"My dearest Gloriosa," a mare calls outside of the priceless silk veils.

"Yes?" the pristine mare placidly replies. The front veil is moved to reveal the guard who called her name, along with a certain orange-maned pegasus stallion.

"... Hey," Axel bows his head slightly and puts up a solemn smile.

"Come in, dear, please," she begs with disquiet.

The stallion does as she asks and moves to sit on the table that has the pole. "Did Runa fill you in?"

"She did, every detail."

"Good. ... How is everyone?"

"Recovering marvelously. Please give your thanks to Doctor O for her services when you can."

Axel's front forms a more genuine smile than before. "That's good to hear. I'll be sure to thank her. At least we didn't lose anyone else."

Gloriosa's eyes drop in grief. A brief silence takes them both, giving the distant thumping music room to swallow the air. "I'm sorry, Axel."

"Please don't be. We knew the risks. We... we just weren't prepared."

"No. I wasn't prepared. I should have waited before sending you all. I..." she bites her lower lips quite harshly. "... After you'd been deployed yesterday, one of my reconnoiters came back with very important information. It would have been crucial to know all of this before sending you out, but..."

"But at least we'll know what the fuck happened," he states with passion.

A sigh of defeat comes from Gloriosa before continuing. "In short, we were baited to do their bidding. The suspicion that Majesty was looking to skip the city was true. After an internal meet between the Majestic Tower board, he was supposed to escape. This info was thrown into the air for us to catch because they wanted to use us, and kill you in the process."

"You can't be giving that doddering bastard Majesty credit for this."

"I hate to admit that I am. My first mistake was assuming he'd be so easy to read, age hasn't taken his craft. Somewhere... somewhere between all of you and your companion's work, eyes were watching. How deadly you two were."

"Maybe he had the pier scouted out, but that should've been it. How does that make our plan fall apart? It's like he saw right through it."

"Because you were deployed to kill Majesty, and he assumed this from the start. We searched the files you obtained for us in the security nest before the building collapsed, we learned that he had spent thousands of bits sculping one of his subordinate's face and body to resemble his likeness. A certain Lock Hunter."

Axel's eyes widen in disbelief. "The owner of that pub in central Las Pegasus? That fucker. Why him?"

"Because he and you have had a long history together. A very aggressive, competitive history. Who else would relish in the opportunity to kill their life-long opponent?"

"Tango was the one who took the hit for me..."

"Again, I'm sorry, Axel. He died doing what he did best. He was a great leader."

"... Yeah," Axel clenches his jaw.

"It doesn't end there. Majesty reached out to more than just him. As it turns out... Tango and Sky killed every single western port admin in the Black Horseshoes."

"What!?" Axel reels back.

Gloriosa nods calmly, keeping her unsullied composure. "They were all called to a general commute by Majesty the night of the attack on his warehouse. We don't suspect any of them had a reason to attend such a short-notice meet, but they were enticed."

"With what? A million bits each?"

"Better. The wine he only has access to - Ekolovia."

"Huh. The admins couldn't turn down the treat."

"He knew how to group them, and he also knew we'd go after him next. He puts both pieces together like a puzzle, and what do we get? Complete annihilation of the leadership in the western port... using us. The Honchos are not happy, love... not with you, and certainly not with me."

Axel hangs his head, staring blankly at nothing. "... Hate to say we're fucked, but... we just waged war with the Black Horseshoes."

"Not quite. Not yet. There's still something I may be able to do to amend fences, I only need time. But, it'll require you and your companion. I'll get more information within the week, so please be ready."

Axel lights up at the prospect of still being in graces with the most notorious gang in Equestria. He sighs in relief, "You know I will be. There's one last thing I need to take care of in Las Pegasus. Is it alright with you if I borrowed one of your guys to fly me over there?"

"Be my guest, love."

Axel nods with a growing smile and stands up from the table. "Thank you, Mary. I can always count on you."

"Please, Axel. Don't thank me. Thank you for everything you've done. I'm sure once I've smoothed things over with the Honchos, the western port will be ours again. It'll be like the grand Century of Glitter. With you by my side again."

"Heh," Axel blushes lightly and puts his hoof behind his head. "I'm hoping for that. Give everyone my regards. Especially Sky - tell him I said... ... tell him I said..." Axel stops, deeply contemplating what his next words should be. He throws many around, but settles on... "... thanks." He pushes down emotions and puts up another beaming smile. "And tell him I said I owe his dumb ass a beer. Crazy bastard."

