Knock, knock, knock, knock...

...

"... I can't do this anymore..."

‎

---

‎

Early Monday morning, the duo hike along the sanded roads of the Slums. The morning feels less murky and a bit more breathable, but still undeniably unclean. The two bicker as they walk, one reluctant, the other headstrong.

"Ain't a need fer this, I told you already."

"Around here, Sky, a job well-done gets rewarded. These last few days went off without a hitch. A week full of hits and not one was bombed."

"Weren't difficult tasks."

"See, I agree with you, but I've been stuck with kinds that can't hack it like we can. Makes you really appreciate having good backup."

"How 'bout we save the 'reward' till after we're done. We still got more to come."

They arrive at a small shack-like shop a bit deeper into the Slums, inside a circular clearing that gives way to multiple little stores with no customers to inhabit them.

"How about you quit the flapping and say thank you. You said you wanted it, now you're gonna get it. More to come if you keep it up." Crimson huffs in resignation. As Axel finishes his sentence, he swats the cloth flap that covers the entrance to the shack. It immediately reeks of iron and flesh - a butchery. Crimson steps in, ducking his head slightly as to not hit the doorframe, and Axel follows behind him. "What d'ya think?"

The man takes in the shop - it's rather small, discreet, almost forgotten. An older griffon with grizzled, broken feathers and an eyepatch over his left eye runs the counter. He appears preoccupied chopping up a moderately large haunch of beef. The counter he works at is lit up by soft amber lights, and under it behind a glass display is several cuts of meats, poultries, and fishes all embedded into ice. The entire aesthetic is almost exactly that of the butcheries he'd visit back on Earth, albeit a bit more formally presented in comparison to this hidey-hole.

"Axel," the griffon grumbles without looking up from his work.

"Yo," he responds airily. "Been a minute, Tikko."

"For good reason," Tikko retorts with one rather aggressive chop of the haunch.

"No reason to get sappy. Just here to buy."

The griffon's eyes lift upwards from his chin-ducked position, glaring at both him and Crimson. His judgmental gaze is accompanied by no words. Looking back down, he continues chopping without much grace.

Crimson is impressed regardless. He's done hunting, skinning, and prep himself back at home. While there's no form to the motion, the cuts themselves land at the right spots, separating meat from bone, tendons and fat - an accuracy of a professional.

"What'll you be having." The griffon grunts as more of a statement than a question.

Axel and Crimson share a glance, the stallion tilts his head to the left to signal the go-ahead.

Dubious, with a pursing of lips, the man squints his eyes at the selection before him, wondering if this is a good idea. Though, he's quickly distracted - staring at all of this produce makes him realize how desperately he missed this. An herbivore's diet may be achievable by humans, but certainly not this human. This one needs meat.

One wry, savory idea strikes him. Most butchers had some at home just for the occasion, he hopes it translates to Equestria. "Got bread?"

"Do."

An internal fist-pump. Crimson contains his saliva and follows up, "I'll take some short rib and bread."

Tikko stops cutting, glancing up at the man seriously. "Could just ask for the sandwich. Can make it."

"I'd be obliged."

With one slight nod, the butcher finishes cutting up his meat before taking the tray to storage behind a curtain.

"A meat sandwich?" Axel questions curiously.

"You should try it," the man grins.

"Indigestion is great, but I'll pass."

The man shrugs and focuses back to Tikko returning to the counter with two plastic bags in claw, one with a bread loaf and the other with cold ribbed meat already cooked. Both are situated onto the countertop and reached into to begin preparation. The duo watch the butcher make quick work of two bread slices and an amalgam of diced meat chunks. To one, it smells like heaven, to the other, like disgorge.

Tikko hits a bell on the counter to ding off the finished product. One sizable short rib sandwich. Crimson admires it for a moment, seeing it wrapped in white butcher paper, before following Axel to the counter. The stallion takes out his coin purse to provide payment, the man takes his food.

"Thanks, Tikko," Axel gives the griffon an affable smile and slides the appropriate amount of bits his way. Tikko says nothing, accepts the payment and stores them somewhere under the counter with a clinking of other coins. "Let's go. Eat that on the road to our rally point."

The man nods and shadows Axel out of the butchery.

"Appreciate it, Axel," Crimson express after a few steps out.

"Thank yourself. You earned your own cake."

"Still. Didn't have to go out of yer way."

"Like you said, it's not a big deal."

A brief silence passes between them before Crimson speaks up again. "He took a talkin' human pretty well."

"Trust me when I say we've seen some shit. You'll become less impressive the deeper we get."

"Good."

"Heh, you can say that again."

"I'd be ripe to guess he's been proximate to the Black Horseshoes."

"Yeah. He's an ex-Featherline."

Crimson juggles his muse, recalling the events of the mountain - the events with the Lieutenant, and the Elite. It doesn't feel like it happened too long ago, yet feels as if it were a lifetime ago. The passage of time is gradually setting in pensively.

‎

---

‎

Knock, knock, knock, knock

Dreaded rapping of a hard hoof on heavy metal.

He's back. The peace of silence departs too soon. From where ever he went, he's returned to try again for the nth time this morning.

She has been hesitating to rise from her bed - nothing inside her yearns to answer the door. Guilt wells inside. It feels... wrong, shutting him out. The conflict of emotion aches her chest, each heartbeat felt pumping her grief.

