5/19/16; Fight Club

[Mal]

Discord Draconequus had decided to let Luna know they were meeting. Of course he hadn't let her know ahead of time, just why they were meeting, or for what. All he had told her was come as his little eventide. The letter had come obnoxiously, in the middle of night court. Heavens knew what she was doing, but he sent it regardless of her situation because Discord. She could have ignored it, but -- The unicorn male was settled outside a particular establishment. It was the witching hour. Perfect time for spooks, goblins, -- and criminals to get their goods moved around. It was when Canterlot's streets were emptiest.

Spring Serenade did indeed receive the letter, but she chose not to act on it right away. Whatever proceedings she had to deal with during night court, she dealt with first to get it all out of the way. Only once she was free and could bring the court to an end, as there wasn't as much to deal with, she went off to her room. It was there she put away her regalia and rewove her pegasus's illusion before her mirror. It was all in place, and after a final check, she flew out from her balcony for the town, where Discord - Strife, was asking her to meet. She swooped down quietly like a blue shadow for the gray one by the wall and landed with a mere flutter of wings. "You called?"

Discord Draconequus was getting bored waiting for her. He watched as one of the nearby lamps flickered. Raising his hind hoof to scratch at the stubbly chin of his, the male rumbled before he gave pause and glanced around. Wit ha flick he tossed off the itches and cause the lamp to pop and snap out, its magic fizzling. He smirked a bit before sitting up. A familiar shadow consumed the air around him. "Hrm, well if it isn't my little eventide. Are you ready?" Of course he failed to explain whatever he was talking about. Bouncing to his hooves he would trot towards her. Circling her the stallion would look more a predatory kelpie than a pony, that black tail flicking and ruby eyes examining her form critically. "I think you are perfect for the job." He cooed devilishy. Ever the mischief maker.

Spring Serenade blinked at the popped lamp, but otherwise gave Strife her full attention. There was some confusion in her eyes as he bounced up and circled her, the mare turning her head to watch him with one eye. "It depends on what exactly I am supposed to be ready for. Would you not mind regaling me with what you have in mind this night?" Spring asked him, flicking her own tail towards him. Perfect for the job, was she? "I would at least like to have an idea of what I am so perfect for~."

Discord Draconequus perked up skull following her tail as he marched up to her side, standing proudly. His lips were curled back as he stood shoulder to below shoulder with her. He was not as tall as she still, but still near equal. An inch or two. He moved his skull to lean against hers, that intimidating horn glowing a bit to light up her features beneath the threads of her bangs. "Oh my love, you will enjoy it~ We are going to make some new friends tonight. And I know how you princesses love making friends." He walked forward and moved towards a small alley, seating himself by it. "But... they are not the traditional friends you are used to." He pressed his hoof to his muzzle, trying to hide that smile.

Spring Serenade wished she could figure Strife out sometimes, but part of her felt it was best she could not. It kept some things in suspense, left others in mystery, and nothing was predictable other than Strife's desire to cause trouble. She felt this might be the case tonight as he explained... vaguely. Spring leaned her head back up against his idly, blinking from the light cast by his horn. "Intriguing. I do love how you like to throw me into situations unprepared." There was a little sarcasm in that, but no malice or meanness. Spring followed him towards the narrow alley, peering inside; darker now that the nearest street lamp was out. "Pray tell, what sort of friends?"

Discord Draconequus waggled his brows softly at her curling sass. "Hmm, you know you love me." Sometimes one could wonder. Giving a shrug he turned around to walk into the narrow alley. "Oh yes, I convinced a compatriot of mine to introduce me to his little fight club." The last term seemed to roll off his tongue in disgust. Moving towards the darkness the grey male would vanish. He seated himself in the darkness, waiting for Serenade. His horn was a light in the dark, likely the reason he started it up in the first place, other than to tease her. "These -- freinds are quite rough and tumble, so I cannot bring in a delicate mare to do the job, which is why, my love, you are perfect." He assured. The enigma, wrapped in a mystery provided a great deal of fun, but he also caused a tremendous deal of strife. A crooked cop, far from it. he was the Snake in the griffon's nest....

Spring Serenade gave a snort, a small smile flitting across her lips at his retort. "Tis true, I do." The disguised mare followed him into the alley and into the deeper shadows, most of which were kept at bay by Strife's horn. Again she felt that minor itch that demanded she use her own magic to do the same, but she fought it. She was the princess of the night, and she could see well enough. "A fight club?" Spring halted behind him, looking into his face with its heavy shadows, cast by the light. "Ah, so you have brought me along to try my hoof at a bit of back alley brawling?" It sounded simple enough. "Very well then, shall we jump to it rather than prattling on? I am curious where you are leading this."

Discord Draconequus was utterly amused how -- keen she was on this, though he was hardly surprised. His little princess of the night was a bit more active in terms of combat and warfare. For her a brawl was fun rather than ~ unladylike. A titter rumbled from his chest. "Quite eager aren't you?" He was not a fighter so the barbarity was just hilariously unnecessary. He walked towards a door, tapping his hoof to the door of metal. A viewer slid open, a pair of eyes peering down towards the unicorn's ruby ones. 'Password?' The Unicorn patted his hoof against his chest before tucking it in a very Discord-like manner. "Shiner." The viewer shut, the door soon opening to let the pair in. Hanging from the walls were dark, red lanterns fueled by magic.
Discord Draconequus strode in , waiting for the mare. A ring in the center was guarded off by pit spikes, the barricades forcing competitors to stay inside. While wrestling was a family-friendly sport in Equestria, this was far from the staged matches in Neigh York's Square Garden. A bar had a seedy green glow to it, flowing with stale liquor and moldy bread. By looks alone ponies about were rather unsavory in their nature. "The first step to making friends is socializing." He was a bit small himself, but scrappy looking enough to be among the crowd without question. "I would like you to be my dame, my pretty eye candy~" Oh but he would not just ask her to stand beside him like some doll. That was boring. "Shall we watch a match? Unless you've not the stomach for it?"

Spring Serenade smiled sheepishly, but these outings were fun. Anything that would draw her out of the castle and give her so much more to do than helping out with the paperwork. Nightmares were another thing entirely, but she only attended to them if a pony kept having them. "I may be." Spring trailed close behind once he got moving again, and out of the dark a metal door loomed. She waited patiently for the handling of the password and entered the establishment behind Strife without so much as hesitation. There was no loud, pounding music in this one this time, so there was nothing she need worry about. The red and green lighting was a little odd, maybe eerie. Spring wished she could find such a place odd in Canterlot, but she was beginning to learn on these outings that there was a darker underbelly to the neat, stately marble city. "Of course, I shall be by your side~. Let us watch, I would like to see how well these ponies can fight."

Discord Draconequus was sure Celestia would act differently to such a place, though there were some nuances the sisters shared. Tia seemed more the diplomatic princess while Luna played the role of warrior princess. He made his grin widen, just the thought alone. He had never seen either of them fight though, not truly. It was something that intrigued him. "But of course my love." The coiling snake could just sink his fangs into her! Oh -- he had. Shrugging the thought away the male slowly marched toward the edge of the sharpened barricade. he looked to his side. While he seemed to be looking at the guised pegasus, he glanced beyond her to a pair of hoodlums with a large Diamond Dog Bodyguard sitting over them. They were hunched over at a table counting gems.While gems were common enough to trade, some more imperfect or rarely colored gems had a special market among magic users.
Discord Draconequus seated himself and looked towards the ring where an earth pony and pegasus fought hoof to hoof. A wrap was tied around the pegasus' body to prevent the use of wings, while the earth pony had several lacerations and bruises along his face and chest. This wasn't his first match and, by the missing teeth on the pegasus, it was nearing his last. Males of various species stood around shouting out their bets, the tally marker sitting above the crowd keeping upon with the pools with his partners. There were many ponies, but a few Diamond dogs and Minotaurs scattered the area. In particular an well dressed Imp stood among them, arms folded behind his back.

Spring Serenade stepped along beside the slightly shorter unicorn towards the ring with its barrier, where it seemed there was a fight already in progress. She'd taken note of how most, if not all, of the creatures within the room were male. Spring had also seen the diamond dogs and minotaurs. The pegasus hm'd to herself and sat down beside Strife, folding her wings close against her sides. After Spring let her eyes wander around the room and the bar, she turned her attention inward to the ring before them to watch the two ponies fought. The way they used their hooves and moved, trying to determine how well they could fight.

Discord Draconequus turned his head to whisper as the two in the ring fought. "These fights can be rather brutal. No guards, no magic, no flying-- pure hooves. A bit too brutal for me," He raised his hoof to his chest. "I am rather delicate." The whispers would brush against the mare's are as he practically purred. "So my plan was simple.... you see that board?" He pointed towards the betting board, the names being put up like a champion tournament. "If you can beat each one and get into the winner's circle they let you fight the champion for the entire pot earned from previous bets." But there had to be another reason. The unicorn's ruby eyes turned towards the little imp in a suit.

 Spring Serenade tilted her head towards Strife as his warm breath tickled her ear with each word, listening closely about the bets. Her eyes briefly flicked towards the board he indicated. "I see. So why is it that you wish to have me win? You do not seem the type to want or need bits, considering you can simply materialize them at will." Spring whispered back, low enough that only he could hear; but it wasn't like anypony could hear them anyway amongst the shouting, cheers and booing as the crowd reacted to the fighters. Spring had seen the imp, which was a far more peculiar sight than the diamond dogs and minotaurs in the bar. "I can certainly give it my best shot."

Discord Draconequus murmured a bit and nosed her cheek. "Oh my dear, do not misunderstand, if I wanted I can blink entire countries out of existence -- but there are certain... steps one must take. The bits have to come from somewhere, don't they?" He quietly assured. A hoof would come up to try and brush her chin with his hoof. "There is no pony stronger that I know." Besides Tia, but Luna was more willing to sock it to a pony for the fun of it. "I believe in you my love." The pegasus tackled the earth pony, slamming him into the spikes. A spray of red painted the ground as he let out a shout, the charging pega shoving him more and more into the barricade. Cheers became more vicious as they sought for him to bury the earth pony into the spikes.
Discord Draconequus glanced toward the imp, nudging the little eventide. The referee looked over to the imp who shook his head. The ref blew his whistle to end the fight before a life was. The pegasus backed up and minotuars would pull back the heavy barricades so the medic unicorns could go in and pull the battered earth pony out. The winner was called and marked on the board, several betters raging over their lost bits.

Spring Serenade exhaled through her nose at that, a soft snort, over the idea. It wasn't the money, she could gather that much. "So we are to trace it to a certain somepony who might be of use, then? Or is it to get their attention?" Spring asked, reacting to his casual touches. Leaning into the nose on her cheek or dropping her chin to the brush of his hoof. "Indeed." If she were to get hurt, it was of no consequence when she could deal with it later. Pain wasn't so bad. For the earth pony in the cage, however.. Spring cringed a little at the brutality of the pegasus who continued to slam him into the bars, until the match was put to a win. "How does joining one of these brawls go? Do I go in and challenge him or is there a signup sheet?" Not that there was as much order as that in a place like this.

Discord Draconequus laughed a bit. So cute... His face flattened as he motioned over to the minotaurs. "They won't let you in easily, so first you'd have to convince them." The unicorn looked around. The few mares around were just accessories form the stallions about or other races fluttering in the dubious acts of betting, illegal gem cartel and a strange drink only known as Moon Dew, but one cold be sure it wasn't anything legal. The two minotaur put the barricade back as the others rested or settled to prepare the next match. The imp had walked over to the counting table to look at some papers that were being handled.

Spring Serenade looked back over to the minotaur that were dealing with the heavy gate to the ring, her eyebrows coming down in an expression of concentration. "Convince them. Pray tell, how must I?" Spring was smart, and she had wit, but this business was still very new to her. She didn't know whether she had to start a fight herself to prove it, or whether she should ask.. Taking initiative in such things when she had little idea was hard. Spring's eyes went back to the imp again to watch him, faintly puzzled as she shuffled on her hooves. So few mares, and she was the only fighter.

Discord Draconequus's lips curled before he leaned forward to give her a soft kiss. "Shhh, you worry too much about the details." Somepony had to.... The unicorn, wasn't going to help much. As he did. "You're a princess, or my princess anyway. Go ahead and ask them to move, and if they make you ask a second time...make them." Here you had to be taken seriously, you had to be feared, or at least dangerous enough to not attack directly. The unicorn stood and waited for the pegasus. He would walk with her if she wished. The pair of minotaur stood at guard at the barricade, arms folded over tier chests. The imp in question continued to look at the papers before setting them down. So far they had fifteen competitors, and it was looking like the house favorite would hold his champion's seat.

Spring Serenade rolled her eyes and kissed the disguised unicorn back before she got to her hooves. "By force it shall be." The pegasus murmured to him, glancing up towards the minotaurs by the cage's gate. Another was cast towards the imp, who seemed to be focused elsewhere on papers. If she was going to do this, it might as well be now, before she lost her nerve out of, well, shyness from being in another new, strange place. Spring rolled her shoulders back and made for the gate with its bipedal guards to stand before them. The urge to flare out her wings was fought back. "I wish to compete, so if you will open the gate, that would be lovely." Spring spoke in a firm voice as she stared them down; she had a feeling they would just laugh at her. If they did, it would be the perfect distraction to strike for weak points.

