Darkstar and Caffeinated walked across the platform. The pure white unicorn spoke up, eager to speak her mind. “Sorry about that. She can be such a foal.”

“I don’t know,” responded Caffeinated, the large orange zebra apparently deep in thought. “I think she loves you like an older sister.” Darkstar shrugged noncommittally at that. “Aren't you glad that somepony stayed with you when you needed them most?”

“I guess you’re right,” Darkstar nodded. “Of course, we are. We know the alternative was a life in a mental hospital.”

“Now you’ve come from there to here, and Raid is still by your side,” noted Caffeinated. “Maybe together we can make her a little less clingy.”

Darkstar giggled, “Yeah that would be nice.” As they walked through the station, she continued, “I’m not ungrateful for all she’s done, but it would be nice to breathe every now and then. Oh, that is where Thespy bought our passes!”

Caffeinated looked over at the booth that Darkstar was pointing at, “There is one sales booth that is always open in each borough.” Once they were on the sidewalk he added, “Here is your chance. She isn’t here now. When you leave my shop, you’ll be on your own again. It would be nice to check in if you go off to do something though.”

Darkstar wiggled her eyebrows, “You don’t want me waiting on tables?”

“Darkie, you can do as you wish. If you want to hang in my shop and do nothing, that is fine,” Caffeinated said. “I just don’t want you to get bored.”

“We won’t,” responded Darkstar. Planning her own day for herself was something still very new to her. "I guess we could go for a walk and see what’s about before going to Doctor Requiem.” She stomped a hoof, “I think we’re going to be a brave pony and head out on my own and see Manehatten!”

Caffeinated held the door to the Time’s Building for her when they reached his coffee shop. “That’s that spirit. Come on in for a muffin and coffee, on me.” Once inside he greeted the zebra stallion behind the counter, “Hi, Leaf. This is my friend Darkstar.”

“Greetings Mr. Caffeinated. I see you came in just in time to miss the rush,” responded Leaf with a laugh. “Good morning to you, Ms. Darkstar.”

Darkstar waved at the bright purple and black stallion, “Good morning to you. Can I have a creamy coffee and two chocolate muffins please?” Darkstar turned to Caffeinated and giggled, “If you’re going to have a chocolate muffin, have two.”

“Sure thing, Ms.” Leaf got to work on the order.

“It’s good to be the boss,” laughed Caffeinated shamelessly. “Lavender been through yet?”

“No,” said Leaf as he set the two coffees and muffins on a tray. “Omega did come down to get his coffee and muffin.”

“Thank you, Leaf.” Caffeinated took the tray over to a table and sat with Darkstar. “While you’re exploring, I’d stay to Manehatten for the most part. Requiem is in the Brooks, and that along with Stallion Island are fairly diverse and friendly. For now, I’d avoid the Broncs. Most of my kin don’t trust unicorns and can be rude. You’ll be fine in Celestia, as you are a unicorn, and there are some pretty things to see there.”

Darkstar took a bite of her muffin and a sip of coffee, “Got it, but I’m looking for a zebra.”

Caffeinated nodded, “And when you find one, he can help you get integrated into zebra society.”

Leaf spoke up, “I’m a zebra!”

Darkstar responded, “A very handsome one too.”

Caffeinated looked over at his barista, “Did Spring Grass okay you to start a harem?”

Darkstar giggled, and it was hard to see if the stallion was blushing, but she added, “You could tell Spring Grass that I’m willing to share.”

“I’ll just be quiet now,” Leaf then made himself busy cleaning the counter.

“Here's Requiem’s address for her house and office in the Brooks.” Caffeinated hoofed her a paper. “From Times Square take the subway to Grand Central, then you can transfer to the line to the Brooks.”

“I do have some time before my appointment,” said Darkstar, mulling that over in her head.

“We’re on the south side of Times Square. North of that is City Hall, and beyond there is Central Park. South is the high-end shopping area, like where Rarity’s Recreations is located.” Caffeinated pointed at the exit, “The rack by the door has lots of tourist brochures.”

Darkstar giggled, “I was too busy flirting yesterday to notice them.” She levitated a brochure over from the rack. “Good times in Times Square. Sounds fun.” She looked at the clock. “I have just over two hours before my appointment.”

“Be sure to plan on at least thirty minutes on the subway,” said Caffeinated. “For now I need to pretend to be at work.” He nuzzled Darkstar, “Have fun, and enjoy your freedom.”

“I’ll be sure to put that in my schedule of fun,” giggled Darkstar. As Caffeinated retreated behind the counter she read through the brochure. ‘Marecies sounds like some shopping I can afford for now.’ ‘You got the card from Raid; you can shop all you want.’ ‘I’m trying to be responsible.’ Her darker side just snorted. She finished off her muffins and coffee. “I’ll keep in touch!” Caffeinated waved as he served another costumer.

“What to do first?” Darkstar said aloud as she stood on the sidewalk in front of the Time’s Building. ‘MiAC so we can get something pretty to attract a stallion.’ ‘Marecies is closer so let’s go there first.’ 'Okay… Maybe they will have something pretty.’ Darkstar trotted off with a smile and started singing, “Oh, Manehatten, what you do to me, such a huge bustling community…” She didn’t notice that others on the sidewalk were staying clear of the singing mare.

Walking along she saw some mimes who were pretty good at their craft. She left them a few bits. Next was a street performance of Romero and Juju. ‘You could do that Darkstar.’ ‘I don’t know Darkie; we want to dance.’ ‘Then dance.’ “No, shopping first!' She left the square to head for Marecies.

The smell of tofu dogs drifted her way from a street vender. ‘Food!’ Darkstar smiled in rare agreement with herself, “Food!” She trotted over to the two venders. “Can I get a tofu dog and hay fries, please?”

The stallion working the dogs spoke up, “Got regular, half smoke, and jalapeno, plus sauerkraut, relish, mustard, ketchup, and nacho cheese. You can have up to three toppings.”

‘Live it up!’ “Fine,” she said under her breath. “I’d like the half smoke with nacho cheese and mustard, please.”

While that stallion prepared the dog, the fry vender stallion spoke up, “You want a topping on the fries?”

“Yes please, I’ll have the nacho cheese on those too.” She watched them prepare her mid-morning snack.

The fry vender hoofed over the fries, “Forty bits.”

The dog vender hoofed over the tofu dog, “Fifty bits.”

Darkstar levitated the money out of her shoulder pouch and paid each stallion. She took the food in her magic and moved to a low table nearby. ‘Thanks for getting the mustard, Darkie.’ “I got the mustard for me, not you.” As she ate, she looked at all the other ponies moving about. She did notice there was a lot of police ponies in the area. ‘Maybe they are here to arrest you.’ ‘For what, getting mustard?’ She quietly snickered to herself.

Darkstar put her trash in a bin and walked up to one of the officers, “Excuse me Sir, may I ask what is going on?”

“Hello,” greeted the stallion, “Are you visiting Manehatten?”

Darkstar looked at the nametag, “No, Officer Orangeade. I’ve come to live here. This is my second day.”

“Welcome to Manehatten,” said the officer. “Can I help you find a location or event? That is our biggest job here in the city.”

“That is very kind of you, Officer.” Darkstar nodded to the north, “We… I’m going to Marecies, and then the subway.”

“You’re at the right place,” said the officer as if nothing happened. “Entrance to Marecies is there on the north side of the square, and the subway station entrance is there on the east side. I hope you have a wonderful day.”

“You too, officer.” Darkstar quickly kissed the officer on the cheek. “You have a wonderful day too!” She trotted off towards Marecies. ‘We totally kissed him.’ ‘We did, and we weren’t arrested!’ ‘Skip Marecies and go to MiAC.’ ‘No, I want a dress. MiAC after.’ ‘Fine.’

She entered Marecies and was immediately greeted by a mare, “Hello, I’m Thimble. Can I help you find anything today?”

“Yes… I’m looking for some dresses. Nothing fancy, just breezy and light,” responded Darkstar. ‘Yeah, nothing sexy.’ ‘Shut up.’ ‘I want sexy, not boring.’ ‘Not now’ “Sexy is later.”

“Pardon,” said Thimble. The white unicorn gave her the deer in the headlights look, and she quickly pushed on, “I think you’ll find our spring collection will meet your needs. Right this way.” Darkstar almost bolted from the store. She couldn’t have believed she said that out loud, but the store clerk acted like nothing happened. With a sigh of relief, she followed Thimble deeper into the store. “Here is our collection,” Thimble gestered with a hoof. “The racks nearest the aisle run around 1,000 Bits, and those closest to the wall, 10,000 Bits. Would you like some further assistance, or should I leave you to shop?”

Darkstar shook her head. “No… no, thank you, Thimble. I’m fine, really.”

“I’ll leave you to it then,” said the clerk. “All employees wear a Marecies saddle and will be happy to help you.” Thimble trotted off back to the front of the store.

She started looking at the dresses nearest the aisle. ‘These are hideous!’ ‘No, but they are really plain.’ ‘Get the good stuff at the wall.’ “No!” Darkstar looked around but it did look like any pony heard her. ‘Too expensive.’ ‘It’s Raid’s bits.’ ‘Do you want to go to MiAC?’ The other voice quieted and Darkstar moved in a bit further to see what there was to find.

When Darkstar reached the 2,000 bit section she found a yellow dress with butterflies around the bottom, “Now this is nice.” ‘Boring.’ “Hush,” Darkstar quickly looked around but no pony seemed to notice. ‘I’m shopping now.’ A cream dress with purple flowers along the hem caught her eye next. “Prefect.” She took both in her magic and headed for the dressing room.

She tried on the yellow one first, and Darkie made her feelings known. ‘Ugg, this is hideous!’ “Shut up.” “Really, I’m going to throw up.” “Leave me alone!” “Just because you don’t dream about me anymore, do you think I’m going to leave?”

From outside the dressing room a mare spoke up, “Madam, can I help you with anything?”

“Please go away.” Darkstar froze, ‘Ha, ha, now they think you’re crazy.’

“I just want to be sure you’re satisfied with our service, ma’am,” said the mare.

“No, I’m fine, really, I’m fine.” She quickly removed the yellow dress and opened the door. A mare stood there, and she looked at the name tag. “Everything is fine, Grass Seed. I’ll just take these two.” ‘She’s not buying it, you crazy mare.’ ‘Please just be quiet,’ Darkstar begged, much to Darkie's glee.

“Shopping can be very stressful,” said Grass Seed. “Those are lovely dresses.”

“Yes, we’re fine… Thank you,” stammered Darkstar. She rushed to the front of the store with both dresses in tow. ‘She didn’t buy it.’ ‘She said the dresses are nice.’ ‘Can we go to MiAC now?’ ‘After I pay for these.’

“Greetings,” said the check out clerk. “Did you find everything you need?”

‘No’ “Yes, thank you.” ‘Crazy mare.’ Darkstar squeezed her eyes shut, “How much?”

The clerk rang up the sale, “Your total is 4,200 bits, ma’am.”

‘Raid’s money.’ Darkstar pulled out the card that Air Raid had given her. The clerk took it and completed the sale. She gave her back the card with the receipt and the bag with the dresses, “Thank you.” Darkstar quickly exited the store. ‘I want that much at MiAC.’ “Fine.” When her inner demon didn’t respond she breathed a sigh of relief and crossed the square to the subway entrance.

The subway was far less crowded than the earlier morning rush. Darkstar ignored all the ponies around her and concentrated on breathing. She exited the sixtieth street station and could see the pink store, but the odor of fresh coffee was overwhelming. ‘Shopping!’ ‘Coffee first.’ ‘You promised.’ ‘With pastry.’ ‘Well played, coffee it is.’ She walked into the shop.

“Good morning!” said the stallion when she entered. “What can I get you today?”

“H-hi, a creamy coffee please, and…” She looked at the pastries. “We want the chocolate one with the cream.” “Yes, the chocolate one.” The unicorn cringed as she realized she said that out loud twice.

“Sure thing, I’ll bring it to your table,” responded the stallion.

Darkstar blinked and looked at the stallion across the counter. She read his nametag, “Thank you, cutie, um, Plowshare.” She waked to a table and sat down on the pad. ‘He didn’t say anything.’ ‘Say nothing so the crazy pony goes away.’ Darkstar sighed.

“Here you go.” The stallion set down a tray on the table, “Coffee and chocolate, the perfect combination.”

Darkstar smiled, “Thank you.” She took a sip of the coffee, ‘This is as good as Caffy’s coffee.’ She took a bite of the chocolate treat, ‘Score!’ The mare giggled and no longer cared who heard.

She finished up the chocolate pastry and coffee. ‘Let’s pull a prank.’ ‘No.’ ‘Come on, we’re done, they can only kick us out.’ ‘Please, I don’t…’ In spite of her plea though, her horn lit, and the seating pad disappeared under one of the two stallions talking to each other at a nearby table.

After a minute however, nothing happened as the two stallions were too busy talking to notice. She released her magic. ‘Let’s do the table!’ ‘Shopping.’ ‘Fine, but I want something sexy!’ Darkstar nodded and left the coffee shop before Darkie could get her in trouble.

