"-- Then boom!" Axel exclaims. He and Crimson rest once more on the beanbags from earlier this day, both with bottles of root beer. "You tossed 'em right at Poronto! That shit was incredible!"

"Had to improvise. You said there was gonna be only one on each side."

"You're right. Upping the muscle is exactly what I should have planned for. I won't let another mistake fly by me like that again."

"Hey now, don't fret, it was minor. I'm more impressed at how accurate yer plan was. You knew exactly what the guards were doin' and when they were doin' it. Not to mention that rust stain on the roof, it really did look like an eye."

"Right! Hey, I'm just glad you found it. Literally any other part of the roof wouldn't have broken in like that. But you were in the right place at the right time, just when I needed it. I've told you your combat talent is terrifying, but something needs to be said about your follow-through."

"What can I say, I had a good playwright. It was just like you said, we were in 'n out quick-like. Less than ten minutes."

"Stop flattering me, man! You kick some serious ass! You get an A letter-grade!"

"Takes two. You certainly did yer part."

"Hehyeah, went off better than I expected! That ratshit is dead, and I've got you to thank for it!" He takes a momentous swig of his drink, passing off a vigorous burp. "Hooh, brother, Sky. That went SO much better than expected."

Crimson's glee slowly churns into what he feels is pity. Something about the way he speaks imparts dejection. "You sure are happy about this victory."

"Like you wouldn't believe!"

"I reckon you nab these often. What makes this one special?" In the midst of laughter, the man's words puncture Axel like a nail. His gaiety transmutes to sobriety. Crimson lines his lips, regretting his utterance.

"... Heh," Axel lifts his eyes solemnly to the man, "would you believe it if I said that wasn't the case?"

"... Sure is hard to. Yer skillset bodes well for this kinda work."

"You think the issue here is me?"

Crimson lifts his right palm up prudently, "No, no, not what I'm sayin'. Shown me enough to see you've got yer lock 'n key. Surprised, is all. With yer talent, it just... dunno, doesn't seem right. You, uh... running a round of bad luck 'r somethin'?"

Axel cringes at himself and licks the bottom row of his teeth whilst presenting them. "Yeah. A really bad one." Crimson's eyes thoughtfully fall to the table that sits his drink. The man browses for any consolidation he could give, but Axel speaks up. "But heeey, come on! You're tossing shit on our trophy! Not cool, Sky!"

Crimson's lips curl before a chuckle. "Pardon. I'll be sure to clean it off."

Axel snickers in response, lifting his bottle again to finish the last of his beverage. With a satisfied sigh, he reclines back into the beanbag and crosses his hooves behind his head. "Now this... is more like it."

Holding his simper, Crimson follows suit and drinks the rest of his beverage. Setting the empty bottle back down on the table, he reclines just as his comrade does and enjoys the still, peaceful night.

"You know, I think it's finally time," Axel suddenly states.

"For?"

"The last thorn in Gloriosa's side. I was iffy whether I wanted to go through with it, but..." Axel looks over to the man with a beam, "... with you by my side, I think it's doable."

Something inside Crimson feels honored by the complimentary demeanor Axel has for him. It feels more than superficial, more than just a key for business. The man puts his hands behind his head and lays back. "If it's stompin' out more bugs, I'm all in."

"Heh, I knew you'd be. After this, I'll make DAMN sure you get where you need to be. Whoever or whatever score you wanna settle, whatever vendetta you have against the Black Horseshoes. I'll be your guy. Hold me to that."

Crimson unconsciously grins at this idea. It's perfect. "Sounds like a trade to me, partner. Now you just tell me what needs doin'."

"Hoho, with pleasure, my friend. With pleasure."

Both Crimson and Axel sit up straight, ready to scheme.

‎

‎

"Hey! Hey! Wakie, wakie!"

The call of Axel's voice demands Crimson's arousal. The man's eyes still remain closed, but he quips, "Ain't asleep."

"Ah, perfect. Something just came up, we gotta move."

"Is that where you went?" Crimson refers to Axel having left the room about half an hour ago, but only now returning to yammer.