Hivaan Ironwing stepped into the fight club with one real intention in mind. Hey, it was a fight club! Right up the dark pegasus's alley. Alas as he was heading up to the gate whenever he came across a most peculiar sight! A mare was standing across from the minotaur guards. But... then as impressive as the sight was he let out a groan. "By the dark moon... Equestrians..." he groaned through the mask... Here she was trying to get into a fight club arena and she was... requesting them to open the gate? Before the large duo of minotaur could make a response (whether amusement, mock, or admission) he'd walked up to somewhat join the mare, although was he putting distance between himself and her? Perhaps... He really didn't want to catch the whole... thing these Equestrian ponies had with... "I have myself a thirst for violence, open the gate before I do it myself." there was not much of a request in that voice. And he might have sounded somewhat psychotic there.... Oh well.

Discord Draconequus watched the mare walk away. His smile faded away before he stood and walked toward the betting pools. A satchel of bits manifested over his horn, now held in the soft, white glow unique to the chaotic -- pony. He set the bag of bits down, now standing beside the Imp who diligently ignored everypony else. "Esquiiire~ is that you?" The spirit in disguise cooed, peering over his shoulder slightly as the unicorn at the tables took his bits to place it in the pool. The dark uni raised a hoof to grab the paper slid to him and sat to write his beloved's name upon the slip. 'Dark Strife, you're not dead yet? I am -- disappointed. Is that your mare intruding on our fight club? Didn't you send a basilisk last time?' His high pitched voice was comical, but nopony dared laugh, or look twice. "Rude, cockatrice, and that was an accident." The imp lowered his pad. 'You turned the whole damn arena into a garden you shit. I hope your little pegasus doesn't shit thunderstorms or something.'
Discord Draconequus smirked. "Oh she is very talented~" In bed among other places. "She is my moon~" He tittered. The imp stared at him. 'What...the fuck ever. She better not screw shit up. You're finds always have a habit of fucking up my rankings. Absurdly, fucking, powerful.' "Using petrification wasn't against the rules!" 'And that is why we now have eight rules.' The Imp handed his assistant the pad and goes to watch the fight. The Minotaurs were waved at by the suit wearing fiend and allow the pair through, spiked barricades moved aside to let them enter. Strife moved close by to watch as well.

Spring Serenade didn't have much of a smile on her face as she looked up into the minotaurs' faces sternly. Perhaps not as menacing as she could have been as herself, but the disguise would have to do, however pretty it was. Spring was immediately distracted, and so were the minotaurs, at the approach of another. Her eyes narrowed a little. Oh, it was the large cloaked fellow from the bar with the obnoxiously loud music that made such a scene; wasn't it? He seemed to want to join, too. Spring looked him over, weighing him- if she was going to end up fighting him, she would have to figure out something beforehoof. If she could fight owlbears, she could certainly deal with a large pony, no? Spring grunted, her eye drawn by other movement. Strife and the imp. Ah, it seemed she wouldn't have to bust anypony's kneecaps to get in after all. Spring strode into the ring, under the spotlights, with a serious air; she was a little elated to fight somepony, but she wouldn't let her excitement trip her up.

Hivaan Ironwing could only beam as the way was opened. "Wonderful, gents! Though somewhat saddening." he'd say as he flicked an ear. The mask, cloak, and armor disappeared as he stepped in. He paused a moment to shake himself off and let out a pleased snort. Depending on the rules of this fair Night Club he'd get the opportunity to test out the ear-ring variant of his foci! How delightful of a prospect that was. Of course without the mask there were those cloudy whisps of purple magic floating out from his muzzle with each breath. Once he took a spot he took a look at the competition and offered a sharp-fanged grin. < 'hai everypony!'>

Discord Draconequus would settle to watch as the little spring moon stepped into the ring and as did her opponent. Discord, wlel Strife, furrowed his bro wand took note of the visitor. Did he know him from somewhere? Things got mixed up in this form. Too much coffee and sugar would send any normal pony into temporary comas. If t hose bags under his eyes meant anything... The male's foci weren ot agaisnt hte rules, yet. The Imp allowed them, for now. The mare would have to have he wings bound by the referee, if allowed. The fight would start soon. With a ding, a bar of soap; was hurled across the way and hit the bell with archer-like precision.

Spring Serenade strolled towards her side of the cage with a casual, ambling gate. Her eyes swept the crowd outside before she brought her stroll around in a half circle until she was facing her opponent. He had shed most of what he wore, which gave her a better look at him, a chance to judge how to handle him. Were she not in disguise, he would be around the same height she was, from the look of things, if not a little bigger? An interesting match. Spring straightened up, her legs in a wide enough stance, and she did not flinch from that second flash of those rows of sharp teeth. She had seen far worse in the mirror. Even at the ding! from the bell, she didn't move- long enough to allow the referee to bind her wings if they did- and settled into a fighting stance. From then on, Spring didn't let her eyes move anywhere else but the other pegasus's face, as a wandering gaze might be a dead giveaway where she might strike.

Hivaan Ironwing flicked an ear and quirked his head as the mare fell into a fighting stance. Mmmm... A delightfully competent fighting stance to! He stood to let his own wings be bound. It didn't do him much of a disservice since he rarely used them anyways, he rather they be bound. This was no sky battle! The dark pegasus let out a bit of a cough as he took in the mare's form, a cough in which let out another snort which let out a billowing cloud of purple that quickly dissipated. "Sorry about that..." ~ was he serious? Probably. "Ladies first?" he'd offer with a perhaps mocking bow. But then again it might not have been mocking since he didn't take his eyes off of her. Creature's of the mercenary guild needed to have a certain amount of... class after all.

Discord Draconequus was not perturbed some freakishly large pegasi was mocking Luna. The little eventide was a big girl. He was sure she wouldn't cry over it. For now he was not -- annoyed, but the spirit's mood often flipped with the nature of his madness. Speaking of.... "Esssquiiire....~" He moved to stand, head lowering as if presenting his horn. The unicorn played it off as having a limp, but everypony felt otherwise. 'What do you want?' The Imp seemed just tired dealing with him. As anyone would be over an extended period. "I only want what is owed to me. I brought a new fighter, competent. And she's special." The imp parched a brow. 'You say that about everypony.' The imp retorted. "And isn't it always true?" He grinned. 'We have rules Strife, yer a cop. It was voted on by the council.' The uni fluffed a bit. "I recognize the council has made a decision, but given that it is a stupid decision, I will ignore it and come anyway. She's great!' He asserted. 'We'll see pig.'

Spring Serenade's eyes flicked to the purple smoke that gusted out of the pegasus with each breath, and that cough. She quirked a brow. He seemed to be a pony with some honor; she would have expected ponies to start in on the fighting immediately. Spring lowered her head briefly in response to the bow, but her eyes did not leave his face either. Whether or not he was mocking her, she didn't care either way. Nor for the chivalry. "Save it." Spring wasn't fond of making the first move, but she was also impatient and she liked to get the upper hoof. Seeing as he was a bigger opponent too, maybe she could tire him out.. "This is a duel, is it not?" Spring took a few, careful steps forward. "Certainly you have nothing to fear from a mare, do youu?" Everything happening beyond the ring was out of her awareness, for now. No distractions.

Hivaan Ironwing waved a hoof some. "Of course this is a duel. No reason to be a bunch of beasts about it." he'd simply say only to give the mare a bit of a frown. He was rather rusty in the hoof-to-hoof department. But this mare was smaller than he, right? Was it evil for him to take advantage of that? Alas with a gleam in his eye he ducked to the side and pounced at the mare. He might as well test out her defenses, right?

Discord Draconequus would hardly spark up any discrediting remarks. While normally he would turn on poor Spring, his little eventide -- he seemed to distract himself with something else, particularly how she fought. Sometimes there were things even a mage had to under stand about fighting. If ever Luna's horn was turned against him someday again.... Not that he wanted to to be, but perhaps in fun.... The Imp looked over to Strife. 'Are you thinking something dirty?' The unicorn narrowed his brows, focusing. "Mud wrestling." The imp's long ears perked. 'OOOooooOo.' He hadn't considered that. Scribble scribble. The unicorn stared at the pegasus in question (not the one that was his, seeing as they were both pretty cute). This fellow his magic was strange-- magic. Pegasus did not have magic, at least nothing so outwardly like Unicorns. Intrigue....

Spring Serenade took another step forward and stopped, debating on goading the stallion further into making the first move. "Were I not so into a good brawl, fighting in a place like this would be a bit beastly in itself." Spring replied calmly enough, and from there dropped all conversation as her larger opponent launched into action. Was he coming at her head on? Part of her wanted to duck out of the way to let himself smack the wall behind her.. but where would the fun in that be? Spring sprang forward, only to turn herself on her forehooves, bringing her rear ones around to bear in an attempt to kick Hivaan- in the throat if she was able. It was a risk if it didn't work, but that was the fun of it wasn't it? Some things weren't meant to be played safely.

Hivaan Ironwing was pleasantly surprised whenever the mare went to attack instead of dodge! However that pleasure was turned into a cloud of pain as he rather quickly found himself trying to guard the kick. He did kinda-sorta manage not to get kicked in the throat. That might have been somewhat lethal. He did still get sent ragdolling across the arena until he hit the other side with a crunch of stone.. against his head... Thankfully pegasus bodies were made of strong stuff! He fell to the ground... aaaaand didn't move... KO! ~ oops? ~ that was gonna eat at him for a while when he woke up.

Discord Draconequus watched as the referee had no choice but to call that. A TKO.... for the mare? Voices quieted to rumbles, some complaints that she must have cheated or the matches were rigged. It was not until Esquire stepped forward, his arms folded behind his back. 'There are no cheaters in my establishment. The rules are clear. She wins...' He glared at Strife who moved to stand. The minotaurs were shocked and pulled open the barricades while the unicorn medics gathered up the broken pieces that were Hivaan... "She is special. Esquire... Ekkie..." The imp shuddered' If you don't call me that ever again I will let you in okay? Take your damn bits and get the hell out of the ring til we fix it. drinks tonight on me okay? Just -- bugger off.' The imp relented and moved to head back to working. Hiv did take out a bit of the barricade. Good going.

Spring Serenade felt her hooves hit their target! They did not hit the throat, but she still kicked Hivaan and.. sent him flying. Oops, she must not know her own strength~. Spring was quick to turn herself back around to face him, but it seemed she'd sent him out of the ring. A knockout? Her opponent had looked a lot tougher, but.. secretly she was an alicorn. Her wings twitched under their binding and she sought out Strife's face through the bars, smiling. A win; a part of her didn't think she could have managed it. The lack of cheers were of no surprise and Spring strode for the gap she'd accidentally made with Hivaan's body to rejoin Strife. Until she had a chance to battle again.

Sunny Skies was actually already in the fight club. This was a place she'd been... somewhat frequenting, even if she didn't really like it. She'd been coming here ever since that debacle during the wedding where she'd been so.... oooh, don't think about that! It was at that point that she'd decided she really needed to be able to defend herself and her ponies should she get into a situation like that again. The best way to do so was... unfortunately.. the club. She'd been sitting at one of the tables whenever a large pegasus and a smaller pegasus had entered the arena... Oddly enough the smaller summarily defeated the larger with... one kick? The larger pegasus showed signs of dark magic infection so.. that was a rather impressive feat! It was worrying that such a stallion was near her ponies but ~ Gah, she was trying to stay incognito! Invisible to just about everypony around her was a horn ring. The purpose? Concealing the feel of her magic from anypony who might be snooping around.

Discord Draconequus was one of those "ponies" that loved snooping around, but currently said guised beast was gathering his winnings. Who did he put it on? His mare of course. And how much? He nearly robbed the pool with his bet, but left enough for the games to go on. Taking the now head-heavy satchel of coins they would vanish from his hold into a pocket dimension until needed. He marched with his noticeable limp, towards Serenade. He would once again move to circle her, his body brushing against her with glee. "You are quite a special fighter my love. Look at those envious eyes. Because of your prowess we have secured a way into their company." He leaned his skull in to give her a deep, congratulatory kiss, if he could. He would not draw from her face, only scowling some with that devilish amusement. "You play your role so perfectly, the dark side of the moon~ a little shadow." How precious..
Discord Draconequus had not noticed any others because of his focused attention. "Come, we drink until your next match. I believe you can do more than just get their attention.... you deserve their envy. After all there has been no warrior greater than you in the years I have known you." He praised to deftly stroke her ego.

Spring Serenade strode through the crowd towards the slightly smaller gray unicorn, managing to spy the large bag of bits before they disappeared. Interesting, that. Spring came to a halt as Strife met her, yet again watching him wind his way around against her. "I heard the grumbling." Spring smiled at his praise and moved into the kiss, her eyes fluttering close until it ended. "'Tis good to hear it, but I must ask for the whys.." She felt she knew, though, to get into one crime ring or another. Her wings fluffed up a little, the best they could against the tough cloth binding her wings down, and made to follow him to the bar. "It pleases me you think so. Yes, I could do with a drink while we wait." Spring had surveyed the room earlier before the match, but nopony had stuck out at her. Just a lot of stallions, and a few mares, among the ponies that did fill the room.