Darkstar entered the MiAC store. To her left was a mare behind the counter. Down one aisle she saw a couple of stallions looking interested at all the bondage gear. She moved to the next aisle and saw a mare looking at videos. The next aisle showed her a green zebra stallion in a pink vest who just smiled back at her. ‘Just like old times.’ Darkie was practically rubbing her hooves together with glee. ‘Do we have to?’ ‘We do.’ Darkstar walked up to the stallion, “Hello cutie. You busy?”

“That would depend on what you have in mind,” said the stallion.

‘Darkie, don’t!’ ‘Your turn to shut up.’ Darkstar smiled, “Well, I want to buy something fun to wear. Something skimpy, so I can enjoy you looking at me in it.”

“I’ll be happy to help you with that,” the stallion said with a smile. “My name is Longview, but you can call me Long for short.” He winked.

Darkstar giggled and winked back, “Long by name, long by nature, huh? Very well, Long, we got these wholly dull dresses and I want something to turn them sexy.” ‘They aren’t dull.’ ‘Quite you, this is my turn!’

“May I see the dresses please?” Longview asked.

“Okay,” said Darkstar, “But I did warn you how boring they are.” ‘They are not’ “Hush.”

“Pardon,” said Longview as he looked at the two dresses.

Darkstar swallowed, “Nothing, just thinking out loud.”

Longview smiled, “Both look like a nice choice of fabric. Put on the yellow one first. I need to see how translucent it is against your fur.”

‘He likes our dresses.’ ‘They are still in the bag, wait till I put that sackcloth on.’ “Okay.” Darkstar used her magic to put on the yellow dress.

“Dance for me,” said Longview.

To Darkstar it sounded more like an order than a request, but dancing was what she loved to do. “Now you’re speaking my language!” ‘Stop!’ ‘Quite you, this is what we are meant to do.’ She reared up on her hind legs and gave a good bump and grind dance for the stallion.

“Excellent choice of dresses,” said the stallion. “The fabric is light and floats around you as you dance. The yellow over white fur, along with your black cutie mark, calls for some black lingerie underneath. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“You really liked the dress?” asked Darkstar. ‘Ha! I told you!’ ‘Shut up, you just got lucky. It’s still my turn.’ “Yeah, black lingerie would be amazing!”

“You did choose a good fabric,” Longview said. “Now the other one please, is it the same fabric?”

“Yeah, it’s the same, but just a dull cream with purple flowers,” Darkstar said with a frown.

“Put it on,” said Longview insistently, “I need to see it against your fur and how translucent it is.”

“Fine. You’ll want another dance too?” asked Darkstar ‘He likes my dresses.’ ‘Shut it boring, they both suck.’

“Please, the yellow hid your cutie mark but this one seems thinner,” Longview said.

“You got it handsome, anything for a cute pony that askes nicely.” Darkstar reared up again and pretended she had a pole and danced to music only she could hear. Her horn lit up to cast the desire spell. ‘No, stop, I could just die.’ ‘I can help you with that, if you want, see me later.’

Now, when your boss happened to be the alicorn of love, you learned to tolerate magic. When the white unicorn turned into his zebra wife, Longview knew what she was doing. He was able to negate the illusion by looking over at the counter where his wife stood. “Yes, I can see a hint of your cutie mark through the fabric. I would recommend some bright red lingerie with this one, or you could go with purple to match the flowers.”

Darkstar released the spell when she realised it had not been successful and she stopped dancing, “You saw me?” ‘Lost your touch Darkie?’ ‘Shut… Please.’

“I’ve been around the block,” Longview said with a smile. “When you turned into my wife, I knew it was an illusion as she is standing over there. Hard to see your cutie mark when you’re all stripes. Still, you will tease any pony that looks your way without any magic.”

Darkstar sighed with relief, “So it worked. Um, Red please. I have socks to go with that. Oh, you have black socks?” ‘No socks’ ‘Socks. Even Caffy says they are sexy.’

“We do, my good mare,” stated Longview. “We have a full line of items tested by the Princess herself. There are discounts when you buy sets.”

“Excellent! Does the set include corsets?” asked Darkstar. ‘Darkie no!’ ‘Oh hush. Remember fun? This is it.’ ‘Fun got us hurt, remember?’

“I’m rather fond of the breast teddies,” Longview said, snapping Darkstar out of her thoughts. “Please come this way. Is there a price range you’re considering?”

“I’d like to keep it around 4,000 bits, please,” answered Darkstar. ‘That’s Raid’s money!’ ‘She can afford it, and you spent that much on the dresses!’ ‘Oh, yeah, okay.’

“I can come close,” said Longview as he stopped at a display. “This set includes socks, garters, corset, breast teddy, panties, tail sleeve, choker, and headpiece. It is 2,500 bits, but when you buy two there is another 500 bit discount so both would be 4,500 bits.”

“I don’t need the red socks,” commented Darkstar.

“Trust me, take them and give them away or keep them as spares,” responded Longview. “If you buy each item as individuals it is 4,000 bits for the lot, and the socks are only 200 bits.”

‘That’s more than I spent on the dresses!’ ‘Deal with it, this is sexy, and the dresses are not.’ ‘He likes them.’ ‘Whatever.’ “We’ll take a set of red and black,” smiled Darkie as she leaned forward and gave the stallion a kiss.

Longview savored the kiss. A benefit in his line of work, “You have unlocked the super-secret bonus savings. That will take another 500 bits off your purchase.”

Darkstar giggled, her other voice was silenced by shock, “What will a second kiss get me?”

“Full refund with receipt,” answered Longview.

Darkstar gave him another kiss, “I think I was getting that anyways, but you’re fun.”

“Would you like to wear a set out the store?” Longview asked.

“Yes please! I’ll wear the black set.” ‘And the yellow dress.’ Darkie sighed and gave in, “With the yellow dress.”

“Would you like some help with that?” queried Longview.

“Since you asked so nicely, how can I refuse a little help.” Darkstar stripped off the cream dress and stuffed it back in her bag. “Where to start?” She didn’t notice her other voice had gone silent.

“It would be my pleasure, dear mare,” said Longview as he took the items out of their packaging. “I’ll start with tight lacing the corset, and then follow up with garters and socks.” The stallion when to work, and it apparent he had done this before. “This is a more formal look against your fur and matching your cutie mark.”

‘Darkie, he’s touching us.’ ‘He has to silly. How else is he going to put this on us?’ ‘But you’re going to wear this in public.’ ‘That’s the point Darkstar. I’m wearing your stupid dress too.’ ‘It’s not stupid.’ Darkstar growled.

“You seem a little nervous,” stated Longview. “I could get my wife over here to help you put his on.”

‘We are wearing this all over the city!’ “No, were good Long, you carry on making us look gorgeous. ‘But…’ ‘Buck off!’

“I’m glad you gave me an easy job. Making you look gorgeous is to watch you standing there.” Longview gathered up a couple more items, “Now for the bra and panties.”

Darkstar giggled, “I like giving ponies easy jobs.”

“The teddy accentuates your breasts nicely and the panties highlight your cutie mark,” the stallion said. “The choker and lace around your ears and mane will finish this nicely. You may want to consider leaving the tail sleeve in the bag if you’re in public. Would you like slippers with this?”

Darkstar thought about the tail sleeve. ‘Listen to him!’ ‘I have panties on.’ ‘Please.’ “Fine, I can wear that in a more private setting, but yes to the slippers.” ‘Darkie!’

“I would recommend a silver set, as they will go with both outfits,” said Longview. “It will only add 500 bits to your total.”

“Yes, that sounds wonderful,” said Darkstar. She watched Longview move off to get the shoe wear. ‘He has a cute ass.’ ‘Darkie, what the Tartarus?’ ‘Buck off, we’re shopping.’ ‘That’s not what the money is for.’ ‘Raid’s not spending it.’ ‘But Darkie…’ Darkstar stamped a hoof, “We’ll be looked at. That’s the idea, idiot! I want to be looked at!”

“As well you should,” said Longview. “Here are the shoes. Now, let’s get you into that yellow dress.”

Darkstar coughed, “Sorry about that. Oh, they are beautiful, and yeah, the dress.”

“I’m glad you like them, and nothing to worry about. Many come into this shop full of self-doubts.” The stallion helped her into the yellow dress.

‘He thinks you’re craaaaazy,’ giggled her inner voice. ‘You’re the crazy one.’ ‘Am I? Looked in the mirror lately?’

Longview interrupted her thoughts, “You have a dancer’s grace. Dance for me so I can see the whole outfit.”

‘Can I at least dance for him?’ ‘Um, okay, we’re dressed now.’ “I’d love to Long.” Darkstar didn’t bother with her spell. She danced for the stallion in front of her, and she put her all into the dance.

Longview watched the mare dance and she was a lovely sight. “That dress will have them looking at you with desire. It’s light and airy. The stockings draw the eye to where you want it. The corset is just visible through the dress. The panties tease, and, I must admit, a fan of seeing the breasts covered.”

Darkstar stopped dancing, “Thank you, I feel beautiful, even in this dress.”

Longview nodded, “Let me take you to the front, so my wife, Toy Maker, can close out the sale.”

As Darkstar followed the stallion she noticed that others in the store had stopped shopping. They were watching her, some smiled, and others clapped their hooves. ‘Ponies are staring at us.’ ‘I… I know.’ She moved a bit faster and passed up Longview. When she reached the counter, she asked the zebra mare, “How much?”

Longview helped his wife out, “With discounts it’s 4,500 bits.”

Darkstar hoofed the pony her card, but she could hear others in the store talking about her. They were both complimenting her performance and her attire. ‘Darkie, they’re getting closer.’ ‘I know, just stay calm, we’ll be out of her soon.’

“Sign here please.” Toy Maker set the receipt on the counter and held a pen in her hoof. “That lingerie does accent the dress nicely.”

Darkstar took the pen in her magic and signed, “Th-thank you.”

A unicorn stallion came forward, “That is a beautiful outfit, are you free this evening?”

Longview moved to intercede, “Firewire, please don’t crowd the clients.”

Darkstar stuffed the receipt in her bag. ‘We-we’re pretty.’ ‘Yeah, and attacked, raped, crippled, and left for dead!’ All the unicorn’s confidence drained away and all her old doubts came flooding back, “Why are you looking at me?”

“You’re a beautiful mare,” the unicorn stallion responded.

“Um, thanks?” Darkstar backed away towards the door. ‘What are you doing? I had that!’ ‘They’re looking at me. They want me.’

“Thank you for shopping at MiAC,” called out Toy Maker.

Longview added, “Stay safe out there, it’s a big city.”

‘They’re going to hurt me!’ Darkstar bolted for the door. Once on the street she didn’t stop running. ‘Darkstar, stop.’ The mare was beyond reason. ‘Stop, you fool!’ Darkstar didn’t slow down. She ran through the entrance of the subway station only to be halted by the turnstile. She tried to catch her breath as she used the card to get through.

At the bottom of the stairs she backed up to a wall. ‘What is wrong with you?’ ‘Me? You kissed him. He’s married!’ ‘So what? We kissed Caffy too, and Thespy.’ ‘I’m scared.’ ‘You’re a fool Darkstar.’ Please, we need to see Requiem.’ ‘You need to see her, not me.’

A train pulled into the station not long after she got there. ‘Get your ass on the train.’ Darkstar move forward. She didn’t bother to see where the train was going. It wasn’t very crowded, and she found a spot to sit away from the others. ‘I’m sorry.’ ‘Oh yeah? You will be once we’re allowed in that kitchen!’ ‘N-no, you ca-can’t’ ‘Who can’t?’ The train left the station with the unicorn quivering with fear.

~ ~ ~

Air Raid and Thespian exited the shop. “Well,” said the pegasus, “it really is this busy every day, isn’t it?” Thespian nodded. “I thought yesterday was a fluke or something. It’s never this busy back home.”

“The Manehatten area has ten times the ponies that Canterlot has,” commented Thespian. “It will get busier as we head north. This is the high-end shopping and financial district of Manehatten.”

Air Raid noticed a lot of ponies glanced her way, “Seems like twenty times with me wearing this.”

Thespian giggled. Soon the fountain that Luna and Octavia had made famous came into view. “Shall we promenade, Ms. Air Raid?”

“Why lets, Ms. Thespian,” responded the younger mare.

“I believe this is the first time you’ve used the honorific,” said Thespian as they entered a large square with a fountain.

Air Raid blushed as she walked along side Thespian, “Yeah, sorry ‘bout that, if you wanted it used more.”

Thespian stopped at the fountain and observed the number of ponies enjoying the late morning. “It isn’t that, Air Raid, but still as a servant you should be more respectful. Please give me your left foreleg sock.”

“Sorry, Ms. Thespian.” A burning tingling started in her loins. “You… You aren’t?” The pegasus took of her sock and offered it to Thespian. “Are you?”

Thespian used her stage voice to be sure she was heard by the crowd. “You need an attitude adjustment my pretty, pretty maid.” Others around the fountain stopped what they were doing and focused in on Thespian. “Nose to the plaque, ass in the air, and tail high, if you please!”

