When Vincent awoke the next morning, the Thestral was absent from his bed, and an odd oily smell was coming from the living room…

He gently rolled over and kissed Lucy, before walking over to the door and peeking out, wondering what the smell was.

Midnight sat in the middle of the floor, their coffee table propped up against one wall as various bit of shiny gold metal were scattered around her in an array of organised chaos. She had one piece in her lap as she dabbed a cloth in a small container, the source of the smell, before meticulously rubbing at the armour.

Morning, he greeted her.

She waved a hoof without looking up and then pointed at the dining table. “Morning~ I bought coffee while I was out. Should still be hot.”

Oh good, Vincent said as he sat down at the table. That saves us some time.

“Yeah, I thought you struck me as the coffee type,” Midnight nodded as she set that piece aside and pulled up the next one.

I’m only allowed to have one cup worth, though, Vincent said. Any more and things tend to go a bit loopy.

“Ah, that sounds like it could be fun to watch,” Midnight giggled. “I should be done here soon, the joints in the crinet are always a pain to reach.”

I’d offer to help, but something tells me this is a task you want to do on your own, Vincent said as he pulled the coffee closer to himself, idly reading the labels.

“Yeah… a rule to follow with me, don’t touch my armour or weapons. Especially the latter. I don’t want you to hurt yourself or somepony else.” She thought for a moment and nodded. Maybe he might like to know.

“This is the crinet, it’s the part that covers my neck and shoulders. That there is the chanfron, or helmet for the less educated. The pommel and cantel there is what covers my upper and lower back.” She looked around and pointed to another part. “That’s the peytral, or chest guard. The crupper there is for my flank, along with the tail guard. And the last piece is the flanchard, which is for my belly. Oh, and my greaves for my cute little hoofsies~”

There is a lot more to armor than I thought, Vincent said with a raised eyebrow. What would you call what I’m wearing then?

She looked him over. “Well, I’d say I’d have to use Minotaur armour terminology. The parts on your shoulders are called Pauldrons. While your chest piece is called a… um, oh! A Plackart.”

Interesting, Vincent said with a smile. Nice to know that, I suppose. He picked out a container of coffee and began to sip at it, enjoying the taste.

“Mmm, you can tell me if I’m boring you,” she replied, turning back to her cleaning. “Most do when I start going on about guard stuff…”

Why would I do that? Vincent asked. It’s clearly something you’re passionate about. It’d be rude to not listen when you talk about it.

‘Thanks…” Midnight smiled at him. “You’re one of few at least…” She rubbed her eye, forgetting she had polish on her hooves.

The next minute, she was rolling around on the floor. “OH SWEET CELESTIA THAT BURNS!!!”

Hold still, let’s get you to the sink so we can wash it out! Vincent said. We need to use water if we’re going to have any hope of getting that done!

The paaaaaaainnn!” Midnight groaned as she was led to the sink and her head moved under the tap. “Goddammit… that wasn’t too bright of me was it?”

It could have used a little more foresight, yes, Vincent agreed. Still, let’s make sure you’re okay first.

After a few moments, she pulled back, her face and mane soaked as she blinked her eyes and winced. “Still stings a bit, but hey, I’m not blind.”

Give your eyes time to get all that gunk out of them, and I’m sure you’ll be fine, Vincent said.

“It was just a little bit, and I need to clean up before somepony—” There was a loud clang of metal hitting metal, followed by a string of curses from Sam. “—Trips…”

Good news, everybody else is up, and will likely take care now, Vincent said. Bad news, there’s already been an accident.

Midnight groaned, hoping the Scizor hadn’t dented her armour… Uh, well she was concerned for his safety of course… hehhe…

“Sorry about that,” she said as she stepped around him and helped him up. He grumbled a little before accepting the helping hoof.

“What is it with you ponies?” he said. “I much prefer my armor, thanks.”

Though you did still trip over it when you first got it, Vincent pointed out, causing Sam to sputter and look away. Midnight stifled a giggle as well, moving to pick up all of her armour.

“In hindsight, I should have done this in my own room. But then Vinny might have thought I’d run out on him.”

There’s this wonderful thing called a note, the psychic observed. I’d have understood if you left one, then showed up again after you’d seen to this.

“Eh, again. Hindsight.” Midnight finished collecting all the pieces and moved it all to a corner before setting their coffee table back down. It wasn’t long before the Bellossom and Lucario of the family made themselves known and greeted the rest of the household. Lucy pulled up a chair next to Vincent and pulled a container of coffee closer to herself, while Jeanne set about making breakfast for them all.

“Oh! Can I help make breakfast?” Midnight asked excitedly. “Mom never lets me help out at home.”

“I’ve got it,” Jeanne said with a wave of her hand. “It’s remarkable what you learn camping. Though you can pull down the plates I’ll need if you like.”

“Okay…” Midnight sighed as she hovered up to one of the cupboards. Unfortunately, the gust kicked up by her flapping wings also fanned the flames on the stove…

“Oh dear,” Jeanne said before she turned the dials down. “Let’s avoid having any accidents happen.”

“Huh…” Midnight looked at her wings and shrugged. “Maybe that's why I keep setting kitchens on fire.”

“It certainly doesn’t help,” Jeanne said. “Fire’s one of those things you want to maintain strict control over. I’ll wait until you’re done up there before I continue.”

“Or Vincent could have just floated ‘em down,” Lucy snarked as Midnight set the dishes down on the table. Her comment was followed by a thud and some rather vocal grumbling from another apartment. “Christine’s awake.”

“Well, if Midnight wants to be useful, who am I to deny her the chance to try?” Jeanne riposted. “Your cooking skills are practically nonexistent, so I’ll take what I can get.”

“Vinny can’t cook?” Midnight asked and looked at the fox. “What about Lulu? She strikes me as the cute housewife type. Wearing a cute frilly apron while she cooks her husband a nice dinner…” Okay, so perhaps Midnight’s imagination was running away with her right now.

“Cooking was something we didn’t learn,” Lucy sighed. “Would have been useful.”

“Never too late to learn a skill,” Midnight replied. “I didn’t know I could manipulate a Dreamscape like that til last night. A skill you both seemed to appreciate. Again and again and again~”

“Cooking is a little bit different,” Jeanne said. “You don’t get to go back and do a recipe over if you make a mistake, so it’s best to keep them with simple things until they pick up on some of the basics. Though, if you’re willing to help me, I could use some aid in getting some ingredients…”

“Really!?” Midnight’s eyes sparkled, and for the strangest reason, Vincent felt uneasy. His sixth sense was playing up something fierce.

The thestral hopped over to the counter. “So what do I do first?”

“If you could get out about half a dozen eggs, the milk, and the parmesan cheese from the fridge, that’d be helpful,” Jeanne said as she managed to pull out a large mixing bowl from one of the lower cabinets and started bringing it up to the counter via a stepstool.

Midnight opened the fridge and soon brought the ingredients over, balancing them expertly on her wings. The front door thudded, like someone had just run into it. There was silence for a few moments before it thudded again.

Vincent sighed before he walked over to the front door and opened it with a raised eyebrow. Christine crawled in, inching across the floor.

“Cooffeeeeee…” she groaned. Lucy pulled a container of the stuff off the table and held it above the floor for the silly landshark.

A few seconds later, the Gabite was munching on some coffee beans while a fresh pot boiled away.

“Oh hey, it's the Snark-Shark!” Midnight said. “Sup?”

“Mornings suck,” she deadpanned. “Can’t you ask those Legendaries of yours to do something about that?”

“I tried once…” Midnight admitted as she walked closer to the dragon. “Offering to provide a distraction didn't go down as well as I thought it would.”

“They’ve gotta have some sort of weakness,” Christine muttered. “Some way we can bribe ‘em…”

“We could ask Seth,” Midnight chuckled. “He seems to be quite the mare’s ‘mon~”

It’s quite amusing how casually you’re talking about affecting the natural cycle of day and night on this world, Vincent chuckled.

“Oh don’t you even start,” Christine said as she pointed a claw at him. “You think mornings suck as well.”

I will have you know I am perfectly fine with mornings, Vincent said, putting a hand to his chest.

“Only because I'm here,” Midnight giggled, now standing quite close to Christine. “Oh, Chrissy? I have a message for you as well. From Rika...”

“Mm?” the Landshark said, half-turning to look at her. That was when she got an arm full of batpony hug, as the thestral leapt at her chest, pulling the dragon into a bone crushing embrace.

“Ooof!” the dragon said as she did her best to return the embrace. “Gah...almost afraid to ask if any of the others had any messages…”

“Mhmm, Ignis and Selly said they miss their adorable cuddlebuddy as well.”

“Oh good, they didn’t send anything beyond words,” Christine sighed.

“Aww, was the draggie hoping for kissies?” Midnight cooed as she leaned closer as her gaze turned downright listful. “I'd be happy to oblige~”

“More hoping they didn’t send more hugs,” Christine deadpanned. “This one’s strong enough as it is, thanks.”

“Aww, you're still cute,” Midnight giggled and kissed her nose. “Now… where was I? Oh! Cooking~” She hopped off of the dragon and headed back over to Jeanne. “What’s your next order Ma’am?”

“Help me find the cheese grater,” the Bellossom said as she pulled a drawer open. “I can never find it in this chaos.”

“Hmm…” Midnight looked around and then started rummaging in drawers. “Grater…greater… Where are you little grater~” She started humming as she moved to the bottom drawer, her flank wiggling in the air.

“Not here, not here...I swear I put it away in one of these drawers,” Jeanne muttered.

“Dah, duhduh duh daaaaahhhhh!” Midnight held the tool up. “Found it!”

“Excellent!” Jeanne said as she pulled a bowl out of a cabinet. “Now, grate some of that cheese into this bowl while I crack the eggs and mix them up with some milk.”

“Roger!” Midnight saluted as she started to rub the cheese against the grater.

How the hell did someone actually make that look lewd? No one was sure, and yet, Midnight was doing it. Jeanne just sighed with a smile on her face as she found the wisk and started on the eggs and milk, mixing them together into a nice, even mixture.

“Soooo, what are we making?” Midnight asked as she finished the cheese off and plucked a few strings to eat.

“Could be omelets, could be just scrambled eggs,” Jeanne said. “It depends on if we have any mushrooms and tomatoes in the fridge.”

Midnight checked, but saw none of the above. “Negative Captain. Shall I proceed on a supply run?”

“That’s fine, we’ll just have some scrambled eggs and toast,” Jeanne said. “Give me that cheese and look for the salt and pepper. I like to put a little in for flavor.”

“Will do,” Midnight nodded as she spied the shakers on the table. She reached for them, but her hooves slipped on the linoleum and the pepper spilled over, the bat getting a nose-full of it.

That was when her face did the most adorable scrunchy expression as her eyes watered.

Uh-oh, Vincent said as he drew closer, not sure what he could do to help but wanting to lend his aid anyways.

And that was when he got a facefull of Thestral snot when she let out a powerful sneeze that actually made her stumble back a bit. Vincent blinked a few times, not sure how to react.

Lucy and Christine weren’t so reserved, as they giggled and started to laugh.

Jeanne just sighed. At least she hadn’t gotten any in the food.

“Sowwy,” Midnight sniffled and rubbed her nose. She moved to the sink to wash her face… again. “Blublblble~ Blaaaaah!” She shook herself off and smiled. “All better~”

I think I need a shower, Vincent sighed as he made his way back to the room.

“Sorry again Vinny… Oh! You want me to help? I’ll help you get clean! After we get dirty~”

“Down,” Lucy said, shaking her head. “No need for that just yet.”

“Oh, right… I forgot,” Midnight rubbed her head. “So… friends with dream benefits for now then.” She shook her wings and smiled. “I’ll go and get those things if you want. Be back before you even know it.”

She’d opened a window earlier to air out the smell of her polishing oil and dived out of the small gap, taking wing and disappearing from sight.

Vincent shook his head as he stepped into the shower, already trying to get himself clean. Jeanne tilted her head, but decided that she could wait to see how this played out. Though if that mare actually returned with the stuff for the omelets, she would need more egg mix to make enough. With a sigh, the grass-type stepped down and moved her step-stool over to the fridge, so she could get the eggs and milk she would need for more breakfasts.

