Author's Notes:

Longest chapter written. Yay.

Word of warning. This is definitely the most sexual chapter i have written, and is probably the most sexual i will ever write.

Probably.

But there's no explicit sex. It's just really open details that i think give context.

Anyways. Have a good read.

“So you're in the thieves guild now?” Jasmine asked him. “I... really wasn't expecting that.”

Kestral nodded as well as he could, trying not to spill the refreshing glass of ice cold water at his lips. He set the glass down, and began fingering through the newspaper in his hand. He idly passed over the story covering Chrysalis's changelings, who seemed to have take interest in a local whore house, most of them offering themselves as workers.

He put down the newspaper, bringing his full attention back to Jasmine. He watched as she worked away in the kitchen, humming a catchy tune to herself as she swung her hips a little to whatever beat she was thinking of. He thought little of it as he continued the conversation.

“You weren't expecting a thief to join a thieves guild?” He asked.

Judging from her tone of voice, she had probably rolled her eyes. “That's not really the problem I’m looking at.” She said. “Wouldn't it be more useful to use the guild to find changelings instead of ornaments?”

“You know, I thought about it.” He admitted. “But I realized that the changelings are pretty much alerted about me now. I'm not sure they could handle trying to pin down locations for me. Sending them out as scouts might just get them killed, and that would be pretty counter-intuitive to my whole reason of being here.”

“Good point.” She said. “But wouldn't not using them just make the victims worse off?”

“Maybe.” He said. “But if the changelings catch on, it might backfire. They might get into the guild, if they aren't already, and if they do that they'll happily send me on wild goose chases, or track me down while I sleep.”

“Hmmm....” Jasmine 'hmm'd as she threw in some final spices into the boiling pot, before placing a lid on it, and stole a quick peek at the rest of the food. She turned towards the table and sat down next to Kestral. “Well, I suppose you've got a pint there.... By the way, why is Luna even looking for those things anyways? All you told me is that she got real emotional when she saw one.”

“I have no clue.” He said. “But if it makes her act like that, I'd assume it's something personal. Who knows? She might have something lined up to reward me with.”

She gave an amused snort. “Really? And what would she have to give to you, when half of Equestria has a crippling fear of you, and another quarter of it wants your skull on a platter?”

“Pfft. I don't know. What can a princess offer that no one else can?” He asked. For a split second, an image of him relaxing on a private island skimmed through his mind, accompanied with an endless ocean and a massive yacht. Like the timid waves that race against the shore, the thought crashed, leaving him back in the real world.

“An awful lot, actually.” Jasmine said dryly. “But I doubt you'll earn much more than a wonderful, custom design on your tombstone, or a ticket out to Death Circle.” She snarked.

Kestral eyed her carefully. “Jasmine... are you okay?” He asked slowly, trying to construct his words properly. “You seem.... upset.”

She lowered her shoulders ever so slightly, then frowned. “Something slipped?” She asked.

“I've known you for less than a week, and I already know that sarcasm isn't your style.” He shifted his legs into a more comfortable position. “So, what's up?”

She looked to the side, probably making sure Navi was still in her room, rather than eavesdropping. “Okay.” She said in a hushed voice, leaning in as she did. “Navy's teacher came to me after school today, and informed me of a confrontation between Navy and another student.”

“What?” He asked incredulously. “But.... she wouldn't-”

“She didn't.” Jasmine cut him off. “But she did get two bruises on the chest.”

Kestral's face went straight, and he stared down to Jasmine. “What?” He asked simply.

“Miss Thorough has been patient with the other kid, but the two have been at ends since they met. I don't know what the other kid's story is, but Navy usually comes to me complaining of Swift's Terrible behavior.”

He furrowed his brows. “Is this the first time they've gotten physical?” He asked.

“It's the first time to leave bruises.” Jasmine said. “But it's something we'll figure out Monday morning. So, don't worry about it.”

His face softened a little, and he nodded. “Parent-teacher conference?” He asked.

“Seven A.M. sharp.” She said. “I just wish we could have scheduled a different day, though.” She said.

“Why? Is Monday a bad time?” He asked.

“Not enough to cancel the conference.” She said. “It's that the nurses are getting an 'improvement seminar' that morning, and it's a real pain to do the paperwork they give you if you don't go.”

“Ugh. Paperwork. That's one thing that I don't miss in the slightest.” He said. He looked down at Jasmine with a sincere expression. “If you want, I could fill in for you at the conference.”

“What?” She asked. She shook her head quickly. “Oh, no no no. No. Thanks for the offer, but I'd rather be there for my own child.”

Kestral nodded, understanding her wish.

The two dissolved into silence, with Jasmine walking back to the boiling pot to check on it, and Kestral idly scanning over the front of his newspaper.

'Experts to be brought to Canterlot, today, as the confirmed human menace runs free over our beautiful city'. It said. He turned the page to another story. 'Princess Luna and the Secret Romance'. He smiled at the title. All it was, was some crackpot speculation on who the recipient of Luna's message was, nothing more. It was funny, too, to listen to some of the reporters try to bribe Hunter for the name. In fact-

“Could....could Kestral come too?” A quiet voice asked.

He and Jasmine turned to look at Navi, who was standing in the middle of the walkway that led to the living room. She held her head low, but still looked up to them, shifting her eyes from one to the other every few seconds.

Her mother adopted a more concerned look. “Navi, sweetie, are you okay?” She asked.

“Yeah. I'm fine.... I just want Kestral to come along....”

The adults looked at eachother for a second, before they looked back at Navi. “Navi, is there a particular reason you want me to go?” Kestral asked.

“I...” She fidgeted a little. “... Swift makes fun of me a lot, and one of the things she says is that I’m a fatherless..... b-word......” She got a little teary-eyed, but still maintained eye-contact. “I-I just thought.... if someone could pretend....”