Air Raid could barely stand still. ‘Sweet Celestia she is. She is!’ “Yes, Ms. Thespian.” She put her nose to the plaque dedicated to an earlier, very similar, beating at this very fountain.

Thespian took the sock in her mouth and slapped Air Raid’s ass. While the sock didn’t hit hard, the welts from earlier made the hit felt. Around her ponies took pictures. “A maid should know her place!” The sock continued to fall as the voices of the crowd reached Air Raid’s ears.

A filly in the crowd asked, “Was she a naughty pony?”

Her mother replied, “A very naughty filly.”

“I’d love to be whipping those hindquarters,” said a stallion.

His partner moved him along, “In your dreams. Come on, we can’t be late.”

A police pony interrupted Thespian’s fun, “Madam?”

Thespian looked at the officer, the expression on her face daring him to stop her, “Where better to discipline a naughty servant than where the Goddess herself did?”

“True, can’t argue with that, but still, it is the city’s job to do punishment.” The police pony moved to watch the crowd.

“Ten whacks for one bit,” responded Thespian.

“The city can afford that,” said the officer, who had no intention of stopping what he was watching. He hoofed over the bit and took the sock to administer punishment.

Air Raid whimpered, “Please discipline me,” as she spread her hind legs a bit wider while the police pony swatted her ass. ‘Yes, this is great.’ Air Raid could feel the trickle of her arousal as it ran down her hind leg.

“Can I spank her?” asked a mare.

“Ten whacks for a bit,” responded Thespian. “Please form an orderly line.”

“Sold!” The mare gave her bit and took the sock.

“Excuse me?” asked a stallion. “Where did you get that maid outfit? I so want to buy it.”

“That is find by me,” said the mare next to him.

“Rarity’s Recreations,” answered Thespian. “Ask for Talker and she’ll set you up right.”

“Thank you.” The stallion snickered when his marefriend nudged him to move along and go shopping.

Air Raid moaned as another took up the sock, and the strikes grew heaver as she wetted the sock when it hit. ‘I should get a commission for that sale.’

“Isn’t that Thespian?” asked a stallion.

“I believe it is,” said the mare next to him.

“Ms. Thespian, I’m Foxglove,” said the stallion. “Could I get your autograph?”

“Of course, I’m always love to do things for my fans.”

“I’m Clearwater,” said the mare with the stallion. “Could you make it out to both of us please?” Thespian nodded. “I also have a bit for the sock.”

Thespian signed the Playbill to Dogs and hoofed the sock over to Clearwater. “Have at her. She is such a naughty pony that only a good public flogging might turn her around.”

“I’d like a picture of the three of you,” requested Foxglove. Thespian stood on the other side of Air Raid while Clearwater held the sock in her mouth. “Perfect!”

‘I hope I can get a copy of that picture,’ thought Air Raid.

While his wife flailed away, the stallion asked, “Did that work for Princess Octavia? I was here that day.”

“I don’t know,” responded Thespian, “But I’ll see if it works for this one.”

A stallion stepped forward, “How much for the…”

Sharply, almost with a severe edge to her voice, Thespian cut him off, “Sir, she is not for sale, but you can buy ten swats for one bit.”

“Um, ah, o-okay,” stammered the stallion as he gave up his bit.

Air Raid could feel the moisture running down her leg. She was being used and could well have just been sold!

“Can I just chew on the sock for a bit?” asked a mare.

“No,” responded Thespian. The mare’s face filled with disappointment, but then Thespian continued, “But I wouldn’t be bothered as to which end of the sock you held in your mouth as you administered punishment. “

‘That is so hot,’ thought Air Raid. ‘That mare is tasting me which she punishes me!’ it was all the submissive mare could do to not do a happy four hooved dance.

The mare took her time as she chewed the sock and administered the whacks. Once she finished, she asked, “How much for the sock?”

Thespian smiled, “Sorry, not for sale.” The mare shrugged and relinquished the sock.

Two stallions walked up, “Ms. Thespian, can I have a photo with you and your maid?”

“Yes, as long as you pay your one bit and hold the sock.”

“Deal!” He hoofed his camera over to his companion. “Take a picture of us, Slider.”

“Okay,” responded the friend, “But I’m next.”

After the photo, Thespian said, “Do get your swats in Sir. My maid is in need of a serious attitude adjustment.”

The two stallions finished their turn and walked off happy with their photos. A mare stepped forward and stated, “I’ll be your maid, Ms. Thespian.”

Thespian looked the mare over. “Humm, even with this as a possibility?”

The mare nodded, “Especially with this.”

Thespian giggled, “Well, please send your details to me care of the Fifty Ninth Street Theater, should I fire this one someday.”

‘This is so hot,’ thought Air Raid, ‘Now others want to share what is happening. Octavia must have loved this.’ She turned to look at Thespian, “Have her try out next to me, Ms. Thespian. I have another sock you can use.”

“Silence!” ordered Thespian.

Air Raid put her nose back to the plaque, “Sorry, Ms. Thespian.”

Thespian shook her head, “Tsk, tsk, tsk, what am I to do with you? Sorry good ponies that is all for now.” There were several awwws from the crowd and the line that was still formed. She put the sock on the fountain rim next to Air Raid’s nose. “Put that back on.”

Air Raid listened to the murmurs of the crowd. ‘She must really be mad at her maid now.’ ‘That was pretty embarrassing with such an outburst.’ ‘What do you think she will do with her when they get home.’ ‘I don’t know, but I wouldn’t mind being the maid.’ ‘I’d be happy just to watch.’ Air Raid made no move towards the sock, “But… but… Ms. Thespian, please. Continue, please?”

“Now!” demanded Thespian.

The crowd continued to add their opinions along with giggles and laughter, ‘This must be the real punishment.’ ‘I’m glad I’m not in her panties.’ ‘I’d like to be wearing her panties as they are right now.’ The last comment elicited an outburst of laughter. Air Raid whimpered, “Yes, Ms. Thespian.” Her cheeks burned from the laughter of the crowd.

“Walk with me,” was all Thespian said as she headed out the north side of the square.

Air Raid hurried to catch up, “Yes Ms. Thespian.”

“A public flogging with a sock wasn’t nearly as humiliating as the end of the flogging.” Thespian nuzzled Air Raid, “Wouldn’t you say?”

Air Raid kept her head down, “No, Ms. Thespian, I was quite enjoying the flogging, Ms. Thespian.”

“Actually, I’m surprised how long you held out before that outburst.” Thespian giggled, “You athletic types are usually sure of themselves and can let their mouth get the best of them.” She kissed the pegasus’s cheek, for she could see the fears and doubts forming in the younger mare's head, “It is all fun and games Air Raid. Sometimes not what you expect.”

Air Raid blushed and kissed back, “I’ve been told I’m quite lippy, and it was sooo much fun.”

“It was!” exclaimed Thespian, “And I made thirty bits! I can have a pastry with my coffee,” she giggled. “I didn’t think the flogging would be humiliating, but your face did turn red when I was selling the use of the sock.”

Air Raid nodded, “Having random, unknown, ponies paying to beat me with my own wetted sock? Yeah, that was hot.”

“Did it make you feel used?” asked Thespian.

“Yeah, it did. Like I was property,” responded Air Raid, her wet loins getting ever wetter just thinking about it.

“And the ending,” continued Thespian, “With the public laughter. Did that count as humiliation?”

“Oh, yes! I felt so small when I put that wet sock back on and all of them were making fun of me.” Air Raid shivered at the very happy memory.

“I’m not much for that type of play, but I’ve seen it enough. I do hope I gave you what you expected,” said Thespian. “Caffy’s shop is a few blocks ahead. We can split the pastry with our earnings.”

Air Raid smiled, “You did very well, Ms. Thespian. Princess Octavia hated it, didn’t she?”

Thespian nodded, “She didn’t last thirty seconds before she called out her safe word.”

“If you would have let me,” laughed Air Raid, “I would have been there all day.”

“I was wondering when you would give me an excuse to stop.” Thespian nudged Air Raid, “If you’re going to keep wearing wet socks you should invest in some garters.”

“I’m not surprised my mouth got the better of me.” Air Raid nuzzled Thespian, “Thank you for looking out for me, when you told that stallion I wasn’t for sale.”

“Would you have been as happy if I turned down a mare?” asked Thespian.

“No,” whispered Air Raid.

“Too bad some mare didn’t ask then.” Thespian smirked, “If you could have seen the face of the one chewing on your sock.”

Air Raid shook her head, “That makes me sound so easy, doesn’t it?”

“I think the word is desperate,” said Thespian. “Then again, I know it has been a while for you, and i know the taste of freedom is intoxicating. There’s Caffy’s shop.”

“Yeah, that would be a good word. My mom would call me the worst tart in Canterlot and disown me if she knew what you just did to me.” Air Raid giggled, “I do hope the both of them see it on facetube.”

“Think of it as a pre-race promotion.” Thespian led the way into the Manehatten Times building.

“That is a way to look at it,” said Air Raid as she followed Thespian in.

“Hi love, have fun shopping…” Caffeinated got an eyeful of the pegasus and he knew full well that they'd had a great deal of fun together, “Whoa, looking good, Raid.”

Another stallion behind the counter added, “Why are zebras mare magnets?”

“Hi love,” Thespian said before turning to the other stallion, “It’s the stripes, Two Step.”

Air Raid shook her tail as she followed Thespian, “Stripes are awesome!”

“Don’t worry, Two Step. I’m not her kind of zebra,” Caffeinated stated.

“Like that makes me feel better,” responded Two Step with feigned sadness. “Here’s your coffee, Ms. Thespian. What's your pretty maid drinking?”

Air Raid spoke up, “I’ll have a coffee with three sugars, Mr. Two Step.”

Thespian giggled, “Air Raid tried her hoof at pan-handling and made thirty bits. Please add a blueberry scone to that order.”

Caffeinated laughed, “Did she offer to race match-box cars?”

Air Raid shook her head, “Nah, just had some fun at the fountain on the way here.”

“Here is your coffee and scone, Ms. Air Raid, and one of your socks is drooping,” Two Step pointed out.

“Ah,” Air Raid blushed, “That would be the one I was whipped with.”

Caffeinated nodded, “Some historical reenactment at the fountain.”

Thespian smiled and nudged Air Raid's shoulder, “Some ponies want all the attention.”

Air Raid clapped her hooves, “All most as much fun as winning a race!”

“What's up with the eye-candy outfit?” asked Caffeinated.

“I’ve recruited an assistant for tomorrow,” answered Thespian.

“Really, the whole shebang?” asked Caffeinated.

Air Raid nodded, “Yup, the whole nine yards.” She winked at Thespian and shared a hoof bump with her, “Serving sisters!”

Caffeinated eyed the pegasus up and down, assessing her ability with his well-trained eye. “Hmm, twelve inches?”

“You can test drive her tonight,” said Thespian. “She how she does on the stairs.”

Caffeinated nodded and noted how Air Raid was looking inquisitively around the shop. “If you’re looking for Darkstar. She already left to go and see Requiem.”

“Has she?” Air Raid pulled out her phone and mumbled, “No. No, she can look after herself.” She looked up at the zebra, “Um, was she okay when she left?”

Caffeinated smiled, “Caffeinated and self-confident.”

Air Raid fiddled with her phone, the desire for Darkstar to be free and self-reliant warring with the mother hen big sister instinct in her being. “No, she doesn’t need me interfering.”

Thespian laid a comforting hoof on Air Raid’s, “I understand it's hard to let go. Like watching your foal go off to school.”

Air Raid hoofed the phone over to Thespian, because she knew she wouldn't be able to resist for much longer, “Please take this from me.”

Thespian looked at the phone, “If you have it set to vibrate to prank me, I’ll never spank you again.”

While Air Raid played with the phone’s controls, Caffeinated spoke up, “She is rather funny to watch when I text her.” Thespian stuck out her tongue at her husband.

Air Raid laughed as she hoofed the phone over to Thespian, “The bomb has been defused.”

“Good, or you’d find out if it's waterproof,” said Thespian as she took the phone back.

Caffeinated laughed, “Not all phones are.” He looked over Air Raid’s flank and saw the welts that adorned those toned lime green hindquarters, “Seems like you took more than a wet sock for a spanking today.”

Air Raid saw where the zebra was looking, “Look good, don’t they? Got some ‘stress relief’ while we were shopping.”

Thespian saw her husband look at her, “Magnolia.” The zebra nodded. “I think I’ll let my pretty maid drink her coffee standing.”

“Very magnanimous of you,” stated Caffeinated while Air Raid giggled. “What’s next on your things to do?” Before his wife could answer, he saw Lavender walk out of the elevator, “Oh, excuse me, I need to prep a coffee and scone.”

The tan earth pony mare trotted straight up to Thespian’s table, “Hello Thespy, didn’t know you’d be in today.”

“Hi Lavender,” responded Thespian. “Meet Air Raid, friend of Darkstar. Raid, this is Lavender, Political Desk secretary, and herd mate.”