She doesn't know how long she can keep this up. She might break before he gives up. She can't imagine having to explain herself if he feels like he's being ignored, which isn't far from the truth now.

Knock, knock, knock

He's been trying for hours, he wants to be let in. Moonlight knows he wants to discuss the events of last night, but she is not prepared to. Tugs and urges, she tries her best not to fall tempted to answer the door.

She had asked him to give her space yesterday, but why does it feel unfair? She knows she isn't obligated to let him in. Nothing feels right - her head is a disarranged mess and she wants it to stop. If she can just hold out, if she can just pretend she's not here...

"Head Researcher Wish, are you home?"

Her ears perk quickly. That was not Magnifying's voice, instead the deeper, masculine call of one of the guards. With a quivering breath, she sits up from her bed and pats her mane down promptly, throwing on her Scribe cloak before descending the staircase towards her door.

As she approaches the door, she hears some muffled discussion being had on the other side. It's the guard... and...

"I don't think she's in! I've tried already!"

"Ah, is that so?"

"Likely! I've been trying all day, even searched the Castle grounds for her!"

"Very troublesome. There is an important matter I must disclose to her personally. Would you happen to know her last location?"

Moonlight's inhale catches. Magnifying is indeed out there, along with whatever guard is trying to garner her attention. She has the faintest idea what the guard could possibly want with her now. Aside from disenchanting the belt, which was already done and reported, all has been quiet for the last two months. Not a word or whisper from Celestia or the Consortium. She can't afford to miss something potentially from the princess, but... but Magnifying...

"It was her room! She always answers the door for me, never fails! As I said, I've been returning and knocking every so-often to make sure she's back! So I assume she's still out!"

"I see. Very well, I shall gather some more guards and we shall deploy a search party."

"No!" With a harsh gulp, her magical aura takes the right door and opens it steadily until she appears into frame. The guard and Magnifying sharply turn their attention to her, where the Scribe is... shocked, put lightly.

"Moonlight?" he calls in disbelief. "... You...?"

Moonlight cowers slightly and lowers her head.

"Head Researcher Wish, thank goodness," the guard bows deeply with closed eyes before standing at attention again. "Thank you for humbling me with your presence. Princess Celestia has very important news, she requests your attention immediately."

"Oh-- Uhm, I, um..." she squints and freezes in place, feeling somewhat overwhelmed. Under the gape of Magnifying, fully telling of his hurt at being willfully ignored, it's challenging to think. This is exactly what she wanted to avoid.

"... Y-You heard the corporal, Moonlight," Magnifying croaks before his voice stabilizes, reassuring the mare, "please grace Celestia. W-Wouldn't want to make her wait, would we?"

"As the Scribe states," the guard adds, "please let us hurry. Our highness marks this as urgent."

Moonlight clenches her teeth and simply nods twice, too corked up to try and speak. She levitates her hood onto her head and tails the guard. Said guard about-faces promptly to guide her.

A quick and wry glance to her left, she sees Magnifying giving her a dejected smile. The guilt is like a smoldering fire in her throat.

‎

‎

The two large golden doors open at Moonlight's wake, giving way to the bright sunlight-lit throne room. Intimidated, her legs quiver at taking her first steps.

Celestia watches with a soft gaze, allowing the time her pupil needs to stand before her. Finally, Moonlight gives a deep bow, prompting the princess to rise. She comes down the staircase to lift Moonlight, holding onto her cheek. "What did I tell you about bowing?"

"... T-That it's... n-not necessary? Anymore?"

Celestia nods without her simper waning. The shuddering blue mare returns a quick and anxious nod. The princess takes this moment to bring her in for a hug, not only to indulge in each other company, but to give Moonlight time to ease her tense nerves.

After a minute, they come apart and gaze into each other's eyes - the sunlight from the outside bounces off their irises.

"T-The guard..." Moonlight begins before clearing her throat, "the guard said that something important was at hoof?"

"Indeed," Celestia smiles warmly. "Especially for you, my pupil. Great discoveries have been made since your work on the Belt." Moonlight beams with an open-mouth smile at hearing this. "After we received your report and studied back the enchantment traces from the Belt, we discovered it belonged to a historical earth pony named Uru many moons ago."

"Uru?" Moonlight echoes.

The princess nods, "He was very powerful, both physically and mentally. He was one of the original founders of Equestria and a major asset in the Great War."

"A founder of Equestria? Why have I never heard of him? None of the history books or chronologies I've studied mentioned him."

"That is what has stumped us currently, we are unsure why his being is not recorded in modern texts."

"Then... how was this information found?"

Celestia lines her lips just briefly a sudden flash of reservation. "... Keep this between you and I, my dearest Moonlight. Would you?"

Obvious confusion takes Moonlight, but she obeys nonetheless. "O-Of course, princess."

"... Indeed, it was one of the Consortium operatives that obtained this information from one of the old cellar vaults. Months of work went into finding any relevant information there."

"Wow, those old writings?" Moonlight reels back slightly. "But I thought many of those were folklore or traditional tales. With how poorly kept and incomprehensible they are, I'm shocked anypony could still discern the scribbles, much less learn something important from them. ... But I suppose it makes sense. There are some of ponykind's oldest writings and records in the cellar. Maybe time forgot to pass on their wisdom."

Celestia states with an accusative raising of her brow, "Snooping around, were you?"