Jasmine silenced her as she hugged her child tightly. Navi began to weep quietly, but her mother hugged her tighter, trying to comfort Navi. “Sssshhhhhhh. Sweetie, it's okay, I'm here with you.” She planted a kiss on Navi's forehead, and began trying to wipe the tears from the little reindeer's eyes.

Meanwhile, Kestral watched in his own awkward silence. He had no idea what he was supposed to do at the time. Was he supposed to just offer hugs and kisses to a little girl he'd known less than a week? Probably not, but he wasn't familiar with physically close families. A hug from his own father was a rare and powerful thing, and often made him wonder if his father had finally sobered up.

He wondered, for a moment, if he should speak up. He decided, though, that it was one of those 'family moments', so he just let them hug it out.

A part of his mind came back to haunt him, though. He still couldn't stand the sight of just seeing a child cry away, but he wasn't sure what he could do to help. Her mother was there, so he didn't think he'd needed to do anything, but the sympathizer in his mind had another plan.

“Yeah, sure, I'll go.” He blurted out.

The two looked at him, Navi through teary eyes, and Jasmine with a confused face.

“You will?”

“You will?” They asked together.

“If 'Hunter' is allowed to, yeah.” He said. He hiked one leg over the other, getting comfortable. “I never told you two, but my own mother died giving birth to me. I grew up with just my dad, and sometimes a kid would make fun of me for it. I just got used to it, but I know it can hurt. So, sure Navi, I'll go, if you think it'll help.”

Navi stepped out from under her mother and hopped onto his lap, shooting up to hug around his neck. He froze in surprise, but slowly began to hug her back. “Thank you, Kes.” She said.

“Uh, no problem, Navi.” He said. He looked at Jasmine, who, in return, looked at him with a frown and furrowed brows. He was surprised to see her with that look, but it only got worse.

'We need to talk about this.' She mouthed the words, making sure Navi didn't know she had said them.

'What?' He mouthed back, confused.

She didn't answer, but instead walked back to the boiling pot, looking over it again. Navi dropped down and walked around to her seat, sitting quietly.

Did I do something wrong? He thought.

Suddenly, a burst of light flashed on the table, letting an audible pop sound out. Kestral looked down at the scroll that appeared, along with a smaller scroll that was sealed with wax in the shape of Discord's face. He grabbed the smaller scroll and broke the seal, unraveling the tiny parchment.

Dear Kestral,

Don't tell either of the matriarchs anything about the plan. -Yeah, great heads up on that one, Chekhov. They already know- In any case, I procured this invitation for your next target. Do with it as you will. I expect nothing less than success on your end.

Best Regards,

Discord

P.S.

I heard you and the wife fighting.

This is your ticket out while she cools off.

You're welcome.

“Oh, that jerk.” He said.

“Discord?” Jasmine asked nonchalantly.

“Yeah, he's just being an idiot.” Kestral said. And... we're not in a relationship like that, dammit! Suddenly, another piece of paper appeared, unfolded and floating just before him. He read the words 'I heard that', right before it disappeared again.

He grabbed the letter and stood up, clearing his throat as he did. “I, uh, have a job now. So, I’ll see you two later.”

“Okay.” Jasmine said. “But when you get back, we need to talk....Oh, and dinner will probably be cold, too.”

“See you later, Kes!” Navi called out as he neared the front door, with a little more happiness in her voice.

“Later!” He called, as he switched his typical clothing out for his disguise. He grabbed his satchel. He opened the door and walked right out into the evening, with a red tinted sky of the sunset.

With his need to focus on the changelings again, he silently pushed his curiosity about what Jasmine had said to the back of his mind. He unraveled the velvet tie around the scroll in his hand, and only one thought came to his mind as he read.

….since when do changelings host parties?

Dear Sir or Madam,

You are hereby invited to tonight's community party, hosted at the local Stormwalls' residence, on 3rd St. and Brick Rd, house number 407. This letter will allow the entrance of up to and including three guests, including the recipient of this parchment.

We ask that you not bring children, as we will be having alcoholic beverages, along with some highly 'mature' activities. If you cannot come without a child, there will be a nanny present to care for said child.

Food and beverage will be provided, but guests are welcome to bring their own. Attire is optional, but please keep it appropriate; We will not be having overly exotic fantasies in our event.

We hope to see you soon,

The Stormwalls

Kestral read over the note again, still feeling uncomfortable about certain vocabulary used in the letter. He was hoping the party wasn't having the event he was thinking of, but given his experience with changelings, he was almost certain.

He shook his head as he walked down the cobblestone road. As he held a glass-encased cake with one arm, and the letter in his free hand, he spotted a group of ponies that seemed to be going to the same event, so he followed them to the side gate of a four-story mansion.

A slim unicorn greeted them happily at the gate. The stallion took their invitation, making smalltalk as he did, and hugged them each as they went into the back yard.

Kestral walked up to the unicorn. “Is this the Stormwalls' place?” He asked.

“Sure is!” He said in an enthusiastic tone. “Got an invitation?” He asked.

“Right here.” He waved the unraveled scroll in his hand, leaning down towards the colt.

He grabbed it, only glancing at it before he tossed it into a pile of them at the side. He smiled up at Kestral as he moved to the side. “So, what's your name, old sport?” He asked.

“Hunter.” Kestral replied, trying to be openly friendly while he was there. “Yours?”

“Shell Stormwall, at your service.” He gave a small salute. “The casual party is out back, but if you want to join the more adulterated-” He winked. “- party, it's inside, on the second floor.”

“Thanks! I'll think about it.” He walked down the side of the mansion, and turned at the corner. There was a five-foot tall hedge between him and the back yard, which ended directly behind the back door, then continued to the other fence.

He looked behind him, at the greeter, and flicked on his new-found eyesight. A blue overlay appeared on 'Shell', letting Kestral mark him down as a target. He turned his head to the hundred or so people in the back yard, but only saw an overlay on two ponies. He figured there were several more inside, where everything was hinting at having heavily promiscuous sexual conduct.

