Later that same evening, Thespian reached over and tapped the alarm when it went off and woke her from her slumber. It felt nice to have a pony snuggled up against her back, for once. Too often she would be home alone while her husband, Caffeinated, was off at work. He might have memorized every line in her plays since he would often come with her to work to avoid being alone at home and, she did go in to see him once in a while, but her love of gardening did keep her at home.

Still, it was nice to not nap alone. It was only when she turned to look at Air Raid, that she became aware of another pony in bed behind her. “It is nice to wake up to a bed full of ponies. Sleep well, Darkie?”

“I did, thank you,” Darkstar said, opening her eyes with the alarm, though she had been awake before that.

Also awake, Air Raid turned to Darkstar, “Hey, you okay, hun?”

“Yes, mom,” said Darkstar with an eye roll. “I’ve been a good pony. I checked out the dance pole in the basement, and then I went out back to exercise and practice my magic.”

Thespian giggled as she rolled out of bed, “Is anypony hungry?”

“Uh huh, I am,” Darkstar said quickly.

Air Raid yawned, “Yeah, me too.”

“Who wants to help?” asked Thespian.

“I do,” said Darkstar as she raised a hoof. “I can cook. Raid puts things in the oven until they go brown and calls it cooking.”

“Guilty as charged,” admitted Air Raid.

“Come help me then,” said Thespian as she walked out of the bedroom. Darkstar followed and Air Raid tagged along. “I’m planning on zucchini lasagne, garlic toast, and garden salad,” she said as they went down the stairs. “What do you all think of that?”

Air Raid’s tummy let out a rumble of approval. “I think that sounds great.” Both Darkstar and Thespian shared a laugh as they entered the kitchen.

“Air Raid, could you put together the garden salad? All the ingredients are in the bottom left crisper,” requested Thespian.

Air Raid grinned, “Salad I can do, hun.” She went straight to work.

“Darkstar, could you please turn the zucchini into lasagne noodles?” Thespian asked the other mare. “Cutting board is hanging below the knives.”

Darkstar saw the zucchini on the counter, “Consider it done.” She took the cutting board and knife in her yellow magic then moved the zucchini over to the board. Her eyes were focused on the blade as she begun to cut.

“Be careful, Darkstar,” Air Raid said.

“You worry too much,” Thespian said as she prepared the garlic toast.

“Good luck getting her to listen to that,” said Darkstar as she concentrated on her given job.

“Maybe I do,” responded Air Raid, “But it is my job to worry.”

“You do your job well, but now let’s share in the job,” said Thespian. She turned to Darkstar, “She didn’t seem too worried when we snuggled. I’m glad you joined us.”

“You get yourself some? Nice one.” Darkstar held out a hoof to Thespian which the older mare hoof bumped. “I’ve been telling Raid to have some fun.”

“Yeah, speaking of which, Darkie,” Air Raid said as she started putting the salad together, “I’m entering the San Palomino next year.”

“I’m sure I can twist my husband’s hoof to…” Thespian trailed off as she noticed Darkstar stopped cutting. “Darkie?”

Darkstar shook her head and resumed cutting the zucchini. “The San Palomino, huh?” She turned to look at Air Raid, “And you think I’m suicidal.”

Thespian turned her attention back to Air Raid, “What does that mean?”

“It’s nothing, Thespian,” responded Air Raid. “Just, sometimes, there are accidents in the race. Darkie, look at the knife, not me.”

Darkstar returned her attention to cutting the zucchini, “Last year four ponies died in the race.” Alas, with her attention diverted, the knife slipped and it sliced into her foreleg, “Ah, buck!”

Immediately, Thespian took charge, “Air Raid, there’s a first aid kit in the pantry, get that please.” Air Raid did so without question. She trotted over to Darkstar. “Looks like a shallow slice. Are you getting magic fatigue?”

Tears stared to well up in Darkstar’s big yellow eyes, “Um, yeah. Look, I didn’t mean to do that, really I didn’t.”

Air Raid arrived with the kit, “She going to be okay?”

“Yes, and thank you Air Raid” said Thespian as she opened the kit. “I saw it was an accident, Darkie. You said your horn was just healed. How much practice did you do outside?”

“I cast a few spells while I did my thirty-minute workout,” explained Darkstar. “I use illusions to enhance my performance.”

Thespian opened a tube of ointment, “Okay, this ointment is made to sting so you don’t ever want to use it again.” She applied the ointment and noticed Darkstar shiver and smile. She covered the wound with gauze and added a stretchy bandage to keep it in place. “How are you at holding a knife with your mouth, the earth pony way?”

“I’m awesome at it,” stated Darkstar, “But Raid isn’t going to let me near a knife again.”

Air Raid giggled, “So, Doc, is the patient going to live, or will we need to amputate?” Thespian and Darkstar did a coordinated eye roll. “I saw it was an accident too, but you do need to pay attention to what you’re doing.”

“I’m going prescribe the patient take one fourth a lasagne, and a night of copious snuggles.” Both mares giggled. “You go back to cutting up the zucchini,” Thespian said. “What do you usually do to restore you magic reserves?”

Darkstar first replied to Air Raid, “Yes, mom.” She then spoke to Thespian, “You’d make a great doctor. I usually drink some fruit juice and take an energy bar.”

“There is fruit juice in the refrigerator, and I think the mare’s room has energy bars,” said Thespian.

“I’ll get you that juice.” Air Raid went to the refrigerator and poured some mango juice, which she knew was one of Darkstar’s favourites. She set it down on the counter for her.

Darkstar smiled, “Thanks, mom.” She went back to cutting using her mouth to hold the knife.

Thespian gathered the rest of the ingredients. “I’m using milk mare cheese, if that is okay with everypony?”

Darkstar just nodded as she paid close and careful attention to her job. Air Raid answered, “That would be great.” She let out a soft sigh, “What Darkie was trying to say is the race can be dangerous. Many cars don’t finish mostly due to mechanical failures. Some have non-fatal accidents, like rolling the car or hitting a tree. They are built tough with safety in mind.” Air Raid helped herself to a sip of the juice she poured for Darkstar.

“Fatalities are usually a failure in teamwork or just plain stupidity,” she continued, “The accident reports on the deaths. Well, one pair went over a cliff at eighty miles per hour so they were lost, which is a failure on the navigator’s part. The other, from the evidence, parked at the bottom of a dune and got out of the vehicle. They had a map spread out on the hood when another vehicle topped the dune and landed on them. They should have parked on the dune so they’d be seen, and never have gotten out of the vehicle.”

“Okay,” said Thespian. “You said the sponsor will help you with the vehicle. What about the rest like the, um, map reader?”

“Pit crew I have,” said Air Raid. “They’re in Canterlot. I used to have a navigator, Slingshot, but we parted ways years ago. He’s with a different team now.”

Darkstar put down the knife, “Finished.” Her voice became subdued. “Was that because of me?”

“Don’t blame yourself for this!” exclaimed Air Rad. “Slingshot was the best, which is why I had him on my team. Friction was building between us long before you were injured. Because he was the best, he started to think it was his team instead of mine. He simply used you as an excuse to bailout on me.”

“Slingshot was in on all her races,” commented Darkstar.

Thespian finished putting the lasagne together and popped it in the oven. “Let’s move to the table.” She poured some more juice for all of them. “All your races?”

Air Raid nodded, “You need a navigator for the desert race. Day or night the terrain can play tricks like one of Darkie’s illusions.” Darkstar almost snorted her juice. “In the other races, they let you know when to break, shift, and track speed and fuel consumption. Slingshot was the best number cruncher I’d ever seen.”

“Are you so sure he won’t come back to you?” asked Darkstar.

“He burned that bridge,” Air Raid replied. “Even if I was the one to rebuild it, he is doing well with Windcharger. Plus, I want to show off my talent this Sunday in a race.”

“This Sunday?” said Thespian. Air Raid nodded. “I’ll let the business ponies talk to you about that. It is good to see you’re eager to get back at it. I take it you’re confident enough to leave Darkie with us?”

Air Raid looked at Darkstar, “You and Caffeinated have shown us nothing but love and hospitality. I’m sure the rest of your herd will do the same.”

Darkstar had a glint in her eye, “Speaking of Caffeinated, I’d like to give your hunky stallion a dance.”

Thespian ignored Air Raid’s facehoof. “The one that needs a pole?”

Darkstar eagerly nodded, “That’s the one. I noticed you had a good one in the basement.”

“Do you need an outfit to go with your dance?” asked Thespian.

Darkstar smiled, “Nope, I got one.”

Air Raid asked, “You gonna wear ‘those’ socks?”

“Oh, he does love socks,” commented Thespian.

Darkstar giggled, “Yes, ‘those’ socks. Red ones with three black stars.”

Thespian noted the time, and, knowing her stallion would be back very soon, she got up to prepare some fresh coffee. “Are you both in your mid-twenties?”

“I’m twenty-four,” said Darkstar. “I was in Wily’s class at school and university.”

Air Raid watched Thespian grind the beans, “That smells good. I’m twenty-seven. If I may ask, how old are you?”

Thespian put the grounds in the Prench press. “For after dinner. I’m fifty-one. I started hanging around the theatre at age eight, and got my first job at eleven.”

“I started racing soap boxes at six, and go-karts at nine,” Air Raid said.

“I had dreams of being a Las Pegasus show mare,” Darkstar sighed. “I ended up in a bookstore in Canterlot.”

“As you can see by my library, I’m quite fond of books, said Thespian. “Airmail is a journalist, but then I’d guess you would know that.”

Darkstar nodded, “I do! She was kind enough to offer me a job, which I bit her hoof off for, but if there’s any dancing jobs in the theatre, I’d happily do that too.”

“They are always looking for dancers, but that is because they don’t pay that much,” said Thespian. It is hard to balance two careers.”

“I don’t mind arduous work,” said Darkstar. “I want to be busy. Then I don’t think about…stuff.”

Thespian nodded and turned to Air Raid, “Racing was your substitute for flying?”

“Yeah, once I found out about Scootaloo and the stunts she did, and learned my disability was named after her, I felt the need for speed.”

Thespian giggled, “I can safely say I’ve never missed flying. I must admit I don’t follow racing or any sports really. Anything famous you’ve won?”

“She’s won lots of races,” Darkstar said helpfully.

“I have, but some of the biggest are the rally tournaments,” added Air Raid. “I’ve won the Canterlot Mountain Rally five times, the Ponyville Rally three times, the Ghastly Gorge Run twice, and I even won the Everfree Forest Rally once.”

“The Everfree?” said a surprised Thespian. “Isn’t that the forest full of monsters?”

“That is what the locals say to drive up tourism,” giggled Air Raid. “There is truth to it though, which is why I only won it once.”

“I do hope you both continue to live full lives,” said Thespian. “Speaking of which, I noticed you joined the two of us in bed, Darkie, and didn’t raise a fuss.”

Darkstar blushed, “Oh, umm…you two looked so at peace all snuggled up, and I was a little lonely. So, I really fancied a snuggle. I hope that was okay?”

Thespian nodded, “It is more than okay. One of the reasons there are no locks on the interior doors. Not okay is jealousy.”

Darkstar’s blush deepened, “That and I was curious about snuggling with a mare.”

Thespian smiled, “Like I told Raid earlier, when you live with a herd, your orientation is just a preferred lifestyle, and not an exclusive one.” She looked at Air Raid, “Was I okay for a straight mare?”

“You were more than okay, Thespian,” giggled Air Raid. “It had been so long I thought I was all dried up.”

“There is nothing wrong with snuggling,” stated Thespian. “And if mean ol’ Raid teases you, you can come and tell me. Plus, if I understand correctly, you want to snuggle with some stripes tonight.”