"Yeah! Come on, Sky! Up, up!"

The man sighs through his nose and rises from the comfort of the beanbag chair. Once at his full height, he bends his back in to get a few satisfying pops. Stretched up, he grasps his face with his right hand and drags down to pull off lingering sleepiness in an attempt to rid himself of it.

A quick look at the window shows that it's still night-time, another shot towards the hand-clock posted above the kitchen counter reads something around 2:45. It's been roughly two hours since they finished talking plans, regardless, Axel's jumping to something else already. Nothing they discussed either.

Axel is too eager to get Crimson out the door and towards the elevators. They descend as fast as the machinery allows them to, which isn't very.

"What's got you worked up at this hour?" the man prods.

"You'll see," Axel counters.

"Can't just tell me."

"You'll see!" the stallion repeats with excitement.

Crimson would be mildly annoyed at the lack of direct communication, but judging by Axel's fervor, it can't be a bad thing. Or maybe it is. It's somewhat hard to tell. He'll just take his word for now.

Together, they come off the elevator and exit the hotel through the lobby. Even before exiting through the building's glass doors, Crimson bares witness to a carriage and some pegasus pony bouncers right outside - they wear the same outfit as the ponies noted standing at the Gloriosa in the Slums. The carriage itself is similar in design to Canterlot's, but certain grooves and decals make it obvious it belongs to a different organization. It's as if a small shard of the Gloriosa broke off to obtain them. Such a scene drives pique to the man.

Axel enthusiastically pushes open the door, holding for Crimson to exit before letting go. The bouncers seem lifeless behind their black shades but they do well to quickly acknowledge Axel as soon as he makes his appearance.

"Long time no see, fellas," Axel greets. The stallions simply nod once, but very promptly so. "What's say we get a move on?"

At this, the stallions immediately move to hitch themselves back up on the carriage. Axel turns to Crimson and tilts his head, signaling the green light. The duo climb on and take seats opposite from each other. Once Crimson hunkers down, the carriage has a slight tilt to his side. Acknowledging this, the man scoots next to Axel instead. A quick snicker from the stallion followed by the shake of his head exhibits his amusement.

The stallions piloting the carriage wordlessly begin their trot towards the street, then eye left and right to make sure it's safe before continuing out. Their trot turns to a gallop, then a sprint. Before any interruption of traffic, they take into the air and correct their course to the Slums under the guidance of the moon.

Crimson refrains from asking questions despite having many. He sits back and spreads his arms out to hold the top of the backrest, simply taking this time to enjoy himself. The wind blows through his hair, finally letting the open air hit his face for the first time in a while. The city quickly becomes distant - the border of Los Ungulas is passed over, leading to the grassy plains.

The last week has been a busy one. There hasn't been much time for anything except eating, sleeping, planning, fighting and killing. Time spent with Axel has fluttered like wind. He's learned much about the communities and smaller gangs littered across western Equestria because of his work. It's nothing that strays far from what he already knows, even compared to Earth.

...

Earth. Almost seems like a different life. Hell, maybe it is. With everything he's dealt with here in Equestria, Earth is just a fever dream. A twenty-six year fever dream.

He seldom realizes he's turning twenty-seven. Maybe he's twenty-seven already. With how convoluted the months have been, his birthday may have very well passed. It's a depressing thought, he feels. Losing track of time so badly that you forget your own birthday. Such a small thing to fret over, something so unimportant in the grand scheme of things - the date of your coming to the world... but maybe, it's not so small. One's humanity comes from these things. Without them...

The man crosses his arms over his chest, making sure a certain soft lump is still found under his clothes. Warmth surrounds his heart knowing it is. He wants to reach for it, hold it, hug it... but not yet. He can't yet. Regardless, he's content with letting his good-luck charm carry him through his ventures. Not only for his sake, but for Autumn's.

Autumn. Viola. Moonlight. Bulletpoint. Strix, Swirl. ... Dahlia. He wonders if he'll be able to see anyone he cares about ever again. Probably not.