Market City, a large building that was essentially a giant version of a local produce market. Ponies and others would come here to peddle their wares and it was almost always packed. Flying was forbidden, as to avoid pegasi dropping dirt or whatever onto the food stalls.

Midnight grumbled slightly as she was squished inside, shuffling forward at a snail’s pace as she headed for the spices section. Wedged between two large earth ponies, she just pouted at the context of the situation before she finally got enough room to move around.

“Gah! Finally,” she sighed as she broke out into a brisk trot, eventually finding a stall run by a zebra mare. Ohh, she was cute~

Midnight shook her head, she was here for spices and vegetables, not some fine tail…

Oh goddess… she was turning into a respectable mare. Noooooooo!

A short while later, she emerged with full saddlebags and a building irritation at large crowds. She almost instantly took to the skies and started to flap back towards the apartment, taking it slower due to her cargo.

“Sometimes I wonder why I set hoof on the ground in the first place,” she sighed to herself. Well, she knew why. Thestrals didn’t have the stamina and wing muscles that Pegasi did, so while they were fast, they couldn’t stay in the air as long. Midnight’s best was maybe a few hours, whereas she’d heard of pegasi flying for a day or more.

She couldn’t fit back through the window with her bags, so she landed on the roof and would head down that way…

She suddenly sniffed and looked around. She knew that smell…

Then her eyes widened. ‘Magost Berries~’ She found her hooves moving of their own accord, the delicious mango-flavoured berries were only a few feet away…

“Ahem,” she heard from behind her. The voice was familiar as well. She turned around, one berry already wrapped in her coiled tongue. What she saw was a Roserade looking at her with a raised eyebrow.

“I do hope you weren’t planning on eating any of those without permission,” he said, tapping one foot.

She slowly put the berry down and smiled sheepishly. “Quality control?” she grinned.

“Something I am very good at,” the grass-type agreed. “Unless you have permission from the ones that own the building, I’m afraid we can’t give out free samples.”

“I had Dream Sex with them, does that count?” she said without hesitation.

James blinked, facepalmed, and shook his head with an exasperated sigh. “One,” he eventually said. “And I better not hear anything about this!”

“Whoo!” Midnight scarfed down a berry and moaned at the sweet flavours. “Oh my goddess, this is as good, if not better than Fritter’s ones~”

“I do pride myself on my ability to grow delicious berries,” James said with a smile. “Now go before you eat all of them,” he said, making small shooing motions with his hands. “We have to keep a good stock.”

“Aww, but…” She withered under his fierce glare. “Fiiiiine…” She turned and walked off, a visible shake in her curvaceous flanks.

“Not losing any more berries if I can afford it,” the plant muttered. “Not to bugs or bats.”

“I heard that!” she called out. “Thestral, not a bat!”

James just sighed and shook his head as he went about his daily rounds again.

Midnight walked back into the apartment and kissed Lucy on the cheek as she walked past, before placing her bags on the countertop.

“I got the tomatoes and mushrooms,” she said. “I also bought more milk and eggs… and some pepper to replace what I spilled.”

“Thank you dear,” Jeanne said. “We’ll focus on the tomatoes and the mushrooms for now. How are you at slicing them?”

Midnight grinned and zoomed out of the room, returning mere moments later with her wingblades equipped and grinning widely. Jeanne smiled, before she pulled out a cutting board and placed it on the counter.

“The tomatoes need to become little chunks,” she told the batpony, “Preferably uniform in size. While the mushrooms should be thinly sliced.”

“Endless Waltz!” Midnight said as she tossed a tomato into the air and slashed out with her wings. Only Lucy had the training to even follow her movements, and even then, she really had to concentrate. A few seconds later, a pile of diced tomato sat on the cutting board.

“Thank you dear,” Jeanne said as she began pouring the mix into the frying pan, so that she could start up the omelets.

Then Midnight brought her blade down to slice the mushroom, only to get it stuck in the board. “Whoops…”

“Just take it easy, don’t force anything,” Jeanne said. “You might break the board if you did. Try gently pulling it backwards…”

Vincent walked in, having finally cleaned his face of all the gunk and sighing in relief. That feels better, he said as he retook his seat.

“Oh, Hi Vinny~” Midnight said as she turned. The morning sun cast a shadow across her face, leaving her eyes to gleam brightly as she held up her wingblade, still stained in the red juice of the tomatoes…

And, that’s one of the creepier things I’ve seen, the Kadabra said. Not quite up there, but pretty close.

“Huh?” Midnight looked at her swords. “Oops, sorry for scaring you like that. It’s just tomatoes…” She turned back around, showing off her Full Moon as she carefully sliced up the mushrooms.

And that’s immediately canceled out by one of the sexier things I’ve ever seen~ Vincent said with a happy hum. Lucy just shook her head as she sipped her coffee. Midnight smirked and flicked her tail to one side, instantly improving that view as she sliced away, also adding a small shake to her rump.

“Hey, I’m not your mate, I don’t need to be seeing that!” Christine barked out. Whereas Sam just blushed and looked away.

“Hrrm, forgot you were there,” Midnight shrugged as her tail covered her up again. “Ah well, a free show never hurt anypony. Otherwise, that’ll be fifty bits.”

Christine rolled her eyes as she looked at Lucy and Vincent. “Do you two have enough badges to train that mare yet?” she asked with more than a touch of snark.

Midnight paused and tilted her head. “Badges? What do they have to do with anything.”

“It’s a joke from Earth,” Christine said with a wave of one hand. “You wouldn’t get it unless I explained it.”

“Fair enough… Oh! You mean those shiny things Seth has? I think Elesa and Skyla had something to do with them.”

“Yeah,” Christine said. “Trainers beat Gym Leaders, acquire their badge, and that’s supposed to impress some ‘mon enough so that they will let the trainers actually train them.” The dragon snorted. “None of them ever did impress me.”

“And yet you like Sethy a bunch,” Midnight smirked. “What’s that I heard about you giving him the honour of Mega-evolving you for the first time?”

“That he’s not a cocky git who only thought of me as a trophy for his team?” Christine replied shamelessly.

“Yeah, he’s good at not being a git,” Midnight giggled. “Denser than dark matter, but he has a good heart.”

“Unlike the small horde of trainers that kept trying to tame the oddball dragon,” Christine agreed.

“Cute oddball dragon,” Midnight corrected her. Seeing that Jeanne had the cooking under control, she sat down at the table, in between Sam and Christine. “So bugboy. What’s your story?”

“You don’t want to know,” he said with a shake of his head.

“Trust me, I’ve probably heard worse,” Midnight shrugged. “Tell you what, I’ll answer one of your questions in return.”

“No, really, I’ve heard from everyone I ever told,” Sam said as he raised a claw in his defense. “They didn’t want to know after I told them.”

“Sam? Have a good think about who’s asking you,” Lucy tacked on. “And how much… private time you’ve spent because of her.”

“Fine, but I’ll whisper it,” he said, leaning over to one of the mare’s ears and starting to tell her about the time he’d spent in Celadon City with an old man...who had way too much free time and money, and who wanted to pass his knowledge on to someone…

“Uhuh... “ Midnight nodded slowly. “And yet, my voice alone makes you run for the bathroom. Seems his student still has much to learn,” Midnight smiled and leaned closer, as if she was going to kiss him. “I could teach you~”

“I’mfinethanks,” Sam said as he leaned up and scooted a little ways away, so as to not be any closer to the mare than he had to be. “Plus, I kinda have my eyes on someone…”

“That cute Leavanny downstairs?” Midnight hazarded a guess, then her eyes widened when he remained silent. “Wait! I was right?”

“He’s in love with her,” Lucy said with a sigh. “And she doesn’t want anything to do with a ‘mon that doesn’t know how to mind his manners around a member of the fairer sex.”

“Oohhh, so she’s one of those types?” Midnight gave a small sigh and shook her head. “Let me guess, she wants a romance straight out of a novel or fairy tales?”

I think she’d settle for not getting hit on with really bad lines every time he walks through the lobby, Vincent said with a chuckle.

“Ahh, and yet, he’s so flustered around me,” Midnight smiled. “I’m actually beginning to think you’re talking about a whole other Pokémon.”

“He’s pretty bad with ‘mon and things that aren’t in his Egg Group,” Christine supplied. “It’s only when he’s attracted to the ‘mon in question that he gets any confidence.”

“Misplaced confidence, but confidence all the same,” Lucy chimed in.

“I love how you’re talking about me like I’m not here,” Sam muttered.

“Ah, so it’s because I’m not a buggy?” She smiled and looked at him. “But, I’m so very good at eating them~”

“That has disturbing implications,” the Scizor said as he sipped at his coffee.

“Take it however you like, you’ll likely strike a grain of truth regardless,” Midnight smirked widely. “Just ask your brother and sister~”

“I’m fine without asking, thanks,” Sam replied flatly. “Is there no way to stop you?”

“Nope! Again, ask them,” she giggled and motioned to the couple with a wing. “And speaking of, what’s on the agenda for today?”

“I have teaching in the dojo to do,” Lucy said. “So once the time rolls around, I shall have to depart for that.”

I don’t have much I have to do today, though, Vincent replied. I’ve mostly been training myself in fine control with my strength. I’ll likely remain at home today.

“Hmm, I could help Lulu… but then, she’d probably want her students left in one piece…” It slowly dawned on Midnight that she’d have nothing to do today. Which wouldn’t be a problem normally, just find a pony and spend the day between the sheets.

“You two have ruined me!” she yelled at the ceiling.

How so? Vincent asked.

“I can’t just go out and sleep with a random partner anymore! This trust and loyalty thing has forever ruined me.”

“That hardly sounds like a bad thing,” Lucy pointed out. “You could be involved with worse partners for that than us.”

“Nah, you two are only the second that I’ve done this with,” Midnight said with a wave of her hoof. “Trust me, every few others could fill that role. I even have a list.”

Well if you’re that bored, you and I could do something, Vincent offered. My staying home is by no means mandatory. I just get the feeling Ace appreciates it.

“Yeah, Captain ‘Stick in her Plot’ is kind of a buzzkill. But she did recommend that restaurant last night, so I have to thank her for that.”

I also get the feeling she doesn’t want to see me anytime soon, Vincent said with a sheepish scratch of the back of his head.

“Or any of us,” Lucy pointed out.

“Me especially,” Christine grumped.

“Ahh, you guys are cool, she just stresses out way too easily.” Midnight giggled and blushed lightly. “That handsome husband of hers just needs to sex her up more often.”

The Kadabra raised an eyebrow, a hand, thought better of the comment he was going to make, and lowered both before saying anything at all. Midnight caught that and wondered what he was about to say.

“Well, let’s eat first, I’m starving,” Midnight said as her belly gurgled in response. That was when Jeanne walked through the door and nodded at Vincent.

“They’re done and plated,” she said as she made her way to the couch in the living room. Vincent raised a hand, causing several plates to appear in a blue flash. Each one had a delicious, cheesy, mushroom and tomato omelet on it.

“Ooohhh, sooo cheeeeesy~” Midnight said and wasted no time in digging in, attacking the food with her usual gusto. By diving facefirst and taking big mouthfuls. Vincent just chuckled as he began to eat his with a little more reservation, joined by Lucy who also used silverware. Seeing as how Sam couldn’t hold them very well anyway, the Scizor used his claws to gently pull pieces of the egg and cheese dish off and hold them up to his mouth.

Christine did something similar, where she used her claws to cut up the omelet, and then speared it with said claws and started munching on the deliciousness. Soon, the only ones left eating were the ones that were trying to be polite about it.

Eventually, Midnight had to come up for air, and Vincent was certain she’d gotten more on her muzzle than in her mouth. A problem she quickly rectified by snaking out her long tongue and licking her muzzle clean.

You really have no way to stop, do you? Vincent said with a shake of his head, his breakfast only half-gone.

“Whaaaaat?’ Midnight pouted and folded her forelegs. “What did I do now?”

“Be your usual tempting self, of course,” Lucy said with a smile. “Though it’s not like that’s a bad thing…”

“That kiss I gave you?” Midnight said as she waited for Sam and Vincent to take a mouthful of food. “I can do that to myself~ Very useful on lonely nights.”

