Shadow got back to his room and had to figure out how to handle the guns and equipment he had stuffed in his bags. It wasn’t organized properly for the long haul and he had to go back and retrieve the rest in the morning.

A knock came at the door and Shadow opened it.

“Strawberry?” Shadow asked confused.

“I am here to serve your wants and desires,” She said seductively. “Marjoram sends her thanks.”

Strawberry carefully pushed a confused Shadow back so she could enter. She shut the door and breathed a huge sigh of relief.

“I hate having to act like that,” She panted. “Marjoram found out you paid for me last night, and that I said you were very satisfied and so they sent me to do it again. Happy customers are better for all.”

“Huh,” Shadow said, unsure what else to say. “Unexpected. I probably should have foreseen this type of, generosity. But I never frequent this scene. Or know anything about it.”

“Well,” Strawberry shrugged. “This stuff happens often for the high rollers. And I would be in trouble if I didn’t tell you that whatever you want, I am yours.” She was serious. “What ever you want.”

Shadow nodded politely. “Thank you. But your company will be all that I desire.”

Shadow walked over the chair and picked up the dress he had Strawberry wear last night. He handed it to her.

“Thanks,” Strawberry blushed. “It gives me dignity. Something very lacking here for us.”

“Everype,” Shadow caught himself and gave a cough to try and cover the mistake. “Everypony deserves dignity.”

Strawberry took the dress into the bathroom to change, rather than tossing it over the lingerie She found Shadow sorting the guns into new piles.

“What are you doing?” She asked. “I don’t know what I am looking at except for guns.”

“Preparing,” Shadow replied distracted. “I have one more day of picking, but I have zeroed in on what I want. I am preparing things for final packing and hauling to Trottingham. Do you have saddlebags?”

“No,” Strawberry said shaking her head. “I have never needed them. And saddlebags are not sexy.”

“Well, I will solve that,” Shadow replied. “I plan to leave the morning after tomorrow. An early start because of the weight. If you still are coming, I will need you there tomorrow morning.”

“You know, doing some gambling tonight would look good,” Strawberry said. “With me on your arm, even loosing some, would give them a better view. Somepony who came here for something else, but who found enjoyment. It might even get me sent here tomorrow night.”

Shadow looked directly at her. “You don’t know how to leave, do you?”

“No, I do not. I spent the day hiding during my off time. If they knew I was well rested, then I might be pulled in to work.”

“Well then,” Shadow smiled standing up. “I have a tux here in my bags. It fits, so I was saving it. Its nice to have fancy clothes that fit me that are not dresses. I will get dressed and we shall hit the floor for a bit.”

Strawberry gave a half laugh. Shadow changed in the bathroom. He had to be careful. He was entering a dangerous, relaxed zone where his wings might be exposed. If she found out, she would have to die. Shadow didn’t want to have to punish her for his mistake.

The suit was loose, but Shadow knew how to keep his wings tucked in tight. He put his stetson on and they departed with Strawberry close at his side. She was almost a natural at making the client feel at ease. Admired. Wanted.

She knew how to get Shadow to push his luck one extra time. In craps it paid off, at the roulette table Shadow took it too far, twice. It was a unique experience. He was still the most serious gambler in the casino, but he was willing to throw some of the caps away for the facade. If he could get Strawberry back the next night, things would work out very well.

Shadow slept on the couch again. They were in bed much later than he had planned, but he could handle it. Shadow woke up later than planned, as Strawberry left. The dress was neatly laid out on the bed. Shadow left it there, hopefully for the next night.

He was off at a quick pace back to the safe room. Shadow quickly opened it up and got to work. He was better prepared to gather it all. There were some heavy duty saddlebags inside to help carry the last bits Shadow wanted to carry. On the way out, Shadow did swing by and nab the radio he had spotted before. It had to fetch a decent price, especially as pristine as it was. It was a bit of a wobble balancing it all. Shadow would do better for tomorrow, when he had ample time to arrange it all.

“My my,” Marjoram said, surprising Shadow as he entered the casino.