He tries not to let it get to him.

‎

‎

The carriage punches the smog that surrounds the Slums, prompting both Axel and Crimson to look alive. Their destination comes to be at the street across the Gloriosa's front door.

Even though he half expected this, he still finds himself stirred. The fabled club approaches as the stallions take their landing and come to a halt not five meters from the entrance. Same as before, a burly stallion with two stocky humans are present. It appears that they're making salutations to a guest who is just now entering.

Their attention is brought to the arriving transport. The piloting stallions unlatch themselves with haste to open both carriage doors for Crimson and Axel. They unload separately, both hopping and landing simultaneously on the sanded bricks of the street. The man looks up to the bedizened edifice. It's still as grand and intimidating as ever.

With neon lights shining into the tar-like sky, the Gloriosa stands as a beacon in the darkness. As the duo approach the front entrance, music is heard thumping from inside, and the Slums' smell of narcotics is replaced with a wafting of perfumes and colognes. The orange-maned stallion greets the bouncer at the door. "Zeek."

"Axel," the earth stallion replies without moving anything but his mouth.

"Word spread quick, didn't it?"

"It did. Looks like you're back in the game."

Axel grins. "You can say that."

"Your backup. He the one?" the stallion hints to the silent shadow behind Axel.

"In the flesh."

The stallion glares at the man judgmentally. "... He doesn't look like much."

"All in the eye of the beholder, right?"

"Hm." He scans Crimson behind the guise of his sunglasses for a good second before refocusing on Axel. "You've always had a lot naysayers. But even they're impressed right now."

"Damn right they are. I step out of the game for minute to relax, and it's 'Axel's gone soft! Axel's this and that!' Shows the bastards for forgetting who I am."

The stallion finally shows some sort of emotion and smiles ever-so slightly. "... Good thing I haven't. Knew you'd be back." He steps aside and opens the door for him and the man. "Just like old times. Come on in."

Axel smiles proudly, looking back to Crimson quickly. The stallion then moves to enter the club with his companion in tail.

Immediately upon passing through the wood and glass double-doors of the club, the music clamors in their ears - some eccentric electronic music in the likes Crimson has never heard in his life. Inside, a plethora of sections encompass the first floor. Each nook and cranny has booths, bars, stages and poles, bouncers, and creatures of all kinds preforming some sort of debauchery. Saturated lights pulse and flash vibrantly, giving the place a rather juicy look, especially among the dark of the night.

He quickly realizes this isn't any run of the mill club. Tenders behind the bars aren't even charging for the drinks they hand out. There's plenty of groping and touching, borderline fucking. The customers inside are dressed in a range of styles, from expensive and posh, to wrinkled summer wear, and everything in between. The air inside, fruity enough to make your senses tender, yet not overbearing or headache inducing. A certain magic floats in the atmosphere. This whole place feels... off.

Crimson's attention is brought upon the humans that are found here. Most of them are females, dancing on the stages and handling the poles, or tending to customers in a lubricious manner. There are a few male humans dotted around, catering to a few of the 'exotic' customers. His muse drives him to repugnance - these humans were conditioned for this exact purpose. Out of the many things to teach an animal, this...

"Here!" Axel suddenly blurts over the music, more than willing to leave Crimson behind if he doesn't keep up. The man glides his boots across the carpeted flooring, unable to keep his eyes from racing around. As he steps, stares from both customers and humans performing on the floor come upon him. He ignores them for what he can, but it doesn't ease the weight he feels. This whole place gives him an impression he can't describe and it's overwhelming.

A particular girl that has had her eyes glued to him comes off of the pole she was spinning expertly upon. With grace, she sits at the edge of the stage and hops off her butt to the floor. She strides confidently in front of Crimson and stands in his face, ready to be knocked over had the man not stopped on a dime. If many weren't staring, they certainly are now. This confrontation also forces Axel to stop and stare amidst his hurry.