Sunny Skies flicked an ear from her table somewhere near the edge of the crowd. Several creatures were working to repair the arena and transport the stallion to whatever they used for those injured... An infirmary of some sort? The mare, now.... She moved over and met... Was that Discord's pony form? She gained a rather curious look at the sight of him here. Then she got another look at the mare. Discord wouldn't have brought... no... would he? Her horn glowed a soft pink and picked up the glass for her to sip her drink. She'd chance reaching out her own magic senses to find out but... What would both of them think of her being here? It would be bad enough if anypony found out she frequented a place like this....

Discord Draconequus pinched his eyes in mischievous amusement. "I think I can tell you now, you've been such a lovely assistant." He praised before striding towards an emptier spot by the bar and seating himself. He sighed, rolling his eyes. "Esquire is the head of the Greyvis Cartel. They've been smuggling things around Equestria since antiquity.." He reached up his hoof to brush his mane a bit, shuffling it back up.He glanced around. Many ears. He resumed speaking in Old Equestrian so it was much harder for eavesdroppers. "As the name implies Greyvis is from the old caste that was from the badlands. Where Midnight Castle was home to Scorpan's family, the Greyvis family were more or less -- spies, smugglers, and assassins. I roamed about, made a nuisance of myself with Esquire's father. I've known Esquire since before he was born."] He mused, ordering them both a drink in modern Equestrian.
Discord Draconequus stretched a bit and leaned his elbow lazily on the table's surface, face resting in his hoof. "Would you like me to--" His horn lit up, tugging at the bindings a bit. He didn't want her uncomfortable, but at the same time he was remiss to care. It was a bit difficult to know where to place his sarcasm and affections. Oft times it came out as a insincere compassion. "You looked quite stunning fighting. What a shame that I missed your times of battle in your other-- " He chuckled. ["Body."] The word, in old Equestrian was rather strange for it could, in modern, translate to 'vessel held close'. He did love old Equestrian simply due to its duality of meanings. He could so many underhoofed things, and possibly not mean a thing. His eyes turned to the crowd. He felt watched.

Spring Serenade chuckled, but she was enjoying his praise and, yes, the bit of ego stroking. The mare followed along and took her seat beside him at the table, leaning on it on her elbows as he began to explain. When he switched to old Equestrian, Spring tilted her ear in closer. It had been a while since she'd heard it spoken, but perhaps not as long as it had been for her sister. To Spring - Luna - her imprisonment was a mere blink of an eye in her perceived time. Spring listened closely, tuning out the chatter from the creatures around them. When he finished, she merely nodded. "I see." She remembered Scorpan, too. Little attention was paid to their waiter. "Ah, nay, it will be put back on when the next duel commences. I truly thought that my opponent would give me more of a fight.. perhaps I should hold back some of it the next time, no?" Spring asked, but she was smiling faintly. "Indeed, I am a terror to behold."

Sunny Skies quickly pushed back the rest of her drink and set the glass down. The 'unicorn' pushed back and slid onto her hooves only to wander over towards the arena. It was just about put back together, yes? If Discord and... whomever it was he'd brought were finished fighting, perhaps she could get a chance to go in and see how she could do! If they were here Discord might just be investigating the place! Why? Why didn't really know... Did they do something illegal? A frown was upon her muzzle at that thought. But there was little she could do about it.

Discord Draconequus glanced to her as she responded. The beast of mischief allowed his thoughts to piece together the game he wanted to play. His brows raised when she expressed her desire to keep the binding on, but not out of surprise, just a -- yes he could.... if he just stretched the binding back enough he could snap it over her back. His magic tugged at it but he sighed and leaned against the mare, resting his skull on her shoulder, hoof moving around her side. "Oh no, my love, don't hold back. You are my perfect little terror. I want to see these clouts destroyed. For too long have they juggled under my radar. the Greyvis know the price..." What had he meant by that? He did not wander the Badlands without cost. Kingdoms did not simply vanish off the face of the map. He hummed against her, nose brushing into her cheek. "Just a little more chaos, you have my heart in a spin my little Pegasus." Now that was just straight manipulating.
Discord Draconequus wouldn't hide it. He was having fun spewing chaos over their organized little scheme. If there was anything that Discord hated was order and the Greyvis had much too much of it here. "Just disrupt them for me. Knock out their fighters and take out their champion. I brought you -- because I know you well." He knew the differences between the sisters clearly. These were not places Celestia enjoyed playing in. Snooping around annoyingly was one thing, but to rest a hoof on her little ponies -- oh he would corrupt the white deity soon enough. "Take your drink my love, they've about cleaned up. I want to see Esquire skittering around. You should see him angry. It is quite humorous." He would wait for Serenade to head on. He would keep close, a slow pace. The limp was merely remnant of his discordant form hidden beneath a unicorn.

Spring Serenade hardly noticed the arrival of her drinks, automatically reaching forward to hook her glass towards her with a hoof. She felt a tugging at the cloth around her middle, but whatever Strife had been up to was quickly abandoned. Spring shrugged to herself and tilted her head over against his, avoiding his horn. "Oh, it is not as much concern for their fighters, but a good fight. I do not wish to look too powerful or obvious against normal ponies.. besides, it has been quite some time since I have been able to have a proper duel with a pony. I wish to make it as fun for myself as for the crowd.. but I will keep that in mind." Taking apart their organization? Okay. Spring nodded and glanced towards the ring where they were about finished. There was a white mare near it, which would have been a little odd to Spring had she been a normal mortal. Her glass was lifted to her lips and she drank of it, letting the minutes play out. Once it looked like they were finished, Spring made her way back over to the ring, ready to go in again.

Sunny Skies perked her ears as she heard that the arena was once again open for the next combatants! Thus she stepped into the ring! The light colored unicorn definitely looked more on the non-combatant side. ~ If it weren't for the scars at least. How long had it been since the real Sunny passed on? The solar alicorn in disguise had a nostalgic smile as she stood to one side and waited for a creature to come into the ring to challenge her. Due to her build few ponies wanted to fight her. Why? It didn't look like such a slender mare would be a challenge! Alas that was why her dear captain had done as well as she had.... What Sunny would think of the guard today.... hehe... that was a funny thought.

Discord Draconequus followed the pegasus along, his gaze drifting towards Esquire as he seated himself in a high seat to watch the fight from a safer vantage. The crimson gze rest upon the imp's purple one. With a deep sigh Esquire turned to the arena and waved his three-gingered paw. 'Proceed.' He ordered in that high pitched voice. The unicorn mare was to be fitted with a blocker on her horn that prevented the use of magic. The pegasus bindings were checked before the spiked barricade was once again shut, sealing the combatants in. The unicorn male's horn gave off a soft glow as he attempted to give the pegasus mare's tail a tug. Were she to look back the spirit would mouth: 'kick her ass baby,' before turning to head to the pool board to bet, at least it would seem. As he walked towards it the male turned and stepped behind it before climbing some short steps into an observation deck hidden in the wall. The bell would ding, starting the match.

Spring Serenade approached the arena as the unicorn mare entered, to her surprise. She hesitated, uncertain about fighting another mare, but so be it. There was no way she could back out. Spring strode in after to stand at the end Hivaan had inhabited prior, waiting while her binding was checked on and the unicorn tended to. Spring sized up her new opponent, noting the scars that marred her before a tug to her tail pulled her gaze away to Strife. None other could have done that. Spring flicked her tail, a faint smile lingering around her mouth as she faced forward again. How could she handle this one? It wasn't like she could goad the other mare as easily.. An ear twitched at the sound of the bell, and Spring gave her opponent a slight nod before she advanced to test Sunny. There was a little less caution this time now that she wasn't facing down somepony bigger than her, but she still held on to some of it. One never knew.

Sunny Skies blinked as the... pegasus from before entered the arena. Now that she had a closer look... My, my.... A bit of a smile alit upon her muzzle at the disguise that her <quite likely> sister had taken. There were quite a few tells though such as the moon being present in the cutie mark... and well.. To her credit she'd only have thought twice about it because of Discord's presence. She watched as the disguised draconequus and the 'mare' exchanged gestures with a smirk of her own. This wouldn't be as easy as her last fight if she had anything to say of it! She slipped into a loose stance, watching as Serenade advanced upon her with a calculating gaze of her own.

Discord Draconequus stood in the observation deck. He had come back here while Luna fought to find a few pieces of extra information, bur his silver tongue would fail him, forcing him to pin down the pony who stood as his obstacle. Using his magic he would send the other pony into a wall, but fail to knock him out. Thus he would be stuffed in the nearby locker with a muzzle full of cloth and duct tape. He would nose around files, magic diligently sorting about. When he found the papers he desired he would walk from the door, sealing it up. He did nit, foolishly, take the papers, but nopony said he could not borrow them with a recall spell later. He would return ringside to watch his little eventide. Her opponent ... well he hadn't a clue. For now he would watch.

Spring Serenade's disguise had been purposefully woven, something new rather than an existing pony. The mare before her just seemed like another pony, especially when her sister was more of a mage than a physical fighter like Luna. At least, as far as she was aware. A lot could change. Spring mostly kept her eyes on the other's face as she crept forward like a wary feline; she was aware of the loose stance Sunny had taken. How to start~? Spring moved slowly until she was within springing distance and lunged, lifting a hoof to lash out at the leg below the mare's scarred shoulder. Everything beyond the cage was beyond her notice.

Sunny Skies waited for the pegasus... Closer ~ closer.... closer! A shift in her stance was the warning she had to look for as the pegasus lunged and raised a hoof to lash out at the leg below the scarred shoulder. Going for the possibly weaker leg? For shame! But then again that would be the smart thing to do in a fight. She was initially intending to leap to the side but she found her timing to be grossly off... (damn being out of practice!) She leaned to attempt to turn the strike into a grazing blow. She'd rather not get hit if she could manage it, but Luna always had been the better fighter in close quarters. Getting hit was going to happen, but the question was if she could get in a few good hits herself! The 'unicorn' made an attempt to 'grab' the extended hoof and use the current momentum (and some of her own strength) to throw the mare away!

Discord Draconequus carefully watched the fight. There stood debate on a abating it to allow the little eventide a win, but her pride was delicate. The files would be borrowed later, but the details were clear. There was a secondary source supplying the cursed supplies and the dark magic objects. Two groups: one from outside Equestria and the other from its seat of power in Canterlot. But... there were few places a rat could hide in the capital. Places like this were well known enough and so long as they paid officers and kept their activities to things like illegal gambling... well it was overlooked. But the Greyvis were hiding something, or somepony, and keeping their name off their lists. He wanted to remain concentrated on the questioning thoughts but when the mares launched into their battle he refocused himself. Battle huh? Combat of wits had always been his thing. What does Luna see in fighting? He did question it, just not aloud... for now.

Spring Serenade noticed the warning, but she didn't care. The fight was soon to properly begin, and it was exciting. There was no way she could avoid getting grabbed in the middle of her own attack, and let herself be pulled along. It let her know, a little, how strong the mare might be. Spring kept her footing as she was directed away and made sure to keep moving, just in case the unicorn tried to follow up behind her. Spring turned quickly when she had the chance to, but the mare had possibly not moved. Misdirection, hm? Spring considered how she could handle an opponent like this.. and what she could do to deal with her.

Sunny Skies let a hint of a smile grace her features as she lowered and began to move to the side in a slow circle. She needed a good chance to get in and try to deal a blow! She wouldn't be able to fight back if she was just misdirecting the attacks.... What she couldn't do would be to let Yuna think! Unfortunately that meant she couldn't plan either! The unicorn leapt into a skid at the pegasus with the intent to possibly ram into her and get in close.

Discord Draconequus watched as the crowd grew restless with their prancing. While they were allowed to take all the time they wished, the more blood driven sportsponies wanted to see the mares take each other out. Strifecord, on the other hoof, took great pleasure watching how the fight distressed the order of Esquire's ways. And, by the rules of his own game, he couldn't stop them until one tapped out... brilliant. Devious, unplanned... wholly expected. His little warrior princess did well to disrupt the events, which had given him ample opportunity to find the papers he needed to recall them at another time to observe at his leisure. As he told the little eventide... he could not simply manifest things without first... ho ho ho!

Spring Serenade felt it was better to let the pony come after her rather than launching into another attack. That way she couldn't wriggle out of it. Spring watched the mare carefully when she came in for an attack. She couldn't rear up to grab her, not when that would leave her soft belly exposed to that horn; even without magic, unicorn horns could be dangerous weapons. Spring would.. not meet her head on, but she moved into Sunny's ramming to strike out with her hoof, either for her chest or her shoulder if she could manage. Anywhere close would do! It, of course, left her open to attacks too in such close quarters, no room, but the idea of coming pain didn't faze her too much.

Sunny Skies wasn't all that bothered by pain either in this bout, so she decided to do something rather.... unexpected? Definitely something she'd not usually do as well... herself, but this was a 'fun' fighting ring! Serenade probably had no idea as of yet she wasn't a regular pony so she braced herself and met the hoof with her shoulder. She let out a sharp hiss from the pain but used the force of the hit to spin/orient herself where she could attempt to kick out at Spring with her hind legs. Her shoulder was probably going to be sporting a mighty bruise without some magic to conceal it!

