Author's Notes:

Songs included:
Led Zeppelin: Kashmir
Metallica: One

“Vinyl, can I see that letter you received?”

“Of course. What's up,” she asked

"I want to check something."

‘Vinyl Scratch, you are invited to play at club Darkside on Friday April 13 2035. Signed Don’.

“Something is screwy with this. Most everyone knows entering that area is a one-way trip. Why would they send this to you?”

“I haven't played a good show in a while; but you're right. Brian, would the two of you please accompany me there and play with me? We already have some songs that will work,” Vinyl asked

“Of course. You're family and we don't want anything to happen to you. Right, honey,” Octavia answered

“Exactly. You and I are going to have our appearance altered for the time being. I don't need anyone knowing who we are, as royalty doesn't belong there. I'm wearing my jacket and will be fully armed with both my katana and butterfly swords.”

“What are we going to look like,” Octavia asked

“I'm going to be a gray pegasus with mane included and I'll have you be a green earth pony with gray hair. Cutie marks will be altered as well.”

“If you're going to be a pegasus, how are you going to use magic,” Vinyl asked

“The spell I found alters the appearance while keeping your abilities intact. So, a pegasus disguised as an earth pony can fly; while a unicorn, or alicorn can still perform magic.”

The day of the performance came and Brian used the spell successfully, having never tried anything like it before. Their cutie marks were completely different. Brian's was a shield with two instrument bows crossed behind it. Octavia’s featured a bow being drawn back, but instead of an arrow, was another instrument bow. They also agreed on altering their names for the evening. Brian became ‘K-Nightmare’; while Octavia simply became ‘the Mistress of the Bow’. They decided on getting a picture taken just to have it. Melody was over at Twilight’s for the day just in case.

“Wow. You two look amazing,” Vinyl exclaimed

“It is different to say the least. I just hope we don't have to do this again. I want to look in a mirror and see my own reflection staring back, not someone else,” Octavia said

“Hopefully this night goes without a hitch. If not, I'm completely prepared,” Brian said strapping on the blades and jacket

The three of them walked over to the club with Brian trailing a few steps back to spot anyway out of place. Just before reaching the front doors, he joined them as the bouncer waved them inside once Vinyl explained the other were assistants. Looking around the inside, it reminded Brian of a strip club as one area contained a stage with a pole on it as various mares performed for the stallions there.

“Ah, Miss Scratch. You made it. Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am the owner of Club Darkside, Don. We cater to any interest a visitor might have. All of the girls are workers as well as a special selection for some,” Don said

“What kind of selection,” Vinyl asked curiously

Don lowered his voice and said simply, “fillies.”

Hearing that made Brian's blood boil. Not only was this a haven for prostitution, but to use children as workers was another low. Looking around, he saw drugs were prevalent as many didn't seem to care.

“Stallions and Mares, the act you've been waiting to hear, DJ PON-3,” the announcer called as the room cheered

“Allow me to introduce my friends. She is the Mistress of the Bow and her partner, K-Nightmare,” Vinyl said

The two were handed a pair of electric cellos and Octavia seemed to be hesitant. She'd seen her husband using one, but she preferred to use a wooden body.

Brian led the two in playing Led Zeppelin’s Kashmir while Vinyl supplied the beat they created. Having never heard the song, the crowd cheered as Vinyl played a few of her favorite songs to the audience's liking. An hour later, the trio finished but were asked for an encore that Brian led by playing Metallica’s One.

“Miss Scratch, could I see you and your friend in my office please,” Don asked

“Of course. K-Nightmare, will you be okay alone for a while,” Vinyl answered

“Go nuts. I'll grab a drink in the meantime.”

Brian headed over to the bar and ordered punch to drink, after seeing it contained no alcohol. As he was finishing his glass, he felt a tugging on his jacket and saw a blue unicorn filly to be the cause.

“Excuse me mister. My name is Stardust. Would you like to have some fun,” the filly asked

“Nice to meet you Stardust, I'm K-Nightmare. Please lead the way to somewhere private.”

Brian was led to the back and entered a room that simply contained a bed to use. He secretly used his magic to seal off the room as he wanted to make sure this was private.

“Can we just talk please,” Stardust asked

“Of course. Allow me to retrieve one thing out of my bag. And don't worry, this room is completely silent,” Brian said
withdrawing his phone “This is my phone. Do you mind if I took a picture of you before I record our conversation?”