“It’s a little scary making decision on my own,” said Darkstar. “I was hoping for some stripy snuggles, and Raid never let me snuggle her before.”

“I didn’t want anypony thinking I was taking advantage of you,” answered Air Raid.

Darkstar sighed, “I know, and I’m looking forward to some stripy snuggles.” She gave out a nervous giggle. “The room felt a little weird with no padding. It was nice to listen to you both just breathe.”

“On Thursday, there will be up to forty ponies here, Darkie,” stated Thespian. “You still okay with that?”

Darkstar felt Air Raid’s hoof reach out to her shoulder. “I have to learn how to live with ponies again.”

Thespian nodded, “If it does become too much you can always hide out in my bedroom. Until ponies go to bed it will be quiet.”

“Thank you, and I’ll let somepony know if it gets to be too much.” Darkstar looked at the both of them, “So, some ponies had a bit of fun while I was napping?”

Thespian looked at the clock and walked over to the oven, “I know I did, and I don’t think I heard any complaints from Raid.” She pulled out the lasagne and the garlic bread.

“Defiantly not!” Air Raid giggled, “I hadn’t been tied up that well since Cyclone entertained me.”

The ponies heard the front door open and, almost on cue, like he had smelled the dinner cooking, a stallion called out in a reassuringly deep rumbling voice, “I’m home!”

Thespian called back, “In the kitchen, love.”

Caffeinated walked in and gave his wife a big kiss. He looked at the other two, “This must be my lucky day. You got both of these mares for me?”

“Hey, Caffeinated,” said Air Raid.

Darkstar blushed and giggled, “Hey, again.”

Caffeinated nuzzled both mares which they returned, “That lasagne smells nice.”

Thespian spoke up, “Set the table and we’ll get it out there.” Caffeinated nodded and walked out of the kitchen.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been nuzzled so much in one day,” said Air Raid.

“Something you may have to get used to,” responded Thespian. “In a couple of weeks is our BDSM night, which is followed by Open Mic Night, to entertain more than just the herd. I’m sure I can get Caffy to set up a pole if you’d like to entertain a crowd, Darkie.”

“Really? That’d be great,” said Darkstar. “Maybe I’ll try BDSM again, eventually.”

“Are you sure?” asked Air Raid.

“Yes, mom.” Darkstar giggled, “I do need to live again.”

“A couple in the herd watch the house while we play,” added Thespian. “You can always hang out with them. They are both voyeurs.”

“I do appreciate both of you looking out for me,” responded Darkstar. “We’ll just have to see how it goes when it happens.”

“Ready,” Caffeinated called out from the informal dining room.

“Raid, you have the salad, and Darkie, the bread,” stated Thespian. “I’ve got the lasagne.” Thespian put the warm dish on a tray on her back, and Air Raid did the same with the salad. Darkstar took up the garlic bread in her magic and all there moved out of the kitchen like a well-oiled machine.

“Would anypony care for drinks?” asked Caffeinated as the put the food on the table.

Air Raid saw the bottle of red wine with two filled glasses on the table. “If you’ve got whisky and cider, I’d fancy a fireball.”

“A coke or juice for me, please,” said Darkstar.

“I’ve got that Air Raid,” said Caffeinated, “And is sparking apple juice good for you?” Darkstar nodded and the zebra prepared their drinks. Thespian, being the good hostess that she was, put salad in each salad bowl, garlic bread on the bread plate and a large helping of lasagne on each plate. Caffeinated soon put a drink in front of each of his guests.

Air Raid sampled the drink, and winced, “Oh, you can give tips to Cyclone.”

Caffeinated smiled and took Thespian’s hoof. “Praise be to Luna for this day and night to come. Thank you for our guests this day. May they find rest and peace on their journey.”

“Praise be to Luna,” responded Thespian. “Eat up!”

Both Air Raid and Darkstar were slow to respond, but they each said, “Praise be to Luna.” Air Raid continued, “I know I’ve said it before, but thank you both for having us.”

Darkstar nodded, “Yes, thank you, for your hospitality.”

Thespian giggled at their responses to her husband’s prayer. “Now you have had an introduction to zebra life. Like I said, Lunaites, the lot of them.”

Caffeinated responded with a raised eyebrow before he said, “We are generous with what we have, but Airy asked and that moves us beyond generosity.” The zebra and earth pony both flicked their ears, “Thespian has explained the house rules to you both?”

“Yes,” responded Air Raid. “Part of the tour. You have a very nice place.”

“We have a special rule for our guest, Darkstar,” said Thespian. “She may not be in the kitchen, alone, for now.”

Caffeinated nodded, since Thespian already explained why with the use of her ears. “Thank you. I’m sure we can work out any issues that may crop up.”

Air Raid added, “Also, Darkie’s meds are in my room safe. I’ll give both of you the combo I set so you can issue them if I’m gone for something.”

“Thank you for understanding,” said Darkstar.

“As my wife said, for now,” said Caffeinated as he flicked his ears.

Thespian spoke up, “Darkie is in the front left bedroom and Raid in the front right.”

“The rooms are very nice,” said Darkstar. “I may do some snuggling with Raid to get used to ponies again.”

“You’re free to sleep anywhere you wish,” Caffeinated said, “Except for the Stallion’s Club room.”

“It isn’t nearly as comfortable as the Mare’s Club room,” added Thespian.

“If you do use the Mare’s Club room you will need to clean up after yourself,” said Caffeinated. “The service doesn’t clean the basement rooms.”

“I understand,” said Air Raid. “Thespy included that in her tour.”

“I did enjoy snuggling earlier,” said Darkstar. “I also like the yard and pool. It is a great place to exercise and cool off afterwards.”

“Feel free to use any of the facilities,” stated Caffeinated. “Thespy and I may live here, but this is a herd house.”

“Thank you,” said Darkstar, “I know we aren’t part of your herd so that means a lot.”

“I want to thank you too,” added Air Raid. “Thespian said that you and her father would consider sponsoring me in a big race next year.”

“Oh?” Caffeinated noted Thespian’s ear flicks. “Well, I’m sure the tribe would be interested. You okay with stripes on your car?”

“I’m okay with whatever you put on it.” Air Raid smiled, “Especially stripes. Have you heard of the San Palomino Run?”

Caffeinated shook his head, “You may guess I don’t follow car racing.”

“It is only the best race ever,” declared Air Raid.

“Most dangerous ever,” muttered Darkstar.

Before the earlier argument could be rehashed, Thespian interjected. “Raid plans on racing this Sunday, too.”

“The one in the Meadowlands?” inquired Caffeinated.

“Yes! That’s the one.” Exclaimed a happy Air Raid. “I saw a flyer for it on the way here. The car I have will work fine.”

“Hmm,” said Caffeinated as he turned to his wife, “Have you talked to Baron yet?”

Thespian shook her head. “I wanted to run it past you first. I figured you could get Coffee bean to work on Fine Ground, and you could see if Sweet Water would be game.” She smiled, “I’ll deal with dad.”

“Let me win this race first,” said Air Raid. “I don’t want something I haven’t earned.”

Caffeinated laughed, “You haven’t dealt with my tribe. Need to start now to get them interested. Do well on Sunday and they’ll bite.”

“I’ll do well,” said Air Raid with determination.

Darkstar giggled, “You have no idea how much Raid hates coming in second.”

“Do you need anything for Sunday’s race?” asked Caffeinated.

“Everything I need is in your garage,” Air raid said. Darkstar lightly tapped her with a hoof. “Okay, except my pit crew. They’re still in Canterlot.”

“They’re willing to relocate?” asked Caffeinated.

“They travel with me,” answered Air Raid. “But sure, cost of living here can’t be any worse than Canterlot.”

“You okay with magnetic decals on your car?” inquired Caffeinated.

Air Raid nodded, “Most certainly am.”

“Okay,” the zebra turned to his wife, “Another excellent meal.”

“Thank you,” responded Thespian. “Of course, I’ve already put those two to work.”

“Next to dancing, I love cooking,” Darkstar said.

Air Raid added, “That is something I’m not very good at.”

“What happened to your leg?” Caffeinated asked Darkstar.

The unicorn’s ears wilted. “I was cutting the zucchini when the knife slipped in my magic”

“Magic fatigue?” Caffeinated asked.

Darkstar shrugged, “A little. I was practicing spells while I exercised.”

“Something you’ll most likely have to do every day,” commented Caffeinated. “You told me your specialty is illusions.”

Darkstar nodded, “Yeah, I can make my voice appear from somewhere else. Muffle the sounds of my, or somepony else’s, hooves. I used to be able to cast invisibility.”

Air Raid reached out to Darkstar, “Don’t forget your desire spell.”

Darkstar smiled, “That one improves my dance so others see what their heart wants to see, or, more precisely, they see what they most desire.”

“You showed off that voice spell in the coffee shop,” Caffeinated said. “You mentioned dancing too. You do performances? We have an Open Mic in a few weeks.”

Darkstar was excited at the prospect, “I do! I love performing. Thespian said you could put a pole in your shop. I saw you have a nice one downstairs.”

Caffeinated rubbed his chin with a hoof, and his voice took on a serious tone. “I’ll need a private showing of course. To be sure my clients will get something they can appreciate.” Thespian broke out in laughter.

Darkstar clapped her hooves, “I’ll be happy to perform for you.”

Thespian lightly punched the zebra in the shoulder. “After you’ve done the dishes. Do you need any props, Darkie?”

Darkstar replied, “I have my socks in my room, and…”

“Socks!” interrupted Caffeinated. “Let me take care of these dishes now!” He started piling the dishes on the tray.

Darkstar giggled, “I have music too, but I can perform without it.”

“We can accommodate that,” said Thespian. “Get what you need and meet me down in the dungeon.”

“I’ll help with the dishes,” Air Raid said. She followed Caffeinated into the kitchen while Darkstar went upstairs and Thespian downstairs.

Caffeinated set the remains of the lasagne and bread on the table. “Please put that together in a Tuppermare container.” He pointed a hoof where the containers were. “Then bottom left of the fridge. Anything there is a left over and free game. I do try to keep that spot empty.” He stuck his muzzle in the remains of the salad bowl to clean that out.

Air Raid giggled, and did as she was asked. She brought the empty dishes over to the dishwasher as the zebra loaded it. “Your wife gave me the grand tour, and I must say, I thought my place was lush.” She waved a hoof, “This place makes it look like nothing.”

“Space in Canterlot is at a premium,” stated Caffeinated. “Same for Manehatten Island. Like the capital where ponies move to the suburbs like Ponyville, I moved here to Stallion Island. I’m sure your place will fetch twice the price Mapper is asking for her old place.”

Air Raid nodded, “Airmail said the same thing. I hope whoever gets it, enjoys it. I have a lot of fond memories from that place. Still, I’m looking forward to starting over here. Things are finally starting to look up.”

Caffeinated finished up and closed the dishwasher. “I said the same thing when I stepped hoof in Equestria from the old country.”
Airmail had never travelled outside of Equestria, “What is it like where you’re from?”

“Zebrica?” Caffeinated pushed the start button and leaned on the counter. “I don’t remember a lot. It wasn’t bad, then my tribe is well off, so I didn’t see the darker side of things. Here in Manehatten most zebras live in the Broncs, and are firmly in Luna’s camp. The founders of Manehatten are firmly in Celestia’s camp.

“I did see a little more of Luna, since we were friends with Dusk, than I ever saw of Celestia,” said Air Raid. “I’m guessing your tribe deals with coffee?”

“Oh, good guess,” Caffeinated smiled, “What gave it away? Something I said or something on my ass?”

Air Raid giggled, “Well you do work in a coffee shop, and Darkie may have said something to me about your cute ass.”

Caffeinated chuckled, “The coffee shop is my hobby. My real job is imports. My tribe controls sixty five percent of the global coffee market. Forty percent of the cocoa market, and thirty percent of the tea market.”