Moonlight cowers down as her ears fall to her head. "... M-Maybe o-once or twice, a-after my promotion to Head Researcher." The mare purses her lips under the five-ton gaze that presses her. "P-Please forgive me, Celestia! I know it's a restricted area, I just-- I wanted to--!"

Celestia giggles lightly, causing Moonlight to stop in her tracks. "Please, Moonlight, I am not upset with you. I only fear for your safety. Those regions of the Castle are not maintained any longer, I don't want you spelunking for knowledge in a place where the walls may very-well fall on you. That is why we have our operators to do that for us."

Moonlight simmers down and pouts. "... Thank you for worrying about me."

Celestia closes her eyes and smiles before continuing. "Though, I agree with you. Most of those writings were all but forgotten, even to our brightest minds. You are one of the few scholars that can read and interpret Old Ponish, much has been lost over such a long time. We simply do not want any hooves damaging or destroying what needs to be preserved."

Moonlight bites her lower lip in contemplation. "... I wonder what else may be found in the vaults. So many secrets stashed away. A millennium of stories written, waiting to be translated and discerned... the thought of so much overshadowed information!" She speaks with rising gusto. "I'm getting so excited at just the thought! Princess, do you think we could get all of the writings from there and migrate them to the Research Labs? If one operative from the Consortium was able to retrieve such profound information, imagine what the Researchers could learn!"

Celestia purses his lips quickly, as if taken off-guard by the request, but quickly recomposes with a small smile. "I am unsure of that Moonlight. As I have said, this is not for public disclosure of any kind." The unicorn's expression visibly drops to uncertainty. Guilt hangs over the princess's head at the sight of a pouting Moonlight, which only becomes increasingly difficult to bare as the seconds pass. "... But... perhaps... I can arrangement something. It make take sometime."

Moonlight beams again. "Yay! Thank you, thank you, Celestia! Thank you so much! Hoh, this is so exciting! I can't wait to tear those writings apart!"

"Patience, dearest Moonlight. Patience." Moonlight nods repeatedly to contain her elation. "Soon we should have what we need to send the Elite to another retrieval, and with any luck, come back with another relic. For now, focus your mind and your resources on preparing for it."

"I will, yes, princess!"

"Now," Celestia fastens her expression a bit too quickly, steering Moonlight to follow suit with disquiet, "onto a matter more closely related to you. Moonlight." The little mare's front tightens anxiously. "About the letter you sent me last night."

"Y-Yes?"

"... Your home near Baltimare. Does your previous request still stand true?"

"..." Moonlight sits in a heavy silence, knowing what Celestia is implying. "... Yes. It does."

"Even after all this time?" Moonlight nods twice, keeping her gaze away from Celestia's strict, motherly stare. With an exhale through her nose, Celestia looks out towards the stained glass in reverie. "I had some free time. I was able to visit it four nights ago after a congregation at Baltimare. I did not want to intrude but... I never had the chance to see it for myself. I hope you do not mind."

Surprise takes Moonlight and she stares right up at her. "N-No, not at all, princess! ... Y-You... you visted it my home there?"

Celestia nods once, "And it was beautiful. So beautiful, in fact, I believe it puts the Royal Gardens to shame. All of that love and care... years of work and diligence. My only regret was to not have visited you much sooner."

Moonlight locks eyes with the carpet below her in rumination.

"The timing was impeccable - witnessing the marvel of your work, only to receive a letter shortly after where you'd wish to discard it all?"

Moonlight squints. Stillness takes the throne room for but a moment...

"... Our maids are still on standby if you would like to retract your decision."

"N-... No. It's okay. Please allow them to stay here."

"May I ask why?"

Again, silence envelops the air. Thick, like a smog which pilfers any words from the little unicorns mouth. Piecing together the strength to speak again is too difficult, until Celestia herself speaks for her.

"Is it because of him?" Moonlight gasps and immediately looks up at the princess. "... He was not there for very long, but..."

Celestia stops speaking in hopes that Moonlight would pick it up from there. Luckily after a stiff silence, she does. "But I... it all... it all reminds me of him. The flowers... the rocks. Even the way the air smells there, it... all I can think about is him... when you first sent him... when he calmed me down... when he..." she pauses briefly, "... I can't..." her voice quivers and breaks. She huffs in frustration and straightens her posture. "I need to respect his decision. And move on." Tears well in her eyes immediately after she finishes, but none of them run.

Celestia squints earnestly, allowing some space to breath for the little unicorn before trying to give her more words to process. "It is nopony's home but yours, Moonlight. You musn't allow this to take it away. Some things come and go... but what remains is what you allow to. New memories may be forged. New attachments will be had."

It is apparent Moonlight is listening, but says nothing. The lack of reply speaks for her.

"You still have some time think it over, my dearest. Please make sure it is what you truly want."

"... It is," the unicorn peeps out barely above a whisper. Celestia's eyes drop to the carpet, where one tear streams and lands onto it. This one single tear drives the final nail in the coffin, solidifying the decision for the princess. "... The monthly human rallies... e-end them. Please."

Celestia's mouth opens aghast. "End them? But Moonlight, I orchestrated them for you. Your research. Surely you remember your excitement when I proposed it? Your studies have advanced the field greatly, the resources we gathered and talent we hired specifically for this research, surely you could continue--"

"Please..."

