“BANSHEE!” screamed Succubus so loudly that it almost hurt Pip’s ears. He felt whatever force was controlling his arms and fingers lessen, the pain slowly fading as it did. But the fear he had felt was still there as he looked up at his wife who was looking around, her normally cheerful face contorted into pure rage as she began to look around.

Without saying a word or even checking to see if he was alright, Succubus stormed past him with her hands clenched into shaking fists. Pip slowly began to stand and turned in the direction Succubus had been marching towards. Down the platform he noticed that the filly who had been sitting on a bench was now on her hooves looking in their direction while her straw doll lay on the ground. She did not look like she feared Succubus at all. Quite the contrary, she looked like she was over the moon with joy at seeing Succubus. Her small hands were balled together as if she were in prayer as the older thestral marched towards her.

Then, as if she could no longer control herself, the smaller thestral ran the remaining distance towards Succubus. Arms and wings open, the filly wrapped them both around Succubus’ leg.

“Succubus!” cried the filly happily. “I missed you so much! Now you’re finally home!”

Pip didn’t move from where he now stood, his eyes on his wife’s back. For a moment, it seemed like she was frozen in place without a single tremble while the filly nuzzled her cheek against Succubus’ leg. He could then hear his wife let out a deep sigh before she got down on her knees, freeing herself from the white dressed filly in the process, and hugged her back.

“I missed you too Banshee,” Succubus whispered, Pip barely able to hear it.

“Now all we have to do is get rid of the meanie that was keeping you away!” said Banshee cheerfully. In a way, it reminded Pip of the same cheerful and innocent tone that Succubus used. It was a little disturbing hearing her use it while talking about ‘getting rid of’ him. “Then you can come home again!”

Succubus pulled away a bit. “Banshee, how many time do we have to tell you,” she said, slightly annoyed and slightly amused at the same time. “You can’t use your powers to-” Succubus paused mid-sentence as she whipped her head around so quickly that Pip was afraid she might of hurt herself. She was now looking straight at him, her eyes wide and her grey coat almost seemed to have turned white. Banshee tugged at Succubus, trying to get her attention again only for the older mare to release her and run straight to Pip.

“Pip, oh Pip,” she cried, frantically checking Pip and showering him with kisses. “I can’t believe I… Are you still hurting? Oh Pip, I’m so sorry.”

Pip eventually managed to grab her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I’m feeling better,” he said, noticing as he did that Succubus seemed to calm down. Her body seemed to relax a bit and color returned to her coat while her eyes began to shine with happiness. “But, what happened to me?”

“Oh,” said Succubus as she turned to look at Banshee. Pip followed her graze to find that the filly had already picked up her straw doll once again, holding it close to her chest as she frowned at Pip. Her eyes no longer shined with the same brightness that they had when she was looking at Succubus. Instead they seemed to darken, full of utter disdain and hatred of Pip. Slowly, Succubus brought Pip closer to the filly.

“Ok, let’s try and have a proper introduction,” said Succubus once they had closed the gap. She looked back and forth between them, slightly nervous now as if she were afraid that they might attack the other. “Banshee, this is my husband Pip. Pip, this is my little sister. She’s, er…” Succubus’ voice trailed off for a moment as she looked down at her little sister before looking back at Pip. A few beads of sweat were now appearing on her forehead as she lightly bit her lower lip. “Well there’s no easy way to say this,” she eventually said, “but she’s the one who caused you all that pain.”

Pip frowned at this while looking Banshee. It seemed impossible that she could do that. Judging by the fact that she didn’t have a horn and was clearly a thestral, it was clear she couldn’t use magic. Yet, at the same time, Banshee brought the doll close to her lips and began to whisper something that Pip couldn’t hear. The next thing he knew was that his ears were being pulled on painfully in opposite directions.

“Banshee STOP!” shouted Succubus after Pip yelled out in pain. While his vision was slightly distorted due to his tears, he could almost make out the filly’s frown before lowering the doll. At once the pulling stopped. As Pip’s body began to relax he felt Succubus’ melons press against the side of his head as she held him tightly.

“What?” panted Pip as the pain slowly began to fade. A million questions began to form in his mind, but only one word came out. “How?”

