Author's Notes:

Before the story gets under way, I wanted to send out a thank you to everyone who's favorited, liked, or read the story at all, seriously. I don't usually reply to comments because honestly, I'm not that social of a person anyway, and I'm terrible at writing/replying to comments XD

So I wanted to address that because I felt super-duper lame about not thanking anyone for favoriting, or replying to anyone's comments... I guess I could've just made a blog about this, but I wanted you all to know how much I really appreciate your guys liking my content, or just even giving the story a chance. Makes me feel smile. :)

Also Watch_Dogs, Wolfenstein, inFAMOUS and RWBY are like, some of the most addictive things on the planet as it turns out...

Now then, on to some dark shit. I kinda rushed this, (so mistakes may be present) but originally, this wasn't supposed to be its own chapter, just a smaller section of what will be the next chapter. But I thought that what I was going to lightly cover, could be expanded upon and add more to the story, so I rolled with it. Next chapter WILL be the meeting of another one of "Gilda's Girls" (ending gives a tiny tiny hint on who it is). If you notice, the characters that she never had any interaction with in the show (besides Dash) went up first, next chap she get's to meet one of the two that she didn't exactly care for...

After my binge drinking, and mental breakdown, I only came outside just to open the doors, other than that I stayed behind my transaction booth. I felt like shit yeah, but I wasn't about to lose money for it. When business hours were over, or I had any kind of free time, I was usually doing a combination of either drinking, planning, some minor moping, but also coming into a mental state of acceptance. Usually all of the above though.

That night, my whole world threw itself back at my face, and I hated what felt from it, but I am trying my damnedest to come to terms with it. Come to terms with the feelings of guilt that almost ate me alive, come to terms with knowing that there's no getting out of this lifestyle for me... coming to terms with the love I still held for Cranky...

Bitter medicine to swallow. It's hard enough for anyone to admit when they're wrong, but trying to accept that what you've been doing wrong, you've been doing wrong for the past five years? Most people would rather die. Not me though, no no, I can't let it consume me, not after I just worked out a plan that can make this all go away. If I do it right, Flim and Flam will get off clean with some money so they leave me alone for good, Sombra won't try to come after my ass, and I'll have a clear conscience for the rest of my life!

First step: play teacher to Applejack. I knew from the start that, that was going to be a particularly... stressful objective, didn't expect it to be, "pull my hair out by the fistful", type of stressful though. It was a Wednesday when I came out of my room, finally ready to be among the living again, I made my way to the lounge, correctly assuming that she'd be there, as soon as I stepped foot in there, I noticed two things.

One: Clearly Applejack and Rarity hit it off better than Twilight did with anybody ever. Rarity hadn't been called up yet (cause remember, her and Twilight ain't cheap), so the two of them were just shootin' the shit, and drinking annoying amounts my booze for free over the past few days... Well mostly Applejack, Rarity held a strict "no drunken escapades during work hours" rule for herself, but I always pegged Rarity to be a healthy consumer of alcohol.

Oh, and two: Twilight is now apparently, terrified of me. I walked in, she laid eyes on my for a split second, then as quickly as she peeked up she all but slammed her head back down into the book. I felt pretty badass, no lie.

I called Applejack over; said it was time to give her the inaugural training. Not sure what 'inaugural' means, but it sounded cool. Her scars and whatnot covered up nicely, I figured 'hell, I'll put her on the floor today!' I would then learn that day to never again let optimism get the best of me.

This woman seriously tried to fuck me. Not literally dumb-ass, I mean financially screw me over. First thing, first thing I told her was: 'The customer is always never wrong, so be prepared to put up with some bullshit'. So check it, I give her this really cool, spontaneous pep talk (to which she kept giving me 'I wanna punch your face out' glares), telling her what to expect, and to play it cool. To just relax, be yourself, but also put on a show, seein' as how I am charging extra for her. I should've known something was up when she all but stormed out of the room when I was done, mumbling 'Oh, I'll put on a show all right'. But again, optimism.

Applejack didn't have any new clothes, so she had to wear the ones that had the shit kicked out of them, I actually thought it worked, added some character you know?

...

FIRST. GUY!