Sam was confused, while Vincent coughed and made sure the food went down the right way by thumping his chest a few times. Are you...trying to choke me? he asked once his airway was clear.

“Nah, necrophilia isn’t one of my kinks,” Midnight replied without missing a beat. “That said… some of those Ghost-types are kinda cute…”

Really starting to think my earlier thought was correct, the psychic said.

“You know,” Midnight shrugged as she turned back to her food. “Did it occur to you that you’ve only asked if I could stop, not if I would?”

While I’m pretty sure I already know the answer to that, Vincent said as he smiled, let’s try a different question. Would you at least try to tone it down a little, please?

“I suppose I can do that,” Midnight nodded. “And, I do apologise if I offended anyone.” She looked at Sam and grinned. “And for clarification, it’s like when you saw me kiss Lucy, only it involves a different pair of lips~”

Now Sam was blushing through his chitin again…

Christine just waved one claw dismissively. “Not the worst thing I’ve heard or seen in the wild,” she said. “You’re good in my books.”

Midnight bit her lip, barely holding back the urge to ask for more details. But she did just promise Vincent she’d ease up…

“I can hardly be offended by the one we took to bed last night,” Lucy said. “And if I was, I wouldn’t entrust my mate to your mercies for the day.”

“I won’t touch him,” Midnight held up a hoof and crossed her chest with it. “Besides, I was more referring to the bug and your Mom.”

“You make them happy, dear,” Jeanne spoke up from the living room, where she’d sat on the couch with her breakfast. “I’m willing to forgive you as long as you keep doing that.”

Sam, on the other hand, didn’t speak, still blushing furiously.

“Huh, guess I shouldn’t have put the image of eating myself out in his head,” Midnight poked him with a hoof. “So Sammy, ponies don’t look so bad now huh?”

He just shook his head, still looking away as he finished up his breakfast. He couldn’t bring himself to look at her without blushing again.

And now Midnight felt a little bad. “Uh… you okay?”

“He’ll be fine,” Lucy said. “Give him a minute to process everything and it’ll be back to the usual Sam. Your way of holding nothing back probably overwhelmed him for a moment.”

Midnight made an ‘o’ shape with her mouth and nodded, opting to not speak at all as she resumed her breakfast, now using cutlery like everyone else.

Lucy stood up and took her now-empty plate to the kitchen and walked past Midnight’s seat, before whispering something she knew the silly mare would hear.

“By the way, I wouldn’t mind a little touching...as long as you didn’t forget about me when I come home today.”

Midnight was now blushing slightly, her fork dangling from her mouth as she blinked slowly. Lucy chuckled and pat Midnight on the shoulder as she left to go teach.

So what are you going to do today, Midnight? Vincent asked innocently.

Midnight fought the blush on her face down and almost replied with ‘You’ automatically. She shook her head. “I dunno, meeting you guys and doing what we did has completely thrown off my vacation plans.” The Thestral tapped her chin and hummed. “I don’t really know. I guess the next thing to pop into my head really.”

Well then, I shall accompany you, as I have nothing better to do. And it’s been a while since I went out anyways, the psychic replied as he neared the end of his breakfast.

“Giving Las Pegasus enough time to get their insurance in order?” Midnight jabbed.

Something like that, Vincent chuckled. The last time I went out around town was a while ago, and only because some mare thought to hurt my family.

“Whhyyyy would anypony think it’s a good idea to anger a Pokémon?” Midnight threw her hooves up in mock-despair. “I mean, you guys are literal forces of nature. I’m a highly trained individual, and yet, even I wouldn’t pick a fight unnecessarily.”

“The best part is,” Sam said, “Her secretary pulled her operation together again after we shut her down and unleashed a madpony to try and preemptively stop us. So, yeah, that’s probably why Ace doesn’t like us.”

“Well, sounds like you’ve had as much fun as Seth,” the thestral chuckled and got up to put her plate in the sink. “Enjoying the peace and quiet? Or moaning at the lack of something to do?”

Oh, definitely enjoying our peace now, Vincent said with a smile. We fought for it, so we might as well bask in it while it lasts.

“And then I showed up,” Midnight mused. “I’ll have you know that Seth’s luck has rubbed off on me, I’d hoped he’d rub something else, but beggars can’t be choosers.” She giggled and shook her head when she realised she was doing it again. “Anyway… something is bound to happen sooner or later, just a little heads up…” Then she looked at Christine and smiled when a story of Seth’s came to mind. “Still, I feel like today is a good day. Nothing’s gonna go wrong.”

Instantly, Sam and Vincent facepawed. Well, in Sam’s case, he just covered his eyes with a claw.

You just had to tempt the universe, Vincent sighed.

“Because that Murphy stuff is a total load,” Midnight scoffed and folded her legs. “You guys are way too superstitious.”

“We’ve had experience in taunting the universe before,” Sam said. “It did not end well.”

“Well I’ll tell you what, if and only if something happens, then I will do whatever you all ask of me,” Midnight laid down her bet.

Vincent just smiled at that thought. Are you certain? Last chance to back out.

“And if I win,” Midnight replied, making that her answer that she was serious. “Hmm, well I’ll think of that later.”

Deal, Vincent said with a wider smile. This is Las Pegasus, I’m sure something will happen sooner or later.

“Bear in mind, it has to be something concerning you or your family. Say… a random bank robbery or something doesn’t count,” Midnight said. “And of course, it can’t be something that you guys knew was going to happen already either.”

I reiterate, this is Las Pegasus, Vincent said as he moved his and Sam’s plates to the sink. I’m sure something will happen sooner or later as we explore the city together.

“We’ll see…” Midnight shrugged as she opened the fridge. “Ooohh~ Magost juice!?”

The bottle was empty a few seconds later…

Something tells me you have a particular flavor of berry you enjoy, the psychic observed with a chuckle.

“Shhooooo goood~” Midnight purred and rubbed her belly. Vincent just shook his head as he got up from the table and stood near the front door.

Whenever you are ready, mi’lady, he said, even going so far as to bow.

“Such a gentlestallion,” Midnight giggled as she put her bags on, along with her golden shoes. “Alright then, since you seem so eager, I’ll let you lead~”

Well then, let us explore the town together, the Kadabra said. I’m certain we’ll find something to do today.

An hour later…

“So… everything seems peaceful huh?” Midnight said and bumped Vincent’s side with her rump. “I’m not gonna say I told you so… yet.”

We do have the rest of the day yet, Vincent said. We’ve barely scratched the surface as to what this town has to offer as well.

“So, can you explain why your photo is on the front desk of every casino I have tried to enter today?” Midnight said. “I mean, seriously?”

Let’s just say psychics aren’t allowed to use their powers in games of gambling, Vincent explained. Something I may have had a small hand in teaching this town when we first arrived.

“You’re terrible,” Midnight chuckled and bumped him again. “Well, since I can’t gamble away my hard-earned bits now. Any suggestions?”

We could check out the theatres or look for a new restaurant, Vincent offered. Fredrick’s is good and all, but sometimes I want a little variety.

“That sounds good,” Midnight nodded. “I heard that there was a new Neighponese place around the Strip somewhere…” Then she paused and sighed. “Dammit, I completely forgot about that.”

What? Vincent asked.

“I have a trip coming up soon. The Princess wants to better relations between us and the Kitsune of Neighpon. So she’s going to be going there, along with a few delegates and some guard. Guess who the lucky bat is that gets to go for the month-long trip…”

Well, I suppose we’ll just have to leave you with good memories to tide you over on your trip, Vincent said without looking at her. So that you have something to look forward and come back to.

“Yeah… and now I can’t be the first Thestral to bag a Kitsune. Thanks for that,” Midnight pouted and giggled at the look on his face. “Don’t worry. I’m not actually upset.” Yup, just keep telling yourself that Middy…

And I’m sure the meeting is going to go over swimmingly when the Kitsune hear about the Vulpix and Ninetails species, Vincent chuckled. Or maybe that’s why they called it in the first place?

“Well, Pokémon are the main reason for the visit, and that they were the only major nation not to attend the Summit. The Kitsune are a very private species. You have to jump through a lot of hoops, just to get in and out of the country. Ponies and other species do live there, but most are descendants from ones that moved there when the borders used to be open a few centuries ago.” The Thestral realised she was rambling again and closed her mouth.

So think of it like this, you’ll be the first thestral in so many years to visit the Kitsune lands. That’s an accomplishment, certainly.

“Yup, and Seth’s going because he apparently speaks their language… somehow…” She just reminded herself to ask him how he spoke a language almost nopony in Equestria did. Aside from the Princesses and for some reason, Pinkie Pie.

Well, don’t forget to enjoy yourself while you’re there, though not too much.

“Maybe I should drag you or Lulu along for the ride,” Midnight chuckled. “Seth plans on bringing Rika and maybe Fritter if he’s allowed.” Midnight hugged him from behind, draping her hooves over his shoulders. “The fox, the wolf and the bat escape to a forgotten continent. Mystery, action, love! This story has it all!”

If you take one of us, you take both of us, and if you take Lucy, you’ll have an interesting surprise in the middle of the trip, Vincent said. She’ll probably lay during it…

“Oh, I’ll lay her alright~” Midnight chuckled lewdly.

As in, the eggs, the Kadabra elaborated.

“I know, I stand by my previous statement,’ Midnight nodded. “Bear in mind, when it’s just us, I won’t hold back either~” She released her hug after giving him a kiss on the cheek. “So, where to? O’mustachioed guide.”

Depends on what you’re in the mood for, Vincent said as he twirled his normal spoon around. If it exists in the city, I can likely find it.

“Well, between your legs is hardly far away,” she whispered into his ear.

Something other than that, he said with a chuckle.

“You are impossible to fluster,” the bat pouted. “Well, I took you on a date last night. Your turn. Pick a place to entertain me.”

Movie and lunch sound like a good choice? the Kadabra asked.

“Sounds good to me,” Midnight nodded. “I’m curious to see what sort of movie you’ll pick.”

Let’s see the local listings, Vincent mused as the spoon faintly glowed. Hmm...We’ve got a Daring Do movie, some sort of romance, and then something about...yeah, no, I can already tell that one is a poor choice.

“Which one?” Midnight asked.

Something to do with vamponies, which I know you’d hate, Vincent replied. Unless you have a preference for one of the others…

“You take me to the vampony one and I will bite something off,” Midnight warned him with a click of her fanged jaws. “Maybe the romance? Might be good for some cliche advice.”

Plus it’d teach me something about what Equestria considers to be a ‘typical’ romance, Vincent agreed. Fine, one romance movie and lunch at that Neighponese place...once I find it.

“I looked it up before coming here, it’s just up the street from a popular club called ‘The Love Shack’.”

Three guesses as to what goes on there, Vincent deadpanned. Well, I’ll figure out where it is and plan a route before we even sit down for the movie, so let’s figure out...there we are. Onwards!

Midnight blinked, having no idea what the heck he was doing, but decided to follow him anyways.

Popcorn? Vincent asked the thestral.

“Nah, it gets stuck between my fangs,” she replied as she sipped her soda. She stared at the screen and groaned. “Is this mare for real? I mean, is she bipolar or something?”

If she is, then a lot of this movie suddenly makes sense, and I’m not ready for that, the Kadabra replied. He munched on some of the buttery snack before offering some chocolate to the mare. Now that, she accepted, also taking his fingers into her mouth as she pulled back and licked her lips.

“And what’s up with that mare? I mean, you can tell she totally digs that guy. If she wants him, then just present already. No stallion worth his love banana is gonna turn down dat ass.”

I love your terminology, Vincent deadpanned. Maybe she wants to win his heart and get him to choose her? Ever think of that?

“Calling it now, she’s gonna wind up with that nerdy mare with that glasses, but not before she makes a horrible mistake with Mr. Clueless,” Midnight said as she ate some more chocolate. She was gonna have to exercise this off later. “And Miss Bipolar will wind up with him instead.”

By now, several other patrons were already shushing them.

Or they could try your way and try and make a herd out of it, Vincent mused. That would be interesting to watch unfold.

“You actually don’t see a lot of that in these sorts of movies,” Midnight said. “Which is weird I guess. But that might work out, provided Mr. Clueless actually gains some personality in the next twenty or so minutes.”