“It’s her special talent,” said Succubus as she kissed one of Pip’s ears. Something that Banshee didn’t look very happy about. She looked like she was itching to bring her doll back up to her lips. “It’s sort of like voodoo, but instead of using pins she just speaks to her doll. I’m not really sure how it works since it's super rare in our tribe. Dark said that it’s been seventy years since anypony has had this talent.”

“That’s right!” said Banshee as she pointed an angry finger at Pip. “And now that you know what I can do to you, you better leave now so Succubus can stay with me. There’s no way I’m going to let you hog her all to yourself you little-”

“Miss Banshee, that’s enough,” came a harsh female voice from above that rang with authority. When they heard it, Pip saw Banshee’s eyes widen before a shiver ran throughout her body. The filly took a few steps back, her small wings raised as if she were about to take flight. Yet before she could get any further, the figure of a Guard landed behind her causing Banshee to jump into the air. Pip then watched as the filly turned around, her arms moving in a way that suggested that she was raising her doll up to use her powers. A moment later, Pip gasped and Succubus screamed as there was a blur of motion towards Banshee followed by the doll falling to the ground in halves.

Like any filly who had just been scared and then had her (most likely) favorite toy destroyed before her eyes, Banshee began to cry loudly. Instantly, both Pip and Succubus ran over to her in order to provide comfort. As soon as they were near enough, they both took a knee besides her and Banshee quickly wrapped her small arms around Succubus.

As Banshee clung to her older sister, Pip took a moment to see who they were dealing with. The Guard was covered in slender, body forming purple armor from the neck down. Judging by the face, which had an inky black coat, he was left to assume that this thestral was a mare. Her pure white mane was cut short, with enough bangs to cover almost the entire left side of her face. However, despite this, Pip could make out several deep scars running up into that hidden area making him wonder if she had grown it out to hide some sort of horrible wound. Finally, she held in one hand the handle to a large scythe with the blade resting on her shoulder.

“You must be Mister Pipsqueak,” said the Guard as she ignored the crying filly. Instead she lazily began to eye him up like she was assessing his worth. If she liked what she saw or not, it was hard to tell as she kept her face as impassive as possible. “I am-”

“WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!” raged Succubus as she suddenly stood up and marched over to the Guard. “YOU SCARED MY LITTLE SISTER! YOU COULD HAVE HURT HER!”

The Guard didn’t even flinch at this. “Miss Banshee assaulted Mister Pipsqueak by using her powers,” she said. “Such a thing is unbecoming of a filly in her position and would only cause more trouble for your brother if any serious damage had been done. I merely ensured that she would not get tempted to do so again. At least until she can make another doll.”

Succubus let out a growl. “I was going to have a talk with her,” she said. “And if she did it again I planned on simply taking the doll away from her. I’ve done it before.”

The Guard shrugged. “My way might work better,” she said coolly.

As Succubus opened her mouth, Pip stood up quickly and spoke up. “Look, I agree with Succubus that how you handled this was a little overboard,” he said over the wailing of the crying filly who had also gotten up and raced towards Succubus. Banshee hid behind her sister, clinging onto whatever material she could grab onto. “You could have just taken the doll away or something other than scaring her like that. But what’s done is done. So could you please apologize to her and promise that you won’t do that again.”

The Guard shifted her gaze from Succubus to Pip and then to Banshee before looking at Pip again. “I will not apologize nor can I promise I won’t do that again,” she said stone faced, causing Succubus’ face to turn red. “As I said, she assaulted you a, guest of a lord and a civilian, for petty reasons. This is clearly an abuse of the rare gift she has been born with. Frankly, she should be grateful that I respect Dark Bargain enough not to have done something more…severe.” As she said this last word, a small smile formed on her lips that almost caused Pip to take a step back. Then, just as quickly as it appeared, it vanished leaving her expression unreadable again. “But if you are insistent on it, I shall allow the two of you to discipline this imp to the best of your abilities. Should you fail in my presence, I shall correct her again.”

“You…You,” began Succubus, still red faced. Instead of trying to continue her sentence, Succubus turned and picked up her little sister in an almost motherly way. She made light hushing noises as she began to pace back and forth all in an effort to calm Banshee down.