Applejack was able to look hot enough to entice some nerd whose name I don't remember, and took him back to her still messed up room. Next thing I hear is the sounds of screaming and man tears, as said nerd bolts out of my building. The conversation with Applejack that followed, featured a very pissed off me.

"What the fuck dude!? First fucking customer, and you kick his ass!? That shit costs me money man!!"

"Hey, ya'll told me to 'put on a show' didn't ya?"

Applejack would then have a hole in her wall after that.

Yeah, those weeks sucked. If she wasn't grasping what was expected of her (on purpose,I swear to God she had to have been), she was scaring off customers. LOSING ME MONEY. I got her new wardrobe, personally oversaw the clean-up of her room, but I couldn't get this bitch to behave!

I had to play dirty.

It was a month into Applejack's initiation/sabotage, a Sunday as well, when I confronted her with some... information that I thought she would find most interesting. I made sure that both Rarity and Twilight were there, so they could witness what I was about to do. A statement needed to be made.

Rarity and Jack were poppin' squats at the bar having some of my booze, laughing (most likely at my expense), and watching what looked like Monday Night RAW re-run.

Wait, Applejack likes wrestling? That makes sense... wait a minute, that's my WWE Network subscription, I didn't say she could use it!

It was on for real now.

I stood near the center of the room, leaning on one of the tables, making myself look as nonchalant as I could. Looking at the clock on a near by wall, I took note of the time; 12:45. It was then my cell phone rang. Right on time.I casually pulled out my phone, and answered my call.

"Y-ellow?"

"Hof. It's me."

"Oh hey what's up?"

"I've made it to the objective, beginning mission preparations."

"Rad. Right on time like I was told you'd be, Aiden."

"Well, you're not paying me to waste time, and I'd prefer not to myself." I could hear clicking in the background, the kind you'd hear on a firearm. He was packing heat. "So how's your day gone so far 'boss'? Anything particularly special happen?"

"Nah, not much man, just uh, just chillin' at the office. Watching RAW."

"Network right? You watched Payback, Punk come back yet?"

"No, no CM Punk return yet. Surprised you weren't there, thought you'd be rioting when Cena beat Wyatt."

"Hmph. I have nothing against him, just the fact that they wanted to build him up as some Hogan/Rock Hybrid. Doesn't matter now-a-days I guess, that Adrian Neville's gonna be the next 'Best in The World' one day anyway."

"Yeah, Nevelle's pretty awesome dude."

Aiden's a new buddy Flim and Flam put me in contact with. When planning this, I informed them that, I needed someone who will follow their client's orders, no (unreasonable) questions asked, as long as they got payed. Enter Aiden. Dude's based outta Chicago, but for the right price, he'll go wherever you need him to be, to carry out whatever job you need him to do. Point in case...

"You about ready to get this show on the road?" I asked in a quieter voice.

"Just about. Start setting it into motion, I'll be ready by the time your done."

"Got it. Make sure you got your 'face-time' function at the ready, and remember, until I give the verbal signal we discussed, what's next is a one sided conversation only, got it?"

"Got it."

With excitement practically emanating out of my pores, I kicked the ball rolling.

"So what'd I say, nice looking place right?" Silence on all ends. Good. "All scenic and shit, I told you you'd like it... ... yeah man, just another day ya know? Working' hard, gettin' payed." Using my peripherals, I scanned towards Applejack. I saw an eye roll, but so far, no one was intervening.

"Where could I recommend?... Well considering you are a tourist, you could always check out the Alamo... that place is badass, then treat yourself to a shit load of barbecue." At this Applejack turned to my direction, most likely getting suspicious. I pretended to pay her no mind. "No lie though dude, there's plenty to do in that big-ass state, you shan't be bored... yeah, that's a word."

I was silent for several seconds, letting the tension fill the air. Twilight peered up at me with, most likely, morbid curiosity, Rarity was leaning over the bar, arms folded with a look of confusion on her white mug, and Applejack looked just plain bothered. Almost...

"It's awesome, but no where near as pretty as Michigan, I'd highly recommend that place as your next stop." I knew I had grabbed Rarity's attention, now for the last little niche to be filled. "Hell, if ya got the time and money, swing on by to Cali. Always a party somewhere over there."

All eyes were on me at this point, I was making it completely obvious that some sinister happenings were... happening, and I needed just one of them to take the bait. Thankfully it was Applejack.