Air Raid raised a hoof, “Hi.”

Lavender bumped the hoof, “Hello! Wow, her outfit is just like yours, only reversed colors.”

“Since her and Darkstar are staying at our place,” said Thespian. “She thought she would try her hoof at serving tomorrow.”

Caffeinated called out from behind the counter, “Lav, you got coffee run today?”

“Just for myself today, Omega is out on assignment,” responded Lavender. She stared intently at Air Raid, “So, you going all the way on Thursday? Chains and all?”

Air Raid fidgeted under Lavender’s rather suddenly intense stare, “Um, yeah, I'm going to try it out tonight. Is everything okay?”

“Just thinking,” answered Lavender vaguely. “Seeing what type of pony you are. I only know you from Wildfire’s poems.”

Caffeinated delivered the coffee and scone to the table, “Serenity did vouch for the both of them.”

Lavender nodded thoughtfully, because Serenity did not vouch for just anypony and when she did give her backing to a pony, it usually meant a great deal. “That does carry a lot of weight.”

“It’s just… You had a faraway look,” Air Raid managed to get out, “Like Darkie gets when she’s about to… To… You scared me.”

Lavender smiled, “I’ve been told I’m a scary pony.”

Thespian giggled, “I think you’re more of an intense pony.”

Lavender held up her hoof, “Peace.” Air Raid bumped hooves. “See you on Thursday.” She placed the coffee and scone on her back and headed off to the elevators.

“She has a high level of empathy,” said Caffeinated, in an attempt to explain Lavender's intensity. “But you’ll get used to her. So, love, what are your plans?”

“I’m going to parade my pretty maid around town,” answered Thespian, an idea for some more fun taking shape in her head. “If she still has a dry sock, I might use it on her.”

That snapped Air Raid out of the eerie feeling she had from Lavender. “Please, Ms. Thespian.”

“Maybe not,” said Thespian with a smile.

“Tease,” commented Caffeinated as he turned back to the counter.

“Come along my pretty maid. Manehatten needs to see you.” Thespian led the way out of the shop without looking back, for she knew that Air Raid would follow.

~ ~ ~

Darkstar caught her breath on the train. ‘You idiot!’ ‘Please not now, I was scared.’ ‘You’re always sca… Oh, zebras.’ Darkstar looked over at the ponies on the train. She was sat in the middle and at one end were six zebras, and at the other end were four earth ponies. ‘That stallion is cute.’ ‘Darkie!’ ‘Am I wrong?’ ‘No, you’re right, he is cute.’ Darkstar smiled at the stallion. He looked at her and smiled back, then turned away to stare off into space.

Darkie winked, but the stallion didn’t respond, ‘Game on.’ ‘Darkie, he isn’t interested.’ ‘We’ll see about that. Time to put your zebran to use.’ Darkie lit her horn and cast her voice next to his ear. “Si unataka staré saa farasi kidunia”

The reaction was immediate as the zebra stared wide eyed at Darkstar, “Pembe farasi kama kucheza hila!” He quickly back peddled until he hit the end of the rail car and fell on his ass as he pointed at the unicorn.

“Wait, what, witch?” muttered Darkstar. “I told him I’m a sexy mare…” An elderly zebra mare approached her, a look of thunder on her face. ‘You’re in trouble now.’

“Ni wewe waliopotea msichana?” asked the zebra.

Darkstar tried to piece together what she said. Studying zebran in a text book was very different to actually conversing with a native speaker. ‘You’re zebran isn’t as good as you though it was.’ Darkstar stamped her hoof, “No, I’m not lost" she answered the mare, "I’m going to the Brooks.”

“No,” said the mare, “You’re going to the Broncs. Who do you know in the Broncs?”

“What? But this train is for Brooks.” Darkstar said, though she was no longer sure of herself.

The zebra mare shook her head, “Wrong direction. Get off next stop and cross to the other platform. That train take you to Brooks.”

Darkstar looked at the mare and then the stallion that was still pointed at her. “I’m sorry, but he called me a witch.”

“Okay, I don’t think you mean harm,” said the zebra. “Most of us don’t trust unicorn magic. Go where you belong.”

The train came to a stop and Darkstar nodded. She scampered off the train while the platform full of zebras boarded. Nopony tried to stop her. Once the train left the station, she breathed a sigh of relief. ‘Just about got yourself killed again.’ ‘Shut it, it was your idea to play with the stallion.’ ‘Should have went with the kiss him plan.’ ‘Plan, what plan?’ Darkstar stomped her hoof again and walked over to the map. “Fine, I just want to get this over with.” She walked over the bridge to the other platform and waited. When the train arrived, she walked on and sat down. She did her best to ignore everypony on the train.

She saw there was a map in the rail car too. ‘I have to change once to get to Requiem’s office.’ ‘Sure, you don’t want to play with one of the stallions on the train? That one there is giving you the eye.’ Darkstar glanced at the stallion and indeed he was giving her the eyeful. ‘I… I just want to get this over with.’ ‘You want to die.’ “No!” Darkstar put a hoof over her mouth, and noticed the stallion quickly look the other way. ‘I just want to see Requiem and get better.’ Her other half simply snorted in her mind.

After a change of trains, Darkstar arrived at the desired station. Once she exited, she saw she was in an office park. It was a nice location, and then she noticed the time on the clock at the station exit. “Oh buck! I’m late!” Darkstar ignored the looks at her outburst and rushed off to the correct building.

Inside the building she walked up to the receptionist. “Um, hey, I’m Darkstar… I, uh, have an appointment.”

The receptionist looked at her terminal. “With Doctor Requiem?” Darkstar nodded. “Okay, she is in room two oh three, and you’re expected.”

“Thank you,” responded Darkstar, “What floor?”

The receptionist blinked, but she was used to the sort of clientele that visited this building. “Second floor, you go to your left when you leave the stairs or elevator, which are over there.” She pointed a hoof.

“Thanks, we, ah, I appreciate it.” Darkstar hurried off and pressed the up button on the elevator. ‘She already knows your crazy, because you’re here.’ “Shut up!” Darkstar hurried into the elevator without looking back. “I am crazy.” ‘Why you’re here.’ “We’re here.” Darkstar turned left out the elevator and stopped in front of room two zero three. She raised her hoof but did nothing. ‘Waiting for an invitation?’ ‘I don’t know what I’m waiting for, maybe Hearth’s Warming?’ ‘Knock!’ Darkstar sighed and knocked on the door.

She heard a mare’s voice through the door, “Come in.”

Darkstar pushed open the door. Inside was the mare everypony had been telling her to see. She was a red and blue painted pony. Unusual in itself. Her mane and tail were also red and blue. Something Darkstar only saw on unicorns. What was most noticeable was the old style high school cheerleader megaphone in black for the cutie mark, and she was wearing a vest. “Umm… Hi, sorry for being late.”

“No worries,” said the earth pony. “I know what it is like trying to get around the city. I’m making myself some coffee. Would you like a cup?”

“Yes please, We’d,” Darkstar winced, “I mean, I’d love some, thank you.”

Requiem pointed to a seating pad. “Go ahead and have a seat, I’ll be just a moment.” The mare finished making two cups. “How would you like yours?”

“Just cream please,” responded Darkstar.

The painted mare delivered the coffee, “Hi, I’m Requiem. Herd’s noted psychiatrist.”

“Thanks,” said Darkstar as she smoothed out her dress. “Um, sorry, but megaphone? Doesn’t say shrink… Sorry.”

Requiem smiled, “Does three stars say crazy?”

Darkstar shrugged, “Good point, but it might as well.”

“Well then, my megaphone might as well mean ‘shrink’,” said Requiem.

“Okay, you got us there,” said Darkstar as she accepted the coffee, “I would have been on time if one of us hadn’t decided to stop and purchase lingerie I didn’t need.”

Requiem giggled, “I’m sure you need it more than you think. First you need to know that Princess Luna had your whole medical history forwarded to me.”

“Oh,” said Darkstar as she looked away. “So, you know all about me then.”

“I know all about what some boring old pony in Canterlot took the time to write about you,” responded Requiem.

Darkstar giggled, “You want me to talk, right? To tell you about my troubles and what ails me.”

“No,” said Requiem, “If you know what ails you, you wouldn’t be here. I do want you to talk, however. Tell me about your day.”

Darkstar sipped her coffee, “What about today? Something in particular or the whole day?"

“Start when you woke up,” suggested Requiem.

Darkstar shrugged, “Sure, I can do that. My day started when Caffy woke us… me up. We…” Darkstar shook her head.

Requiem reached out a hoof, “Just talk. Don’t worry about the words. “

“Sorry, okay,” muttered Darkstar. “We all slept together, Caffy, Thespy, Raid, and me. Caffy woke me up for breakfast that Thespian and Raid made.” She drank some more coffee and giggled. “We teased her about the food being edible. Air Raid isn’t a good cook. She told me she would get the nurse to take care of me and I didn’t like that at all.” Darkstar finished her coffee. “They decided I should see you, and so the four of us took the train downtown. I got off with Caffy, and Air Raid and Thespian stayed on to go shopping. Could I have some more coffee?”

Without a word, Requiem took the cup from Darkstar. She made another coffee just how she liked it and set it back in front of the unicorn.

Darkstar blew on the coffee, “Any questions?” She watched Requiem shake her head, “Okay then, well at Caffy’s shop we had some coffee,” she laughs. “I’m sure that was a surprise. His choco muffins are pretty good too.” At least Requiem nodded to that. What surprised Darkstar is the psychiatrist didn’t take any notes. “So, everypony said we could go visit you on my own. We took the chance to be alone and visited Times Square. Had a nice tofu dog and some hay fries. After that I got this dress. Dull dress.” Darkstar winced and went silent.

Requiem sat in silence as she sipped her own coffee. So far, her opinion of Darkstar wasn’t adding up to the opinions of the papers she was sent from Canterlot and Ponyville. The unicorn was troubled, that much was obvious, but it was too early for her to step in. Still, it was interesting to watch the emotions run across Darkstar’s face.

Darkstar was unnerved by Requiem. By now, the other doctors would have a tablet full of notes and be trying to fix her. This pony acted like they were just sharing a chat over coffee, only this pony wasn’t chatting. ‘Shut up already.’ “What?” ‘Shut it, I’m driving now.’ “So, after totally freaking out in the changing room so that everyone a Marecies knew we were crazy, she runs out of the store.” “I paid for the dresses first.” “Yeah, we’re not a criminal or anything, just crazy.” Darkstar paused to see how the doctor would react to that. If sipping coffee is a reaction. She sighed, “Okay, then we went to MiAC to get some really cool clothes.” “To shut you up!” Darkstar laughed, “We needed something sexier than this dress. Flirted with the store clerk too, and then…” Again, Darkstar paused, but Requiem still wouldn’t interrupt. “Then some creepy station gave me a look and we panicked. We ran to the subway and got on the wrong train. I tried to flirt with a zebra, and he freaked. I thought they were going to hurt me, but some old zebra mare asked where I was going. She told me I was on the wrong train and which one to take.” Darkstar finished her coffee, “And now I’m here. Some more please?”

“I could use a cup myself,” said Requiem. She made to more fresh cups of coffee. Requiem gave one to Darkstar and sat back down. “Who am I talking to right now?”

Darkstar blinked, ‘You said you’re driving’. ‘I am.’ “Um, Darkie, the one that doesn’t mind a stallion giving me an admiring look, or,” She light her horn, so her voice seem to come from Requiem’s right. “Having a laugh. The fun me.”

Requiem nodded, “And who is the one that doesn’t want to do those things?”

“Darkstar,” she snorted, “The whining wimp that I turned into after… After what happened.”

Requiem followed up, “After you were attacked and had most of your horn cut off?”

Darkstar turned away, “Yeah, that. After that.” She stomped a hoof, “I hate her, but she kept me company in my room when Raid was out.”

“Do you trust her,” asked Requiem.

“A bit, I guess… No, not really.” Darkstar shook her head, “She doesn’t know what she wants, and it’s hard to give it to her!”

Requiem watched Darkstar’s gauntlet of emotions. She was definitely more than the papers she received. Such an interesting case, Requiem might have taken it even if it wasn’t a herd matter. Time to start probing, “Did you pick out that outfit before you left Caffy’s place?”

“This dull dress? No way, she did that at Marecies.” Darkstar lifted the dress a bit, “Now this sexy lingerie I got at MiAC. With Raid’s money. Shut up!” Darkstar had a startled deer in the headlights look after arguing with herself in front of the doctor.

“It is a pretty dress, but you seem a bit young for it. The underwear though does seem typical for a mare your age,” commented Requiem. “Together though they do work well. Do you have your own money?”

Darkstar sounded exasperated, “Fine, I guess. We have some bits, but not a lot. Not enough for all this.”

Requiem asked, “Were you broke before you were attacked?”

“Yes,” admitted Darkstar. “I wanted to dance in Las Pegasus and spent what little I had to achieve that.”

Requiem smiled, “Oh that sounds exciting. What stopped you?”