Discord Draconequus was... a bit surprised when the mare's contact did little to no damage. She had sent her last opponent into a wall. The spirit was seated close to Esquire's perch so the imp took noticed of the befuddled expression painting the officer's features. 'Disappointed pig?' The imp questioned with venom liking his tone. 'Now I ain't calling you a cheater, but I want to know how in the hell that dame a' yours sent that other pony into a near concussion. ' he had a right to be worried. Who wanted a pony in the ring that met all odds with such ferocity. Now Esquire was willing to chalk it up to beginner's luck, but the cop's response had caught his notice. The unicorn pursed his lips. "You're imagining things. I can assure you my moon is a great, immortal warrior princess with a perchance for rehabilitating evil villains. S'why I like her so much~b The reply seemed too out there to really seem serious at all. Esquire turned his head away. 'Whatever.' But, Discord know something was off...

Spring Serenade made contact! Although admittedly she was surprised that the mare took it so well, other than a hiss. For a moment Spring thought she had knocked her aside, as her earlier kick had sent Hivaan flying, but it turned out to be false. She had only enough time to turn away before she got kicked in the face, and felt the impact of two back hooves against her side that sent her back to one of the cage walls. It stung! It might even bruise, for all she knew, but those were easy to hide under dark blue fur.. Spring cringed and tried to push past the pain so she could go straight back towards the mare, hoping to strike out at one of her hips (flank?) if her back was still turned.

Sunny Skies couldn't help but let herself feel a pang of satisfaction as she got a good one in! Then again she DID catch the mare by surprise. The patrons were likely once again quite surprised that a mare was hitting that hard! Then again it 'was' seemingly against another mare so... it could be explained away by the foolish creatures? Never one to keep her rear facing the 'enemy' ~ by the time Spring was heading back at her she was waiting once again with her hooves spread wide and a somewhat pained look of determination upon her features. The hit to her shoulder ached something terrible..

Discord Draconequus continued to watch, unaware of any secret identities afoot. He knew something was odd and he was determined to prove it.

Spring Serenade wouldn't be getting a chance to strike from behind, it seemed. Whoever this mare was, they were pretty good at fighting so far. Spring found that she was enjoying herself; a challenge! Things were far different this way without a little magic, but at least it kept her physically sharp, no? She didn't turn from her path towards Sunny, though she had to figure out something that wasn't head on.. or a way to keep her from creating distance. Spring considered something as she neared and struck out with her hooves for the pony's face; maybe she could back her into a corner..

Sunny Skies shifted on her hooves as the pegasus approached and wound up ducking backwards in order to avoid a hit towards her face! Serenade would likely find it rather simple to back her towards the corner. Her shoulder wasn't quite stinging so bad now, thankfully. It was definitely going to be aching after this was over and the adrenaline stopped flowing. ~ That was for sure. Sunny herself had a plan as well, drawing the other pony along as she backed herself into the corner of the cage.

Discord Draconequus's sneakiness wasn't disregarded. It was not hard to determine that somepony was snooping around where they shouldn't. There was some movement, goons here and there, but nothing out of the ordinary in such a place. Strife stood and watched as the mares fought. He was tempted to shout out, hoof raising as if in cheer for the eventide's ferocity to show, but -- he couldn't encourage such a thing. He would appear rather -- uncouth. Setting down his hoof he remained standing, ears folding back. The surrounding patrons cheered them out, shouting body parts the unicorn could gouge, or where the pegasus could hurl the delicate ball of dainty white fur.

Spring Serenade made sure to keep driving the unicorn back if she could, her wings twitching under her binding; it was terribly tempting to flare them out in her usual way. She couldn't, though. So Spring settled on rearing every so often, just enough to kick out with her forelegs to keep the mare moving. She could hear the spectators shouting their encouragements beyond the cage, but her notice went no further than that. It was rather.. beastly, but Spring had no intention to beat her opponent in the corner. She just wanted to get a chance of knocking her out without her squirming away, or anything else. If Spring could get close enough to seize her chance, she would take it if she managed it, and if the unicorn didn't put up too much of a fight.

Sunny Skies was focusing out the spectators herself as well as her hoof-work. She didn't want to get her legs tangled in a mess from stepping wrong! The suggestions to gouge with her horn were... rather barbaric actually and caused the frown to grow even more upon her muzzle. Plus she didn't wish to put her horn into such a compromising position anyways. The concealed alicorn stepped back, knowing she was nearing the corner. But she didn't let herself bump into the wall. She had limited options, but... Now it was time to see what the pegasus would do now that she'd been backed up so! Discord had been all but forgotten as well, it was just her and the 'pegasus'.

Discord Draconequus swallowed a bit, settling his hoof against his lip. Esquire walked up towards the unicorn, his arms folded behind his back. 'Enjoying the violence, pig?' The hidden spirit sneered a bit, glancing away. "While I am quite taken by the theatrics, your bloodsport hardly has place in 'civilized' Equestria." He mused. The imp parted his mouth before resting his claws on his chin. 'Oh I see, I didn't think with all the shit you pull, you're for civility.' He remarked. "I am for -- lawfulness, even if it is not necessarily in the measure of our leaders. Princesses sit on a throne, they don't know of life in the pits." He expressed.
Discord Draconequus was uneasy with something, but maybe it was because he was getting a bit hungry. "Well, I am going to get some cupcakes." But Esquire slipped his arm over the pony's shoulders. 'Nah, stay a bit... watch. I don't want you to miss your mare getting taken out by Sunny here. You know she's pretty tough./ I may be taking her under my guidance, groom her to be the next champion.' Strife's expression darkened a bit. 'Oh, did that ruffle ya feathers?' His smile pressed, fang-filled and threatening.

Spring Serenade kept to all fours the closer her temporary enemy came to the corner; she had taken note of the shouted suggestions of gouging. She wasn't going to risk her soft underbelly if this mare was vicious enough to try. There was so little she knew of her opponent.. other than that she was tough. Spring grew cautious, telling herself that she couldn't be too self assured that her tactic would succeed.. Spring, once she thought she saw an opening, lunged. The pegasus would try to get underneath the mare's head, so that she could force her up in a position to be slammed against the cage's bars. Though she knew she would be careful how she handled that if such was possible; having a horn herself, however hidden, she had no intention of bringing such harm. Spring wasn't out to really hurt anypony!

Sunny Skies let her gaze dart to the main entrance for but a moment where she saw a... minotaur now standing there. However just as quick as she looked she returned her attention as the mare lunged! She really shouldn't let her attention wander in a fight like this! She was a bit slow to react, but she quickly tried to jump over and push the lunging mare back into the cage wall! In something of a leap-frog type of motion. Once again with the misdirection. That was something Celestia tended to favor since she was more of a battle-mage than a physical fighter.

Discord Draconequus watched on, unsettled by Esquire's sudden encroaching on his personal bubble. The spirit was tempt to warp away, but that would give away too much. The walls and spikes protruding from them, so ramming and hitching against certain spots could be quite dangerous! The male moved to stand, but his muzzle was grasped by the imp as he was pulled back. 'You don't want to do that my friend. We got mages on your mare. Sit an' enjoy the fight. Let's see how special this girl'a yours is.' The imp hissed as they slammed a suppressor on the cop's horn and held him back. He wiggled, glaring some. His eyes gave off an estranged glow, but he would hold back. Just -- bite back for now. More and more surrounded the cages as the betting pools increased. Tje fight was getting good, but it still wasn't bloody enough for them! "Blood, blood!" The crowd began to chant.

Spring Serenade did not expect the unicorn to take a second option and leap over her! It was.. she wasn't sure, quick thinking, when the mare had been looking off at something just prior. Spring felt hooves on her back, shoving her forward, and turned her head up upon hitting the bars. Better her jaw be bruised than.. well, she wasn't sure if it was possible for her horn to receive damage under a disguise. Spring snorted, wincing, and pushed her forehooves against the ground, thrusting herself back so that she could try to buck the unicorn. If she was close enough, Spring didn't quite look; it could cover her, anyway. The crowd was chanting for blood and she tried to spare them a glance; there were more, watching. Hrm..

Sunny Skies had just landed before she found herself getting bucked in the rump! She let out a yelp and all but face-planted into the ground, skidding and rolling nearly ten pony lengths upon the ground before she managed to dig a hoof in to stop herself. "Owwww..." she whimpered only to remember where she was and pushed up onto her hooves again. There was a red mark upon her front from the slide! Her right foreleg was also somewhat favored... That was a nasty tumble it was!

Discord Draconequus folded his ears back as the imp released his grip. 'After the fight you, me, and your mare are gunna have a nice talk about common courtesy...' He patted Strife's back and moved to leave. Discord sneered and tucked his head to remove the suppressor before shaking himself out. He narrowed his eyes, watching the imp head into the back rooms. After a moment the stiff-walking pegasus moved close to the barricade. One of the two minotaur was missing, but it still glared him down. He looked away before turning towards the cage. He seated himself and grunted. "My love, I know you hare having ... so much fun, but it would do well you defeat your opponent with haste." He called gently, though whether she heard him -- well that was another story. Ugh. He hated fighting. He was a strategist, not a combatant.

Spring Serenade took surprise in finding her back hooves connecting with solid flesh. Hoho. It created a bit of space between them while Spring turned so she could finally massage her sore jaw with a hoof. After wiggling it a bit and getting over the rattled feeling, she watched the unicorn pull herself up onto her hooves. Spring gave her time to recover, all the while a familiar voice reached her from the bloodthirsty crowd. A glance drew her eyes to Strife. "Despite my best attempts, my opponent is quite a slippery pony!" If Spring hadn't already been obvious to Sunny, her manner of speaking would have been a good giveaway. Spring turned back towards the unicorn and advanced, jaw and ribs quiet complaints in the background of her focus. "Come now, have we not dawdled enough? This should be a duel, not a game of tag!"

 Sunny Skies let out a bit of a giggle as she heard Luna speak to Strife near the gates. Did she hear what was said? Perhaps, but then again what was said only cemented the fact that this had to be Luna she was fighting. "I've never that good of a close quarters combatant as you quite know.." she'd reply with a bit of a groan as she realized a bit of a slip. At least it was somewhat casual and very easy to miss! After all, she was the one losing so it would be easy to assume that is what she meant.

Discord Draconequus could understand Luna's love of battle. While the underground afforded one the chance to toss away manners and fruity behaviors that nobles clung to, the rules down here were no different than above. One had to respect those in authority and down here, princesses had no power. Even if they were to show their faces such would only incite riots, as the power respected her was not the faces of the deities that were more considered holy watchers than actual leaders. While such had consolidated many small cults over the years, the larger followings were quite feared among even the criminal underground.
Discord Draconequus settled back and allowed her to fight at her leisure. It seemed, thus far, Esquire was being patient and wouldn't corral them into his office. But that may not last. More and more of his men were not entering the room as if to herd the patrons once the fight was over. It was more obvious now than it was before. Strife was quite powerful -- as a god of time, but the spirit of chaos was burned by his own abilities and could not always be depended on to act, for the sake of chaos. Even now his fur stood on end at the possibility of throwing all of Esquire's mechanics out of whack with a well -- placed wrench. That wrench, was currently: Luna. The little serenade would sing for him. He was still unaware of a certain celestial body about...

Spring Serenade paused at the unicorn's reply, uncertain if she heard any familiarity in her tone. What she said was odd, too, but Spring had noticed that they didn't seem all that great at fighting. Either because they were antsy about pain, or.. perhaps Sunny just saw how far she could kick a large stallion. It was confusing to Spring, either way. ".. Indeed! Perhaps you might like to surrender, or must I force your hoof?" The pegasus started moving again, wondering how she was going to deal with a pony like this! It was proving challenging to bring them down. Hmm.. Spring lunged for her, but it was a feint just to throw her guard off.

Sunny Skies was still ever the observant one, eyes flicking past Spring and to the establishment beyond. Something was not right. Whenever the pegasus lunged for her she mirrored the action, hoping to hit somewhat shoulder to shoulder instead of retreating as might have been expected. Should that have worked she let out a hiss of pain from the bruise. "I surrender" she'd say loud enough to be heard, however her voice then dropped. "I'd take a look outside the arena... something unusual is occurring, L-" she cut herself off before she'd be able to continue blowing cover. If something was indeed up she didn't need to get herself beat into unconsciousness where she couldn't help.

Discord Draconequus looked to the ref. He had to call it, the white mare tapped out. Strife pranced toward the barricade, glaring up at the minotuar who seemed to hesitate letting her out. After a moment he finally opened the barricade to let them out. The spirit -- old unicorn, seemed uneasy, antsy. "Come now love, shall we have congratulatory love making in the dressing room?" He waggled his brows, trying to keep the mood light in the growing tense sensations that choked the rowdy crowd who were a fit with anger the one who had seemed to stand a chance against the pegasus -- tapped out! Demands for refunds in the betting pool, demands of blood being properly shed! But they knew the rules of fight club. So did Strife...
Discord Draconequus knew they were surrounded. Esquire stood with his body guards, arms folded behind him. The imp snapped his fingers, addressing two, slender unicorns. They entered, circling around the cage's exist as the mare's made move to leave, the imp standing in front of Strife. 'My friend, you insult me trying to leave.' He spoke in that high pitched voice.