The stuff wobbled and Shadow struggled to get it under control. He desperately wished he had his wings for balance.

“It’s disorganized,” Shadow panted. “I have a plan for carrying it all out.”

“By yourself? You are not the biggest pony.” Marjoram was poking at him.

“I will leave here with it all on my back,” Shadow grunted as he moved towards the elevator. “I have it all planned out.”

“I do not wish to see your stay end, but I do wish to see this.”

“Well,” Shadow said holding the elevator open. “I am going to get this up to the room. Maybe I will find time to hit the casino floor again. Last night was a blast. I have never done anything like it. Its always work work work for me.”

“I do so hope you find time to relax,” Marjoram said as the doors closed.

Marjoram trotted back to her office. A black Unicorn came in wearing a tux.

“How is the mark on our high roller?”

“Strawberry had a good effect on him last night, but she isn’t enough. I suggest we send him Mist. She is alluring and will draw him out of that work mode. I think we can draw him in for more than what we sold him. I think we can nab all the stuff he brought back.”

“Good, then send him Mist.”

“Just one thing. He sticks to things well. He might not like a change.”

“Can Strawberry handle playing with both?”

“She never has done it before. She is primarily a dancer. But I will pull her in, just in case. Make sure she is ready.”

Shadow was in the middle of his pile when a knock came at the door. He stumbled to his feet and opened the door. A light blue Unicorn mare with a blue tinted white mane was standing before him. She was in an elegant white evening gown. One Shadow had just sold them. She was shimmering.

Shadow tapped her horn, ending the enchantment. “And you are?”

“I am Mist,” She smiled. “I am here for your company. For your enjoyment. You are a hard working stallion and I like that. There is a lot more in you than one would think. I can get you back on the card tables. You just have to have me on your hip. All fun, no cost. Compliments of Marjoram for your services the other day.”

“Thanks, but no,” Shadow said closing the door.

Her hoof expertly blocked it without messing up her perfect hooficure.

“I’m all yours, compliments of the house. What is stopping you from wanting to have some real fun tonight?”

Shadow rolled his eyes. “If I want company, I want Strawberry.”

“Oh dear,” She laughed a bit. “Strawberry is a fine lady, but I am the best. And only the best for such a good friend of Marjoram.”

Shadow grumbled a sigh. “Best, in the case, is relative. What is best in my eyes, isn’t best in others. I have different tastes.”

“Well,” Mist said fanning herself with her hoof. “I will inform Marjoram of your desires. But, meet me in the bistro for dinner at 6. My treat. I will see what I can do about Strawberry.”

Mist turned and left. Shadow closed the door and made sure it was locked. The game had changed. He had a lot of caps, much more than he had when he bartered for the right to scavenge. And something more important, he had Strawberry’s attention. And she wanted out. Or at least that is what she said.

Shadow drew Kifo Herixleta and focused on slowly icing the blade over. Making the ice form in the patterns he wanted it to.

“What do you think?” Shadow asked Kifo Herixleta. “Who is playing me? What is the game?”

“The game is get as much out of you as possible. Of that, I am sure. Your gambit to get Strawberry back tonight worked too much. They see your value, and not just your caps. Everything. You have amassed a whole caravan’s amount and they want it. You did the pickings for them. Marjoram was definitely waiting for you to come back today.”

“And if I can’t get Strawberry?”

“Loose. And loose interest in playing, even the cards. Then quit for the evening and don’t let her in. If they do not send Strawberry to you tonight, wait another. Try playing. See if you can get her back. If not, then something is wrong on her end and leave. Come back for her. Her desire to leave would have been discovered and they won’t let her out of their sight.”

“You still want to rob them, correct?”

“If I can. But I have a lot to carry.”

“You will figure that out. Carry me to dinner. Remove my coverings and flash me. It will drive them nuts.”

Shadow began to unwrap Kifo Herixleta. He sheathed the blade and uncovered the rest. Shadow had to move quick to balance everything properly. Tonight would not mean rest if things went as he hoped.