Celestia clenches her teeth in discourage.

"... It's for the best."

A vicious quietness lingers in the air, bitter for both parties. It takes the mare lifting her tear-ridden orbs to the princess. A faint, weak smile presents itself on her lips. "N-Now you can try to pass that legislation... it's been in hiatus because of me."

It dawns on Celestia what she is referring to. "Nh... no, Moonlight. It was not delayed because of you, that was my decision, and solely mine. Please do not blame yourself for it." She releases a stressed yet yielding breath. "But... yes. You are right. At least with this out of the way, it's time a decision is made - it has been postponed for far too long." She draws a deep breath, releasing it just as slow. "The impact of such a decision will have lasting effects. I truly wonder what would be best for Equestria." Moonlight puckers her lips and holds herself from trying to opine. "... What do you think, my pupil? I remember you giving me quite an analysis when the legislation was first presented six years ago."

The little unicorn internally curses Celestia's ability to recall things with such precision. Even she herself forgot about most of what she discussed. Now that she puts mind to it, it gradually comes back to her. "... Um... well, it really... depends..."

"On?" She eggs the mare on with a small smile.

"O-One is... safer. The other is, well, better... for... for the economy?"

"May you elaborate?"

"Humans, um... well... we already know what humans are capable of, but... putting that aside. If we choose to uphold the ban on their publicized presence, we'll keep things... safe. Nothing will change, really. Other than maybe the human market. It might get a little sonorous. Which will make them harder to access. M-Maybe that's the intention."

"Very astute. But now, what if we publicized humans? What do you suppose the consequences would be?"

"If the ban was lifted, humans would likely become apart of our daily lives. More accepted, maybe. They are capable of being very productive parts of society. I-I'd like to think that the flashy, extravagant part of human culture will remain the same, but now... now the Consortium have more avenues to tax for licenses and ownership. That should help fund the civil construction budget. I-I know progress in trying to connect the major cities has slowed terribly, so that should help. This... all sounds great, but... but the risk of humans persists. They are still unpredictable and can cause harm. We may fall into civil unrest. Protests. Anarchy, even."

Celestia nods proudly, almost as if hearing her own exact thoughts being divulged to a T. "And do you suppose this probable harm is worth the benefit?"

"... I'm not sure."

With a grand smile, Celestia continues, "Then let us discuss." Her horn begins to glow with its yellow aura, and in a blink, parchment and a quill appears, borrowed from her very own quarters. "With my most prolific human connoisseur, I will make the right decision."

Moonlight is rightfully surprised at Celestia going to her for help on this matter. It's a heavy responsibility to shoulder, but with the princess's warm smile to accompany her heart, she'll do her best for her mentor.

Together they parley further.

‎

---

‎

"I ain't sure I should be too close to yer kind."

"You said that already," Axel replies boringly. "Listen, Sky, I get you're nervous, but I wouldn't do anything if I wasn't sure of it." Together they march along the grassy plains of western Equestria. "Just keep doing what I tell you and we'll be fine. Remember the plan?"

"Low and slow."

"Good."

Crimson licks his teeth, mulling to himself. "Color me surprised, thought you load-down with Moobs."

"Kidding? I can't stay in that shit-hole for more than a day before I get sick from the smog. He just gives me a livable stay when I've got business there."

"Don't you still?"

"Not directly. It's still in Gloriosa's stead, but the we've wiped the grime off the counter. Now we're dealing with the props. Things are about to get interesting."

"Reckon they were already."

Axel sneers.

They continue their trek across the land until the horizon line gives way to a endless body of water, then, a beach. The air rapidly turns humid and vaguely salty, in spite of being about a mile from shore. The grand cloud city of Las Pegasus is visible in the distance, but too far to be detailed. Remarkably, Canterlot can be seen as well, far off as a glittering spec.

Another city directly at their front has formed amongst the obscure - their objective location can finally be heeded after an hour of walking.

"What's this placed called again?" Crimson queries.

"Dude, this is the third time I'm telling you. Los Ungulas. Lippy's brain magic not working too well or what?"

"You'd forgive my incognizance. Ain't a word I've ever heard before. Sounds odd too."

"Don't worry, you got me to help you get your gears turning." He turns to the man giddily. "Come on, say it with me. It'll help you eventually. 'Uhn...'"

"..."

"'Juu...'"

"..."

...

Axel crinkles his brows at the man. "Dude, come on."

"I can recall it now, no need."

"Quit being such a pussyhoof. Just say it with me."

"Why?"

"Why not?"

"What's my reward?"

"Alright, see, I like that mindset. How about this: if you remember how to say it after we finish our dues, I'll treat you to another one of those bread-meats."

"That bread-meat sure was good."

"Throw in a beer if you say it with me." Axel sees the man's intrigue pique when they make eye-contact. "Aaaah," he waives a hoof accusingly, "thought I wouldn't remember last night's convo, did ya'?"

"Beer's a vice." The man replies grimly, though it doesn't take more than a second for his front to cast a grin. "But one wouldn't hurt."

"So we got a deal?"

"Hmh," Crimson leers. "After you."

Axel winks, holding his eye closed until he begins, "'Uhn...'"

"'On...'"

"'Juu...'"

"'Juu...'"

"'Laas.'"

"Luss.'"

"Los Ungulas." "Los Ungulas."