"He's a daring one. I honestly believe no one else would've survived his stunt. I'll surely give your regards to him, including my own~" Axel nods in agreement. "Oh, and... one more thing..." Axel halts himself even if he didn't actually start walking away yet. "Did you know there is a collar around his neck?" Axel seems confused at this revelation. "So you didn't know?"

"No, I didn't. Never really noticed if there was one. Huh. What's wrong with it?"

"It's a Black Horseshoe first-gen model. I don't think there's any keys for it anymore. At least, I wouldn't know where to find one. Where in Equestria did he get so unlucky?"

Axel pauses for a moment. He thinks carefully about his next words. "If I had to guess, remember that ex-Brain I told you about?"

"Oh. What was her name? Licky?"

"Lippy. Lippy Snare. She's the one responsible for his sapience, and I'm gonna assume the collar too. It's one of those self-repairing ones, right?"

"It is. A model before even the beta was finished. Good thing it doesn't have outward resonance magic the newer models have. Majesty's security systems would have detected it almost instantly."

"Damn," Axel states in realization. He notices Gloriosa's rather... displeased stare. "Glory, I really had no idea he had one on."

"It's okay, love, don't worry," she assures, still appearing annoyed but her voice is soft. "I didn't notice it either. Under all of the black he wears, it was hidden very well."

"Yeah. It was."

"... Do you think, maybe... your partner is capable of using magic?"

Axel finds himself stumped. "... Well, I..." He tries to come up with a satisfying remark, but... "... I'm not sure. He's never tried, at least. Collar would be freaking out if he did. Been around him almost two weeks now, hasn't tried it once."

"How long has he been... intelligent?"

"Not too long. When we first met, he said he'd been up for about a month. Makes almost two if you put our time together into that."

"Mm," Gloriosa hums in profound speculation. "If it's alright with you, I'd like to get you two together once this is all over. I'm very curious about him. But for now, I'll focus my energy on the Horseshoes."

"No problem with me, I'll let him know. Just tell me when."

"Thank you, love."

Axel nods and gives his final departing words to Gloriosa. He exits the veil, leaving the beautiful mare to her contemplative lonesome again.

‎

‎

Steady blinks are his only movement. His eyes tiredly watch the dark purple colored ceiling. None of the nurses around him have noticed he's woken up yet.

Crimson rests on a bed with light blue sheets and a fluffy pillow, located inside the nursing ward at the Gloriosa. The back end of the Gloriosa building is much larger than he anticipated. Then again, he never really tried to look at it from the side or the back.

Offices, residences, and medical rooms span the two floors in the back rooms. All of the Gloriosa's staff lives right at the workplace. Seems comfortable enough, at least. That explains why he doesn't see much traffic coming in and out of the Slums, save for the actual attendants.

He stops admiring the architecture of the building when one of the nurses, a unicorn dressed in an unnecessarily skimpy pink and black nurse outfit, comes to preform her routine checkup on him. Her uninterested eyes end up meeting his once she approaches the side of the bed, and her pique is raised.

"Oh! You're awake! Well, good morning!~" Her voice is sugary and girly. It's only been one night, and some patchwork was done on his body once he was delivered from last night's hit. She definitely doesn't expect him to be conscious, let alone responsive.

The man simply raises his right hand a bit to sign a 'hello.'

"I'm glad you're okay, sweetie! Just doing my quick little routine here, don't mind me!~" she states as she writes into a clipboard, holding the quill and clipboard with her magic. "Need anything? Water? A snack?"

"Both," the man states with an exhausted rasp.

The nurse's eyes close for a happy, cutesy smile and she nods. "Anything uncomfortable?" The man shakes his head. "Hm!~ I'll be right back with your things, mmkay?~"

He nods once more and the nurse takes her leave. He goes back to staring at the ceiling for a bit longer, letting some thoughts pass through him. He shifts his focus to the other attendants of the nursing ward, which include both Lila and Trizzie, two from the unicorn team, and four out of the five from the earth pony team.