Shadow dressed up and slipped the gilded blade on. He headed down to dinner with the Stetson on his head. The host knew him immediately and led him past the waiting ponies to the table where Mist was. She smiled at Shadow as he sat down.

“I spoke with my boss,” Mist smiled coyly. “And they were going to talk with Strawberry. But she is more the performer. Sure, she can handle herself in bed to your expectations, but she isn’t somepony who can take you to new heights under the covers. I am on reserve for the very best.”

Shadow decided to shoot straight. “And if I wasn’t doing anything with her outside of talking and enjoying her company? For who she is?”

Mist was taken aback, but recovered. “Now, why would somepony like you do that? We are here to please you. We can do a lot more than talk. And from her accounts, you did more than that. I can match her skill and double it.”

“You don’t like to listen,” Shadow stated. “That you can’t match.”

“Well,” She said fluttering her eyelids. “If you actually want to talk, I will listen. But so far, all I have gotten out of you is confusion.”

Shadow rolled his eyes. “Fine. Do you see this blade?” Shadow drew Kifo Herixleta and set it on the table. “See how intricate it is and them gemstones inlaid into the steel itself? Do you know how somepony gets something like this?”

“Uhh,” Mist stammered.

“You don’t want to know,” Shadow said in a low voice.

“I am here to listed,” Mist grinned, not backing down. She was staring deep into Shadow’s eyes, trying to connect and rope him in.

“Alright then. Listen to the tale of… Mwokozi. I was traveling with some friends when we stumbled upon him. And worse, his hoard. A Zebra general turned Ghoul by their own magic with a full army locked away inside with him.”

Shadow got excited, and put all he could into scaring her. “They were trapped until we accidentally freed them. Only his mind was intact. But that was all. Things were falling off. I can see you don’t know much about Ghouls. Nasty, sticky beings where the flesh is rotting on them, but doesn’t quite fall off. If their mind is good, its like a normal pony, but Ferals only know the lust for flesh and blood.

“They shamble around, always searching, never sleeping. We opened their hiding place and found ourselves surrounded. It wasn’t long before we were hacking them apart with our little combat knives. Our ammo wasn’t infinite. It was beyond messy. I had to change clothes, into Zebra gear for some relief and new protection. They charge and bite and try and transfer their disease.”

Mist pulled back without thinking. Shadow smirked. She was right where he wanted her.

“She is failing,” The Black Unicorn in the tux told Strawberry. “It’s simple. Keep him happy. Get him to play, as much as possible. But more like last night. Make him feel like luck is on his side by your presence. When it comes to the pairs, let Mist lead. She won’t have a problem leading it. Just trust her. Do this right, and it might get you off the tables into easier work like this.”

Strawberry repeated the basics of it. “Just back her up. Let her run the show, just keep him happy. And, keep him playing.”

She received a silent nod of approval and headed over to the table. She was wearing a soft green dress with blue stars and trim. Strawberry sat down next to Shadow and gave a quick wink.

“Sorry I was late. It took me longer than expected to get ready. I am not used to being the evening companion, like Mist is. Which is why, you get a special treat. Both of us. Marjoram wants to let you know how thankful she is that you recovered those items.”

Shadow nodded in understanding. “Well, I was just regaling Mist with the story of how I got my sword.”

Strawberry raised an eyebrow. “Killed a ridiculous amount of ponies for it?”

“Zebra Ghouls,” Shadow corrected. “Very messy. Very tough. The fight against the general was horrible. I pounded his head into the floor. He broke my leg and almost me.”

“Zebra is a new one,” Strawberry said, trying to gain an air of sophistication.

“Not for me,” Shadow replied. “But an army of Ghouls is one thing. I had companions with me then. I have seen a lot more scary and concerning things on my travels.”

“Like Black Widow?” A stallion asked from the next table over. “My wife and I are here because we had to get out of Trottingham. She killed a pony in the market. Again!”

“Again?” Shadow asked. “I’ve heard of Black Widow, but only once on the radio. DJ Pon3 said something about the name. What is going on?”