They echo together at the end, piecing together their enunciation. With a chuckle, Axel shakes his head. "Close enough, I guess."

"You guess?"

"I guess."

"Nah, come on, it was perfect."

"Far from it, pal."

"Now yer just bein' hard."

"Say it again and I'll point out the flaws. Trust me, there's plenty."

"It's a three syllable word, what'chu mean 'plenty'?"

"Say it again!"

Their quarrel continues as the city comes closer. The sun of noon shines directly above them, giving the land a perfect luminant glow.

‎

‎

By the time they reach the city, the sun is on its way down. The city of Los Ungulas appears to be a harbor town, where many docks and seaworthy transportation set off or arrive with goods. The buildings, homes, and shops all range from antique to fairly modern in appearance. There's a number of high-rises and fancy-looking buildings around, the roads are paved with stone block and concrete, but a lot of the city outskirts rest in dirt or sand. It gives off a striking air of modernity, but by no means a regal presence like Canterlot. A very middle-class approach.

Something Crimson immediately distinguishes is other humans. People from all colors of the wheel, ranging in stature and appearance, all scattered about. Granted, they're all guided by ponies, but they at least look to be roaming around with their respective owners. Some of them appear to be cargo, coming in from boats or taking off in them. Other seem to be pets.

To his note, the humans are all modest as well. None of them are wandering in the nude. Nothing fancy or especially interesting, but all clothed in something. Ranging from burlap sack drawers to cloth shirts and shorts, the cool humid air of the city makes less clothing preferable. Their pony masters at least have a sense to adapt them to the weather.

He still feels unbefitting here, but at least he knows he's not alone. He recalls the plan he and Axel conferred on their journey, one they jointly and full-heartedly agreed upon: stay quiet, no sudden movements, and don't look anypony in the eye. If they need to communicate, a discreet tap on the side.

Crimson keeps just behind Axel as they venture through town - many a edifice line the streets that they now walk through. The man's boots give a slightly unique plant against the hooves and sandals from other denizens. He tries to adhere to Axel's command to prevent any eye-contact with the locals, but he does shoot stray glances to take everything and everyone in.

To his wonderment, he isn't stalked or gawked at for too long by anyone. A few wry glances and stares make him feel contrasted to the scene, but nothing to write home about. Axel doesn't seem to fret either. Within a few minutes of being apart of this new community, he feels comfortable that he won't get pinned.

Axel stops upon the entrance of a high-rise, one that incorporates many windows that scale up for fourteen stories. A minimalist logo etched at the front of the building depicts a green gem with a white half-wreath around it.

"We're here," the stallion utters under his breath. He glances back to ensure he's still being followed. Well enough, the lumbering man is still at his six.

Crimson is able to see a lobby behind the wood and glass doors that bar off the inside. He isn't sure what he expected Axel's home to be, but he supposes a suite in a grand hotel seems appropriate.

Axel opens the door for the man and together they enter the distinct auberge. There's a lack of a receptionist at the ornate wooden desk in the center of the room, but Crimson heeds the scattered muscle standing posted at different corners of the room and adjacent halls. All earth ponies wearing the same white shirt with one black stripe at each sleeve, and solid black pants. Their shirts have the hotel's logo stitched to the left breast.

Axel treks past the receptionist desk, pacing around it to the steel doors of the elevators just over yonder. He reaches into his shirt's chest pocket and takes out a badge and places it up to a little black slot near the elevator controls. He slips it in, a click is heard, and a soft ding rings from the panel. The badge is regurgitated by the contraption and Axel takes it back.

Crimson marvels at the technologies he's beholding. Nothing like anything back in Earth. He assumes magic is playing a huge role in this land's development, most of this doesn't seem feasible.

Once the steel doors to one of the cabins opens, the duo steps in and takes their ascent.

The man feels eyes upon him - Axel's. He returns the contact behind the shade of his hair. Upon their stares meeting, Axel shoots a intrepid smile. Crimson returns a hardly noticeable smile of his own.

The bell dings out their arrival, together they exit just as a group of ponies entered an adjacent elevator across the hall. Axel brushes quickly to the left. Crimson follows behind him, weighing the environment.

There is plenty of space between each door. The man surmises that the rooms must be spacious and accommodating. The carpet muffles their steps comfortably, and there's a grand view from the occasional window panel they elapse. Much of Equestria's oceans establish the scenery as Axel's suite is located nearly at the top.

Axel stops at non-distinct door at the very end of the hall, taking his badge out to follow the same process. He introduces it into a black slot next to his door, it clicks, and access is accorded.

Badge returned, he pushes the door open and grins, "Make yourself at home."

‎

‎

"Now I get it," Crimson states as he rests in a beanbag chair, ogling the ceiling that rises up fifteen meters.

"What?" Axel responds with equal leisure.

The man reaches for his drink which sits on the table at his side, taking a swig from it before resting the bottom of the bottle on his right pec. "Why you can't stay in the Slums."

Axel delivers a healthy chuckle. "It's not that I can't, I'll be there as long as I need to. But! Not a second longer."

Crimson taps the neck of his bottle with his index finger, taking another look around this incredibly posh residence. The whole unit is one large room, section out into its individual parts, but with plenty of space for everything. The only separation to be had is the restroom, which indeed is held off by a door.