Kestral shook his head as he walked down towards the tables of food at the side of the yard. Even if he was going to be out of his comfort zone, he felt that there wasn't going to be any good way to avoid the activities some of the guests were probably partaking in.

He walked among the classy and well-dressed crowd. Most of the guests were ponies, as with many of the other locations he'd spent any time in, but he could spot at least three gryphons and one diamond dog. No minotaurs were present, so he was at least two feet taller than any of the other guests, which seemed to turn a few eyes for a second, before they all went back to their own conversations.

Or most, at least. As Kestral reached the table, he put the chocolate cake down, and heard a masculine voice grab his attention.

“Are you this 'Hunter' that seems to be the talk of the town tonight?”

After he placed the food down among the variety, he turned to his side to find an ash gray stallion with charcoal hair. “I wouldn't deem myself worthy of really being discussed.” He tried to take a more humble approach.

“Well, many of my subscribers would disagree.” He extended a hoof out to Kestral. “I'm Printing Press, but everyone just calls me Press. I own the largest news company in Canterlot.”

He met it with his own hand, giving a firm shake. “I'm Hunter, and good to meet you.”

“And you.” Press replied. He grabbed a clay plate that was set in the middle of all the food, and started piling food on. “So, how did you come to be a royal courier?”

“Royal?” Kestral asked. He, too, grabbed a plate, and began covering it with different fruits and veggies. “I'm no such thing. I'm merely the most capable of delivering her messages to the recipient.”

“So, you'd say that you're better than any courier out there?” He asked, probably hoping to find something worth writing down into the newspapers.

“No. My skill isn't a matter how far or fast I can deliver messages. It's a matter of keeping secret everything the employer needs.” As he spoke, he glanced over to one of the changelings, who surrounded himself with ponies, keeping them in rapt attention with some discussion.

“A respectable statement.” Press commented. “But, as I've learned over the years, everyone has a price. All it needs is the asking.” He gestured to a table full of well-dressed mares. “If I may ask, would you care to sit with me?”

“I have no reason not to.” Kestral replied. At least I can blend in while I think of a plan.

He followed the stallion to the table, which was on the borderline between a mess of tables, all full of people eating and talking, and the open ground, which was full of people meeting and greeting. He sat down, and drew the eyes of everyone at the table.

“Ladies,” Press gestured to him. “this is Hunter. Hunter, this is my herd.” He pointed out individual mares as he spoke, but Kestral got distracted by the sudden movement of one of his targets. He watched the changeling make his way past the tables and into the crowd.

I'll never get him if he doesn't get out of the crowd. He thought. Maybe I should start somewhere else. His thoughts lingered on how the changeling at the side gate was well out of the way, without a single witness around him.

“So, where are you from, Hunter?”

The question pulled him out of his mind and back into the real world. “Huh?” He asked. “Oh! Uh.... I don't know, really. I have long term memory loss, so I’m not sure where I grew up.”

“Oh, that's terrible!” One of them said, horrified.

“They can fix you at the hospital, I'm sure.” Another said dryly.

The first vocal mare hit the second in the stomach firmly, never taking off her eyes or her smile at him.

“Oh, I'm sure they can.” Kestral said. “But it's never been a problem for me. So, I have no real reason to help it.” He released the jaw of the mask, and began eating some of the food.

“Really?” Press asked. “You've never wondered about who you used to be?”

“Wondered? Maybe. But I’m content with enjoying the present. For all I know, chasing my memories will just rob me of my happiness.”

One of the mares clopped her hooves together. “Well said, sir! Well said!”

Press cleared his throat. “Pardon me, she's the philosophical one of the family.”

“That's fine.” He said. “But, uh, what's your story? How'd you come to own a slice of the paper business?”

“It's the family business.” He said casually. “Passed down through the generations for the better part of just over a century.”

Kestral nodded. He looked around to see that both changelings present were now making themselves the center of attention to groups. They didn't seem to be leaving the conversations any time soon, so he decided to end the conversation early. He found his excuse: A pony walking into the house. He turned back to Press. “I'm sorry to cut this short, but I believe-” He stood up, pushing his chair in and his jaw up. “-I saw a friend of mine go inside.”

“Oh- I- Yes, that's fine.” Press said. “But, if you don't mind, I'd like to talk to you later about an offer.”

“Hmmm.” He faked pensive thought. “Very well. I shall come back and hear it after I’m done speaking with my friend.”

“Thank you! I promise you'll not be disappointed!”

Kestral waved him off as he walked away, dodging through the groups that formed between him and the door. He spied one of the changelings as he passed, still trying to think of a good way to get him alone. He continued on until he entered the building, closing the door softly as he did.

He walked into a massive, cozy-looking living room, full to the brim with all kinds of wealthy-looking characters. They seemed to speak idly about matters of non-importance, perhaps just passing the time until they could do something more fun.

A mare brushed by his leg, grabbing his attention for a moment. As he looked, she waved her tail side to side, giving him an excellent, if unwanted, view of her sex. “Hey there big boy.” She said in a sultry tone. “The 'private parties' are upstairs, but the 'free-for-all' is on the third floor. Care to join me?” She bit her lip, obviously trying to seduce him.

He flicked on his magic for a second, and saw a blue aura cover the mare before him. He nearly denied the request, but thought through the implications. If he went, he would be completely alone with the changeling, with not a soul suspecting a thing. He leaned down, next to her ear, and whispered. “Sure, I'd like a private show. You go ahead, I’ll meet be there in a minute or two.”

The disguised bug winked at him, then walked towards the large staircase at the side of the room, swinging her hips side to side as she did.

He watched the changeling go away, then waited a moment, before he began walking to the stairs himself. Kestral ascended them, going from the well-lit living room, to a much darker lit hallway.