“Now then,” said the Guard as she turned around. “Lord Dark Bargain is waiting for you. The mayor has graciously allowed you both to stay with him while you are here on business.” With that, the Guard turned and began to make her way down the street.

“I don’t like her,” growled Succubus as she and Pip began to follow her. Banshee was no longer crying uncontrollably now, instead making loud sniff as she held onto Succubus as if her life depended on it. “I don’t like her at all.”

For some time the group walked in silence through the streets of Hollow Shades. Not many ponies were out causing Pip to wonder where they all were. Were they out doing their various jobs? Were they hiding? Were they asleep? Sure, from time to time he would spot a small group of thestrals, but no more than two or three at a time. They kept moving as if they were on some sort of mission with their heads held low.

As much as Pip wanted to ask questions about all this, he kept them to himself for the time being. He didn’t want to risk irking the Guard mare who had remained silent since they left the train station. He also knew that Succubus had grown up confined to her family’s estate to hide the fact that she had larger breasts than what thestrals considered acceptable. Even if she did, Succubus had grown up in the Hanging City and not Hollow Shades so she couldn’t tell him anything about this place. And Banshee…he had a feeling that she wouldn’t tell him anything even if she did know. Best right now to keep the fragile peace by keeping his mouth shut for the moment.

Eventually the group came to a ranch style home built out of logs and seemed to reflect the same style as the rest of the buildings Pip had seen so far. Around the building were wire cages packed full of various insects, each one labeled so ponies from a distance could easily make out what they said. From where Pip was standing he could see cages full of dragonflies, grasshoppers, crickets, and praying mantises. Also near it was a large shed that seemed to have a wall missing, allowing the group a perfect view of the inside. In the middle of the shed was a blacksmith’s forge, shooting out flames while an anvil stood several feet away. All along the walls of the shed were various tools as well as finished swords of all shapes and sizes. And, just above the opening was a sign that read: Steel Fang, Swordsmith, Mayor.

Standing there near the forge was a massive thestral stallion that must have been Steel Fang. He was a heavy set stallion, wearing overalls and a long-sleeved black shirt. His hands were covered by thick gloves as he held a large hammer in one hand which he swung onto the heated metal on the anvil. Each time he raised the hammer high above his head Pip was able to catch a glimpse of his face. Steel had a long white beard that went down to his chest while one of his fangs actually looked like it had been replaced with a metallic one. The true color of his mane was unknown for he was completely bald but his coat was an ashen grey. His attention was solely on his work for he gave them no mind.

“So should we-” began Pip as he heard somepony else racing towards them from the other side of the house. The entire group turned just in time to see another thestral approach them.

“Oh there you are Banshee,” said the mare as her face shifted from worry to relief in an instant while she placed a hand on her heart. Like with the Guard, this mare had a very slender frame as she wore an old fashioned dress which hid most of her body. She also had the same inky blank coat but her long braided mane was midnight blue. Pip also noted that her wings seemed a bit on the smaller side, reminding him of Scootaloo’s. Perhaps this meant she couldn’t fly either.

As this new pony approached them, the Guard stepped forwards. “Dragonfly, you should be more attentive to your duties,” she said before jerking a thumb over at Banshee. “You were assigned to watch over Miss Banshee while both she and Lord Dark Bargain were here. What happened?”

Dragonfly took a step back at this. “I really did try sis,” she said in a hurt tone. “We were playing hide and seek and…well…” The mare fell silent as she looked away, clearly in shame. The Guard let out a sigh before walking forwards causing the other black mare to flinch. When she looked up at the scythe wielding mare there was clear fear in her eyes. But it quickly turned into relief as the Guard passed her, as if she knew that by doing this that she was safe.

“Dragonfly,” said the Guard, causing Dragonfly to panic slightly. “The big breasted one and the tiny earth pony will be our guests for the next few days. You know what to do and what not to do. Is that clear?”

Dragonfly whipped around quickly. “Yes sis,” she said quickly. She then turned back to look at Pip and Succubus so quickly that she almost looked a little dizzy. “Ok then, how about we all go in…side…” Dragonfly seemed to trail off at this point as Pip and Succubus began to move closer to her. Her eyes then began to bulge a bit as she stared in the direction of Succubus before glazing over soon after. A small smile appeared on her face as she seemed to go into a dreamlike daze. Her head jerk over to the side to look at Pip where she seemed to become slightly more focused, but not completely back in the waking world.