The front door gives entry to the living room where they currently unwind. Just past the living room going forward are immense rectangular window panels that give a view to the oceans.

To the left of the front door is where the bedroom, restroom, and reading quarters are located. The bed is bigger than necessary, modern in semblance, and the little library isn't anything noteworthy.

To the right is where the kitchen and a dining table are situated. Plenty of modern appliances and cutlery alongside a table that sits up to eight individuals, six if they happen to be of larger stature.

All of this is accompanied by a blue, grey, and orange color palette. Stringed lights hang around the seams of the walls and ceiling. Crimson bets they'd add more of a certain milieu once they're turned on in the evening.

The man returns his gaze to his bottle, lifting it to present the label to himself. It's a photo of a stocky pony's face with a beard giving a stern scowl, colored in multiple shades of brown and orange, with text under that reads illegible to him. He refrains from speaking his mind, but he muses at the length of time it's been since he's had root beer last.

"You look like you've got a thought or more," Axel comments.

"Too many."

The unruly stallion chugs the remaining portion of his drink and releases a resonating burp. He sets the bottle down on the table and crosses his arms over his chest. "What's jiggling?"

Crimson pauses to think about what he's actually thinking about. It's mostly scattered, but he conjures a response. "What our next move is, I suppose."

"Getting stressed about finally hitting the big leagues?"

The man shakes his head slowly. He turns his gaze to meet Axel's before continuing. "Speakin' of. You gonna tell me what we're in for? Ain't given me a lick thus far."

Axel turns away and closes his eyes, comfortably resting into the beanbag. "Guess you're right. None of it is magic science, but... maybe a bit tricky." He opens one eye to give a smirking simper to the man. "You ready for this?"

Crimson sits up from his reclining position, intent on listening carefully. "Hit me."

"Got some old crew around here, more specifically the ops manager, he's been trying to take matters into his own hooves. Not abiding by the tenets he's bound to. Not cool, y'know?"

"I'd bet."

"So him and his ponies got it out for me because of some missing funds from several of their shipments. Those bits rightly belong to Gloriosa, so I decided to... push some of the proceeds under the rug for her. They've been in debt to her for a few years now, after she helped their sorry asses rebuild several ships they lost to a pirate raid, not counting material and produce recovery costs, and labor costs from contracting her own ponies for the repairs. You can imagine how much came out of her pocket."

"All together, how much money we talkin'?"

"Enough to retire every pony in Los Ungulas. Comfortably."

Crimson wrinkles his brows. "And they've been cuttin' her raw?"

"Worse. Not only have they stopped paying her all together, they've engaged a silent turf war. They've attacked her strength and her establishment multiple times, but always manage to lose the blame. They pull some strings with one of the other honchos who dominates Equestria's north-eastern region. If these bastards had the chance, they'd go for her life. So now, we're going to settle the score for Gloriosa... and then some," Axel appears rather amused at how he finished his own sentence. "First, I'll need to get in touch with some friends. They'll be our main asset for this. But for you, I'll be using your expertise to get the party started."

The man's left brow raises.

"Very important to note: if you fuck anything up, we're both screwed. It's gonna be tight, and we'll need some luck, but I trust you with this." Crimson nods in acknowledgement. "The ops manager still thinks we can work something out, so we'll be using this to our advantage to get in nice and close. If all goes well, it'll be less than ten minutes of heat. In and out."

"Just tell me what to do."

The stallion grins deviously. "Alright. So this is what I'm thinking..."

‎

‎

Night has fallen over Equestria, the moon shines brilliantly tonight. The port city of Los Ungulas still bustles with life afterhours - the lighthouse which overlooks the city's waters provides a beacon to the ever-coming ships. Ponies roam about their business, a spare few still accompanied by their humans.

Axel Flex walks along the boulevard's sidewalk, eyes uninterested in his environment and fixed only forward. He navigates the lamppost-illuminated streets towards one of the piers, one particular landing where a sheet-metal and wood warehouse stands tall. This building appears as a carbon-copy of others like it around the bay, nothing about it speaks out as special. Nevertheless, this is his destination.

Swerving through wooden crates and metal cargo, the winds and currents of the oceans ruffle his amber-orange mane. His hoof-landings upon the board cease once he arrives at a metal door at the back entrance to the warehouse. Two ponies standing side-by-side converse, one a unicorn, the other earth. Both give an intimidating air, that of henchmen in uniform with blades at their sides.

They both glare boredly at the stallion who approaches them. The earth pony speaks up first, "Look who finally decided to show up."

"Good evening, fellas," Axel replies.

"Shut it, Axel. You've been putting this off for almost three weeks. He's pissed."

"And so are we," the unicorn spits bitterly.

"Hey, he's your payroll, not me," Axel retorts. "He should be keeping your pockets full even without me in the mix."

"You're lucky the boss likes you. Don't make it worse on yourself with that mouth," the earth pony snarls and moves away from his partner to open the metal door.

With an indifferent huff, Axel raises his brows and proceeds to enter. This entrance leads up a flight of stairs to a second-floor catwalk that oversees the first floor, where all of the cargo is located and workers actively push and pull products.

Just before Axel disappears through the doorway, he gives a sidelong glance behind him and licks the left corner of his lips. Then, the door closes behind him.