The hallway went down the center, with a dozen or so doors along the sides, presumably leading to guest rooms. At either end of the hallway, moonlight made its way through uncovered windows, and the warm glow of candles was dominant at three points in the hallway. At the other end, the changeling that he sent off was dancing in the moonlight, slowly moving those hypnotic hips. The beautiful mare saw him, and in that subtle darkness, he saw a pleading look come over her face, like she was asking for sweet release. The mare walked into the open door next to her, slowly, trying to draw him in.

As the changelings left his sight, Kestral's mind snapped back to attention. The affection he felt for that being had ceased to exist the very moment it left his sight. But...why did it exist in the first place? He knew that she -or he, based on all of his previous experience- was just a changeling. Maybe that was how they seduced their prey? It would make sense. Get them alone, then there was no one to object to the sudden attraction, and the target just thinks it was natural. Sneaky, clever changelings. But I'm onto your game. But then, why did it stop as soon as the bug left his sight? All he felt was more questions fill his head, but he had more important things to do than sit around and ask them.

He looked around, making sure that there wasn't anyone watching, then snuffed the flames of the candles next to him. He walked down the hall, putting out the fires on his way, listening to the muffled moans and screams of lovers. He tuned out the noise, and focused on the open door at the end.

He confidently walked into the room, and that sudden, forceful attraction came back. Knowing he wasn't supposed to have feelings for the mare before him, it felt like he was having a battle of wills within his mind. A headache was slowly forming in his head, but the sight of that beautiful, sexy mare before him distracted his mind.

He closed the door behind him, locking it. His eyes never came off the pony, who was splayed out on the low, fluffy bed. He watched her ease out of her simple, but elegant, dress, exposing her entire midsection as well. She rolled onto her stomach and stretched her legs out, giving a small pant. “Give me a massage.” She said needfully.

Kestral walked over, the headache growing to irrepressible levels.

“Take off that mask. I want to look you in the eyes when I scream your name.”

He rubbed her back, and up towards her neck, with his splitting headache suddenly giving way. His head felt clear, and he felt like he knew he wanted this....

“Close your eyes.” He said, putting a hand towards his mask. “I'll tell you when to open them again.”

She complied, and he moved up his hand up, and grabbed.....

...his machete.

Kestral swung down, sinking the blade into the skull of the changeling, breaking the disguise. Blue-green light surrounded it for a second, as fur turned to chitin, color turned black, and two pupils turned to hundreds of lenses. The body went limp, and seemed to release some kind of putrid smell, thick enough to leave a bitter aftertaste in the air.

“Sorry. After a session like that, you won't be walking straight for weeks.” He gave a petty laugh at his own joke, anger flickering in and out of his mind. That's what you get for trying to coerce me into your predatory sex games.

He dissipated the weapon. With the deed aside, he pulled the body to the side, and hastily stuffed it under the bed. When he was done, he snuffed the flames of all the candles in the room, submerging it in total darkness.

He cleared his mind, thinking through his next actions. Okay.... there's one at the entrance, two among the crowd outside, and another one of them is dead, so that's four of them so far. There are probably more on the second and third floor, having their way with people. It's a pretty big party, so for now I’ll just assume there are a ton more, until I get to those pods. I didn't see a basement, so it must be on the fourth floor.

With a rough guess of the situation in his mind, his mind turned to only one question: Where should he start?

He lingered on the question only for a second, before he decided that it would be best to get rid of the changelings first, since it would lessen his chances of getting caught. I'll just get the ones I can right now. He thought. I'll get the more others later.

He exited the room, pressing the lock as he did. He went to the side to go down the small stretch against the wall, full of moonlit windows. With no one in the halls, he closed the curtains as best as he could, making them block out the only source of light. Right at the last window, he spotted the disguised changeling that greeted him, 'Shell Stormwall'.

Instead of closing the curtains, he opened the window, letting in a subtle breeze. He looked down at the bug, leaning over. “Hey, Shell.” He said.

Shell looked up at him with a bored expression, then got more perky in an instant. “Hello, old sport. What can I do for you?”

“Well.” He said. “I thought I had seen someone in the fourth floor window, but I was told the fourth floor was off limits. Is there a secret party up there or something?”

He looked back at Kestral with a confused look. “There shouldn't be anyone up there. Are you sure you saw someone up there, old sport?”

“I know I saw.” Kestral said. “There was a light as bright as a hearth.”

“There really shouldn't be anyone up there.” He said. “Do you mind going to Cozy, and telling her? I can't exactly leave this spot.”

“Uh, sure.” Kestral agreed. “But I don't know where she is.”

“She's on the first floor, taking care of the children, towards the opposite side of the house from me.” He explained.

“Okay, thanks.” He said. He turned his head side to side, making sure there wasn't anyone watching. There was a torch placed on the fence, making a signal for anyone on the street, but the fence was high enough to cover anything that was behind the open gate.

He ducked behind the window, getting out of view of the changeling. He swapped out his disguise for his old clothing again, then took out his machete.

He teleported directly above the changeling, dropping down and plunging his blade down into the skull of the bug. He had landed on his target with enough force to drop them both to the ground with a thud. Once he could, he used his telekinesis to close the gate, blocking any sight from the street, and used his pyromancy to extinguish the flame that lit the fence.

Once the body went limp, he made his weapon dissipate again, and brushed aside a flickering flame of anger. He grabbed the body, lifted it up, and teleported back into the second story window. He used one hand to close the window again, and pulled the curtains over, leaving him in darkness. He lifted the body over his shoulder, and quickly walked towards the bedroom he had previously been in. He tried to turn the knob...

...to realize he had locked it earlier.

….i didn't think this part through very well, did I? He thought to himself.

He made an about face, and turned into the side hallway again, walking up and down the wall. He came to a door, and opened it. He flicked on a flame for a moment, revealing brooms and dustpans, feather-dusters and....scented candles? Anyways, he laid the body in the room, and closed the door.

So that's two down, at least three more to go, and the fourth floor should be clear. Good. If I do this right, I can go back and enjoy the party.