At this all Pip looked over at Succubus who also happened to look over at him at the same time. Judging by the confused look on her face that mirrored his own, neither of them knew what her deal was with Succubus. Honestly, seeing this made Pip wonder if they wouldn’t be better off staying at a hotel or something.

“Dragonfly!” snapped the Guard, causing her sister to jump slightly and waking up completely. “See them in. Now!”

“R-Right,” stammered Dragonfly as she gestured to the couple who had just set down Banshee. “I’m really sorry about that. It’s just been a while since I’ve seen newlyweds and, well…” She trailed off as Banshee raced past both her and the Guard and went straight to the house. Everypony, even the Guard watched as Banshee paused at the door and turned around to glare directly at Pip before entering, slamming the door without a word. “O-Ok then. Let’s get inside. Yes, let’s get inside. Sounds like a plan.”

Somewhat nervous, Pip and Succubus began to make their way towards the house with the two sisters walking in front. Dragonfly moved a little bit faster, making it to the door first and opening it for everypony. The Guard entered first without giving the midnight blue maned thestral a glance. When Pip and Succubus entered, Dragonfly again got this weird look on her face as if being near them put her in a trance of some kind.

The inside of the house was different from what Pip had expected. While the outside of the house was dark and unappealing, the inside seemed to be more family friendly. Everything looked like it had been handmade from the local forest. While still dark, all of the chairs were draped with colorful blankets and cushions. Hanging from the walls were various pictures, one of which contained Steel Fang and the two thestrals he had just met when they were younger. While Steel looked exactly the same as the stallion outside, Dragonfly and her sister were tiny compared to the stallion who was squatting in the picture and had a hand on both fillies’ heads. Dragonfly’s sister didn’t have the bangs covering half of her face but instead has heavily bandaged. Still, both she and her sister were holding up pictures they had clearly drawn themselves while their smiles were frozen in time. Pip’s ears perked when he heard the crackling of a fire causing his attention to shift towards a massive stone fireplace. And next to it was Banshee who was quickly talking to a male thestral sitting in a chair, reading a book while nodding occasionally to the filly.

Despite having only met this stallion once, Pip was not likely to forget Succubus’ older brother Dark Bargain. The last time they had met was after a thug had broken into the Treasure Chest with the intent of taking Succubus back to her family by force, not caring who got in his way. A short while after he had been stopped, Dark Bargain had arrived to reveal information that Succubus had kept hidden from him before making him an offer. He had promised Pip whatever was physically possible if he ended his marriage with Succubus. It could have been getting rid of Kegger while providing the funds to turn his club back into a bar or his very own boat to travel the seas on. He had even offered to find Pip a new wife if he wanted it. After much internal turmoil, Pip had declined.

To this day, Pip still didn’t know what to make of the stallion. When he had spoken to Pip, Bargain sounded like he genuinely cared about Succubus yet was trying to take her back to a place that sounded like a personal Tartarus for her. Then he leaves without waiting for Pip’s reply!

When the door behind closed, Bargain looked up from the book he was reading and smiled. “Ah, good. You’re here,” he said while gesturing to the seats close to him. “Please sit. We have much to talk about.”

“Lord Dark Bargain,” said the Guard as Pip and Succubus moved towards the chairs. “There was an incident by the train station involving Miss Banshee.”

“Yes, I am aware,” said Bargain with a light hearted smile. “My little sister was regaling me of what happened after she disobeyed my instructions to remain here and play with Dragonfly. However, I believe that she is omitting some parts. Tell me, did she happen to use her powers against Mr. Pipsqueak before you gave her a good scare and destroyed her doll?” Banshee looked at Bargain with her mouth hanging open in surprise.

“That she did,” replied the Guard as Banshee shot her a murderous look.

“Well then Dragon Fang,” said Bargain as he closed the book. “You can rest assured that she will be punished accordingly. I shall inform the staff that we shall be forgoing dessert for the foreseeable future.”

“But that’s not fair!” shouted Banshee as she stomped her hoof. And, as far as Pip could tell, she wasn’t the only one in the room who felt this way. Dragon Fang’s expression shifted to allow a frown on her face and her eyes hardened as they glared at Dark Bargain.