Develop a character? What are you thinking? That would take effort! Vincent scoffed.

“Like, omg, would you two shut up!” one teenager called out. “You’re like, totally ruining this for like, everypony.”

The creators of the film did that for us, we’re just pointing it out, Vincent said.

Midnight turned and with a scarily good rendition of the mare’s speech pattern… “Like totally. This movie is sooo last season, like, y’know.”

I was expecting something informative or at the very least entertaining, the psychic continued.

A few minutes later…

“Well,” Midnight said as she stared up at the sky. “They actually kicked us out… though that beefy security stallion felt up my flank, so not a total loss.”

I tried to resist, but the movie’s terrible nature just called to me, asking me to pick it apart, Vincent said. Who am I to resist such a call?

“That was way more fun than the movie itself.” Midnight giggled. “Let’s bring Lucy next time, we’ll see if we can get kicked out even faster.”

They might put my picture up here too if we do that, the psychic warned.

“Then we’ll just watch films that nopony else is… or splurge for a home projector,” Midnight said and gasped. “Oh no, I’m already planning family fun events. Nooooo! I’m not ready to be tamed!”

Vincent chuckled before making ‘come hither’ motions at Midnight. Come to the tamed side Midnight, we have Magost berries.

“Nnnnoooooooo~” Midnight swooned.

Give in to the temptation and the power gained by being loyal, Vincent intoned dramatically. Let the thoughts of the family consume you, and your journey to the tamed side shall be complete!

“Aaahhhhh~” Midnight spun around, before accidentally bumping into somepony. She turned to apologise, only to come muzzle to muzzle with Las Pegasus’ resident grump guard.

“Oh! Heya Cap!” Midnight chirped, not unlike a small bird.

“Midnight, trouble,” the mare greeted the pair of them. “What in the world are you two doing out here?”

“So suspicious,” Midnight said and frowned. “Come on, we get kicked out of one cinema and they send the guard on us… even though I outrank you~”

“Actually, I was just doing my normal patrol,” Ace said. “What’s this about getting kicked out of a cinema?”

Nothing, Vincent replied as he looked up at the sky.

“Yeah, that and two bits will get you an apple,” Ace deadpanned.

“It will in Canterlot, just ask Fritter,” Midnight smiled. “And Vincent and I were just sharing a deep and intelligent conversation about the movie’s plot… while the movie was still going,” Midnight shrugged.

“That’d do it,” Ace sighed. “Look, can the pair of you not cause trouble wherever you go for once? Please?”

“That’s a really tall order Captain,” Midnight said as she pulled the mare into a hug. “I can only promise to try.”

“Grand,” Ace deadpanned as she pulled herself out of the hug. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I still have a patrol to get back to…”

“Oh! I still have to thank you for the restaurant,” Midnight said and then leaned over, whispering in her ear. To this very day, Vincent would never forget the moment he saw Captain Ace blush.

“Try that out with your Thestral husband, trust me, both of you will love it~”

“Perverted bat,” Ace snorted as she shook her head to get her blush under control before walking off.

Why do I get the feeling I don’t want to know? Vincent asked rhetorically.

“Remember what I did to Lulu?” Midnight just smirked and flickered out her long tongue.

How could I forget? Vincent asked. I take it you’re going to enjoy this whole ‘trying’ to be tamed thing.

“If I get to keep teasing Acey,” Midnight smiled and wolf-whistled at the retreating mare. That just made her trot away faster, though.

Something tells me she’s going to list us all as troublemakers before the week is out, Vincent sighed. Ah well. That Neighponese place?

“Sounds good,” Midnight smiled and nodded, looping a hoof through his arm as they walked down the street.

When they got back to the apartment, a familiar face waited for them.

“Ah, so I take it you found out my little surprise?” Seth smiled at the pair, right before Midnight clipped him upside the head with her wing.

“A little warning would have been nice!” she scolded him. “Fluffy jerk!”

“My mistake,” Seth laughed, rubbing the back of his head. Fluff or not, hooves hurt man. “Still, it’s good you're here, I could use a distraction if this all goes south.”

You have so much faith in us, Vincent deadpanned.

“Of course, you make adequate meat shields,” Seth nodded as they walked inside. “Don’t let anyone take that away from you.”

I’d like to think I’m a little more valuable than just a meatshield, Vincent said as he returned to his usual pose on the couch. I’ve been training myself to be able to use my power without the need for my seal.

“Cool,” Seth nodded. “Oh yeah, you never did tell me what you thought of the Contest either. You liked?”

It was quite impressive, Vincent agreed. Had we had more time and any idea how to do it ourselves, Lucy and I might have tried to come up with a routine.

“Hehe, that’d be something to see,” Midnight giggled, picturing Lulu in a cute and frilly outfit. “So, why are you here Boss’mon? Is it about—?”

“I’m here to meet with Christine actually,” Seth replied with a nod. “I have a massive favor to ask her.”

Good luck, she’s currently in a ‘nesting mother’ phase, Vincent said. She’s just down the hall from us, room 303.

“Mother?” Seth blinked and then facepawed. “I forgot about that. This trip may have been a waste then…” He groaned and got back to his feet. “Thanks, hopefully I’ll be back.” With a final nod, he walked off to find the dragon.

Said dragon was in her room, altering the position of a few pillows on the bed. It wasn’t comfy enough yet.

“Sup Chrissy?” Seth said, leaning against the doorway. “Building a pillow fort?”

“A nest,” she said over her shoulder. “Trying to get it right. Could use my mate to show up again and help, but I knew what I was getting into and can’t really complain.” Then she blinked and turned more fully to look at who she’d just replied to. “Seth? What in the world are you doing here?”

“Nah much, I came to see you actually,” The Luxray said as he stepped inside. “I forgot you were going to lay some Eggs soon. So the favour I came to ask might not happen.”

“Let’s hear it,” Christine said as she adjusted another pillow.

“I have a battle coming up soon. An important and true Pokémon battle,” Seth said. “But the problem is, is that it’s to be a six-on-six battle… and I simply don’t have enough Pokémon partners for that.”

“Hmm,” Christine hummed. “I’m not due for a while, actually. Or at least I don’t think so. So maybe I can join in this little battle of yours. How many are you missing?”

Seth’s grin eerily reminded her of Rika for a moment. “It’s going to be in five days. In the guard’s training field of Canterlot Castle.” The grin faltered somewhat, but she could tell he was excited. “I know… that I have no right to ask this of you. But, I want to battle together with you. I just know it will be amazing!”

“Yeah, sure, why not,” Christine said with a wave of one clawed hand. “I can show up for that. What time? And you didn’t tell me how many you were missing. Just the one, me, or are you going to need someone else?”

“I may need one more actually,” Seth said with a nod. “The last of my Pokémon partners, Drake, has offered to help. But that still leaves me with only five if I include you. I might be able to win with that...”

“So let’s go over what you’ve got,” Christine said as she sat on the edge of her bed. “Might be able to help you figure out another.”

“Well, I have Ignis, Selena and Rika. You know them already,” Seth said as he sat on the floor. “And there’s also Drake, a Golduck and he’s even stronger than Ignis. And also you.”

“Hmm…” Christine hummed. “Maybe some sort of Grass-type to round out your team?”

“Well, my opponent doesn’t have anything weak to Grass… nor do I know any strong enough to help… and I’m not throwing my Mom into a battle.”

“Yeah, alright, fair enough,” the Gabite waved off. “How about Fighting, then?”

“That… would actually be pretty useful, especially against her Aurorus,” Seth nodded. “I still need a suitabally strong Pokémon though. We are battling Diantha after all.”

“Well, we only know one,” Christine said with a smile.

Seth tilted his head. “I know… a few, but none I’d feel comfortable ordering around in battle… given that they used to be human.”

“Not all of them~” the Gabite sang.

“Alright Miss Dragon, what are you hiding?” Seth asked, scooting a bit closer.

“Well I mean you’re already here, and you came all this way for one ‘mon,” she said. “Why not make it two? I’m sure she can take a day off. She might even make a spectacle out of it so that her students get to see just what goes down in a battle.”

Seth paused, before he realised what the dragon was getting at. “Wait, you mean Lucy!?”

“She’s a Fighting type, she’s been in a few scrapes, and she has a decent movepool,” Christine replied. “Plus you can’t deny that a team made out of the right former Subjects would be formidable.”

“But, isn’t she also pregnant?” Seth asked, now sounding quite hesitant. “I don’t want to put either of you at risk. I should just ask Diantha if she could postpone the battle for a month or so. I’m sure she won’t mind-”

Christine cut him off with a gentle booping of his nose with one claw. “Shush,” she said to him. “Pokemon are tougher than you might think. We’ll be able to handle a little fight, even when we’re pregnant.”

Seth didn’t want to seem to back down though. “But I-”

“Came to me to ask about whether or not I’d be able to fight for you,” Christine said. “And the answer is yes, I can. You might have to impress Lucy, though. And really, isn’t it up to me to determine what I can and can’t do?”

“I really should have learned that there’s no arguing with you,” Seth sighed and smiled. “Fine, I’ll ask Lucy if she’d like to help. Provided her husband will let me borrow her.”

“Lucy’s the overprotective one,” Christine pointed out. “I’m not certain you’d have much to do after you got her on your side.”

“Well, I was planning on heading home right after this, but it seems I’ll have to wait now…” He looked at the pile of pillows. “Want some help? Pillow forts were a specialty of mine as a kid.”

“What I really need are more pillows,” the dragon grumped. Seth nodded as his eyes shone gold and he looked around, before he left the room. He returned a few moments later, laden down with a dozen pillows.

“There was a storage cupboard near here. Pillows have been acquired,” he nodded.

“Oh, awesome,” the Gabite said as she carefully took one and added it to her nest. Seth chuckled as he set the pillows down and assisted her construction.

“Well,” Midnight said as she leaned against Vincent on the couch. “It’s… quiet. Think he’s dead?”

I doubt it, the psychic replied. Not only do I have a rule about attacking others in this place - namely, don’t do it - Christine likes him.

“Still, it’d be cool if she says yes,” Midnight said. “Seeing Chrissy battle against someone like Diantha should be interesting.”

She is the one that caused a gas leak with Earthquake, then blew up said leak with Flamethrower, Vincent agreed. I have no idea how she fared in the wild, but I get the sense she’s seen her share of battles and come out stronger for them. I’m surprised she’s not a Garchomp by now if all her stories are true.

“Garchomp?” Midnight pulled out a small pocketbook from her bag and flipped through it. “Ah, here we are… Garchomp, the final evolution for Gible. Aww, little Gibles are sooo cute~”

They’re basically a mouth of sharp teeth with legs at that stage, Vincent chuckled. Though in Christine’s case, she was an angry mouth with legs…

“Still cute though,” Midnight giggled as she put her Pocketdex away. “So, what shall we do while Lulu’s away?”

Typically I just meditate and exercise my fine control, Vincent said. Though I’d welcome any ideas you had.

“Hmm, maybe I could test your concentration,” she mused. “See if you can keep up your meditation through my distractions?”

I can certainly try, the psychic agreed. I get the feeling something like this is a good idea. I might not have the time to call on my powers in every situation and need to do so while being distracted.

“Exactly,” Midnight stood up.

Later, Vincent might regret not giving this some second thought…

“Now… how to start?” she mused. “Well, start meditating while I plot.”

The psychic nodded and leaned back, relaxing as he focused his mind. A faint shimmer of blue coated his form as he started trying to hone his powers a little more…

Then she reached out and tugged his mustache. The fox snorted once, but didn’t open his eyes or anything.

Then she grabbed both and turned them, tickling his nose with the tips of them. He snorted again, but his concentration held. Vincent shook his head to tug the ends of the mustache out of her grip before reclining back on the couch again.

Then he felt something drag along his nose, soft and silky… and it smelled a lot like mangoes. He resisted the temptation to open his eyes and just lay there, still focusing on his mental strength.

“Hmm, so that’s how it is,” she smiled and he felt something familiar, as something warm pressed against his neck and he felt something sharp press against the skin, but not pierce it. Instead, she sucked on his neck, giving the fox a hickey.