Darkstar sighed, “I had a few tryouts for jobs, but they didn’t go anywhere. When I ran out of bits I took the first job I could.”

Requiem nodded, “I guess that was when the two of you were more cooperative.”

Darkstar shrugged, “She never whined as much back then.”

Requiem thought it was time to get to the heart of the matter. “So, having your horn cut off hasn’t changed your attitude at all then?”

“What! My… My horn, what… What’s that… I was just trying to find Wily that’s all! No! I know I didn’t listen to you, but I wanted to find her, and I was so close!” Darkstar’s rant sputtered out and she squeezed her eyes shut to stop the tears.

“Who is taking the blame for that?” asked Requiem.

“I am, cautious wanted to run and hide at the first warning, but I wouldn’t listen, would I?” answered Darkstar.

“I guess it comes down to why you care what happened to Wildfire?” continued Requiem

Darkstar answered with some anger in her voice, “Coz she was our friend, and we knew something was up. We knew she wasn’t in Fillydelphia, she had no family or anything in Fillydelphia, so we tried to find her.

Requiem did a head tilt, “Was there a prize for finding her? The boring stallion wrote that you have a sexual preference for stallions. Wildfire was a mare. What was in it for you to find her?”

Darkstar stomped a hoof, “We wanted our best friend back! So, what if I like stallions? It wasn’t about bucking the wings off her! I wanted to find my friend!” The tears streamed down Darkstar’s face, “All I wanted was my friend back! I ignored her dad and I paid for it, didn’t I?”

Inside Requiem was satisfied how this session was going, but she could well understand the pain that Darkstar was going through. “Do you accept hugs?”

Darkstar sobbed, “Ye-Yeah, hugs are cool.”

Requiem moved alongside the mare and hugged her close. She waited till the tears started to slow, “A noble thing you did, yet the outcome wasn’t what you wanted. What is it you want now?”

Darkstar burrowed into the hug, “I… I just want to be ‘me’ again. To be whole. To get this voice out of my head. She… She keeps telling me she wants to die, that she hates living.”

Requiem didn’t let up on the hug, “Which of you is speaking now? Darkstar or Darkie?”

Darkstar started to sob again, “Its Darkie.” She held on to the doctor tightly, “But Darkstar is always there all the time, and I can’t shake her. It’s just all the time she’s like ‘kill me’, or ‘I wish I was dead’, or whatever.” Darkstar groaned, “After so long I gave in to just shut her up.”

“Darkstar,” Requiem asked, “Did you want your horn back?”

“What?” Darkstar pulled back a bit from the hug, “I… I’m not sure. Raid said it was best for me.”

“Darkstar,” Requiem asked again, “Did you want your horn back?”

Darkstar returned to the hug and pressed her face against Requiem’s shoulder, “No. No I didn’t.”

Requiem held the mare as she changed her question, “Darkie, did you want your horn back?”

Darkstar pulled back to look Requiem in the eye, “Sure did. I wanted to cast spells again. To have fun again.”

“But Darkie,” stated Requiem, “Aren’t you afraid that some pony will just cut it off again?”

Darkstar shook her head, “She is afraid of that, but it’s stupid. Like being scared of a building falling on you, or whatever.”

Requiem shook her head, “No, Darkie, fear isn’t stupid. Fear is real, even if it is irrational. The problem now is to face your fear and accept it so that you can control the fear, and not let the fear control you.”

“Tell her that,” responded Darkstar, “She’s the one mewling about everything. I just want to stop being scared all the time.”

Requiem was satisfied that she was getting somewhere with her patient. “Darkie, what are you afraid of right now?”

“Me, nothing.” Darkstar pulled back a bit, “Okay, that’s a lie, I’m scared of you, I guess.”

Requiem nodded, “You don’t know me, and you should be afraid of what I might do to you. Are you afraid of me also, Darkstar?”

“Y-yes,” Darkstar pressed back into the hug as her tears flowed, “You’re going to stamp us insane and send us off to a hospital. Like he wanted to do in Canterlot.”

Requiem knew who the ‘he’ was from the papers she had. She didn’t approve of the ‘therapy’ that was given. Another item she would have to deal with in regard to this patient. “The two of you will have to get together and decide then. You can leave, but you will see me again. I’m part of Caffy’s herd, and as long as you live with him you will not avoid me. As for me, I’ve decided I’m willing to take you as a client. You can choose to let me do so.”

Darkstar relaxed in the hug, “Yeah, okay. You’re nicer than he was. He was angry that we were screaming. He wanted to lock us away.” The unicorn pulled back to look Requiem in the eye, “Is that what you’re going to do?”

Requiem kept an even face, “It is a possibility, but it would be one that you request from me, not one I’d willingly give to you. There is also a possibility I’ll do nothing for you, and you’ll leave the way you came in. Again, it would be one you want, and not one I wish to see.”

There was a whine in Darkstar’s voice, “I just want to be me again, like we were before, whole.”

Requiem smiled, “Don’t lie to yourself, Darkstar. You will never be the pony you were. Then, that would be true if nothing had happened to you. We all change as we grow and learn. Your real hope is to accept the pony you are now and then you will be whole again. I want to help you make that acceptance.

Darkstar was shocked at the statement, “The pony I am now is crazy. We have to accept that?”

Requiem’s smile didn’t waver, “Oh, you’re crazy because of what?”

Darkstar blinked, “What, you know why! Please, I don’t want to go over it. Can’t we just lock it away somewhere where it can’t hurt us?”

Requiem’s smile faded, “That can be done, but I don’t think you’d like that choice.”

Darkstar sighed, “We have to talk about it then, don’t we? You’re going to listen while we tell you everything that happened? How will that help us, you’re not even taking notes.”

“Ah, you noticed that,” Requiem’s smiled returned. “I find note taking disruptive, and you haven't said anything beyond my ability to remember. The secret is I’ll write my notes after our session. Now, as to me helping you. I what to help you live with yourself.” Requiem’s smile faded again, “The option to kill off Darkstar will make losing your horn seem minor.”

“What, how do you mean?” questioned Darkstar speaking with Darkie's voice. “Is that the other choice?”

“The choice to kill off Darkstar is a life filled with drugs,” said Requiem. “Hard, potent drugs. The other choice is to stay as you are right now and let Darkstar finish the job she has failed to do so far.”

“There really is only one choice then, isn’t there,” said Darkstar. “I’ve had enough with the drugs, and I, still want to live even if she doesn’t.” Darkstar released the hug and picked up her empty coffee cup. “So, you want us to tell you the whole story then. But, Requiem, before I start, can I have some more coffee?”

Requiem laughed, “Remember whose herd I belong to. May the coffee never end!” The doctor prepared two more cups of coffee. “Have you been to Central Park? It’s a beautiful day, and while cloudy, there is no rain scheduled. We could talk there, and it will be easier for you to run away if you want to.”

Darkstar smirked, “To where would we run?” She looked around the office, “I’d like to go to the park though. Your office is nice, but it’s a bit constricting.”

“I agree with that.” Requiem put some lids on the coffee cups. “I don’t use it much. It’s a really long walk, so subway or cab?”

“Well I guess I can’t get the wrong train this time. You can’t you mean.” Darkstar did an eye roll, “Subway please.”

Requiem hoofed Darkstar her coffee. “We have to finish these before we get on the train. A lot of first timers get lost using the subway.” She holds the door open for Darkstar to exit the office. “Where did you end up going to earlier?”

Darkstar sipped her coffee as they moved down the hall to the elevator. “I think I was going to the Broncs, instead of Brooks. She was making googly eyes at one of the zebras on the train.”

“Manehatten has no shortage of issues. You’ll find that zebras are very distrusting of magic, and there are unicorn youth gangs in Celestia that harass the zebras. The same can be said going the other way.” Requiem waited for Darkstar to exit the elevator first. “Did you get along well with Caffy. He has no shortage of stripes.”

Darkstar held the office building door for Requiem as she blushed hard. Her voice squeaked, “Yes, she got me to throw ourselves at him when we met him yesterday at his shop.”

Requiem laughed, “He loves the attention, and has the best herd attitude in the herd.”

Darkstar nodded as they tossed their cups at the station entrance, “We even let him tie us up a little yesterday afternoon. That was a big thing for me.”

“Pardon me for asking, but the reports say you didn’t take being strapped down well,” said Requiem, “You were frightened and did a lot of screaming.”

“Yeeeah, more terrified than frightened.” Darkstar paused for a moment, “I’m telling her. Nopony would explain why I was there, unable to move, it was like being back in the van with ‘them’… We, we freaked out.”

Requiem waited for Darkstar on the other side of the turnstile. There was the moderate lunch time crowd in the subway station. She watched Darkstar’s reactions to the ponies around her. Once through the turnstile she moved to her side, so their shoulders touched, “We want that platform for the northbound train,” Requiem indicated with a point of her muzzle. “So, when you at least have the illusion of control you are okay with bondage?”

Darkstar shivered, “Just… I, we, almost lost it a few times, but Caffy showed me what he was doing on Air Raid first, and it helped reassure us.”

“That’s why we all love Caffy.” Requiem pointed to the subway map. “We take this train to Penn Station, and then change there for one to the park.” While Darkstar stayed stuck to her side, her eyes were all over the platform. Requiem tried to follow who she was looking at.

“He was really gentle with the ropes, and then he rutted me afterwards.” Darkstar relaxed a little, “It… I hadn’t had that in so long.”

“The bottom line is you want to be ‘fun’ again.” As she watched Darkstar she noticed that if a stallion looked at her, she would wink back at them, yet when a mare turned her attention on her, she would look away. Never did Darkstar lose contact with Requiem’s shoulder. “This is our train.”

Darkstar hesitated as the train car was nearly full. A nudge to her shoulder got her moving. Requiem moved to a place they could stand together. To her right was some mare with earbuds in and was head bobbing to some music that Darkstar couldn’t hear. She turned her attention back to Requiem, “Yeah, I guess so. I used to be good with pranks, when I had my magic at full chaff. Our friends thought I was a laugh.” Darkstar’s eyes wondered around the car to see who else was on the train.

“You liked being the center of attention?” asked Requiem. “The stand-up comic of the group?”

Darkstar blew a kiss at one of the stallions that stared at her. His blush was reward enough, “Yeah, she was always the entertainer. Like, I used to practice my dances, I did this desire spell too. Always went down well.” Clears her throat, “Um, nearly always.”

Requiem nodded, “Sometimes magic can be more trouble than it is worth, but I’m just an earth pony. What was the best time you remember using the spell?”

“Wow that takes me back.” A dream look came over Darkstar’s face. “I’d just perfected it, and I danced at Dusk’s place for our friends. The idea is for everypony watching to see the pony or creature they desire the most instead of me on the stage. It worked fine except for Slingshot came over and told me he saw me. I mean, that shouldn’t have happened right?”

Requiem giggled, “Oh, sorry for that. Why shouldn’t it happen? Do you think you are undesirable?”

“But, but he’s my friend,” protested Darkstar. “I… I didn’t think about it like that.”

“Who is Slingshot?” Requiem asked.

Darkstar was saddened by the thought, “He’s a pink earth pony. Was Raid’s co-driver and navigator when she drove the rallies.”

Requiem noticed the change of attitude, “Did you ever hook up?”

Darkstar shook her head. “He left not long after my… my horn. He had an argument with Raid that she was monopolizing my time and just trying to get into bed with me.”

“Which one of you dislikes Air Raid?” probed Requiem.

“Dislike? We dislike her? She’s our friend. Um, I guess I could do without her. Darkstar! Just because she has guardianship over us, she thinks she knows what I want.”

“This is our station,” said Requiem. “Independence is another item on the list of things you want then?”

Darkstar stuck close as they exited the train and walked with her to a platform above. “Totally!” The platform wasn’t crowded now so they had lots of space and Darkstar relaxed. “I mean, she just assumed about healing my horn or taking away all the sharp stuff. Who’s she to know what I wanted?”

Requiem watched Darkstar as her sadness turned to anger, “How do you think Air Raid would feel if she did nothing and let you kill yourself? Or worse, if she let them take you away to that hospital in Canterlot?”

“I, I don’t know. Bad I guess,” whispered Darkstar. “She’d feel like crap and you know it. Hmph. Only cause she’d have failed twice.”

The train arrived and Requiem held her question till they were in. They were able to find a spot in the end of the car where there were no other ponies. Two zebra stallions were in the car and she saw Darkstar’s eyes lock on them as she tried to get even closer to her side. “Air Raid had failed you before?”

“What?” Darkstar took her eyes off the zebras to look at Requiem. “No, not us, she failed Wildfire.”

Requiem nodded and noted the zebras looked their way and were whispering to each other. “I’ve talked with Wildfire, and she told me of that story, along with letting me read her poems. You think you’re just a consolation prize for Air Raid?”

Darkstar shrugged her shoulders, “I donno, maybe, yes? You aren’t saying Raid wasn’t thinking it. Ease the old conscience a little?”

Requiem wasn’t going to fall into that trap, “I haven’t talked to Air Raid, so I don’t know what she was thinking. What matters to me now is what you think she was thinking. After all perception is our basis for reality.”

