffing. Melody took another step closer. “Pray, what’s wrong?” The colt turned it’s head away, murmuring something to itself. Melody took another hoofstep closer. “Beg pardon?” Suddenly, the colt turned, a long steel dagger in his hoof. “I said ‘You still ‘ave your purse.’” Melody heard the sound of hoofsteps behind her, and turning her head slightly, she saw an odd sight. Two ponies, one grey, one green. They were both standing on their hind hooves, cudgels and makeshift weapons stuck in some of the oddest places in their grey vests. The gryphon, however, she instantly recognised. From his bright green eyes to his grey feathers. From his black fur, all the way to his greasy little white-tipped tail. Melody let out a low growl. “Vulture.” She said curtly. “Melody, luv.” The grey gryphon said. “You ‘ave no idea ‘ow much it’s cost me to look for ya’. I’ve been searchin’ bluddy everywhere!” “Nor do I care.” Brushing her black mane out from in front of her eyes, Melody tone was acidic. “I have talents for staying hidden from those I don’t wish to see.” Vulture winced, clutching his chest in his long talons. “Ooo… That ‘urt, luv. Ain’t even gunna lie. But still…” She watched as the gryphon drew a rapier out of the sheath he had around his middle. “You’ve gotta learn your manners, luv.” Melody sank into her regular fighting crouch, preparing for the upcoming fight. “Well, Vulture. You’ve always been an expert in manners. So be polite, and when your face slams into the ground, do great it properly.” The gryphon let out a low growl, pointing a long claw at her. “Bring me her head, mates, and you’re my new right claw mate.” As the two pony’s slowly approached, Melody winced: long forgotten memories coming back to the front of her mind. Author's Note Hey guys. Leave a thumbs up so I know if you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading. RepriseMelody woke slowly, nursing the bruise on her chest. She pushed herself off of her pillow, rolling off the side of the bed. A quick glance confirmed her suspicion. She was still in the same dingy old little adoption house with the same dingy old little beds and the same dingy old little slits for windows. The fourteen year old Melody sighed. She glanced at her sister sleeping in the bed next to hers. Symphony always put a smile on Melody’s face. She was pleased she had been able to protect her sister’s innocence from the world. Or at least, as much as she could. Melody watched the cream pony as she rolled over, a single, purple eye cracking open. “Hey, Symph.” “Hey, Mel.” Melody smiled. As long as Symphony was there with her, nothing really bad could happen. A new source of light came as the door at the end of the hall cracked open. A tall, brown stallion with blonde hair and grey eyes came bursting through the door, banging two large pots. The brown pony roared. “Wake up, you useless little runts!” Melody watched with a burning hatred as the stallion walked down the aisle, either banging the pots together or using them as a weapon against those unfortunate enough to be deep sleepers. Only once all young mares had been stood at the end of their respective beds did the brown pony returned to the doorway, setting the pots by the door. He marched up the room, gazing at the young ponies. “For all the ponies who are new here; allow me to introduce myself; I am Caretaker. You will address me as ‘Caretaker.’ or ‘Sir.’ If you do not,” He peered deeply into the eyes of one filly, a malicious grin crossing his face as she pulled away from him. “You will be punished.” He returned to pacing, doling off more of the speech Melody heard every week since she’d been here. “Punishments will vary. The very first punishment is for back-talking. If you want to know about what punishment that is, ask this foal, here.” Caretaker pointed his hoof straight at Melody’s chest. “She’s got quite the mouth on her, don’t you, you little bitch?” Melody glared straight back at Caretaker. She had never felt the fear he tried to inflict, but he knew that he could do all he wanted to her. For Symphony’s sake. Caretaker’s voice cut through her thoughts. “The second punishment will be awarded to disobedient ponies. If you disobey or fail to do your chores, you will be beaten. “Third rule is this: My word is law. Anypony who thinks that I care about them, even a little, is sadly mistaken. I do what I want, when I want. If you make a single mutter against that, I’ll beat the living shit out of you. “The fourth. Theft. Stealing is no game, little ponies. As such, if you are caught stealing, you will be beaten. Your food and water rations will, also, be cut in half, an-” Melody took her gaze from the floor. It wasn’t like Caretaker to stop in the middle of an “encouraging” speech. A quick glance made her heart drop like a stone: A young golden filly had raised her hoof. Caretaker’s smile was anything but friendly, and his tone dripped malice. “Yes? Do you have a question?” The stupid golden foal returned the smile brightly. Melody mentally swore. She’s too dumb. Too young. She’s what? Five? Six?Buck… The gold foal answered with an innocent tone to match her smile. “Um… Well, Mr. Caretaker, I was wondering, what’sa ‘rashun’?” Melody could see Caretaker’s eye twitch from ten yards away. “Well, you see, miss...?” The young mare smiled again. “Goldenflower.” Caretaker smiled a fake smile before he started speaking in a tone Melody knew was bittersweet. “Miss Goldenflower. A ration is how much you get to eat or drink. And my name isn’t ‘Mr. Caretaker’.” Melody caught sight of a blur of brown, accompanied by the sound of hoof on hide contact and a small, startled cry. Caretaker resumed his normal, barking tone. “It’s ‘Caretaker’ or ‘Sir’! Get it right!” He rounded the hall again, this time circling for scared, timid ponies. He stopped at a young bronze filly who was trying to hide behind her bedside. The Caretaker grinned wildly. “Did you find anything wrong with that punishment?” His grin grew deeper as the pony shook her head. He aimed his head in the direction of a green mare. “Did you?” Receiving another head shake, he looked down the entire hall. “Did any of you?” Melody instantly shot her hoof into the air. She knew that Caretaker would be grinning. She knew he’d enjoy beating her. She also knew he’d never break her morals, like he had the many fillies before her. What was new this time was that she wasn’t alone. Another mare, red, about the same age as her, raised her hoof as well. Risking a glance at Caretaker, Melody was pleased to see he was completely dumbfounded. Caretaker started walking towards the red pony, only stopping to smack Melody across the cheek. He stopped in front of the filly, who in turn never took her large gold eyes off of him. “Now… Mel I expected. Who the buck are you?” The gold eyes narrowed at Caretaker. She spoke with a voice much more demanding than her small, slender demeanor. “I am Hearth Claw.” Caretaker leaned backwards, his voice dripping sarcasm. “Hearth Claw, huh? Well, I for one am pleased to make your acquaintance, Hearth Claw. You some sorta tough-mare, Hearth Claw? Can I call you Hearth? Or just Claw?” The mare stared back with infinite patience, failing to clue-in. “I am no ‘tough-mare’, nor do I wish to know what one is. You can call me Hea-” Caretaker smacked the young pony across the jaw, knocking her out of Melody’s line of site. “Do I look like I give a buck? No? Good. ’Cause I don’t, really.” Leaning towards the senseless pony, Caretaker whispered into her ear in a way that cut clean through the air, allowing everypony in the room to hear. “Let me be very clear one more time. I will call you, and everypony else here, whatever I want.” He struck his hoof forward a second time, a cry emanating from out from behind the bed. “Rule number three.” Caretaker turned towards a filly in the far back. “Now, if you want to be a good role model, ask this pony, here.” The silver pony nodded, and Melody instantly recognised her as Lightning Twister: Caretaker’s little pocket slut. “Thank you, Caretaker, Sir.” Caretaker returned the nod, adding “Lightning here has helped me out on a lot of occasions. Couldn’t ask for a better filly. This pony, however…” Melody turned from Lightning to see a large brown hoof only an inch in front of her muzzle. “This pony… I wouldn’t recommend talking to her. She’s a whorse. A slut, really. Aren’t you, Mel?” Melody glared at the grey eyes boring into her. She burned with the urge to end this pony. “No, I’m not. You, on the other hoof...” Caretaker smiled sweetly before smashing his hoof into Melody’s face. “Rule one, Mel. Keep up, now.” Melody slammed into the ground, taken off guard by the punch. She slowly started to rise, rolling onto her stomach as she pushed herself up. She was brought back down to the ground as a hoof connected with her ribs. Falling to the ground, she could hear Caretaker’s butch chuckle, along with Lightning’s higher pitched laugh. Melody made the count of three before she heard other ponies joining in on the laughter. 'I’m not doing this. Not again.' Caretaker brought his leg back again, but this time Melody was prepared. As he brought his hoof forward, Melody punched outwards, slamming her hoof into his shin. Grappling onto Caretaker’s hind leg as hard as possible, she pulled, sending him sprawling onto the wooden floor. Whatever the punishment for fighting Caretaker, it was worth it. To take him down that one peg. Melody heard the crushing silence brought on by his loss, and watched as he slowly started to push himself up. Melody felt a bolt of fear from Caretaker as she saw a look of pure malice on his face. “So. You can play.” He clacked his hooves together in a slow applause. “Good job. Want to see how much that cost you?” Caretaker slowly walked over to Symphony. “Well, Mel? How ‘bout it?” The gears in Melody’s head finally clicked, and she launched herself at Caretaker. A heavy weight crashed into her mid-flight, and she caught a glimpse of Lightning’s blonde mane. “You touch her, Caretaker, and I will rip your throat out myself.” Lightning was having difficulty holding the struggling Melody back. “Anypony want to help me hold down the bitch, here?” Two ponies jumped at the chance to suck up, both latching onto one of Melody’s hooves while Lightning put her in a headlock. The three ponies forced her to her hind knees. Melody watched in burning agony as Caretaker pulled a small blade from his vest pocket. “ I warned you, Mel. You don’t buck with me, and I won’t buck up your sister.” Caretaker stretched her sister’s mouth wide, putting the blade in Symphony’s mouth and pushing it against the inside of her muzzle. Melody watched for a whole two seconds before breaking. “Stop!” Caretaker hesitated, the knife resting against her cheeks. Melody spoke softly, looking into her sister’s large, fearful purple eyes. “I’m sorry.” Caretaker smiled, sarcastically ignorantly. “Beg pardon? I didn’t hear you.” Melody let out a low growl before shouting for everypony to hear. “I said I was sorry.” Lightning drew her muzzle daringly close to Melody’s ear, making it twitch as she spoke. “You bend for others so easily. Don’t you, you little whorse?” Melody glared at Caretaker as the other ponies in the room broke into another round of forced laughter. She curled her lips up in a snarl as he put a hoof on her sister’s cheek. “Alright, bitch. I won’t ruin your sister’s pretty little face. If,” A long smile drew itself across his lips. “You admit to everypony in here what a slut you are.” Melody let out another growl. “Go buck yourself.” “Oh, language my young filly! Such a fowl mouth for a little bitch. Well, if you hate your sister that much…” Caretaker set the blade across Symphony’s mouth, pushing on it ever so slightly. Symphony let out a low squeal as the blade started to meet hide. Melody finally let her gaze drop. “Alright.” Caretaker smiled. “‘Alright’ what?” Melody glared at her hooves. She murmured. “I’m a whorse.” Shaking his head, Caretaker extended a hoof to grab her chin without taking the knife away from Symphony, locking eyes with Melody once more. “Y’know, I don’t think anypony heard you.” Melody would have paid for a knife. Or a sharp piece of metal. Or even a reasonably sharp stone. Had she not been held down by three ponies, she probably would’ve done without. As it was, all she could do was mentally curse. She spoke up, allowing herself to enunciate clearly. “I said I’m a whorse.” Caretaker’s grin widened. “I’m sure everypony wants to know: how much of a whorse are you, exactly?” Melody shut her eyes. She couldn’t believe she was doing this. A single thought fired back from her brain. For Symphony… “I’m a whorse. A huge whorse. I’m a filthy, little… s-slut.” Melody glared up at Caretaker. “Satisfied?” Caretaker shook his head. “Now, now, Mel. We both know you have a much more extensive vocabulary than that.” Melody glanced around at the younger foals in the room before swallowing nervously. 'They’ll find out, eventually.' “I… I l-love… d-d…dicks… i-in… m…” She broke down, tears flowing freely. “Just stop hurting Symphony. P-please?” Caretaker shook his head, the grin still evident on his muzzle. He waited for the laughter in the room to die off before he spoke. “You’re bucking pathetic.” At a gesture from Caretaker, Lightning slammed her hoof into Melody’s jaw, knocking her, senseless, to the ground. The silver pony kicked her in the ribs before trotting away. Caretaker pointed down at her, addressing the other fillies in the room. “Let this be your example. You will obey my every command, or I will make your life a living hell.” He lifted his hoof in the air, stomping down on Melody’s spine to emphasize his point. “Breakfast is at nine. To those of you too stupid to read a clock, Lightning will tell you when it’s time to go.” Melody glared after the retreating figure until the door shut. As soon as it had, an immediate buzz filled the room, scared little fillies discussing what just happened. Melody quickly brought herself to her sister’s side. “Symphony, are you okay?” Her sister shook her purple mane back and forth. “I’m fine. What about you?” Melody waved her hoof dismissively, ignoring the raging pain in her abdomen. “Don’t worry about me; I’ll be fine.” Symphony shook her head again. “Don’t lie to me, Mel. He’s destroying you.” Melody gave her sister a questioning glare. “What do you mean?” She absently minded started nursing the new bruise on her muzzle. “He finally broke you, Mel. This was the first time you’ve ever obeyed him. Or even tried.” Melody snorted. “This was also the first time he brought a knife.” A sigh rose from her sister. “Why do you do this to yourself?” “You know why, Sis. I can’t let him hurt you…” Symphony somehow managed to scowl and smile at the same time. “You’re so stupid, sometimes.” Melody went to go answer when an unknown voice broke in. “E-excuse me?” 