He sees the condition that they're in compared to himself ranges from about the same to worse. Much worse. The earth pony team got the brunt of it, it seems. A lot of them are in body casts and maimed. They held the main burden from the outside force, the man's reverence is high for them. The two from the unicorn team and the two from the pegasus team look like they just need rest and some stitches, medicine, and other more basic matters.

After assessing the group, he glances at the end of his bed and notices a plastic mobile clothing rack has his duster and clothes. Everything looks to be there, which he's grateful for. He regrets taking off his clothes, or at least leaving them unsupervised. If he lost something important...

The man discards his comfort and throws off the blanket, pulling the needle out of his right arm. He rises from the bed and walks without much issue towards the rack. The other nurses in the room stare over at him, questioning him with their gazes.

He reaches for his duster and fishes through it. He rummages into the inner pocket, feeling what he needs to feel. "It's there," he murmurs to himself, letting a wave of relief blow through him.

"Are you okay?" Another sweet voice calls from just behind him. The man turns his head slightly to see one of the other nurses approached him. "You really shouldn't be out of bed, hun."

"I'm fine. Thanks for keepin' my stuff safe."

"Oh, of course! Are you sure you're feeling okay? Nurse Peppermint is coming with your snacks, please wait for her."

"Sure. Keep an eye on everyone else, though. They've had it harder'n me."

"We will, hun. You're very caring."

The man begins to take his clothes, getting himself dressed from just his underwear. The nurse named Peppermint returns into the ward not long after, with two mason jars of water and three different snacks in her magic. She stops her humming and notes the man standing. "Oo! You're out of bed?~"

"Yeah," he replies, finishing dressing himself by popping out his duster collar. He walks towards her to meet her halfway, where the unicorn sets his items down on his bed. "Appreciate it."

"Sweetie, your stitches! We don't want you cutting back open again, like a teddy bear that just visited the tailor's!~"

"Can assure you, I'm fine." He takes one of the mason jars and unscrews the lid, bringing it in to chug the whole thing rather immodestly. He then moves to take one of the snacks, a red delicious apple, and chomps down on it in chunks. The nurse only stares in stupefaction.

"His appetite sure looks fine~" One of the other nurses around comments as she tends to her unconscious patient. "Whatever you did, Peppermint, he's up. Mine's still out like a light."

Peppermint looks terribly confused. She knows the stitches and wounds he suffered, he definitely shouldn't be out of bed right now. It's only been one night. "... Uhuhum~ ... Well!" She beams and puts a hoof to her cheek. "I'm glad you're all better now!~ Would you like me to get your release forms?"

"Is it neshesshary?" The man replies, mouth full of a peanut butter granola bar he took in one bite.

"They are, sweetie~ Gloriosa likes to keep tabs!"

The man simply nods. With it, Peppermint goes to retrieve the forms from the big desk near the entrance to the ward. Crimson looks again to all of the unconscious bodies that rest around him. He finds himself giving them honor again, breaking out of it only when the paperwork is brought to him.

‎

‎

Sand crunches under his boots as he walks, hands in pockets, towards the rundown old motel inside the inconspicuous clearing. The morning sun gives the Slums a very unique feeling. He can finally see most things in detail, compared to other times of the day. He's used to walking out of the motel during the morning, then coming back at night. Heading towards it so early gives him an angle on it he's not familiar with. It looks worse than it actually is on the inside.

The wood of the steps creak when he ascends - the floorboards protest equally. Learning his lesson from two weeks ago, he lifts his knuckles and knocks on the door.

"Eh-yoh-- Come in!" Some fumbling is heard inside.

Crimson is surprised the door isn't locked like last time. It sure does make things... odd. Maybe he's assuming it's either him or Axel because of what happened before. He takes the handle and pulls the door, entering the lobby. The old camel is posted behind the desk in his usual spot, kukri right next to him on the table.

"If it ain't Mister Sky!" the camel beams his saggy face. "A fair mornin'!"

"Mornin' to you." The camel looks past Crimson, looking visibly confused when he doesn't see another body behind him. "Axel here?" the man asks.

"No'zir, just 'boutta ask you the same thing. Thought he was wi'chu."

Crimson pauses for a moment, then moves to close the door behind him carefully. He faces Moobs, staring him directly in the eyes. The old camel's resting face lights up for a bit of surprise at being started at so directly.

"There a way this ol' body can help ya'?" Moobs questions.