“Wow…” said Air Raid. “Just, wow. You guys must rule the zebras.”

Caffeinated shook his head, “No, that honour belongs to the Grass Tribe. That is where all the royalty is. Coffee may bring in the bits, but food will always rule.”

“So, um,” Air Raid looked around to be sure they were still alone. “Do you, ah, know any mares? You know, zebra mares?”

“I’m the only zebra in the herd,” said Caffeinated. “Last I checked I wasn’t a mare.”

Air Raid ducked down and pointedly looked at his undercarriage. “Just checked and I can confirm you’re not a mare.”

“It makes more sense why Darkstar pointed out that you two weren’t together like that,” said Caffeinated as he enjoyed Air Raid’s blush. “She is on the prowl for a stallion and you for a mare. I was going to call my aunt on her behalf, but I can do it for the both of you.” He glanced at the clock. “Still too early to call her yet.”

Air Raid smiled, “Thanks. Want to see if Darkie is ready?”

“Love to see socks, err, Darkie,” Caffeinated corrected himself with a smile as the two of them walked out of the kitchen.

Darkstar didn’t take long to get her socks and music CD. She heard talking in kitchen, but didn’t feel the need to ease drop. When she entered the dungeon, she saw some seating pads had been placed in a loose semi-circle near the pole, and Thespian was finishing up the connections to a stereo system. “I don’t remember that being here.”

“Portable,” said Thespian. “It is normally in the Mare’s Club room. Let’s check out the sound levels before the other two shows up.” She took the CD from Darkstar and put it in the machine. “Republica. Sounds like something Serenity would like.” She turned it on and stepped away.

Darkstar moved up and set it to track one. “From the Rush Hour with Love.” Thespian giggled at the noise that came out of the machine. Serenity would like this, and Mapper wouldn’t, which would allow Serenity to like it all the more. The unicorn adjusted the volume. “It is background music. The beat adds to the show.” She set it back to the start of track one and pushed pause. The white unicorn started doing her warm up stretches when the other two entered the room.

Darkstar was facing away from the door as she performed her necessary stretches. Caffeinated’s eyes were immediately drawn by the socks, to the location the unicorn desired. The zebra let out a loud whistle of appreciation as he moved to the centre seating pad. Thespian laughed as she sat to his left. “Sweet Celestia,” said Air Raid as she watched her friend stretch.

The lime green pegasus moved to sit on Caffeinated’s right. Caffeinated playfully nudged his wife, “You should put on that red number and dance with her.”

Thespian punched back, swatting at the orange zebra’s shoulder. “This is her show, and I’m not stealing anypony’s thunder.”

Darkstar stood up from her final stretch and turned around, “You have a sexy red outfit too?”

Thespian nodded, “I played Mona in ‘Best Little Whorehouse in Canterlot’.”

“I saw that in Canterlot. It was great!” exclaimed Darkstar. “Raid didn’t want to go with me.”

“I didn’t know there would be sexy mares in the play,” explained Air Raid.

Thespian giggled, “Did you think whorehouse meant nunnery?”

Air Raid blushed, “No.”

“That’s okay Raid,” said Caffeinated. “She looks pretty sexy in her nun outfit too.”

Air Raid broke out laughing, “Okay, okay, so we going to get this show started?”

“Let’s see you shake that tail,” Caffeinated called out.

Darkstar’s horn briefly light as she un-paused the track. While the music played, the white unicorn ran through her routine with some very generous shaking of her grey tail. Her audience generously cheered her on. She finished with one foreleg wrapped around the pole, and took deep breaths. “Like it?”

Caffeinated clapped his hooves, “I’m liking it so far, but there is no need to stop!”

“Woot!” shouted Air Raid, “You own it, Darkie!”

Darkstar lit her horn and a look of concentration crossed her face for before she stopped. “Um, ah, Ms. Thespian. Could you switch it to track five and pause, please?”

“Of course, dear.” Thespian got up and switched tracks on the player, and sat back down.

Air Raid knew the CD and smiled, “Time to move it Faster, Faster, Darkie.”

Darkstar nodded as she un-paused the player. She went into a rapid-fire routine that had her move around the pole like a snake. The cheers from the audience drove her on. She panted as she finished the routine. One look at Caffeinated told her she was having a positive effect. Air Raid provided her usual enthusiastic support. Thespian, on the other hoof, was just looking at her with a big smile.

Thespian assessed the dancer with a critical eye. It was very clear that she did know what she was doing, that she’d had some training, but from what Darkstar told her earlier, Thespian wasn’t sure if it would be enough for the industry. “You do have talent, Darkie. I’d love to see some of your other dance styles.”

“Thank you, that means a lot,” responded Darkstar as she got her breathing under control. “How about one more for luck?”

“How are you doing, Darkie?” asked Air Raid with concern in her voice.

“Fine, I’m fine,” answered Darkstar. “I can do one more.”

Caffeinated glanced at his wife and she responded with some ear flicks. “Please, Darkie, one more for the big finish.”

“Alrighty, Ms. Thespian, if you could set it to track three and pause, please,” said Darkstar with a smile, “After all, I’m willing to try everything.”

Air Raid giggled as she heard Darkstar name the track. She knew the truth of that statement.

Darkstar made love to the pole as her horn lit up with a bright yellow glow. She cast her mainstay desire spell. The cheering faltered for a moment, but Darkstar expected that. Her audience had to accept what they now saw to make the illusion complete. The cheering and clapping steadily grew louder as she danced, and the unicorn knew she had the audience in her hoof.

She released the spell at the end of her three minute dance. Her main audience was rock hard. Air Raid had a forehoof between her hind legs. Thespian, though, continued to clap, and seemed unaffected by the spell. “Did it work? Was the illusion complete?”

“Oh, yeah,” nodded Caffeinated, “The illusion was complete!”

Air Raid moved forward leaving a wet patch on the seating pad. She hugged Darkstar, “It was perfect, Darkie.”

Darkstar returned the hug, “What…” She looked straight at Caffeinated, “What did you see?”

Caffeinated chuckled, “I saw Thespy in that hot whorehouse number.”

“Was it me from twenty-five years ago?” asked Thespian.

“No, love,” responded Caffeinated. “It was you of today. After all, you’re as beautiful now as you were in your foal pictures.”

Thespian giggled, “He does know the right things to say.”

“It was that good?” asked Darkstar.

“I really thought Thespian had switched places with you,” answered Caffeinated.

When Darkstar turned her gaze to her, Air Raid spoke up, “I saw Wildfire, from the fun fair days.” Air Raid giggled, “The only reason I realized it was an illusion is Wildfire doesn’t have stripes.”

Darkstar turned to the one whom seemed least effected by her spell, “What about you, Ms. Thespian?”

“I saw Serenity,” the mare answered, “She is the finest dancer in the herd, and once you see her dance, you’ll understand. You do have talent, now to get you to broaden that talent.”

Darkstar moved from Air Raid and wrapped Caffeinated in a hug. “Thank you, thank you,” Darkstar squeezed, “I’m so glad it worked!”

“I’ll have to defer unicorn magic to another,” said Thespian, “But it does seem that practice is improving your skills.”

“Yeah,” said Darkstar with a grin plastered on her face, “Yeah, it does.”

Caffeinated was still wrapped up in Darkstar’s hug when he asked, “Is there anything else you want to do, Darkie?”

Darkstar nodded, “Thespian says you’re good with ropes. Um, ah, you wanna…fool around a bit, maybe?”

Caffeinated snorted. He held onto her but moved his head back to look in Darkstar’s eyes. “Fool around? It is always best to speak plainly, and ask directly.”

“Sorry,” whispered Darkstar as a deep crimson blush spread across her white cheeks. “I’d…” She swallowed, “I’d like you to tie me up and rut me, please.”

Caffeinated turned to look at his wife, “Thespian?”

“Are you into threesomes?” asked Thespian.

“I’ve had a few before,” Darkstar nodded, “Yes.”

“Here, or in the bedroom?” asked Caffeinated.

“The bedroom has a well-stocked toy box,” suggested Thespian.

“I can testify to that,” giggled Air Raid.

Darkstar smiled, “Can we go to the bedroom please?”

“Of course, we can,” said Caffeinated. “There are a couple of things though. First you have to pay the toll.”

Darkstar returned the kiss, “How much is the toll?”

Thespian walked over and kissed Darkstar fully, “Paid in full, dear.”

Darkstar giggled, “I can afford that.” She looked over at Air Raid, “Don’t want you left out Raid, wanna kiss?”

“Um, yeah,” Air Raid said as she walked forward to receive a deep kiss. “Mmm, that is one toll I won’t complain about.”

“As well stocked as our toy box may be, I’m going to need a few things for three mares,” Caffeinated walked over to the dungeon toy box to put a few things in a bag.

“Three mares, but…” Darkstar started when she felt a hoof on her shoulder. It was Thespian.

“What we do as a herd is all about trust and love,” stated Thespian. “If you don’t trust us, then we should stop now. If you do, then you have a safe word to stop the play whenever you want to stop it.”

Darkstar looked over at Air Raid, who said nothing. She looked back at Thespian, “It’s just…I’m still a little scared, is all.” Air Raid moved closer to her side.

“You told me as much earlier,” responded Thespian. “You also said you wanted to get back to the life you once had.” Thespian nuzzled her, “You may never get what you once had, but you could get something even better.”

Caffeinated walked back up to the group with a bag on his back, “Are we good?” Darkstar nodded. “Follow.” The zebra led Darkstar out of the dungeon and up the stairs. Thespian and Air Raid followed behind.

Air Raid whispered to Thespian, “When he said three mares, am I included in this?”

“Yes,” whispered Thespian back, “But only if you wish to be.” Air Raid smiled and nodded. Thespian continued, “You have a safe word too. Control will always be yours.” Air Raid nodded again. She was satisfied that this day was only going to get better.

As they entered the bedroom, Caffeinated positioned Darkstar at the foot of the bed facing the back wall. “Whisper to me your safe word.”

“Silver,” Darkstar whispered back, her mind briefly flickering back to the silver level eight inhibitor ring she had worn constantly for the last four years.

Caffeinated turned to Air Raid, “Are you playing or watching?”

“Playing!” said Air Raid quickly, “Please, Sir, er, um Master. Playing, yes.”

Caffeinated moved Air Raid to the foot of the bed facing Darkstar. There was about four feet between them. “Whisper to me your safe word.”

“Bronze,” Air Raid whispered back.

He then positioned Thespian at the wall facing the foot of the bed so each mare could see the other. “Thespian’s safe word is lemon. I expect silence unless you are asked a question, or use your safe word. Do all of you understand?”

Thespian quickly said, “Yes, Sir.”

Air Raid followed up with, “Yes, Sir.”

Darkstar nodded and she thought the zebra was staring into her very soul. “Yes, Sir,” she squeaked.

Caffeinated opened the toy box and emptied the bag into it. He then used his mouth to pull out several hoof cuffs. He dropped the lot next to Thespian and then used his mouth and hooves to fasten them around his wife’s hooves. Thespian watched Darkstar for any signs of panic. The mare was obviously nervous, but she stood her ground.

Caffeinated picked up the unused cuffs and moved over to Air Raid where he repeated fastening the cuffs around the pegasus’s lime green hooves. He chose her second on purpose, to give Darkstar the chance to see what he was doing.

Darkstar followed the orange zebra’s every move. She fidgeted in place, and tried hard to keep herself still. Caffeinated was now bent down as he fastened the cuffs around her hooves. Darkstar froze in place unsure if she should stay or run. The thought of using her safe word never entered her mind. After Caffeinated stood up and moved back to the toy box, Darkstar realized she had cuffs around all four hooves. It felt nice, really nice.