'Nopony talks to me…' Melody turned, seeing the red mare from earlier. Only now, her right eye was swollen shut. The red pony continued. “Are you alright?” Melody let out an exasperated sigh. “Why does everypony keep asking me that?” Hearth snorted. “Probably because you were crying twenty seconds ago?” Glaring at the other pony, Melody spoke candidly. “So were you.” “Fair enough.” Hearth Claw glanced around at the gossiping ponies. “That took guts. Standing up to him like that.” Melody grit her teeth. Through them, she spat “Don’t matter. He used, and always will use my own sister against me.” Hearth let out a small laugh. “Yeah, he’s a coward alright. A grown stallion beating up little fillies?” A snotty tone cut through their conversation. “Alright, ponies. Time to head to breakfast.” Melody fell into step behind her sister, following her slowly out of the room. A sudden silver hoof pulled her out of line. “Not you.” Lightning said. “You get to stay here. No food for you, remember? Your still on Caretaker’s shit-list.” Melody glared at the silver pony for a long time, toying with the idea of killing her. Most of the ponies had already filtered out of the room before she slowly nodded and turned back to her cot. She had just put her hoof on the bed frame when Lightning Twister spoke again. “Maybe I’ll finally have some fun with your sister.” Melody froze, her vision slowly fading to red. She spun suddenly, galloping across the room. Lightning waited until she was in the doorway to slam the door on Melody’s muzzle, her shrill laugh piercing through the door. Melody started slamming into the locked door. Breaking one hoof through the two inch thick wooden door, she clawed for Lightning. She hesitated, her hoof in midair before pulling away and bringing her eye to the hole. Spotting a grinning Lightning, Melody spoke very clearly. “If you lay one hoof on the air my sister breathes, I. Will. Buck. You. Up.” Lightning drew both of her hooves to the sides of her muzzle. “Oooo… I’m so scared of the little, locked-up bitch pony.” She turned her back on Melody, slowly walking away. Melody sat there for half an hour, her eye pressed against the hole. It had only taken her five minutes to realize the lock wouldn't open with malicious thoughts, much to her disappointment She finally pulled away as the sound of hoofsteps started towards her. The ponies returned, led by Caretaker. He fit his key into the lock, pulling the door open. “Out. Now.” Melody walked out slowly, glancing around for her sister. Caretaker grabbed her neck with a steely grip, steering her down the hall. Catching a glimpse of the only purple mane in the hall, Melody tried her best to see her sister, but Caretaker led her away too quickly. Melody walked the usual route. After three halls it was obvious where she was going. Reaching a small janitors closet, Caretaker slammed another key into that lock, pushing Melody in and slamming her inside. A small metal mail-flap slid open, and Caretaker’s voice echoed around in the box. “Your sister will fix the door. Personally. You’ll be in here ‘till she’s done. Don’t expect any food. Or water. I’m also halving your sister’s rations as well.” Melody stood slowly, approaching the slit and the grey eyes behind it. “Tell Lightning that if she touches my sister, I’ll kill her.” Caretaker grinned. “I hope you do. I haven’t been able to use my whips in a long time.” Melody stood staring back, unshaken. “I look forward to breaking them in on you.” Caretaker slammed the mail-flap shut. “Tough words for a locked-up bitch.” Author's Note Hey guys. Thanks for reading thus far. Quick little note: Next weekend, I won't be able to update. Sorry about that. Leave your thumbs, so I know what you think. AccelerandoPale moonlight filtered through a small window, the soft white rays falling upon equally pale shut eyelids. Slowly, a green emerald flitted open, resting it’s gaze on the large white pearl staring back at it. A venomous thought played behind those green eyes. Any minute now. As if on cue, the sound of heavy hoofsteps came down the hall. Pulling herself upright in the tiny two by two closet, she groaned as the cramps set in. Instantly, Caretaker’s butch voice pierced the silence. “’Moaning just ‘cause of my approach? You really are a slut.” Melody smiled sickly to herself. Right on time. The door creaked open. Melody couldn’t see into the dark hall, the closet still illuminated by moonlight. She whimpered as Caretaker’s teeth wrapped around her mane, throwing her out into the hall. “You need to be taught to respect others.” Melody quickly climbed to all fours. She didn’t want this flank-hole getting a single hoof up on her. She had to resist gagging as the brown pony pulled himself onto his hind legs, exposing his sheath and already erect member. “So I’m going to teach you respect, slut.” Melody grit her teeth. She watched his approach, standing much to close for her comfort. The same thought repeated itself over and over again in her mind. Not again. Unable to stand watching this sick, twisted pony, Melody slammed her eyes shut in a feeble attempt to deny what was happening. The stallion’s musk still molested her senses, disabling her ability to block it out. “Hurry up and do your job, whorse.” Something deep inside Melody clicked. Her right eyebrow twitched, and her head flinched to the right. A foalish and brutal plan began forming in her mind. A long shot, definitely, but anything was better than this… life. “Not again.” The grin vanished from Caretaker’s face, immediately replaced with a look of concern, and what Melody hoped was fear. “What?” The next move came quickly. Faster than Melody had moved in her entire life. She launched a hoof outward, connecting with the only target she had. Caretaker doubled over and hit the floor, holding his now extremely sore testicles. Melody’s hoof darted into the pocket in his vest, withdrawing her quarry. She pushed the knife towards Caretaker’s neck, drawing it to the side quickly. Melody watched the terrorizing stallion start to choke and drown on his own blood. She watched as he stopped twitching and finally became still. It took until the smell of blood and viscera filled her nostrils that she realized what she had done. “Oh… Oh, Celestia!” Melody quickly glanced about, looking for somepony who might have witnessed her criminal deed. Not spotting anypony, she quickly dropped to the dead stallion’s side. What did I do? A single, rational thought came to the forefront of her mind. 'You defended yourself.' 'I killed somepony!' 'It was self defence.' 'He’s dead!' 'He asked for it.' Melody drew a blank at how to respond. Slowly, she started to calm, though the criminality of her actions still held firm in her mind. 'Deal with the hoof you’re dealt, Mel.' Melody quickly (and somewhat awkwardly) frisked the dead pony, grabbing the key-ring Caretaker always had inside his vest. She pushed herself away from the carcass, eager to get away from the metallic smell of death. She made her way through the halls by memory, finding the bedroom quite quickly. In the back of her mind, she noticed the hole was almost completely repaired, already. But Melody couldn’t spare time for idle thoughts. She fumbled through the multitude of keys, quickly finding the small, round silver key she had seen Caretaker use the day before. Fitting the key into the doorknob, she silently prayed to Luna as she turned it counter-clockwise. She didn’t have time to be wrong: the janitor could be out any second, now. A very satisfying click emanated from the door as the tumblers fell into place, sliding the latch out of the lock. Melody slowly pushed the door open, not allowing any noise, not even a creak to break the fragile silence. Melody cautiously entered the room, silently stalking along the rows of sleeping fillies. She approached the only empty bed which she instantly knew was hers, and turned to the right to find her sisters’ bed. She quickly approached the sleeping lump. Melody finally broke the silence in a hushed whisper. “Symphony! Wake up!” Symphony let out a low groan as she rolled over onto her side. “What..? Mel…? What are you doing here? Did Caretaker let you out already?” Melody audibly ground her teeth. The last thing she wanted on her mind was that plot-hole. “I’ll explain later. Let’s go.” Though she couldn’t tell in the dark, Melody was sure that Symphony was giving her a questioning look. “‘Go’? Go where? How are we supposed to leave?” Melody shook her head. “I don’t have time to explain, Symph. Just hurry!” Symphony became quiet for a while, making Melody strain to not pull out her mane. Finally, she spoke, though her tone was very quiet. “Alright. But you have to tell me what’s going on.” Melody nodded hurriedly. “Alright. Fine. Just not now. Later.” Symphony finally rose from her bed, approaching the door. Melody hesitated, thoughts of the red mare from earlier popping into her head. Melody crept up beside her sister. “Do you know which bed is that red filly’s?” Raising a pointing hoof, Symphony nodded. “Oh, yes. She’s in that one, right there. She was ever so nice. She even tried to protect me from Li-“ Melody’s eyebrow twitched again. She had a pretty good idea how that sentence was going to end. “What do you mean, ‘protected’?” Symphony let out a low whimper. “N-Nothing.” Grinding her teeth again, Melody turned on her sister, only just managing to haul back her anger. “Don’t lie to me, Symphony.” Symphony’s only response was a very high-pitched whimper. Something Melody knew she always did when she was too frightened. Letting out a poorly suffocated growl, Melody approached Hearth Claw’s bedside. Melody let some of her anger into her voice, her tone sounding harsher than she meant. “Hearth! Get up!” The red pony’s eye cracked open, the gold orb seeming to glow in the dark. “Ugh…What is it?” Melody quickly muffled her with a suppressive hoof. “Shh. Not so loud. We’re leaving. Me and Symphony. Do you want to come with?” Hearth Claw nodded, unable to speak around a large, cream hoof. “Mhff, mrrg.” Pulling a now soggy hoof away, Melody sighed. “What?” Hearth responded with a timid smile. “Sorry. I said ‘Yes, please.’” Melody raised her hoof again. “One condition.” Hearth nodded, her eyes fixed comically on the hoof. “Anything.” “Tell me why you had to protect my sister from Lightning.” Hearth nodded again, locking eyes with her. “Oh, yeah. No prob. Apparently, Caretaker ordered her to attack your sister. To show you punishment or something.” Melody let out a low growl. “Did she succeed?” Hearth winced, scratching the back of her neck anxiously. “Well… I tried my hardest. But there was like, four of them! How am I supposed to fight those od-” “Hearth Claw! Did she succeed?” The red pony slowly nodded. “Yeah. Sorry.” Melody gestured a hoof to the door. “Out.” Hearth leapt out of her bed, heading towards the hall. She had made it to the doorframe before she hesitated. “So… Does this mean I can come with?” Melody let out an impatient sigh. “Yes. Out.” She watched the red pony grin and leave the room before calling Symphony to her side. “Where did she get you?” Melody watched her sister move towards a small window slit, allowing Melody to get a good look at her once the moonlight washed bathed her in a pale light. What Melody saw appalled her. There were multiple scars running up her hooves. Melody assumed they were from mending the door. Her sister’s face was blotchy and swollen, bruises that definitely came from Lightning. But the worst came as her sister slowly turned, revealing her horribly scarred back. It appeared that Caretaker had gotten to break his whips in, after all. A slow, murderous thought came into focus in her mind. 'You’ve killed once already. Now, you have good reason.' Melody responded to the thought with her own malice. 'Nopony dares to touch Symphony.' Melody’s eyes slowly lost focus on her sister, instead focussing on the large silver and yellow lump behind her. “Go wait with Hearth.” The long, bloodied steel knife still held in Melody’s hooves glinted in the moonlight, catching Symphony’s eye. She daringly placed herself between Melody and Lightning, her large, pleading, purple eyes searching her narrower green orbs. “Please, Mel. Don’t do this. It’s murder! You can’t kill somepony!” Melody gazed back mercilessly, her tone acidic. “I already have. Go wait with Hearth.” Symphony's shoulders slumped, searching her sisters’ eyes once more before breaking contact, staring at her hooves and quickly trotting out of the room. Melody stole across the blackened room, crossing to Lightning’s bedside. She slowly unfurled her wings, using them to lighten herself as she climbed on top of the silver pony. Melody brought her hoof down on the cursed pony’s neck before calling out softly. “Lightning? Wake up.” As soon as the she saw the pale blue orbs cracking open slightly, Melody folded her wings, letting most of her body weight go to Lightning’s neck. The silver mare let out a peculiar muffled gagging noise. Melody smiled patronizingly. “I told you, Light. I said; ‘Buck with Symph, and I’ll buck you up.’ Now… Now, you die. And nopony, not even Caretaker can save you. I slit his throat first, see. So he can’t help you. And now, you can’t talk. So you definitely can’t scream.” Melody lost interest in her prey, instead beginning to ramble. “Y’know, I think it was the knife. The knife was his downfall. Although, he definitely started to break me: I couldn’t bare it if Symphony died. But the knife was still my greatest asset. Because he was bigger than me. Stronger, too. He could’ve snapped me like a twig. But I slit his throat first. So he can’t rape me anymore.” Melody glanced back down at the mare who was now attempting to claw at Melody’s suffocating hoof. “It’s nice to have somepony to talk to, y’know. I never had a conversation with you for very long. Unless I was insulting you.” Melody let out a small laugh. “Let’s face facts here; if I sat and threw all my insults at you, I’d be here all day. “Then again, I’ve never had anything to talk to you about. The only thing that we have in common is that Caretaker raped us. Y’know, I haven’t thought about it ‘till now, but ‘rape’ is such a vulgar word. It’s obtrusive. I think it fits perfectly with its definition. But he didn’t really ‘rape’ you, did he? No… You did it willingly, didn’t you, you fucking whorse?” Melody spat at Lightning’s terrified face. “I hate hypocrites. And I really hate ponies who hurt my sister. But y’know who I hate more than that?” A playful grin crossed Melody’s face as Lightning shook her head. Melody brought her muzzle towards the silver pony’s ear, stopping with her teeth only a hairsbreadth away. “Cowards and blondies.” Melody drew her new knife backward, drawing a mental line between the tip and Lightning’s neck. “Two pegasi, one bolt, as they say. Or in this case, four pegasi.” She pulled the knife across the line, a soft singing filling the room as the one and half hoof long piece of metal cleaved the air in two. Melody forced her eyes closed as Lightning’s neck started spraying blood everywhere. Melody quickly grabbed a pillow, pushing it onto the wound. Sticking out her tongue, she pulled a wry face. “Ick.” Melody rose from the bed and headed towards the door, pausing only to wipe some of the blood off on a bed sheet. Entering the hall, Melody quickly gestured to the two ponies in the hall and set off in search for the exit. Hearth Claw trotted up beside Melody, attempting to ignore the rather intimidating coat of blood on her fur. “So... Where are we going?” Melody shook her head. “No idea.” Hearth let out a low snort. “Great.” Melody rounded on the red mare, the large dagger still clutched threateningly in her hoof. “I’m so sorry, ok? All I’ve planned out so far was getting away from Caretaker, and even that didn’t go according to plan. If you want to stay here, fine. You go right ahead and leave. I won’t stop you.” Hearth raised her hooves defensively. “Whoa, I’m not saying anything like that! I just thought you might have a plan!” Melody hesitated, and a single tear fell from her eye. “Yeah, well… I don’t. Not really.” Symphony’s timid voice broke into the conversation. “Umm… Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea, after all?” Melody shook her head bitterly, swallowing her emotions. “It doesn’t matter. I killed Caretaker. And Lightning, so I can’t go back. You two can, if you want. Like I said, I won’t stop you.” Hearth shook her head instantly. “No way, pon-ay. I’m not letting one of my friends down.” Symphony simply responded by looking aghast. “I’m not leaving my own sister alone! How could you even think that of me?” Melody smiled, ignoring the blood still dripping off her muzzle. “Thanks, fillies. Well, before we worry about what we’re going to do, we’d best find our way out of here.” Symphony’s voice came in again. “Well, I think that before we head onto a potentially crowded street, we’d best get you washed up.” Melody let out a small laugh. “Alright. First, I shower. Then, we figure out what to do.” Author's Note Here's another chapter for you guys. Thanks for reading, thus far. Thumbs up if you enjoyed, or, if you didn't, leave a comment explaining why, so I know what to improve on. Life on the Streets"Think about it, Mel. A hot meal!” Melody didn’t even bother to turn her head as she responded dismissively. “No.” “It’s been three weeks since we last had something decent to eat.” “No, Hearth. I don’t care what you say; I’m not slutting myself for your comfort.” Hearth Claw snorted indignantly. “Well, when you say it like that, of course it sounds bad.” Melody turned on Hearth, ignoring the bitter cold that bit at her as she drew away from their small fire. “'Sounds bad’? Hearth, it is bad! You’re asking me to sleep with somepony I don’t even know! Celestia’s sake, I’m not even old enough yet!” Hearth Claw glowered back, not standing down. “Why not do it for Symphony?” Turning