"Gilda, what the hell are ya-" I held up a finger to silence her.

"Shut it Jack, I'm on the phone with a friend. What's got your anchors hoisted?" That sounded cooler in my head...

"I'm a little curious as to what ya'll are talkin' bout." I rolled my eyes at her.

"My buddy is on a cross-country road trip, and he's askin' for my opinion on some hot spots to visit. What's it to you?"

"And it's just coincidence that the places your reccomendin' happen to be those particular states?" So she caught on... I feigned offence at her inquisition.

"Yeah, they're popular tourist states-" Pfft. Who the fuck goes to Michigan? "- why wouldn't I recommend them. So fucking paranoid- can I not even hold a simple conversation, without you spitting out conspiracies?"

"Ain't nothin' ever 'simple' with you Hof, so forgive me if I don't exactly believe the idea of you havein' a 'simple conversation'."

"Heh. She's a smart one isn't she? Maybe she should try running your operation." Oh, fuck off Aiden...

"It's the truth! Hold that thought Jack- what's up? Oh, yeah sure I got the address. See Applejack? He just wants to know the address for a very rad tourist site. Actually know what? I'll put 'im on speaker, just so you can feel like shit for how wrong you are." That's the signal.

I pressed the speaker button, so now my hired helps voice could be heard through out the mostly barren room. "Aiden you still there dude?"

"Yep, still reading you loud and clear. Hello Griffon's Cathouse." Applejack lost some of her visible hostility, but looked no less tense. "You got the directions to that place I'm trying to find Gilda? I just keep getting turned 'round and around out here."

"Got you right here dude. Ok, the address you're looking for is..." I couldn't fight the smile slithering its way onto my face. "1-4-9-8 Appleway." I turned to Applejack, dying to see her reaction.

"149... That's-!" Eyes widen, breathing hitches, fists clench teeth clash together. I got her. Sensing something amiss, Rarity addressed Applejack's growing tension, resting a hand upon her shoulder as she asked her question.

"Applejack are you alright? What is the significance of this place Gilda mentioned?"

"It's..." She looked back at Rarity. "...that place is Sweet Apple Acres. My home..." I could easily hear Twilight and Rarity gasp in, what was definitely shock.

"1498 'Appleway' you said?... huh. Well what do you know?..." As he left his sentence on a cliffhanger, very audibly, the unmistakable clicking and cocking of a gun was heard throughout the mostly barren room. "I ended up right in front of it."

All was silent in the lounge. I took this delicious opportunity to see the after affects of our actions.

From left to right Twilight looked five shades paler, Applejack looked ready to kill me, and Rarity looked plain frightened. Radical, I got them in the palm of my hand.

"What were some of the other places you advised on paying a visit to? They seemed to have slipped my mind." Oo, nice play dude!

"Well lets see, there was 7-4-7 Alemeda St. in LA, and 1-3-5 Margret St. in Clinton county Michigan very... family oriented type of locations." The silence that came from my reciting of such precious information was so thick, someone could suffocate from it. This power I have over them... it feels awesome! The feeling of utter superiority is practically orgasmic...

"You... y-you monster..." I heard Twilight breath out from her booth. Letting out a cruel laugh, I glanced her way, as I reinforced her current fears.

"I warned you dweebs about fucking with me."

No sooner did I spit my taunt out, Applejack was in front of me, my shirt in her grip, back pressed to the table, her eyes ripping right through mine.

"Who is this guy, and why is he at my front door?" Dammit she spit on me...

"Well clearly his name is Aiden-"

"Hey-o."

"-and clearly he wants to take in the sights of San Antonio. What better place to take a tour of, then one of America's best distributors of Apples, and other crap?" Let's see how she likes it when she's dead serious and I don't give a shit.

"Bullshit! I heard a gun click Gilda, we all did, now answer me, what the hell is he doing at Sweet Apple Acres!?"

"Heh heh heh... just giving you a little insensitive to do your job Jackie-" Fuck, she hit me!

It was a right hook, straight across the jaw, the force of the strike sent me to the ground. Any normal person would be cradling the wound, looking up at their attacker in shock. I however, was too jacked up on adrenaline, and while it did hurt... I couldn't help but laugh at the once strong woman breaking right before me.