Caffeinated returned from the toy box with rings and chains. Again, he dropped the lot by Thespian. “Normally I would just clip her cuffs together, but I don’t want her ego to be over inflated, so today I’ll use a ring.” He placed a ring beneath his wife and clipped each cuff to the ring. While he did this Thespian stuck out her tongue. Darkstar could hold in her laughter, but Air Raid snorted loudly. Caffeinated took the remaining gear over to Air Raid, “Is there a problem?”

“No, Sir!” responded Air Raid.

“Hmm,” the zebra said as he put a ring under Air Raid and then used twelve-inch chains between the cuffs and the ring. He moved over to Darkstar and the mare remained still. She didn’t fight him when he moved her legs so that the twelve-inch chains could be attached to the ring. The dancer in her made it easy to keep her balance. She saw that Air Raid wobbled a bit, and Thespian seemed totally at easy with her hooves so close together.

Caffeinated made yet another trip to the toy box and pulled out some white nylon rope. Darkstar shivered as she saw the rope. She was so focused on the zebra she failed to see Air Raid’s encouraging smile. Thespian watched the rising panic in the unicorn mare, but she remained silent, trusting her husband and her safe word.

Caffeinated again started with Thespian. He did a half tortoise shell around his wife which left her mare hood and tail hole uncovered. He did however bind her tail over her back leaving her fully exposed. Caffeinated did a few ear flicks while he examined the bindings on his wife. She responded in kind with a few flicks of her own. Darkstar had calmed down when the zebra moved over to Air Raid. She watched him do the same binding over her friend which also bound her wings to her side.

As he bound her wings, Caffeinated carefully made sure the feathers on Air Raid were smooth. Once finished, he inspected his work and saw no panic in her eyes. ‘She is most certainly not Tempest.’ He gathered the last rope and turned his attention to Darkstar. She held her head up high and showed no signs of her earlier panic. Caffeinated smiled as he began to bind the unicorn in exactly the same manner as the other two.

After he finished inspecting his work, the large orange zebra stood in front of Darkstar. He raised a hoof and pressed it softly against the unicorn’s cheek. He moved it back to the base of her ear, and then up her mane. “You know where this is going. You can stop me with a single word.” Darkstar stood her ground and said nothing. The zebra gently moved his hoof to rest against her horn.

Darkstar gasped and shivered as she squeezed her eyes shut. She couldn’t see his next move, but her eyes flew open when she felt him lick her horn. Caffeinated dropped his hoof to the floor and looked back at her. Darkstar realized then and there that she was in a safe place with ponies that truly cared for her. She smiled and remained still.

Caffeinated moved behind Thespian and nosed under her blonde tail with a loud slurp. He then moved over to Air Raid and did the same thing. Air Raid giggled and fell silent with a deep blush. The zebra moved behind Darkstar for a taste test. The unicorn gave out a deep sigh. “Well, it seems I don’t have to worry about getting any mare pregnant today.” He moved to the centre of the three mares and sat down facing his wife. “Parade around me.”

Thespian led off with a cute bunny hop stride. Air Raid tried to follow but forgot about the chains. She stumbled to the right and tried to balance herself with her wings, but had forgotten they were bound. She continued to the right until she ran up against the wall and could catch her balance. Her blush deepened as she saw Thespian hopping in place and Darkstar march stepping in place. Air Raid moved forward with a careful pace while Thespian moved on with her hopping gate. She glanced back and saw Darkstar moving with a dancer’s fluid grace.

After two laps, Caffeinated called them to a halt. Thespian stood still, and Air Raid didn’t stumble to much as she stopped. Darkstar was completely relaxed after concentrating on moving with the chains. “I am pleased. Thespian to the right side of the bed facing the front. Air Raid to the left side of the bed facing the rear.” He watched both mares carry out his orders. Thespian with her sure hoofed hops, Air Raid moving with more grace after her practice.

Caffeinated moved around to stand in front of Thespian. He moved some pillows over to the centre of the bed. The zebra then moved to stand beside his wife. He put his head under her barrel and easily he lifted her up onto the bed. He positioned her so that the pillows were under her shoulder.

He then moved around to stand beside Air Raid. Caffeinated put his head under her barrel and lifter her up onto the bed just as easily as he had his wife. He laid her on top of Thespian so that Air Raid’s shoulder was on the earth pony mare’s thigh.

‘Wow, zebras are strong,’ was the thought Air Raid processed as she was moved. She couldn’t complain about the view either, and it was easy to notice Thespian’s excitement.

Darkstar tracked the zebra’s every move as he placed both mares on the bed. She knew she was next and uncertainty started to take hold. Air Raid, being the silly pony, blew her a kiss which made the unicorn giggle.

“Did I miss a joke?” enquired Caffeinated.

Darkstar’s head snapped to the front where the zebra stood, “No, Sir!” Caffeinated’s smile looked less than sincere to Darkstar.

The zebra nodded and moved alongside Darkstar. He put his head under her barrel and lifted her off the floor much, much easier than the other two mares. He walked around the left side of the bed and then he stepped onto it. He carefully placed Darkstar on the bed and moved her backwards so the chins from her rear hooves were under Thespian’s head. He then moved to sit against the headboard with his hind legs spread wide. “Three mares in a row, how sweet. Darkie, your dance left me hard, but it has been awhile. I need some fluffing. Thespy, make sure she is wet enough for me to enter. Raid, distract Thespy.”

‘Yes!’ Air Raid wasted no time as she moved her muzzle under Thespian’s tail. She licked up the blue / grey earth pony mare’s thighs and nibbled at her labia.

Thespian countered Air Raid’s attack with her tail, while she leaned up to nuzzle Darkstar’s marehood. Darkstar looked down at the zebra before her. His penis was now barely out of the sheath. She reached out to stroke him with a forehoof only to be stopped short by the chains. He simply sat there with no comment while she shuffled her hooves. With only one option left she lowered her head to lick from his ball sack to his tip. She then took the head into her mouth with a gentle suck.

Air Raid, thwarted by the blonde tail, gave up on a general attack of the area and buried her muzzle deep into Thespian’s wet crotch. She did her best to ignore the tail flailing at her head and ears. The muffled squeal from Thespian though was music to her ears.

Thespian upped the level of attack by getting bitty with little nips that pulled the white unicorn’s flesh. At least till Air Raid forced her to lift Darkstar with her muzzle.

Thespian’s action forced Darkstar to take the stallion deep in her throat. It had been a long time since she had done that, and the stallion she did it with was as big as this one. Those memories of long ago came flooding back to her and she started deep throating the zebra with vigour.

Back then, of course, it had been Brightstar who had been on the receiving end of her attention. Although, she noted with a smug little grin, the orange zebra moaned and grunted in the same manner as her brother had. At least she hadn't lost her touch. As she sucked his length, she felt the lick on her horn. Darkstar froze, again on the verge of panic. The kiss on her nose gave her a crossed eyed view of Caffeinated.

“One word,” the stallion said, reminding her again of the power and control she wielded. He then went back up to suckle on Darkstar’s horn.

What the zebra did was so comical, though it was hard to laugh with a cock deep in her throat. She could only hope the attempt gave him pleasure. The panic vanished and she went back to work to make her stallion as hard as she could.

Caffeinated released her horn and used a hoof to lift Darkstar off his penis. “I’m going to mount you. Nod once for me to do so.” Darkstar nodded. He rolled off the bed and move to the rear. He then climbed back up on the bed and carefully straddled the two mares. He put his forehooves on Darkstar’s back. His hind hooves between bodies and chains. He could feel Thespian’s mouth as he moved forward. She did like to guide him home. He entered Darkstar fully and deeply.

Darkstar whinnied when he first entered her, but by the second stroke she could no longer remain silent. “Oh, yesssssss.” It had been too long for the mare, and she pushed back with each thrust. Darkstar’s moans of pleasure grew louder with each thrust.
Caffeinated knew he wouldn’t last much longer. He grabbed hold of Darkstar’s grey mane with his teeth and pulled, as he used short hard thrusts. His wife had turned her attention from Darkstar as her tongue lavished his sheath and balls.

Air Raid couldn’t see what was happening behind her, but she did know how to pleasure a mare. She was going to make Thespian come if it was the last thing she ever did. Thespian’s scream of pleasure mere minutes later, and the flood from her tunnel meant her race was complete.

Thespian’s orgasm lifted her head pushing hard against Darkstar’s lower belly and compressing her tunnel of love. That was more than Caffeinated could take as he thrust deep and pulled back on the grey mane. He hind legs quivered as he emptied his seed deep within the unicorn mare.

“Sweet Luna!” called out Darkstar as her orgasm caused her to squeeze even harder around the rod inside her. She couldn’t see the pleasure on Thespian’s face as she licked up the leakage. “Buck, that was good,” stated Darkstar with a smile.

Caffeinated gave a couple more thrusts before he pulled out. The zebra carefully backed up so he could join Thespian in licking under her dock.

Darkstar lifted her head and had a dreamy look in her yellow eyes. “I’m sorry,” she panted, “It appears I was rather noisy.”

Caffeinated bit down on the unicorn’s dock, and Darkstar gasped. He grabbed her tail in his mouth to keep her from crashing forward into the headboard. Once Darkstar had regained her balance he let go, “Permission to speak has not yet been granted.” He stated simply, smiling for he could feel the unicorn’s blush from his position at her tail. He felt Thespian nibble at his foreleg. “Thespian, you may speak.”

“I need to get ready for work,” his wife replied.

Caffeinated smiled as reality came back into the picture. He removed the hoof cuffs from Darkstar, then his wife, and finally Air Raid. Thespian got out of the bed so her husband could undo the ropes.

Darkstar laid back on the bed, still riding her high. “It must be nice to be in a herd. Orgies all the time.” Caffeinated broke out in laughter and Darkstar suddenly looked very unsure of herself.

Thespian reached out and put a hoof on Darkstar’s shoulder. “Most of the time there is only two of us in the house. So, if two counts, then what you say is true.” Caffeinated laughed louder, and Thespian punched him in the shoulder. “Sometimes a pony will show up for lunch and he’ll be at work.” Thespian smiled, “Like I said earlier, I do love to wake up in a pony snuggle pile.”

Air Raid moved close to Darkstar to lend support. “But…” Darkstar wasn’t too sure where she was going. “What you just did for me. I thought…”

“This is a herd’s house,” said Caffeinated. “It is always open and no appointments are needed. Ponies do show up for dinner and adult conversation. Especially those with younger foals. This is also a suitable location for playdates with the foals.”

“Sure, there is sex,” continued Thespian. “Usually it is couples with each other while sharing one bed. It lets others watch, critique, and score,” she ended with a giggle.

“Then, why did you have sex with me?” asked Darkstar, uncertainly, feeling like she was missing something.

Caffeinated and Thespian shared some ear flicks between themselves. Caffeinated answered, “Because you asked and I said yes. As Thespian explained to you when she explained the herd rules to you. Anypony can ask and the pony asked can say yes or no.”

“Have you had sex with others in your herd?” asked Air Raid.

Caffeinated and Thespian again shared looks and Thespian nodded, “Yes,” said Caffeinated. “I’ve had sex with three of the mares in the herd. Two asked me and I asked the third.”

Thespian followed up, “I’ve had sex with four of the herd stallions. All asked me.”

Caffeinated motioned to Darkstar, “Please stand here so I can remove the ropes.” Once she was in place he started untying her. “I’m sorry I laughed, Darkstar. The herd supports all individuals in the herd, financially, physically, and emotionally.”

Thespian added, “It is a place where you can be open and honest with others in the herd, and accountable to the herd. Group activities are second and fourth Thursday, along with fourth Friday.”

“Sorry, I just thought…” Darkstar trailed off quietly, studying the floor intently.