back to the fire, Melody snorted. “I can’t believe you’d sink as low as to use my sister against me, but my answer is still no.” Hearth Claw finally pulled back submissively. “That… is kinda low… Sorry.” Shaking her head, Melody waved a hoof dismissively. “Forget about it. It’s the cold. And the hunger.” Glancing about the small, cramped alleyway, Hearth smiled awkwardly. “Yeah, I guess.” Melody pulled closer to the alluring fire, attempting to thwart as much of the gnawing cold as possible. She cast a furtive glance at her sister, a small smile creeping across her face as she watched the sleeping cream pony pull herself closer to the fire. Despite her best efforts, her sister still suffered through the harsh winter. In the back streets, Melody learned the hard way that something as simple as a cold altered the chances between life and death. Her sister had caught the smallest cough a few days ago, and survival had been a fight every day since. Melody managed to scrounge up a few coins doing menial tasks, and had bought her sister a small quilt. Melody's thoughts drifted about as she daringly pondered the revolting idea of prostitution. Granted, it was a horrible thought. But the last time, though demeaning, still had turned out a large sum. One hundred bits. Melody remembered the night fondly; Symphony, Hearth and her had all gone out and ate like the royal Princesses. Of course, Symphony wasn’t sick then. Melody bit her lip, closing her eyes to block out the blowing snow. Hearths Warming sure looked pretty in Canterlot, but the harsh night’s before-hoof could definitely kill somepony. Melody might survive, but Hearth wasn’t a Pegasus; she didn't have the naturally thick coat they had for the cold of flying. And Symphony definitely wasn’t getting better without help… Melody finally let out a long sigh, her breath coming out as a dense mist. “Fine. I’ll do it.” Hearth hid her smile as best as she could, but Melody saw it creep around behind her muzzle. Melody glowered at the red filly. “For Symphony.” Hearth Claw quickly nodded. “Oh, yeah. For sure.” Melody let out another sigh, already feeling this was a bad idea. Slowly, she stood, brushing snow off her lap. “Not tonight, though. Nopony is going to be out in this weather.” Quickly agreeing, Hearth added. “Plus, it’d be a good idea not to do it when you’re tired. Can’t risk… Y’know: slipping.” No, they couldn’t. Melody didn’t think she could imagine the punishment for 'turning tricks' at her age. The first time around, she didn’t even think there’d be any buyers. But it turned out there were a lot of ponies who were, in Melody’s opinion, twisted enough to 'like' fillies. Melody wrapped a small worn vest around her, curling up next to the fire. She slowly drifted off into another nightmarish dream. “I still can’t believe I’m doing this.” Hearth Claw snorted. “Shut up, you look gorgeous.” Melody flipped her mane about playfully. “Gorgeous, hey?” Hearth Claw turned her head away. “You do.” Melody gazed at the broken glass bottle she used as a mirror. Minus the distortion, Hearth was right. She did, indeed, look gorgeous. Hearth was extremely crafty with her hooves, rearranging Melody’s hair into a way she hadn’t even seen before, but was definitely… 'Seductive.' Melody thought acidicly. Suddenly, all her past concerns swamped her. “I don’t want to do this.” Hearth visibly deflated, her good humour disappearing and being replaced by disappointment. “I already got you all done up and everything. You’re practically ready, now. You couldn’t change your mind half an hour ago?” Melody looked at herself in the 'mirror' again. It was true, Hearth had put a ton of effort into making her look more appealing, and less like a street urchin. Melody groaned again, managing to sigh at the same time. “Alright, fine. I’ll still do it.” Hearth Claw let out a squeal she had attempted, and failed, to muffle. Melody instantly rounded on her. “What was that?” Eyes fixing on anything but Melody, Hearth Claw’s answer was minute. “Uh… N-nothing.” Melody narrowed her eyes at the red mare. “You really think I enjoy making a whorse out of myself? You think I’m doing this willingly? I’m doing it for you two. So you can survive. I don’t enjoy a second of this.” Hearth Claw lowered her gaze. “Sorry. I was just having a bit of fun with, y’know... dressing you up. I didn’t think th-” “No, you didn’t think. All you have to worry about is if I look presentable. I have to worry about the Guards, the…the…‘clients’. I have to deal with…” Melody’s voice dropped to just above a whisper. “…the pain.” Hearth still didn’t lift her gaze. “I’m sorry.” Melody shook her head. “Whatever. Let’s go, before I actually change my mind.” They started down the alley, Melody pausing to check on her sister. Without looking away from Symphony, she said “As soon as I’m all set, you come back here and look after her. I’ll take care of myself.” Hearth nodded again, eager to be on her good side. “Absolutely. Symph will be safe with me.” Melody grabbed a small red bundle from atop a barrel, trotting down the street with it held carefully in her teeth. Though she hated the dress, and everything it represented, she couldn’t let it get ruined. Twenty five bits for a dress was expensive; that was enough to eat for weeks. But Hearth had insisted on the dress. Melody still didn’t know why she gave in. Maybe it was just to keep her quiet. A short thing, made of rather scratchy material. Very… exposing, too. She was partly amazed she could find something like that in her size. It was what Melody had expected for such a cheap price. At least it looked “appealing”, so it suited what Mel needed it for. Stopping in a small alleyway, not far from the heart of Canterlot’s hood, Hearth helped Melody pull on the red fabric. It was a pretty tight fit, but the next size up cost too much. Hearth drew the two buttons together, locking the dress firmly in place. Melody turned towards the red mare, the long steel dagger in her hoof. “Take it. Go back and check on Symphony. I’ll come back when I’m done with… When I’m done.” Hearth quietly took the dagger carefully, trotting back the way she came. Melody grimly walked onto the street, screening carefully for Guards. Though it was unlikely any came this far into the slums. None this way… None that way either… Oh, Celestia, why am I doing this? Melody turned the corner, gazing down another long, dark street. A glance at the windows showed them broken and shattered, small slats nailed over them in a feeble attempt to repair. Melody almost started wishing she had brought that knife with her, but her more rational mind abolished the idea. Better her to die on the street than for Symphony to die because of ill-protection. She approached the end of the street, and a quick glance to her left showed a black stallion. A thought flipped through her head, taunting her towards the pony. One simple fact kept her from approaching. A small red rag tied around his upper fore-leg identified him as a gang-member, and Melody didn’t dare tempt a criminal’s malice. Definitely not without a weapon. A quiet trot quickly put distance between her and the oblivious crook. Melody let out a small sigh as the pony grew smaller. Oblivious to where she was going, she ran into a blue stallion. “S-Sorry!” “No, no. It’s my fault. I’m s-” The blue stallion took full stock of Melody. A rather perverted grin played on his face. “Wha… Are you a..?” Grimacing, Melody glanced at the pony. Not seeing anywhere to hide a badge, helmet or other, she nodded. “Yes, I’m a wh-…. A 'Mare of the Night,' I suppose.” An interesting term that she had read from one of the books Hearth had “acquired”. “Hmm…” Melody was torn between happiness and nausea. One the one hoof, she found a buyer early on. On the other, she had found a buyer. “So you’re… for sale?” 'That’s a polite way to put it.' “Uh… yeah, I guess.” The blue stallion raised a hoof to his chin. “Aren’t you too young for this?” Melody glared at him. “I’m old enough.” “Heh. Lots of attitude. I like that.” Melody almost gagged. “You’re sick.” She quickly pushed past the pony, attempting to make distance from her and this.. freak. She could find another way to get money. Definitely. One hundred per- “I’ll pay one fifty.” “Wuh… One hundred? And fifty? Bits?” The blue stallion slowly nodded. “Yep.” Where the hay…. Doesn’t matter. “Uh… A-alright.” The pony gestured down the street. “Alright, follow me.” Melody slowly sauntered after, being careful to distance herself so that if he decided to jump her, she’d have time to react. She even watched for sharp objects on the sides of the street, but short of yanking boards off the windows, she couldn’t find anything. They made their way to a small building, hardly anything noticeable. It was a two story house, its windows were boarded up, just like any other shanty-house. Melody carefully made her way up to the doorway where the stallion was waiting. “Hurry up, I don’t have all day.” He growled. He pushed the door open, letting Melody enter first. Definitely not her ideal choice, but she had no word in it anymore. She crossed the threshold timidly, stepping into the dark building, out of the gloomy orange winter night. The stallion stepped in, closing the door, destroying the last remaining light, and any hope of escape. The blue stallion struck a long match, lighting a small lamp. A small shake of his head extinguished the stick, the flickering light illuminating a small living room. Melody glanced around at the bookshelves nervously. “So.. uh.. what d… What do you want me to do?” “Undress.” Ugh. Melody bit her lip. “Uh… I can’t really… reach. The buttons.” The blue stallion sauntered over, but he only had one thing on his mind. Not risking any finesse, he brutishly snapped the dress open, even breaking off a few buttons. This was definitely not going Melody’s way. He left her standing that way, the dress pried open awkwardly. “Undress.” He repeated. What the hay am I doing here? Melody glanced at the pony as he wandered into another room. I can’t believe I’m doing this. Nevertheless, she attempted to push the dress off. Some rather defacing struggling later, Melody was finally free of the tatters. She slowly glanced about, waiting for her “host” to reappear. A small glint caught her eye: There was what appeared to be… No, what was definitely a letter opener sitting on the coffee table. Melody approached carefully. She glanced about, checking to make sure the stallion didn’t come back. She reached the coffee table, snatching the small dagger up quickly. She trotted back to her rags, slipping the letter opener in stealthily. Though killing was the last thing on her mind, Melody wasn’t ignorant enough to believe all ponies knew when “stop” meant stop. Hoofsteps echoed around the hoof, soon accompanied by the blue stallion. “This way.” Melody rolled her eyes as soon as he wasn’t looking. So romantic. She wrapped her teeth around the clothing carefully, trotting apprehensively after the blue stallion. He pushed open another door, revealing a small cot in a definitely unkempt room. Melody glanced at the cot anxiously. 'This is it. Can’t back out now.' Melody bit her lip. There was only two things that kept her from just jumping this pony. One: she had no idea where he kept the money, and two: Symphony needed a doctor. With those thoughts stuck firmly in her head, she set her clothing down and turned to the stallion. “S-so what do you want me to do, n-now?” The stallion grinned mercilessly. “Lie down on the bed.” Melody complied, turning away from the stallion and laying flat against the cot. The pony instantly took charge, grabbing her rear hooves harshly and rearranging her to a more “suitable” position. He finally pulled her rear into the air, exposing herself to him completely. A small pillow lay in front of Melody, and she reached stretched her neck out, biting onto and pulling the pillow towards herself. She felt the stallion put his hooves on her waist, and instantly buried her muzzle into the pillow. The stallion wasted no time in foreplay, only one prize on his mind. This was definitely not for Melody’s satisfaction. The flare of his head pressed against her opening, the stallion attempting to force his way in. Melody bit her lip again: No way was that going to fit. She moaned into the pillow softly as the stallion obliviously continued to rip her apart. Melody could feel herself being stretched open painfully, the stallion completely ignorant to her pain. A small saving grace broke in just over his strained grunts. “Thunder Lane? I’m home!” Instantly, the blue pony pulled back. “Oh buck, buck, buck! Quick, get up!” Melody pulled herself off the bed, unaware of what to do next. The stallion dropped to the other side of the bed in an attempt to hide his “excitement”. Hardly a second later, an orange stallion pushed through the door. “I found this in the mail, an- Oh. Uh… Hello?” He said, pulling his eyes off of a letter in his hooves. “Umm… Hi.” Melody smiled awkwardly. The pony smiled back with just as much nervousness before rounding on the blue pony. “Thunder Lane? What’s she doing here?” “I...uh.. Found her. On the street. She’s homeless, see. So I offered to get her off the streets.” The orange pony smiled. It was the same smile Melody had seen on Caretaker, often just before brutalizing somepony. Though Melody had learned quickly, it took other ponies a long time to recognize it from his other smiles. His other, sick, perverted smiles. “I see. Well, she can’t stay here. We don’t have enough room.” Thunder Lane nodded. “Yeah, I know. I’ll take her outside.” The orange stallion nodded. “Yes, you’d better.” The blue pony trotted out from behind the bed, and Melody noticed he was no longer up. He put a hoof on her neck gently, his grip tightening once they were out of eyeshot. He kept muttering under his breath. “Buck it all. I never get a break around here.” Melody was steered towards the door, Thunder Lane throwing it open in his tirade and shoving Melody out harshly. She turned, sputtering. “B-But what about my pay?” Thunder Lane grit his teeth ferociously. “You didn’t really earn it, did you?” Melody growled at the stallion, but he shut the door too quickly for her to act. Overcome by her unusable adrenaline, she fell backwards onto her now sore rump, glaring at the door indignantly. 'Now what? What the hay do I do now? I need money for Symphony.' Her eyes dropped to her hooves. 'It’s not fair! How am I supposed to support two fillies? I can’t do this. I’m a failure, and now Symphony’s going to die, and I can’t do anything!' Melody opened her eyes slowly, a small puddle of ice forming in front of her muzzle. 'I just… can’t do this.' A loud thump interrupted her thoughts. Followed by two more. And another. Melody quickly glanced about, looking for the source of the noise. Another loud thump emanated, and Melody pin-pointed the source. It was coming from inside the house. Melody winced as she heard the muffled sound of glass breaking. 