“You are correct,” said Bargain as a frown appeared on his face. “Given the fact that you disobeyed my orders while not doubt worrying poor Dragonfly here who, out of the kindness of her heart, offered to play with you as well as harming somepony who is not only my guest but also our dear brother-in-law I think that your punishment isn’t fair. So, when we have departed this charming home, I will think long and hard on how to make your punishment more fair.”

“B-But,” stammered Banshee as she looked over to Succubus for help. The large breasted thestral opened her mouth to say something, but somepony else spoke up before she could.

“Good to see his lordship isn’t so soft,” said Dragon Fang with something that sounded like satisfaction in her voice. “Well now, since that’s been taken care of I’d better be off.”

“Oh,” said Bargain as he raised an eyebrow. Pip also thought he heard disappointment in his tone, but perhaps he was imagining it for his voice returned to normal as he continued to speak. “As far as I am aware you do still live here. What I am going to discuss isn’t anything secretive so there is no reason for you to excuse yourself.”

“Duty calls,” said Dragon Fang in an off handed tone. “I still have to patrol the eastern end of the forest before my shift ends. There have been an unusual amount of spider wolf sightings over the last couple of days and I need to determine if we need to cull their numbers. Also, Old Stallion Dreadhoof says he spotted a changeling last night so I need to-”

There was a sudden crash that caused everypony to look beyond where Dragon Fang was standing. On the opposite side of the house was Dragonfly as she stood in the middle of a kitchen area. Her coat seemed to have lost several shades of color and her hands were trembling. On the floor around her was broken glass (which, thankfully, hadn’t embedded itself in her) and dozens of ice cubes. On instinct, Pip got out of his seat with Succubus at his side and went over to help pick up the mess. As he picked up the pieces, his experience of working in a bar for so long told him that it was too much glass for a single cup meaning she most likely dropped a pitcher.

“Ch-Changeling,” stammered Dragonfly who didn’t even seem to notice the mess or the ponies trying to clean it up. “A-Another o-o-one was s-seen-n?”

Dragon Fang moved over to her sister and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I don’t think so,” she said in a surprisingly gentle voice. “It’s always something or another with Dreadhoof. Diamond Dogs, Changelings, cults. Most of the time it's just him trying to get somepony out to his neck of the woods so he’ll have somepony to talk to. Other times…well, there is a reason why I’m heading over there. Just try to relax until I get home. Can you do that for me?”

Dragonfly gulped and did her best to nod. Her sister gave her a bit of a smile before her stony expression returned. Perhaps that gave her some comfort, for Dragonfly seemed to calm down a bit more. Still on the floor, Pip watched as Dragon Fang turned around and bowed in the direction of Dark Bargain. Once she righted herself, Dragon Fang moved towards the door and exited without saying a word.

It wasn’t for several minutes until all ponies were seated once again. Dragonfly eventually was able to collect herself and tried to tell the couple that she could handle this mess. But both Pip and Succubus held firm that they had this, telling the mare that she should sit down. It was only when all the glass, ice, and liquid had been removed from the floor did the two return to their seats.

“Well then,” began Dark Bargain as he cleared his throat. “I believe it is time that we got down to business. I have no doubt that both of you remember the night when my father sent a, for lack of a better word, thug to return Succubus to us via force.”

“Hard to forget,” said Pip, doing his best to keep venom out of his voice. It was hard to forget the feeling of helplessness as he tried (and failed) to stop that thug from taking Succubus away from him. Nor was it easy to forget how Rumble had been injured to the point where he needed to be taken to the hospital. If the police hadn’t shown up when they did…

Bargain gave a short nod before pressing his hands together. “That part, as you know, was the workings of my father. What you don’t know was that my mother was threatening the local Guard into keeping any information about Succubus a secret. Wanted to keep things quiet. I’m sure they had many plans that they would enact, laws they might exploit when they got you back, Succubus. But, both of them were found out once the princess began looking into things. Currently they are both in Canterlot facing serious charges. For the moment, I have taken up my father’s position until then as the last remaining Duke.”