Once again, he didn’t react. But this time it was a close thing. He was so tempted to look…

“Someone’s playing hard to get~” she whispered into his ear as she straddled his lap. “I wonder, how long can you hold out~?” This time, she lightly kissed his lips as one of her hooves stroked his thigh…

The Kadabra’s eyelids fluttered for a moment, but he lay himself back after refocusing on his goal.

“What to dooo?” he felt Midnight get off of him and all was silent for a moment. “I wonder how far I can push this, ‘I’m allowed to touch’ rule that Lulu set for me?”

Now Vincent was slightly panicked. Lucy had said that?

“Where. To. Begin~” the bat mused as that hoof returned to his thigh… and started to move higher…

Hey now, let’s not do anything hasty, Vincent said, still trying to focus on both her and what he was doing.

“Hasty, oh no, I’m taking my time… also, you answered, so minus one point,” she tacked on as that hoof drew dangerously close to something sensitive. And then just like that, it pulled away as she took his hand.

“A thought occurs, as I have discovered a loophole in Lulu’s rule~”

Vincent shut up, as apparently that was now required of him, and simply wondered what was going on.

Then he felt his hand press firmly against some soft and round, with a smaller nub in the palm of his hand. “She said nothing about you touching me~”

Vincent’s hand didn’t move, though. As he was supposed to be focusing on his assigned task.

Though he would admit, he was tempted…

“Still nothing?” Midnight asked. “If it wasn’t for the fact that you’re squeezing my teat, I’d say you were asleep.”

Like he was supposed to be. Though once again, her words did tempt Vincent.

Still, until she did something to show how far she was willing to take this, he wouldn’t so much as budge an inch.

“A pity, but you seem really set on meditating… guess I’ll let you be then,” she said as she started to pull away.

Then his hand twitched, squeezing her teat a little more, just lightly. If she hadn’t been waiting for it, she might have missed it.

“Ah~” she let out a little moaning gasp and bit her lip. “Mmm, now that’s more like it~” she purred and stepped a bit closer to him, now standing over him as he lay on the couch. “You know, with your powers… I bet you could do whatever you liked to me…”

So am I doing that, or meditating? Vincent asked as he cracked an eye open.

“And you lose~” she giggled and kissed his nose.

I rather think I won something more valuable than practice, Vincent replied as he squeezed her again. She gasped and gave him a cheeky smile.

“Seems you found something you like there,” she smirked. “Having fun?”

I should be asking that of you, and asking how much fun you intend to be having, Vincent replied.

“You know me, I’m always up for some fun,” Midnight smiled. “But, we’re supposed to be taking it slowly yes? And Lucy isn’t here right now to join in.”

And yet if I heard you right, she did tell you you were allowed to touch, Vincent pointed out.

“And yet, she didn’t say what I could touch and how I could touch it…”

Oh dear, that smirk of hers was slightly unnerving.

Well, why don’t I take us to the bedroom and put up a bit of soundproofing, just in case? Vincent offered. It wouldn’t do to have someone walk in in the middle of...whatever we seem to be plotting.

“Aww, but the prospect of getting caught is half the fun right?” Midnight leaned in and kissed his nose.

I’m not one for making my mother or Sam blush, Vincent said with a shake of his head. Plus, easier access to the toys.

“Well now, I wonder how far you’re planning to take this?” Midnight mused as she hopped off of him and sauntered off to the bedroom, that fine furry flank swaying nicely.

I suppose we’ll see, Vincent said as he simply teleported over to the bed and lay there waiting for her.

“Teleporting is cheating,” she said as she stood next to the bed. “So little fox, what would you like to do? You and Lulu are the ones setting the rules remember?”

Why don’t you show me, he said as the door swung shut and a translucent blue barrier glowed at the edges of the room for a moment. Show me how you’d take it slowly, with a side order of ramping it up?

Midnight closed her eyes. “Vincent. What you are suggesting… is very much what happened last night…” She was still at odds with herself over this. Vincent and Lucy were a couple she was intruding in on, and that still weighed on her mind.

Hmm, Vincent hummed as he lay on the bed. Why don’t you tell me exactly what Lucy said to you when she gave you permission?

“By the way, I wouldn’t mind a little touching...as long as you didn’t forget about me when I come home today.” Midnight had mimicked Lucy’s voice scarily well...

Well then, that says to me that she’ll be expecting treatment in kind if we do anything without her, Vincent said. Now before I tell you anything, I want to know, Midnight. Do you think you could keep up the behavior you have been so far? Do you think you could be loyal to us?

“I…” Midnight paused. “I won’t lie, I honestly don’t know. For the longest time, it’s been just me and myself. I tried love once and screwed that up so badly… I don’t know if Moonie will ever forgive the stupid mare that broke her heart…”

She didn’t even feel the tears that ran down her cheeks. “You might as well toss me aside now, before I do the same to you.”

Somehow Vincent had floated her up to him and was hugging her close to his chest, one hand stroking her mane. I can tell you regret it, Vincent said quietly. So I’ll just wait for you to cry yourself out...before I ask any more questions.

She just nodded, only trying to pull away for a moment before she just cried into his chest. It wasn’t for about five minutes or so until she stopped.

Vincent just sat there for a moment before he spoke up again. Are you willing to try again? he asked her. Because as long as you were loyal to us...I’m pretty sure we’d let you try with us.

“But… I’ll just screw it up,” she sniffled and hiccupped. “You-you and Lucy are good ponies… pokémon, whatever. I don’t want to hurt you too…”

If you maintain that negative attitude, then you’ll never recover from what happened, Vincent said. I’ve no doubt it was traumatic, but whatever that pain was...you can’t let it continue to weigh you down if you want to go forward. Accept that you messed up, yes...but vow to do better.

Midnight shook, pulling away from his hug. “I-I’m not… I’m not strong enough!!”

None of us are strong enough on our own, the psychic softly replied. It’s why we seek another, to help us stand when we no longer can.

“Then how…?” she said in a tone barely above a whisper. “How do I fix this!?”

By taking the first few steps on your own, Vincent said as he held out his hand. Admit you need help...then accept ours.

Midnight looked at his hand. It was so… wrong, to see the normally confident and boisterous mare look so… afraid. And yet…

She placed her hoof in his hand and nodded. Vincent hugged her close again, just stroking her mane as he held her.

“You sure like petting me huh?” she managed to say with a weak giggle. “Damn I look so uncool right now.”

Something tells me you need someone to hold you more than you need someone to screw you at the moment, the psychic replied.

“Yeah… guess I’m also not really sexy right now either,” Midnight replied, sounding a little more like her old self. “Wait! Just what were you planning mister?”

Oh, maybe something involving a little leash and collar combo that we have floating around here, Vincent said with a chuckle. But the mood kinda died.

“Yeah… well, who said you’ve tamed me enough to collar me?” she said, poking his stomach.

Oh, perish the thought. Half the battle would be getting it on I’m sure, the Kadabra answered. Plus we’d need to be in the mood for it, and I dunno about you, but I’m kinda not.

“Yeah… sorry,” Midnight said, slipping back into her previous mood as her ears flattened against her head. “You were probably looking forward to that.”

Eh, I can deal with just holding a cute mare close if that’s what she needs, the psychic said.

And that was when Midnight pressed her lips against his in a needy kiss. One that he returned as he held her closer, stroking over her form. She deepened it, wanting it, needing it. She felt as long as she was here, she could forget about her pain…

Eventually Vincent just lay back on the bed, still stroking her body and returning her kiss. Mmm, somebody’s eager, he said without a hint of a mocking tone.

Her eyes snapped open and she pulled back to the point that she fell off of the bed. “No… nonono… I was doing it again…”

Vincent sat up and quirked an eyebrow at her. Doing what?

“Using that as a means to run away,” she admitted. She turned and her wings flared. She was about to run…

Then tell me about it, Vincent said. I’m here to help, to lend an ear if you need it. I can’t do that if you won’t talk to me.

Midnight paused. Could… could it be that simple? Just, talk about it?

“I should,” she said. “But not yet. Lulu should hear it as well, and it’s a story I don’t want to repeat…” She closed her wings and climbed back onto the bed. “Please… just, help me forget for now. I know it’s a selfish thing to ask-”

Vincent cut her off with another kiss. He held it for a few seconds, before pulling back and smiling at her. Whatever you need, I can help you with, the psychic said.

“Do whatever you like,” she said as she lay back, her tail and hooves hiding her more private areas from immediate view. The Kadabra merely lay next to her and kissed her again, holding it for a few seconds.

I believe that’s my line, he said once the kiss broke. I don’t want to push you into doing anything you’re uncomfortable with.

“I’m good… unless you plan on proposing,” she smiled, now looking more like her usual self. “But… I wouldn’t mind hearing your voice. You know, not in my head…”

Vincent held a hand to his throat as he cleared it a few times, before speaking up verbally. “Well then, what did the silly mare want to do?” he asked. “I still know where that collar is, I think…”

“Heh, you sound like a smoker,” she giggled and poked him. “And… I dunno, I’m in the mood to be surprised. Think you're up for that?”

“That would depend on what surprises you,” the Kadabra said as his voice gained a bit of strength the more he used it. “I mean, we’ve mostly got things related to bondage hanging around here…”

“True, I’ve done a lot.” Midnight smiled wider and licked her lips. “Hmm, try your best kay~”

“Well then,” Vincent said as the closet opened up and a box slowly creaked open as well. “I think I have an idea…Just lay on your belly in the middle of the bed and we’ll see how this goes.”

Midnight hummed softly and rolled over, adjusting her wings so she was more comfortable. Then she saw several silk-like ropes float out and over to them, before they started to wind around the bedposts…

“Oh my,” Midnight mused. “I wonder what you might be planning with those? I hope you don’t wish something… untoward this cute little pony~?”

Once each one was securely tied around a bedpost, the ropes began to reach for her legs, each one coiling around the closest limb before tying themselves into knots to hold her still.

“Is that comfortable for you?” he asked. “Nothing pinching anything?”

She gave each rope a tug. She could get out of this if she tried, but the ropes held her down pretty well and weren’t pulling on her fur. “Mmm, yup. All good…” A thought entered her head, and she wondered if Vincent had ever roleplayed before.

“Good,” Vincent said as he positioned himself behind the mare. “So let’s see just how long it takes,” he said, before one hand reached out and stroked her tail.

“Mmm, how long what takes?” she asked him.

“How long you take until my touching you has you asking me for something more than touching,” Vincent said as his hand stroked along her thigh now.

“Ahh,” Midnight nodded. “Well, this is pretty tame so far. And it feels nice and relaxing~” The mare closed her eyes. “Hhhmmmm, I could get used to this.”

Then his hand trailed up to between her legs and under her tail…

Midnight flinched and shot him a glance that opted between surprise and lust. Let’s see how he handled this. “Ah~! Y-You… you capture me, and now this!?”

He blinked for a moment before smiling at her. “Mmm, but my Pokedex says this is how you properly train a thestral,” he murred, as his hand stroked over those folds again. “Should I stop?”

“B-But I’m no… ah Ponymon,” she gasped. Then his hand found her clit and tweaked it once. She let out a sharp moan.

“I-I’ll… never talk,” she moaned. Vincent’s other hand started stroking her tail...before it grabbed ahold of it.

“Last chance to be trained nicely,” he said as his right hand twitched a little, tugging her tail just a bit. She gasped loudly and bit her lip.

“Should never have told you about that,” she muttered. “N-Nice try, but I’m a-afraid you don’t have, enough badges.”

“Worth a shot,” he said, before his left hand found where her folds parted and fed a finger into her snatch while his right hand pulled on her tail a little more firmly. She moaned again, her walls gripping his finger as she buried her blushing face in the sheets.

“I...I don’t think… this is the way… to train Ponymon,” she gasped.

“Oh, we’ll get into the next tool in a bit,” Vincent said. “This is just the warm-up.” He started to pull his finger back out, only to push it further into her. She moaned at the touch, seeing how quickly this was escalating. She was fairly certain that this wasn’t what Lucy had in mind.

Then she recalled that the Lucario said that Vincent loved being dominant…

Oh dear...

One of the fingers outside of her tunnel started flicking her clit as he kept finger-fucking her, while his right hand kept lightly pulling on her tail every few seconds or so. She was soon moaning and gasping whenever he pulled her tail.