With furrowed brows, Crimson gawks down at the very attractive girl that gazes up at him with lust. She whips her long cyan hair back, her pink skin glistens under the colored lights. She reaches into her panties and takes out some sort of packet containing a small blue circular tablet. She pops the tablet out and sticks her tongue out and hums out a phonetically appropriate 'Aaah,' placing the tab on it before suggestively waving her tongue up and down.

Crimson detects that practically every eye in the building is watching this interaction. They seem to be hoping they'll catch some face-slobbering meditated by a feel-good pill.

The girl's gaze glitters with the thump of the music. She stands at her tippy-toes and takes the back of her hand to reach out and brush the man's hair of out his face, revealing his once-hidden front. The sight of his face makes her heat rise, indicated by a moan-ish hum inundated by the music. She takes his duster collar to level his head with hers, then she reaches in for the attack.

In one motion, the man rears his head back and, with the tip of his finger, he brings his hand upside down to her chin and closes her mouth. His hair falls back over his face, hiding it once again.

"OooOoo!" The crowds cackle and egg on the display. The girl herself, taken aback, glares in disbelief. Blushing from embarrassment, she crosses her arms over her chest and pouts at him. Crimson doesn't reflect any amusement, only indifference. The girl steps forward and pushes him at his right shoulder, where he lurches his upper body in exaggeration to her light push. With a puff and the bringing up of her chin, the girl storms back to her pole and continues her routine, aimlessly spitting out the pill. Disgustingly enough, a few stallions begin shoving each other to get it.

Crimson catches up to the giggling stallion. "Wasted opportunity!" The man tilts his head at this. "You don't know how much some of these fools wish a figurant would do something like that to them! Wasted! Opportunity!" Crimson rightens his head from its tilted position and barely shrugs. The grinning stallion takes the lead again.

The man uses this time to reflect quite critically in what he is witnessing. These humans are fully expressive, damn-near 'normal' in their behaviors and demeanors. The one thing they lack is speech, which he can't decipher why. They're pretty much fully intelligent, working a job that challenges not only their motor skills but their mental capacity as well.

Axel was right. He does seem much less impressive around these humans, they're pretty much like him, absent only of articulation and height.

Heading to the far left side of the club, a staircase that rounds upwards gives a path to the second floor. Akin to a certain someone's bedroom, the second floor is just a massive balcony that can overlook the first floor. The staircase has muscle in front of it, two zebras and a velvet rope to hinder access to anyone that'd try to ascend it. Despite the obstacle, Axel confidently takes the approach.

"Stallion of the hour!" one of the zebras shouts over the music.

"At your service!" Axel throws back.

"Is this him!?"

Axel looks over to Crimson, then back at the zebra. "Who else would it be!?"

The zebra who spoke nods and moves to unhitch the rope, allowing them both access. They ascend the two flights of stairs to the second floor, where this section of the club seems more isolated and calm in comparison to the bottom. The music seems suppressed up here, almost by a magical means.

This second floor contains individual sections, formed like squares, but rather than freely open, they are walled off by thick silk curtains that are suspended from high above on the ceiling. There's a few silhouettes behind some of the sections, but this VIP area comes off as mostly vacant even if the muscle has nearly tripled, including the presence of some grim-looking unicorns. He definitely doesn't want to piss them off.

Axel pulls close to Crimson, stopping him briefly without looking at him. "Hey." Crimson listens in. "When we meet her... talk."

"...?"

"We can trust her. Anypony in earshot? Also good. Don't leave her hanging. Alright?" Axel looks up at the man for a quick smile of assurance. Crimson, obviously skeptical, nods in return.

As the two trek across the second floor, the designs of the silken veils become more intricate and exorbitant. At the far end of this floor, a bar is found along with a regal door that leads to somewhere. Just before this bar, the most extravagant veil is located off to the left, one that details a single letter several times. Crimson couldn't know what letter it is, but he assumes it's 'G' as that would be the most appropriate for its grandeur. Four unicorns stand at every corner of the prominent cubical, making sure whoever is inside is kept safe or unbothered.

As they approach this veil, Axel gives Crimson a very stern glare. "Remember what we talked about." Crimson barely nods.