'What the hay?' The door slowly cracked open, and Thunder Lane walked out again. The orange pony came along beside him, but Melody’s thoughts weren’t on him. Thunder Lane had quickly managed to acquire several deep gashes around his skull, as well as twelve bruises and blotches, deforming his face. What was more important was what was in his hooves. Melody barely caught the heavy coin purse he threw at her before rounding back towards the house. The orange stallion slowly shook his head. “Sorry about that. My brother can be quite… thick.” Melody pulled the drawstrings, revealing a large sum of bits. “H-how..? Why…? Wha..?” The orange stallion glanced over, looking into the purse. “Well, I paid his price, as well as extra for the dress. And a little bit more, too.” Melody looked back up at the orange stallion, tears re-brimming in her eyes. “Th-thank you.” The orange stallion shook his head again. “No problem. But why are you doing this?” Melody glared at the coins. “I… have to. My… My sister is sick.” “I’m sorry. What about your parents?” She almost spat when she next spoke. “Dead? Abandoned us? I don’t know. They never bothered to say.” The orange stallion let out a long sigh. “Sorry… Listen, filly, I know it’s not much, but I can help you if you need it.” Melody snorted. “Nah, I think I’ve had enough of him.” She gestured towards the house for emphasis. “Me too.” The orange stallion chuckled. “Nevertheless. If you need help, I’ll give it if it’s within my power to. ‘Name’s Blitz.” “Melody” Blitz smiled. “Nice name.” He sighed again, turning towards the door. “Well, I got to go talk to my brother about his fetishes.” Melody nodded, her eyes being drawn once again to the purse. “Yeah, I- My sis… I got to go, too.” Melody slowly hoofed through the small mound, awestruck and completely oblivious to her surroundings. A single thought broke her concentration. Symphony. Author's Note Another (late) chapter. Leave your thumbs, if you enjoyed. Or if you didn't. Getting HelpMelody glanced down the long, dark alleyway nervously. No way was she being taken off guard, this time. She set her hoof down in front of her slowly, being sure not to make any noise. She crept down the alley, keeping an eye out for any signs of red. Nearing where they normally slept, Melody sneaked in. She spotted Hearth Claw instantly, sprawled all over the floor as she was. Symphony was lying above her head, wrapped up in both her quilt and what appeared to be Hearth Claw’s small coat, as well as Melody’s extra small blanket. Melody slipped over the two ponies, hoofing the knife out of Hearth Claw’s reach. Finally, she put her hoof on Hearth’s muzzle, starting the pony awake. Instantly the red filly reached for her knife, but couldn’t reach it. Melody brought her muzzle close to the mares’ ear. “Hearth! It’s me!” She whispered. “Calm down!” Hearth’s eyes widened, and she slowly settled down. After a few moments, Melody lifted her hoof off of the red pony’s mouth. The filly glared indignantly at Melody. “Y’know, that’s the second time I’ve woken with your hoof in my mouth.” Melody smiled. Teasingly, she said “Seems like we’re getting a thing, here.” Hearth returned the grin. “I suppose so.” A small silence settled between them as Hearth Claw struggled to ask the question that had been pestering her all day, but she couldn’t find a way to word it. Finally, Melody let up on the filly. “I’m guessing you want to know how much I got paid.” Hearth grinned awkwardly. “Uh… yeah…” Melody let out a long sigh. After letting another silence torture the red filly, she said “I don’t know how much, exactly. I do know it’s more than one fifty.” Hearth almost choked. “One hundred and fifty? Like, actual bits?” “Yeah, though it’s kind of a long story. Right now, I want to get Symph to a doctor.” Hearth nodded quickly. “Heck, yes. Definitely. Let’s go.” Melody raised a hoof to her lips as Symphony tossed in her sleep. She crossed the room quietly, setting a hoof gently on her sister’s shoulder. “Symphony? Wake up.” Symphony slowly opened her eyes, though they were almost completely glazed over. “Mel?” Melody winced at how raspy her voice was. “Yeah, Symph. It’s me. C’mon, you have to get up.” Groaning, Symphony buried her head under the blanket. “Why?” Melody shook her sister slightly. “We’re going to a doctor, Symph. I’m gonna get you help.” Melody had to help her sister walk from the alleyway to the clinic. She let Hearth take Symphony off of her shoulder when they arrived at the office. Melody approached the small building, pounding on the door. “Oh, for Celestia’s sake. What in blazes are you doing, pounding on my door at four in the morning?” Melody winced. Not a good start, but she needed help. “Please, Sir, my sister’s sick!” An elderly brown pony peered out through large spectacles at the three fillies outside his door. “Come back in four hours!” Melody grit her teeth. No way was this getting away from her. “With all due respect, Sir, I don’t know if she’ll last that long. I couldn’t get help before now, and she’s been sick for weeks.” The pony glared at her. “Do you have any idea how much this’ll cost?” Melody matched his gaze. “I can pay any amount.” The stallion paused, a hoof thoughtfully scratching at his black goatee. Finally he nodded. “Alright, give me a second to unlock the door.” A horrible sinking feeling gnawed at Melody when she saw the look on that ponies face, but she had no other choice. Symphony needed help. She waited in the cold as the stallion reappeared at the door, letting the three fillies into his house. Melody gazed around the building. It, too, had nearly twelve bookshelves, though most were empty. The brown pony sat down behind a large desk, where he rested his muzzle on his hooves. “So what’s wrong with your sister?” “I don’t know, that’s why I’m here.” The brown pony sighed. “What symptoms did she have?” “Uh… Well, she had a cold. She caught that a while back… But we couldn’t really do anything for her, and now she’s really sick.” Symphony broke in with a small cough. “Well, actually, I’m not that sick…” Melody gave her sister a sarcastic stare. “Yeah. You just can’t walk on your own. You’re fine, really.” Symphony faded back into silence, this time with a large blush on her cheeks. She gets embarrassed so easily… Melody turned back to the stallion. “Could you take a look at her?” The stallion slowly nodded. “Yes. For a price, of course.” Melody sighed. “How much?” “Fifty bits.” 'That little?' Melody quickly shuffled out the mound of coins. “Okay. Can you look at her now?” The pony nodded slowly. He rose from the desk, escorting Symphony into a small room behind his desk. Melody followed quickly after, not letting her sister out of her sight for a second. The large stallion pulled out various unrecognisable instruments, using them on her sister. Melody had no idea what ears had to do with being sick, but the doctor still checked them, as well as her breathing, and her pulse. Finally, Melody let her temper slip a little. “What exactly are you doing?” The doctor pulled off his stethoscope, sighing louder than he needed to. “I’m giving her a check up. There’s no point on just giving her one medication if there’s more than one thing wrong.” Melody fell back into silence, though there was no need. “As for the sickness, it’s pneumonia. I may have something for it here, but it’ll be expensive.” “Whatever. If it helps her, I’ll pay.” The pony grinned, and Melody finally pin-pointed the expression. Greed. No way was this pony going to charge fairly. The stallion dug around through a cabinet, pulling out a small pill bottle. “Here you go.” Melody narrowed her eyes at the stallion. “How much?” “One hundred bits.” 'That’s bullshit!' “…Okay.” Melody slowly poured out the large pile of bits, counting them out onto a large table. The stallion looked at the mound, and Melody saw a grin flitting behind his eyes. Finally, the stallion rose. “This isn’t enough.” Glancing down at the heaping stack, Melody sputtered indignantly. “N-no, this is one hundred bits.” “I said one fifty.” Melody growled at the pony. “You said one hundred.” The stallion shook his head, pocketing the pills. “One fifty, I’m pretty sure I know what I said better than you.” Melody audibly ground her teeth. “Fine.” She emptied the rest of the purse, and began counting out the coins. 'Thirty two, thirty three, thirty four, thirty fi- Oh no…' Melody glanced at the stallion. “Uh… I only have one hundred and forty.” The stallion scooped up the bits lying on the table, sliding them into his own purse. Letting out a long sigh, the stallion smiled sweetly at Melody. “Well, that’s alright then. Just come back when you have more.” A suffocating silence filled the room as Melody fully processed what just happened. Finally, she spat out a few words with enough acid to chew through diamond. “Give me my bits back.” The stallion looked confused, though Melody could tell it was for show. “No, you paid me for this.” He shook the bottle of pills. Melody grinned back, though there was no humour in her smile. “Oh, okay. Then give them to me.” The stallion shook his head. “You haven’t paid for them yet. You still owe me ten bits.” Melody nodded slowly. “Oh.. I see… That’s good, ‘cause, y’know, I thought you were swindling me. And we just wouldn’t want that.” Anypony could have clued in. Anypony in Equestria. But the stallion just smiled back. “I’m glad we came to an understanding.” Melody walked out to the lobby, approaching Hearth. She knew that the stallion was still watching her. Melody reached into Hearth’s vest, grabbing her coin purse as well. Hearth raised her brow questioningly. “But Mel, all I have is-” Shaking her head minutely, Melody said “I know.” Hearth gazed back, slowly clueing in to what Melody was saying. Finally, she pushed herself off the chair she was waiting on and trotted to the room that Symphony was in. Melody slowly turned, a smile plastered on her face. “Sorry about that. Now, how much did I owe you?” The stallion grinned stupidly at the purse Melody set on the desk in front of him. He glanced up at Melody. “Twenty more bits.” Melody shook her head. This pony was digging his own, shallow grave. “Of course. How could I forget?” She pulled the drawstrings, cracking the purse open slowly. Finally, she emptied the contents onto the desk top, just as Hearth slid the door to the room shut. Melody had to smile at the astonished look on the stallion’s face, as all the purse emptied out was a large knife. Melody instantly grabbed the tool, slamming it point down into the desk. “Now, how much did I owe you?” The stallion blinked at the large knife. “Uh… None. Go ahead and take the pills.” The smile further across Melody’s face. She pried the knife out of the table, sliding it point first under his chin. “It’s so nice to see ponies like you acting out of the generosity of their hearts. Could I have my coins back too, please?” The brown pony nodded shakily, taking his purse and setting it on the table. “Yeah, sure. Here. Take mine, too. Just don’t kill me.” Melody instantly played an innocent facade. “Kill you? Why in Equestria would I kill somepony?” She slid both the bits and the pills into Hearth’s purse before trotting across the lobby and knocking on the examining room’s door. Hearth cracked it open an inch. “Yeah?” Melody didn't turn to her, keeping her eyes and the knife pointed towards the doctor. “We’re leaving.” Hearth slid the door open all the way, unveiling Melody’s shivering sister. The red mare escorted Symphony out of the building, quickly followed by Melody. The pale pony paused in the doorway. “Thanks, Doc.” The doctor nodded shakily. “Ye-yeah, anytime.” As soon as they left the small building, Melody pulled Symphony off of the red filly onto her own back, speaking only one word. “Run.” The two fillies galloped away from the clinic, hardly sparing it a backward glance. They ran for what felt like hours before Melody finally pulled into an alleyway, out of sight from the street. Hearth came in just a few seconds after her. As soon as she had caught her breath, Hearth gave Melody a confused glance. “So, explain to me again why we’re running?” Melody set her sister back on her hooves before answering. “I thought he may attempt to find a Guard.” “Oh.” Hearth glanced about the dingy alleyway. “We staying here, or..?” Melody shook her head. “No, we aren’t. We’re going back to our alley. Just had to take a breather.” Hearth gave a short nod. “Right. Well, I’ll go watch for somepony in armor yelling ‘Stop, thief!’” “Sounds good.” Melody watched as Hearth sauntered out of the alleyway, turning to her sister as the red mare disappeared from sight. “Are you okay?” Symphony nodded, though her breath sounded raspy. “I’m fine, Mel.” The pale pony shook her head. “Yeah right. And I’m Princess of Equestria. Here, take these.” Melody pulled the pills out from Hearth’s coin purse, handing them to Symphony. She watched as her sister uncapped the bottle, glancing at the contents warily. “You sure? These are… stolen.” Melody rolled her eyes. “Well, it was either that, or paying well over what they were worth. Don’t worry about it.” “Well…” Crossing the gap between them quickly, Melody placed her hoof on her sister’s shoulder. “Symph. Trust me, I did what I had to.” 'For you to survive.' The cream pony smiled back nervously. “A-alright, I guess…” Melody finally let the smile come back when her sister swallowed a small white capsule. Symphony stuck her tongue out. "Tastes like gravel." Melody turned down the alley, glaring out into the brewing snowstorm. She turned back to her sister. “Are you sure you can do this?” Symphony slowly stood. “Yes.” The two ponies walked into the street, the wind almost pushing them over. Hearth came over to them, her teeth chattering like ninety. “S-S-So, w-we m-m-moving, n-now?” Melody shared a nod with her sister before the two pegasus flanked the earth pony, pinning her between the two of them. She grinned as Hearth found herself pinned between two small ovens, the pegasi’s much warmer body heat flushing out the cold. “Yeah, we’re moving now.” Author's Note Sorry about taking forever with the update. I could only type with one hand, and I only finished it yesterday. It's also a lot shorter than I wanted... Whatever. Just a bit of forewarning: Until my hand is good, my updates are going to be sporadic, at best. Sorry again. Same thing as usual. Leave a thumbs up if you liked it, or a thumbs down if you didn't. S'all good. ...Morphine is awesome.
OvertureMelody stole silently down the busy street of Canterlot. It was an unusual setting for one of her skill. Of her stature. But she had a goal in her sights, and she wouldn’t let this rare prey escape her blade. Blueblood. Her invisibility came naturally; blending into the ponies around her. It had taken years to master the arts of stealth, but training had honed her into the perfect weapon. She slipped completely unseen between large crowds; hiding in the large groups, gossiping in the small. She had to get to that white unicorn before he slipped out of her sights. It was an unnecessary risk. She knew it. Her luck had been running so well thus far. First, the whole Killer thing. Then the ordeal with her sister, and to top it off, just that last week with Paen… Her luck was definitely running thin. She couldn't risk it draining off on one pony. She chided herself. She could be so many other places, so many other contracts to fill. But this was Blueblood. She would never let herself live it down if he slipped through her hooves. She had to get to him. Or she would consider herself useless as a rogue. As Blueblood stopped to examine a jewellery stall, Melody saw her chance. She closed the gap quickly, opening her bracelet knife. She had to thank that smith. He knew his craft-work, and hadn’t questioned her request. A small band of silver, with a metal engraving that could be slid out to make a knife. Simple, but elegant and stealthy. Much like Melody herself. The cream mare stole up beside Blueblood, catching parts of his conversation. “You call this junk ‘jewellery’? Don’t let it touch me; it'll rust on my beautiful white coat!” Melody resisted the urge to snort, lest she break her invisibility she had so carefully woven. She approached the royalty, her eyes pinned on his neck. Sliding the blade up carefully, she made one fine cut, severing his purse cord. She drew her second hoof up quickly, but carefully. It was a good thing royalty usually kept their coin purses around their neck. It was another stroke of her thin luck that Blueblood was particularly oblivious, and that he wore his for show. However, he would never let it be caught empty. That just wasn’t regal enough for his liking. Melody tossed the coin purse lightly, sauntering away from her target, who was still berating the poor jeweller. A good hundred bits, at least. She mentally congratulated herself. 'Good hunt, Melody.' She wandered aimlessly down the streets of Canterlot. So many things she could do with a purse-full of gold. She began to window shop, passing each store rapidly. She paused to look at a long, flowing red dress. 