He walked towards the stairs, and swapped out his clothing for his disguise again, checking himself for any green bloodstains he might have missed. He removed the floating flame he had, and walked up the stairway, trying to seem casual.

As he ascended, cries and moans of ecstasy became more clear, and he could have sworn he smelled lust itself permeate the air. When he got to the top, he looked down the center of the hall, to see exactly what he had suspected; An orgy, in a large room, with no one paying attention to anything else but his or her pleasure. Thirty or so ponies were all together, with four fifths of them being mares, along with two griffins and a really buff minotaur. He looked around himself to see if there was anyone on that floor that wasn't partaking, and was relieved to find he was indeed the only one abstaining from the party.

He ducked out of view, then teleported behind the wall, near the bottom of the next set of stairs. He then teleported up the stairs, far enough to ensure no one could possibly see him ascending. He got to the door at the top, and swapped out his clothing again, leaving him in his old clothing.

Kestral took out his tools, and quickly picked the lock. He put them up again, and pressed the door open, slowly, trying to ensure it didn't creak. He walked into a massive room, which seemed to take up a quarter of the fourth floor, and closed the door behind him.

There was stargazing equipment along the windows, along with a very low bed that looked like it was seldom used. He looked to the side and, in the moonlight, saw two doors at the corner of the room. He walked towards them, more cautiously as he spotted the edge of a circle of light on the ground. He got to the corner and saw that there were only four rooms to the entire floor, and that, when standing near the doorway, he could see into all four at once.

He slowly put his head around the corner that bore light, and saw a changeling fast asleep, with his head laying down on a small table. Kestral crept along the wall, pulling out his machete, and closed in on his target. He got within feet, ignoring the smell of cigarettes and alcohol. He held the blade up, just over the bug's closed eye, then plunged it deep into the socket.

The body twitched at first stab, but quickly went back to a limp state. He pulled the blade out, leaving the body in the same position, but with a decent amount of blood draining through the eye, feeding an invisible rage in the back of his mind. With the changeling dead, he idly passed his eyes over the table, spotting the pile of cigarette butts, row of beer bottles, and bowl of candies.

“I guess you had a fun night on overwatch, didn't you?” He said.

Kestral picked up one of the candies, and sniffed it. It had the scent and look of honey, so he gave it a lick. “Blech.” He dropped the candy to the ground. “Jeez, you guys must have used the wrong ingredient from the beehive, cause that's tart.”

He looked around, but saw nothing of interest in the room, so he went to the doors again. He peered into the two unexplored rooms. To his left, was a large safe all by its lonesome self. To his right, he saw a stunning number of pods. He immediately went to the right, lighting a bright flame.

He stood and counted twenty changeling pods. Half of them were filled with ponies, a few of which were nearly bare of any mane or tail.

He held his weapon close, and walked towards the nearest pod. He slit the film that contained the pony, and the contents poured onto the ground. He grabbed the mare, hefted her over his shoulder, and began walking back to the first room he had come into. He placed the mare on the bed, who squirmed some, like she was uncomfortable.

He went back and got a second pony, and did the same. Then a third, and a fourth and fifth. He continued until all ten were out of the pods, each time taking care to not handle the few spots he saw that seemed raw. Once he was done, he scraped off the gelatinous mass that accumulated on his arms, mostly by rubbing his arms clean with the sheets the ponies were piled onto.

Okay. He thought. So there are ten changelings. Three are dead, two are mingling, one is probably taking care of children, and the other four are likely having copious amounts of sex. Now, how can I get alone with them all....?

“Ahem.” Kestral coughed a little louder, trying to get the attention of the mare surrounded by children.

'Cozy' looked up to him from the children wrestling at her hooves. She casually grabbed the teddy bear that was between them, making them look up to her with puppy dog eyes. “Now, children, if you can't play nice, you can't play at all.”

“Okay, miss Cozy.”

“Alright, Cozy.”

She put the bear back down, letting the kids continue to fight over it, just, when she wasn't looking. She quickly checked the three other kids present, who were all distracted with toy swords and shields, before she hopped on over towards Kestral. She put on an almost sincere smile, and looked up to him, which seemed quite cute with the stereotypical maid's outfit she had on. “Can I help you, sir?”

“Well, I....” He started awkwardly. This is going to sound desperate and pathetic. I really hope he buys this. “I was talking to Shell at the side gate, and... he told me that I could come to you for some help getting, uh.... experience.”

She cocked her head, not immediately understanding him. “I'm not sure I know what you mean.” She said.

He pointed up, but leaned closer to her ear. “I've never been in one of... those parties before, I mean.” He said, trying to sound like he was stammering.

He could see on her face that it clicked, and she blushed. “Oh! Oh.” She pursed her lips for a second. “Well, I'd love to, um, teach you, but I've still got children to take care of right now.”

“O- okay....” He said, sounding nervous. “Do you know of... someone else that could...?”

She nodded quickly, but put on a small smile. “I do, but....” She shrugged, like she was nervous. “....I haven't had any intimacy in a while.” She said in a whisper. “Maybe, once I find somepony to watch over the kids for a while, I can be your first 'conquest'?” She asked in a sultry tone.

“I'd love that.” He said, interested. “Maybe we can grab a bottle of wine, and make it a night?” He asked.

“Maybe we can.” She said. After a second, she switched from horny to innocent, and turned to a nearby stallion. “Excuse me, Sir, do you mind me asking a favor?” The guy shook his head in response. “Great! Do you mind looking over the children behind me for about five minutes? I need to find some of the hosts, you see.” The guy nodded in response, and idly walked into the playroom. 'Cozy' looked back at Kestral. “Follow me.”

He did, passing through all of the guests in the same path as she did.

Holy crap. This plan is working even better than I thought it would. He thought. I wonder if changelings just have a thing for minotaurs.

He followed her from several feet behind, getting up the stairs, then was stopped on the second floor, with view of the darkened hall.