Spring Serenade didn't expect the unicorn to meet her halfway, but she didn't shy from the impact either. She grimaced, it hurt, but she had to stay her hoof from lashing out at the mare now that she was close enough to hit. She had cried off, had surrendered, and Spring was an honorable fighter. The latter, muttered sentence gave her pause, an ear twitching when she heard that L sound before it was cut off. What was Sunny about to say? No matter. Spring faced towards the crowd, which had turned ugly, but it wasn't just that. There was a tense atmosphere she hadn't paid much attention to in the middle of her fight with the unicorn. The pegasus herself made for the gate when it was opened, slowing to tentative steps when she saw the small circle of ponies waiting for them, and the imp. "Ah.." Strife was bold to say that aloud, not like she could have accepted or denied his request anyway. "What is happening?"

Sunny Skies gained a rather relieved look when she was able to surrender and stop the fight. By the sun she was still quite out of shape! The unicorn moved to follow at a somewhat subdued pace all the while sliding the ring from her horn. She'd not need something interfering with her spells! Of course that meant Discord likely realized who was in the ring with Serenade. Oh well, it wasn't like she was probably coming back here in this guise after tonight! She purposely faked a limp, making it look like she'd taken more damage in the fight than she had. While what strifecord had said to 'Serenade' caused 'Sunny' to pause, she blinked once and continued on unaffected. 'Time and a place, Discord.' she inwardly sighed.

Discord Draconequus moved to stand in front of Serenade, the old pony giving a shrug. He glanced towards Sunny, brow arching a bit, but as his ears folded back it would seem he did not notice. Sometimes Discord kept his muzzle shut for the simple task of causing chaos. He thought on his options before grinning, offering that snaggletoothed smile to the Imp. "Come now Esquire... I already promised my mare some fun." The imp kept his flat expression and waved his hand. The unicorns stood, respectively, at other side of the mares with their horns aglow. 'Please old pone, at your age you'll give yourself a heart attack. Take them to the back.' The Unicorns moved their heads threateningly. The grey unicorn snorted harshly and shrugged. "Fine, fine. No need to become crass. I was going to talk to you anyway about your illegal activities." The old officer moved to follow the imp, with the mares 'under threat'. He looked back over  is shoulder at the mares, motioning his head.
Discord Draconequus followed in relative silence, aside from the occasional comment on how well the suit fit him, if they had it in his size, so on. He was a general ass. They were lead towards a hall, if the mares did not struggle. This may be more than a simple back-alley facility...

Spring Serenade gave Strife a raised eyebrow at the look of the surrounding ponies, and the mage at her own side. The unicorn she'd been fighting was flanked, too. Spring felt this was a good time to tug at her binding with her teeth, fumbling with it until she could loosen it to be slipped off. She might need her wings, if she wasn't going back in the cage for another fun battle. The fun had ended. Spring was quite concerned as she made to follow along after Strife towards the back, tense. Hopefully things didn't turn sour, but if they did she was prepared.

Sunny Skies stuck somewhat to the back, the 'odd mare out' so to speak! They likely didn't think she was with the pair but they wanted her to come to the back anyways? The look from Strifecord was returned with an arched brow of her own on an impassive (albeit rather pained ~ Luna did get some good hits) facade. She kept up the limp as she followed the group towards the back room. Under threat indeed.... Her horn dimly lit up with magic as she focused on lessening the 'debilitating' effects of her injuries. Of course in a form like this she had to be careful about using too much magic! She was keeping a careful eye on the unicorn 'guards'.

Discord Draconequus's little entourage soon found themselves in a room fit for a king, though in this case a mob boss. Esquire was from a long line and generation of criminal warlords. While he did not do much fighting these days, cursed artifacts often decorated his fingers and neck, though all save the earrings piercing his left ear were seemed missing. He was seated in a big chair, books holding him up from nosing the edge of his desk. Ten, ten lackies stood in the room. Two minotaurs, the two unicorn that led them in, three earth ponies and three griffon. the minotaurs stood at Esquire's back while the others seemed about their own business. 'You come into my house, today, the night of a big event and you go snooping through my papers pig?' The imp seemed piss.
Discord Draconequus felt no remorse for getting caught. 'You stuff one of my hench into a locker, stuff a handkerchief into his muzzle, of which has you anagram? (DS)' The officer shrugged. "Oh come on now, it is not as if I didn't already know half of that." He didn't and Esquire held that look. 'What is going to keep me from killing your mare?" He looked to Sunny. ''mere sweetheart, what's your name?' He motioned to her. Strife glanced to his little eventide and arched a brow, grinning deviously. He was going to do the thing. "Oh puh-lease. You are just upset she's mine. She is strong enough to stand against your best." Esquire stiffened. 'Excuse you princess?' One could see where Discord learned that saying. 'I'll have your gonads ripped from your throat for that -- on a bad day. But I'm in a good mood seeing a pegasus sweep kicked into a wall. Intrigue me.' He looked to Spring in question, hands pyramid'ing Mr. Burns style.

Spring Serenade barely had enough time to glance back at the unicorn mare she had been fighting, noting that she was swept along just as they were. Why did they want her, or was it just her misfortune of being Spring's opponent. Her lips thinned into a line as she faced forward again, being lead into quite a large room. Office? The imp was seated at his desk. Spring came to a halt beside Strife and let her eyes wander over the room, as well as the creatures in it. A very wide, and interesting, variety. Spring marked them just in case there was trouble and her attention was soon drawn back to the imp. Papers? That was.. both a surprise and not that Strife would do it, but that he was caught.. She was highly tempted to wit. "If you can kill me." Too late. Spring took a couple of sauntering steps forward. "Spring." The princess remark towards Strife evoked a quirked brow, but she said nothing more.

Sunny Skies looked between every pony in the room with a 'nervous' air about her. Just as one might expect a pony in her position to act surrounded by henchment of various species! The two minotaur and the unicorn were the primary threat. The three griffons were a threat but not as great of a threat as they could be in the outdoors. She moved around the two, giving them a wide berth as she made her way to the imp. "Umm...I'm Sunny Skies, former guard on the equestrian border. I retired due to my injuries.." she'd say as she motioned towards the scars upon her form. However that is when Strifecord spoke and she stepped back to the side. She had a new angle from here.

Discord Draconequus thought...thought quickly and carefully. "Well, how about we come to an agreement..." He glanced to Luna. "You can have my cute little mare. She's a bit young and has a smart mouth~" He added. Esquire quirked a brow. 'What are you implying...?' The imp looked to Sunny and nodded. 'Now you... you got potential, and don't sound to be half the hassle as this shit-head's mare could be...' The imp had a thought though... 'Alright pig... how about this. I put your mare, and little Sunspot here up against my champ. If your ....Spring can beat Sunny or beat the champ first, I'll forget this transgression and we could perhaps work together...' Of course such was up to the mares. This was opportunity, but Strife would have just a fun a time were Luna to refuse. He stared at Sun, head tilting slightly.

Spring Serenade looked over at the unicorn, realizing that they were talking to her too. Why would they take interest in a random fighter? Spring knew she was getting picked on too only because she was with Strife, and there was some history between him and the imp. Soon the pegasus learned her name at last - Sunny. Spring gave Strife a questioning look upon being offered up, but she kept silent as an agreement was brought up. They to face the imp's champion. It made her wonder who it could be, how big, how strong- such things she was legitimately curious about. One had to learn how to match against an opponent to handle them, but Sunny had earned a few injuries from their fight. She would rather go after the champion just to spite the imp, considering.. Spring was up to the challenge, as usual.

Sunny Skies looked to the imp and let out a bit of a sheepish grin and a bit of a... blush? She was playing her role fairly well all considering. "Ser..." she began to draw the imp's attention. "Would this particular bout of combat be... no holds barred or would the same limitations as the ring be present? I confess I might not be able to provide a very good show with my bad leg with hoof-to-hoof combat." she inclined her head to the leg she'd been limping with. Oh yes, she ran the risk of hamming it up just a bit but she'd had a thousand years of politics to hone her skills in deception. She needed each and every year of that to... In the beginning she was terrible at it! Almost as bad as cooking, but boredom and practice fixed that even at the chagrin of the cooking staff.

Discord Draconequus seated himself. He was an old, battered warhorse after all, at least that was the guise the old officer gave. Not many knew of his past, at least the story he gave as the unicorn, but it was little different from the truth -- glossed over with natural ambiguities that suppressed a more spiteful view of what should be forgotten. But at his age it was hard to forget and move on when something like that -- built you. "I am sure these lovely mares need rest..." He had taken lead from the white mare, albeit begrudgingly. It would do no good to toss them in without at least having the chance to tell Luna what -- who the champion was. "Come now Esquire... what do you say?" The imp looked to the white mare, considering her words, because the old pig was full of shit. 'Of course my dear, the rules of fight club, don;t change, unless some psychotic shit brings in basilisk to a pony fight.; "Cockatrice." He corrected. 'P-s-y-c-h-o-t-i-c. How do you even still have a rank?'
Discord Draconequus grinned and looked away. "Someone has to take out the trash." He muttered, loudly. 'Take them. Before I just dump this one into the pit and break each of his limbs, repeatedly.. Just -- go take them to one of the dressing rooms, with Sunny.' He looked to her, motioning his claw. 'Be a doll and make sure this old codger doesn't do anything brusque in public. A pig is always a pig,.' The spirit furrowed his brows in question. The Unicorn moved to nudge them off to lead them away. Seemed nopony had a choice -- well they could fight, but...

Spring Serenade still kept quiet, as she did, listening to the exchanges between Sunny and the imp, or Strife if not Sunny. Personally, she wouldn't have wanted Sunny to fight if she was having trouble, but there was always that option they pair up against this champion. Maybe that could be something to bring up once they had some rest, as Strife helpfully suggested. Spring snorted at the back and forth between the two males. "A brief rest does sound good." Spring finally piped up and moved away from the advancing unicorns to go along to wherever this dressing room was that they were corralling them in.

Sunny Skies let out a relieved sigh of sorts. If they were in the dressing rooms then they could come up with a plan. However with her injuries it could be a bit of a relieved sigh that she wasn't being thrown into the ring injured! Alas the mare dipped her head to the imp when he spoke. "Of course ser... I'll make sure the 'old codger' doesn't get up to any mischief." she'd say with a repressed grin. She felt the nudge of the guards and moved to hobble along with the group towards this 'dressing room' that they were being put in! She had to agree with 'Spring'... A respite sounded lovely.

Discord Draconequus didn't like the idea of being led anywhere, but for the sake of dealing with this -- he would. The facility itself was quite small. Likely an abandoned where house constructed during Canterlot's early build and fitted to house emergency shelters or food stores during ml the more grievous throes of early Equestrian life. The office was a room off the side of where the ring was constructed, leaving to be the former den of the local construction foreman at the time, but now it housed a ... little email boss. They were led to a flight of steps. The walls faded from a smooth, uninviting plaster decorated with scarlet wallpaper, which was gaudy, the a stony structure built like -- like /no/ it was a catacomb... Skeletons still hung from the graves. Aside Discord: everypony was a product of is environment after all... the dressing rooms. Dim light, beds why even a changing screen.. the perfect spot to rest. Cramped, but it would do.
Discord Draconequus settles on a spot as the goons left them.

Spring Serenade quirked an eyebrow at the unicorn, but Sunny was perhaps just humoring the imp. She was glad to get out of there anyway; being surrounded by that many creatures had her worried everything was going to go downhill. It didn't, fortunately, but she'd been ready to fight them. Spring walked along after the ones at the lead until they were brought to the 'dressing room,' frowning at the presence of the catacombs. Pony skeletons. Spring set herself next to Strife once they were left in the room, waiting until the unnamed unicorns left them. "An interesting turn of events, and what a distraction I must have been." Spring turned to Strife, uncertain how to handle 'Sunny' nor speak to her. "So what of this champion he spoke of? We will need to know about them if we are to face him- hopefully together." Now Spring cast Sunny a curious glance.

Sunny Skies slowly paled as some part of her realized just where they were going. She hadn't been to the old Canterlot catacombs in... well, a very long time. She had thought the catacombs sealed and left in peace...Evidently they had been found and were turned into routes for this.... organization. The paling of her fur as well as the slight jerkiness to her movements could be easily thought of as jitters from being in such a 'spooky' place but really... She was not amused with these ponies defiling the resting place of these ponies. She moved a small ways away from Strife and Spring as the guards left and sank to her rump while she got a hold of herself. "Y-yes, of course." she'd say with a distracted air. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself.

Discord Draconequus thought nothing of the catacombs, because he thought nothing of if. It was better to remain perpetually oblivious. When he felt Serenade seat herself close he would lean his head over to console her. "A hasty choice, but one that gives time." Which was what they needed. "It can be a bit overwhelming, I suppose, dealing with him..." he complained, knowing his own nature. He would turn an eye to the white mare. "And to drag you into it as well..."

Spring Serenade noticed that Sunny appeared.. rattled. Was it the skeletons, or was this 'champion' of Esquire's particularly dangerous? Maybe the skeletons. Spring was rather troubled by their breaking and entering into the catacombs herself, but perhaps not so much considering she wasn't around during Canterlot's rise. She had no emotional connection, other than disgust for the disrespect shown. "Apologies." Spring spoke up after Strife had. He did not mention the champion and she considered asking again to focus his mind. Or did he not know who or what? "In any case, we can deal with this champion together, if you like. The wounds I inflicted were, ah, not personal."