Caffeinated wrapped her in a hug, “It’s okay. I don’t think you’re the only one that thought herd life was like that.” He released the hug, “Okay, your turn Air Raid.” Air Raid hopped of the bed and the zebra went to work to remove her ropes. He spoke while he worked, “Often our visitors during the day is the older fillies and colts with their special some pony.” Caffeinated smiled, “Thespian is a wonderful instructor.” Thespian’s face burned crimson and she punched her husband again. The zebra kissed his wife, “I’m still learning myself.”

That did it for Darkstar and Air Raid as they both broke out laughing. They were soon joined by Thespian and Caffeinated. “Thank you, I needed that,” said Darkstar. “I think I’m going to love it here in Manehatten.”

“Thank you for what you’re doing for us,” added Air Raid.

Once the ropes dropped from Air Raid, Thespian spoke up. “Group shower time!” She pranced off to the bathroom followed by the other three.

“You’re going to like the shower, Darkie,” said Air Raid.

“You’ll have to check out the wet room downstairs to see what a real group shower is like,” said Caffeinated.

In the shower, it was all business getting clean. Thespian and Caffeinated washed each other, which left Darkstar and Air Raid to wash each other. Darkstar asked Thespian a question, “You really think I have talent, with my dancing?”

“From what I saw, you do have talent, Darkie,” responded Thespian. “Now to train that talent to be more than a one act play. I’m guessing Airmail plans on having you cover the theatre beat to start with?”

Darkstar nodded, “I think that was her idea, yes.”

“That is outside her area, but she does have pull,” said Caffeinated. “It will give you a chance to see what it is like in the trenches and then you can decide if that is for you or not.”

“You always did want to be a show mare,” stated Air Raid.

Darkstar giggled, “It might not be Las Pegasus, but it will be fun.”

“Pfft, Las Pegasus has nothing over Manehatten.” Thespian giggled, “Well, they do have a better buffet.”

“Yeah,” Air Raid deadpanned, “Those kitchens in the casinos sure are big, aren’t they Darkie?”

Darkstar giggled, “You aren’t throwing that at me again? It was years ago.”

“You bet I am!” Air Raid snickered, “On Wily’s eighteenth birthday, this mare, organizes a three day trip to Las Pegasus for us all. On the last day her bag with all of our cash, credit cards, and tickets home is stolen! We had to work for a week in the kitchens to get the money together to come home. At the train station as we are about to buy the tickets, Darkie drops the illusion and shows she had her bag the whole time!” She nudged her friend’s barrel. “Turns out it was all because she lost a bet with Luna and that was the forfeit.”

Darkstar giggled, “Totally not my fault. Luna bet me six hundred bits I couldn’t prank you all at once. Turns out I could.”

Caffeinated nodded sagely, “Well if Luna wants it to be done, then it will be done.”

“We were done, alright,” giggled Air Raid.

“You really do revere her, don’t you?” questioned Darkstar.

Caffeinated smiled, “She is the Mungu wa Usiku. I’m going to walk Thespian to the subway station.”

“Can we tag along?” asked Air Raid.

“Yes please,” added Darkstar.

“I don’t know, Warden,” said Thespian in a thick Manehatten accent. “Do we let the prisoners out?”

Caffeinated responded with an even thicker Broncs accent, “Fresh air and exercise will do them good.” Air Raid and Darkstar both giggled as they followed the couple out.

When they reached the station, Darkstar asked, “What play are you in again?”

“I’m in Dogs. I play the old railway dog,” answered Thespian.

Darkstar asked, “Would it be okay if I went with you?”

“Sure,” Thespian nodded, “That’s no problem. I have comp passes. Not box seats, but good. You can come back stage with me before and after the show.”

Darkstar looked at Air Raid, “Raid, can I go?”

Air Raid gave it a moment’s thought. She had to let Darkie go sooner or later, “Yeah, go on then, but do as you’re told.”

Caffeinated rolled his eyes, “Yes, Thespy, do as your told.” His wife responded by sticking out her tongue.

“Raid,” Darkstar whined, “I’m not a foal.”

Air Raid did her own eye roll, “Okay, fine. Go have fun, meet a sexy mare, and tell me about them when you get back.”

Thespian nudged Darkstar, “Tell her about me! Tell her about me!”

Darkstar giggled, “Well, there is this one sexy mare I met earlier. Has a tongue like a starved eel, and knows how to use it.” Caffeinated and Thespian both laughed.

Air Raid sniggered, “Yeah, I encountered that eel, err tongue, um, I mean mare earlier.”

Thespian looked shocked as she turned to her husband, “Caffy! They’re two timing me all ready! I should meet this mare!” The zebra pointed to the mirror at the subway entrance. Thespian looked at her self, and then twirled her tongue. “Yes, that must be her.” Darkstar and Air Raid laughed. “Caffy, give me your pass so Darkie can use it. I’ll sort out passes for them on the way home.”

Caffeinated hoofed his pass over to Darkstar, and turned to Air Raid. “It is still too early to call Coffee Bean. You want to check out the place you plan on buying?”

“Okay,” said Air Raid, “It will be cool to see them again.”

“If they’re home,” said Thespian. “I know Serenity is working tonight, and I know Mapper doesn’t work on Tuesday, but she may go to Serenity’s show if she isn’t bored of it yet.”

“You going to call?” asked Air Raid.

“Nah,” responded Caffeinated. “We’re going there either way. Might catch her in the bath or something.”

“Surprise is half the fun, right?” commented Darkstar.

Thespian giggled, “Right up till Mapper tosses you into low orbit.”

Caffeinated shrugged his shoulders, “She didn’t toss me that far, and I did land in water.”

Darkstar giggled, “You’ll finally have your chance to fly, Raid.”

Air Raid stuck her tongue out in response. She checked that Darkstar had her pendent, “Have fun Darkie.”

“I will mom,” said Darkstar as she turned to follow Thespian. The unicorn copied how Thespian used her pass to get through the turnstile.

Once both were gone, Caffeinated spoke up, “They live at the next stop down, but it is a nice evening for a walk, if you’re up for that?”

“Alrighty mate, I’m up for a walk.” Air Raid smiled, “And yes, I know I worry too much.”

Caffeinated led the way out of the station, “Didn’t say a thing, though you do look awfully young to have a daughter that old.”

Air Raid laughed, “Yeah, I did for Darkie what I should’ve done for Wily. I wasn’t going to make that mistake twice.”

“May as well show you the neighbourhood you’ve signed up for,” Caffeinated said as they walked. “This area is mostly single-family homes. There’s the neighbourhood grocery. If you don’t want the herd, or me, eating your stuff be sure to label it.”

Air Raid looked around as they walked, “Nice area, mate. You lived here long?”

“About twenty-four years,” replied Caffeinated. “Not long after we got married. Thespy lived in Manehatten, and I lived in the Broncs.”

“I’m Canterlot born and raised,” said Air Raid. “Same for Darkie, and for Wily. I met her at school. She was starting as I was leaving.”

They passed a moderately busy establishment, and Caffeinated said, “The corner pub. It is run by a nice couple, and they have a great selection of beers on tap. The bar at the house is well stocked, but now and again you want to get out of the house. They serve some good pub food too.”

“I know what you mean mate,” responded Air Raid, “Sometimes you just need to look at a different set of walls, or blast from zero to sixty as fast as you can.” As they continued their walk, Air Raid did notice that the ponies out and about appeared to be couples enjoying an evening stroll. She was a few balconies were occupied, but the whole area was peaceful. “This place isn’t very rowdy.”

“It is a Tuesday night,” snickered Caffeinated. “Our neighbourhood is pretty diverse for Manehatten. All three tribes live here. The mid-winter festival was happening long before I moved here, and as a zebra that meant a lot to me.” They walked in silence for a bit, and Caffeinated snickered again, “Now for our commercial zone.”

Air Raid had noticed the slight increase in noise and lights ahead. As they approached she could see it was an ice cream shop. “I can imagine Wily living off chocolate ice cream there.”

“It is a favourite place of the mini-mare’s herd,” stated Caffeinated. “I think my wife does more to keep them in business though,” He laughed with Air Raid. “Down the street past them is a coffee shop with excellent coffee. They do buy my beans. After them is the restaurant, Western Equestria. A good escape from Manehatten food.”

After the coffee shop, Air Raid noticed the yards were a little smaller and there were more town homes in the area. “Those decals you want on my car. You got them ready to go?”

Caffeinated laughed, “Until you came around we didn’t plan on sponsoring anything. So no.” He saw Air Raids blush and it pleased him. “They should be ready for pick up by Thursday, so they’ll be ready for your review.”

“Heh, should have known, sorry,” muttered Air Raid. “It will be like giving my baby a cutie mark.”

“Hadn’t thought of it that way,” Caffeinated said. He gestured with a hoof, “Down that cull-de-sac is where Airy, Stormy, and Wily live. At least till they move out to be with Mapper. Not sure if they are getting back tonight or tomorrow.” He pointed to their front. “That is the community lake. Swimming at one end and boating at the other. Mapper’s place is on the other side.”

“I can see why Wily loves it here,” commented Air Raid. She followed the zebra to the right as they walked around the lake. “I do get sentimental about my car. Besides Darkie, it’s the closest thing to a foal I’ll ever have.”

Caffeinated smiled, “I fear your foal is growing up fast.”

Air Raid noticed a lot of ponies were strolling around the lake, “Yeah, she is. I hope she gets properly better mate, I really do.” Some of the walkers took time to greet Caffeinated and he returned the greetings. “How about you, any foals of your own?”

“Two,” Caffeinated said proudly, “And four grandfoals. My filly and her foals have my stripes, while my colt and his foals got Thespy’s good looks.”

“That’s awesome!” Air Raid sobered up, “Wily wanted a foal with me. It broke her heart when I told her I couldn’t.”

“Mapper and Serenity’s place is just a couple of blocks from the lake,” Caffeinated said as he started down a path from the swimming area. “Both her and Serenity are having foals. It brought the mini-herd back together.”

“She always wanted a foal, I…I just can’t.” Air Raid’s ears wilted, “She’s their glue I take it?”

Caffeinated noticed Air Raid’s ears, but said nothing about that, “More of a catalyst. Serenity has wanted a foal for a while, but Wildfire has presented her the opportunity to do so.”

“I’m glad for them both, really,” said Air Raid as she tried and failed to raise her ears, “I kept telling myself I was too busy racing to have a foal, then Darkie was attacked, and I had her to car for.” She sighed softly, “The thought of foals got pushed back even more.”

“Foals are not the end all and be all of everything,” stated Caffeinated. “Here is Mapper’s place.” He rang the doorbell. “If she’s out, I have a key.”

The door opened, “Caffy, Air Raid, how nice of you to visit. I take it your drive was pleasant, Air Raid?”

Air Raid shook her head, “Um, hi Mapper. It was great, thanks. Roof down all the way and only four tickets.”

The pink unicorn stepped back, “Do come in, you can take a look at the place before you buy.”

“Thanks.” Air Raid steps past Mapper followed by Caffeinated. “I mean, it’s so not fair. A pegasus can fly as fast as they want, but I put my hoof down to get wind in my mane and it’s not allowed!”

Mapper giggled as she closed the door, “She hasn’t flown in the city yet, has she, Caffy?”

“No,” stated Caffeinated as he ushered Air Raid into the great room, “Nor am I the best source for city flying codes.”

Air Raid looked down, deciding that honesty was by far the best policy. “And I won’t either, that’s why I need a transport swipe card.” She rubbed the back of her mane, “See, I can’t actually…I can’t fly.”

Mapper moved past the two and into the kitchen. Both follow her, “Middle Pet, Wildfire, said you’ve flown with her.”

