This chapter has been updated and modified as of 09/01/22.

Crimson's breath blows visibly as he walks towards the mouth of the cave. He slides his hands into his pockets and scans the wall of the mountain, analyzing the camouflaged entryway, only visible at a straight-forward angle. The size of the entrance is roughly three times his height, but surrounding rocks and chilled shrubbery block it from blatant view.

He steps into the entrance, greeted by warmth that surrounds him as he escapes the open air. The entrance tunnel appears to swerve left and right, forcing those who enter to swivel in this vestibule-like corridor.

Finally, the tunnel gives way into a large, cavernous expanse known to be Storm's cave. The ceiling reaches high, sloping down like a large dome. Scattered about and hanging from this ceiling are unusual bio-luminescent glowing vines and flowers which grow all throughout to provide a natural, green-blueish light. Several notable features present in this domicile include a long stone table on the left side which sits all sorts of gems, jewels, gold, devices, and trinkets. At the far end, opposite of the entrance, there are three hide-skin flaps that lead into different rooms. Lastly, there is an in-ground pool in the very center where Storm is found relaxing. Her eyes are closed while she rests against the wall of the pool, keeping only her neck and head above the water.

A small smile grows on Crimson's face, filled with ease that he wasn't deceived by this outlandish dragoness. She's here, her belongings are here, and there, laying on the stone table, the necklace he must acquire sits among the other valuables. It would be feasible for him to sneak over and take it. He could run with it and jump off the side of the mountain, using his Arch to fly himself over to Canterlot. She won't be able to follow him there, not if she wants to stay alive. ... But he can't see himself doing any of that, especially since Storm held up her side of the deal. All that's left now is to see what she wants for it, hopefully nothing unreasonable. Maybe he'll leave his run and jump plan in the back-burner, in case this little meeting doesn't go as planned.

He refocuses his attention to Storm, she still sits in the water without a shift in posture. He isn't sure whether she's asleep or not, but he'll soon to find out. He makes his way towards her, his flip-flops clap against the solid floor as he approaches the pool.

The sound of his footwear is enough for the dragoness to open her sleepy sky-blue eyes. She turns to the unfamiliar sound, but her placid air remains held as if she was expecting him already. Upon seeing him, she sits up and rests her elbows on the edge of the pool, putting on a snarky smile, "You found me."

"That I did."

She releases a silent but prolonged yawn as he replies, letting her thin, swiveling tongue squirm freely before she shuts her mouth.

"I ain't botherin' you, am I?"

"What time is it?"

"Still some hour in the mornin', I reckon. Sun was still on the East."

"Mm. Good, you picked a good time then. Welcome."

"Much obliged. You've got a nice place."

"Thanks. Years of hard work went into it." Storm tilts her head a little, smiling at Crimson curiously. It drives him to return a questioning glance.

"... What?"

"Heh, guess I'm still not fully used to you yet. A talking human sure is a weird sight."

"Trust me when I say, the opposite is equally true. I ain't had a run-in with a huge talkin' lizard before until yesterday."

Storm shifts her glance between him and the water she rests in. "Feel like taking a dip? Water's warm," she offers as she points down to it.

"Appreciate the hospitality, but I'll decline. So," Crimson sits down on the edge of the pool, fixing his gaze on her firmly, "what do you want fer the necklace?"

"Oh. Nothing but business with you, is it?" she smirks. "That's a let-down. I had expected you to be more fun."

"We can have all the fun we want after Equestria ain't subject to catastrophe. Now c'mon, tell me what you came up with. Money? Food? Another necklace?"

"Mmm..." Storm begins to ponder the exact same way she did back at the destroyed town after Moonlight had tried to give her offers. Crimson comes to realize from her body language that she isn't actually pondering, she's just being difficult. "... Nope. Haven't come up with anything yet."