The earth stallion huffs an annoyed breath after closing the door and proceeds to lock it behind Axel. "That fucking dirt-bag better not flake out on us again," he turns to return to his post, "you know what I'm sayi--? Hgh-mhgph!"

A hand reaches from the darkness to claps his face. He is pulled in quickly before another hand grasps his throat. In a quick and effortless motion, his head is twisted violently to the left, followed by the crescendo of his spinal cord breaking. His lifeless body is carried into the darkness and deposited harmlessly behind some dusty, forgotten crates aside the warehouse... right next to the unicorns body.

Axel walks without haste along the metal mesh of the catwalk. Some of the workers and henchmen spot him, all of them giving him spiteful glares. The pegasus is unphased and maintains his stride.

He ascends another set of a few metal steps towards the highest section of the catwalk, right above the very center of the warehouse. From this point moving forward, it's a straight shot to an office at the opposite end of the warehouse. A metal door bars it off, but a rectangular paneled window reveals lights and movement inside. Very agitated movement. Said window isn't fully see-through, it is made of some sort of resilient plastic instead of glass.

Without apprehension, he continues. As he approaches the office, workers and henchmen completely stop their tasks to glare daggers at him. Some of the muscle even relocates to any potential exits, whether it be an act of duress or tactical advantage. Or both.

Once he reaches the door, he lifts a hoof to push the door-handle in, but pulls it back slightly when the door opens without his touch. A rather anguished henchman opens it. Grabbed by the collar of his shirt, Axel is forced inside with a mighty heave by the large earth stallion. He stumbles but quickly regains his balance, shrugging to fit his shirt comfortably again.

Axel is greeted by a scene - an earth stallion sitting behind a baroque oak desk surrounded by four henchmen, not including the one that hauled him in. The henchmen consist of two earth ponies and two unicorns, where the unicorns stand closer to the desk. The figure that glares behind the desk has hooves crossed over his mouth, emanating a very displeased verve. The office itself is luxurious and void of outside disturbance, in contrast to the dingy working environment of the warehouse.

Axel bounces his glance upon each character around him. It comes to a stop at the main cheese. No words are said by anyone for a good few seconds, letting the heavy silence deeply seep in.

"... I wish we'd meet again on better terms, boy," the earth stallion utters from behind his hooves.

"That's a wish if I've ever heard one," Axel replies. "It's best if we focused on reality, Poronto."

"And in that we agree." The stallion named Poronto looks at the burly stallion that handled Axel earlier. He waves at him, signaling him to close the door. The large henchmen takes the hint and shuts the door rather calmly. "Why'd you do it, Axel? Not looking to twist your arm, I'm genuinely curious."

"What difference would it make if I told you?"

"Well..." Poronto comes off his hooves and sits up straight, "could at least ease the tensions, you know? Maybe reopen some of the avenues we had to work together again."

"That really is wishful thinking."

"You hassling me won't make this easier for anypony."

"I just don't get what you wanna accomplish by bringing me back here. I don't have your money. If you're looking to kill me, then do it. You don't need to drag this out."

"Stars damn it, boy!" the stallion huffs in frustration and furrows his brows. "Work with me here! I don't wanna lose you! It doesn't need to be said, but you can be replaced at any moment!" He points his hoof at himself in a quick snap. "But I don't want that!"

"It's not about what you want, Poronto. It never was. It's about what Gloriosa wants. You've forgotten that already."

The earth stallion grits his teeth in anger. "You riding her ass like this won't get you any brownie points, Axel. Her time is dead and gone!"

Axel crinkles his front with agitation. "I never understood why you hated her so much. She helped you out, she was nothing but graceful to you and your ponies. You two could have worked together, like it was intended."

"I do not hate her, and her kindness is not unappreciated. But she is unfit for her position. The way she runs things is questionable at best, time only worsens it. And the most dreadful of it, she won't listen to my advice. Just like you. The Family agrees. You know what they're aiming to do. You KNOW what's coming next."

"The Family?" Axel questions with the raising of his brow. He follows up with a smirk and a hearty chuckle. "The Family... Poronto..." The unicorn stallion grits his teeth at Axel's condescending tone. "The random hits on Gloriosa's strength? The "cargo" - anthrax crates? Bombs? Almost burning down the club with that molotov attack? The Family approved all that, right? That wasn't just you being a petty piece of shit?"

Poronto scowls bitingly. "I never--"

"Can't lie to me, Poronto." Axel's grin widens ever-so slightly. "Know that every single warehouse that you own here, all of your strength... by tomorrow morning it'll all belong to Gloriosa."

"You've always had a big fucking mouth, boy," Poronto hisses. "And now you've forced my hoof. Any last words?"

"You're fucked."

He leans forward and hides his mouth behind his hooves, just as he had when Axel entered. "Kill him." The large stallion at Axel's side grabs him and restrains him, and the guards besides Poronto reach for their weapons, the unicorns with swords, the earth stallions with crossbows.

Without delay, Axel releases a clamorous whistle.

A metal sheet panel is kicked in from the ceiling and in drops a black shade from above. The panel lands on a unicorn stallion at Poronto's left side, where the human comes down and tackles both guards on the right side. The stallions grabbed by the man are lifted into the air as he stands back up, and both are brought together so their heads collide ferociously.

This distraction gives Axel a moment to quickly flail out his arms and break the galoot's grasp. He falls forward onto his forehooves and uses his hindlegs to deliver a mighty buck to the oppressor's chest.