"... There is. Just got somethin' I wanted to ask."

Moobs furrows his thick browline over his eyes. "... This involve the, erh... 'discussions' me'n 'im been havin'?"

Crimson nods. "I just need to know neither of you is in danger. If any of you wind up dead because of this..."

"Oooh, nooo," Moobs reassures with a genial tone. "Nothin' like that. Me 'n him 'r just fine."

"Then what's he askin' you to do?"

"..."

Crimson glares from behind his hair. The weight of this stare bares a burden on the old heart in front of him.

"... He, erh... he, well, errh..."

"Moobs. Listen close. I ain't gonna tell Axel we spoke. This is fer me. Won't blame you for my doings. Just tell me what's goin' on, maybe I can shine some light in the matter."

The camel deeply mulls on the proposition presented. He tries to convince himself it's a bad idea, but he can't seem to find it in him to say so. "... Right, Mister Sky, I... well, I believe you're good folk. Ain't no harm in lettin' ya' know."

Crimson nods in appreciation. "Now what's he mad about? 'N what's he havin' you do?"

"Well, he's maaad 'cuz I... sorta lied to 'em."

"What kinda lie?"

"Told him that I ain't get no visitors but him and a trader that gives me 'ccasional food 'n supplies. Only folk that come here is them two's."

"What part'a that's untrue?"

"Well, the... t-the trader's name," the camel huffs, becoming visibly agitated. "Listen, Sky, I don't wanna get you in trouble 'r nothin', I just--"

"Hey, hey," Crimson lifts his palms to calm him, "don't fret the small stuff. So Axel's red 'cuz of the name. That's fine. Now what's he havin' you do?"

"..." Moobs locks up again. Crimson stays quiet and gives him some time to breathe and collect his words. The man can tell that this situation is bringing some very unneeded stress on the old camel's heart. "H-He-He wants me to set up an assassination on my trader there..."

Crimson's brows furrow deeply. "Why the hell'd he want you to do that?"

"Axel said he'd take the part 'n bring me food 'n supplies instead! He just... he really wants my trader dead."

"But why?" the man emphasizes. "Why does he want this person dead? They part of the Black Horseshoes or somethin'?"

"No, not the Black-- ... M-Mister Sky," the camel interrupts himself. "I-I don't think I can do what he's askin' me to do. I don't think I can. 'N if I don't do what he says, I'm fixin' to think we're all in trouble! You've seen the way he gets!"

"Judgin' by Axel's tone, I reckon diplomacy ain't on the table."

"Trust you me, if I'd have a way to work this out peaceably, I'd'da done it already!"

"There some way I can help? Can I maybe take your role in this?"

"It--" the camel stops, thinking deeply. "... Mister Sky, I-I don't... I don't know. I don't wanna either of 'em to get hurt. They both mean a lot to me. I can't pick a side."

"Axel looks dead-set on this, Moobs. Like you said, we've both seen what he can do when he's determined. Way I see it, if you don't pick, a side will get picked for you. It ain't a matter of whether you liked what you did, but rather what you can live with."

"I can't, Mister Sky, I can't..." the camel is starting to become emotional.

"... If you're really havin' trouble, then maybe this'll help you decide. You said you don't want either of them gettin' hurt. In a world where gold 'n smiles rain from the sky, that'd be the road to go for. But that ain't it. You not doin' anythin' will ensure both of them get hurt. If you play a part 'n put yer heart in it, then only one of them will. What's better to you? Half of what you care about gettin' gone, or all of it?"

"..." Moobs fights back tears, his lower lip trembles terribly. Almost ten seconds of silence and unbearable emotion engulfs the room, until finally the camel decides. "... I'll... I'll do it." Crimson raises his left brow. "I-I'll do my part in Axel's plan. ... But Mister Sky... please, help me. Please make sure only one of 'em has to suffer. I'll have to run this by Axel too, I'd be right to assume he's returnin' in the evenin'. Not too long now. We'll wait on 'em."

"Right. Gonna dive under the hides."

"You do that, Mister Sky, get yer rest. I'll holler when he's arrived."

The man nods and excuses himself, heading off towards his room. He closes the door behind himself, now alone in his personal wooden square. He doesn't actually feel tired, so he won't lay down yet. He spots the mirror to the right, noticing himself on it. A wry thought - he decides to walk up to it and stare.