“She killed somepony two days ago,” The mare said. “First one was the shop keeper, then a scavenger. We saw both. The city guards are afraid of her.”

“I was preparing for this trip when the shop keeper was killed,” Shadow said, concerned. “But somepony else spells bad news. What was the reason for the second one?”

“A murder,” The stallion replied. “Years ago though. Few even remember it. Not until it was brought to light again. It still is debated if he did it, but Black Widow passed judgment.”

“And who is Black Widow?” Strawberry asked.

“A shadow,” The stallion said. “She claims to deal justice, but she kills raiders and ponies alike. With or without proof. She has done good, but many ponies are concerned about her claims to purge and unify the land. They wonder who will have to fall. She hasn’t laid any guidelines out yet, only bodies.”

“What if she comes here,” Strawberry said without thinking.

The pair laughed. “There are ponies here, she couldn’t. The guards are well trained. Ponyville was fractured, a bunch of small raider gangs. They are unified here. A killing or two in public in Trottingham isn’t the same as taking on the whole city.”

Shadow sat back, thinking. He looked at the blade laying on the table. Somepony was a copycat. And that had to be dealt with to the highest degree. And publicly. Equestria had to know there was only one Black Widow. There was only one who could mend the rift torn by the war. And it wasn’t some Earth Pony or a Unicorn. Pegasi tore it and a pegasi had to mend it.

Both Strawberry and Mist was disturbed and didn’t feel secure. Mist was able to put it aside and swing back into character.

“Well, murderous pony or not, you are here and you might as well have fun while you can. You can’t fix that problem. We all just need to relax and enjoy ourselves. The White Glove Society is here to provide that rest and relaxation, as well as unparalleled fun.”

Shadow slipped Kifo Herixleta off the table and into it’s sheath with a smile. “Yes. All that is outside doesn’t matter. Enjoy what we have right here, right in front of us.”

Strawberry hugged Shadow for comfort. It was broken as their dishes were brought for them. They hadn’t placed an order, but Marjoram was going to give everything she could to keep him happy and distracted. It was the best food they could provide.

After dinner, they headed out onto the casino floor. It was a lot more crowded than before, probably a direct result of the last killing. Shadow stepped over to a roulette table. He put 25 chips on Red 5. The wheel spun and the ball was let loose.

Red 23.

Shadow exchanged 300 more caps and put 25 on Red 5. They waited anxiously for the ball to stop.

Red 5.

Shadow pulled his winnings to the side and left the same 25 on Red 5. He gave a nod to the dealer. She smiled back and spun the wheel. The ball went round and round and skipped to it’s stop.

Red 5.

“Again?” Strawberry asked as Shadow kept the 25 on Red 5.

Shadow nodded.

Black 31.

Shadow placed 25 more chips on Red 5.

00.

Shadow quietly shook his head and picked up his chips.

“To somewhere that makes sense!” Shadow announced.

They wondered a bit and Shadow stopped at the craps table. It was crowded, but ponies noticed his party and that he had money. They wanted to see a high roller play and Shadow obliged.

Shadow tossed the dice, resulting in his come out roll of 5.

“That five is certainly your friend,” Mist whispered in his ear. “Ride it.”

Shadow had eight throws before the dice betrayed him with a 7. The dice stayed with Shadow and he upped his bets. The throw was a 7, ending the round. He tossed another 5 and it was game on. Two tosses later he rolled another 7, ending that round. He lost a good deal on the last throw.

Mist enticed Shadow to play black jack. It turned favorable, fast. It was a pretty quiet game, but Mist was right there, maintaining light contact with Shadow. He definitely felt the pressure to show off.

“Not bad,” Mist smiled after another successful win. “But now that you have some real caps. You should try Baccarat. It’s another card game, similar to black jack, but in a private room. Its a high stakes game. Lots of fun.”

Shadow thought for a moment. It was getting late. At this point, he wasn’t trying to win caps, only look like he was having a good time. There was a lot to do to get ready to leave. Perhaps moving to the suggested game would get Mist to leave.