"Ha ha ha ha- ow dude! That- *snort* that fucking hurt- aha ha ha!" My gleeful laughs completely dumbfounded the room for some time- the situation was just too funny to me! I warned them about messing with me, and now they're paying the price.

"You Goddamn psycho-path... I bet ya'll are pulling our legs anyway ain't ya? J-just wantin' to rile us up, in an attempt to get us to serve you right!? You... y-you wouldn't really go that far would ya?..." That fear I sense coming from you Applejack?...

"We- heh heh- well I think the correct term at this point would be 'sociopath', Jack. Second, oh I am very much serious about threatening your family, what were their names... Mac and Applebloom?..." Applejack's eyes shot open, and with that, any sense of calming down left her, as she grabbed me by the collar again -I'm gonna have to shrink this thing now...- and lifted me up off the ground.

"Prove it. Prove that he's really there, for all I know he could just be right outside." Oooh, I was SO hoping you'd say that!

"With pleasure Jack..."

"Applejack, can you hear me? Stupid question, I know you can. Access Gilda's phone, and select 'Face Time'. I'd recommend being hasty about it too."

Very hesitantly, Applejack followed Aiden's instructions, probably thought I rigged it to explode or something... not a bad idea of offing someone actually. After pressing the appropriate button, Applejack and I were greeted with the sight of said buddy, Aiden. He must have set his phone on a tri-pod or something, -Nice touch!- cause he was standing several feet away from the phone, gun in hand, trench coat on, and a face mask concealing his identity.

Behind him was, what looked like to be, a small white picket fence, and behind it, a (honestly quite beautiful) red, I think two-story, house. Ex-home for Jack looked nice.

"Now then, Applejack, as you can quite clearly see, I am indeed right outside your front door, well, ex-front door if my profile on you is to be believed." Applejack cringed her teeth at his nonchalant reminder. "Now what I hold in my hand here is a 45. SOCOM pistol, equipped with a suppressor for those 'Tactical Espionage' kind of jobs. I've been contracted to find one: Macintosh Apple, and a Applebloom Apple. Who, according to my sources, live right here at this very, cozy little home. Why you're probably asking?... Well, you shouldn't have wasted so much of Gilda's time and money. This is the price you now have to pay." I like this guy!

Applejack quickly let go of me, all but threw me, and frantically hovered over my phone.

"NO! Y-ya can't do this! They, th-they have no part in this! Applebloom, she... she ain't even half-way done with High School yet..." She choked out that last bit of info. I've done it! I've broken her! Now, to make her irreparable...

"I warned you Jack. I've given you, the egghead, and you princess, warning after warning, after threat, to follow my orders, and get me profits. Now..." I mustered up the best 'evil smile' I physically could, as I explained myself. "This is what happens when you cross the boss. I've beaten you down." I boasted as I glared through Applejack. "Lied, and cheated you." A knowing smirk to Rarity. "And taken away most sense of freewill, here at the Griffon." Smile and wave to Twilight. "But I always had a subtle line I never crossed. Something I promised myself not to do... well, unfourtanently..."

"That lines been crossed."

"Yes. You all brought it on yourselves, and forced my hand, and in doing so, I've now officially taken away the last sense of security you all had. This idea that, no matter what happens to you: 'at least your families are safe'."

"Sorry to say, but the world doesn't work like that. With the enough money, and the right connections, anyone can get to anybody."

"Exactly. As of this moment, my esteemed employees, none of you are safe." I took the time to examine the damage I've just caused. I looked to Twilight, kid was full on crying now. Not full on sobbing, but the silent tears thing, slowly shaking her head 'no' as if all of this will go away if she wakes up.

Rarity's back was against the shelves, shaky hand over her heart, eyes wide and glossy, the idea of Sweetie Belle's safety must have just set it. And Applejack just stood there, head downcast, hopefully, feeling like a helpless welp right about now. Victory is mine! I let out a loud triumphant laugh in celebration.

"And I do mean no one, dweebs! Not your family, not your friends, not Spike, not Sweetie Belle-"

"And especially not Macintosh, or Applebloom."