The unicorns hardly react to the coming, other than one mare calling aloud, "Visitors, my beloved!" A rhythmic hum comes from inside. Had the music been as loud up here as it is downstairs, it would have easily been drowned out. The same unicorn proceeds to open the veil and allow entrance.

Inside is two prime couches with cushions of cherry red with white frames - a two seater on the left, and a three seater in the far middle against the wall.

There on the three-cushion, a beautiful mare of a snow-white coat and blonde hair, cold piercing ruby eyes, and luscious black eyelashes, wears pure black and red velvet silk clothing, waving across her curvaceous body in a way that matches her beauty. She watches in disinterest at a dancer who works a pole on a small stage in front of her. Her analytical orbs watch as a light-yellow girl with green hair performs an upside down spin.

Her attention is not removed from the pole dancer even when Axel enters. Crimson does as well, but only enough for the veil to close behind him, keeping a safe distance. His focus is also tuned to the half-naked girl who beads with sweat and pants lightly. It looks like she might be new at this, or at least not as good as the other girls downstairs. He goes to assume she might be new, her form lacks naturalness.

"Nah!"

Crimson's body kicks into gear before his mind does. The girl's thighs and feet lose the grip on the pole which suspended her upside down, leading her to a fall that certainly lands her on her head. With outstretched arms, he bolts forward and catches her, pulling her in against his chest. His focus on the girl loses him the small smile that forms on the beautiful mare's lips, along with Axel's raised brows of surprise.

The girl's heavy breath is accompanied by her heart beating like a timorous bunny. Her lime-green eyes tremble as they stare into his, her sweat dampens his duster sleeves.

"Thank you very much," a soft and melodic voice speaks from the mare on the couch. Crimson, Axel, and even the girl all focus their attention to her. "Injury was definite. Sweat on the pole is dangerous, a lesson always learned the hard way." Her suffocating stare moves from the man to the girl in his hold. "Get some rest, Dandelion." The human seldom reacts to the name due to the exhaustion, but apparently it belongs to her.

Crimson says nothing in response, instead looking down to the girl who also returns the stare. After realizing he's been coddling her for much longer than he should have, he moves to set her down on the edge of the stage. He steps back again to the entrance of the veil and nods to the mare. "Yer welcome." A small simper on her face inches just a bit at hearing him speak.

"See what I mean?" Axel adds even if nothing was said.

"I do," she replies.

Moving to stand between them, Axel bows his head and lifts a hoof to present her. "Sky, this is Marigold Gloriosa. Glory," he lifts his head and simply points, "this is Sky."

Gloriosa's eyes scan the man up and down, mostly at his dark attire and hair. "For a name like Sky, you certainly enjoy black. I'd mistake you as one of mine. Not that I'd mind. My agents have said a lot about you. I'm glad we finally have a chance to meet."

"Likewise," the man replies simply.

The emphatic tilting of her head gives away her curiosity. "No need for you to stand so far away, dear. Come closer, please."

Crimson does as she says and takes a few steps closer, back to where he had caught the girl. Said girl hasn't removed her eyes from him, as well as reaching a point where her breathing has regulated. She sits in silence at the base of the pole, shivering slightly due to being almost nude and cooling down in sweat.

Gloriosa glances between Crimson and Dandelion. She notes the man's empathy to her subject. "A towel," she hums, and seconds later, one of the guarding unicorns outside levitates a clean, dry white towel in and suspends it for the girl to grab. She does so quickly and covers herself. Gloriosa visibly sees the silent satisfaction on the man's face, which pleases her in return. "... Axel." The stallion's grin finally gives way to a fiery scowl. "I thank you for everything you've done."

"The pleasure's mine, Glory," Axel honors. "It's been some time."

"Too long, love. Is it appropriate for me to ask what happened?"

"I couldn't stay away from you."

"Is that really it?" She closes her eyes and giggles lightly. "Prized treasure hunter suddenly goes missing, then returns in flames? Just for me?"

"That's it in a nutshell. I never got to say sorry for going dark."

"A simple letter would have sufficed, love. I missed you."