“On her back,” Air Raid explained, “The cloud we went to, she remembers so well, she carried me up. I can glide, and cloudwalk, that’s about it. Too much earth pony magic in me, and not enough pegasi apparently.”

Mapper stood by the refrigerator, “Middle Pet never said anything about that.”

Caffeinated spoke up, “You now see why driving is so important to her.”

“I have Scootaloo’s Syndrome,” stated Air Raid flatly. “That’s what the unicorn doctors in Canterlot called it.” The pegasus blushed, “And well, um, I imagine most details about me aren’t her favourites.”

Mapper looked at her guest, “Have you read her book of poetry? Would anypony like a drink?”

“Beer for me,” said Caffeinated.

“I was there when she wrote part of it,” muttered Air Raid, and then she spoke up, “Fireball for me, if you have whiskey and cider, or a beer is fine.”

“Beer and cider, I have. Whiskey, I do not,” said Mapper.

“Just a beer then, thanks.” Air Raid looked around, “Is Serenity at work?” Mapper didn’t answer right away. She swung open the refrigerator door and concentrated very, very hard on levitating three bottles of beer. Caffeinated took his and Air Raid grabbed hers with a wing. Mapper took her own in hoof.

Mapper led the way back to the great room, “Yes, she is in some Istallion opera. Have a seat, we can do the tour after we talk a bit.”

“Oh, I wanted to thank her, and you too.” Air Raid thought of Darkstar, and her issues with magic. “So, you struggle with magic too?”

Caffeinated snickered until Mapper turned her severe gaze on him and he went quiet. “Fine tuning is my issue.”

The orange zebra smiled, “She often just levitates the fridge over and lets you open it for a beer.”

Mapper waved a hoof, “But then I have to plug it back in.”

“They ever bother to get you weight limit?” asked Caffeinated.

Mapper shook her head, “They stopped at twenty long tons.”

Air Raid realized her blunder, and wasn’t sure if they were angry or making fun of her, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean any offence. It’s just my friend Darkie gets that similar look on her face when she’s trying to cast anything… And, well sorry.”

Caffeinated laughed, but Mapper just ignored him. “No worries. Doing anything small is a challenge for me. I thought it odd for you to notice, but then I guess living with a unicorn gives you a lot of clues.”

“You never have a problem moving the fridge around at my place,” said Caffeinated.

Mapper shrugged her pink shoulders, “I don’t have to plug it back in.”

Air Raid giggled nervously, “Darkie isn’t as strong as she once was since Luna healed her, but at least she has control over what little magic she has now.” Air Raid sipped her beer, “Airmail says you were there when Luna healed Wily’s wings. Was that as intense as Darkie getting her horn healed?”

“I wasn’t there for Darkstar’s horn,” said Mapper, “but it was intense. Serenity said the pain was delicious. Sixteen breaks and nerve damage.”

Air Raid stood up, “What?”

Caffeinated nodded, “Stormy had her flying stunts before she found out the extent of the damage.”

Mapper waved Air Raid back down, and concentrated hard to move a book from a shelf to Air Raid’s hooves. “Serenity got an autographed copy of Middle Pet’s book. Have a read. There isn’t one bad word about you in the book.”

Air Raid opened the book, and after a couple of pages, “I was with her when she wrote this one. It was at her mum’s grave.” After a few more pages, “This was right after the fun fair.” A few pages later she was crying and slammed the book shut. “Who hurt her? I’m going to kill them!”

“You’re too late,” said Caffeinated. “Luna and Dusk dealt with those that committed the crimes.”

Air Raid rubbed at her face with a hoof, “D-Dusk? Prince D-Dusk? He faints at nosebleeds. It’s…It’s all my fault, isn’t it?”

Caffeinated tossed his head, “Pfft, it’s the system’s fault!”

“Which you rather bluntly explained to Luna,” stated Mapper. Caffeinated shrugged, and she turned her attention to Air Raid, “Did you make the defective storm cloud that killed her mother? Did you blind her? Did you convince her father to sell her off to slavery? Did you own the home that tortured and maimed her?”

Air Raid winced several times at Mapper’s questions. “N-n-no. No, but I left her,” she said as she bawled. “S-she begged me to t-take her back to our home, and I-I left her there! I ran away when I sh-should’ve loved her! If-if I’d taken her it’d be different now.”

Mapper shook her head, “Youth, always jumping to conclusions. Airy and Stormy found out it was all about money. Her father wanted the money Middle Pet got for saving Dusk. You would have never gotten legal custody of her to take her from that hospital.”

“You would have either been paid off to keep quiet, or removed from this world for being an issue,” added Caffeinated.

“But-but, I didn’t even try!” wailed Air Raid.

Caffeinated raised a hoof, “And here we are today.”

Mapper nodded, “When I found out who you were I was debating on leaving or asking Winter to have you evicted. Serenity told me to give you a chance.” Mapper raised a hoof, “And here we are today.”

“Yeah,” sniffed Air Raid, “Here we are. I-I’m sorry Mapper, I don’t cry, least alone in the house of ponies I’ve just met.”

“Just don’t cry in the book, it would displease Serenity,” said Mapper.

“Sensitive as always, Mapper,” smirked Caffeinated.

“I-I haven’t see, it is closed…” Air Raid saw the smirks on both ponies. She sighed, “I dunno, I just keep thinking I could’ve acted different, then maybe she wouldn’t have been hurt, and Darkstar wouldn’t have been attacked.”

Mapper nodded, “True, all three of you could be dead, and Serenity wouldn’t be having her foal.”

“When they found her, Darkie, what was left of her, after they had finished with her, I thought she was…dead I mean.” Air Raid looked up at Mapper, “Thanks for not throwing me out of that cab.”

“If one can still love then there is hope,” said Mapper. “You’ll never have what you once had, but you can make the best of what you have now.”

“Yeah, I know that’s long gone,” said Air Raid. “Right now, I’ll settle for my best friend not trying to kill herself.”

Mapper spoke up, “That is where Requiem comes in.”

Caffeinated snickered, “Yup, you no longer want to kill yourself, but we do try to keep them from killing Requiem.”

Air Raid smiled, “Yeah, I hope so.” She held up her empty bottle, “Okay if I have another, please?”

“You know where the fridge is,” said Mapper. “I need line of sight to levitate.”

Air Raid stood up and returned the book to Mapper, “Can I get you two another while I’m in there?”

“Please,” said the zebra, while Mapper shook her head no.

Air Raid soon returned with two beers and hoofed one over to Caffeinated, “Here you go, mate.” She sat back down. “I’m not driving tomorrow, so I’m fine. I’ve got a race on Sunday though, Mapper. If you’d like to attend.”

“Serenity works on Sunday,” said Mapper.

“So does Thespian,” added Caffeinated, “But I’m going, if you’re looking for a date.”

Mapper thought about it, “I don’t know, Thespian is a dangerous mare.”

“It would be sweet you have you cheering me on.” Air Raid took a drink of her beer. “Tomorrow I’ll be tuning my engine. Reckon if I tweak the transmission, I can get the zero to sixty down to four seconds.”

Caffeinated looked over at the unicorn, “In case you’re wondering, Mapper, my tribe and the Times will be Air Raid’s sponsors.”

Mapper was surprised, “That’s a first for you, isn’t it?”

The zebra nodded, “Yeah, but one has to take risks to increase business.”

Mapper giggled, “Driver powered by Brazebran Coffee, only her car can slow her down.”

Air Raid shook her head, “It’s not a risk. Me and my baby are awesome!”

Mapper snickers, “Caffy is used to taking risks. He still has sex with Thespian. That mare will put him in the grave with a smile.”

“Me too, if she ties me up again like she did earlier,” Air Raid grinned. “Was even better than Cyclone”

Mapper nodded, “It is good to see she is learning from our sessions.”

“Can’t speak for that, but she was very good,” said Air Raid.

“Both of you are staying with Caffy until the move in date?” asked Mapper.

Air Raid nodded, “Yeah, they have been good enough to take us in.”

“Good, we’ll be seeing more of each other.” Mapper stood up, “Now for the tour.”

Caffeinated picked up the book of poems while the two mares went on tour. He sat the book back down on the table when the two mares re-entered the room. “What do you think?” he asked Air Raid.

“Plenty of room,” responded Air Raid, “But that poor car in the garage was covered in dust!”

Mapper sat down, “I really don’t have much need for it. I did use it to go to Neighara Falls.”

Caffeinated snorted, “That was over a year ago.”

“You don’t have much room to talk,” countered Mapper, and the zebra merely shrugged. “Do you want the place repainted?”

“No, the place looks very nice,” responded Air Raid.

Caffeinated said, “Serenity was the decorator.”

“Ture, she didn’t care for the circus look,” Mapper and Caffeinated share a laugh.

“Did she decorate that torture chamber out of a Ponywood horror film?” asked Air Raid.

“She did,” said Mapper, “But not based on Ponywood. Ponywood lacks realism.”

Air Raid shuddered, “It’s real alright. More extreme than I’m used to, but whatever gets you through the night.”

“That’s okay Air Raid, I don’t expect you to understand,” said Mapper. “I hope after the fourth Thursday you won’t condemn us for what we do.”

“What? Not at all!” exclaimed Air Raid. “We all have our kinks, and bondage is fun. Personally, I prefer being tied as opposed to doing the tying.”

“Noted, and Darkie?” asked Mapper.

“Tied,” responded Caffeinated, “But she is getting over some trauma so you need to go slow with her.”

Mapper smiled, “You collect ponies in need like a couch collects dust bunnies.”

“We’re going by the ice cream shop on the way home,” stated Caffeinated. “You want to come with?”

Mapper shook her head, “Thank you, but no. I need to prepare for Serenity’s return.” Mapper took up the empty bottles and tossed them in the regular trash.

“She is such a naughty pony.” Caffeinated said in a soft voice. He spoke up, “You need anything, Air Raid, or shall we go?”

“Nope, I’m sound, thanks.” Air Raid stood up, “I could go for a hug though, Mapper, if you don’t mind?”

Mapper wrapped Air Raid in a hug and whispered in her ear, “As long as you’re able to love there is hope.”

Air Raid gave Mapper a hesitant kiss on the cheek, “Thanks, for everything. Have fun with your naughty pony.” She smiled, “Like I told Wily ages ago, it’s good to be bad.”

“Depends on how good they are at being bad,” responded Mapper.

“I taught her,” boasted Air Raid. “So, I hope she’s very good for you.”

Mapper smiled, “She’s willing to use her safe word, so she is doing very well. See you on Thursday, unless you stop by earlier.”

Air Raid nodded, “Yeah, see you, and thanks for the beers.” She grabbed another hug before she followed Caffeinated out of the house. “That was nice.”

Caffeinated nodded as he walked, “Will this place be enough for you and Darkie?”

“More than enough,” said Air Raid, “It’s brilliant!”

“Airy’s place has the same layout as the top two floors,” continued, Caffeinated, “Just street parking as it has no garage. Will save you seventy thousand bits.”

“My baby deserves a garage,” responded Air Raid. “Someday Darkie will need her own place. She can’t live with mum forever.”

Caffeinated snickered, “I guess that will depend on how well my Aunt can do for the two of you.”

“Hooves crossed she will do very well for us,” Air Raid said. “Still, Darkie is going to want to move out, and I’m going to have to let her.”

Caffeinated nodded, “And when that day comes she may well be ready for it. Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stop visiting each other, or the rest of us, for that matter.” The zebra laughed, “I know Coffee Bean will keep an eye on both of you. Part of the price you pay should you take a zebra lover.”

Air Raid giggled, “Your aunt sounds pretty cool.” They started around the boating side of the lake, “Sorry for that whole weepy back there. I don’t usually do that.”