“What the...?” She asked. “Did someone blow out those candles?”

He shrugged, having no answer he wanted to give.

She shook her head. “Anyways... those two sound pretty busy.” She said, listening to the moans from the rooms. She turned to him. “Stay here, if you don't mind. I'll go up and get the two up top. They're usually just flirting with guests anyways.”

“Sure. I'll stay right here.” He said, nodding.

He watched the changeling go up the steps and disappear into the war-zone of lust that was the third floor. He waited around a moment, having nothing to do but think. He heard the sound of hooves coming down the stairwell soon enough, so he took a deep breath. His vision flashed with magic for a second, revealing the true guise of the earth-mare and unicorn-stallion that traversed the steps next to 'Cozy', with a blue aura for each.

The three walked up to him, and Cozy spoke. “This is Senior Stormwall, and his lead mare, Granite. They're willing to help you learn.”

Kestral nodded, extending a hand. “I'm Hunter.” He said in a mildly nervous tone.

They both accepted his gesture gratefully. “Good to meet you hunter.” The colt said. “You said you need somepony to teach you the styles of sex?” He asked bluntly.

“I- yeah- I was just wondering if....” He trailed off.

Cozy brushed by his leg, and offered him a wink, while she walked off. “See you in half an hour or so, big guy.”

Meanwhile, the stallion got up to his side and gave a firm pat on Kestral's ass. “Well, there's no reason to stammer, my friend. It's awfully fine to want to know how to pleasure your partner in every way. See?” He walked out and posed for Kestral, giving him a clear view of the large, hung genitalia that stretched down to just above the floor. “Ladies don't just like to see Mr. good looking, they like to see their new toys, too.” As if to emphasize his point, he flared his dick, making it rise up and harden some.

“That's great, but...” He trailed again. God, I must sound like a wuss, right about now. He thought.

“Even just showing off will get both you and your partner more in the mood. It can be pretty fun, too.” He said. “But we can talk about foreplay later. Cozy told me you needed help with learning the dance itself?”

“Yes.” He injected quickly. “Maybe we could get a room, and talk in there?” He asked, gesturing to the dark hallway.

“Sure!” He said. “The first one on the left is open. Just let me light up these candles again. I mean, really, it ruins the romance to just leave these unlit.” He went to each of the candles and sparked life in them again.

Kestral walked slowly to the door previously mentioned, with Granite walking just next to him. “Don't worry about him. He just likes showing off any way he can.” She said. “Anyways, you'll want to take off the mask, since we're going to start by practicing proper oral.”

“Uhhh.” He looked at the large, flaccid appendage that swayed side to side as 'Mr. Stormwall' walked, then he looked back at Granite, pointing at 'her toy'. “I really don't want to start with that.”

She giggled like a maniac for a moment, then grabbed his hand and pulled him into the room. He's not watching. This is my chance. He thought.

“Not him, hot stuff.” She wiggled her butt, presenting herself to him. Suddenly he felt that attractive pressure in his head again. “You're going to lick me clean.” She said.

He pressed the door until it was almost closed, but was still barely open. He walked a step closer. “Honestly, I was hoping we could start with foreplay.” He said. He came close enough to stroke her flank, eliciting a small moan from the mare.

“Oh, you sneaky minotaur.” She said in a lustful whisper. “Coming to 'train', so you can try to prove yourself better?”

He made his knife appear in his hand, and shoved it in the back of the disguised changeling's skull. He put his free hand over the mouth, silencing the bug. “Something like that.” He whispered,hate in his eye.

He dragged the body of the changeling to the wall, putting it on the ground where it would be behind the door, making sure none of the green blood got on him. He snuffed the flames of the candles in the corner, putting it in enough darkness to not be seen without special aid. Kestral teleported next to the crack of light that made its way in. He stood with bated breath, waiting for the moment that he could strike.

“Okay you two, I....”

SHINK

The door opened, and Kestral lunged with his knife, and stabbed the changeling in the eye, a flash of anger in his mind. The disguise shattered, and he pulled the body into the room, shutting the door as he did. He put the dead bug next to its friend.

With those two dead, and only five left to go, he began to enact the next portion of his plan.

He put his weapon away. He closed the door, but left it unlocked and left most of the candles lit. He leaned against the door like a guardian, took a deep breath, and waited....

….and waited....

…

…

…

Kestral heard the distant sound of a closing door and clopping hooves. He looked to down the hall to see a mare had walked out of her room. His sight flashed with magic once again, and she was covered with blue aura, revealing her true guise. Wow. I didn't need to wait as long as I thought. This plan is going far better than I could have actually expected. He looked around, seeing that there was still not another soul in the hall from him and his target.

As she neared him, he catcalled with a whistle. “Hey there beautiful. You looking for a good time tonight?” He asked.

She shook her flank teasingly. “I already had one. How about a great night instead?”

“Sure.” He said, reaching out a hand to scratch the mare behind her ear. “I can give you whatever fantasy you want. But...” He whispered to her. “...I want your help fulfilling my own.”

“What ever you want, stud.” She said, rubbing herself against his hand, giving him needy eyes.

“I want you to go get one of your family partners, and I want to pleasure both of you at once. Preferably the other one that's just down the hall. She's good on the eyes.”

“Fine. But I want you to spank me. A lot. All night long~” She sang the last three words.

“Deal.” He said. He gestured to the floor he stood on. “I'll be waiting right here for you, my dear.”

She gave a pouting face, and stuck her rear end towards him. “You're not even going to give me a good slap? Come on, I want a taste!” She whined.

Kestral furrowed his brow, but kept quiet. He pulled his hand back, and let loose a powerful slap that echoed throughout the halls, probably reaching the ears of all the guests downstairs. It was hard enough to make the mare jump, land, and have her moan loudly. “Ooohhhhohohoho. You'll be perfect.” She said in satisfaction. “I'll go get my herd-mate, and we'll have lots of fun. This might take a few minutes. Can't pull her out before the big finish, after all.”