Many thoughts blend in his mind as he watches his reflection. Whatever image this glass is conjuring, he isn't familiar with it. Black hair, jaded eyes, and a long scowl, he's a complete stranger. Which is good. To be the part, to act the part. Though, he knows this mask isn't genuine yet. His eyes fall to his chest, where something inside discretely hides.

His hand moves to his left pec, touching over the plush that still hides inside. It hasn't dawned on him how much it really hurt having to leave Autumn behind. All of those emotions forced to be discarded overnight. The love they made, it isn't something soon to be purged from his heart.

All he hopes for now is that his little trick did what it was supposed to. He thinks it might, but only time will tell. Perhaps the collar around his neck served but one purpose.

When he was making love to her, at the finale, he channeled his Arch so that the collar would sap his power from him. As a certain immaterial deity informed him, his seed contains his power. He didn't want to bring down such a burden on a child he'd never meet, so now he hopes the collar draining his Arch did that worry away... hopefully.

He lifts his eyes to himself again. He briefly thinks on how he's had to kill more things in the span of roughly two weeks than he normally would in months. With each life taken, apathy grows. Before meeting Axel, it has been some time since he's taken a life. To his regret, he hasn't lost his step.

Staring at this stranger in the mirror is progressively depressing him. He decides its time to move to the bed and wait for his calling.

‎

‎

"Alright... think you can handle that?" Axel questions Crimson gravely.

"I can."

"And Moobs," Axel directs his fiery gaze to the camel, taking a moment to let silence weigh on him, but he can't hold the anger for long. "... You've never let me down. Don't do it now." The camel lines his lips, nodding somberly. "... So."

The camel sighs lightly and lifts his left foreleg, glancing down at a rusty old wrist-watch which stands the test of time, well enough to tell it. "Roughly ten minutes left."

Axel nods while licking his teeth. He focuses on Crimson. "Last minute prep?"

"Nah. Ready at this point. But, Axel." The stallion furrows his brows in question. "You sure this person needs to die?"

"You're not talking me out of this, Sky."

"I at least wanna understand. You've been forward about everythin' up until now. More than obvious this is personal, but this matter's involvin' more than just you right now."

"Why can't you just accept the fact that this needs to happen? You're quick to kill without batting an eye, what's changed now?"

"I know who I'm puttin' down. It sounds like we're jumpin' a clueless merchant."

"Hmhmheheh... clueless. Clueless is far from the truth. I want you to listen to me." The stallion exhales some stress through his nostrils, closing his eyes tightly before proceeding. "I have a lot to thank you for. Really. You came through that door not two weeks ago, like a stray animal looking for a home. Little did I know it was one of my biggest blessings stepping right through. I hope you and I can keep working together in the future. You've been a great partner. I thought I lost you back at Majesty's, I was about ready to come off my rocker. Seeing you awake so soon, I... well, a lot of stress fell off my back. I care about you. Heck, I'd go as far as to call you my friend." Crimson lowers his eyes from the sentiment. "You're right, this is my problem, and I'll deal with it myself. I won't force you to help me here, but like everything else you've done, I appreciate you sticking your neck out for me." Axel smiles warmly. "If you walk away right now, I won't hold you to it. I still owe you for Majesty's, don't I? That beer's waiting. We can get it later tonight."

Crimson remains unspeaking for a moment. The man shifts his eyes between Axel and Moobs once, then returns to the stallion. "... I wouldn't be a very good friend if I left you hangin'. That drink can wait till we're done here."

The stallion beams widely.

"Two minutes, y'all," Moobs states seriously.

Eyes from Crimson and Axel widen. Through their discourse, they nearly neglected their timeframe. They quickly move to set themselves up at their posts.

The motel is shrouded in the blackness of the Slums' dusk. Cautious, silent steps approach it. Axel and Crimson, who are situated right next to the door on opposite sides, hear the wood creaking from the steps outside. The steps come closer and closer, approaching ominously in the dead of night.

Axel feels his heart throbbing in his ears. He can't believe the moment has come. Sword held in the ready, his body twitches in excitement. Rich exhilaration, more than any other hit has given him. It doesn't feel real, he didn't think he would make it here. His body wants to scream.