"Huh. It's almost like I saw that comin'." He sighs and scratches the back of his head, looking down at the gently rippling water that Storm bothers. He leans a bit forward and stares at his own reflection. It's been a while since he has seen himself last at Moonlight's bathroom, surprised at how much can change in the span of a few days. Aside from darkening circles under his eyes, he looks at the scar on his face left behind by the dragon he slew. He turns his face to give it a better view and brings his fingers to it, running them across its length.

"My brother really fucked up your face," Storm comments breezily.

"Yeah, but that's as far as he got."

"Heh, that's true. Watching you kill him was a treat."

"I bet. I, too, couldn't stand seein' him ransack an innocent town."

"... What? No, not that. I could care less. I'm glad he's dead because he always takes my stuff, saying crap like, 'I am deserving! You do nothing! All you do is take, but never kill!' Like, I'm not an eighteen-foot tall mass of scales, moron. I can't kill things as easily as you can."

"So you would if you could?" Crimson squints at her.

"Uuuh..." she shifts her glance between him and other random objects, "... no?"

Crimson's eyes narrow further.

"Look, Crim, I've never killed any stupid ponies before. Not on purpose at least. No need to get all fired up. It was always my brothers doing the murdering and the burning. I just take things from them."

"Stealin' ain't any better."

"Oh, come on. They were already dead by the time I ran off with their stuff. Dead ponies won't be needing their bits, now will they?"

"The worst part about you is that you're talkin' as if you were seriously in the right."

"I know what my brothers did is twisted in your eyes, but what was I gonna do? Stop them? Not only do I not care enough to try, but even if I did, they'd kill me for breaking the Dragon Code. I personally don't give a damn about the Dragon Code. I'm not like them, if you haven't noticed."

"No, I've noticed. For you callin' them yer 'brothers', y'all sure don't have shit in common."

"Because we're not actually siblings. We come from completely different parents."

"Then why the hell do you--"

Storm lifts her finger, silencing him. "... We're not siblings in the traditional way ponies, and I guess you humans, think. We were nesting siblings, which means we were laid and hatched in the same brooding cycle. Parents don't matter, the time of hatch does. We all break out of our eggs at the same time, and the first thing we see is each other. Nothing forces us to stay together, but we usually do. Dragons form tight-knit groups for survival. We avoid larger clusters of other dragons if we can help it."

"Hmn. Definitely a unique culture, I'll give it that. What kind of dragons were yer brothers? The one I fought was real big and mean."

"They're what you call traditional dragons. All of my brothers were, and they were all fire elementals. Most dragons are like him, big, strong, and tied to some sort of element. There are dragons much bigger than him too, he wasn't even close to the biggest."

"Good thing I ain't had a run-in with them then. 'N what about you? You ain't nothin' like they are. You don't got fire and don't walk on four legs, you walk like a man does."

"A 'man'?" she repeats incredulously, raising her browline.

"A human. Man, human, they're interchangeable. No disrespect intended."

Storm smiles, making it obvious that she was never really upset. "I'm what you call a sleek-scale, and I'm an electric elemental."

"A sleek-scale, huh. ... Guess it fits yer appearance. Sleek 'n scaly."

"Yup. We're a type of dragon that comes from a really weird lineage."

"I fancy weird things," Crimson smiles slightly. "Tell me about it."

"It's not really that interesting, and I wasn't alive back then. Everything I know about it was just told to me."

"Nonetheless."

"Why do you care so much?"

"'Cuz you're real interestin' to me."

"A real flatterer, aren't you?" she smiles coyly. "Alright, I'll tell you, since you're that interested. The tale goes, dragonkind was fighting some war that happened centuries ago. A lot of it was ambush tactics and recon, so not a whole lot of front-line fighting was happening. Front-line battle is where dragons do the best, we usually win those fights. But far more often, it wasn't direct attacks. Dragons got picked off by random ambushes. After too many casualties, dragons realized that raw strength wasn't the key to winning this war, it was information. We needed infiltrators and scouts, and all around more discrete mobility. You can probably guess the big dragons with the huge wings weren't gonna cut it. For generations, specific dragons had sex with each other so they can breed certain children. These children would decrease in genetic size as they kept going. The smaller they got, the faster and sneakier they got. ... Though, uh, I'm not entirely sure what happened along the line, but as they got smaller, their bodies started changing too. Maybe it was a genetic mutation that they decided to roll with... intentional or not."