'I wonder…. No, don’t be foalish, Melody. Act your age.' Eventually, she managed to make her way to the place she had been subconsciously directing herself towards. The Sweet Shoppe. Melody greeted the large, oaken sign with suppressed glee. As she pushed open the front door, her nostrils were assaulted by a million different sweet smells, and the suppressing heat from the large oven in the back. She slowly approached the un-ponied counter, reaching her hoof outward to ring a small bell. The bell had barely been touched when a large, thin looking unicorn came out from the back. “Greetings, Melody. Come back again, eh?” Melody gave a small nod. “Yes, sir.” The tall, orange pony shook his head. “Melody, how many times have I asked you to call me Mr. Cake?” Melody shook her head. “Pray, don’t ask that of me. I’m far too accustomed to calling people ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’.” Mr. Cake shook his large, ashen head. “Well, you refuse to call me ‘Short’. So I must ask… Nay, I demand that you call me Mr. Cake.” Melody raised her eyebrow mockingly. “Or what, pray tell?” “Or you shan’t get a single more in the line of sweets.” Short said simply. Melody mock-gasped. “You wouldn’t dare!” “Wouldn’t I?” A small pout painted itself on Melody’s muzzle. Finally, she bowed her head, defeated. “Alright, Mr. Cake.” Grinning, the orange pony brushed aside his brown mane. “So, will you want the usual?” Melody nodded, and she could feel herself drooling childishly already. “Yes, please! Make it a double.” Short gazed at her questioningly for a second before going about his business. Melody watched with juvenile gaiety as the tall orange pony began pulling lengths of taffy. She had to constrain herself from leaping the counter as the long, bronze strands were cut and packaged into a small white bag. Short pushed the bag across the counter. “There y’go, Mel. Fresh pulled taffy. Two pounds.” Melody smiled at the large white bag. “How much do I owe?” Short gazed at her with concern. “Fifty bits.” The small brown purse zipped to her side, and Melody began counting out bits. “Forty eight…Forty nine…Fifty! There you go.” Short gazed at the small mound of bits. “Where in Equestria did you lay your hooves on all of this?” A knowing smile flitted about Melody’s lips. “Oh, I guess you could say today has really been my day.” Melody grabbed the small bag, hardly waiting till she was outside to dig into the contents. Popping a small, bronze chunk into her mouth, she sighed as best she could with her jaws glued together as the taffy started to melt in her mouth, creating a small pool of nothing but sugar and water. 'Luna, but if my enemies found out how much I love this stuff…' The glue no longer holding her jaws, she smiled up at the sun. Today was a good day. She still had Bluebloods’ bits, and Short hadn’t been too inquisitive. It was definitely a good day. Melody began walking down the street at a much slower pace than she had earlier. She gazed from shop to shop, finding nothing to catch her interest. The only excitement came three blocks later, as she finished her candy. 'Damn. Out already? Ah, well.' She tossed the small white bag into a trash can around the corner. Passing a small alley, Melody froze, her keener senses kicking in. Leaning back around the corner, she saw a small pink colt lying on the floor of the alley. Melody’s maternal senses overtook her, and she cautiously walked into the street. She glanced from rooftop to rooftop, doing a ninety degree sweep of the alley. About four yards away, she stopped, not daring to trust a thing. Today was her day. Nothing was going to ruin it. Leaning forward, she begged help from her other senses. A small sniff identified this pony as no stranger to the streets. But there was a second smell, one she recognized. But she couldn’t quite put her hoof on it. It was a scent from long ago. Throwing slight caution to the wind, Melody finally spoke. “Are you okay?” The pink colt turned slightly, his eyes filled with tears. He slightly shook his head, sniffing. Melody took another step closer. “Pray, what’s wrong?” The colt turned it’s head away, murmuring something to itself. Melody took another hoofstep closer. “Beg pardon?” Suddenly, the colt turned, a long steel dagger in his hoof. “I said ‘You still ‘ave your purse.’” Melody heard the sound of hoofsteps behind her, and turning her head slightly, she saw an odd sight. Two ponies, one grey, one green. They were both standing on their hind hooves, cudgels and makeshift weapons stuck in some of the oddest places in their grey vests. The gryphon, however, she instantly recognised. From his bright green eyes to his grey feathers. From his black fur, all the way to his greasy little white-tipped tail. Melody let out a low growl. “Vulture.” She said curtly. “Melody, luv.” The grey gryphon said. “You ‘ave no idea ‘ow much it’s cost me to look for ya’. I’ve been searchin’ bluddy everywhere!” “Nor do I care.” Brushing her black mane out from in front of her eyes, Melody tone was acidic. “I have talents for staying hidden from those I don’t wish to see.” Vulture winced, clutching his chest in his long talons. “Ooo… That ‘urt, luv. Ain’t even gunna lie. But still…” She watched as the gryphon drew a rapier out of the sheath he had around his middle. “You’ve gotta learn your manners, luv.” Melody sank into her regular fighting crouch, preparing for the upcoming fight. “Well, Vulture. You’ve always been an expert in manners. So be polite, and when your face slams into the ground, do great it properly.” The gryphon let out a low growl, pointing a long claw at her. “Bring me her head, mates, and you’re my new right claw mate.” As the two pony’s slowly approached, Melody winced: long forgotten memories coming back to the front of her mind. Author's Note Hey guys. Leave a thumbs up so I know if you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading.
RepriseMelody woke slowly, nursing the bruise on her chest. She pushed herself off of her pillow, rolling off the side of the bed. A quick glance confirmed her suspicion. She was still in the same dingy old little adoption house with the same dingy old little beds and the same dingy old little slits for windows. The fourteen year old Melody sighed. She glanced at her sister sleeping in the bed next to hers. Symphony always put a smile on Melody’s face. She was pleased she had been able to protect her sister’s innocence from the world. Or at least, as much as she could. Melody watched the cream pony as she rolled over, a single, purple eye cracking open. “Hey, Symph.” “Hey, Mel.” Melody smiled. As long as Symphony was there with her, nothing really bad could happen. A new source of light came as the door at the end of the hall cracked open. A tall, brown stallion with blonde hair and grey eyes came bursting through the door, banging two large pots. The brown pony roared. “Wake up, you useless little runts!” Melody watched with a burning hatred as the stallion walked down the aisle, either banging the pots together or using them as a weapon against those unfortunate enough to be deep sleepers. Only once all young mares had been stood at the end of their respective beds did the brown pony returned to the doorway, setting the pots by the door. He marched up the room, gazing at the young ponies. “For all the ponies who are new here; allow me to introduce myself; I am Caretaker. You will address me as ‘Caretaker.’ or ‘Sir.’ If you do not,” He peered deeply into the eyes of one filly, a malicious grin crossing his face as she pulled away from him. “You will be punished.” He returned to pacing, doling off more of the speech Melody heard every week since she’d been here. “Punishments will vary. The very first punishment is for back-talking. If you want to know about what punishment that is, ask this foal, here.” Caretaker pointed his hoof straight at Melody’s chest. “She’s got quite the mouth on her, don’t you, you little bitch?” Melody glared straight back at Caretaker. She had never felt the fear he tried to inflict, but he knew that he could do all he wanted to her. For Symphony’s sake. Caretaker’s voice cut through her thoughts. “The second punishment will be awarded to disobedient ponies. If you disobey or fail to do your chores, you will be beaten. “Third rule is this: My word is law. Anypony who thinks that I care about them, even a little, is sadly mistaken. I do what I want, when I want. If you make a single mutter against that, I’ll beat the living shit out of you. “The fourth. Theft. Stealing is no game, little ponies. As such, if you are caught stealing, you will be beaten. Your food and water rations will, also, be cut in half, an-” Melody took her gaze from the floor. It wasn’t like Caretaker to stop in the middle of an “encouraging” speech. A quick glance made her heart drop like a stone: A young golden filly had raised her hoof. Caretaker’s smile was anything but friendly, and his tone dripped malice. “Yes? Do you have a question?” The stupid golden foal returned the smile brightly. Melody mentally swore. She’s too dumb. Too young. She’s what? Five? Six?Buck… The gold foal answered with an innocent tone to match her smile. “Um… Well, Mr. Caretaker, I was wondering, what’sa ‘rashun’?” Melody could see Caretaker’s eye twitch from ten yards away. “Well, you see, miss...?” The young mare smiled again. “Goldenflower.” Caretaker smiled a fake smile before he started speaking in a tone Melody knew was bittersweet. “Miss Goldenflower. A ration is how much you get to eat or drink. And my name isn’t ‘Mr. Caretaker’.” Melody caught sight of a blur of brown, accompanied by the sound of hoof on hide contact and a small, startled cry. Caretaker resumed his normal, barking tone. “It’s ‘Caretaker’ or ‘Sir’! Get it right!” He rounded the hall again, this time circling for scared, timid ponies. He stopped at a young bronze filly who was trying to hide behind her bedside. The Caretaker grinned wildly. “Did you find anything wrong with that punishment?” His grin grew deeper as the pony shook her head. He aimed his head in the direction of a green mare. “Did you?” Receiving another head shake, he looked down the entire hall. “Did any of you?” Melody instantly shot her hoof into the air. She knew that Caretaker would be grinning. She knew he’d enjoy beating her. She also knew he’d never break her morals, like he had the many fillies before her. What was new this time was that she wasn’t alone. Another mare, red, about the same age as her, raised her hoof as well. Risking a glance at Caretaker, Melody was pleased to see he was completely dumbfounded. Caretaker started walking towards the red pony, only stopping to smack Melody across the cheek. He stopped in front of the filly, who in turn never took her large gold eyes off of him. “Now… Mel I expected. Who the buck are you?” The gold eyes narrowed at Caretaker. She spoke with a voice much more demanding than her small, slender demeanor. “I am Hearth Claw.” Caretaker leaned backwards, his voice dripping sarcasm. “Hearth Claw, huh? Well, I for one am pleased to make your acquaintance, Hearth Claw. You some sorta tough-mare, Hearth Claw? Can I call you Hearth? Or just Claw?” The mare stared back with infinite patience, failing to clue-in. “I am no ‘tough-mare’, nor do I wish to know what one is. You can call me Hea-” Caretaker smacked the young pony across the jaw, knocking her out of Melody’s line of site. “Do I look like I give a buck? No? Good. ’Cause I don’t, really.” Leaning towards the senseless pony, Caretaker whispered into her ear in a way that cut clean through the air, allowing everypony in the room to hear. “Let me be very clear one more time. I will call you, and everypony else here, whatever I want.” He struck his hoof forward a second time, a cry emanating from out from behind the bed. “Rule number three.” Caretaker turned towards a filly in the far back. “Now, if you want to be a good role model, ask this pony, here.” The silver pony nodded, and Melody instantly recognised her as Lightning Twister: Caretaker’s little pocket slut. “Thank you, Caretaker, Sir.” Caretaker returned the nod, adding “Lightning here has helped me out on a lot of occasions. Couldn’t ask for a better filly. This pony, however…” Melody turned from Lightning to see a large brown hoof only an inch in front of her muzzle. “This pony… I wouldn’t recommend talking to her. She’s a whorse. A slut, really. Aren’t you, Mel?” Melody glared at the grey eyes boring into her. She burned with the urge to end this pony. “No, I’m not. You, on the other hoof...” Caretaker smiled sweetly before smashing his hoof into Melody’s face. “Rule one, Mel. Keep up, now.” Melody slammed into the ground, taken off guard by the punch. She slowly started to rise, rolling onto her stomach as she pushed herself up. She was brought back down to the ground as a hoof connected with her ribs. Falling to the ground, she could hear Caretaker’s butch chuckle, along with Lightning’s higher pitched laugh. Melody made the count of three before she heard other ponies joining in on the laughter. 'I’m not doing this. Not again.' Caretaker brought his leg back again, but this time Melody was prepared. As he brought his hoof forward, Melody punched outwards, slamming her hoof into his shin. Grappling onto Caretaker’s hind leg as hard as possible, she pulled, sending him sprawling onto the wooden floor. Whatever the punishment for fighting Caretaker, it was worth it. To take him down that one peg. Melody heard the crushing silence brought on by his loss, and watched as he slowly started to push himself up. Melody felt a bolt of fear from Caretaker as she saw a look of pure malice on his face. “So. You can play.” He clacked his hooves together in a slow applause. “Good job. Want to see how much that cost you?” Caretaker slowly walked over to Symphony. “Well, Mel? How ‘bout it?” The gears in Melody’s head finally clicked, and she launched herself at Caretaker. A heavy weight crashed into her mid-flight, and she caught a glimpse of Lightning’s blonde mane. “You touch her, Caretaker, and I will rip your throat out myself.” Lightning was having difficulty holding the struggling Melody back. “Anypony want to help me hold down the bitch, here?” Two ponies jumped at the chance to suck up, both latching onto one of Melody’s hooves while Lightning put her in a headlock. The three ponies forced her to her hind knees. Melody watched in burning agony as Caretaker pulled a small blade from his vest pocket. “ I warned you, Mel. You don’t buck with me, and I won’t buck up your sister.” Caretaker stretched her sister’s mouth wide, putting the blade in Symphony’s mouth and pushing it against the inside of her muzzle. Melody watched for a whole two seconds before breaking. “Stop!” Caretaker hesitated, the knife resting against her cheeks. Melody spoke softly, looking into her sister’s large, fearful purple eyes. “I’m sorry.” Caretaker smiled, sarcastically ignorantly. “Beg pardon? I didn’t hear you.” Melody let out a low growl before shouting for everypony to hear. “I said I was sorry.” Lightning drew her muzzle daringly close to Melody’s ear, making it twitch as she spoke. “You bend for others so easily. Don’t you, you little whorse?” Melody glared at Caretaker as the other ponies in the room broke into another round of forced laughter. She curled her lips up in a snarl as he put a hoof on her sister’s cheek. “Alright, bitch. I won’t ruin your sister’s pretty little face. If,” A long smile drew itself across his lips. “You admit to everypony in here what a slut you are.” Melody let out another growl. “Go buck yourself.” “Oh, language my young filly! Such a fowl mouth for a little bitch. Well, if you hate your sister that much…” Caretaker set the blade across Symphony’s mouth, pushing on it ever so slightly. Symphony let out a low squeal as the blade started to meet hide. Melody finally let her gaze drop. “Alright.” Caretaker smiled. “‘Alright’ what?” Melody glared at her hooves. She murmured. “I’m a whorse.” Shaking his head, Caretaker extended a hoof to grab her chin without taking the knife away from Symphony, locking eyes with Melody once more. “Y’know, I don’t think anypony heard you.” Melody would have paid for a knife. Or a sharp piece of metal. Or even a reasonably sharp stone. Had she not been held down by three ponies, she probably would’ve done without. As it was, all she could do was mentally curse. She spoke up, allowing herself to enunciate clearly. “I said I’m a whorse.” Caretaker’s grin widened. “I’m sure everypony wants to know: how much of a whorse are you, exactly?” Melody shut her eyes. She couldn’t believe she was doing this. A single thought fired back from her brain. For Symphony… “I’m a whorse. A huge whorse. I’m a filthy, little… s-slut.” Melody glared up at Caretaker. “Satisfied?” Caretaker shook his head. “Now, now, Mel. We both know you have a much more extensive vocabulary than that.” Melody glanced around at the younger foals in the room before swallowing nervously. 