Moobs' lips are sucked in harshly, as if a bushel of lemons was forced in his mouth. His anxiety is dangerously high. He keeps his eyes locked on the door. The candle which always gently illuminates the room dances in the silence.

Cl-click...

Axel's eyes bulge.

SqueEEeeee~

The door is pulled opened.

Eyes from outside meet Moobs'. The old camel feels his chest nearly cramp at making eye-contact with them.

...

...

The figure proceeds inside.

"'LIL FLOWER, NO!" "Hn!?" "Huh!?" "GRRAH!"

Crimson's heart skips when a kukri comes intentionally flying towards his head; his course of action is completely interrupted and moves to avoid the blade. He barely misses a swift death, but his heels kick on the sofa chair that was behind him, causing him to stumble back and fall. His head impacts the doorframe to the hall, bringing an annoying ringing in his ears. He tries to quickly shake it off, righting himself up and attempting to assess the situation. Among his blurred, stunted vision, it all becomes completely unreadable. The room is in dismay.

Moobs is panicking behind his desk. Axel's sword swung and was barely dodged, bouncing off the front door's frame. He is tackled by his target, and now they wrestle for control of the blade.

Eyes glittering in disbelief, Crimson's mouth falls and his brows raise as he stares at both bodies tussling. The two in front of him...

"AH MISSED! OH, STARS, AH MISSED! 'LIL FLOWER, NO!"

Crimson hears the distress of the camel who attempted at his life, but it doesn't register in his narrowing mind. He sees the target, the one that Axel thrusted his sword upon. She barely missed it, suffering a laceration, and is now fighting for control of the weapon, where either strength will prove the death of the opponent.

His thumping head aches, his body feels like metal. He can't seem to organize his thoughts. His body screams to move, to react. To do something. Anything.

Why is it taking him so long to move? Move!

Fucking move! MOVE!

"RRH!" Crimson grits as his eyes glow with a golden fire, a brief pang of irrationality compels him, causing him to dart forward and tackle both of them. Due to this ferocious movement, he is thrown into a spin and slams onto the wall, along with Axel and the oppressor. The oppressor is caught with Crimson's body and indirectly used him as a pillow against the wall. Taking the brunt of the slam, Crimson grunts and falls to the ground, disorientated further. Axel tumbles and hits the wall with his back and head, concussing him deftly. The sword is tossed off to the side and impales the couch.

With this window of opportunity, the oppressor swiftly rises to her hooves and takes the fumbled blade. With an unmistakable cry, she lifts the sword up and drives it down onto the stallion.

"ERH-- EHURGH!" The sword penetrates his chest, deep, until it perforates his backside. The oppressor that stuck the weapon backpedals in fear of what she has just done. She watches in horror as the chest cavity of the one she stabbed is now leaking blood. Each beating of Axel's heart is another throb of life out of his mouth and wound.

Axel unsteadily gives his gaze to Crimson. With only enough consciousness to murmur, the stunned man and him make eye contact for a precious second. "... Sky?"

Crimson's mind scatters like an earthquake. A void of guilt wells - the mutter of a voice, unrealized and despondent, fills it to the brim. Axel's breath gives way to death - his eyelids peacefully fall to a half-lidded state and his chin tucks. His rasp is no longer.

The trembled breathing of both the mare and Moobs scratch the silence.

The thoughts in Crimson's head still fire a million times per second. Sitting up, back against the wall, he glares at the target he was supposed to kill. And she stares at him in return, like an animal under the scope of a rifle. "... Dahlia..."

At hearing her name uttered, she gasps and reels, and Moobs also reels at this revelation. Her magenta eyes dart between the human and Moobs. Her unsteady breath becomes worse. She can't find the words to say... so she instead turns and bolts it out of the motel, swinging the door open so it slams loudly through the night.

Silently, the man reaches his hand out. Him and Moobs exchange glances. Pissed are the gleaming hazel eyes of the man, but Moobs is that of a deep concern.

"Wrath upon me later, ya fool! Get out there'n get 'er!" Crimson brightens in realization. "Go!"

Scampering, Crimson rises and books it out of the motel into the fogged night. His mind is still a mess, but a directive acts as his guiding light. He still hears the clopping of her hoofsteps. He can catch her.

He will catch her.

Next Chapter: Then and Now Estimated time remaining: 12 Hours, 38 Minutes