Sunny Skies let out a bit of a dry chuckle. "This is a part of old Canterlot I thought I'd never have to see again.." she'd muse with a mutter only to purse her lips and turn to look at Spring with a small smile alight. "I take no offense to the wounds, ma'am." There was a bit of a mischievous smile alight upon her muzzle even now as she glanced past Spring at Strife briefly only to return her gaze to Luna/Spring. "I'm rather... happy to help. I'm not quite as maimed as I might seem. The bruises are really going to hurt however! You showed this old mare what-for."

Dark Strife disliked the idea of being stuck in one room, but he had to keep up appearances if chaos was to occur to his desires. Discord planned diligently for events to simply fall into place. Sometimes -- he didn't plan at all. But than there were others where no one would believe he was capable of it. He had been so enthralled with egging Esquire on, the male had paid no mind to the unicorn female. Why? He had his lovely little pegasus to harass. He had no need to build up much of a repertoire with a stranger since they would be a transient existence in this experience. As for the catacombs themselves -- many corpses and skeletons had to be moved to allow for the makeshift rooms. They were rightly morbid and stank of dank sewage. The old halls were sacred, lining the underbelly of Canterlot. Those who died during wars or building the city were entombed here. Those without names, given particular care to.
Dark Strife was not squicked by it, but was put off. He lowered his head to brush against Serenade's as he hummed toward Sunny's words. "If you two mares want to team up, but I do not find that such a terrific idea considering we are not here to play with Esquire's champion... Well, he was. He wanted to see Esquire squirm. "We are here on a mission and if you intervene i will have to arrest you~" He said noncommittally with a wave of his hoof.

Spring Serenade's gaze was puzzled as the other mare muttered something to herself. There was something weird, but they probably had more pressing matters to deal with. Spring gave Strife's shoulder a poke with her hoof. "You are being very elusive about this champion and it concerns me. Furthermore, what is it that you want us, me, to do? The lack of information is most troubling and this repetitive puttering about in the dark is wearing my patience thin." Spring dropped her hoof, which had been hovering by his shoulder after the intended poke and she cast the doorway a glance. "Especially if we are meant to fight this champion, as per this agreement."

Sunny Skies concealed a bit of a giggle. Sometimes she didn't know whether Discord recognized who she was or not! Perhaps not! "I would love to see you try." she smirked his way. Indeed; she'd love to see him try to arrest her! Hah! Alas the alicorn in disguise sat back and her horn lit up with magic again to accelerate the soothing of the wounds. Soon enough her horn stopped glowing and she stretched out her limbs. "Much better... Now then.. There seems to be a bit of history between you and ser Esquire. Might I confess that I find that to be... interesting given that you are a detective I assume." Yes she was fishing for information!

Dark Strife slumped over the mare, resting his head on her shoulders as she prodded him, literally, for more information. "What makes you think I am evasive? I have clearly told you many things." He mused nosing her neck in an attempt to distract her. He hummed. "Your typical champion. Well fought, no loss streak. Grey ears would prick at the words of challenge rumbling from the white mare. Head canting slightly a pair of hoofcuffs manifested over his head. "Would you now? To think there are other mares into such weird, kinky things." he teased, just to get a raise out of her. Always easy to get the lighter furred ones to flush. The cuffs vanished before he sat himself up. "Nothing much. I knew his father. Crime organizations aren't born, they are made and typically controlled by a family." He expressed with a chuckle. "Unfortunately for them it is my job, duty -- to disrupt that." And any form of order thereafter.
Dark Strife cocked his head smugly. "Of course I am a detective. The best of the best." He snorted and looked to Serenade, sitting back on his hooves, detracting his thoughts from the bone inlaid walls. "My love you should just be happy you will be getting a challenging opponent. Poor little -- sunspot here, seemed to just give up in fear!" He returned with snarking comments.

Spring Serenade narrowed her eyes at the grey stallion and snorted. "A lot of air and very little else." She retorted and let him drape himself on her without so much as a fuss. Even his description of the champion was a bit vague. "He will lose, soon." Spring muttered and looked over at Sunny at the issued challenge. An eyebrow was quirked at the manifested handcuffs, but she didn't comment on it while things were explained a second time for Sunny. If lacking more of the truth as she was a stranger. Possibly. "I suppose you are correct in that. I would like to test how good this champion is.."

Sunny Skies let out a bit of a chuckle. "A typical champion. I'm honestly rather surprised the fight clubs took root in Equestrian soil. They are something that the griffons tend to favor as far as I thought." she hummed only to look to the hoofcuffs that appeared with a bit of a sly grin. "I'm sure you would find me full of surprises wouldn't you ser Strife. Of course, I'm sure even Discord can be surprised every so often." she'd say only to turn and begin to pace thoughtfully. "I wish we could use magic..." she let out a long sigh and fell on her rump. "I came to fight clubs to learn how to fight properly... and here I am. What luck... My day would have been better spent just enjoying some cake and reading." But no, she came to the club and wound up tangled in one of Discord's schemes. But... this was actually rather exciting!

Dark Strife was stumped. This mare -- talked a lot. He sniffed a bit, settling back off the mare. The place was cold and gave of a gooey sensation, like something pressing to his fur. He bristled a bit and grinned at Serenade. "My love, you do enjoy such challenges. I will be most intrigued to see how you fight such a ---" He glanced to Sunny, tilting his head. "Oh please, that is like asking how the art of war advances." He thought a moment. She was right. "Perhaps it has something to do with the fact Esquire's family owns this little event." He noted. "While ponies are remiss to combat, they are driven to being part of the herd, as they say. Look at the faces you saw today. Minotaur, Griffon, and out of work Earth ponies..." he chuckled. He had never noticed that before. He still also hasn't noticed Sunny's true nature. While as a spirit of chaos he did not learn to fight -- and an officer it is assumed -- "Well, we can't all get what we want, but that is why they do this." He noted.

Spring Serenade took interest in that detail. It was true, fighting rings like this were common in griffon culture; how ponies took a liking to it was beyond her. A short way beyond her, anyway. She had a bit of unease when Sunny spoke Discord's name, but it was impossible for her to know anything! "Wings, too. Alas, it is for the sake of making an even playing field for all." Spring shuffled her own. "When we face the champion, I will try to keep most of his focus on me, if you know so little of fighting.. that is, if we do get to be in the ring together to face him." The pegasus mare turned a lifted eyebrow on Strife as he switched topics. Such a.. what? He might not ever answer her. "Indeed.." She didn't pick up on anything Sunny said as being unusual or familiar; hell, a lot of ponies liked cake.

Sunny Skies let out a bit of a giggle and fell quiet as Strife said his first bit to Spring. "Take it to a room detective." she'd say with a shake of her head and a playful grin. Unfortunately as much as she liked keeping up the facade... That wouldn't do them any good in the long run. The unicorn let out along sigh and looked to between the two. Her horn lit up with her golden glow to place a spell to keep them from being overheard. "As entertaining as it is to sit here with both of you and know something that you do not... I dare-say that it might just cause us trouble later. I didn't expect you nor Discord to show up here, Luna. It is more fun than being asleep back at the castle... Truth be told I would have thought Discord would have recognized my magic by now since I took off the aura concealment ring." the unicorn smiled and inclined her head.

Dark Strife furrowed his brows at the demand to get a room. "We were given one already." He sassed back, rolling his shoulders a bit and turning his back to the mare in a very sassy manner. He faced his little eventide and snubbed his nose. "I shall interrogate whomever I want, wherever." Ooh he should think up fun interrogation questions for Lulu~ "I suppose I can tell you something about the champion since you are sooo excited abou--..." He stilled and canted his head. The -- hell? "I knew that! Who do you take me for!?" He bluffed expertly. "I was merely playing the game, and now you both have lost. Pity. It was so much fun." He was bluffing out his ass, but could either detect it? "Anyway, that leads to a question: what are you even doing down here? For a limp hoofed princess I am surprised you can stomach the arena. You know those aren't jam stains along the bar." He cooed.

Spring Serenade didn't know what to think of the 'get a room' comment in the least. She could have made mention of the door, but she hadn't a chance as Strife moved and brought up the champion again. Something she would have gladly listened about had he had a chance to say so. Her teal gaze snapped back to the unicorn and that golden aura; golden like the sun. Her eyes widened, not just at the use of their names, but the familiar. Ah, yes. "Tia?!" Spring clapped a hoof over her mouth, glancing to the door again, but it was soundproofed by her sister's spell. "Y-Yes, I am curious as well. I was only brought here because of, ah, Strife."

Sunny Skies let out a bit of a giggle as Discord made it very apparent that he knew who she was. "Of course you knew." the alicorn said with an eyebrow raised only for her expression to fall some whenever it was asked what she was even doing down here. "The....." she glanced briefly towards Bygone on the couch as he happily devoured his sandwiches. "Incident during my niece's wedding opened my eyes to a few truths. I was struck down in just one blow." she'd say with a grimace. "If things hadn't turned out the way they did then Equestria would have fallen that day and it would have been my fault." she looked down towards one hoof. Of course she felt that way. "The real Sunny Skies is likely buried down in these catacombs somewhere with her kin. If they haven't already defiled her resting place of course. She was one of the last to be placed into these catacombs before they fell out of practice."

Dark Strife snorted and looked to the pegasus as she blamed him. "It was not as if I dragged you kicking and screaming." But he lured her with curiosity and promises. Empty, empty promises of victory and shenanigans. Though some were fulfilled this night. He was a bit untaken by their current lodgings. "If I could I would sit us in a small pocket dimension until the little imp required us, but in this form I can do little more than levitate chocolates and manifest my nearby belongings. He glanced to Luna's guise in tempt to test it, but held. He would not make sass or comment on the mare's own disguise. "You look better with your pink mane." He muttered, looking away. A compliment he supposed would suffice. "I do not think you need practice fighting. Sometimes problems cannot be solved with brute strength -- nor magical prowess. You two really should consider fighting together more often to absolve the other's weakness." He had a serious light to the comment, but he wavered quickly.
 Dark Strife sighed. "alas if we do not defeat Esquire's champion I will be losing quuuuite a bit of bits -- I mean I have a great amount of confidence in you two. Did I mention I would also lose this case and get us all in quite a bit of trouble considering Esquire is a citizen of the Badlands? Legitimate business imp over there. He has quite the hold on the pottery trade." Damn it Discord stop causing international situations.

Spring Serenade took in the sight of her sister's disguise with some interest, wondering if she should have known. Of course not, but the comment about staying in to eat cake and read should have tickled her awareness.. Even the way she moved and talked and sassed should have been obvious, but yet again Luna was a potato and missed it as she missed Discord's signs as Strife. She shook her head and dropped the thoughts. "I wish I had been awake to be there. I should have been, when Canterlot was under such a threat and our niece having her wedding." Spring frowned. She gave Strife a look. "Yes, I know, I am just saying you were responsible." A snort. The 'pegasus' listened idly as Strife spoke of the matters at hoof and rolled her shoulders. "We will beat this champion, of course, you have no need to fret. I can fight quite well, thank you."

Sunny Skies at first blinked, but then found herself speechless AND sporting a blush as she turned away herself upon Discord's comment about her 'pink mane'. "I.. thank you." she'd manage only to clear her throat. That served to re-center herself. "It isn't your fault that you were asleep, Luna... Everything was supposed to be under control. I should have realized my own niece had been replaced with an imposter. A costly mistake." she'd admit with a bit of a scowl. "I let the centuries of peace lull me into a false sense of security; forgotten everything I had learned in the first few centuries of rule." she raised a hoof to brush the side of her head. "And I, of course, paid for such overconfidence." She then leveled a look upon Discord and then let out a frown. He was going to get Luna into this mess in the first place? "Indeed! ~ We both can take this... champion. I'll try not to get in the way at least." she'd say with a small smile.

Dark Strife hmmed as they came to and for with -- regrets. "We are not here to regret, but act, yes? Or would you rather we quit now in retreat? I will sent us right back." He warned. "We will have about an hour's rest before Esquire comes to fish us back. Let us take advantage of it." This form was costly for him. He had to learn to hol it, hold in that urge for chaos. He moved to stand before padding towards the back of the tomb and dropping down on some bedding let out for fighters to rest til next matches. He was tired... "I hope you are as strong as you are boastful..." He was doing this for another reason as well. "I shall use you two a bit longer, keep me amused, hmm?" Words of tease to disguise a sense of --responsibility.

Spring Serenade finally pulled herself away from the wall, smiling briefly when Strife's comment made her sister blush. "Your trust was used against you. Regardless.." The faux pegasus offered her disguised sister a gentle nudge to the shoulder in comfort and glanced back at Strife. "Nay, I am not one to back down from a challenge nor a fight. I would happily dethrone this champion!" Spring protested. She had no need of rest, as in, a nap, but she would settle down a while to let her body relax before she was tossed back into the fray. "I am." Spring nodded and made to crawl up onto one of the worn beds left there to let her muscles rest a while.

Sunny Skies shook her head. "That would probably cause even more damage." Suddenly disappearing, the whole lot of them? That would throw up several flags. The nudge to the shoulder was returned along with a brief nuzzle if she managed it, however as Luna spoke to Discord she made to slowly climb onto one of the worn beds herself. It wasn't one of the beds at the castle (much less her own) but it was comfortable enough for her still sore form. The white 'unicorn' rest her head down on her forelegs and let out a contented sigh.