Caffeinated nodded, “Mapper is right. You’ve come to the right place. The herd knows Wildfire’s back story, and your part in it. First thing they will notice is you’re staying at my place. That means you have a clean slate with the herd.”

The route back was different from the route they used to get to Mapper’s place. Air Raid looked around, and said, “This place seems so nice and peaceful.”

“It is,” responded Caffeinated, “The crime rate here is very low.”

“Then why do you have so much security at your place?” asked Air Raid.

“Because I love my herd and my family,” said Caffeinated. “Thespian and I are obvious targets if somepony wanted to get to her father or to my tribe.”

“But, you’ve give me complete access,” Air Raid said, “I could bring anypony inside.”

Caffeinated nodded, “You could, and you can. Of course, you’re responsible for your guest’s actions.”

Air Raid thought about it, “So their actions could get me evicted.” She laughed, “But if what you say is true, there is much to be gained.” She lightly nudged the larger zebra with her shoulder.

Caffeinated knew she was teasing, but he couldn’t just let it slide, “Eviction would be the least of the possible punishments.”

Air Raid wondered if she took her joke to far, “What would be the worse?”

“Airmail,” the zebra stated.

When she realized Caffeinated wasn’t going to say anymore, she asked, “Airmail?” The zebra simply nodded, “You’re not going to tell me why, are you?” The zebra shook his head. “I’ll have to ask her myself, won’t I?” Again, the zebra nodded. Air Raid’s voice was a bit more subdued, “It really doesn’t matter, as I’m not going to do anything to jeopardize my chances here for a new life.”

“Wisdom found in the young is a rare treasure,” Caffeinated snickered, “You should get a prize.”

Air Raid laughed, “Ice cream?”

They turned left at the next corner. “Ice cream,” said the zebra. To their left was the western restaurant followed by the coffee shop. At the corner was the ice cream parlour. As they entered, Caffeinated asked, “What flavour would you like?”

“Gotta be coffee, mate,” Air Raid smiled.

Caffeinated snickered, “Choosing my fav flavour will not gain you any points.”

Air Raid winked, “No? What will?”

The mare behind the counter spoke up, “Hello Caffeinated, Thespian need some more cookies and cream?”

“Always Spring,” the zebra replied, “Two java Sundays too please.”

“I’ll have those out to you in a moment,” Spring said as she went to work.

Caffeinated sat at an empty table, and Air Raid sat opposite of him, “Be yourself, it is the best thing you can do.”

“I do try,” she said, “And thanks for not making a big deal out of these,” Air Raid fluttered her wings.

Caffeinated lowered his voice, “As long as you don’t talk about mine, I won’t talk about yours.”

Air Raid tilted her head, “Your what?”

“My useless invisible wings,” the zebra said with a completely straight face.

Air Raid laughed, “Shut up! And they aren’t useless. It feels awesome when they’re preened, I just can’t fly.”

Spring delivered both Sundays, “Thank you, Spring,” stated the zebra. He turned to Air Raid, “I’ve been able to live with it.”

Air Raid took a lick of her ice cream, “Does your list of skills extend to preening?”

“Can I do it, yes,” said Caffeinated, “Am I really good at it, no.”

“Would you like to, when were back at yours?” asked Air Raid.

“Sure, Air Raid, that will be fine,” responded the zebra.

“Cool.” Air Raid smiled, “You could tie them up as well if you like, that’d be sweet too.”

Caffeinated snorted, “Tying sort of defeats the preening.

Air Raid giggled, “Good point. Preen them after then?”

The zebra winked, “Maybe.”

The pegasus winked back, “I’ll even wear my bright yellow socks for you.”

Caffeinated placed a hoof against his chest, “You know my secret weak point!”

“Hard to miss your excitement when Darkie wore hers,” snickered Air Raid.

“Yeah, it’s the little things,” Caffeinated nodded. “There is a picture in the Times of Luna beating Octavia at a fountain in downtown Manehatten.”

“You’re pulling my leg!” exclaimed Air Raid.

“I was there to witness the severe beating,” stated the zebra loud enough to be heard by the rest of the shop. “Finally, when Octavia could take no more she cried out her safe word.”

Air Raid shook her head, “Well bugger me sideways.”

Caffeinated continued, “Of course the interment of her torture was a soft fuzzy pink sock.”

Air Raid joined the rest in laughter. She heard others call out, “Luna can beat me with a sock any day. Yeah, that would be so awesome!” Air Raid looked at Caffeinated, “She could beat me with whatever she likes too.”

Caffeinated nodded as he finished his ice cream, “I might have some socks scattered around the house.”

“Awesomes!” Air Raid let out a soft sigh, “One of the best times was Wily’s nineteenth birthday. Cyclone had me crawling about kissing their hooves. That was fun.”

Caffeinated raised an eyebrow, “Word of advice, don’t mess with Airy’s hooves.”

Air Raid finished her Sunday, “Noted. Thespian says don’t tie up Tempest’s wings too.”

Caffeinated’s eyes went wide as saucers, “Oh yes! That is bad, very bad.” He couldn’t iterate enough just how bad that would be as he got up and retrieved the half gallon of ice cream from Spring, and put it on his back. “Let’s get home before it melts.”

Air Raid followed him out, “Moral is, we all have limits.”

Caffeinated nodded, “Mine is sugar in my coffee.”

Air Raid giggled, “Mine is pain. I don’t like too much of it, though a casual spanking’s fine.”

“Serenity is quite the opposite of you then,” stated the zebra.

“She’s into that, huh,” said Air Raid. “Wily is into it too. Her fantasy is to be tied up and have her hooves caned.”

“It is very difficult to understand Serenity’s needs until you witness them. That room you saw was designed by her to be used on her,” said Caffeinated. “As for Wily, she has a pretty high pain tolerance.”

The joy left Air Raid, “Yeah, I guess she had to with what happened to her.”

“She has learned to live with it,” Caffeinated said softly, “And I would recommend you do the same.”

Air Raid nodded, “Yeah, moving on is easier said than done though.” She smiled, “For me it is humiliation. That is really hot.”

“I’m sure Mapper will be happy to scratch that itch,” laughed Caffeinated. “You’ll meet the herd on Thursday, but serious play is two weeks after that.”

“I’m looking forward to it. All part of my fresh start,” said Air Raid. “Hum, I’m sure there is, but is there somewhere in Manehatten that I can get some new driving suits made up?”

“You got bits?” asked Caffeinated. Air Raid nodded, “Thespian can introduce you to Coco then. She runs Rarity’s Recreations downtown.”

“Wow, that would be cool,” said a much happier Air Raid. “I’ve always wanted to get something from Rarity in Ponyville, but my dad got my suits made by Sassy Saddles in Canterlot.”

“You’ll have to do it tomorrow,” said Caffeinated, “Even a rush job takes time.”

“That’s fine,” responded Air Raid. “My baby can wait for her tune up.”

“Use your pass key to let us in,” requested Caffeinated. Air Raid did so and the zebra went straight to the kitchen to put away the ice cream. He then gave Air Raid a long, hard look. “What do you want to do?”

Air Raid didn’t flinch under the gaze. “I’d like you to tie me up, and order me about. Something that gets me crawling would be preferable, and more fun.” She smiled, “Promise I’m as good as Darkie with my mouth.”

Caffeinated nodded, “To be up front with you, there are some things I will not do with Thespian absent. Still I believe I can fulfil some of your fantasies, and keep you busy until Thespy and Darkie get back home. Which will be around midnight unless they do some cast thing to welcome Darkie. Then it could run one to two a.m.”

“I understand, mate,” said Air Raid. “Just let me shoot Wily a text to update her.” Air Raid pulled out her phone and texted, ‘Had a gr8 afternoon here. I’m at Caffy’s and Darkie is doing much better. I saw Mapper and the new place. It is perfect. They say I need to forgive myself. Can I? Do I deserve to be?’ Air Raid was surprised by a quick response, “I guess she is up, wherever she is at.” She reads the text. “Wily says, ‘That’s cool and you should listen to them. I forgive you. Here is a link to a poem for you.’” Air Raid opened the link and she held the phone so Caffeinated could read it too.

‘When I began to fall
and I lost the path ahead
That’s when your friendship found me
and it lifted me instead
Like a phoenix burning bright in the sky
I’ll show there’s another side to me you can’t deny
I may not know what the future holds but hear me when I say
That my past does not define me ‘cause my past is not today.’

“A sweet poem indeed,” said Caffeinated.

Air Raid nodded and wiped at her suddenly wet grey eyes, “Yeah, that is why she has a book, isn’t it? You do poems too, right? I mean it is a zebra thing.”

Caffeinated snorted, “This you need to know. That all zebra rhyme is not so. Some do like to twist the word. So, it is not too absurd. Poems though I do like to tell. And then beguile others with their spell. Maybe I’ll speak to you such words tonight. Sweet whispers of pure delight.”

Air Raid laughed, “I did notice you hadn’t been rhyming all day, and I’d love to hear some of your poems.”

“I’ll guess the one zebra you know is Zecora from Ponyville,” stated Caffeinated. “I’ve heard tell she is an herbalist, although some rumours say she is a witch doctor.”

“I do know of her, through Cyclone,” responded Air Raid. “I haven’t met her though, but yeah she does potions. Cyclone got them to do her age regression play.”

“I’ll not judge my fellow zebra until I meet her,” Caffeinated said. “So, your friend does age regression?”

“Yes,” answered Air Raid, “Cyclone likes to be a foal when she unwinds. Nappy, bottles, breast feeding, foal toys. The whole nine yards.”

Caffeinated snickered, “I heard from a reliable source, Mapper, that she was running around Canterlot castle wearing a nappy.”

Air Raid giggled, “Sweet, have to have her and Cy get together. Cy texted me that Tempest invited her to come to the Gaming Night this Thursday.”

“I’m going to have a full house,” said Caffeinated, not that he minded in the slightest. “Now don’t get me wrong, Mapper is a Dom, but she is more than that. She is a facilitator. Doing what needs to be done.” The zebra smiled, “I think her nappy play was part of Octavia bearing another foal for Luna…” Caffeinated stuffed a hoof in his mouth, “Oh! I’m not sure if that is public information yet!”

Air Raid’s jaw dropped, “Really? Tavi’s having another! Aww, that’s awesome!” Air Raid grabbed her phone, “I can text Wily, I’m sure she knows.”

Caffeinated laid a cautionary hoof on her phone. “I don’t know if they would know yet. I got that straight from Mapper.”

Air Raid nodded and put her phone away. “Okay, but Wily is with Airmail. I mean, Airmail just shows up to the castle like she owns the place. Got us right past the guards and straight to Luna’s room.” She shook her head, “Even at the height of our friendship with Dusk, we didn’t have access like that to Luna.”

“True, they most likely know,” said Caffeinated, “And if not, Luna should also be here on Thursday.”

“Well you asked me what I wanted to do,” stated Air Raid, “What do you want to do, mate?”

“I’m a bit of a dull pony,” responded Caffeinated, “I’d watch some anime, do some writing, and maybe play some video games, while I wait for Thespy to come home.”

Air Raid giggled, “Nothing wrong with dull. We could do that, sure.”

“Instead, for tonight,” the zebra added a dramatic pause, “I thought I’d practice my shibari skills.”

“Oh,” Air Raid smiled, “I do like the sound of that.”

Caffeinated snickered, “I thought you would. After I have you trussed up, it should be late enough to give my aunt a call.” The zebra led Air Raid upstairs to his bedroom. “Earlier I had you in a half harness. Now I’m going to put you in a full harness, and then I’ll demonstrate through the night why there is an enormous difference between the two. This will be too tight to go over the wings, so fluff those babies up.”

Air Raid took her time to stretch her lime green wings and made a show of fluffing her feathers, “There you go, all fluffed.”