The stallion nods with a tinting of his cheeks. "I missed you too."

"The scar healed up quite nicely. I like it~" Attention is brought to the stallion's face. Crimson feels inclined to agree.

"Come on, don't embarrass me here, Glory. We got business, remember? We'll play catch up soon. I promise."

A beautiful smile and blink is what she gives to agree with him. "I'll hold you to that. And of course, proper compensation is worth your effort. You'll see it in your L-U treasury soon."

"You know I don't need payment," Axel tilts his head with guilt.

"Hmh... too late~"

Axel's eyes shift away for a moment. "Gah," he disciplines himself, hardening up again against his emotions. "Your muscle didn't pick us up in the dead of night just for you to say thanks. I know what you're gonna say next, but guess what?" Gloriosa looks very amused at his assertiveness. "I already came up with a plan."

"Did you?" she asks semi-snidely, looking down at her hoof, tilting it a few ways to get different angles on it.

Even from his distance, Crimson can see how perfectly polished it is, with no sign of imperfection anywhere on her body, or what's exposed of it anyway. Staring at her for too long without looking elsewhere makes him feel slightly uncomfortable, her presence is surely daunting.

Axel grins confidently, "Yeah! Me and Sky here set up a plan to hit the Majestic Tower right where it hurts. It's failproof."

"You always were one step ahead, love. Then you're aware of the kill-on-sight order, right?" Axel looks mildly confused. "Uh-oh, hmhm~" she giggles innocently.

"What? What do you mean?" Axel asks in a panic.

"Axel Flex is to be killed on sight. His human companion as well. Order placed by Majesty but two hours ago. Does your plan take that into account?" Axel's eyes dilate as his mouth falls open. "A rework is necessary, then?"

"Shit yeah it is," Axel grumbles rather angrily. "I had it all mapped out too. Damn it. How'd they find out so damn quick? We completely wiped Poronto's haven."

"You did. Majesty had scouts on the piers, a hoof-picked few that are specifically told not to fight. I assume they found out what you were doing across the Slums and had a hunch you'd go after Poronto. Your last week worth of work builds up to it immaculately." Axel sighs angrily at his own lack of foresight. "... Luckily, I've devised a plan myself - one that involves both you and this lovely man," she tilts her chin to Crimson, giving him a brief glancing. "I think it fits both of your strong-suits."

Axel's ears perk up. "Great! Anything is better than starting from scratch. What've you cooked up, Glory?"

"Please sit, love. We have a lot to go through."

Crimson and Axel do as she says, sitting together on the double-cushion couch. Gloriosa dismisses Dandelion to allow rest. With only the trio inside this cubical of fine, delicate fabric, they begin discussing their course of action.

‎

‎

Axel and Crimson walk side-by-side through the night haze of the Slums, both ranting and raving.

"What if that don't kill the guards there, though?" Crimson questions.

"Yeah. What do you think?" Axel replies. "We'd be too far from them to finish them off."

"What I was thinkin'. Reckon we'd have to rely on her agents to do the double-take. Dunno, Axel, this don't seem too concrete."

"Hey, I'm not saying that, I think her plan will work. I'm just... mmh..."

"Yer just? What you are is unsure. We're puttin' too much trust in her agents, the plan felt solid when it was just us."

"Forget the old plan, no way it'd work now."

"I know I can trust you, not them."

"What? You don't remember how they handled the warehouse? After that, you really don't think they're reliable? They're damn good killers!"

"Sure, after we cut the lights and the snake's head. I'd be more floored if they managed to screwed it up."

"Put some faith in Gloriosa, Sky. She's giving us the best of her best."

"I'd hope so, what we're doin' ain't like swattin' a fly."

"Don't be pessimistic about this. Just think of it this way! If they screw anything up and the plan goes south, we still got each other's backs! We're damn good at making shit up as it goes. The back-up is just extra."

"... I'll hold my reservations, Axel."

"Can't blame you, just don't use it against me, man."

"Wouldn't dream of it. Like you said, least we got each other's back."