As he watched the mare walk into one of the rooms, he scraped his hand on his robe, like he was cleaning it from some unspoken disease. Jeez. The things I do for bait. He thought. Although, come to think of it, everything has worked out pretty well. Not a single person is yelling out 'human', and I've done a good job of maintaining the disguise. I guess after this I’ll just go steal from the safe upstairs, and maybe pickpocket some of these aristocrats.

He waited only a few more minutes, before the mare walked out of the room again, with another in tow. As they approached, he flicked on his magic to see them both with a blue aura. He put his hands behind his back, one of them grabbing the door knob, the other grabbing his pistol that he made tangible. The two mares walked up to him, but he easily noticed the material that covered the newer mare's face.

Her face is smeared with.... eugh. He thought.

Meanwhile, the first mare turned to the second, and licked all over the second's face. “Mmmmmhhhh. Candy covered. The best kind.”

Okay. Now you're just screwing with me. And not in the almost-acceptable way.

He pressed the door open, and backed up, letting the two in. The one with a new coat of seed just went on in, but Kestral caught the clean one into hug, then picked her up with his free arm so they were facing the same way. “H- hey!” She exclaimed as he closed the door.

He walked over to the second mare, who was laying on the bed and casually licking herself. He stuck the mares' heads next to eachother awkwardly. Once they were in place, they looked at him awkwardly, not sure of his actions. “Is this another kink you like?” The second one remarked.

Kestral snapped his pistol out and pressed it against the skill of the one in his arm. He pulled the trigger quickly, ensuring they had no time to react.

The bullet ripped through the first skull, then broke its way into the second skull, before stopping somewhere in the gray matter. The two dropped dead, and with no possibility of sudden retaliating, he put the gun away.

Just three more to go. He thought, his mind simmering down from a sudden burst of anger.

He casually carried the body to the corner, lighting a nearby candle for a moment to give him a good view. He laid it down next to the others, then walked back to the bed. He looked at the bodily-fluid-covered changeling, and recited a new pledge he had made only thirty seconds earlier.

“I am not touching that.” He said.

He grabbed the edge of the covers, pulled it out from the tucked position, and tossed it over the body. He rolled it over once, securing the formation of his body-burrito, then picked it up. He carried it over to the others, and left it on the floor. With that done, he nearly turned to go back out and wait for 'Cozy', but he noticed something with one of the bodies. A glint caught his eye, and he leaned down to grab it from the neck of one of the bugs.

Sweet! Why didn't I spot that earlier? He thought. I almost left behind easy money.

He made the silver necklace disappear, then squelched the flame that enlightened around the bodies. He went to the bed again, and grabbed the bullet casing that laid on the ground. Kestral walked towards the entrance, walking through and closing the door as he did. He stood at the door, ready for his next target.

And so, he leaned back, watched the stairs, and waited.

Not for very long, though.

In only a few short minutes, 'Cozy' walked up the stairs with a bucket hanging from her mouth. She turned down the hall and marched right up to him, placing the bucket down on the ground. He looked into the bucket for a second, and saw it had a full bottle of red wine surrounded by ice. She wore a thin, simple dress, with more exquisite lingerie underneath. She looked up to him with a raised eyebrow. “Done already? You must have finished pretty fast.” She smirked. “I hope you last longer for me.”

Oh har har har, you little bug-bitch. “I was thinking about you, is why.” He countered. “I still taste salt, though...”

The mare giggled like a school girl, and blushed a little. “Well I’m glad you're willing to learn. Maybe I can teach you a little.” She gave a sly face, then gestured to the door. “Shall we?”

Kestral nodded, pushing the door behind him open. He stepped to the side, gesturing to the bed. “Ladies first.” He said. The mare nearly grabbed the bucket of ice again, but he stopped her grabbing it for himself. “I'll get that. You'll need that mouth for other matters.”

“Confidence. I like~” She batted her eyes at him, then moved into the room slowly, swaying her hips. “But first, let's drink some of that wine. Then we can eat~” She swung her rear hard enough to expose the tight-fitting underwear that covered her sex. After a few seconds, she hopped up on the bed and rolled onto her back. “But.... where'd the covers go?”She asked.

He moved inside, locking the door as he did. “Got too messy.” He said, moving to the bed. He pulled out the bottle and handed it to her. “No glasses to drink with, so, ladies first, while I strip.” He said.

She grabbed the bottle, pulled the cork from it, and slowly tipped it until a slow, steady stream of the nectar poured forth onto her tongue. She stared at him with lidded eyes, waiting for him.

He knelt down at the bed, where his hand was obscured from the mare's sight. He made his blade appear in his hand, the machete feeling good in his grasp. He took a deep breath, reaching a hand towards the mare. Suddenly, he jammed down on the bottle of wine, sending her into a panic.

“MMMHH!!!! MHH!!!!” She tried to scream, but between the bottle and her choking fit, the moans of pleasure from others on the floor were still far louder. Kestral stood, and plunged the blade into the skull of the changeling, breaking the disguise instantly. The struggling stopped, and the chitin body relaxed. He put the knife back into the rift, and the bugs head lulled to the side, pouring wine back onto the sheets.

He casually looked at the body before him, then to the general direction of the other bodies, not that he could see them right then. He began to walk around, snuffing the flames of the candles. Once the room was sent into darkness, he went out the door, locking it as he did.

As he made his way to the stairs, he shook his head, then smirked, thinking to himself.

Really...I can't believe that worked on five bugs in a row. They really must have not been expecting me. He thought over the circumstances for a moment, coming to a conclusion.

I'll bet they were thinking I'd never come to a place full of meat shields.

Dammit. Just come a little closer.