"That's a mess of effort to go through just to win a war, and it must'a gone on for a real long time. The hell were y'all going up against?"

"Changelings. They invaded the Dragonlands in their self-righteous quest for expanding their hive. They're not hard to kill, but they're a problem when there's a billion of them disguised as rocks right next to you, waiting for you to turn your back."

Crimson is visibly confused by her answer.

"... Changelings? You know, the bug things with the wings and the holes? All black? Can transform into literally anything?"

"Never heard of 'em, but hot damn, they can transform? Like shape-shift? ... That means they can make themselves into a dragon."

"Yup! But what they CAN'T do is survive in magma, regardless of impersonating a dragon! Every day, the dragons would be forced to 'cleanse' themselves by stepping into a pit of magma to prove that they weren't a changeling in disguise. Sometimes I wish I could have been there, this tactic caught so many changelings! The ones that refused to get in were mauled on the spot, and the ones stupid enough to actually go in melted and popped like gross little blisters~"

Crimson's expression wrinkles in mild distaste, but he skips over her brutal imagery. "So you're the product of a war-time strategy."

"Uh-huh. Pretty cool right? I personally like being me. I don't see a need for being as tall as a pony building. Plus, walking on two legs is more useful than four."

"As a bipedal myself, can't argue with that. But that don't mean being on four legs don't have its purpose."

"Yyyeah, but... it's definitely not for me. Getting down on all fours is super uncomfortable. Trust me, I've tried it."

"That's to be expected. You've got a similar structure to us. You kinda remind me of a woman."

"A woman? Pfft, if you're trying to offend me, trust me, it isn't working."

"No-- it," Crimson sighs, "it's an observation, Storm. I ain't tryin' to offend anyone."

"Haha, you sure are easy to tease~"

"... Yeah, I bet it's easy to tease a man who's tryin' to be serious." He rubs his forehead in annoyance. "You come up with anythin' yet?"

"To trade for?"

"What else?"

"Mmm..." she begins to 'ponder'.

"Storm. Seriously."

"Whaaat? I'm thinking!"

"No yer fuckin' not."

"I'm not right now because you keep talking. ... Hmmm... mmm..." she taps the bottom of her chin, "... Oh! Hey, do you wanna get in now?" she points down at the pool water again.

Crimson's listless expression eyes at her cheeky grin. She holds her pointing posture and smile as he scowls.

"Water's still waaaarm~"

"Why do you want me to get in so badly?"

"I like the company~"

"It'd be great if you were serious for at least a minute."

"I am being serious! I seriously asked you if you wanna get in! Come on, hop in with me!"

"What happens if I don't?"

"Then..." she smiles, "it'll probably take longer for me to make up my mind."

"So if I get in, you'll finally tell me what you want?"

"... Maaybe."

"Only a maybe, huh. You're really not lookin' to make this easy fer me. ... Well, unfortunately for the both of us, I didn't bring a change'a swimmin' trunks."

"'Swimmin' trunks?'" she mocks lightly.

"Clothes. I didn't bring spare clothes. Wasn't expectin' to get wet today."

"That reminds me! Why do you even need to wear clothes? Even the humans in Equestria don't."

"Because they're too stupid to make 'em or put 'em on. I reckon they hole up and freeze half to death in the winter. We don't have fur or scales, so clothes keep us warm and shield us from the elements."

"So I get that, but why do you need clothes to get wet? I just said it's warm, you have nothing to worry about."

"We also wear clothes to hide our private sectors."

"Ppft," Storm raises her shoulders in giddy amusement. "What did you say? 'Private sectors?' Is that what you're worried about? You are a lot more self-conscious than I thought you were, Crim~"

"I do it fer the courtesy of others. I ain't ashamed of the human form, but I'm sure walkin' free-willy ain't the most pleasant thing fer others."