Darkstar looked around the car and again locked eyes with the whispering zebras, “She was helping a friend, right? To make herself feel better.”

Requiem asked, “Is that why you help ponies?”

“I wonder what they are whispering about,” muttered Darkstar. She then spoke up, “Probably, I guess. Whatever her reason I’m glad she did.”

Requiem noticed the zebras look away when Darkstar looked at them. “I’m going to have to say I’m glad she did too. Your horn though. Do you think somepony will want to cut it off again?”

Darkstar nodded, “Of course, the world is full of evil ponies. It’s just a matter of time, isn’t it?” Darkstar smirked, “Darkstar’s such a laugh, aint she?”

The train stopped, “This is our station.” Darkstar stuck to her side as she moved out into the open air. They were at one corner of Central Park. “I love to come here when I can to just relax. Not many ponies here in the midafternoon. Would you like another coffee?”

“Do you need to ask?” giggled Darkstar.

Requiem led the way to a zebra stallion vender, “One Celestia special and the usual for me, Sprout.”

Sprout made both coffees, “Here you go my pretty fillies. One creamy,” he hoofed over to Darkstar, “And one death by sugar,” he hoofed over to Requiem.

“Thank you, Sprout,” Requiem left bits on his counter. “Looks like there are plenty of alcoves we can sit in.”

Darkstar sipped her coffee, “Oh, wow this is good. Thank you Sprout!” She looked around the park and there were several small gazebos that weren’t in use along with some half clamshell alcoves. “I see what you mean. Lot of escape routes. Let’s use that gazebo over there. So, death by sugar?”

“I’m trying to overcome my bitter personality.” Once they sat down in the gazebo, Requiem again went on the attack, “Were you raped?”

Darkstar nearly dropped her coffee at the question. She was just able to set it on the ground. Her voice subdued, “Yes. Many times. I, I begged them not to, they passed us around between them like we were a piece of meat.”

“Was Caffy your first since then?” Requiem asked softly. Darkstar nodded, and Requiem continued, “Do you know what happened to those ponies that hurt you?”

Darkstar sighed, “I didn’t press charges. I was in no state to identify them at the time. They got away with it, well except Wily’s dad. He was arrested for what he did to her.”

“Have you met Mapper yet? A pink unicorn,” added Requiem.

“No,” said Darkstar. “I’ve wanted to. I know Raid has, as it is her house we’re buying.”

Requiem pulled out her phone, “May I call her to see if she can come visit us here in the park?”

Darkstar shrugged, “Sure, go for it. Um, you still want me to go over everything that happened?”

Requiem nodded, “Yes please, but we can pause when Mapper gets here, if she can even come, of course.” Requiem touched her phone to activate it. “Mapper.” She held it to her ear. “Hello Maps. I was calling to see if you could meet me and my new client at Central Park. Cool, we’re in a gazebo near Sprout’s coffee stand. Okay, see you soon, bye.” Requiem put her phone away. “She was downtown already and will be here in thirty minutes.” The doctor asked another question, “Is the thought that you will lose it again what has you most upset about having your horn repaired?”

“Well, kinda,” Darkstar led off, “We’ve gone four years with no magic, and we were coping.”

Requiem asked, when she knew what was in the papers, “They could have removed the inhibitor and you would have had no problem with that?”

“No!” Darkstar was startled by the question, “We had to wear the ring. There was no control over what magic I had left. Yeah, there was one time I couldn’t levitate a pen, and another when I crushed a taxi.”

“You couldn’t simply stop using magic?” asked Requiem.

Darkstar shook her head, “I had no control over it at all. My magic was wild, crazy, unpredictable.”

“I don’t see you wearing an inhibitor now, and you’ve only used a little bit of magic around me,” pushed Requiem.

“I have control over it now my horn is healed,” said Darkstar, before she added, bitterly, “There just isn’t much to control anymore.”

Requiem didn’t let up, “Would you have preferred they amputated what was left so you’d have no magic at all?”

“No,” said Darkstar and again she was overtaken by sadness, “Well, maybe, it’d have been easier.”

Requiem waited to see if Darkstar would add anything else. Darkstar remained silent, and Requiem said, “You actually believe that. One more hurdle to overcome then.” Requiem emptied her cup. “I could use a refill, how about you?” Darkstar up ended her cup and nodded. “Sprout doesn’t bite very often, how about you get us a couple more.”

“Okay, fine, Death by Sugar.” Darkstar giggled and took both empty cups in her magic and headed off to the coffee stand.

Requiem couldn’t hear what they were saying from this distance, but she could see Sprout blush as he made the coffees. Darkstar smiled as she held both cups in her magic. They wobbled a bit when she arrived, and Requiem quickly took hold of one while Darkstar did the same with the other as her horn went out. “You’d give that up?”

“I. She. I was barely able to make it here holding two cups of coffee. I’d like to keep it, but she doesn’t,” said Darkstar.

“Darkie, do you think you can let Darkstar talk without interrupting her?” asked Requiem.

Darkstar swallowed, ‘Afraid to let me talk?’ ‘You have nothing important to say.’ ‘And?’ Darkstar sighed, “Sure, I can do that.” She sighed again, “It’s hard to explain, Requiem. I just went so long without using it, and now I can use it, it’s such an effort to do the simplest little thing. It’s like having next to no power at all.”

“That you, Darkstar?” stated Requiem, and the unicorn nodded. “Darkstar, it is okay if you want to ask Darkie something or let her answer a question. That won’t be interrupting. So, you’re not as strong as you were before you were attacked, but are you as strong as you were when you were a filly?”

Darkstar thought about it for a moment, “Well, Darkie, what do you think? Well I’d put us at about eight, maybe nine tops. Yeah, I’d go with that.”

Requiem asked, “You don’t think you can get any stronger than you are now, Darkstar?”

Darkstar shrugged, “I don’t know, maybe, but why bother if I’m just gonna be stuck at this level?”

Requiem waved a hoof, “Oh, pardon me. To think that you might have to work hard to get something worth having.”

The sarcasm surprised Darkstar. All doctors were supposed to be kind and understanding while they agreed with everything you said. “Can’t fail if I don’t try, right? Hey, if you don’t mind, I wanna do this.” Darkstar quieted down when she saw Requiem narrow her eyes. “Sorry.”

“The opposite of that is you’ll never succeed if you don’t bother,” said Requiem as she ignored the interruption. “Darkstar you bought the dress, right?” The mare in front of her nodded. “It does look pretty on you, but you heard what I said earlier about it?”

“About how it’s too old for me, but with the corset and socks. They complement each other,” said Darkstar. “Yeah, I heard.”

Requiem smiled, “They do take a conservative dress and make it a bit more risqué. Then that isn’t what you were thinking when you bought the dress, was it?”

Darkstar slumped, “No, it isn’t.”

“Yet the combination is beautiful,” complimented Requiem. “You don’t like Darkie to flirt, do you?”

“No! No, I don’t, not at all!” said Darkstar fervently.

Requiem kept her face neutral, “There are bad ponies in the world, and you may run into one again. There are more good ponies in the world, but you’ll have to run into them.”

Darkstar raised a hoof, “I just wanted a couple of nice dresses that wouldn’t draw attention. Is that so bad?” She stopped and drank her coffee. “But you want to hear our story, don’t you Doctor?”

Requiem nodded, “I do if you’re ready to tell it.”

Darkstar laughed, “Doctor, we’re never gonna be ready, but,” she sighed, “You say it’ll help so here it goes.”

Requiem pulled out a small recorder from her saddle bag, “Before you start, I need your permission to record.”

Darkstar looked at the recorder, “You haven’t taken any notes, and now you want to record?”

Requiem smiled, “Nothing you’ve said up to now required notes. I do have a good memory. Now though, I don’t want to cause an incident, because I miss heard something you said, so may I record you?” Darkstar nodded her head. Requiem turned on the recorder. “Doctor Requiem recording first interview with Patient Darkstar. Darkstar, may I record this session?”

Darkstar blinked, “Yes, you may.”

Requiem set the recorder down for she knew it would easily pick up any conversation. “Thank you, Darkstar. Please tell me your story.”

“I’ve…” Darkstar gathered her thoughts, “I’ve never told this to another pony, ever.”

“I’m not telling any other pony either,” responded Requiem.

“Thank you,” Darkstar took a deep breath, “It was a Sunday, October twentieth, twenty twenty-six. I’d been following up on a couple of leads about Wily. On the way home, I stopped at Café Diem for some coffee. After I ordered I used the bathroom and when I went to my table there was the coffee and a salted caramel donut. Java knew how much I loved those donuts. It was two thirty in the afternoon. The donut was drugged. I just made it out to the street at an alley entrance when I couldn’t stand anymore.” She took a drink of her coffee.

Requiem listened with patience. She watched the emotions run across Darkstar’s face and knew better than to interrupt.

“About a week before that,” continued Darkstar, “Wily’s dad, Cold Front, warned us off by slamming the door on Air Raid’s muzzle. Broke it.” Darkstar sighed, “She took the hint, but I didn’t.” Darkstar drank some more coffee and shuddered. “A white van pulled up next to me in my drunken stupor. Some ponies jumped out. I think they were unicorns. Put a bag over my head and had me in the back of the van quicker than you could sneeze. I heard Cold Front tell the driver to go some district. I wasn’t worried then. I figured they were just going to scare me into stop looking for Wily.” Darkstar started to cry.

It wasn’t that Requiem had a heart of stone. She knew there was nothing but platitudes she could say right now, and anything she did say would just interrupt the flow of the story. It hadn’t reached the point of a hug yet. While a hug would bring comfort, it wouldn’t help Darkstar get the information out that was gnawing at her soul.

Darkstar cried.

She cried so much that she might drown from her tears.

Darkstar cried until it started to hurt.

Still she cried, her tears like a never ending flood. This was when the doctor would tell her it would be okay. It was never okay. Requiem said nothing though. She sat there like she was some statue. She didn’t want to say anymore, but Requiem wouldn’t give her an excuse to remain silent. “I couldn’t think straight to use my magic. When the van stopped, they took off the bag, but quickly blindfolded me. I could feel them slip an inhibitor on my horn. The fear started when they began to beat me. They didn’t care about my screaming and seem to just make them beat me harder. I must have gotten a good kick in because they then bound my legs together. It was my front leg they broke first, and I screamed. All of them laughed.” Darkstar finished her cup of coffee and her voice dropped to a whisper. “A kick to the face stopped my screaming and that was when they started to take turns raping me. I begged them to stop, but that got me another kick. I begged them to kill me, and they just laughed.”

Darkstar looked at Requiem through her tear stained eyes, but she still sat there, silent. She wanted to scream at her but thought that might put her back in the padded room all tied up. She looked in her empty cup but found no answers there. “The back of the van opened. I was in so much pain. Then I heard Cold Front. I’ll never forget what he said. ‘That inhibitor will make a good spot for the knife.’ He cut off my horn just above it and then, after he stabbed me in the belly with my own horn, he shoved me out of the van.” Darkstar lost it in sobs. “I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t scream, I couldn’t move. I just laid there, in the freezing cold, and everything went dark.”

Requiem finally moved in for the hug. “Who found you?”

Darkstar pressed her face against Requiem’s chest, wetting it in the process. “I didn’t know at the time. I regained consciousness for just a moment when they moved me. I heard voices, but quickly blacked out again because the pain was too much. Then next time I woke up it was six months later. Air Raid was asleep next to my bed. They didn’t know if I’d ever come out of the coma. I wasn’t meant to live when they kicked me out of the van. I was meant to be a warning. Some anti-graffiti patrol found me in the warehouse district. Air Raid was there when I came out of surgery, and pretty much every day when I was in the coma.”

“Did your brother visit you?” asked Requiem gently.

“Raid said he did a couple of times, but he had a life in Fillydelphia, and he couldn’t always be there to watch his sister in a coma. I already forgave him for that,” answered Darkstar. “Raid shouldn’t have either. It cost her, her partner, and most of her earnings from racing.”

Requiem asked, “How long did they keep you in the hospital?”

“I don’t know if they were ever going to let me go,” stated Darkstar. “Some of the doctors wanted to commit me to the asylum like they did to my mum. Raid got wind of it and got custody of me. It may have been a couple of weeks before they let me go with her. Brightstar okayed it all.” Darkstar looked at her empty coffee cup and then at Requiem.

“Here’s some bits. Why don’t you get us both a refill,” said Requiem as she hoofed over some coins.

“Even though you didn’t ask, I’m not going to run off.” Darkstar took the coins and tried to clean her face with a foreleg so that she was at least presentable. She then trotted off for coffee.

Requiem watched her go. “Initial assessment. Deep rooted fear at losing everything again. There is no separation between Darkstar and Darkie. They are just one mare. Desire to be independent is outweighed by fear of abandonment. Course of action; to help her reconcile herself to herself so she can argue without verbalization.” She saw Darkstar get the coffees from the vendor and use her magic to carry them back. Requiem took hers in hoof when she returned.