“Okay, I guess. No one has ever asked me that before,” she said

“Could you please identify yourself. This will be shown to a friend in the hopes they can help you.”

“My name is Stardust. I'm seven years old and a slave to the owner of Club Darkside, Don. My mother, Cherry Burst visited once before and was indebted to the club for ‘saving’ her. Once Don found out about me, I was forced to work here. I have been working here a week and my mom has been here a month. Please help,” Stardust said into the video

“It's hard to believe prostitution is permitted here, along with the use of fillies. Hopefully something can be done to help everyone out.”

● VINYL ●

“My dear Vinyl. I'd like to make you an offer. You can work here as our permanent DJ, while your friend here would make a fine attraction to the customers,” Don said

“Could you allow us some time to think about your offer? This is a big chance and I want to make sure I make the right decision.”

“Of course. I will give you until next week to answer. In the meantime, here is the payment for your performance tonight,” Don said

● BRIAN ●

After the meeting with Stardust, he gave her a small pouch with 100 bits for everything. He headed back out to the bar to get another drink of punch to calm himself down.

“Hey asshole,” a random stallion yelled

“You talking to me,” Brian asked gesturing to himself

“Yeah, you. I don't like you,” came the reply

“So be it. I wasn't here to please everyone.”

The stallion walked over to Brian and stood on his hind legs and punched. Brian calmly stopped the arm at what would be the wrist and redirected the attack, hoping to calm his attacker down. It worked momentarily as the same stallion returned and started throwing insults to rile Brian up.

“Your mother was a whore! Hell, I bet most everyone here fucked her at least once,” the stallion yelled

The second time, the stallion simply walked over to the bar and grabbed an empty bottle and smashed it, creating a sharp weapon to attack Brian. He stopped it the same way, but this time in order to teach his opponent a lesson, Brian used his other hoof and struck the arm in the middle and pushed. The force broke the arm and caused the stallion to stagger to his friends.

“Now, take that as a warning and stay down.”

Now enraged, the stallion lunged for a third time. Brian took him down and grabbed the broken arm and flipped his opponent on his stomach and wrenched the arm upwards.

“Tap or snap. Your choice.”

“Fuck you,” came the reply

“Snap it is,” Brian said falling backwards causing the already broken arm to become a compound fracture as everyone saw the bone sticking through the skin

“Get him to the hospital now. As for you; follow me,” the bouncer ordered

“My brother will hear about this,” the stallion yelled as he left

Brian noticed that instead of being taken directly to the owner, he was led to one of the other rooms. Once he was inside, the bouncer used his magic to seal the room before speaking.

“Sorry for the secrecy. I am Osmond Bell and I know who you really are; Prince Dragnov. I was a member of Celestia’s elite guard before it was disbanded and I became Don’s bouncer and bodyguard. The stallion who attacked you is one of Don’s mercenaries. You don't think it was an accident Vinyl was brought here, do you? He wants her to work for him and Octavia to be another prostitute here. You already have proof with Stardust that he has fillies here as well,” Osmond explained

“Why haven't you reported this to Celestia? She could have helped.”

“That's bullshit and you know it. She doesn't want to seen as a dictator, so she allows this to happen. I'll try to help in any way I can to stop this,” he retorted

“Thanks. Let's see your boss and explain about the attack. I'll try and record the conversation in case he admits anything.”

Brian was led to Don’s office and was pushed inside by Osmond, who had to play his role of the bouncer. Brian made sure to keep a tape recorder up his sleeve to record the conversation.

“Sir, sorry to interrupt you, but I caught this one assaulting another patron,” Osmond said

“Is this true? You attacked a patron,” Don demanded

“No. I defended myself against an attacker.”

“I welcome you here and you assault my patrons. You are lucky you were with Miss Scratch here, or I'd have you thrown out! I run a business that caters to its patrons darkest desires. If they want to partake in drugs, I offer it. To those who want a mare for a while, they can take it. Even the very few that want a filly can fulfil that desire. The princesses are scared of me and can't do a damn thing about it! There's a reason I am the Don. I run this entire area! I am un-fucking-touchable,” Don boasted unaware this was being recorded “Thank you for you entertainment. I expect an answer next week.”