“M-More,” she sighed. Vincent actually stopped and pulled his finger out of her, before leaning over and whispering into the mare’s ear.

“Ask the right way,” he said. “Or I’ll just keep it at touching you forever. Or give you a toy instead of the real thing.”

“A-Ask?” she panted as it dawned on her. Oh that sneaky little son of a-

“Well, I suppose I can just go back to touching you,” he said as he drew back and lightly drew his fingers over her lips again. He wasn’t even pulling her tail now.

“Noooo…” she moaned in a low tone. “Don’t be so mean…”

“You’re still not asking the right way,” he chided her as he teased her by quickly dipping one finger into her and quickly pulling it out again. “The Pokedex did say thestrals were tricky to train, but it also said they were intelligent as well…”

“Ahh~” She bit her lip to avoid being too loud. “W-Well, I guess they were, ~haah~” She tried to move her hooves and push him back.

Oh right, the ropes were a thing.

“I would have thought you would have figured out what you need to say, call me as, in order to get more,” Vincent said as he stroked along the very lip of her tunnel. “Or do I have to get the collar to make it more obvious?”

Oohhhh~ So that’s where he was going with this.

Okay then foxboy, prepare to have your mind blown~

She turned her head slightly to look at him, giving him her most submissive expression she could muster. “P-Please… master, more… I want more.”

“Was that so hard?” he asked as the collar floated over to in front of her face. “Mmm, I like it when you call me that,” he murred as he resumed treating her like he had before, that finger filling her as he flicked along that sensitive nub of flesh. His right hand tugging on her tail again.

“S-So mean,” she pouted and moaned again. She was getting very wet down there, his finger slid in and out quite easily. That was when the collar unclasped, floated around her neck, and clasped shut again, even as he started slowing down.

“‘So mean,’ what?” he asked her.

“AH!” she had her eyes closed and hadn’t noticed the collar. “You’re mean to your pet… Master~”

“Better,” he said as he resumed normal speed. “Well, I just want my pet to understand how to behave,” he said as he started to massage the spot where her wings joined her body with his powers.

“Nnnrggh~ Thaaaat’s gooood~” she purred with a low growl. “More~”

Vincent slowed down and waited for her to correct her speech on her own…

“Please Master, this little bat wants moooore~”

“Maybe when the bat learns how to ask the right way the first time,” Vincent said as his speed returned to normal on the filling, flicking, pulling, and massaging fronts. She moaned more as she tried to wiggle her body, but the ropes prevented her from moving too much.

Then when he tugged her tail once again, she gasped as she clenched down on his finger and came, burying her face into the sheets to muffle the loud moans.

“Did I tell you you could cum yet?” Vincent asked her.

“I..I’m sorry Master, but, it just felt sooo goood,” she moaned, still twitching slightly.

“Well then,” he said as he got up from behind her and walked over to seat himself in front of the mare, scooting closer so that she’d have an easier time of it in a few minutes. “You have a few minutes to recover, then I’ll expect you to return the favor, pet.”

“W-What did you have in mind Master?” she asked cutely. How could something so sexy also be so Arceus-damned adorable?

“Well I was thinking, once you were up to it, you show me how well you can control your tongue again,” Vincent said as he scooted even closer. “I won’t be so mean as to make you start right now, but you don’t have forever to recover, pet-” That was when Midnight’s tongue snaked out and coiled around his hardening member, squeezing it gently as she moaned softly.

“That’s a good pet,” Vincent said as he was finally in range for her to use her mouth as well if she felt like it. Oh she felt like it alright, as she opened her maw and lowered it over him, her moans getting louder as she lapped at him, bobbing her head slowly.

“A very good pet,” the Kadabra murred. Midnight’s motions started to get a little faster as she opened her eyes and stared up at his own, not slowing down at all.

“Good pets get rewarded,” Vincent said as something else floated out of the closet and prodded at Midnight’s lips…

“Mmmph?” Midnight gave him a cute, questioning blink before resuming her task at hand. She had a good idea on what that was…

The dildo slowly eased into her folds, each inch sinking further and further the more she did. She let out a low, muffled moan as he worked the toy into her, her own ministrations increased in speed and effort as a result.

And then once the toy was fully inside her, there was a clicking noise, and it started to vibrate inside her. She gave a muffled squeak as she recalled what this thing could do when she used it on Lucy. Still, tied up as she was, there wasn’t a lot she could do about it…

“Do you like your treat, pet?” Vincent asked as he stroked her mane.

“Mhmm,” she nodded as her tongue coiled around him, sliding up and down as she sucked on him. There was another click from the toy, and it vibrated harder, even warming up a little. She just moaned louder, it was getting harder to concentrate on her job as she just held him in her mouth, moaning around him.

“That’s good to hear,” the Kadabra said with a smile. “It’s nice to know that you enjoy this.”

She recalled that she was supposed to be pleasuring him right now. With renewed vigor, she took his whole length into her mouth, her nose pressed against his belly as she moaned lewdly again, her tongue now teasing his tip. Vincent let out his own moan as he adjusted the speed at which the toy vibrated again. It had five settings in total...and now it was on the third.

Not to be outdone, Midnight increased her own speed as well, with her hooves bound, she couldn’t do much else…

It wasn’t long before she started hearing short gasps coming from Vincent as something salty started splashing across her tongue. She wasn’t expecting that so soon, but like a good little pet, she made a show of gulping it down as her ministrations didn’t slow down in the least. He hadn’t told her to stop after all~

Vincent sighed and slowly drew back. “That’s good for now,” he said. “Take a moment.”

Midnight nodded and drew her head back, her tongue trailing over him for a moment longer before she pulled back and licked her lips. “Hhmmm… not bad,” she mused.

The psychic slowly eased the toy out of her with his powers…

“So that’s it?’ she asked, panting slightly as the cool air washed over her.

“If you want it to be done there,” Vincent said.

“Well, anymore and I’ll have to spend the whole night making it up to Lucy,” Midnight giggled. She tried moving her legs, “Plus, I think I’m getting a cramp…”

Vincent nodded and undid the ropes with his powers, letting the mare free. She groaned and stretched her legs before sighing.

“Better, I am going to have to instruct you on how to tie up a pony properly. We bend a little differently to you after all.” She rolled over onto her back and closed her eyes. “Sorry… for getting all emotional like that. I shouldn’t have dumped all that on you.”

“Everyone has baggage,” Vincent said. “If you really want to be with us, we’ll learn to listen to you when you’re dealing with yours.”

“My baggage is my problem…” Midnight shook her head, she wasn’t going down that road again. “Nevermind. I’m getting hungry anyway…”

“As long as you promise to tell the both of us when Lucy comes home,” Vincent said. “I think she’s nearly due home soon anyways.”

“Yup,” Midnight rolled until she met the end of the bed and landed on her hooves, only to fall straight to the floor. “Whoops, seems my legs have fallen asleep.” She lay there for a moment, until the tingling sensation subsided and she slowly got up. “Ahh, better,” she sighed and opened the bedroom door.

Seth and Christine had finished building a suitable nest, and the dragon had thoroughly enjoyed teasing Seth to the point that red was going to become a permanent colour on his face. An expression that only deepened when Midnight and Vincent reappeared.

Seth coughed a little and looked at them. “Ah… so there you are,” he said, not looking directly at

them. “I take it… you two are getting along then.”

She’s fun, Vincent said, now back to using his psychic powers to commune with others. Can I keep her?

“Well, feeding her and taking her for walks is a big responsibility,” Seth countered before pointing at his chin. “Also… you might wanna look at giving her a bath…”

When Vincent looked, he realised she was still wearing the collar and had some leftover fun on her chin.

Whoops, he said, teleporting the collar off of her as he held up a washcloth to her mouth. The bat had a bemused expression on her face as he cleaned her off, before shooting a sly wink to Seth.

“Yeah, you can keep her. Good luck,” the Luxray deadpanned. And just as Vincent finished, the door swung open as Lucy walked in.

“Jeanne is making dinner,” she said as she gave Vincent a kiss. “What did I miss?”

“Some bonding apparently,” Seth was the first to comment as Midnight shot him a dirty glare.

“So we used a little rope, big deal,” the Thestral replied.

“Oh, so you got that far?” Lucy asked. Midnight stepped forward and whispered to the Lucario exactly what they’d been doing.

“Midnight! I’m right here!” Seth compained, really wishing his hearing wasn’t so damned good. It was bad enough that he had to smell it…

“She do this often?” Christine asked.

“All. The damned. Time,” Seth sighed. “I’m happy for you Vincent. Because she’s your problem now.”

“That’s harsh Boss,” Midnight said as she gave Lucy a kiss on the cheek. “Also, why are you still here? Decided on getting the Snark Shark in on your harem as well?”

“Like he could handle me like that,” Christine said with a wave of a claw.

“I could say the same,” Seth retorted.

“They’re my new OTP,” Midnight giggled.

“Puh-lease,” the Gabite said with a roll of her eyes. “I could run circles around you.”

“Kiiisssss~” Midnight leered at them. The dragon glared at her with a half-lidded gaze.

“I’d ruin her mate for her,” Seth smirked back and Midnight giggled.

“Like you would even get close, and I’m pretty sure he’s bigger than you,” the Gabite said.

“Right, dropping this subje- er, topic,” Seth amended himself. He turned to Lucy and cleared his throat. “The reason I’m still here, is to ask Lucy a favour.”

“Oh?” the Lucario asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I have an opportunity coming up, an important battle, a real Pokémon battle and was hoping to get your assistance.” The Luxray actually looked rather abashed. “I don’t have enough Pokémon to giver her a proper six-on-six battle, and then Christine suggested I ask you for help.”

“I could do with a proper battle,” the Lucario hummed. “It’s been a while since my last one.”

“I’ll warn you now,” Seth said. “It’s against Diantha, the Kalos Champion.”

“It sounds like a proper battle, then,” the Lucario replied with a grin. “I’ve long wondered how I’d measure up in a real one.”

“But-”

“The wimp’s concerned about our eggs,” Christine scoffed. “Can you please set him straight and tell him to pull up his big girl panties?”

“Do you not still have your Pokedex?” Lucy asked him. “Ask it about the development of eggs.”

“It’s at home,” Seth sighed and shot Christine a glare. “But, if something happens, Vincent can and will melt my brain…”

I wouldn’t be that cruel, the Kadabra said. Just make you think you were a girl.

“And that’s currently different from now… how?” Christine snickered.

“Burn,” Lucy snickered. “But seriously, eggs are durable. Moreso depending on what Type they belong to. You’d have to seriously try to break them.”

“If it helps,” Christine said. “You can inform the ones we’ll be fighting of our state.”

“And knowing Diantha, she’d postpone the battle until you two are in peak condition, or insist that I find someone else,” Seth said. He closed his eyes and sighed. “Look, don’t worry about it. I’ll just tell her I can’t battle right now-”

“Nonsense,” Lucy said. “We’re still early in our pregnancies. And if you offer this and pull it away, there’s no guarantee we’d listen to you next time.”

“So your options are now, where you get a good fight, or later, where you might not,” the Gabite summed up.

“It’s fine Boss,” Midnight agreed. “They don’t look all that fragile to me. And you should see a pregnant Thestral. There’s a reason most homes we have require a cage…”

Remind me to never even try with you later, Vincent said with a sideways glance at her.

“My point,” Midnight chose to ignore him. “Is that if they say it’s okay, then why not? Let’s see some kickass battles!”

Seth groaned and relented. “Fine. I’ll ask properly. Christine, Lucy? Would you do me the honour of allowing me to become your Trainer for a day?”

“I think you’ll need more than one day to familiarize yourself with our movepools,” Lucy hummed. “Make it two and you have a deal.”

“Done,” Seth nodded and smiled. “The battle is scheduled for Wednesday next week, so six days from now. I’m heading back to Canterlot, so come join me whenever you’re both ready.”

“See you soon,” Christine said with a wave. “I don’t think I showed you everything either.”

“Oooh~ You showed him something?” Midnight slipped right back into her previous mood. “Careful that Fritter and Rika don’t get jealous~”

“He only got to see some of my moves,” the Gabite said.