Kestral sneaked under the food table, having gotten under there unseen by teleporting from behind the hedge next to it, which separated the bustling yard from the empty neighbor's. The target was in almost perfect position, but had just a bit too much distance from the table. He looked at the pegasus mare, who was covered head to hoof in jewelry of different sorts for attracting attention, through a tiny slit in the long white cloth that covered the distance between the table and the ground. He was frustrated at the mare, taunting him with the otherwise perfect position to kill her. If only she was shorter, as to block any view of her location between the table and the hedge.

Hmm. He thought for a second, seeing her plate in her mouth, then formed a plan. As she set the plate down, he used his magic to flick it off the table, landing it closer to him. He made his pistol appear, then waited. He saw her lean her head down to grab it. Right as she threw her head up, he yanked the plate out of her mouth again, landing it just at his foot, on the other side of the cloth.

“Ouch.” She said, rubbing her teeth with the joint above her hoof. She leaned down and tried again.

Kestral snapped his arm up, removing the cloth barrier, and pressed the gun into the face of the mare. He pulled the trigger, sending a nearly-silent blood-splatter against the decorated saddle of the target. Blue-green magic swarmed over for a second, leaving a chitin body covered in jewels and jewelry.

He pulled the changeling across the grass, setting the body under the table, next to him. He lit a dim flame, looking at all of the glittery material covering the changeling, and started picking off the valuable pieces. Sweet. Those diamond earrings are mine. Oh, that necklace is too. And.... those horseshoe-slipper things.....Shiny. And mine. He grabbed said items, making them disappear with a mere touch. Oh. And that saddle. Lots of gems, good for my wallet.

Once he was done with that, he pulled in the plate, then looked through another slit in the tablecloth, this one being aimed towards the crowd of guests.

Aaaannnd....there you are. He spotted his last target; Another fancy-clothed mare, but covered in more dress and less jewels. She even had a laurel wreath made of feathers. She was talking to some other aristocrat, a glass of wine in each of their hooves, only about ten feet away from the table. He tried to focus on their conversation.

“- appreciate you coming to the party, Diamond Shield. I just wish your little sister could be here. I've always loved her arguments with the other nobles.” She said.

“I know. She's never been... agreeable... with them.” The otherwise irrelevant stallion said. “But, Silver's always been the runt of the herd. Even when things turn aggressive -which is pretty rare- she still holds good intentions for the more 'outgoing' nobles, if you know what I mean.....Still cries when somepony yells at her, though. Poor girl.”

Hold the fucking phone. He's not talking about my Silver, is he?

“Oh, that's so sad.” The mare said. “I heard her stallion's got his 'general shop' or whatever back up and running. So, she has that.”

Holy crap. They are talking about my Silver.

“Yes.” He said, then perked his eyes up. “We should all meet for dinner some time. It would be great to catch up.”

“Oh, believe it or not, we're meeting them tomorrow night.”

…...Oh no you're not, you charred piece of shit!

“Really? Damn. My daughters have a string concert tomorrow. Oh well.” he shrugged. “Give her my love when you do, okay?”

“Well, of course!” The vermin said.

Almost impulsively, he used his magic to flick the stallion's glass of wine, drenching the disguised changeling with the alcohol.

“O- Oh no! Sorry, Light. It must have slipped.”

Kestral was angry. He wanted to light that murdering bug on fire and watch it turn to a darker shade of changeling-charcoal. But before he set the being ablaze, he stopped himself, realizing what he was doing.

Then, the guilt set in of what he was about to do.

Was he really so inclined to just.... bestow pain, like that? Was that just impulsive thinking or was that really him? It couldn't be him. No, it could never be him.... He had no wish nor will to bring a gruesome death, even to the murderers.

….but why did he feel like he did, not a moment before? He knew that, for a second, he had an unmatchable hatred for changelings. Or maybe it was just the one in his sights. He couldn't tell. But what he knew, was that something was wrong. Very wrong. Looking back, he realized that something had been wrong since the moment that changeling tried to seduce him via mind control. A seething rage had been building up and he hadn't even known it.

He needed to talk to Jasmine, after he was done. Maybe she knew something about what was happening.

In the time he was thinking, the two had gone right on top of him. They were just a foot away from him. He pinched the hole in the cloth, hoping they weren't able to see it.

“Really, I'm not sure how it happened.” The stallion said.

“It's fine, Diamond. It'll just take a while to clean, is all. Maybe you can help me pick out a different dress?” The disguised changeling replied.

Kestral thought over his options. He could have waited it out, let them go wherever, and just wait for an opportunity. That way, he wouldn't ruin the party, and he could get away clean. On the other hand..... He could pop out, make an entrance, kill the bug before everyone. It would stir a little chaos, and that would help Discord. Of course, if he just shot the changeling from under the table, he could cause panic and make a clean getaway.

Knowing what to do, he looked through the hole again, finding his target to still be only a foot or so away. He aimed up his gun, making sure he was aiming at the right person, then pulled the trigger.

From the dim change in light, he saw the body fall flat, and heard the thud. He picked up his bullet casing, listening to the eery silence of the party.

“AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!”

Of course, the silence of shock was short lived, as the shockwave of a thousand blood-curdling screams filled the air, along with the sounds of trampling hooves, beating wings, magicking horns.

Kestral waited a good moment, knowing every second meant less people, but it also meant one second closer to guards investigating the area. He lifted the veil of cloth, towards the hedge, and teleported to the other side, hiding him from the party-yard. He walked up the hedge, until he came to the spot where an open window on the second floor greeted him. He teleported up into the dark room, then quickly changed into his disguise again. He quickly walked to the stairs, and took a deep breath.

Let's make this believable. He thought.

He rushed down the stairs as fast as he could, and came into a mess of people panicking and running for the door. There were several people that were calm, even relaxed, like they didn't care there was a body in the back yard. Probably drunk. He thought.

He followed the crowd, bursting through the front door, with a pair of guards standing there, evacuating people. He followed the same course everyone else seemed to be doing; Dispersing from the scene. Except, Kestral had a destination in mind, and it wasn't back to Jasmine's.

Silver and family, I'm coming to rescue you!