After learning the rules, Shadow set his bet and they began. It was calculated, with no real edge to either the house or the player. Shadow lost rounds and won rounds. A high roller could wreck or make a casino bank in a few rounds.

The banker drew the last card, winning the round and stripping Shadow of most of his winnings.

“Well,” Shadow said standing. “I think that is enough for the evening. I do not have enough caps to continue at this table, and it is getting late.”

“A wise move,” Mist cooed. “A wise player is so very hard to find. But now, a different type of game.”

Shadow rolled with the flirting and walked out, Strawberry and Mist in tow. They headed to his room. There was no shaking Mist. She had only grown more attached as the evening wore on.

As the door closed behind them, Shadow found Mist’s muzzle in his ear. “I am going to go freshen up. Just give me a minute. Strawberry needs to as well.”

Strawberry smiled sheepishly at Shadow, but didn’t head into the bathroom quite yet.

“We have to halt this,” Shadow whispered to her.

“Can you handle cuffs, or ties? Flip it so you tie her?”

“What?” Shadow asked. “Yes I can, but what?”

“Bondage play. Do you not know what that is?”

“No,” Shadow said shaking his head. “What?”

“When you tie the other down so they have no control and…”

“Why?” Shadow whispered back very confused.

“Because it’s sexy. A kink?”

“A what? Never mind. No. Cardinal Spitfire always melts into a pool of bliss. It would end bad. But what about keeping her out? Chems?”

“No,” Strawberry said shaking her head. “She uses. Both Med-X and Mint-als. Fairly heavy too. Drugs are off the table unless you want to overdose her.”

Shadow nodded. “Then we do it the hard way.”

Strawberry headed to the bathroom to freshen up. “Mist, he has never tried bondage.”

Mist purred. “A marvelous suggestion.”

Mist came out and walked to a picture on the wall. She pulled on it, allowing it to swing out from the wall. Behind it was a small safe. Her horn glowed and the safe cracked open. She pulled out a velvet bag from inside and closed it all back up.

Mist smiled mischievously. “The tools we need for a successful evening. Only special companions know where these are hidden, and more importantly, how to open them.”

Mist opened the bag and pulled out several pairs of fluffy hoofcuffs.

“These are the staples of the art. But I do not like their unyielding attitude. No, I prefer something like these silk ropes. Soft and smooth, but they won’t easily leave a mark. And then you have this, its a gag you place in the other’s mouth. It is oh so much fun to gag the other and have such control. Even better when you lose that control. This we won’t need, a Unicorn Horn Gag, to help block the use of magic. Strawberry is an Earth Pony.”

Shadow silently nodded as he was getting more and more anxious. They couldn’t find out he had wings.

Strawberry came out of the bathroom after freshening up. She had removed the dress and was in different lingerie than she had wore the previous evenings. Much nicer lingerie.

“On the bed dear,” Mist said to Strawberry.

Strawberry complied and Mist led Shadow into climbing on top of her. Mist gagged Strawberry first. Shadow took a rope from Mist. He looked down at Strawberry. She was doing what she could to keep calm, but she was not into this. She was terrified of being tied down.

Shadow followed after Mist in how to tie off the hoof snugly. He watched as she tied it off at special points on the headboard. Instead of leaning forward and tying his off, Shadow swiped the cuffs and had them clamped down on Mist’s hind hooves.

Mist turned around, unsure what was happened. Shadow shoved her off the edge of the bed and dove on her. The horn gag was in place before she could use her magic and Shadow drove a savage punch into Mist’s face. She would soon have a black eye from the hit. Mist couldn’t stop Shadow from restricting her airways and soon was passed out.

Shadow popped up on the bed and found himself staring at a very concerned Strawberry. She had tears in her eyes. Shadow pulled off the gag first and then undid her hoof. Mist was very good at securing things.

As Strawberry undid the binds on each hood, Shadow strapped the gag onto Mist. He began to truss up Mist so she couldn’t move. He wasn’t taking any chances. Her hooves were paired off for cuffing, and then Shadow cross cuffed them. For extra assurance, the cords were used to put her in a tight hold. It was tough, but Shadow soon had her pulled into the bathroom and into the shower.