“I'll escort these three out for you boss,” Osmond suggested

“Thank you Os. What would I do without you,” Don mused

Osmond led them out of the room, but instead of directing them to the front, pointed to a back exit. They understood and quietly left the building. As they walked away, the cries of a mare filled the air as they stopped.

“Stay here and let me handle this.”

Sticking to the shadows, he saw the mare in question was being beaten and raped. Brian quietly slipped behind her attacker and dragged him backwards before snapping his neck.

“Don't be afraid. I came to help.”

“What happened to him? I'm Cherry Burst, by the way,” she said

“He's dead. I've met your daughter inside. I'm K-Nightmare.”

Brian pulled out a scroll and wrote a message explaining what happened. Instead of signing, he drew his cutie mark and handed Cherry the scroll.

“Please head to the hospital and hand them this message.”

“Thank you so much,” she said

“I would hold on thanking me right now. Your boss won't be too pleased at what happened.”

“Some other time, I will thank you again,” Cherry said leaving

“Let's get home,” Brian said to the girls

The three of them made sure not to take a direct path in order to lose anyone who may have been following them. After a while, they made it back without incident as Brian planned to leave.

“I'll be back in a while. I need to see the princesses.”

“Be safe,” Octavia said hugging her husband

Brian removed the enchantment from them and teleported directly to Celestia’s throne room, which startled them.

“Brian, this is a surprise. We did receive a message from the hospital that contained your cutie mark. Is this visit related to that,” Celestia asked

“Before I answer, let's silence the room,” he said doing so “The hospital visit is part of it.”

“What happened,” Luna asked

“The three of us were at Club Darkside for Vinyl’s performance. I don't think you know, but it happens to be a den of prostitution.”

“That isn't that bad,” Celestia said

“The problem is filly prostitution.”

“That is a problem. What do you propose,” Celestia asked

“I'd like to borrow at least eight of your Lunar guard, for starters. Secondly, I was hoping you could give us shadow-walking for a while.”

“Done and done. What and when do you need this,” Luna answered

“For what, you don't need to know. As to when; tomorrow night.”

“Alright. We will have everything ready by then,” Celestia said

Brian headed home and spent the next day preparing for what he was going to do that evening. He wouldn't get into details, but told Octavia he had some business to take care of. That evening, he received a message that Luna would meet him at Twilight’s castle.

“I'm heading to see Twilight. It's part of what I have to do.”

“Be safe,” Octavia said before he left

“Nice to see you Brian. Luna is here with eight guards. It's just us. Spike is with Ember in the Dragon lands and Trixie and Starlight are out,” Twilight said

“What do you have planned for this evening,” Luna asked

“The eight of you will be escorting the girls out of the club and to the hospital. After that, you are dismissed.”

Luna put the shadow-walking ability on the nine of them as Brian led everyone to Club Darkside.

“Osmond, I need a little assistance,” Brian said from the shadows

“What can I do,” Osmond asked as Brian popped up

“There's eight Lunar guards here. They are going to get the girls outside. You need to get them to the hospital.”

“Of course. What are you going to do,” Osmond asked

“Don't worry about it. Just don't return.”

Brian slipped away and assisted the others in making sure there wasn't anyone missing. After checking everywhere, including any possible hidden rooms, he was informed by a guard the job was done.

“You're done,” Brian asked as the guard nodded “Good. Get everyone and leave. No one needs to see what's going to happen.”

Once the building was cleared of guards, Brian noticed another presence and was surprised to find it was Discord. Discord simply nodded in acknowledgement and snapped his fingers, causing the doors to be completely locked and barred, preventing escape.

“Ignis, take over.”

Brian allowed his Nightmare form to emerge and noticed the eyes were red and was glad at that. He altered his appearance to look like the Grim Reaper with a skull face and his sword instead of the scythe.

“All of you are guilty. Rape and prostitution of others will be punished,” Ignis said channeling his inner ‘Ghost Rider’

“And who are you supposed to be,” someone asked

“Your death.”

Before anyone could react, Ignis took his blade and sliced a few of them in half. In moments the entire room of 49 stallions was completely eliminated with only one left; the club owner, Don. As he left the room, he causally kicked aside one of the many decapitated heads in his way.

“Hello, Don. You've been rather naughty, haven't you? Allowing the rape of innocent fillies? Your soul is stained with the blood of the innocent. Your crimes have been listed. The punishment is death.”