Midnight was going to retort with the obvious, but the looks she was getting from Seth, Lucy and Vincent forced her to bite her tongue. “Fair enough,” she simply replied.

“Right, well I’ve inconvenienced you guys long enough,” Seth said. He paused near the door and looked back. “I’m glad for you Middy. These guys will take care of you, you can trust them.”

“Yeah… I know,” the thestral nodded as the Luxray left. Once he did, she wiped her eye and chuckled. “Heh, I’m being uncool again…”

You know we don’t care, Vincent said as he gave the mare a hug.

“Bleh,” she poked out her tongue and looked at Lucy. “You okay? You ah… haven’t said anything about… well… you know…”

“All I need to know is when you plan to spend some time with me, little bat,” Lucy chuckled. “I did ask for consideration in kind, did I not?”

“Whenever you like,” she replied and smiled. “I’m more than happy to show you a few things~”

But first, dinner and a nice talk, Vincent said. We can have fun later.

“Yay…” Midnight wasn’t looking forward to this talk at all. Food, yes, Talk?

Not so much.

After dinner, the three sat on the bed in their bedroom as Midnight squirmed somewhat.

“So uh…” She honestly didn’t know where to start.

Perhaps we should share first, Vincent said. As we’ve more or less come to terms with the baggage we carry.

“That might help,” Lucy slowly nodded. “Once she sees how screwed up our past is, she’ll probably realize how tame hers is in comparison.”

And so the pair of ‘mon told the thestral their story. The story of the lab and the madman who ran it. The story of the Subjects. The story of the name of Nurem. It took an hour, all told.

Midnight was silent throughout the whole thing, just listening and processing all of that. There was a lot she didn’t understand, like those ‘computer’ things and whatnot. But…

“I can’t believe you lived through all of that,” she whispered. “My problems seem like nothing in comparison.”

At times I almost didn’t, Vincent sighed. There was one that was highly toxic...sometimes I tried to hug her, just to make the pain stop. They stopped me every time.

“Well, I’m glad you didn’t, or I’d have never met you,” Midnight smiled. “So, guess it’s my turn huh?”

“Only if you want to,” Lucy said. “Nobody’s forcing you to share. We just thought you should know the mess you’re getting into.”

“No, you told me yours, so it’s only fair… besides,” she looked at Vincent. “I kinda owe Vinny here an explanation for my little ‘episode’ earlier.”

I’m not forcing you either, Vincent said. You should only share if you really want to.

“No, it's fine.” Midnight took a breath and started to dredge up memories she’d long since suppressed. “It started… well, I suppose it started many years ago. A little before my graduation from Westhoof Academy. It’s where they train the Guard. As a filly, my hoof in marriage was promised to another, a vile snake of a stallion named Shadow-Wing. He’s a Duke from my home country and… well to say I dislike him is a grave understatement.” She cleared her throat and paused for a moment. It had been a long time since she talked about this.

“I didn’t want to get married to him, and my parents didn’t want it either. But the Noble Houses back home were applying pressure and so I decided to take matters into my own hoof…” She blushed and looked away. “I went to a local bar, got blind drunk and found the first stallion willing to ruin me for marriage. Rather grand and romantic for losing my virginity eh?”

“Hardly any better than ours,” Lucy said. “Some friends got us both drunk and left us in the same room.”

“At least you weren’t using as a means to run away, oh, a means that didn’t work by the way. Shadow was still quite adamant about it, but some string pulling by my dad eventually saw him deported back home. Haven’t heard a word from him since.”

And I promise you that as long as you are a member of this family, Vincent said, you will have nothing to fear from him if there is anything I can do about it.

“Thanks,” Midnight said. “But my life gets better.” She leaned back against the headboard of the bed, hugging one of the pillows to her chest. “So for the next few years, I decide that I simply hadn’t put enough effort into it, and thus started the life you all know I lived. I can’t remember even half of the ponies, griffons, zebras, deer, dragons…” She paused and smiled. “Yeah, well… you get the idea.”

“Sounds like you had quite the time,” Lucy chuckled.

“It was fun, if nothing else,” Midnight smiled. “Then, I was escorting Princess Celestia around the School for Gifted Hornheads, and that was when I met her.”

“Uhoh,” Lucy said. “We just entered juicy territory.”

“Her name is Moondancer, a unicorn mare and quite possibly the smartest one aside from Princess Twilight. Apparently the two were friends growing up, but lost touch after a while...” Midnight was getting off track and snorted. “So, I do what I did best and invited her to spend the night. She shot me down faster than a wingless pegasus and said that she wouldn’t give me the time of day.”

Surely it doesn’t end there, Vincent said.

“Not a chance, I saw that as a challenge and pestered her every damned day. She eventually caved to my charms and agreed to a single date.” Okay, so maybe Moondancer had pitied her and agreed to a date just to get rid of her… “Turns out we had a bit in common, well, aside from our pastimes. But she was impressed with a mare that knew magic theory and didn’t have a horn.”

“So one date turned into two, which turned into three,” Lucy elaborated. “How long until you two were doing each other?”

“Wow, way to get to the point,” Midnight deadpanned. “I really am a bad influence on some ponies.” She giggled and hugged the pillow tighter. “The whole time, I never saw anypony else. Just Moonie. And after one particularly lovely evening in the Royal Observatory, we took our relationship a little further.”

But something happened, Vincent said. Otherwise...this would still be a thing, from the sounds of it.

Midnight swallowed and nodded. “Yeah… you could say that,” she said. “I’d finally found somepony I was proud to say I loved, her and only her. And it was great… Until the Changeling invasion some months back.”

“There was an invasion?” Lucy asked, ears perked.

“Yeah, during a royal wedding between Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Captain Shining Armor. Changelings are shape-shifters, they kinda look like insect-like ponies and feed on emotion. Love in particular is a big draw for them.”

A royal wedding would draw lots of emotion to the forefront, Vincent mused. You were there for that?

“I was part of Princess Celestia’s honor guard at the time. So that would be a yes.” Midnight frowned, that had come out a little more condescending than she had meant. “Sorry. But yeah, the Princess assigned me to guard Princess Luna’s room when everything happened. It was all so sudden, and I was the most skilled in the immediate area.”

“Something went wrong, didn’t it,” Lucy softly stated.

“A small group attacked me en route, I was able to defeat most of them…” Midnight paused as her breath hitched. She hadn’t realised that she started to shake. “One of them managed to pin me… and feed from me. It… It tore the love out of me, ripped it from my very being...”

Calm, Vincent said as he gently stroked her mane. You’re not there. There’s nothing that’s going to happen to you just by retelling the events…

“After that, I-I still don’t entirely remember what happened. I know I woke up in a hospital, and was much later told it had been near a week since the wedding. And…” She hiccuped. “When… when Moondancer visited. She was so worried. And… after what had happened. Do-Do you know what I said to her? Do you know what I told the mare I’d been planning to marry?”

The pair of them just shook their heads.

“I told her I didn’t love her. The Changelings had taken that from me, ripped it clean out. I didn’t feel anything. Even now, I know the memories are there of our time together, But then? I’d felt nothing.” She closed her eyes and buried her face in the pillow. “Time and time again, Moondancer came back, but once a mare tells you she doesn't care too many times…” Midnight trembled as her tears started. “She stopped coming back…”

Vincent and Lucy just sat there, waiting for her to cry herself out. If you want to go back to her, or try to recover what you lost, we’ll understand, the psychic eventually said.

“I tried that,” she said. “I recovered, obviously. Took a long time though. When I did, I found that she’d holed herself up in her home. Didn’t talk to anyone aside from the local librarian and bookstore owner. I tried for… I can’t remember how long. I apologized, I begged… but what we had was gone. Even after all that, the love I felt for her just wasn’t the same anymore. Kind of, like a memory that you can’t remember all the details to.” She sniffed loudly and wiped her eyes. “We eventually settled on being friends. Neither of us could probably go without each other. And I hear she’s gotten back in touch with Twilight recently. I’ll totally help the two hook up.”

She looked up finally and gave a forced smile. “And that’s pretty much my crappy story. Like I said, not really that much compared to what you’ve been through.”

“You had something vital to your very being and happiness ripped from you,” Lucy said. “I’d say while it might not be the same, your story is somehow even more tragic.”

Those that say that it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all are complete morons, Vincent said. I would rip apart anyone who dared to hurt a member of my family.

“Well… it’s all in the past now,” Midnight said. “And, I guess I have another chance with you two… just, I hope I don’t screw it up again.”

“Please don’t get mad at me for asking,” Lucy said, “But did she...try everything to help you?”

“I was told she spent quite a deal of time trying to find something that could help,” Midnight said, her eye twitching only slightly. “But, we still don’t know a whole lot about changelings, and especially how their feeding ability actually works. We eventually both admitted that the fault lay with both of us. That, maybe our love just wasn’t strong enough…”

Now see, if it were up to me, and one of them had hurt you, Vincent said, I’d find the nearest one and hold it down for answers.

“Celestia wouldn’t let her hunt them down,” Midnight said with a small smile. “Who knows, maybe we could try again. But do you honestly want me to leave?”

I want you to do, what you want to do, the psychic said. Whatever your heart desires.

“Well, then I guess you’re stuck with me,” Midnight said with a smile. “So too bad for you.”

“C’mere,” Lucy said as she opened her arms up for a hug, one the batpony took without hesitation. After a few moments, she frowned and tilted her head back.

“Your chest spike thing is kinda digging into my back…”

“Be grateful it’s so small,” Lucy said. “Feel free to turn over and avoid it if you’d like.”

“I think I’ll do just that,” Midnight smirked as she shifted around as she was chest to chest with the Lucario. And then pulled her in close for a deep kiss. One that surprised the Lucario, but was returned soon enough. One paw stroked along her back, near where her wings met the rest of her…

Midnight moaned slightly, as her hooves moved up to hold Lucy’s head, caressing the spot just above her neck, behind her dreadlocks.

Well, this is getting heavy, Vincent observed.

Midnight broke the kiss and panted as she came up for air. “And now he ruins the moment,” she deadpanned.

“You weren’t honestly thinking of excluding him, were you?” Lucy asked with wiggling eyebrows.

“Mhmm, he already got his turn, so he gets to sit and watch for a bit,” Midnight nodded and smirked at the Kadabra.

I can appreciate a good show like anyone, the psychic replied.

“See,” Midnight smiled and pressed a hoof against Lucy’s chest. “Now, I believe I promised some of what Vincent and I did…” She reached under a pillow and pulled something out, hiding it from Lucy’s sight.

Vincent could clearly see the collar she held though. This promised to be interesting…

“That you did,” Lucy agreed with a nod.

“Well then, I have a little surprise for you,” the thestral smiled. “Close your eyes, and no peeking, not even with that aura sense of yours.”

Lucy obeyed and shut her eyes, wondering what was going to happen next. Midnight hopped off of the bed and trotted over to the cupboard, soon returning with the rope and a few other objects.

“Now Vincent, I’m going to show you a few things,” the bat smiled as she took Lucy’s paws. “Okay Lulu, you trust me?”

“For now,” she said, still not opening her eyes.

“Good enough,” Midnight hummed as she took her paws and put them behind her back. From there, she tied them together with a silk scarf and then moved to her feet and attached what looked like small collars to her ankles, along with the collar around her neck.

“And for the finishing blow,” the bat smiled, chains were attached to the neck and ankle collars, forcing her legs up as she pushed Lucy gently onto her stomach. She’d essentially tied the ‘mon into a presenting pony position.

An interesting pose, the Kadabra said. Perhaps I can try something similar on you one day?

“Not quite, but I can show you something nice another time,” Midnight smiled as she took out one of the other tools she fetched earlier. A large riding crop. She dragged the tip along Lucy’s flank and smiled. “You can open your eyes if you like love, your expressions will be just too cute.”

Lucy slowly opened her eyes to see that she’d indeed been tied up into a most...interesting predicament. “You learned where the restraints for me are already?” she asked.

“Vincent showed me,” she giggled as she prodded her with the riding crop and smiled as she looked at Vincent. “But that’s not how you address me? Is it?” And she brought the crop down, smacking her rump with a loud thwack. “Now pet, do you want to try again?”