"All I hear is excuses," she grins cockily.

"You must be deaf then."

"That means even a deaf dragon can hear through your insecurities."

"..." Crimson's left brow raises.

"Hoo, didn't like that, did ya'?"

"... So you said, if I get in the water, you'll maybe come up with somethin' to trade for?"

"I do remember saying that, yeah," she grins coyly.

Crimson stands up and takes a few steps back from the pool. Storm's impish eyes watch him as he steps back out of his sandals and reaches down for his cargo shorts. He unbuttons them and lets them slide down his legs, crumpling up at his ankles.

Storm's eyes beam instantly upon his... private sector.

Crimson strides with a high chin towards the pool, crouching down and sinking himself into the water. She was right, it's warm and pleasant. It almost feels as if this water is gently vibrating, doing wonders to relax his achy body. He sits down on the floor of the pool, deep enough for his chest to submerge, and he extends his legs forward, feet brushing against the inside of Storm's thighs. There isn't much space for his legs to work with, but Storm doesn't seem to mind the contact.

He exhales deeply and closes his eyes in relief. He should have listened to her earlier, this water, be it some form of magic, is exactly the repose his body demanded. So much so, it takes a moment for his mental processes to boot back up again. "... Water's great. You were right."

"Right?" She exclaims with both pride and glee.

"Yeah. Now, business."

The man's lax front sharps along with the question. Storm looks far from impressed. "Hmm... business~" Suddenly, her thighs come together on his legs, capturing his feet between their sleek plumpness. She giggles as her slitted eyes stare at him with an energy that describes primal instinct. "I think I might know what I want to trade~"

Crimson's brows furrow. Somehow he knew that it would eventually lead up to this. No, he always knew it would lead up to this. In one swift motion, his legs retract back as his torso does. He scrunches up into a ball and presses his back firm against the wall of the pool. Storm grits her teeth with distaste, reaching over to pull them back between her legs.

"What gives?" Storm scowls.

"I could ask you the same thing," the man replies nonchalantly.

"Do I gotta spell it out for you? Come on! You're being a total turn off."

"Spit it out."

Storm slams her palm into her face for a scaly facepalm. She huffs in agitation before proceeding, "That little blue pony with the glasses can have that necklace. But I want you in return. Simple, right?"

"You're not fuckin' serious."

"I mean, it's only fair right? Her magical angel human for my ancient powerful necklace?"

"I get bein' enticed with a fling, but you wanna own me? Storm, you best realize I ain't anyone's property. I ain't like the humans from here."

"Aww, really?~" her voice is completely sarcastic, accompanied by a devious grin.

"Yeah. Really. Moonlight doesn't own me. We're friends. As in, I'm not up fer trade."

Storm's hands travel to the confined feet between her thighs, and she begins to gently run her claws in between his toes. Crimson looks far from amused, rather judgmental in his squint. "... Just friends?" she murmurs with her sly smile.

"Yeah. Friends. No owner, no pet. I'm my own man, 'n I'm keepin' it that way."

"That's a shame~" Storm's lewd stare only strengthens. "I guess your pony friend won't be getting her necklace any time soon~"

"... I think she will."

"Ho? And how are you gonna do that? Steal it from me? ... If you are, it's right over there on the table. You saw it when you walked in, didn't you? Nothing's stopping you from..." she leans forward and crawls along the length of the pool, "... taking it." She ends up invading his personal space and looms over him with voracious intent.

Crimson analyzes her lubricious demeanor. Her smile, the tone of her voice, she doesn't look like she's threatening him. In fact, it looks like the complete opposite. The glimmer in her eyes cares not for the necklace, but for... something else. The same something that she has been aiming for since the beginning. While there are many alternatives he'd prefer to take, he comes to the conclusion that this might be the only thing she wants for it. There is plenty of nice and shiny things on that stone table of hers, it comes as no surprise she doesn't want any more physical treasures. Though he doesn't want to alienate her, especially not when he's almost at his objective, but his pride forces him to ask, "Is there... anythin' else you'd want fer the necklace? That ain't me?"