“One death by sugar for you,” Darkstar giggled, but quickly sobered up. “It was one or two days after I got to Raid’s home when the nightmares started. My magic was completely out of control. It was mostly all illusions, but they all had blood. Lots, and lots of blood in them. It dripped from the walls, it would pour from the faucets. Then I tried to kill myself for the first time. Pill overdose. Raid checked on me just a few minutes after I swallowed the whole bottle. She called the hospital, they told her to make me throw up. She did and hauled me in. That is when they put the inhibitor on me. Raid had my room and part of the house equipped with magic dampeners, so I didn’t have to wear it all the time.”

“They released you back into Air Raid’s care?” asked Requiem.

Darkstar nodded, “She hired a nurse to watch me when she wasn’t there. That’s… That’s when Darkstar and I started yelling at each other. We started cutting. It was maybe a month when we cut too deep.”

“Why did you start cutting? Was it for the pain or the blood?” asked Requiem. “Did you mean to cut too deep?”

“The pain at first, but later, the blood was pretty to look at.” Darkstar sighed, “We didn’t mean to cut so deep the first time.”

Requiem held Darkstar close, “Did the nurse find you, and what happened after that?”

“No, I don’t know where the nurse was.” Darkstar giggled, “My timing was never good. Raid found me in the kitchen, just a few minutes after I did it. She told me later I was just sitting there staring at my fetlock. They believed me when I said it was an accident. Raid still locked up all the knives, and I couldn’t go in the kitchen alone.”

Requiem asked, “How many times have you tried to commit suicide?”

“At least ten times, might be more.” Darkstar giggled again. “Raid did her best, but she had to get a hidden camera before she believed me that the nurse was rubbish. She left a knife out where I could find it. Raid said I was sneaking it until she caught the nurse doing it on camera. Raid stopped racing after that. I tied other ways, such as picking up on stallions I knew were taken so I might get beaten to death. Like the first time when they failed.”

“That’s when you stated seeing the doctor in Ponyville?” Requiem asked based on the notes she had.

“Yes, and she let me play with a knife under her supervision. I liked her.” Darkstar added, “She's the one that gave me the happy pills.”

“Do you remember the times before you were attacked?” questioned Requiem.

Darkstar pulled back a bit, “Um, yeah, but it’s weird. Like they’re somepony else’s memories, and I’ve borrowed them.”

“Are there any good memories,” pressed Requiem. “Or are they all nightmares?”

“There are some good ones,” Darkstar nodded. “As for the nightmares, I haven’t had ‘the dream’ since Sunday. Luna did say something about dream therapy. Maybe it is working?”

Requiem held Darkstar and looked into her yellow eyes, “Darkstar, will you share your life with Darkie, or will you end your life and Darkie’s too?”

Darkstar tears flowed again, “I… Well…. I don’t want to die!”

“Thank you for being honest with me,” said Requiem. “Tell me, Darkstar, if they find the ponies that hurt you what do you want done to them?”

“I want them to suffer! I want them to hurt like we’ve been hurt. I... I’m sorry doctor,” Darkstar sighed, “I guess that makes me a bad pony too. I really don’t care.”

Requiem pulled Darkstar back into a hug, “No, that makes you a realist pony. I invited Mapper to join us because she is a unicorn and can better talk to you about your horn. I also invited her to tell you about the ponies that hurt you. May I talk to Darkie for a bit? Same rules.”

Darkstar blinked, and her voice changed ever so slightly. “Sure thing.”

“Darkie, did Darkstar tell me the truth?” Requiem asked.

Darkstar looked away and then back, “Yeah. Yeah she did Doc.”

Requiem went to the heart of the matter, “Do you believe her?”

“I didn’t want to at first,” stated Darkstar, “But what she said made sense, so yeah, I believe her.”

“What about you, Darkie?” queried Requiem, “Do you want to keep living, or have you had enough of this life?”

Darkstar’s shoulders slumped. “Me? I’d had enough, Doc, then everything kinda changed when the nightmares stopped. Now, I don’t know.”

Requiem smiled, “It is nice to see you fully agree on something with yourself.”

“Is it? I don’t totally hate her y’know.” Darkstar’s voice sounded exasperated. “I just wish she’d let me play every now and then and do her own dirty work.”

Requiem smiled as she released Darkstar, “That is reasonable. I’d expect no less from a younger or older sister. Tell me why you want to live?”

Darkstar smiled, “There are zebras out there, many, many zebras. Darkstar? I have to agree, the zebras are rather cute. Another thing we agree on Doc.”

“So, that is the hope you have? To find a special somepony?” questioned Requiem. “Why a zebra?”

Darkstar rolled her eyes, “I’d like somepony, a cute stallion, and, well, I didn’t think about zebras until I met Caffy yesterday. He was so gorgeous, with the stripes, and the stripes.”

“Didn’t you panic when you were on the subway going the wrong way full of zebras?” Requiem pointed out.

“Oh, um, yeah, but that was different. There were a lot of them, and they were scary,” answered Darkstar. “There was a cute stallion, but he was ignoring me. I used a bit of magic to cast my voice in his ear, and he shouted. Then he pointed at us and called us a witch. Then a big zebra mare came over to us and we thought it was the end.”

Requiem didn’t know the zebras to be violent, even if they were tribalistic, “Did the mare threaten you?”

“Well no,” admitted Darkstar, “But she could have like those ponies in the MiAC store.”

“Wait,” interrupted Requiem, “Some pony in the store attacked you?”

Darkstar buried her head in her hooves, “No. Of course not, we were having fun, being sexy, and dancing, and flirting when captain panic took over. She bolted out of the shop.”

Requiem breathed a sigh of relief, “Fear helps to keep us alive. It can also prevent us from achieving our dreams. The zebras are like that. They have little love for Celestia, and fear magic. May I ask Darkstar a question?”

“Sure, Doc, what do you want to know?” answered Darkstar.

Requiem couldn’t understand why this pony was so badly misdiagnosed. “Darkstar, what dream do you want fulfilled?”

Darkstar thought about it for a moment, “I think before Sunday my answer would have been different. Now, I want to meet a nice stallion. I… I just panic too much.”

Requiem nodded, “Are you willing to let Darkie take the lead on dating?”

Darkstar nodded, “Yeah, she’s better at it I guess.”

“Thank you Darkstar,” said Requiem. “Darkie, you know Darkstar is easy to frighten?”

“Well, yeah, she’s skittish,” responded Darkstar.

Requiem pressed on, “Do you think you can keep your flirting to ponies you feel safe with, or with the one you want to make your special somepony?”

“I think,” Darkstar paused, “I guess, yeah, that’s fair.”

Requiem smiled, “This is compromise. The key is to not give in but fight for what you desire. Yet know that your desires can coincide.”

“Darkie, if I may. Sure.” Darkstar looked away, “I’m the one responsible for some of Darkie’s flirting.”

“From what you told me earlier, it was for selfish reasons. To get hurt or killed.” Requiem watched Darkstar cringe under her words. “Aren’t you lonely too?” Darkstar nodded and Requiem continued, “Now you both have hope. It has come with a price.”

Darkstar pulled back the fur at her fetlock and showed her scars, “That’s assuming some stallion is gonna want us.”

Requiem smirked, “Check, add self-esteem to the list of items to work on. Any stallion will have to take the whole package.”

“I keep telling her she’s pretty, Doc,” state Darkstar. “And as every pony is telling us, we’re crazy Darkie.”

“Would you like me to be ‘everypony’ to justify yourself?” asked Requiem.

Darkstar shrugged, “We are though, aren’t we? Crazy?”

Requiem shook her head, “Sorry, you missed a step to board the crazy train. Since I can talk to both of you at the same time you failed at schizophrenia. You do suffer from depression. Your low self-esteem has you hiding behind a curtain in hopes you won’t be noticed. What had you on the crazy train platform was the suicidal thoughts and actions. It is in my opinion that the two of you now wish to live.” The earth pony smiled, “How am I doing so far?”

Darkstar giggled, “You’re about right, I think.” The unicorn paused, “You mean… We aren’t mad?”

“Mad as in crazy? No,” Requiem said as she shook her head. “Mad as in angry?” She gave a sharp nod, “Very much so.”

Darkstar thought about that, “Yeah, yeah, I guess we’re angry.”

“There is justifiable anger,” said Requiem. “But one cannot justify being angry at yourself. That is to relive and hold onto past mistakes instead of learning from them and moving on.”

Darkstar blinked, “I… I shouldn’t be angry at Darkie, shouldn’t I?”

Requiem nodded, “In truth you are one in the same. Darkstar shouldn’t be angry at Darkie, nor should Darkie be angry at Darkstar. Doesn’t mean you won’t have disagreements.”

“But I blame Darkie for what happened!” exclaimed Darkstar. “Her refusal to stop looking for Wily!”

“And a price was paid for that,” Requiem said as she pointed at Darkstar’s horn. “That brings up an interesting point. This may not be so easy to answer so I’d like to hear from either of you, or both. One of you was born twenty-four years ago. When was the other born?”

Darkstar thought about it, but that was an easy question, “I was born twenty-four years ago. Darkstar first spoke to me when we went home from the hospital. She kept me company.” After a brief pause, she continued, “I… I’m not sure when I was born. I have Darkie’s memories, but they aren’t mine… Or are they?”

Requiem looked around, “I only see one mare in front of me.”

Darkstar drooped, “We aren’t normal, are we? There isn’t a Darkie and Darkstar is there? We’re just one mare.”

Requiem smiled, “What is normal? It is true the two of you are just one mare. It is true that you have rationalized a part of your psyche to justify your anger against yourself. It is also true that you can reconcile this anger with yourself and, while there will always be a Darkie and Darkstar, you will still be one mare and know this to be true.”

“You mean, one of us doesn’t have to go away?” questioned Darkstar. “We can be here together?”

“You will always be together,” continued Requiem. “One of you can’t go away without taking the other. My goal is for you to share your thoughts with less verbalizing. Also, to face your fears with less panic attacks.”

“I see, so, ultimately our verbalizations will be less distinct then, but we’ll be together up here?” Darkstar tapped her head with a hoof.

Requiem was very pleased that her newest client got it. “Which falls in the area of what is called normal. All ponies review their actions with those parts of themselves in their head. Some talk out loud, usually to emphasize a point they are making to themselves. Talking to yourself is normal but having a drag out fight with yourself is a cause for concern.”

Darkstar giggled, “Hear that Darkstar? We have to play nice.” She giggled some more, “After our chat, I think we can at least make a start.”

Requiem’s eyes glazed over. “Sorry, I have an incoming call.” She pulled out her phone and glanced at the number, “It’s Mapper.” She answered the call, “Hello Maps… About fifty feet from Sprout’s coffee stand in an alcove. I can see Sprout, and now I can see you.” Requiem waved a distinctive blue and red foreleg. When she saw Mapper wave back, she turned to Darkstar. “Mapper will be her in a bit. I will bring up none of our personal conversation, but I may ask her about some things you can relate to. You are free to say what you wish, of course.”

Darkstar was focused on something else, “Your face. It did a thing.”

Requiem laughed, “My phone was set to vibrate, and it does it very well. At least I don’t jump when it goes off.”

Darkstar giggled, “Yeah that would be embarrassing. I’ll have to thief that idea in the future.” She stood and straightened her dress when she saw a unicorn approach.

“Hello Requiem,” said Mapper as she entered the alcove. She exchanged nuzzles with the earth pony.

“Greetings Mapper.” Requiem pointed a hoof at her companion. “I’d like you to meet Darkstar, a friend of Air Raid and Wildfire.”

Darkstar held up a hoof, “Hey, Mapper.”

Mapper gave her a hoof bump and moved in for a nuzzle. “You were the one injured in the pursuit of Wily.”

Darkstar blushed, “Yeah, that’s me.” She giggled, “We have a reputation it seems.”

“You do,” said Mapper. “It is nice to meet a pony that stays the course. Lovely outfit too.”

Requiem snorted, “You’re going to have to put on your stud gear for her to notice you, Maps.”

Darkstar played with her dress, “Thank you, we chose it together, and as far as Wily is concerned, I was just doing right by our friend. That’s all.”

Mapper tilted her head, “I’ve spent a lot of time with Luna. Is that the royal ‘we’ I’m hearing?”

Darkstar shook her head, “Um, no, not exactly. There’s two of us up here, something about rationalizing part of my psyche directing anger at myself after I was attacked.”

Mapper looked at Requiem, “Herd?” The doctor nodded and Mapper returned her attention to Darkstar, “Are you accepting hugs, Darkstar?”

Darkstar smiled, “Sure, hugs are cool.”

Mapper hugged Darkstar close, “Requiem used all that psychobabble on me too. I will say she helped me out. I’m guessing there is more to my invite than that?”

Darkstar returned the hug with enthusiasm, “It is really nice to meet you.”

Requiem stated, “She is staying at Caffy’s place along with Air Raid.” Mapper gave her a raised eyebrow look. Requiem continued, “Two thirds of her horn was cut off, and Luna did a healing.” Mapper’s face turned to rage. “It was Cold Front,” concluded Requiem.