Lucy let out a little gasp and moan as she was struck, before she eventually replied. “Sorry, Mistress,” she murred.

“Mmm, that’s more like it, you deserve a treat,” She smacked her rump again, this time on the opposite side, before placing a gentle kiss on the stinging mark. “Do you like my treats pet?”

“Yes Mistress,” Lucy said, easily falling into her submissive role.

“Such a good pet, so well trained~” Midnight cooed and kissed her flank again. She took the crop and spun it before pressed the handle against the female’s lips, grinding it gently against her nub. “Let’s hear you sing pet~”

“Mistress~” Lucy gasped out. “Please...don’t just tease me, Mistress.”

“Mmm, but I like teasing you,” Midnight cooed as she pressed down a little harder. “Well, if you don’t want me to tease…” she pulled the crop away. “Then I just don’t know what you want.”

“O-One of the toys, Mistress, please,” the Lucario begged.

“But there’s so many to choose from,” Midnight tapped her chin and then swatted her flank again. “I know, beg your Master. Maybe he’ll play with you.”

Hey, you told me to sit this one out, so I will, Vincent said defensively.

“Whatever you choose Mistress, just...please. I...need to be filled,” Lucy begged.

“Then,” Midnight gave a fanged grin. “How about I use your new favourite?”

“Anything Mistress, but please...fill your pet,” the Lucario pleaded.

“As my pet wishes, and seeing as how I’m a kind and caring Mistress, I expect you to say as such~” Midnight moved her tail as she pressed her mouth against her folds, her long tongue working its way inside.

“Oh Mistress,” Lucy gasped. “You are far too kind…”

Midnight moaned into her folds, then grabbed the Lucario’s tail with a free hoof and gave it a sharp tug as an experiment. The Lucario let out a sharp yip as she did, before blinking a few times.

“What...was that?” she questioned, momentarily stunned.

Ooh, that worked well. Seems Midnight wasn’t the only one with this particular weakness. She just had to be careful, as her tail had bones in it. She pressed her tongue deeper, now swirling it around, hitting everywhere at once as she gave her tail another tug. Lucy let out a long moan, enjoying this treatment.

“Mistress is so loving, so thoughtful,” Lucy said, not forgetting to sing the bat’s praises.

Oh, you know it. Midnight smiled and then showed the puppy a new trick. She eased her head back a bit, along with some of her tongue, then leaned forward as the excess appendage pressed against her folds and the sensitive nub that lay between as the bat moaned again.

“M-Mistress is so wise...so wonderful,” the Lucario panted as she felt something approach.

And then the thestral pulled away, licking her lips slowly as she stared down at the Lucario’s rump. “Now now, can’t have you cum just yet pet. I haven’t given you permission.”

“Mistress?” Lucy asked, panting slightly. The thestral moved around to her front and looked down at her.

“No, I believe you haven’t worked hard enough yet~” Midnight leaned down and kissed her, letting her taste her own juices on her tongue. The Lucario moaned into the kiss, enjoying it immensely. The thestral soon broke that and smiled. “Okay, time for a little audience participation. Vincent? What would you like to see me do to her?”

Hmm… the Kadabra muttered. I would suggest we put on a show to tease her with, but you said earlier that that basically wasn’t happening…

Midnight straddled him and started kissing him, leaving the Lucario bound and helpless to watch. Vincent was surprised but returned the affection, gently stroking through the mare’s mane and along her back.

“Mmm~” Midnight moaned and deepened the kiss, rubbing herself against him, her lips grinding against his hardening member.

I could get used to having you around if you’re going to be like this, the psychic teased. We can tie up the puppydog together and make out as she watches every night~

‘We could,” Midnight purred. “But that might be a little mean, especially since dominating you is still ever so enticing~”

Then her eyes widened. “Oh pet, what do you say to me acquiring another pet~?”

We only have the one collar, Vincent pointed out.

“I don’t need one to control you dear fox,” Midnight smirked. “Aww, now I want to tease you both and yet there’s only one of me. Ah well…” She shifted her hips and flicked her tail to one side so Lucy got a good view. Then she lowered them, impaling herself on Vincent’s shaft and moaning softly.

Vincent let out a little moan of his own as his hands instinctively found her flanks and squeezed a little. Are you...sure you want to do this? he asked her. This isn’t the dream world…

She responded by starting a steady rhythm of riding him, the wet sounds of his cock sliding in and out of her filled the otherwise silent room.

Well all right then, Vincent said as he used his powers to massage where her wings joined her body. He’d hold off on the tail-pulling...for now. Midnight moaned at the dual sensations and spared a moment to look back at Lucy.

“You like this pet?’ she panted. “Screwing your Master while you watch?”

She’ll like it even more in a moment, Vincent said as one hand started to glow blue…

“Ooh, what are you planning?” Midnight asked, squeezing him down there as she buried him deep inside her.

Just letting her feel what you feel, the psychic said. So that neither of you are left out~

“Interesting,” the mare sighed as she increased her pace a little. Then Lucy let out a gasp and a moan as the technique came into play.

Let’s see how this works~ the psychic teased.

“As you wish,” Midnight nodded and pushed him down onto his back as she placed her hooves on his chest, riding him faster. Lucy let out another gasp as she started to feel that as well. Vincent’s hands found the mare’s flanks again and gave them a squeeze…

Midnight moaned softly as her tail thrashed about, the mare keeping a nice, steady rhythm going as she leaned forward and kissed him again. She used her tail and dragged it near Lucy’s muzzle, letting the Lucario get a good whiff of the scent of their lovemaking.

Then Vincent started using his powers to hit all of the spots he knew about. Which in this case wasn’t many, but he still picked up massaging her wing joints again and was now tugging lightly on her tail, even as he squeezed those very fine flanks. Midnight gasped as her wings flared open, the thestral’s tongue lolling out as she panted.

“S-Somepony’s learning quickly,” she moaned. “That feels… really good~”

Do you have any more spots you want to tell me about, or will I have to go exploring? the Kadabra asked, not letting up in his attentions for a moment. Lucy writhed in her bondage, feeling all of that and enjoying it as well.

“T-The tips of my ears,” she said. “I’ll give you that, the rest you have to find on your own.” Then she felt her eartufts being rubbed gently, the faint glowing blue nimbus of power showing that Vincent had heard her and was paying attention.

Are you sure? he asked. I could very much make it worth your while to tell me~

“Mmmm~” Midnight sighed contently as he rubbed her ears. “Well… what fun is it if I hoof over all my secrets. Gotta have something to keep you wanting more~”

Well then, the psychic said. Guess I know what I’m going to be doing with you in the dream realm tonight~

“Provided I let you,” she smirked. “You see, I have… ideas~” Midnight leaned down and kissed him again before she increased her pace. Lucy moaned and twitched, wanting so badly to cum herself…

Will I like these ideas? Vincent asked as he set his power to start exploring the mare in small ways. Rubbing here, touching there… She twitched slightly and giggled when he brushed under her wing. Interesting, she was ticklish there.

“Mmmaaaybe,” she hummed and lifted herself back up. “You okay over there pet?”

“Sooo...goood…” Lucy moaned. It was only the lack of something filling her that was stopping her from cumming then and there.

“Vincent, be a dear and give her a few smacks with that crop? I feel as though she’s getting a bit too close.”

The crop floated up and smacked Lucy a few times across her cheeks, causing her to yipe in pain. Better? the Kadabra asked cheekily.

“Much,” Midnight giggled and shifted. She pulled off of him and stood up, waving her tail a few times as she walked over to Lucy, lowering herself so she could kiss the Lucario, while shaking her rump at Vincent.

I take it this is just a position change, the psychic said as he got up and ran one hand along those flanks again.

“Make whatever you will of it,” Midnight said before resuming her makeout session with Lucy.

That was about when Vincent sunk into her again with a single thrust. Midnight gasped and moaned at the sudden intrusion. Her hind legs shaking slightly as the emotions she was feeling brought a certain sensation of nostalgia along for the ride.

And now I can do this too, Vincent said with a slight chuckle as one hand grabbed ahold of her tail…

She pulled back from Lucy and shot him a glare. “You wouldn’t dare-”

She was cut off by the Kadabra pulling her tail lightly as he resumed screwing her. The thestral let out a sharp cry as he felt her squeeze him, the pony just groaning, forever regretting and yet, glad she told him about that. She then had an idea and slowly helped Lucy turn around. And once she was in position…

That tongue dove right back inside her, giving her the filling to go along with that shared sensation. Midnight even timed her tongue with Vincent’s thrusting.

Lucy let out a sharp cry as she started cumming around Midnight’s tongue, letting her juices coat that slick organ inside of her. Midnight didn’t even bother scolding her, a quick manipulation of her wings saw most of Lucy’s bonds released as she didn’t let up her tongue work in the slightest. The Lucario let out a sharp gasp as she just lay there, twitching occasionally as she kept cumming and cumming…

“Mmm, so tasty~” Midnight purred as she pulled back and licked her lips. “Much better than the dream. Y-You wanna taste Vinny~?”

Sure, Vincent said as he used a small part of his powers to spin her around so that they were now chest to chest, before kissing her, never once pulling her off of him. Midnight reached behind her and dragged Lucy closer, the Lucario now hanging above her face as she offered her up to Vincent on a platter.

Mm, tempting, but we were sort of in the middle of something, Vincent said as he resumed screwing the mare. It’d be a shame to leave it half-done…

“Aww, don’t worry pet, I still love you,” Midnight gave the Lucario one last lick and set her to the side. “Well then Vincent, what are you going to do to this little batpony? Gonna fill her up, breed her all good and proper are you~?”

Mmm, you are just full of tempting things to say, Vincent chuckled as he placed another kiss on her muzzle. You know, the more rational side of me is saying ‘that’s not possible.’

“You’re fucking a sexy pony into the mattress, and you’re worried about ‘possibility’?” Midnight smiled and gave him a bedroom gaze that made the sun look cold. “Go on Vinny, say it! Say you wanna breed this little pony~”

As I had been about to say, the Kadabra said, before the collar vanished off of Lucy’s form in a blue glow, and a weight around Midnight’s neck told her where it had reappeared. The less rational side of me is saying to keep you here until you are carrying my eggs~

Okay, so maybe the thought of her laying an egg made her laugh harder than it should have. She tried so hard to keep composed as well. “Well then,” she said after her small giggle. “How are you gonna do that mister?”

Well, Vincent said as he resumed screwing her in their new pose. I figure two, three...heck, I’ll just keep trying until it sticks, he said. I’m sure you’ll be happy to help~

“You can try,” she murred. It wouldn’t happen, but it was kinda hot using it like this. “You still haven’t said it though~ What. Do you. Wanna do to me~?”

I, Vincent said as he kept screwing her, am going to screw you six ways till sunday, and find a new one then, and keep going until this pretty little mare is knocked up. As he said this, his hands found her flanks again and squeezed, right over her Cutie Marks.

MIdnight moaned as she squeezed him again. Seems her Cutie Marks were another sweet spot. Or she just really liked having her ass grabbed.

“Mmm, come on then foxxy~ Fill me up already, give me what I want~”

Beg for it, he told her. Tell me what you need. Those hands were now massaging her flanks before squeezing again.

“Please~” she gasped and kissed him lightly on the lips. “Fill me with your seed stud. Rut me like you want it, fill me like you mean it!”

That did it, her dirty talk pushed the psychic over the edge, and he groaned before she started feeling something hot filling her pussy. She moaned loudly as she squeezed him harder, her own climax milking that seed right out of him as she held him there with her hooves, not letting go until he’d finally finished.

Mmm...now that...that was fun, Vincent said before kissing her. Midnight returned the kiss and nodded, a small smile on her face.

“That it was… no, regrets about doing this?”

Never, he replied, hugging her closer. Midnight smiled and closed her eyes.

Yeah… she could get used to this.

Author's Notes:

I might should have put this in the last chapter, huh?

Think of chapters 65-69 as just a folio of chapters I had to pull together to be ready for book two. They're setting the scene for what my characters will be ready for, up to, by the time the next book rolls around.

The scenes certainly happened and are canon with the stories I crossed with, yes. But don't look for that thread of continuity that the rest might have had. I have no idea when these are happening in relation to anything else going on.