'They’ll find out, eventually.' “I… I l-love… d-d…dicks… i-in… m…” She broke down, tears flowing freely. “Just stop hurting Symphony. P-please?” Caretaker shook his head, the grin still evident on his muzzle. He waited for the laughter in the room to die off before he spoke. “You’re bucking pathetic.” At a gesture from Caretaker, Lightning slammed her hoof into Melody’s jaw, knocking her, senseless, to the ground. The silver pony kicked her in the ribs before trotting away. Caretaker pointed down at her, addressing the other fillies in the room. “Let this be your example. You will obey my every command, or I will make your life a living hell.” He lifted his hoof in the air, stomping down on Melody’s spine to emphasize his point. “Breakfast is at nine. To those of you too stupid to read a clock, Lightning will tell you when it’s time to go.” Melody glared after the retreating figure until the door shut. As soon as it had, an immediate buzz filled the room, scared little fillies discussing what just happened. Melody quickly brought herself to her sister’s side. “Symphony, are you okay?” Her sister shook her purple mane back and forth. “I’m fine. What about you?” Melody waved her hoof dismissively, ignoring the raging pain in her abdomen. “Don’t worry about me; I’ll be fine.” Symphony shook her head again. “Don’t lie to me, Mel. He’s destroying you.” Melody gave her sister a questioning glare. “What do you mean?” She absently minded started nursing the new bruise on her muzzle. “He finally broke you, Mel. This was the first time you’ve ever obeyed him. Or even tried.” Melody snorted. “This was also the first time he brought a knife.” A sigh rose from her sister. “Why do you do this to yourself?” “You know why, Sis. I can’t let him hurt you…” Symphony somehow managed to scowl and smile at the same time. “You’re so stupid, sometimes.” Melody went to go answer when an unknown voice broke in. “E-excuse me?” 'Nopony talks to me…' Melody turned, seeing the red mare from earlier. Only now, her right eye was swollen shut. The red pony continued. “Are you alright?” Melody let out an exasperated sigh. “Why does everypony keep asking me that?” Hearth snorted. “Probably because you were crying twenty seconds ago?” Glaring at the other pony, Melody spoke candidly. “So were you.” “Fair enough.” Hearth Claw glanced around at the gossiping ponies. “That took guts. Standing up to him like that.” Melody grit her teeth. Through them, she spat “Don’t matter. He used, and always will use my own sister against me.” Hearth let out a small laugh. “Yeah, he’s a coward alright. A grown stallion beating up little fillies?” A snotty tone cut through their conversation. “Alright, ponies. Time to head to breakfast.” Melody fell into step behind her sister, following her slowly out of the room. A sudden silver hoof pulled her out of line. “Not you.” Lightning said. “You get to stay here. No food for you, remember? Your still on Caretaker’s shit-list.” Melody glared at the silver pony for a long time, toying with the idea of killing her. Most of the ponies had already filtered out of the room before she slowly nodded and turned back to her cot. She had just put her hoof on the bed frame when Lightning Twister spoke again. “Maybe I’ll finally have some fun with your sister.” Melody froze, her vision slowly fading to red. She spun suddenly, galloping across the room. Lightning waited until she was in the doorway to slam the door on Melody’s muzzle, her shrill laugh piercing through the door. Melody started slamming into the locked door. Breaking one hoof through the two inch thick wooden door, she clawed for Lightning. She hesitated, her hoof in midair before pulling away and bringing her eye to the hole. Spotting a grinning Lightning, Melody spoke very clearly. “If you lay one hoof on the air my sister breathes, I. Will. Buck. You. Up.” Lightning drew both of her hooves to the sides of her muzzle. “Oooo… I’m so scared of the little, locked-up bitch pony.” She turned her back on Melody, slowly walking away. Melody sat there for half an hour, her eye pressed against the hole. It had only taken her five minutes to realize the lock wouldn't open with malicious thoughts, much to her disappointment She finally pulled away as the sound of hoofsteps started towards her. The ponies returned, led by Caretaker. He fit his key into the lock, pulling the door open. “Out. Now.” Melody walked out slowly, glancing around for her sister. Caretaker grabbed her neck with a steely grip, steering her down the hall. Catching a glimpse of the only purple mane in the hall, Melody tried her best to see her sister, but Caretaker led her away too quickly. Melody walked the usual route. After three halls it was obvious where she was going. Reaching a small janitors closet, Caretaker slammed another key into that lock, pushing Melody in and slamming her inside. A small metal mail-flap slid open, and Caretaker’s voice echoed around in the box. “Your sister will fix the door. Personally. You’ll be in here ‘till she’s done. Don’t expect any food. Or water. I’m also halving your sister’s rations as well.” Melody stood slowly, approaching the slit and the grey eyes behind it. “Tell Lightning that if she touches my sister, I’ll kill her.” Caretaker grinned. “I hope you do. I haven’t been able to use my whips in a long time.” Melody stood staring back, unshaken. “I look forward to breaking them in on you.” Caretaker slammed the mail-flap shut. “Tough words for a locked-up bitch.” Author's Note Hey guys. Thanks for reading thus far. Quick little note: Next weekend, I won't be able to update. Sorry about that. Leave your thumbs, so I know what you think.
AccelerandoPale moonlight filtered through a small window, the soft white rays falling upon equally pale shut eyelids. Slowly, a green emerald flitted open, resting it’s gaze on the large white pearl staring back at it. A venomous thought played behind those green eyes. Any minute now. As if on cue, the sound of heavy hoofsteps came down the hall. Pulling herself upright in the tiny two by two closet, she groaned as the cramps set in. Instantly, Caretaker’s butch voice pierced the silence. “’Moaning just ‘cause of my approach? You really are a slut.” Melody smiled sickly to herself. Right on time. The door creaked open. Melody couldn’t see into the dark hall, the closet still illuminated by moonlight. She whimpered as Caretaker’s teeth wrapped around her mane, throwing her out into the hall. “You need to be taught to respect others.” Melody quickly climbed to all fours. She didn’t want this flank-hole getting a single hoof up on her. She had to resist gagging as the brown pony pulled himself onto his hind legs, exposing his sheath and already erect member. “So I’m going to teach you respect, slut.” Melody grit her teeth. She watched his approach, standing much to close for her comfort. The same thought repeated itself over and over again in her mind. Not again. Unable to stand watching this sick, twisted pony, Melody slammed her eyes shut in a feeble attempt to deny what was happening. The stallion’s musk still molested her senses, disabling her ability to block it out. “Hurry up and do your job, whorse.” Something deep inside Melody clicked. Her right eyebrow twitched, and her head flinched to the right. A foalish and brutal plan began forming in her mind. A long shot, definitely, but anything was better than this… life. “Not again.” The grin vanished from Caretaker’s face, immediately replaced with a look of concern, and what Melody hoped was fear. “What?” The next move came quickly. Faster than Melody had moved in her entire life. She launched a hoof outward, connecting with the only target she had. Caretaker doubled over and hit the floor, holding his now extremely sore testicles. Melody’s hoof darted into the pocket in his vest, withdrawing her quarry. She pushed the knife towards Caretaker’s neck, drawing it to the side quickly. Melody watched the terrorizing stallion start to choke and drown on his own blood. She watched as he stopped twitching and finally became still. It took until the smell of blood and viscera filled her nostrils that she realized what she had done. “Oh… Oh, Celestia!” Melody quickly glanced about, looking for somepony who might have witnessed her criminal deed. Not spotting anypony, she quickly dropped to the dead stallion’s side. What did I do? A single, rational thought came to the forefront of her mind. 'You defended yourself.' 'I killed somepony!' 'It was self defence.' 'He’s dead!' 'He asked for it.' Melody drew a blank at how to respond. Slowly, she started to calm, though the criminality of her actions still held firm in her mind. 'Deal with the hoof you’re dealt, Mel.' Melody quickly (and somewhat awkwardly) frisked the dead pony, grabbing the key-ring Caretaker always had inside his vest. She pushed herself away from the carcass, eager to get away from the metallic smell of death. She made her way through the halls by memory, finding the bedroom quite quickly. In the back of her mind, she noticed the hole was almost completely repaired, already. But Melody couldn’t spare time for idle thoughts. She fumbled through the multitude of keys, quickly finding the small, round silver key she had seen Caretaker use the day before. Fitting the key into the doorknob, she silently prayed to Luna as she turned it counter-clockwise. She didn’t have time to be wrong: the janitor could be out any second, now. A very satisfying click emanated from the door as the tumblers fell into place, sliding the latch out of the lock. Melody slowly pushed the door open, not allowing any noise, not even a creak to break the fragile silence. Melody cautiously entered the room, silently stalking along the rows of sleeping fillies. She approached the only empty bed which she instantly knew was hers, and turned to the right to find her sisters’ bed. She quickly approached the sleeping lump. Melody finally broke the silence in a hushed whisper. “Symphony! Wake up!” Symphony let out a low groan as she rolled over onto her side. “What..? Mel…? What are you doing here? Did Caretaker let you out already?” Melody audibly ground her teeth. The last thing she wanted on her mind was that plot-hole. “I’ll explain later. Let’s go.” Though she couldn’t tell in the dark, Melody was sure that Symphony was giving her a questioning look. “‘Go’? Go where? How are we supposed to leave?” Melody shook her head. “I don’t have time to explain, Symph. Just hurry!” Symphony became quiet for a while, making Melody strain to not pull out her mane. Finally, she spoke, though her tone was very quiet. “Alright. But you have to tell me what’s going on.” Melody nodded hurriedly. “Alright. Fine. Just not now. Later.” Symphony finally rose from her bed, approaching the door. Melody hesitated, thoughts of the red mare from earlier popping into her head. Melody crept up beside her sister. “Do you know which bed is that red filly’s?” Raising a pointing hoof, Symphony nodded. “Oh, yes. She’s in that one, right there. She was ever so nice. She even tried to protect me from Li-“ Melody’s eyebrow twitched again. She had a pretty good idea how that sentence was going to end. “What do you mean, ‘protected’?” Symphony let out a low whimper. “N-Nothing.” Grinding her teeth again, Melody turned on her sister, only just managing to haul back her anger. “Don’t lie to me, Symphony.” Symphony’s only response was a very high-pitched whimper. Something Melody knew she always did when she was too frightened. Letting out a poorly suffocated growl, Melody approached Hearth Claw’s bedside. Melody let some of her anger into her voice, her tone sounding harsher than she meant. “Hearth! Get up!” The red pony’s eye cracked open, the gold orb seeming to glow in the dark. “Ugh…What is it?” Melody quickly muffled her with a suppressive hoof. “Shh. Not so loud. We’re leaving. Me and Symphony. Do you want to come with?” Hearth Claw nodded, unable to speak around a large, cream hoof. “Mhff, mrrg.” Pulling a now soggy hoof away, Melody sighed. “What?” Hearth responded with a timid smile. “Sorry. I said ‘Yes, please.’” Melody raised her hoof again. “One condition.” Hearth nodded, her eyes fixed comically on the hoof. “Anything.” “Tell me why you had to protect my sister from Lightning.” Hearth nodded again, locking eyes with her. “Oh, yeah. No prob. Apparently, Caretaker ordered her to attack your sister. To show you punishment or something.” Melody let out a low growl. “Did she succeed?” Hearth winced, scratching the back of her neck anxiously. “Well… I tried my hardest. But there was like, four of them! How am I supposed to fight those od-” “Hearth Claw! Did she succeed?” The red pony slowly nodded. “Yeah. Sorry.” Melody gestured a hoof to the door. “Out.” Hearth leapt out of her bed, heading towards the hall. She had made it to the doorframe before she hesitated. “So… Does this mean I can come with?” Melody let out an impatient sigh. “Yes. Out.” She watched the red pony grin and leave the room before calling Symphony to her side. “Where did she get you?” Melody watched her sister move towards a small window slit, allowing Melody to get a good look at her once the moonlight washed bathed her in a pale light. What Melody saw appalled her. There were multiple scars running up her hooves. Melody assumed they were from mending the door. Her sister’s face was blotchy and swollen, bruises that definitely came from Lightning. But the worst came as her sister slowly turned, revealing her horribly scarred back. It appeared that Caretaker had gotten to break his whips in, after all. A slow, murderous thought came into focus in her mind. 'You’ve killed once already. Now, you have good reason.' Melody responded to the thought with her own malice. 'Nopony dares to touch Symphony.' Melody’s eyes slowly lost focus on her sister, instead focussing on the large silver and yellow lump behind her. “Go wait with Hearth.” The long, bloodied steel knife still held in Melody’s hooves glinted in the moonlight, catching Symphony’s eye. She daringly placed herself between Melody and Lightning, her large, pleading, purple eyes searching her narrower green orbs. “Please, Mel. Don’t do this. It’s murder! You can’t kill somepony!” Melody gazed back mercilessly, her tone acidic. “I already have. Go wait with Hearth.” Symphony's shoulders slumped, searching her sisters’ eyes once more before breaking contact, staring at her hooves and quickly trotting out of the room. Melody stole across the blackened room, crossing to Lightning’s bedside. She slowly unfurled her wings, using them to lighten herself as she climbed on top of the silver pony. Melody brought her hoof down on the cursed pony’s neck before calling out softly. “Lightning? Wake up.” As soon as the she saw the pale blue orbs cracking open slightly, Melody folded her wings, letting most of her body weight go to Lightning’s neck. The silver mare let out a peculiar muffled gagging noise. Melody smiled patronizingly. “I told you, Light. I said; ‘Buck with Symph, and I’ll buck you up.’ Now… Now, you die. And nopony, not even Caretaker can save you. I slit his throat first, see. So he can’t help you. And now, you can’t talk. So you definitely can’t scream.” Melody lost interest in her prey, instead beginning to ramble. “Y’know, I think it was the knife. The knife was his downfall. Although, he definitely started to break me: I couldn’t bare it if Symphony died. But the knife was still my greatest asset. Because he was bigger than me. Stronger, too. He could’ve snapped me like a twig. But I slit his throat first. So he can’t rape me anymore.” Melody glanced back down at the mare who was now attempting to claw at Melody’s suffocating hoof. “It’s nice to have somepony to talk to, y’know. I never had a conversation with you for very long. Unless I was insulting you.” Melody let out a small laugh. “Let’s face facts here; if I sat and threw all my insults at you, I’d be here all day. “Then again, I’ve never had anything to talk to you about. The only thing that we have in common is that Caretaker raped us. Y’know, I haven’t thought about it ‘till now, but ‘rape’ is such a vulgar word. It’s obtrusive. I think it fits perfectly with its definition. But he didn’t really ‘rape’ you, did he? No… You did it willingly, didn’t you, you fucking whorse?” Melody spat at Lightning’s terrified face. “I hate hypocrites. And I really hate ponies who hurt my sister. But y’know who I hate more than that?” A playful grin crossed Melody’s face as Lightning shook her head. Melody brought her muzzle towards the silver pony’s ear, stopping with her teeth only a hairsbreadth away. “Cowards and blondies.” Melody drew her new knife backward, drawing a mental line between the tip and Lightning’s neck. “Two pegasi, one bolt, as they say. Or in this case, four pegasi.” She pulled the knife across the line, a soft singing filling the room as the one and half hoof long piece of metal cleaved the air in two. Melody forced her eyes closed as Lightning’s neck started spraying blood everywhere. Melody quickly grabbed a pillow, pushing it onto the wound. Sticking out her tongue, she pulled a wry face. “Ick.” Melody rose from the bed and headed towards the door, pausing only to wipe some of the blood off on a bed sheet. Entering the hall, Melody quickly gestured to the two ponies in the hall and set off in search for the exit. Hearth Claw trotted up beside Melody, attempting to ignore the rather intimidating coat of blood on her fur. “So... Where are we going?” Melody shook her head. “No idea.” Hearth let out a low snort. “Great.” Melody rounded on the red mare, the large dagger still clutched threateningly in her hoof. “I’m so sorry, ok? All I’ve planned out so far was getting away from Caretaker, and even that didn’t go according to plan. If you want to stay here, fine. You go right ahead and leave. I won’t stop you.” Hearth raised her hooves defensively. “Whoa, I’m not saying anything like that! I just thought you might have a plan!” Melody hesitated, and a single tear fell from her eye. “Yeah, well… I don’t. Not really.” Symphony’s timid voice broke into the conversation. “Umm… Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea, after all?” Melody shook her head bitterly, swallowing her emotions. “It doesn’t matter. I killed Caretaker. And Lightning, so I can’t go back. You two can, if you want. Like I said, I won’t stop you.” Hearth shook her head instantly. “No way, pon-ay. I’m not letting one of my friends down.” Symphony simply responded by looking aghast. “I’m not leaving my own sister alone! How could you even think that of me?” Melody smiled, ignoring the blood still dripping off her muzzle. “Thanks, fillies. Well, before we worry about what we’re going to do, we’d best find our way out of here.” Symphony’s voice came in again. “Well, I think that before we head onto a potentially crowded street, we’d best get you washed up.” Melody let out a small laugh. “Alright. First, I shower. Then, we figure out what to do.” Author's Note Here's another chapter for you guys. Thanks for reading, thus far. Thumbs up if you enjoyed, or, if you didn't, leave a comment explaining why, so I know what to improve on.
Life on the Streets"Think about it, Mel. A hot meal!” Melody didn’t even bother to turn her head as she responded dismissively. “No.” “It’s been three weeks since we last had something decent to eat.” “No, Hearth. I don’t care what you say; I’m not slutting myself for your comfort.” Hearth Claw snorted indignantly. “Well, when you say it like that, of course it sounds bad.” Melody turned on Hearth, ignoring the bitter cold that bit at her as she drew away from their small fire. “'Sounds bad’? Hearth, it is bad! You’re asking me to sleep with somepony I don’t even know! Celestia’s sake, I’m not even old enough yet!” Hearth Claw glowered back, not standing down. “Why not do it for Symphony?” Turning back to the fire, Melody snorted. “I can’t believe you’d sink as low as to use my sister against me, but my answer is still no.” Hearth Claw finally pulled back submissively. “That… is kinda low… Sorry.” Shaking her head, Melody waved a hoof dismissively. “Forget about it. It’s the cold. And the hunger.” Glancing about the small, cramped alleyway, Hearth smiled awkwardly. “Yeah, I guess.” Melody pulled closer to the alluring fire, attempting to thwart as much of the gnawing cold as possible. She cast a furtive glance at her sister, a small smile creeping across her face as she watched the sleeping cream pony pull herself closer to the fire. Despite her best efforts, her sister still suffered through the harsh winter. In the back streets, Melody learned the hard way that something as simple as a cold altered the chances between life and death. Her sister had caught the smallest cough a few days ago, and survival had been a fight every day since. Melody managed to scrounge up a few coins doing menial tasks, and had bought her sister a small quilt. Melody's thoughts drifted about as she daringly pondered the revolting idea of prostitution. Granted, it was a horrible thought. But the last time, though demeaning, still had turned out a large sum. One hundred bits. Melody remembered the night fondly; Symphony, Hearth and her had all gone out and ate like the royal Princesses. Of course, Symphony wasn’t sick then. Melody bit her lip, closing her eyes to block out the blowing snow. Hearths Warming sure looked pretty in Canterlot, but the harsh night’s before-hoof could definitely kill somepony. Melody might survive, but Hearth wasn’t a Pegasus; she didn't have the naturally thick coat they had for the cold of flying. And Symphony definitely wasn’t getting better without help… Melody finally let out a long sigh, her breath coming out as a dense mist. “Fine. I’ll do it.” Hearth hid her smile as best as she could, but Melody saw it creep around behind her muzzle. Melody glowered at the red filly. “For Symphony.” Hearth Claw quickly nodded. “Oh, yeah. For sure.” Melody let out another sigh, already feeling this was a bad idea. Slowly, she stood, brushing snow off her lap. “Not tonight, though. Nopony is going to be out in this weather.” Quickly agreeing, Hearth added. “Plus, it’d be a good idea not to do it when you’re tired. Can’t risk… Y’know: slipping.” No, they couldn’t. Melody didn’t think she could imagine the punishment for 'turning tricks' at her age. The first time around, she didn’t even think there’d be any buyers. But it turned out there were a lot of ponies who were, in Melody’s opinion, twisted enough to 'like' fillies. Melody wrapped a small worn vest around her, curling up next to the fire. She slowly drifted off into another nightmarish dream. “I still can’t believe I’m doing this.” Hearth Claw snorted. “Shut up, you look gorgeous.” Melody flipped her mane about playfully. “Gorgeous, hey?” Hearth Claw turned her head away. “You do.” Melody gazed at the broken glass bottle she used as a mirror. Minus the distortion, Hearth was right. She did, indeed, look gorgeous. Hearth was extremely crafty with her hooves, rearranging Melody’s hair into a way she hadn’t even seen before, but was definitely… 'Seductive.' Melody thought acidicly. Suddenly, all her past concerns swamped her. “I don’t want to do this.” Hearth visibly deflated, her good humour disappearing and being replaced by disappointment. “I already got you all done up and everything. You’re practically ready, now. You couldn’t change your mind half an hour ago?” Melody looked at herself in the 'mirror' again. It was true, Hearth had put a ton of effort into making her look more appealing, and less like a street urchin. Melody groaned again, managing to sigh at the same time. “Alright, fine. I’ll still do it.” Hearth Claw let out a squeal she had attempted, and failed, to muffle. Melody instantly rounded on her. “What was that?” Eyes fixing on anything but Melody, Hearth Claw’s answer was minute. “Uh… N-nothing.” Melody narrowed her eyes at the red mare. “You really think I enjoy making a whorse out of myself? You think I’m doing this willingly? I’m doing it for you two. So you can survive. I don’t enjoy a second of this.” Hearth Claw lowered her gaze. “Sorry. I was just having a bit of fun with, y’know... dressing you up. I didn’t think th-” “No, you didn’t think. All you have to worry about is if I look presentable. I have to worry about the Guards, the…the…‘clients’. I have to deal with…” Melody’s voice dropped to just above a whisper. “…the pain.” Hearth still didn’t lift her gaze. “I’m sorry.” Melody shook her head. “Whatever. Let’s go, before I actually change my mind.” They started down the alley, Melody pausing to check on her sister. Without looking away from Symphony, she said “As soon as I’m all set, you come back here and look after her. I’ll take care of myself.” Hearth nodded again, eager to be on her good side. “Absolutely. Symph will be safe with me.” Melody grabbed a small red bundle from atop a barrel, trotting down the street with it held carefully in her teeth. Though she hated the dress, and everything it represented, she couldn’t let it get ruined. Twenty five bits for a dress was expensive; that was enough to eat for weeks. But Hearth had insisted on the dress. Melody still didn’t know why she gave in. Maybe it was just to keep her quiet. A short thing, made of rather scratchy material. Very… exposing, too. She was partly amazed she could find something like that in her size. It was what Melody had expected for such a cheap price. At least it looked “appealing”, so it suited what Mel needed it for. Stopping in a small alleyway, not far from the heart of Canterlot’s hood, Hearth helped Melody pull on the red fabric. It was a pretty tight fit, but the next size up cost too much. Hearth drew the two buttons together, locking the dress firmly in place. Melody turned towards the red mare, the long steel dagger in her hoof. “Take it. Go back and check on Symphony. I’ll come back when I’m done with… When I’m done.” Hearth quietly took the dagger carefully, trotting back the way she came. Melody grimly walked onto the street, screening carefully for Guards. Though it was unlikely any came this far into the slums. None this way… None that way either… Oh, Celestia, why am I doing this? Melody turned the corner, gazing down another long, dark street. A glance at the windows showed them broken and shattered, small slats nailed over them in a feeble attempt to repair. Melody almost started wishing she had brought that knife with her, but her more rational mind abolished the idea. Better her to die on the street than for Symphony to die because of ill-protection. She approached the end of the street, and a quick glance to her left showed a black stallion. A thought flipped through her head, taunting her towards the pony. One simple fact kept her from approaching. A small red rag tied around his upper fore-leg identified him as a gang-member, and Melody didn’t dare tempt a criminal’s malice. Definitely not without a weapon. A quiet trot quickly put distance between her and the oblivious crook. Melody let out a small sigh as the pony grew smaller. Oblivious to where she was going, she ran into a blue stallion. “S-Sorry!” “No, no. It’s my fault. I’m s-” The blue stallion took full stock of Melody. A rather perverted grin played on his face. “Wha… Are you a..?” Grimacing, Melody glanced at the pony. Not seeing anywhere to hide a badge, helmet or other, she nodded. “Yes, I’m a wh-…. A 'Mare of the Night,' I suppose.” An interesting term that she had read from one of the books Hearth had “acquired”. “Hmm…” Melody was torn between happiness and nausea. One the one hoof, she found a buyer early on. On the other, she had found a buyer. “So you’re… for sale?” 'That’s a polite way to put it.' “Uh… yeah, I guess.” The blue stallion raised a hoof to his chin. “Aren’t you too young for this?” Melody glared at him. “I’m old enough.” “Heh. Lots of attitude. I like that.” Melody almost gagged. “You’re sick.” She quickly pushed past the pony, attempting to make distance from her and this.. freak. She could find another way to get money. Definitely. One hundred per- “I’ll pay one fifty.” “Wuh… One hundred? And fifty? Bits?” The blue stallion slowly nodded. “Yep.” Where the hay…. Doesn’t matter. “Uh… A-alright.” The pony gestured down the street. “Alright, follow me.” Melody slowly sauntered after, being careful to distance herself so that if he decided to jump her, she’d have time to react. She even watched for sharp objects on the sides of the street, but short of yanking boards off the windows, she couldn’t find anything. They made their way to a small building, hardly anything noticeable. It was a two story house, its windows were boarded up, just like any other shanty-house. Melody carefully made her way up to the doorway where the stallion was waiting. “Hurry up, I don’t have all day.” He growled. He pushed the door open, letting Melody enter first. Definitely not her ideal choice, but she had no word in it anymore. She crossed the threshold timidly, stepping into the dark building, out of the gloomy orange winter night. The stallion stepped in, closing the door, destroying the last remaining light, and any hope of escape. The blue stallion struck a long match, lighting a small lamp. A small shake of his head extinguished the stick, the flickering light illuminating a small living room. Melody glanced around at the bookshelves nervously. “So.. uh.. what d… What do you want me to do?” “Undress.” Ugh. Melody bit her lip. “Uh… I can’t really… reach. The buttons.” The blue stallion sauntered over, but he only had one thing on his mind. Not risking any finesse, he brutishly snapped the dress open, even breaking off a few buttons. This was definitely not going Melody’s way. He left her standing that way, the dress pried open awkwardly. “Undress.” He repeated. What the hay am I doing here? Melody glanced at the pony as he wandered into another room. I can’t believe I’m doing this. Nevertheless, she attempted to push the dress off. Some rather defacing struggling later, Melody was finally free of the tatters. She slowly glanced about, waiting for her “host” to reappear. A small glint caught her eye: There was what appeared to be… No, what was definitely a letter opener sitting on the coffee table. Melody approached carefully. She glanced about, checking to make sure the stallion didn’t come back. She reached the coffee table, snatching the small dagger up quickly. She trotted back to her rags, slipping the letter opener in stealthily. Though killing was the last thing on her mind, Melody wasn’t ignorant enough to believe all ponies knew when “stop” meant stop. Hoofsteps echoed around the hoof, soon accompanied by the blue stallion. “This way.” Melody rolled her eyes as soon as he wasn’t looking. So romantic. She wrapped her teeth around the clothing carefully, trotting apprehensively after the blue stallion. He pushed open another door, revealing a small cot in a definitely unkempt room. Melody glanced at the cot anxiously. 'This is it. Can’t back out now.' Melody bit her lip. There was only two things that kept her from just jumping this pony. One: she had no idea where he kept the money, and two: Symphony needed a doctor. With those thoughts stuck firmly in her head, she set her clothing down and turned to the stallion. “S-so what do you want me to do, n-now?” The stallion grinned mercilessly. “Lie down on the bed.” Melody complied, turning away from the stallion and laying flat against the cot. The pony instantly took charge, grabbing her rear hooves harshly and rearranging her to a more “suitable” position. He finally pulled her rear into the air, exposing herself to him completely. A small pillow lay in front of Melody, and she reached stretched her neck out, biting onto and pulling the pillow towards herself. She felt the stallion put his hooves on her waist, and instantly buried her muzzle into the pillow. The stallion wasted no time in foreplay, only one prize on his mind. This was definitely not for Melody’s satisfaction. The flare of his head pressed against her opening, the stallion attempting to force his way in. Melody bit her lip again: No way was that going to fit. She moaned into the pillow softly as the stallion obliviously continued to rip her apart. Melody could feel herself being stretched open painfully, the stallion completely ignorant to her pain. A small saving grace broke in just over his strained grunts. “Thunder Lane? I’m home!” Instantly, the blue pony pulled back. “Oh buck, buck, buck! Quick, get up!” Melody pulled herself off the bed, unaware of what to do next. The stallion dropped to the other side of the bed in an attempt to hide his “excitement”. Hardly a second later, an orange stallion pushed through the door. “I found this in the mail, an- Oh. Uh… Hello?” He said, pulling his eyes off of a letter in his hooves. “Umm… Hi.” Melody smiled awkwardly. The pony smiled back with just as much nervousness before rounding on the blue pony. “Thunder Lane? What’s she doing here?” “I...uh.. Found her. On the street. She’s homeless, see. So I offered to get her off the streets.” The orange pony smiled. It was the same smile Melody had seen on Caretaker, often just before brutalizing somepony. Though Melody had learned quickly, it took other ponies a long time to recognize it from his other smiles. His other, sick, perverted smiles. “I see. Well, she can’t stay here. We don’t have enough room.” Thunder Lane nodded. “Yeah, I know. I’ll take her outside.” The orange stallion nodded. “Yes, you’d better.” The blue pony trotted out from behind the bed, and Melody noticed he was no longer up. He put a hoof on her neck gently, his grip tightening once they were out of eyeshot. He kept muttering under his breath. “Buck it all. I never get a break around here.” Melody was steered towards the door, Thunder Lane throwing it open in his tirade and shoving Melody out harshly. She turned, sputtering. “B-But what about my pay?” Thunder Lane grit his teeth ferociously. “You didn’t really earn it, did you?” Melody growled at the stallion, but he shut the door too quickly for her to act. Overcome by her unusable adrenaline, she fell backwards onto her now sore rump, glaring at the door indignantly. 