"Nope~" she giggles.

Of course. "Right, well... I ain't gonna appropriate yer belongings, but I ain't givin' myself to you. Now, you've made yer barter, but here's my proposition,..." is what he says before he allows a lengthy silence to lodge itself between them. Ten seconds pass before he continues. Storm flattens and grimaces venomously. "'Stead, I present to you a different offer."

"... Yeah?"

"You'll have one favor of any kind from yours truly. No harmin', killin', stealin' from innocent folk. And none of what you tried just now. Otherwise consider it done. One favor."

"No deal."

Crimson knew she would decline. Initially. "C'mon. Outside them parameters, anythin'. ... I noticed yer eyes glued to that there beeper Moonlight had. It finds treasure. Reckoned somethin' like that would be... useful. Wouldn't it?"

To this, Storm locks eyes with him again with obvious intrigue.

"Remember yer brother's gone now. From what I gather, he's the one that does the sniffin' fer these things. You've got a whole country full of treasure but ain't got the means to find it."

"I'll find it," Storm grunts.

"Maybe. Be easier with the beeper, wouldn't it? Mull that thought. You give me one small necklace in exchange for endless potential treasure. You'd get more in the long run."

"More treasure, huh... hm. I've been meaning to fill that empty space on the right side of the table with some stuff for a while. Sure is empty there."

"Reckon in no time you'd pack the entire table till it bends."

Storm seems to be contemplating this offer deeply. Unlike her previous 'thinking' gesture, this one seems quite genuine. Her pupils dilate again and again from slits to ovals, ovals to circles. "How soon can you get me one of those things?"

"Moonlight'd need to make you one, so it'd take a minute. Ease yer heart in knowin' she's gonna craft you quality."

Storm presses her back and wings against the pool wall, taking a claw to her lower mandible. She thinks on his words for a handful of seconds. "... Alright." She grins at him and smirks. "Deal. I should say 'fuck you, go away' for rejecting me, but... I do like me my treasure~"

Crimson smiles in great satisfaction. "That you do."

"But!"

His smile loses its strength.

"I get the device, then you get your necklace."

Crimson's front becomes bored. "Storm, we need that necklace now so'd our little one can get to pokin' it. Like I said, it'd take a minute for the beeper to be done."

"Then how in tartarus would she find time to make it if she's toying with the necklace?"

"You ain't a reason to believe me when I say this, but she's one hellu'va multi-tasker. She can definitely get your tech out the gate while gettin' her other chores done."

"You're right, I don't believe it. No deal if I don't get the thingy first."

"Storm, it--"

"I said no deal!" She barks before crossing her arms and looking away, closing her eyes in a dismissive matter.

Crimson grits his teeth. He knows full well he won't be able to get Moonlight to make an A.N.A in the timeframe they need to study the relic. While he tries to find some other tempting point to offer Storm, she has effectively stonewalled him off from any further persuasion...

... except...

"Then... how 'bout this... I take the relic, Moonlight gets yer beeper made while workin' her do's..." Storm tightens her arms around her chest, "... and she'll get it to you within two weeks. If we can't get it to you in that time..." She opens one eye to glance at him, "... I'll be yer trophy piece... fer ONE day..."

"DEAL!" she blurts while nearly tackling him. Gleaming hearts pulse in her eyes as she rests her chin on his chest. "Two weeks! That's all the time I'm giving you. Not a second more, not one less. You better hope your little friend can get me my treasure finder, or else~"

"Yeah. Two weeks," Crimson echoes while keeping himself completely motionless. Her shallow sky-blue eyes drill their desire with no reprieve.

"Hmh, time starts... now~"

Crimson's face scrunches in mild discomfort. Her right claw begins to slowly run up and down his neck, a menacing giggle comes from her grinning mouth. He hopes for his own sake he can actually do what he just promised he could. Well, not him - Moonlight, rather.

Please, Moonlight... don't hate me...