Dark Strife did not rest, for he was not the sort that could. WHile the mares were lying the spirit had gotten up to sit out in the hallway. The dripping of water filled the entire subterranean with a sense of dread. Squeaking mice and skittering who-knows, push a sense of weight in an otherwise empty catacomb. Though one could not, fairly, call it empty. The bones of the long passed lived here. Some forgotten, some never to find peace. The spirit folded his ears back knowing that, some of them, were indirect cause of his actions. Those who died of famine... plague. Even now Canterlot was suffering form a small scale famine that led them to leaning on help from their neighboring states. Sometimes these moments of silence left him with too much to think of, to consider. Maybe if he had did things differently he needn't try and repair them now...

Spring Serenade had accepted her sister's nuzzle before the climb into bed, and in the bed was where she lay as relaxed as she could get. The mattress wasn't too comfortable, worn from use and lumpy, but it was good enough for its purpose. Her eyes skimmed from the resting 'Sunny' to Strife and she put her head down on her extended forelegs, closing them. Spring was resting, though not asleep. She had heard Strife's uneven footsteps go wandering out of the room and into the hall; in the silence such as this, she could hear the softer ambience of the catacombs. It bothered her little.

Sunny Skies was probably the only one of the group that was actually resting. Then again this part of the night was when her energy was at an all time low, yes? The white/pink unicorn was all but snoozing peacefully even in this.. place. Not the best place to sleep buuuuuuut oh well! She'd likely wake up should something interesting come about. Or whenever the hour was up!

Dark Strife felt a chill raise up against his thin pelt. THe male pushed to stand, shaking himself out. As he stared off he could see a dim fog raising up. Likely the spirits out haunting the witching hour. Licking his tongue over his lips, the curl of flesh would present that sharp snaggletooth. Rolling his shoulders, one could feel the annoyance washing from the disguised stallion. Stallion? He couldn't really be called that. Anatomy or not. What was he? Creature? Beast? ALl no-- he shook the thoughts from his head, turning to enter the dressing room again, or at least the makeshift one. They would be called soon. He could hear the distant steps of those coming to fetch them. Maybe he made a mistake? His horn lit up... perhaps he could just take them away....

Spring Serenade allowed herself a moment's meditation, in the sense of letting her mind settle and clear and steeling herself for a new fight. The same things she was curious about earlier were still there in the background of her mind, but she pursued them no longer; when the time came, she would learn for herself about this champion. At the sound of hoofsteps entering the room, the same uneven ones of Strife, Spring opened her eyes and fixed him with her gaze. Beyond him she could hear dimmer steps on the approach. "Is it time, then?" Spring queried as she slid out of the bed and onto her hooves, taking a moment to give those long legs a good stretch. An hour passed easily when one's mind was adrift.

Dark Strife looked to Lu-- Serenade, the magic in his horn instantly fading when he turned. The catacombs were too unsettling for the spirit. His hoof touched to the ground with an sifting crunch. "You do not have to face this champion. It is all rather boorish. We can always just go have tea and forget this whole mess." He was committed to causing chaos but this bordered on -- the effort of war. With a grunt he moved closer to Spring so his breathe brushed over her muzzle in his whispers. "We can always just turn the place upside down. You mares go alicorn, give them the biggest headache." Something had to be up that he was unwilling to continue his venture. But -- who was the champion that even Discord felt Luna and Celestia may face ... challenge? They were limited...

Spring Serenade straightened when Strife approached, her stretching exercise put aside and she waved a hoof. "It seems important. The imp, Esquire, spoke of forgetting what had happened and working together. Would that not be a useful advantage?" The pegasus was confident they could take down the champion, no matter how good he was; but if there was a catch.. Sometimes such creatures had a habit of going back on their word. Regardless. Spring leaned close and offered Strife a nuzzle to his cheek. "Nonsense. I do not desire giving myself away so soon in these outings of yours. They are proving quite fun. Why do you seem to have changed your mind? Certainly you are not worried."

Sunny Skies let out a bit of a yawn and stirred as the two talked... strategy perhaps? The white furred unicorn didn't want to get up but if the fight would be soon then they did need to talk some more. "Do you have enough information against this... imp.. that we could do so without worry over an incident?" She wasn't as battle-ready as Luna was. If there was a way to go about this the 'smart' way that is what she was all for. "I would much rather there not be an international incident with the badlands of all places." she'd say with a bit of a flat look. The badlands were filled with all sorts of creatures. Such as the changeling queen again possibly as well. There were many unknown factors about those forsaken lands.

Dark Strife heard the games open above. More hoof falls. They were getting ready. The jeers of patrons soon began to grow as they prepared the betting pool. Dis-- Stife's tail fluffed up a bit, eyes narrowing at the pegasus. Those grey ears pressed forward as he seemed quite irked at her suggestion. "Me? Worried? Hardly." Glancing to Sunny he turned and seated himself. "I -- know enough to know even if we knew of him, his power runs deep in the Badlands. Much of their land was decimated by -- " Certain actions. "Changes and those who have power hold onto it. They answer to the royal family, but neither do they exist. The Greyvis are troublesome, to say the least." Soon the heavier steps could be heard as a minotaur came to their room. 'Time to go ponies.' He chuckled.

Spring Serenade broke eyecontact with Strife to look up, too, at the sounds of hooffalls and activities. It was time. Sunny was awake now too, evident to the pegasus when her voice broke the brief silence. Spring quietly listened as Strife answered, mulling something over until his voice had ceased. "If he is troublesome, and there is indeed some sort of.. agreement to be forged, it may be useful in dealing with him in the future. Earn his trust." Spring spoke quietly, for she heard the heavy hoofsteps of somepony approaching. One of the minotaur. Oh, good. Spring glanced to the other two and made for the door.

Sunny Skies let out a bit of a sigh as she listened. "Discord... How do I.." she fell quiet and shook her head with a rueful grin. The 'unicorn' pushed herself onto her hooves and made sure to keep a bit of a limp in her step whenever the minotaur showed up. "I suppose I'm ready as I'll ever be." she'd say back in her Sunny 'persona' once again. The 'unicorn' followed the 'pegasus' as the group more than likely began to make their way back towards the arena. She had no idea how this was going to possibly play out ~ what with such an apparently influential imp running a crime syndicate? She once again began to question why she found herself here. But.... better she is here with Luna and Discord than they get into this trouble themselves.

Dark Strife followed the minotaur. They were lead up towards the arena. Asides the screaming roars and neighing bellows, there was a sense of dread that followed. In the arena there were no spikes, no pitfalls... a solid ground with a metal cage that kept ponies in and ponies out. Inside was a massive, brown-furred Clydesdale Pony, strange colored patches along his flank that gave off hints of his past. A stockwhip was painted as his cutiemark. Discord--- Strife folded his ears as he was stopped from approaching the cage by the Mino. 'You get to sit with the boss, away from your mare and the other. Don't need nosy cops in the way.' He looked to the mares, ears folding back.

Spring Serenade glanced back at the pair as she reached the doorway as Sunny said something. Yes, as ready as they could be. Spring - Luna - had developed a fiercely protective attitude over her elder sister after what she did a thousand years ago. How she hurt her. Now in the present day she hoped she could make up for it, for she could never take it back, and she had missed protecting her from Queen Chrysalis at the wedding. Here, though, in the ring, she would keep their new opponent's attention all on her and off of Sunny. When they reached the main room back up the stairs, Spring was relieved to be out of the catacombs, and spied their opponent. A large pony, like the pegasus she knocked out in one kick, but this one was an earth pony. Much heavier. Spring bit back a grin as she wondered how funny it would be if she ever managed the same thing twice. No, never so lucky. Spring gave Strife a concerned look. "We- I will be fine." She strode off through the noisy crowd for the cage.

Sunny Skies stayed in her 'Sunny' mask as they were led out... Her attention was upon the cage, then the crowd, and then the large earth pony within. Most would assume her to be a little bit nervous in the presence of this place again! Especially with that little limp she had! Her gaze caught Strifecord as he was stopped by the minotaur and acted like she didn't know him. To everypony here she didn't; she was just originally the pegasus's opponent after all! Nopony could have overheard them with the magic she put up! She followed her 'former enemy' to the ring. And once they were there slipped inside. The 'champion' stallion would probably think her a cripple!

Er Pamphylia would hold his ground. Into the fray they would go. The Clydesdale snorted and stamped his hoof. He wore no armor, no signs of weapons beyond his own hooves. The bell would ding, and the warrior would begin his charge, no questions held. The first he would go for, naturally, is the crippled pony. This fight was no holds bar. No wings bound, magic suppressed... Heavy hooves carried him to rear and move to attempt and pummel the white mare.

Spring Serenade only had a chance to look up their opponent once they were both in the cage. He was quite large, as ponies went, and she couldn't judge how big he might be compared to her undisguised self. Spring decided to stick to the previous plan she held in her mind from when she had faced the pegasus, as it might come in handy. When the gate shut behind them, and the bell sang to start the match, Spring was surprised that the clydesdale started forth at once. Perhaps a welcome change from all the dancing around earlier, but he was going for Sunny! She had no hope of stopping him, but she took advantage of the distraction by trying for his ribs with her forehooves in sharp jabs.

Sunny Skies found herself doing something quite unbecoming as the large stallion almost immediately charged when the gate was shut! She was caught off guard! And thus the wide-eyed unicorn became a punching bag... At least until he hit her with a last hit and sent her toppling back to the ground with a wince. Owww.... It was like she was a filly all over again! She hadn't been able to move! He head was slightly spinning to...Alicorn in disguise or not... all those hits from a large earth pony like that? Oww....

Er Pamphylia was struck in his side by the pegasus, but as soon as she did he turned his back to her to lay out a reading kick at the mare [20 to hit] before moving to stomp forward, charging once again at the prone unicorn. Even if he hit Serenade or not he would go after the pained, prone unicorn, the pegasus a difficult fight. WIth wings it meant maneuverability. he would have to limit it by attacking when she charged him. free to ffreeform dodge his hit regardless of dice]

Spring Serenade was so focused on jabbing the earth pony that she scarcely had time to react when he turned and kicked her. It sent her back and it hurt! More than the kick to the ribs 'Sunny' gave her earlier. There was a sharp inhale through her teeth as she gathered her legs back beneath her and went after the earth pony while he had a singleminded focus on her sister in disguise. Not today. Spring had no hope of busting any of his legs, unless she could hurt his knees.. but earth ponies were tough. No, the pegasus would try to leap up onto his back to try to wrap her forelegs around his neck. Trying to choke him could work.. if not, she'd provide ample distraction for Sunny to get away.

Sunny Skies managed to get back to her hooves but backpedaled as she caught sight of the earth pony once again trying to rush her! She forgot to maintain the limp to! Oops... Alas the unicorn then caught sight of her sister as she jumped onto the pony's back. The almost 'Dainty' white mare's eyes narrowed and she opted to go in for an attack herself while the pony might possibly be distracted by Luna ~ Er Spring possibly on his back? She was going for a full shot to the face! Or if he reared as equines tend to when jumped on like that... well... an alicorn strength buck to an 'unfortunate' place. That was a decent weak-point was it not? It was a 'no holds barred' fight after all....

Er Pamphylia would be unable to evade the mare jumping on his back, but what he sought to do was perhaps unexpected of ill experienced warriors. He was the champion for a reason. Once the mare was upon him he would attempt to turn his head to grasp his teeth around her forelimb to hurl her into Sunny in hopes of basically making Serenade a rat-flail and bashing the white mare attempting to buck him. He was not faster than a pegasi, but that Earth strength was undeniable.

Spring Serenade was only successful in two things: getting on the earth pony's back, and giving Sunny time to gather herself to fight back. Alas, the pegasus couldn't go for the throat like she'd been meaning to, not with his teeth clamping around her foreleg. Spring hissed and found herself pulled off his back to be swung around. Hopefully Sunny could get out of the way of that in time! If Spring was able, though there was much distracting movement, before she was released, she wondered if she could hit him in the face with her free hoof. Yes, that she would try. A good smack or a poke in the eyeball, whichever was possible.. if any of it was at all.

Sunny Skies could thankfully manage to dodge should Spring be thrown her way. She decided to err on the side of caution and make like she was trying to limp her way out of the way. Draw the stallion's attention as it were! She was hoping he'd try to charge or hit her like he had been! That way she could attempt to use that momentum of his and throw him with everything she had! Alas that was her plan. She didn't want Luna to get hurt just as Luna was trying to protect her.

Er Pamphylia would have attempted to headbutt Serenade when she was released, but the hoof went right into his eye causing him to tighten and charge once more in attempt to viciously headbutt Sunny. His goal was to roll them both over if he did manage to smack Serenade into Sunny, just trample them with his brute strength,

Spring Serenade managed to land on her hooves, her wings outspread for balance, sliding back once released. She still hurt where the brute had bucked her, but pain was mostly unimportant in the heat of battle. Their opponent was proving to be quite a challenge, more so than her sister had been (but she had been a slippery enemy). Spring's face furrowed in determination. He was still focused on Sunny for she appeared weaker, but perhaps it was better this way. It left her open to charge back in, pulling back a forehoof and driving it towards the side of the earth pony's front knee should he be slow to react. If she could bust it, it would slow him down a bit!

Sunny Skies let out an 'eep' of 'fright' whenever the stallion charged at her. However she'd been putting herself a little closer to the cage wall. She waited... and waited.. She dug her hooves in and let out a yelp as she was hit by the charge. however with her hooves dug in she went to throw the stallion using every bit of strength her battered disguise could channel from her true form. With the stallion charging at her she was able to use his momentum to! Hopefully he'd hit his head or something. She didn't know how many more hits she could take. The hit from his charge was bad enough! She was wobbling shakily.