'Now what? What the hay do I do now? I need money for Symphony.' Her eyes dropped to her hooves. 'It’s not fair! How am I supposed to support two fillies? I can’t do this. I’m a failure, and now Symphony’s going to die, and I can’t do anything!' Melody opened her eyes slowly, a small puddle of ice forming in front of her muzzle. 'I just… can’t do this.' A loud thump interrupted her thoughts. Followed by two more. And another. Melody quickly glanced about, looking for the source of the noise. Another loud thump emanated, and Melody pin-pointed the source. It was coming from inside the house. Melody winced as she heard the muffled sound of glass breaking. 'What the hay?' The door slowly cracked open, and Thunder Lane walked out again. The orange pony came along beside him, but Melody’s thoughts weren’t on him. Thunder Lane had quickly managed to acquire several deep gashes around his skull, as well as twelve bruises and blotches, deforming his face. What was more important was what was in his hooves. Melody barely caught the heavy coin purse he threw at her before rounding back towards the house. The orange stallion slowly shook his head. “Sorry about that. My brother can be quite… thick.” Melody pulled the drawstrings, revealing a large sum of bits. “H-how..? Why…? Wha..?” The orange stallion glanced over, looking into the purse. “Well, I paid his price, as well as extra for the dress. And a little bit more, too.” Melody looked back up at the orange stallion, tears re-brimming in her eyes. “Th-thank you.” The orange stallion shook his head again. “No problem. But why are you doing this?” Melody glared at the coins. “I… have to. My… My sister is sick.” “I’m sorry. What about your parents?” She almost spat when she next spoke. “Dead? Abandoned us? I don’t know. They never bothered to say.” The orange stallion let out a long sigh. “Sorry… Listen, filly, I know it’s not much, but I can help you if you need it.” Melody snorted. “Nah, I think I’ve had enough of him.” She gestured towards the house for emphasis. “Me too.” The orange stallion chuckled. “Nevertheless. If you need help, I’ll give it if it’s within my power to. ‘Name’s Blitz.” “Melody” Blitz smiled. “Nice name.” He sighed again, turning towards the door. “Well, I got to go talk to my brother about his fetishes.” Melody nodded, her eyes being drawn once again to the purse. “Yeah, I- My sis… I got to go, too.” Melody slowly hoofed through the small mound, awestruck and completely oblivious to her surroundings. A single thought broke her concentration. Symphony. Author's Note Another (late) chapter. Leave your thumbs, if you enjoyed. Or if you didn't.
Getting HelpMelody glanced down the long, dark alleyway nervously. No way was she being taken off guard, this time. She set her hoof down in front of her slowly, being sure not to make any noise. She crept down the alley, keeping an eye out for any signs of red. Nearing where they normally slept, Melody sneaked in. She spotted Hearth Claw instantly, sprawled all over the floor as she was. Symphony was lying above her head, wrapped up in both her quilt and what appeared to be Hearth Claw’s small coat, as well as Melody’s extra small blanket. Melody slipped over the two ponies, hoofing the knife out of Hearth Claw’s reach. Finally, she put her hoof on Hearth’s muzzle, starting the pony awake. Instantly the red filly reached for her knife, but couldn’t reach it. Melody brought her muzzle close to the mares’ ear. “Hearth! It’s me!” She whispered. “Calm down!” Hearth’s eyes widened, and she slowly settled down. After a few moments, Melody lifted her hoof off of the red pony’s mouth. The filly glared indignantly at Melody. “Y’know, that’s the second time I’ve woken with your hoof in my mouth.” Melody smiled. Teasingly, she said “Seems like we’re getting a thing, here.” Hearth returned the grin. “I suppose so.” A small silence settled between them as Hearth Claw struggled to ask the question that had been pestering her all day, but she couldn’t find a way to word it. Finally, Melody let up on the filly. “I’m guessing you want to know how much I got paid.” Hearth grinned awkwardly. “Uh… yeah…” Melody let out a long sigh. After letting another silence torture the red filly, she said “I don’t know how much, exactly. I do know it’s more than one fifty.” Hearth almost choked. “One hundred and fifty? Like, actual bits?” “Yeah, though it’s kind of a long story. Right now, I want to get Symph to a doctor.” Hearth nodded quickly. “Heck, yes. Definitely. Let’s go.” Melody raised a hoof to her lips as Symphony tossed in her sleep. She crossed the room quietly, setting a hoof gently on her sister’s shoulder. “Symphony? Wake up.” Symphony slowly opened her eyes, though they were almost completely glazed over. “Mel?” Melody winced at how raspy her voice was. “Yeah, Symph. It’s me. C’mon, you have to get up.” Groaning, Symphony buried her head under the blanket. “Why?” Melody shook her sister slightly. “We’re going to a doctor, Symph. I’m gonna get you help.” Melody had to help her sister walk from the alleyway to the clinic. She let Hearth take Symphony off of her shoulder when they arrived at the office. Melody approached the small building, pounding on the door. “Oh, for Celestia’s sake. What in blazes are you doing, pounding on my door at four in the morning?” Melody winced. Not a good start, but she needed help. “Please, Sir, my sister’s sick!” An elderly brown pony peered out through large spectacles at the three fillies outside his door. “Come back in four hours!” Melody grit her teeth. No way was this getting away from her. “With all due respect, Sir, I don’t know if she’ll last that long. I couldn’t get help before now, and she’s been sick for weeks.” The pony glared at her. “Do you have any idea how much this’ll cost?” Melody matched his gaze. “I can pay any amount.” The stallion paused, a hoof thoughtfully scratching at his black goatee. Finally he nodded. “Alright, give me a second to unlock the door.” A horrible sinking feeling gnawed at Melody when she saw the look on that ponies face, but she had no other choice. Symphony needed help. She waited in the cold as the stallion reappeared at the door, letting the three fillies into his house. Melody gazed around the building. It, too, had nearly twelve bookshelves, though most were empty. The brown pony sat down behind a large desk, where he rested his muzzle on his hooves. “So what’s wrong with your sister?” “I don’t know, that’s why I’m here.” The brown pony sighed. “What symptoms did she have?” “Uh… Well, she had a cold. She caught that a while back… But we couldn’t really do anything for her, and now she’s really sick.” Symphony broke in with a small cough. “Well, actually, I’m not that sick…” Melody gave her sister a sarcastic stare. “Yeah. You just can’t walk on your own. You’re fine, really.” Symphony faded back into silence, this time with a large blush on her cheeks. She gets embarrassed so easily… Melody turned back to the stallion. “Could you take a look at her?” The stallion slowly nodded. “Yes. For a price, of course.” Melody sighed. “How much?” “Fifty bits.” 'That little?' Melody quickly shuffled out the mound of coins. “Okay. Can you look at her now?” The pony nodded slowly. He rose from the desk, escorting Symphony into a small room behind his desk. Melody followed quickly after, not letting her sister out of her sight for a second. The large stallion pulled out various unrecognisable instruments, using them on her sister. Melody had no idea what ears had to do with being sick, but the doctor still checked them, as well as her breathing, and her pulse. Finally, Melody let her temper slip a little. “What exactly are you doing?” The doctor pulled off his stethoscope, sighing louder than he needed to. “I’m giving her a check up. There’s no point on just giving her one medication if there’s more than one thing wrong.” Melody fell back into silence, though there was no need. “As for the sickness, it’s pneumonia. I may have something for it here, but it’ll be expensive.” “Whatever. If it helps her, I’ll pay.” The pony grinned, and Melody finally pin-pointed the expression. Greed. No way was this pony going to charge fairly. The stallion dug around through a cabinet, pulling out a small pill bottle. “Here you go.” Melody narrowed her eyes at the stallion. “How much?” “One hundred bits.” 'That’s bullshit!' “…Okay.” Melody slowly poured out the large pile of bits, counting them out onto a large table. The stallion looked at the mound, and Melody saw a grin flitting behind his eyes. Finally, the stallion rose. “This isn’t enough.” Glancing down at the heaping stack, Melody sputtered indignantly. “N-no, this is one hundred bits.” “I said one fifty.” Melody growled at the pony. “You said one hundred.” The stallion shook his head, pocketing the pills. “One fifty, I’m pretty sure I know what I said better than you.” Melody audibly ground her teeth. “Fine.” She emptied the rest of the purse, and began counting out the coins. 'Thirty two, thirty three, thirty four, thirty fi- Oh no…' Melody glanced at the stallion. “Uh… I only have one hundred and forty.” The stallion scooped up the bits lying on the table, sliding them into his own purse. Letting out a long sigh, the stallion smiled sweetly at Melody. “Well, that’s alright then. Just come back when you have more.” A suffocating silence filled the room as Melody fully processed what just happened. Finally, she spat out a few words with enough acid to chew through diamond. “Give me my bits back.” The stallion looked confused, though Melody could tell it was for show. “No, you paid me for this.” He shook the bottle of pills. Melody grinned back, though there was no humour in her smile. “Oh, okay. Then give them to me.” The stallion shook his head. “You haven’t paid for them yet. You still owe me ten bits.” Melody nodded slowly. “Oh.. I see… That’s good, ‘cause, y’know, I thought you were swindling me. And we just wouldn’t want that.” Anypony could have clued in. Anypony in Equestria. But the stallion just smiled back. “I’m glad we came to an understanding.” Melody walked out to the lobby, approaching Hearth. She knew that the stallion was still watching her. Melody reached into Hearth’s vest, grabbing her coin purse as well. Hearth raised her brow questioningly. “But Mel, all I have is-” Shaking her head minutely, Melody said “I know.” Hearth gazed back, slowly clueing in to what Melody was saying. Finally, she pushed herself off the chair she was waiting on and trotted to the room that Symphony was in. Melody slowly turned, a smile plastered on her face. “Sorry about that. Now, how much did I owe you?” The stallion grinned stupidly at the purse Melody set on the desk in front of him. He glanced up at Melody. “Twenty more bits.” Melody shook her head. This pony was digging his own, shallow grave. “Of course. How could I forget?” She pulled the drawstrings, cracking the purse open slowly. Finally, she emptied the contents onto the desk top, just as Hearth slid the door to the room shut. Melody had to smile at the astonished look on the stallion’s face, as all the purse emptied out was a large knife. Melody instantly grabbed the tool, slamming it point down into the desk. “Now, how much did I owe you?” The stallion blinked at the large knife. “Uh… None. Go ahead and take the pills.” The smile further across Melody’s face. She pried the knife out of the table, sliding it point first under his chin. “It’s so nice to see ponies like you acting out of the generosity of their hearts. Could I have my coins back too, please?” The brown pony nodded shakily, taking his purse and setting it on the table. “Yeah, sure. Here. Take mine, too. Just don’t kill me.” Melody instantly played an innocent facade. “Kill you? Why in Equestria would I kill somepony?” She slid both the bits and the pills into Hearth’s purse before trotting across the lobby and knocking on the examining room’s door. Hearth cracked it open an inch. “Yeah?” Melody didn't turn to her, keeping her eyes and the knife pointed towards the doctor. “We’re leaving.” Hearth slid the door open all the way, unveiling Melody’s shivering sister. The red mare escorted Symphony out of the building, quickly followed by Melody. The pale pony paused in the doorway. “Thanks, Doc.” The doctor nodded shakily. “Ye-yeah, anytime.” As soon as they left the small building, Melody pulled Symphony off of the red filly onto her own back, speaking only one word. “Run.” The two fillies galloped away from the clinic, hardly sparing it a backward glance. They ran for what felt like hours before Melody finally pulled into an alleyway, out of sight from the street. Hearth came in just a few seconds after her. As soon as she had caught her breath, Hearth gave Melody a confused glance. “So, explain to me again why we’re running?” Melody set her sister back on her hooves before answering. “I thought he may attempt to find a Guard.” “Oh.” Hearth glanced about the dingy alleyway. “We staying here, or..?” Melody shook her head. “No, we aren’t. We’re going back to our alley. Just had to take a breather.” Hearth gave a short nod. “Right. Well, I’ll go watch for somepony in armor yelling ‘Stop, thief!’” “Sounds good.” Melody watched as Hearth sauntered out of the alleyway, turning to her sister as the red mare disappeared from sight. “Are you okay?” Symphony nodded, though her breath sounded raspy. “I’m fine, Mel.” The pale pony shook her head. “Yeah right. And I’m Princess of Equestria. Here, take these.” Melody pulled the pills out from Hearth’s coin purse, handing them to Symphony. She watched as her sister uncapped the bottle, glancing at the contents warily. “You sure? These are… stolen.” Melody rolled her eyes. “Well, it was either that, or paying well over what they were worth. Don’t worry about it.” “Well…” Crossing the gap between them quickly, Melody placed her hoof on her sister’s shoulder. “Symph. Trust me, I did what I had to.” 'For you to survive.' The cream pony smiled back nervously. “A-alright, I guess…” Melody finally let the smile come back when her sister swallowed a small white capsule. Symphony stuck her tongue out. "Tastes like gravel." Melody turned down the alley, glaring out into the brewing snowstorm. She turned back to her sister. “Are you sure you can do this?” Symphony slowly stood. “Yes.” The two ponies walked into the street, the wind almost pushing them over. Hearth came over to them, her teeth chattering like ninety. “S-S-So, w-we m-m-moving, n-now?” Melody shared a nod with her sister before the two pegasus flanked the earth pony, pinning her between the two of them. She grinned as Hearth found herself pinned between two small ovens, the pegasi’s much warmer body heat flushing out the cold. “Yeah, we’re moving now.” Author's Note Sorry about taking forever with the update. I could only type with one hand, and I only finished it yesterday. It's also a lot shorter than I wanted... Whatever. Just a bit of forewarning: Until my hand is good, my updates are going to be sporadic, at best. Sorry again. Same thing as usual. Leave a thumbs up if you liked it, or a thumbs down if you didn't. S'all good. ...Morphine is awesome.