"Hm, heh. Good, good. That's what I like to hear. Now come on, it's time we got some rest." As Axel says this, he ascends the small staircase to Moob's motel, carelessly pushing on the door. "Ghr!" Axel crashes into the door, causing a startled scream comes from inside.

"Little flower!?" The sound of Moobs' muffled voice comes from the other side.

Crimson and Axel give each other a confused, troubled look. Axel bangs on the door twice, "Hey! Are you alright!? Moobs, open the door!"

"AXEL!?" the old camel shouts even more distressed than before. In a haste, heavy hooves come towards the door and several locks are undone from the other side. As the locks are being undone, Crimson notices quite the glare Axel gives the door. He does not look happy.

Within a few seconds, the door comes open and the camel stands on the other side, panting lightly from fright. "A-Axel, boy! Mister Sky! Welc'm back! What'cher all doin' out here this time'a night?"

"We happened to be in the area," Axel responds, giving the camel a furrowed stare. "On some important business."

"Wuh-Well, come on in!" the camel back-steps and turns to post himself up behind the receptionist desk. The duo enter - Crimson feels a rather tense energy coming from his partner. "So, er, what 'important business' we talkin' 'ere? What'cha got cookin', my boy?"

"It's a mouthful," Axel simply states, avoiding the question. "Were you expecting someone else tonight?"

The question puts a stake in the old camel's chest. "Werr-hur, no! Not at all!" Axel squints viciously. The camel holds poorly under the punching stare he finds himself under.

Axel looks over to Crimson, trying to compose himself as best as he can to ease the man's worry. "Hey, Sky. How about you retire for the night. I woke you up a little too early, so rest up. I'll catch some shut-eye soon too. We gotta be ready for tomorrow, right?"

Crimson crinkles his brows at both Axel and Moobs. The tension can almost be bitten and chunked. With only a nod, the man takes a step back before turning one-eighty and trekking down the hallway to the bedrooms. He safely takes the room he chose before in the center, opening it and closing it behind him. As soon as the door closes, muffled discussion can be heard, but none of it is coherent. Whatever it is they're parleying about, it might be more personal to them together. He'd rather stay out of this matter, if anything, for the sake of tomorrow's mission. Anything that doesn't need to be said shouldn't be said.

He marches to the bed, quick to kick off his boots and fall forward onto it. He rolls onto his back, eyes already closed. He tries to drown out the arguing the best he can, taking in a deep breath and exhaling gradually.

The volume of their voice soon comes to a controlled level, practically inaudible from inside his room. This makes it much easier to relax, and so he does.

A light peck comes from inside, he feels like he could use a bite to eat. Sadly that butchery Axel introduced him to is closed, else he'd have half a mind to pay it a visit. He still has plenty of money, sparsely having time spend it on anything. He's grateful for that though, the money he had at the Canterlot treasury is all but null to him now.

The Arch Angel can keep that money. Sky won't be needing it where he's going. He'll earn more the old-fashioned way.

Two ideas strike him simultaneously. Finally in a quiet personal space, he reaches into his duster's inner pocket to pull out a fuzzy ball. This fuzzy ball stares back at him with it's beady black little eyes. From just its adorable semblance, a small simper forms upon his lips. "Hey, little buddy," he whispers to it. "Sorry I've kept you holed up in there. Got some alone time, finally. You doin' okay?" It stares back blankly. It's pearly eyes glisten softy with the weak moonlight that comes in from the room's boarded window. "Yeah, little dark in here too, but better than a stuffy ol' pocket. Glad you ain't ruffled up."

Crimson rests the little red bunny on his chest. Giving it a quick smile, he reaches into the outer left pocket of his duster and obtains a small metal ball. He retrieves it and holds it in both hands, prying it open with his thumbs. He can't see the moss too well among the darkness, but he sees it's been refilled since his last 'meal.'

He looks to the bunny with a sour expression. "Stuff's awful. Good for you though." He holds it closer to the bunny. "Want some?"

It does nothing in response.