"You're Goddamn right Aiden! Whatcha gonna do Jack?" She snapped her head up, eyes trying desperately hard not to let tears fall. "Gonna still be a defiant bitch, and risk not just your family's safety-" I pulled her close so I could whisper: "-the ones who abandoned you might I add?" Then shoved her away as I carried on. "But both of your new friends' families? Or... are you, as I expect allof you to do, gonna be a good whore, and put out?"

Silence, silence, and more silence. Id've given anything right then to see what was going on in her head.

"I... I..."

"Hmm?.. Speak up there pardner, I can't quite hear you."

"... ... I... hate you..." Applejack turned back to Rarity, who stared back her, hand now resting over her mouth as she held in gasps. Holding contact for several seconds, Rarity turned downcast her eyes. I guess that's her answer for Applejack.

Then Jack turned her attention to Twilight, who may just point out, was a wreck. Eyes were puffy and red, tears stained her face, she looked positively mangled. She raised her head to Applejack, smoky lavender eyes connecting with glossy green ones. This is seriously a sight to behold, if this was Scorsese film, guarantee it'd be up for an award! Then I saw it, the true moment of defeat for Twilight, with sorrow and fear gripping her heart, she mouthed 'please' to Applejack.

Game. Set. Match.

"... but I will... work for you."

"Sorry, repeat that? Something was in my ear."

"*Rrr...* I said... I'll work for you."

"Scuzie, one more time, I-"

"Goddammit, I'll be one of your whores! I'll make you your money back, whatever you want! Just... please don't... don't hurt my family- our families..." The dam finally broke, she slammed her head on a nearby table and let all of her pain out on the wooden top.

"Twilight, Rarity? Can I still count on your loyalty?"

"*sniff* y-*hiccup*- y-es..."

"... Yes, Gilda..."

As tears from Applejack stained my table, and Rarity along with Twilight were now terrified of me, I put some of their fears to rest, for now.

"...Ladies... you just saved your families lives. Aiden. Hit's off, head on home."

"Hmm. Complete and utter compliance, just like you said they would. Gotta admit Gilda, you sure know how to make a plan. I'll expect my pay by Friday."

"Of course."

"And as one last little piece of insurance, as per you and I discussed Gilda, the two of us will have daily check ins with each other. The reason for this, ladies, is in case any of you get any ideas, which involve either escape, harm, or death involving my client... well, I know where you live. And I will come for them, with the connections and money I net from Sombra, there's no way any of you will make it home in time to save anyone. Actually, do that anyway, it'd save me the trouble of sniffing you out anyway."

I crossed my arms, shamelessly looking smug at my employees. "Yeah, don't try anything funny girls."

"Then there's the problem of course, of you reporting Gilda or myself to the police... hm hm... who do you think some of Gilda's best customers are? Dirty cops, clean cops, 'cops', who are actually insiders for people like us. Cops... that eliminate certain cops if they start to learn too much, cops that tip our organization off to young women, that get fashion designing opportunities."

Heh heh, these not-so-subtle implications are too good man. Rarity's hand flew to her mouth in realization, as she put the pieces together.

"You... bastards."

"That, Rarity, is one hell of an understatement." Twilight sat at her table, a far-off look in her eyes, as answers about her brother (may have) presented themselves. For all I know, he could be lying about that one.

"... big brother..." So numb...

"Well, it's been fun ladies, but I have a paycheck to collect, and a smoggy city to return to. Take care. Heh heh."

Allowing myself one last glance around, I took in the aftermath of my victory.

Twilight: Motionless and zoned out, looking exhausted from the bullshit she just had to endure.

Rarity: Shocked to say the least; a look of utter horror was splayed across her flawless face, as she visibly willed herself not to cry.

Applejack: Afraid, sad obviously, pissed off and mad about it. Favorite one personally.

"... Have a good evening ladies. HA!"

And with that, I retired to my room feeling accomplished, and relaxed; dealing with this lifted a weight off my shoulders. I turned on the TV, put on some metal, and spent the next few hours gaming on the PS4.

Applejack never gave me any trouble after that.

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Several weeks later, I found myself back in the faux-office, incredibly ecstatic over the profits those three whipped femme's have been getting me. I was in a great mood honestly, I was ready to get the last piece of the puzzle; the fourth and final member of my elite playmate team. I was all set, excited even, to finish this little quest I started for myself.

At least I was until I met her.

Oh God her...