Er Pamphylia would get grappled by the white mare and tossed. Toppling to the ground he grunted in pain before pushing back up. He had no problems standing, his heavy set body doing well to kick up dust and debris. He would prance backwards to evade Serenade's devastating launch to his kneecaps, before raising a hoof to clonk her in the face, to counter her action.

Spring Serenade had grimaced when Sunny stood against the charge, which was probably not fun, and flung their opponent. If Spring thought she was going to have an easy time going for his knee, she was wrong.. or was she? The mare easily ducked beneath his swinging hoof and came up beneath the same leg, lifting her hooves to try to wrap them around his leg by his knee. Was she still going for busting it? Yes. It would hobble him, and make it easier for them.. Spring felt it was time to stop holding herself back, even inadvertently. Anyway, the disguised lady hoped she could give his knee a twist.

Sunny Skies also went to try to attack the stallion while Luna went in to attack his leg! She was moving somewhat slow but she jumped and made an attempt to fall down and attack the stallion's head with a drop kick of sorts! They could take this oversized pony down if they worked together like this. She knew they could do it! She'd keep trying to help until she was knocked unconscious. One more good hit from that giant stallion would probably take her out.

Er Pamphylia is capped good by the mare, whom he failed to grapple in her attempt to grasp his forelimb! He didn't have any luck in holding her still, but at least the strike to his knee would not be a crippling on. The cyldesdale pony was tough, but it was only so long he would likely be able to stand against two alicorn, disguised, mares. When Sunny struck him he would raise his hoof to counter her to the face since she was close enough, or attempt, but the strike on his head stunned him for  a round, leaving him quite prone and vulnerable.

Spring Serenade immediately released the earth pony's leg once she was successful in causing some damage, but would it slow him down? The lady didn't want to find out and slipped away while he busied himself with Sunny's own attack.. Had she managed to stun him? Spring considered what to do, wondering if she could kick him as hard as she kicked the large pegasus earlier. No, she definitely wouldn't be so lucky, but she can still try! Spring went for his side and turned, lifting her back legs to try to buck him in the ribs.

Sunny Skies was rather surprised that her attack managed to stun the stallion! His return attack also barely brushed the side of her face as she twisted out of the way. Taking advantage of the opportunity much like her sister she went for a two-hind-hoof buck to his chin! She was playing things quite dangerous as near to toppling as she was! All she wanted was for them to take this so-called champion down. For her to... help!

Er Pamphylia would get his shit, relatively smashed by the mares. The damage to his ribs: incalculable. It would be a surprise they have not been evaporated into dust at this point. The next hit to his chin nearly... knocked him out, but it was off just enough he held consciousness. He was a damn sturdy horse. He wasn't the champion for nothing. The warrior did take quite a bit of punishment to the head though and wouldn't last much longer. With an unsteady lash of his head he moved to headbutt Serenade but raising his neck back he went to do a full on skull smash against the white mare's skull as she was back-to-him with her rear buck. Though if he landed there would be critical consequences for him attacking with an already jello-y skull.

Spring Serenade's hooves made impact against the solidity of the large earth pony's side, something she could compare to trying to buck a tree, but she felt a bit of give. His ribs. The mare bared her teeth in a grin and slipped away from the swing of his head, though he couldn't have had a chance to hit her anyway. They'd managed to get him pretty good, judging from the way he moved. Spring wasn't sure if she should go in for another attack when he went for Sunny again; who, she noticed, was doing pretty well at holding her own. Perhaps a moment's pause would do while she considered her next course of action.

Sunny Skies was satisfied by the damage they managed to apply to the 'champion' with the attack. Alas they needed to keep up the attack! The 'unicorn' was hardly harmed with that skull smash. She was rather... hard headed when she wanted to be, apparently? Either that or jello-y skull didn't hurt all that much. The unicorn decided to take advantage of his close proximity and.... lashed out at his face with a headbutt of her own! At least her head wasn't swimming like his!

Dark Strife would watch from above the stallion go down. There was a great deal of rancor from the patrons as the champion was taken down. Cries of cheating, use of magic, wings -- it was up to the referee to decide. The ref went over to the unconscious slab, which hit the ground with enough force to give it a good crack. He was quite a powerful opponent to stand against two alicorn as long as he did-- at least Strife was impressed, and it was quite difficult to get senpai to notice you. The stallion marched down, Esquire and company following suit. The crowds were settled while payouts were handled.

Er Pamphylia is in critical condition. Had not only a concussion and shattered ribs, but a broken jaw. He would fall into a coma on the spot from the incredible amounts of damage especially to his head. He was carted away.

Spring Serenade cringed minutely when her sister took the hit to the head from the earth pony's own, thick skull, but she stood up to it! The disguised lunar deity was impressed. They were alicorns, though, and as tough as the earth pony when they needed to be. He went down with a heavy thump that she felt through the floor with her hooves. They won! Spring straightened up from her fighter's stance to prance over to Sunny, not close enough to appear familiar, to peer down at their downed opponent. "A worthy foe." Spring remarked. She could hear the sounds and calls of the crowd erupting all around them, and she felt they would have to just deal with it. As she had, not officially, promised, the champion had been felled and finally lost. Spring turned away then to approach the cage's gate to be let out.

Sunny Skies went somewhat wide-eyed as the large stallion collapsed. Perhaps she was a bit too... She hoped he wasn't hurt too badly. The alicorn turned to 'Spring' as she approached and made to stick to persona and step away but she faltered and sunk to the ground. "I-Indeed... A worthy foe indeed.." Now that the fight was over it was taking its toll on her! She'd been naught but a punching bag for the early part of the fight after all! She pushed herself slowly to her hooves and made to follow Serenade, It was painful but... she was.

Dark Strife waited impatiently for the Minotaurs to move the gates. They held off in attempt to annoy the unicorn -- and it worked. The mares had been bruised and beaten and his irritation was challenged. When the gates were pulled open the mino's legs were pulled back by a sharp lasso of magic, knocking them into each other.The old uni stiffly pranced into the arena, the Imp chuckling a bit, slow clapping for them. 'I'm impressed. So your mare and the Sunspot beat him. Figured it was pretty impossible.' The imp claimed. Strife moved to look over his eventide. Unfortunately he had to ignore Sunny, keeping to his role. He chuckled and held himself proudly. "Of course. I told you this cutie had a kick." Though Sunny's collapsed stressed him a bit. Someone was going to be Chaos'd so hard later.

Spring Serenade couldn't do anything for Sunny either, unfortunately, not until they got out of here and returned to the castle. And it was too bad Spring hadn't been able to be the punching bag instead, like she hoped. Their opponent went for the 'weaker' of the two of them. As the mare calmed down, other than a brief chuckle for the minotaur as they were brought down by Strife's magic, she was beginning to feel her own bruises. The places she'd been kicked spoke loudly of their hurt. Spring leaned in to nose Strife's cheek while he looked her over, and she glanced past him to the imp. "Does this mean he is forgiven?"

Sunny Skies kept her eyes somewhat downcast. The white furred unicorn would attempt to scoot past Strife and Spring. Hopefully she could leave or something now? She was so about to just topple over! Luna and Discord could probably handle anything else the imp threw at them. Right? She took a bad step and was forced to lean against one of the room walls for support. These fight clubs had too much 'excitement' for her! Then agian she said that about the last one to. So... it wasn't out of the question that she'd go to another.

Dark Strife still hadn't a grasp on healing magic, beyond it was an intricate twist of reversing chaos, so any healing capacity he had was low, very limited. Bruises, small scrapes healed at best, at worst it would clean it... His horn lit up in an attempt to tend to the eventide, brows furrowing. He hadn't wanted them so injured... it was little different from the bakery before its collapse. He grunted in annoyance. 'Ah, the turd is always on my bad side lil lady, but I guess he kept his word, for a shitty copper. He can come to the meeting. Be thankful you got a useful dame ta keep your back. As for me, I made my bits. I'm leaving.' And with that, the imp turned to leave. After all he was the boss. The money he made off Serenade left him in a goood mood. 'Ah, Sunspot'll get some practice, dame was tough too. Get out of here, ya bums.' Strife sneered and lowered his had to bump Serenade's. "We should go before I turn this place into a circus." Maybe literally given his annoyance at the moment.

Spring Serenade stood in place for Strife's inspecting, casting Sunny a glance that was a mixture of sympathy and concern. Not out of place for a stranger, or even a mare, to look so. When they all reached the castle she could tend to Celestia herself. Until then, Spring watched her go and tested herself once Strife finished trying to exert some healing magic over her bruises. Her eyes returned to the imp. All Spring was left to do was nod to the imp and stepped out of the cage after he'd gone. "Yes, let us return home to rest. This night has been quite exciting for me, and I daresay I shall sleep well. I enjoyed the duels."

Sunny Skies carefully made her way from the fight club and out into the street while the others spoke. She could feel gazes upon her but she didn't know just whom. Alas the moment she was able to step into a clear alley she'd vanish in a bright flash of magic that lit up the night. Thus she re-appeared in her chambers and.. that was pretty much it. Down she went right there on the floor. ~ An alicorn could be tough, but... after that... She couldn't even concentrate enough to channel a healing spell. She was lucky she didn't mess up the teleport.

Dark Strife snorted and followed his little eventide, though he was still against him in height. As they proceeded out he hummed. "You truly are ... a warrior princess." He lay his head against her rump on the way out and brush along as he moved to prance ahead of her. "I will be well once this place is far behind." His horn would light up to attempt and teleport them both back to the castle, but the male's annoyance left him sealing the door to the pit once they would be, could be, warped. Let a little delightful chaos ensue....

Spring Serenade made for the door and out into the dark, narrow alley the club was hidden in. It wasn't too much of a change from the inside, but without the club's odd green and red lighting. She felt the weight of his head on her rump for a moment before Strife went prancing past her. Spring snorted, amused, stepping close when his horn lit up; she didn't know what he was going to do, but she'd be close when he did it. Back to the castle? It was better that than walking and possibly being tracked. She'd help but, her disguise.. Oh well. Once they were within the marble confines of the castle she could drop it and probably go to her room to rest.

Dark Strife would feel quite proud sending the pit into a panic being locked in. Oh the chaos~ "Oh my love, allow me to tend to your wounds while you are so small and compact~" Of course he was very excited and wanted to tend to her wounds more personally, but he was a healthy spirit, it was to be expected. He'd attempt to convince her otherwise, but either way he'd stalk to her room. If she choose to drop her guise one would have a noodle guarding the door. But if she played to his games the eventide would have a most troubling companion keeping her awake a bit longer. He did worry for Celestia either way... should he bungle her pride and check on her? Of course. One mare at a time, he supposed either way. "Just for a bit~ you deserve a reward." Though who was being rewarded in such a case?

Spring Serenade somewhat decided to keep her disguise on the way up to her tower, feeling that it was best to keep it under the watchful eye of the guards. What if they talked? Some tended to, especially when under the influence of drink at any of the bars that royal guards attended. And there was Strife's urging.. Spring did not answer as she lead the way into her room and paused by her bed, an eyebrow quirked. She almost forgot about Celestia in her urgency to get to unwatched safety. "If you say so. Of course."

Dark Strife folded his ears back, narrowing his gaze a bit. He would turn all the guards into chickens were their loose lips to sink the ship he was cruising upon. He could not forget either of them, regardless of what faces they wore. The male moved towards the 'pegasus' of sorts, and kissed what spots he could, better. "When you say such, it gives me far too much authority to be responsible with, my love." He kissed here and there, letting the warm magic work. He wasn't sure if he did much, if at all, but he would at least try. "Twas foolish of me to send either of you in like that. I was... going to help but--" He was kept to close to Esquire to act. He did not like to see them hurt.
Dark Strife continued to kiss it better, drifting himself down towards her hindquarters where -- better it need not be, at least for her maybe. "My cute little mare is cute in whatever form she seems present in. Ravishing, ravagable, riveting~" Silver-tongued snake, truly. Could he tempt her to let him mount her even if she was in such a state? "Twould it be terrible I help you sleep love?" No spellwords -- none... at least he would try.

Spring Serenade held up her wings when the seemingly old stallion moved in to plant kisses over her bruises. They were easily seen through the paler form of her disguise over her ribs and chest where Sunny and the earth pony had kicked her respectively. The ones made by the earth stallion were larger, but her ribs hurt a bit more. "How can I say no?" Spring asked of him and leaned in to nudge one of his ears with her nose. "You need not fret about that. It has been too long since I have had a scuffle with ponies, and as I said, 'twas fun. Even if our last foe proved a challenge and hurt us." Spring flicked her tail when his kisses trailed down towards that half of her and chuckled at his praise.

Dark Strife would kiss it all better, because he was permissed! He did not do these things to be troublesome. Twas honest in his way he showed Luna he loved her. He was an affectionate creature, by all rounds. One way or another he did what he could, physically, what he could not oft do verbally, or felt it unfit for such. He would wait til she was sleep fully, ignorant of the drab, uncultured vexations of the dark world below, before moving from her side. There he would sit curled up in his unicorn form still, trying his hardest to support them, who supported his selfish desires to -- ruin Greyvis.

The End