Crimson keeps it held for a moment longer before shrugging. "Right, well, don't laugh if I make a face. I mean it when I say this stuff's bad." He proceeds to take a fingertip-clump of moss and closes the ball. He pockets it and glares at the green, damp substance that coats his index finger. He looks back to the bunny, offering his fingertip. "Sure I can't tempt you?"

It sits idly against his question.

Crimson sighs and braces himself. He sticks his finger in his mouth and sucks it all off promptly, doing his best to swallow it as fast as possible. "Mrh!" He cringes, his shoulders, arms, and calves tense up at the vile flavor polluting his mouth. The clump is successfully shoved down his gullet, forcing a sigh from him. "Ugh... never gets any better."

...

"... Hmh, there it goes. This is where to good comes. Nice 'n full till morn'." He brings his left hand to pat the bunny and caress its bulbous form. "Reckon we should get some sleep." His hand glides across it from top to side, latching onto the base of its right ear and continuing to run his fingers across its length, pulling the ear up until he lets go at the tip, letting it fall limply back down.

The man comforts himself with the little plush, waiting for when sleep decides to overtake him unannounced.

‎

---

‎

Her left hoof is brought up to stifle her wide yawn - her golden slipper taps her upper-lip during its duration.

Princess Celestia works in her room, lit by candlelight, sitting at her desk as her yellow aura manipulates the quill she uses to write with. During the course of the night, she has finished much documentation and letters, all neatly tied and stacked on the right end of the desk. Now, finally, she scribbles into the last parchment of the night.

She relieves her left hoof from its slipper to quickly rub her left eye. The quill dances and points, making race from the left side of the parchment to the right. One sentence is followed by another, and a fine dot finalizes each declaration.

The end comes once a period is placed at the final sentence. Celestia huffs in relief, relishing in the idea of sleep. But before such a gift can be granted, she takes one more opportunity to reread what this amendment states, as it will be published tomorrow morning.

Doctrine Six, Page Forty-Nine, Line One-Hundred-Nine - One-Hundred-Twenty-Three

Humans, humankind, as standing and stated:

Possessions of human must be registered with city or municipality. Documentation of ownership will not (can not be) questioned or petitioned by law enforcement unless probable cause is had. Ponies may not be detained by law enforcement unless local code is violated or lawlessness is observed. Humans may not be confiscated, detained, or repossessed unless local code is violated or lawlessness is observed.

Humans present by pony (ponies) are acquitted to Doctrine One, deriving rights from pony owner and applicable prosecution and stipulations. Humans unaccompanied by a pony (ponies) must be detained immediately. All cities or municipalities violating present amendments are subject to fines that cannot exceed (90,000) bits, and cannot fall under (1,000) bits. Violations for contempt of the Empire's court may cause fines to exceed maximum penalty.

Local and general law enforcement is required to carry tranquilizing units which do not require physical perforation. As stated in Doctrine Two, immediate revision is demanded by local codes to comply with amended law enforcement tool-belt requirements. Harm, as described in Doctrine One, caused by law enforcement in detention or repossession of a human (humans) must be compensated by city or municipality.

Major cities, as listed in Doctrine Eight, page sixty-two, must be acquitted with detainment centers following appropriate guidelines. Monies will be provided by the Empire using standard distribution policies. Budget and records of at least sixteen years must be preserved. Failure to keep record of Empire provisions may cause forfeit of provided monies - penalized major cities will still be held accountable for construction and maintainment of detainment centers.

Another huff comes from Celestia, but this one more satisfied than exhausted. She levitates a black ribbon towards the parchment as she rolls it up, tying it up neatly and setting it on the stack of finished documents.

She feels content to finally have closure. With Moonlight's assistance, the cap to this ever-going debacle is coming to an end. She knows Equestria will have a lot of adapting to do, but feels confident in her subjects. There's much they've overcome, this should be no different.

She leans her head close to the candle that provided its generous light during her work, and with a quick blow from her lips, the fire dies out. Rising from her seated position, she moves to finally retire for the night.

Next Chapter: Revenants Estimated time remaining: 13 Hours, 36 Minutes