He left her there, blind, gagged, cuffed and tied. The staff would find her in the morning.

“What is the plan?” Strawberry shakily asked Shadow.

“The window,” Shadow stated. “Get you out through it and then over the wall. To met up with me in the morning.”

“Outside!” Strawberry protested.

“It isn’t that bad,” Shadow reassured her. “And you can take a pistol to use for defense. But nothing will happen. It is calm around here.”

“What about Black Widow?”

“Black Widow isn’t going to do anything. She is just one pony and has other problems to deal with. Your chances are just as good out there as they are in here. Do you want out or not?”

Strawberry tried to control her breathing. She eventually had to suck air in and let it out into a single “Yes.”

Shadow forced open the window and poked his head out. It was a lot further down than he expected. Strawberry would never make it. Shadow stepped back in and trotted over to his gear.

Shadow pulled out the rope he was planning on using to keep the extra stuff in place. He cleaned off the coffee table and dragged it to the window. He tied the rope off on it and flipped it up against the window for his anchor.

“Climb on,” Shadow ordered.

“What?” Strawberry asked, terrified.

“Just hold onto my neck,” Shadow said, focusing on the way down. “I can get us down. Trust me. You have so far.”

Strawberry took a few deep breathes and walked over to Shadow. She got up on the ledge with him and grabbed on tight. Shadow carefully learned back and out, lowering them down slowly. He had good control. Strawberry was softly ‘eeeeking’ in his ear in fear as she held on.

The had to drop the last ten feet. Strawberry had a rough landing. Shadow rolled on his with practiced ease and he immediately began to move them out into the ruins. As they circled around, they had to avoid some random groups, but it went easily. It was just past midnight.

Shadow found a part of the wall that was close to debris and got them up and over it. Strawberry was shaking. She had never done anything like this. She had never snuck off, let alone left the Lux. Shadow led her a bit further in and sat her down in a hidden alcove in the ruins.

“Just stay here. I will get you by noon. You can defend here easily, but it won’t come to that.”

Shadow gave her the pistol and departed. He sprinted back to the wall. Despite his size, he easily vaulted up to the top and over. The rope hadn’t been discovered and Shadow climbed back up into his room.

Shadow sealed it all up and then checked on Mist. She was awake. When she heard him she thrashed as much as she could and screamed into the gag.

“Sorry Mist,” Shadow said. “I don’t have sex with anypony other than my wife. Strawberry understood and respected that. I had fun with her. Just with her company and talking. I didn’t plan on your joining in and have no idea what else to do.”

Shadow cut off her oxygen again to ease her time tied up.

It didn’t take long for Shadow to finalize his organization. The easy part was done. He not only had full bags, but plenty of loose gear that had to be tied down. Some of it would be passed off to Strawberry, but Shadow couldn’t rely on her to be able to carry much.

There was no time to rob the casino. Shadow would have to come back to specifically do that. For now, he had to make his escape.

Shadow stacked the bags on the bed. He expertly tipped them off, one by one, onto his back to carry. The radio was the last thing. It was jammed in between two bags and wouldn’t be moving. Shadow pushed out of the door and headed to the elevator.

Shadow tossed a bag with more than enough caps for the room to the front desk. As Shadow neared the front doors, Marjoram intersected him.

“My my,” She smiled at him. “You certainly did a lot the past few days. And you are going to carry it all back yourself?”

“It’s not far,” Shadow lightly grunted. “I can handle it. I’ve done worse, oddly.”

“You are just so small,” Marjoram replied. “But enough about stature. Did you have a good time?”

“Yes,” Shadow grunted with a smile. “I did. I didn’t get any sleep last night. But it was very enjoyable. I thank you for helping me get out of my overly focused mind for a bit to unwind. The extra thanks were appreciated. More than you can know. Now I have to get back to my job. Trottingham won’t move itself to me.”

Shadow trudged out the front door and down the street. He was shaking and moving awkwardly on purpose. He could steadily handle the weight and it’s distribution. He just needed to throw them off the trail at the start.