The mare in front of Mapper flinched away. The unicorn took a breath and slowly let it out. “How are you doing?” she asked.

Darkstar still looked at the unicorn in fear, “We… We’re bet… Better now. Air Raid will tell you the last four years have been no picnic.”

“And your magic,” asked Mapper.

“I had no control and had to wear an inhibitor.” Darkstar’s eyes filled with tears. “Now it is healed, I have no power. I can barely cast the illusions that I specialized in.”

Mapper snarled and the mare she was holding moved away. The unicorn stamped a hoof, “I could have done more!”

“Mapper!” Requiem wrapped the unicorn in a hug. “You’ve never killed a pony and you’re not going to start now.”

Mapper melted into the hug, “I would have made sure they didn’t die.”

Darkstar blinked as she tried to figure out what was going on. “What… What do you mean? Were they caught? Wily’s dad and the others?”

Mapper laughed and Darkstar stepped back, “Cold Front is in Tartarus where he will remain until the sun and moon disappear. As for the rest. Luna found the other three through your nightmare and they were brought to the castle. Luna wields a fine knife and each slice cut their thread of life till it was finer than a spider’s thread. Each slice pure torment.

Darkstar moved next to Requiem for some level of security. “You make it sound almost poetic.” She steadied her nerve. “Mapper, did they… Did Luna make them suffer?”

Mapper nodded, “For as long as she could, but even the Goddess of the Night cannot hold death at bay forever. They to share a spot in Tartarus with Wildfire’s father.”

Darkstar stomped her hoof and snarled, “Good! I hope they died begging and screaming for mercy like I did in that van!” Requiem pressed against her side but made no move to hug her. Darkstar steadied herself, “Um, you said you could’ve done more?”

“Witnessing isn’t the same as doing,” said Mapper. “But Luna isn’t one to share when she is in the zone.”

“I’d think not,” responded Darkstar. She fell silent when the look from Mapper pierced her soul.

“Luna has a vested interest in you, Air Raid, and Wildfire,” stated Mapper. “Of course, it was Dusk that brought Wildfire to Luna’s attention. When you meet my wife, Serenity, you can thank her that Luna has an interest in you two.”

“I will,” said Darkstar enthusiastically. “We’re glad for it and that you care about us too.”

“My magic specialty is gravity spells,” said Mapper. “I have power but no finesse. I can toss a mountain, but crush an egg trying to lift it.”

Requiem interjected with a giggle, “That’s why Mapper cooks the old fashion earth pony way.”

Mapper rolled her eyes, “You eat my cooking.” Requiem couldn’t deny that. “You said your specialty was illusions?”

“Yes,” responded Darkstar. “My pranks were legendary at school. When my horn was healed, I muffled Airmail’s hooves so she could prank Wily.” Darkstar giggled, “Also, your cooking couldn’t be worse than Raid’s”

“Do you remember all of your spells?” asked Mapper.

Darkstar nodded, “Yes, besides the muffle, I can toss my voice, change the flavor or smell of things, and make stuff seem to disappear. My favorite was invisibility, but I’m not very good at that now.”

Mapper smirked, “Are you sure you’re casting them the exact same way you used to cast them?”

“Of course, I am!” Darkstar said in her own defense. “It’s just feels kinda a weird when I cast the spell and try to channel the power.”

Mapper laughed, and Darkstar’s frown made her laugh harder. “You’re still casting like you had your old horn instead of your new horn.”

At least Mapper’s laughter didn’t make her flinch this time, but it did make her angry. “What are you talking about? I told you, you were doing it wrong. Darkstar. Tell her what she needs to do.” Darkstar drooped, “Yeah, can you help us?”

Mapper pointed her hoof at Darkstar, “Back to magic kindergarten for you.” She giggled, “If Luna had stepped back in time to restore your horn before it was damaged, you’d be fine. Instead you have the knowledge of an adult and the horn of a filly.” She moved closer to Darkstar, “Not to be rude, but it is possible your magic specialty has changed too. You should be able to relearn all the spells you knew, but your real talent may be something other than illusions.”

“But… We thought…” Darkstar reviewed what had happened since her horn was healed. “Well we didn’t think that. Having a horn is a horn and just go on like we did before.

“Sorry, it doesn’t work that way,” said Mapper. “You’re not the first unicorn to have a horn injury.”

Darkstar frowned, “I don’t doubt that. So, back to school?”

Mapper nodded, “I would recommend you go to a remedial course for adults. From my time in the military, I know they have them to help injured unicorns.”

“Alrighty, we can do that,” responded Darkstar.

Mapper smiled a kind smile, “They say the first step in learning is to unlearn what you know.”

“That’s actually decent advice since everything has gone plot over muzzle recently.” Darkstar smiled, “Was it like this for Wily when her wings were healed?”

Mapper had a thoughtful look, “I broke Wildfire to save her. Luna broke Wildfire to heal her. I think when Wildfire put the pieces back together, she came out rather nicely.”

“Wily still has some issues,” said Requiem. “So, I look forward to our next session together.”

Darkstar again looked downcast, “She had a rough time in that care home, didn’t she? If… If we had been quicker that Sunday, we could have got her back.”

Mapper stomped her hoof and instantly had Darkstar’s attention. “If is a pointless pursuit. To change the past is to destroy the future.”

“My, those sessions did rub off on you,” said Requiem.

Darkstar shrugged, “Yeah, I guess you’re right. At least we’re here now and sucking air in, right?”

Mapper and Requiem looked at each other and then Mapper turned back to Darkstar, “Yes, better than the alternative of inspecting daisy roots.”

Darkstar agreed, “I’m done begging for death. Now I’m going to live!”

When Mapper looked at her again, Requiem said, “I have convinced my client to live as I need her to stay alive so I can milk the government for more money. In return she gets coffee.”

“Caffy’s coffee?” asked Mapper. Requiem nodded, “You’ve made a shrewd deal there, Darkstar.”

Darkstar relaxed and giggled, “We get to live, be awesome and drink coffee. Everypony wins.”

Mapper asked, “Will you be at the gaming party tomorrow?”

“Yes,” said Darkstar. “We were going to hide in my room, but now… Now we’ll go for sure.”

“Okay, are you up for some friendly advice?” asked Mapper.

“Mapper,” muttered Requiem.

“Real world Requiem,” stated Mapper. She looked back at Darkstar, “So Luna doesn’t think you are making fun of the way she talks, either stop with the we, or tell her first thing why you say we. Okay?”

Darkstar thought about it for a moment, “Okay, we’ll tell her. Um, Mapper, when you first showed up, you asked Requiem, herd. Are we part of the herd now?”

“No,” replied Mapper. You are not part of the herd, but you are a herd matter and will be treated like you are herd. Don’t abuse the privilege.”

“Oh no!” Darkstar waved a hoof, “No! We won’t, I promise. We had a chat with Thespian when she showed us around the house.”

“Very good, the alpha mare has things well in hoof,” said Mapper. “By the way, I like your choice in outfits.”

Requiem snorted, “Like you’d ever dress so modestly.” Mapper could only shrug.

Darkstar looked at the outfit she was wearing, “Darkstar chose the dress, but I thought it was rather dull. Darkie chose the corset and socks.”

“The dress and socks would have been enough, but the rest really does add to the look,” said Mapper. “You should be able to turn any stallion’s head.”

Darkstar giggled, “Well not any stallion. We’ve had this discussion and I’m only going to flirt with a pony we really like.”

“That works,” said Mapper. “I’m going to head off and pick up Serenity. We’ll see you at the party tomorrow.”

Darkstar held up her hoof for a bump, “Alrighty, Mapper, see you then.” Mapper bumped hooves and trotted off.

Requiem watched Mapper turn a corner before she said, “I didn’t know unicorn magic worked that way. I thought it came from within and the horn was just a conduit.”

“It’s news to us too,” said Darkstar. “We didn’t think having a new horn would make much of a difference. At least I know why I’m weak. ‘Cos our horn is young.”

Requiem asked, “How did Luna heal your horn?”

Darkstar remembered that day like it was this morning. “The Princess removed the inhibitor and laid her horn on my head. She regrew my horn from the stump. She… She must have done more than just regrow it. She gave me a whole new core! Imagine the sheer power that would have taken… To give me a new core just like that.”

“Sounds like something you can bring up with her tomorrow,” said Requiem. “What do you want to do now, Darkstar?”

Darkstar shrugged, “I don’t know. I guess I have the whole day left, don’t I? Oh, I need to text Caffy to let him know I’m all right, and… Well I can hang out here and go to his shop later.”

“I don’t think you want a keeper,” stated Requiem. “That would include Caffy. If you’re back to this shop before six, I wouldn’t bother texting him. If you’re going to run late, then let him know you’ll make your own way home. What do you like to do besides dancing and pranking?”

“You’re right on that. I’ve had enough of keepers. I like the theater, and art. Any recommendations?”

“See Showmares. Lots of dancing, singing and it is a bit of fun. After the show, go backstage and ask for Recital. She, and her husband Trumpet, are both herd and in the show.” While Darkstar thought about that she added, “The show starts at seven and is over by ten, but it is a good chance that Recital will keep you longer.”

“Okay, that sounds like a good plan,” said Darkstar. “So, um, what happens now, regards us?”

Requiem feigned surprise. “And I thought you liked stallions.”

Darkstar laughed, “Ha, ha ha, I meant seeing you, like this.”

“Oh, good, I really didn’t want to get rid of my husband. He is my agent after all,” said Requiem with all seriousness. “That really depends on you. You haven’t told me what you plan to do with yourself in Manehatten, or if you are even going to stay in the city.”

“Well my current plan is to meet a hunky zebra tomorrow. Caffy’s aunt, Coffee Bean, is supposed to bring one to the party,” said Darkstar. “Raid is going to buy Mapper’s place and I’ll live with her until me and my stallion find a place of our own. Oh, Airmail said I could have a job at the paper. I was an investigated reporter in Canterlot, but Airmail said I could work the theater scene.”

“I work in the theater,” said Requiem, “When I’m not passing out coffee and advice. We can meet anytime on Wednesdays, or in the morning on Monday and Tuesday.”

“Okay, how about every Wednesday morning in your office. Same time as today?” Darkstar looked at Requiem’s cutie mark. “Working in the theater. I guess that explains your cutie mark.”

Requiem shook her head, “I got this megaphone as a cheerleader. That led to some bad experiences. How better to fix one’s self than to become a psychiatrist. Alas the theater is in my blood, so now I do both.”

Darkstar frowned, “Doc, does anypony in Equestria not have a bad experience? I mean, do we attract them?”

“I believe that we ponies with bad experiences tend to attract others of a like mind as a way of mutual support to see the world is not always dark,” said Requiem. “To be fair though, I think those that never experience anything bad, never experience anything.”

“I guess you’re right Doc.” Darkstar still looked grim, “Do you think I’ll get to a point where I don’t need Air Raid to look after me?”

“You are there now, Darkstar,” stated Requiem. “The moment both of you expressed the desire to live. I’m going to review your current medication, but for now stay the course on those. Did Thespian give you any special rules at the house?”

Darkstar nodded, “There was the one about no pranking, and the etiquette for asking herd members for sex. Also, I’m not allowed in the kitchen or access my meds unsupervised.”

Requiem replied, “Well the first two are standard rules. Is the kitchen because of the knife and the meds because you may overdose?” Darkstar blushed and nodded. “If I was to remove one, which would you like removed?”

“The kitchen!” Darkstar said quickly. “I want to help out proper in the house, and I’m a good cook.”

“As you know we trust, but we also verify. Let me give Thespian a call.” Requiem pulled out her phone and dialed. “Thespian… Greetings answering machine, it is I, doctor to the stars. Thespy, when you get this, I’m authorizing you to remove the no kitchen alone rule on Darkstar. See you tomorrow, and don’t wear out the zebra tonight.” She hung up her phone and turned to Darkstar. When you do get home, ask if she or Caffy checked the answering machine.”

“I can do that,” said Darkstar. “I guess I’ll just hang out here till the show then.”

“While there is plenty to do in Manehatten, and what I said earlier really only applies to the Broncs,” said Requiem.

“That is where I almost ended up if that zebra mare didn’t give me the right directions,” said Darkstar.

“Yes,” responded Requiem. “Zebras are not very trusting of magic, and Celestia is mostly unicorns, so you’ll fit right in there. Sadly, some of those unicorns cause mischief in the Broncs. Wait till you have your zebra escort to explore that area. You’ve been to Stallion Island and the Brooks is a lot like that. There is a beautiful fountain in the heart of Celestia you might want to see.”

“Okay, that sounds good too,” said Darkstar. “And now?”

“Now I leave you without a keeper.” Requiem laughed, “As for me, I have paperwork to do and notes to transcribe.” She gave Darkstar a hug, “Enjoy your freedom and enjoy the day. If you have any trouble you can call any of the herd.”

Darkstar returned the hug, “Thanks Doc, I’ll make this a life worth living.” With an added hoof bump she watch Requiem trot off. She did note the mare got another coffee before she left the park. “It’s just us now Darkie. It is, Darkstar.”