Caffeinated worked in silence. He used his hooves to measure her body, and then took a fifty foot rope to start the harness. He looped the middle over the back of her neck and then used his lips and hooves to tie the figure eight knots along the rope. Once done he pulled it under her body and forced her tail between a couple of the knots. He then tied it off to the loop that was behind her neck.

The zebra worked methodically as he wove the ropes from back to front and then to the back again. As he tightened the ropes the diamonds formed between the knots. He continued to tighten until the rope sank through the fur and pressed against the flesh. The knots sunk into her navel, under her clitoral hood, and pressed deep into her anus. The diamonds wrapped her up tight and spread her breasts apart.

“Lay on your belly,” commanded the zebra. Air Raid was quick to respond. He took a thinner rope and wove it around her wing bone between feathers. The zebra straddled her head so he could reach the wingtips and bind them together above her back. He continued to work till her wings stood straight up and were bound together to the base.

“Stand,” commanded Caffeinated, and again the pegasus was quick to respond. He took a shorter rope and laced it around her tail. With the loose end, he pulled her tail up over her back and tied it off to the lowest rope that bound her wings. Caffeinated walked around the mare to inspect his work.

Air Raid stood there with a smile on her face. She knew from earlier to remain silent, and wasn’t going to make another silly mistake. The ropes were a lot tighter this time. Still, she could breathe well enough, and found it rather comforting. Caffeinated placed his hooves on her back, and before she could try to figure out why, he twisted the ropes. The knots rubbed her inner folds in just the right way. Air Raid nearly toppled as the wave of pleasure washed over her.

Caffeinated moved back and placed all four hooves on the floor. The mare before him stood on wobbly legs. “Follow.” The zebra walked out of the room, down the stairs and into the kitchen with Air Raid close behind. “Sit.” He watched the mare sit while he started some coffee. Caffeinated took his phone and dialled his aunt. He set it to speaker.

“Habari,” spoke a feminine voice.

“Habari Coffee Bean,” said Caffeinated.

The voice at the other end laughed, “Habari mpwa. Je, mimi deni heshima?”

The stallion got straight to the point, “Nina matumaini unaweza kuleta wageni kwa michezo ya kubahtisha usiku. Mare pegasus ni kutafuta mare, na mare unicorn ni kutafuta stallion.”

Air Raid listened in, but didn’t have Darkstar’s gift of languages, and didn’t have a clue what was going on. She made herself busy by getting the coffee cups ready for the brewing coffee.

After a moment of thought Coffee Bean had a question for her nephew, “Je, wao kusababisha mtatizo yoyote kama mare?”

“Sijui mimi itabidi kuuliza,” said Caffeinated, and then he turned to Air Raid, “May I ask you a question?”

Air Raid giggled, “Your language is beautiful, and of course you can.”

Caffeinated continued, “Do you or Darkstar have friends or family that may take issue to you seeing a zebra? For that matter, you being in Manehatten?”

Air Raid shrugged, “No, not really. I mean, my parents aren’t happy I left Canterlot, but not unhappy enough to come after me for moving. Darkie has no strings attached, so I don’t think there will be any issues.”

Caffeinated snickered, “Thespy’s parents reacted very badly to her dating a zebra. In the end, things worked out and now we’re best buds. Why a zebra?”

Air Raid didn’t have to think about that, “Why not? New chapter in our lives, new experiences, and Darkie has convinced me that stripes are sexy.”

Caffeinated laughed and turned back to the phone. “Wote ni kutoka Canterlot hivyo.”

“Umri mbalimbali?” asked Coffee Bean.

Caffeinated responded, “Pegasus ni ishirini na nane na unicorn ni ishirini na moia”

“Siwezi kupata baadhi ya kuleta na kuanzisha,” stated Coffee Bean.

“Asante shangzi,” Caffeinated said with a smile, “Kuona wewe Alhamisi.”

The mare responded, “Kwaberi mpwa.”

Caffeinated hung up his phone. “That was about my aunt being sure that zebras are right for you two, and asking about the age range for her prospects.”

Air Raid pours a cup of coffee for the zebra, and he gestured for her to pour her own. She did so and sat down with him. “You think she will come through?”

Caffeinated snickered, “If it weren’t for my aunt, my wife would be the number one matchmaker.” The zebra took a big drink of his coffee, “So, what game do you like? Wait, let me guess, Mareo Kart.”

Air Raid laughed, “I do like racing games, and Mareo Kart is good for a laugh. Forza is more realistic, almost like training.”

“Hum, I’ll have to check the library for that one. It isn’t familiar to me,” said Caffeinated. “Is it a two player game?”

Air Raid nodded, “It is, but Mareo Kart would be more fun.”

Caffeinated finished his coffee, “That, and I have a clue how to play. Come along then.” Air Raid quickly finished her coffee and followed the zebra out of the kitchen. They went down the stairs and into the game room. He set up the PlayStation with the game. “You’ll have to play standing, so I will too.”

Air Raid quickly realized that, while Caffeinated was okay at the game, he wouldn’t be a real challenge for her. She played recklessly and had a lot of fun doing it. Near the end of the game she was going to show her real skills and leave the zebra in the dust. Then a tail ran up between her hind legs. While she suffered and epic crash, and an even more epic pout, he crossed the finish line. “Devious zebra.”

“Twitchy tail syndrome,” said Caffeinated which should have explained it all.

“Yeah, riiiiight,” said Air Raid with an eye roll. “How about best two out of three?” The zebra nodded and they started a new race. This time Air Raid wasn’t going to goof around and kept her tail planted firmly between her legs. Only this time, when she took the lead, the zebra twisted the ropes. It left her wobbly legged and in the wall. He did that five more times during the race ensuring his victory.

“I thought you race drivers had good concentration,” stated Caffeinated.

“I’m normally not tied up when I’m racing,” countered Air Raid.

“We’ll have to work on that,” Caffeinated said with a smile.

Air Raid just looked at him before she spoke, “Okay, now that you’re kart king, what shall we do next?”

“Can you dance?” asked the zebra.

“Um, a little,” Air Raid said uncertainly, “I’m no Darkie.”

Caffeinated winked, “I’d have to get inside you to be sure of that,”

“I’ll have you know I’ve been with stallions before I was with Wily,” stated Air Raid.

Caffeinated snickered, “Of the three herd mares I’ve been with, two were from the mares club. Tempest on a dare that she wouldn’t back down from, and Serenity, which was a very special night. Come along, we’ll be dancing upstairs where there is room.” He led the way upstairs. “You seem pretty serious about having a zebra mare.”

Air Raid shrugged, “It is no secret that I prefer mares.”

Caffeinated moved into the entertainment room, “That’s okay, I prefer mares too.” Air Raid’s facehoof had no effect on him. “The first dance is pretty easy. You put your right hoof on my shoulder and I do that same and we’ll dance the six legged pony. I’ll lead, so just move with me.”

“That simple?” She put her hoof on the zebra’s shoulder.

“Play Caffy Dance Track Four,” the zebra carefully enunciated. Once the music stated he move along with the slow dance beat. “When I pull move forward, and when I push move backwards.”

Air Raid stumbled at first, but then she closed her eyes and moved to the music. She let him taker where he wanted, “This is pretty easy.”

Caffeinated moved his hoof from her shoulder to her back and twisted the ropes. She staggered and her eyes flow open, “Eeeyup, pretty easy.”

“Devious zebra,” said Air Raid as she kissed his nose.

The music ended and they separated. “Now this next one is a line dance. I won’t be able to twist your ropes on this one. All you have to do is copy my moves. It gets a bit repetitive. When we turn I’ll move alongside you so you’ll be able to watch me.”

“Got it, copy the zebra!” Air Raid giggled.

“Play Caffy Dance Track Six.” The zebra started moving his hooves and Air Raid was a little slow on following up. It was repetitive though and soon she was in the swing of things.

The music ended, “Okay, one more and then we can take a break.”

Air Raid panted for breath, “Sure, mate, I’m good for one more.”

“This last one is done on your hind hooves only.” The zebra reared up and Air Raid did the same as they came together and held each other. “Don’t worry about the moves. I have you in my hooves.” He snickered, “Play Caffy Dance Track One.”

Air Raid had no idea what a tango was. All she knew is the dance was fast paced. If she stumbled he simply picked her up off the floor and then set her down again. What really made it interesting was that he constantly twisted the ropes. When the dance finally ended he let her back down to four on the floor. Air Raid gasped for air, “I think I’m going to need more practice.”

“This was practice,” said Caffeinated. “The real dancing is on Thursday.”

“I think,” Air Raid said as she tried to regain her breathe, “That is more Darkie’s territory.”

“I don’t know,” the zebra said, “You could challenge Belle for goofiest dancer.”

Air Raid blushed with embarrassment and could feel herself getting a little wet because of it, “Thanks.”

“You did well enough to follow a rhythm,” he said. “So, what kind of movies to you like?”

“I love Bond movies,” she responded, “The spy stuff and the cars. Really love the cars.”

“We can watch a film while we wait on the others,” Caffeinated said as he eyed the mare, “How are the ropes doing?”

“They’re doing fine, mate,” responded Air Raid. “Goldhoof is my favourite. On my twenty-first birthday, my dad rented me an Aston Martin DB5 for the day.” A happy shiver ran through her body at the memory. “Now that’s a car!”

“I’m surprised you didn’t pick Quantum of Solace, as that has a pretty good chase scene,” he said, “But Goldhoof it is!” The zebra put the right CD in the player and started the film. He lay next to Air Raid, but slightly back. Whenever a chase scene happened he would play with her cutie mark.

Air Raid let another happy shiver run through her body, “You, um, you like steering wheels?”

Caffeinated snickered, “More like I like moving asses.”

Air Raid fidgeted, “Well, you can just keep playing there. You’re doing a really good job, and it feels really nice.”

“Enjoying your first day in Manehatten?” he asked.

“Yeah,” Air Raid smiled, “It certainly has been eventful.”

“Good, Hospitality is very important to me,” Caffeinated said. “Now that you’re here, what is it you’re really expecting from this move?”

Air Raid thought on that for a moment, “Short answer, a better life for my friend and me. Long answer, I expect Darkie to get better and I expect to build some bridges with Wily, and to meet a sweet mare and have some fun.”

The zebra nodded, “Go for the long plan. The only thing is fun can be pretty subjective. I just look for the joy in life.”

Air Raid shrugged, “Fun, joy, I’ll settle for more days like today.”

The movie ended and Caffeinated turned off the television. “That was enjoyable in many ways.”

Air Raid giggled, “Yeah, for me too, mate. Goldhoof is always a fun watch. Could you imagine an ejector seat in your car?”

The zebra rolled his eyes, “No, just no.” He gently poked Air Raid, “How are the ropes?”

“They’re fine, Caffy,” responded Air Raid, “You’re a lot better at them than Cy was.”

“I’ve had a day or two of practice,” said the zebra. “I figure another twenty minute till they get back or we get a phone call.”

“Awesome,” said Air Raid. “Cy would rather wear her nappy now a days then tie a pony up. So, what you want to do for those twenty minutes?”

Caffeinated shrugged, “I’m open to most things. How are you at giving massages?”

“Wily never complained when I gave her a massage,” she replied.

“I’ll take that as a recommendation for your services.” The zebra sprawled out on the floor.

Air Raid straddled the zebra, “Then again, she was always knackered and covered in soot.” She started on the stallion’s shoulders.

“The stripes are not soot,” he said.

Air Raid laughed, “Nopes, the stripes are seeeeeexy.” She really goes at it with a deep massage as she notes there are a few knots to work out.

“Oh yeah, I can see why you have had no complaints from Wily,” he murmured.

She felt the stallion relax under her hooves, “Why thank you, kind sir.” Air Raid was determined to make this the best massage she had ever given.