Instead of using his sword, Brian used lightning and sent it coursing through Don’s body destroying the internal organs before finally exploding the heart. Brian grabbed a knife and carved three words into the body: ‘prostitution’ and ‘filly prostitution’ were written from the arms into his chest, while his forehead bore the word ‘guilty’. Brian then proceeded to crucify Don and placed the body outside the building before returning inside.

“Discord.”

“Yes,” he asked

“Grab all the paperwork about this place and deliver it to Celestia. Employee records, banking papers; everything. Thank you.”

“And what are you going to do,” Discord asked

“Make one big statement.”

Brian proceeded to head back to the bar and poured the alcohol around the building. When that ran out, he withdrew a few gallons of gasoline to continue the process of soaking the building. Once he walked outside, a simple spark from a lightning bolt was all that was needed to engulf the building in flames. All he needed to do was disappear into the shadows and wait.

“Brian, read this,” Octavia said handing him the morning newspaper

“Let’s see; ‘Local business owner Don found dead and his business burned down’. Not a bad thing.”

Before anything else could be said, a letter from Celestia arrived with a simple message.

My castle NOW-Celestia
Carriages are sent

Brian and his wife and daughter, along with Vinyl boarded one carriage while Twilight and the others were in a second. Once they arrived, everyone was directed to the throne room. Waiting for them was the princesses, the eight Lunar guard members and Discord. The door was closed and the room was made soundproof for the outburst that was about to happen.

“DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'VE DONE? YOU TOOK MATTERS INTO YOUR OWN HOOVES,” Celestia yelled using the Royal Canterlot Voice “THIS IS…”

“SHUT YOU DAMN MOUTH FOR ONCE,” Brian yelled back “You don't know a fucking thing that happened. Yeah, I have one count of arson and 50 counts of murder against me, but I also saved countless mares and fillies that were used as prostitutes.”

“Did you say fillies,” Fluttershy asked shocked by the remark

“I did. You never knew this was happening as you never tried to help. Discord, please set up a projector for my phone.”

“Certainly,” Discord replied

‘My name is Stardust. I'm seven years old and a slave to the owner of Club Darkside, Don. My mother, Cherry Burst visited once before and was indebted to the club for ‘saving’ her. Once Don found out about me, I was forced to work here. I have been working here a week and my mom has been here a month. Please help.’

“And another you need to hear. Right from the bastard’s mouth,” he said withdrawing the tape recorder

‘I run a business that caters to its patrons darkest desires. If they want to partake in drugs, I offer it. To those who want a mare for a while, they can take it. Even the very few that want a filly can fulfil that desire. The princesses are scared of me and can't do a damn thing about it! There's a reason I am the Don. I run this entire area! I am un-fucking-touchable!’

“There you have it. Undeniable proof the sumbitch was a scumbag. In fact, both Vinyl and Octavia were close to becoming slaves themselves. If you signed that contract, you would literally be making a deal with a devil. Lucifer, himself, is a better man then Don.”

“Now that he is dead you can take control of the area and help everyone there. As to the mare in the hospital you were informed about last night; that was Cherry Burst, the mother you saw to the filly in the video. She was being beaten and raped and I killed her attacker; saving her. There's another I put in the hospital with a compound fracture.”

“What did you do,” Octavia asked

“Got into a fight with a drunk patron. He swung once and I blocked it. Second time, I broke his arm hoping it would stop him. Third time, I completely shattered it, leaving it sticking out.”

“Why would you take matters into your own hooves,” Twilight asked

“Celestia gave me permission. Years ago, I joked about having a ‘license to kill’. You said I could do whatever I needed to, you just didn't want to know the results. Everyone knows now about his crimes as I made sure it was seen. You're welcome, by the way.”

“You are right. I did give you permission because I thought you could do what I couldn't. Luna’s elite Midnight guard was sometimes tasked with demolition or assassinations. My elite guard was the same until I disbanded them and allowed yours to take its place. Perhaps now, we can rebuild the area and change things,” Celestia said

“I'm just glad Brian did everything. He seemed to take pleasure in it. You wouldn't want to see a very angry God of Chaos. Not even you saw that side when I ruled all those centuries ago,” Discord said “By the way, Brian. Here's a file you might want to see.”