“Ok, that’s great!” said Succubus quickly, clapping her hands and standing. “I’m sure you’ll do a great job! Now, if you’ll excuse us, me and Pip have to-”

“Stay,” said Bargain in a very firm voice while gesturing to the seat Succubus had just left. Looking over at his wife, Pip could see that she wanted to argue or just ignore him in order to leave faster. Everypony watched her as she hesitated for a moment, eventually sitting back down with her arms crossed under her chest and a pout on her face.

“So,” said Pip who like Succubus wanted to leave. And he knew that the quickest way to do that would be to find out why they were here before doing everything in their power to speed things along. “Sounds like everything worked out well for you.”

“It would seem that way, wouldn’t it?” replied Bargain with a sad smile. “But, now we come to the problem. Shortly after my parents were brought to Canterlot, the good nobility of the capital began to question if there was a chance that I was involved in any illegal actions as well. There is no proof at the moment, which is why I myself have not been hauled away by the Royal Guard. But they have brought their views to Princess Celestia who believes that this matter bears looking into. So,” Bargain clapped his hands loudly, “she has requested a formal investigation done by the Countess into my actions. That is where you come in Mr. Pipsqueak. Countess Diamond Vein would like to speak to you and ask you a few questions. Then, if she believes that I am guilty, my post will be given to the only member of the family who is of age: Succubus.”

Pip felt his jaw slack a bit. “Wait, I thought you said that your parents would disown her if she stayed with me,” he said while quickly processing everything he had just heard.

“I did say that,” said Dark Bargain with a nod. “And they would have if they had not been arrested before they had the chance.”

“But,” began Succubus who quickly gulped. “I-I don’t want to go back down there. I want to stay in Ponyville.”

“Then all you will have to do is sign away your rights to the title when you see the Countess,” said Dark Bargain as he waved a hand. “A simple matter really, and will protect you from those scoundrels in Canterlot. You see, I don’t believe that they believe that I had a hand in anything. There are a number of wealthy stallions and mares who wish to climb up to the ranks of the elite. Once you sign it away, there will be any who will wish to purchase it and everything that goes with it. The estate, the family heirlooms, and of course-”

“The mines,” said Pip in sudden realization. “You said during our last meeting that your family controls the entire southern mining system. Do you think that’s what they're really after?”

“Good, you remember,” said Dark Bargain with a nod and a pleased smile. “As I said, there are those who just want the title and all the perks that go with it. Attending fancy parties, the connections within the government, being invited to have tea with Princess Celestia, and a few others I could mention. But there will be those with more ambition and greed who will look beyond that. Perhaps it will be one of the nobles who will either move up a rank or add my family’s property to their own. Perhaps it will be a wealthy business pony looking to expand their wealth. Who knows?”

“But that’s not going to happen,” said Banshee as she looked at Succubus with pleading eyes. “Because Succubus isn’t going to let that happen. She’s going to come home and we’ll all be together again. She has to!” The filly then shot a glare at Pip who couldn’t help but cringe slightly. “And if that mean old earth pony is going to keep her from being with me then I’ll-” Whatever threat she would have made died on her lips as soon as Dark Bargain placed a hand on her head.

“Well,” said the Duke while standing up. “I believe that is all I have to say for now. Forgive me if I am repeating something you have already heard, but I have arranged for the two of you to remain here for the time being.” Banshee made a growling noise at that, which Dark Bargain ignored. “This has, of course, been done for your benefit Succubus. However, should you so desire, you can return to our family estate knowing that you can leave whenever your heart desires.”

Pip looked over at Succubus who was biting her lower lip. The look on her face seemed to indicate to him that she was having an internal debate with herself while staring at Banshee. Eventually tears began to form around her eyes and she turned her head to look away.

“I…can’t,” she whispered. “I can’t go back to that place.”

“But Succubus!” cried Banshee as she tried to take a step forward. It was only because of Dark Bargain’s hand that she was unable to do so.

“I will send to have a carriage pick you up at sundown,” said the thestral stallion as he looked at Pip. “I will help you…ready yourself for when you meet the Countess.” With that said, Bargain took hold of Banshee’s hand so that they could leave. Banshee fought this, tugging madly against him to get to Succubus while shouting that she wanted to stay with her. In the end, her pleas went unheeded as she was forced out the door. Only then did the dam controlling Succubus’s tears break.