When they found Mist, they would come after him until they got to Trottingham. They would overrun Shadow easily. And he also had Strawberry to consider. Shadow would swing them south for a day before cutting west.

The gate was kindly opened and they wished him good luck and too see him back soon. Shadow continued as he was for a while until he was definitely out of their sight. Shadow made his way as quickly and covertly as possible to Strawberry.

“Strawberry, its safe to come out,” Shadow softly called.

Shadow heard her move and then stop right before coming out of the crevice. She looked around first before crawling out for sure.

“What can I carry?”

“The set of bags on the rear that are not tied down. And then the radio that is wedged in there. That will be all. Also, those bags have that dress so you can wear something decent.”

“That’s it?” Strawberry asked pulling off the first set of bags. Shadow head them hit the ground with an ‘umf’.

“It’s a lot harder than you would think,” Shadow replied.

“Yeah,” Strawberry grunted. “But I can handle it.”

They set off at the best pace they could make. Shadow didn’t explain his planned path to Strawberry. She didn’t care so long as they made it to Trottingham safely.

As the light went down, Shadow began to look for a good spot to spend the night.

“Do we have to?” Strawberry asked. “I would prefer to move quickly to the city without stops. It isn’t much further, right?”

Shadow let out a sigh. “No, it isn’t too far. We could probably make it by dawn. It shouldn’t carry too much risk.”

They cut a hard turn west and Shadow did what he could to pick up the pace. He had moved into his sleep deprived zone and was feeling it. They came to the city well after dawn. The guards gave Shadow a funny look, but no hassle.

“There you are!” Red Tip called out as they reached the marketplace. He trotted over to them. “Please tell me you got some smaller weapons. I’m sold out of my practical weapons. Black Widow is making ponies nervous and nervous ponies by guns.”

“I got some good ones,” Shadow panted. “I have to drop stuff off at my place first though.”

“Come on,” Red Tip said anxiously. “I will help you unpack.” Red Tip glanced at Strawberry’s load. “Both of you. I want to open again.”

“I caught word of another kill, after Gambit.”

“She killed a third yesterday. Wait? Is that a radio?”

“Yes,” Shadow nodded. “It is a radio. I already have one, so I hope it sells well.”

“Radios do sell well. Even if they do not work.”

They got to the room and Red Tip unlocked it for Shadow.

“Strawberry doesn’t need to unpack,” Shadow said as they entered. “Her bags are pure ammo. Shit I don’t need.”

Red Tip got Shadow’s gear off of him and they quickly unpacked them. Shadow was prepared with his organization. Most bags were either weapons or not. Red Tip shoulder a set of bags and they rushed out.

Ponies were outside of the shop, waiting to get in.

“Let me get through!” Red Tip ordered. “Now, let me buy these guns and organize it before you come in!”

“Let’s make this simple,” Shadow said as the door closed behind them. “40/60 split of the total profits.”

“Deal,” Red Tips said without needing to think about it.

They unpacked the weapons and laid them down on the counter. Pistols were grouped together at one end, the small arms in the middle, and ammo was hastily stacked at the end.

“You,” Red Tip said pointing at Strawberry. “10% cut to you to keep them in control, and no more than 5 in here at a time.”

“Okay,” Strawberry nodded unsure.

“Puff out your chest and present them with a hard wall!” Red Tip said, trying to put a fire in her heart.

“Right!” Strawberry replied stronger

Strawberry took a deep breath before opening the door. She held the surge back well. There was no way to get control of the crowd for real order into a single line. But she kept them at bay as only the five were making their purchases.

Shadow and Red Tip moved customers through as fast as possible, but most were not just looking to get their hooves on a gun. They ‘needed’ the ‘right’ gun to protect themselves from Black Widow. Since there was no right answer to that, it took longer than they wanted and they were left with headaches as they tried to explain impossibilities to customers.

When they were out of guns, Red Tip tried to get things closed down; but the ponies still wanted in. They didn’t trust him. Shadow came out with Kifo Herixleta blazing in his mouth. A few slices with it and they were all backing up.