‘Vinyl Scratch: alias DJ-PON3
Known Associates:
Lyra Heartstrings
Bonbon; aka Sweetie Drops
Octavia Melody
Brian Dragnov; current Equestrian Prince and Alicorn
Harmony Dragnov
Melody Dragnov'

“Mother fucker. He knew. That bastard knew it was us the entire time.”

“How did he get that,” Octavia asked

“Most of that is common knowledge, but I've never told anyone,” Vinyl said

“What are we going to do with those that were rescued last night,” Celestia asked
“Let alone, what will become of the area where the club stood?”

“In the meantime, they are going to stay at my castle. As for the area, have some guards assist in the cleanup. Now, if we're done; there are a few people I want to see.”

“Very well. You're dismissed,” Celestia said removing the enchantments on the door

Once everyone arrived back at Ponyville, Brian headed to the hospital to see the two patients he admitted. Knowing royalty was present, no one stopped him as he walked the corridors.

“Good afternoon. I came to check on you. I was informed you were beaten and raped the other night. Is that correct?”

“Yes it is. Thank you for saving me that night, by the way,” Cherry Burst said

“Thank you for getting rid of that big meanie,” Stardust said hugging him

“Sadly, neither of those were my doing. Royalty wouldn't have the right to take another life. Someone else made sure it was done. I came to inform you that after you are discharged, both of you will be staying in my castle.”

“What about the other girls,” Cherry asked

“Paperwork was sent to the princesses that includes files on everyone. We will work on trying to reunite families together. In the meantime, they will also be staying at my castle. Don't worry, there's plenty of room.”

“Thank you for that. Many of them were taken from their families and haven't seen them in years,” Cherry said

“Thank you Prince Dragnov,” Stardust said

“You're both very welcome.”

After he left, the next person to visit was upstairs. Brian pulled out a special scooter for the stallion whose arm he broke. Brian wanted to make sure he could still walk.

“You! You did this to me! You broke my fucking arm,” the stallion yelled

“It wasn't me. You must have made someone angry. Besides, this is the first time I've met you. I did, however, want to give you this. It'll help you get around easier.”

“If it wasn't you, who was it,” the stallion asked

“I don't know. I've seen broken bones before in medical books. Due to the extent of yours, I'd guess surgery may be the only way to correct the bone. The good news is, you'll live. Bad news is, you'll probably be in a cast for nearly a year.”

“If you do find the jerk, break his arm for me, would you,” the stallion asked

“I'll try. They could have fled the city by now.”

“Damn. Thank you anyways,” the stallion said

As Brian headed out of the hospital, a green unicorn with red hair 'accidentally' bumped into him.

“Oops. I'm sorry. I'm Osmond Bell. It's nice to meet you,” Osmond said

The two left together and headed to a nearby alley where Brian encased the area in a soundproof bubble, so they could talk privately without being overheard.

“Brian, thank you for what you did,” Os said

“You're welcome. When I was human, I heard about some places that had child prostitution and couldn't believe it. Here, I decided to do something about it.”

“What exactly did you do when I left,” Os asked

“You don't want to know. Just be glad you weren't there. By the way; how did Don get the information?”

“He had spies everywhere feeding him information. I wouldn't be too surprised if some of the spies were changelings,” Os replied

“Great. I'll let the princesses know about that and hope it's not a pest infestation.”

After Osmond departed, Brian teleported to the castle to inform them of the newest revelation. As he entered, guards were busy reading over the documents to get family information.

“Brian, what's new,” Celestia asked

“I think I have an idea of where Don may have gotten from. Osmond Bell, a former member of your elite guard, and former bodyguard to Don, mentioned it. It was a joke, but in this case, it can't be overlooked; changelings.”

“That's not possible. The last time they attacked was under the command of Chrysalis during Cadence and Shining’s wedding. Afterwards, a changeling named Thorax, was supposed to have changed them,” Celestia replied

“I'm guessing it could be a fringe group of changelings that want to go back to the ‘old ways’.”

“I hope that isn't true. But, if it is true the changelings are back, what will you do,” she asked

“Depending on their intentions, I may do some ‘pest control’.”

After their meeting, Osmond was overseeing operations in reconstructing the area while the Solar guards assisted. With the support of the residents in the area, the club was rebuilt and turned into a shelter for the mares and fillies that were involved in Don’s prostitution.