"GhOoh!" he guts a breath and stumbles back, completely winded. Axel takes this opening to reach for his sword and spin one-eighty, jabbing the blade right into the henchmen's neck. A motion so quick, Axel's sword is in and out as he delivers another kick to push the mortally bleeding oppressor back into the wall.

"Mother of fuck!" Poronto barely now rises from his seat and jumps back away from the man who holds two of his unconscious henchmen. The unicorn stallion who was stunned by the falling metal ceiling has yet to recover, so Poronto reaches desperately for the sword. The other still-standing henchmen hastily loads his crossbow in a panic, then aims it at the man for a fatal shot to the head.

Crimson raises his right fist to shield himself using the unconscious body - the arrow penetrates the stallion in the stomach and leaves the man unharmed. He drops the bleeding body after it's use.

"WHAT IN THE FUCK IS THAT THING!?" Poronto backpedals into his henchman, who also now tries backing up alongside him. "I NEED HELP! I NEED HELP!" Axel locks the door to the office and demonstrates a rather cheeky grin. The henchman moves to load another arrow, but the man throws the other stallion in his left hand directly at him and Poronto. All three collide and fly back into the wall, breaking pieces off of it.

Axel surges in alacrity to poke and parry the crossbow right out of the henchman's hold, tossing it away. With a seamless follow-through, he dives his blade right into the side of the henchman's head. The sword perforates the soft of the skull rather easily, ending his life instantly. Retracting his blade, Axel flicks it to the side to fling off some of the blood lathered upon it.

All that is left now is Poronto, who cowers discombobulated in the corner of the office. The sword which was knocked out of his hold is kicked away by Axel, leaving him completely defenseless. "SOMEPONY COME FUCKING HELP ME! HOLY STARS ABOVE, HELP!"

Banging on the office's metal door can be heard, but entry is denied by the lock. Try as the muscle outside might, the sturdy door holds on its heavy hinges.

Axel gives a glance at the door, grins, and faces his target again.

"AXEL!" Poronto pleads. "AXEL, PLEASE! DON'T DO THIS! PLEASE DON'T DO THIS! WE CAN STILL WORK THIS OUT! T-THE MONEY! I GOT IT! I'LL GET IT DELIVERED TO HER A.S.A.P!"

The more the pathetic earth pony pleads, the wider Axel's grin becomes.

"LISTEN TO ME, BOY! LISTEN TO MEEE!"

Axel looks to Crimson, who stands unmoving with fists cuffed at his sides, waiting for instruction. The pegasus tilts his head towards a panel on the wall behind the desk, directing Crimson to it. The man pries it open, revealing it to be the fuse box for the warehouse. He takes two fingers to the top-most fuse and holds the latch, then looks back to Axel. Axel nods, holding his wicked simper.

Crimson pulls the main fuse; all power is cut to the warehouse, complete blackness consumes the room. The only minor light to be had is the shine of the moon coming from the forced opening in the ceiling. Aside from the frantic banging and muffled yelling from the other side of the thick metal door, the room is engulfed in silence.

"... AXEL!? BOY!?" Poronto receives no reply. A single hoofstep is heard coming closer. "AXEL, LISTEN. PLEASE. J-JUST GET THE LIGHTS BACK ON! DON'T PLAY ME LIKE THIS! I SWEAR WE'LL WORK IT OUT! I'VE GOT THE MONEY! WE'LL START ANEW! GLORIOSA! IN HER NAME! R-RIGHT!? AXEL, PLEASE, JUST-- AaUrrgh!" His voice drowns into a gurgled mess when cold steel splits his trachea. Death consumes him slowly.

Axel moves towards the opening in the ceiling. "Let's go," he simply states as he extends his wings to fly out of the hole in the ceiling. Crimson follows silently behind him and crouches down for a hearty leap, latching onto the edges of the opening and hauling himself up swiftly.

Together they make it onto the roof of the warehouse and get their bearings. Axel takes a small handkerchief from the pouch on his belt and wipes down his blade, sheathing it right after. He trots towards the east end of the warehouse, peering down off the edge to the docks. He sees a single inconspicuous pegasus mare standing next to a wooden crate, seeming to have anticipated him. Axel lifts his arm and waves it in a circle.

With this signal, she whistles a short, peculiar melody and takes into the air. This same melody is heard whistled nearby, again, and again, in different locations across the perimeter of the warehouse. In no time, many armed pegasi come out from unseen locations, amassing a small army that quickly engulfs the building.

Crimson witnesses such orchestration with esteem. Within seconds of Axel's call, the building is invaded, and death can be heard below them. From what he can pick up, it is no contest. It's a slaughter. A silent, calculated massacre.

Axel revels at the sound of Poronto's strength getting overwhelmed. He turns his gaze to Crimson, which shifts from wicked to reverent in a moment. The man looks back at him, his black hair concealing his face, that which reflects the moon's light vividly. The stallion beams blithely. "You're fucking awesome." Crimson only stares back mutely. "Come on, Gloriosa's ponies have got it from here. Our job's done." With no response from the man, Axel leads him to a safe area to descend from the roof.

Together they trek under the starry night back towards the inner city, onwards with a unruffled stride as if nothing had ever happened.

Next Chapter: Beacon in the Fumes Estimated time remaining: 14 Hours, 2 Minutes