“Listen up!” Shadow called. “All of the normal firearms are taken. Yes, there are some heavy weapons inside, and long range ones. But nothing for self defense is left. If you still want to browse, they are there. But they won’t make a good defense, even in a pinch.”

The crowd dispersed. A few hung around to check out the firearms left. They left quickly. Shadow flipped the sign outside to closed and locked the door. Red Tip was counting the caps and Strawberry was examining the battle saddle Red Tip had. It didn’t have any guns mounted on it.

A heavy knock came on the door.

“We are closed!” Red Tip called out.

“We are looking for ammo! This is Scribe Wheatly!”

At Red Tip’s nod, Strawberry opened the door for them.

“Forgive us,” Scribe Wheatly said stepping in with two other dressed like him. “We were planning on coming for a few days, but we didn’t know you were getting rushed.”

“What can I do for you?” Red Tip asked, still counting.

“I understand you have armor piercing rounds?”

“Not anymore,” Red Tip said stopping mid count. “I sold them. Others were interested and your fellow Steel Rangers never wanted them. Why?”

“It’s just with this character out there, we were thinking it was best if we could make sure the round penetrated any hidden armor.”

“I don’t think she is using armor. Not from the first account anyway. Small, tights, big cape, no. No armor. The face may have been a bigger mask, but that is all that was armored. Speed and agility was what Black Widow wishes. She will bleed just like any other pony when you shoot her. The real questions is, can you hit her?”

“What do you have to increase our chances?”

“Nothing,” Red Tip shrugged. “Nothing you do not already have. Unless, has she attacked you?”

“No, not yet.”

“Then, I do not think you need to worry. Your skills are top notch, your weapons are legendary, you just need to stay as vigilant as you claim you already are.”

Scribe Wheatly nodded and they departed. Red Tip went back to counting their sales.

“Well,” Red Tip said. “You brought back a good amount, but small. We didn’t inflate the prices too high. Yet still, we still came off at 5200 caps.”

“The ammo sales did most of that,” Shadow added.

“Yes, it did,” Red Tip smiled. “And you still have more to sell me.”

Shadow chuckled as Red Tip sorted their portions out. 2080 caps to Shadow, 520 caps to Strawberry and 2600 to Red Tip. A very good haul for Strawberry’s first day in Trottingham.

“And it is still early,” Shadow said as he slipped his caps into his bags.

“Now, I know I was a bit rude before,” Red Tip smiled at Strawberry. “But I never caught your name.”

“My name is…” Strawberry hesitated. “Sonata Concert. That is my real name. No pony knows that name anymore.”

“Well, it was a pleasure doing business with you Sonata Concert. You were a big help.”

“Lets get you a place to stay for the night,” Shadow followed up. “Its been a long road to get here.”

“Thanks,” Strawberry smiled. As the door closed behind them, Strawberry spoke up to explain her name change. “They decided Sonata or Concert wasn’t a good work name. They chose Strawberry because of my coat. I didn’t have a choice. It was what they called me. My mother named me Sonata Concert. She died shortly after I was born. A drug overdose.

“I never knew why I was named that. But I know she used to sing to me in a sweet, pristine voice. Just for me.

“But, you can call me Strawberry, you know, if you want. I don’t recall your name. Its easiest if we don’t get attached to somepony by a name.”

“Mtoaji,” Shadow replied. “It’s Mtoaji. I don’t recall telling you mine either.”

“I would have remembered that. It sounds almost like that name Mwokozi. At least it has the same feel.”

“I am not from around here,” Shadow replied. “I am very far from home. I will get back when I have what I need. But for now, we need to get you a place to stay and then a solid job. A real job.”

A room was easy to find. Trottingham was loosing it’s visitors due to the threat of Black Widow. Strawberry would begin to look for a job in the morning. Shadow called it an early night. He would begin to sell the rest of the stuff in the morning when he had a clearer head.

Next Chapter: Chapter 112 - The Real Black Widow Estimated time remaining: 7 Hours, 24 Minutes